February's Addition to my Creative Corner

Introduction from the author: This is a short introspective look into a character I hold very, very close to my heart...

Mikhailisit my website to read more at www.destinybooze.com

What the experts say about why men cheat

Okay, this subject is coming out a lot lately. Don't worry. I don't suspect my husband of cheating. I'm doing research for a book.

But, here's what I discovered. It turns out I was right about why men cheat. According to marriage counselor M. Gary Neuman, men cheat to feel good about themselves. Interestingly enough, most men end up cheating with a woman that is less attractive than their wife.

On www.oprah.com, it is written: What's the number one reason men cheat? Ninety-two percent of men said it wasn't primarily about the sex. "The majority said it was an emotional disconnection, specifically a sense of feeling underappreciated. A lack of thoughtful gestures," Gary says. "Men are very emotional beings. They just don't look like that. Or they don't seem like that. Or they don't tell you that."

With daily worries like bills, children and chores, Gary says it's easy for couples to drift away from appreciating one another like they should. Gary says the other woman often makes the man feel better about himself. "[She] makes them feel different. Makes them feel appreciated, admired," he says. "Men look strong, look powerful and capable. But on the inside, they're insecure like everybody else. They're searching and looking for somebody to build them up to make them feel valued."

One aspect of Neuman's research shocked me. He says only 7% confess to cheating. In other words, if you suspect your man of cheating, you need to do some research and find out. HE'S NOT GOING TO TELL YOU.

Here are the signs Neuman lists that a man is cheating or about to cheat:

• He spends more time away from the house.
• You have less sex.
• He avoids contact.
• He does not answer his cell phone.
• He criticizes you more.
• He cannot stop talking about another woman.

Oprah really is the go-to site for anything a woman should know. If you want to read the full interview with Gary Neuman, go to www.oprah.com

Our economy might be failing, but WE can succeed.

Visit my website at www.destinybooze.com and see my strategy.

Talk about sweet justice .

Check out my daily blog at www.destinybooze.com

Why do men cheat?

See my theory at www.destinybooze.com

A Smile Every Sunday

The little old couple

See what they share at www.destinybooze.com

What's new?

Upcoming for February 2009:

• Win a free tarot card reading! All you have to do is guess how many numbered pages are in the book in the picture! The guess closest to the correct number will win. The contest will run from February 1 to February 13, 2009. Winner or winners will be announced on Valentine's Day! The information will be posted under the contest tab on this site by February 1.
• I am scheduled to interview the popular and talented author, David Baldacci in February. To read the interview, keep checking this blog!
• My first newsletter is scheduled to come out this month.

This, too, shall pass.

There is good news ahead for our country. And, I'm not just referring to our new President. That's what you thought I was going to say, isn't it? Ha-ha, tricked you!

Though I have to admit President Obama has given our country hope, and THAT is great news. When people have hope, they are more likely to spend money or maintain their current status, which will help the economy. Our economic stability is directly related to the confidence of the American people.

It is the economy I have good news about. Despite the fact that it took forever and a day for our country's leaders to admit that the economy is in a recession, experts have now announced that the recession has lasted a full eighteen months. Why is that good news? That is wonderful news because history has proven that most recessions only last approximately eighteen months. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I see it!

Some financial experts predict that the stock market will begin to make a turn during this current year. The stock market always improves just before the economy. It is always one step ahead, forecasting the future. This country will begin to make a turn around as long as we do nothing to keep ourselves in a recession. The economy will finish running its course and come back around.

There is good news ahead! Things are going to start improving! Look ahead, see the light and dare to hope...

Men aren't really conceited?

Find out at www.destinybooze.com

Where is my smile today?

Some days are just a little tougher than others to keep that positive outlook. Today is one of those days for me. I can't really explain why. I honestly just feel like I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, and I hate it. It's one of those days I hope no one looks at me the wrong way. Perhaps only other women can understand that feeling.

I've had several people ask me if I'm upset about hitting the big 30 in a couple weeks. No, I'm not. Hitting 30 doesn't bother me. I've earned that number, and I have no desire to go backward.

So, what is it with me today? I'm not sure. I guess it could just be some winter blues, maybe even some...should I say it....pms. It could also have to something to do with the fact that my son broke my heart by calling me fat. It sounded so honest coming out of his mouth. I had to explain to him that we don't call people fat. I told him what obesity is and how it happens. His response to my long instruction was a nod as if he understood. Then, he said, "Oh, you're overweight then."

Out of the mouth of babes...

Chin up, Destiny Booze. The following is a little something from the Joel Osteen Ministries to lift my spirit.

Hidden Treasures

Today's Scripture

"And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name" (Isaiah 45:3, NLT).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Did you know there are treasures hidden on the inside of you? There are gifts, talents, and abilities inside of you that you don’t even know about. Oftentimes, it´s during seasons of difficulty or darkness that those hidden treasures are revealed to us. When we go through times of adversity, strength arises, new abilities arise, new talents. We are "reinvented" so to speak.

I think about when my father went on to be with the Lord. It was a dark hour for me, but out of that difficulty the Lord revealed hidden treasures on the inside of me that I didn´t even know about. Look at David in the Bible. Before Goliath, he was known as a shepherd boy. But after he conquered Goliath, after he went through that adversity, he was known as a mighty warrior, and eventually, a mighty king.

If you are going through a difficulty today, if you lost your job or a loved one, remember, God still has a purpose for you. He´ll take what the enemy meant for evil, and He’ll turn it around for your good. Keep standing, keep believing, keep hoping because He´s ready to reveal those hidden treasures on the inside of you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I come before You with an open and humble heart. Let Your Word sink deep into my Spirit. I trust You and look for the hidden treasures You have deposited on the inside of me. In Jesus´Name. Amen.

**Thank you Joel Osteen. I feel better already!**

FYI

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Motivational Monday: Never give up on prayer.

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A Smile Every Sunday

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January's Addition to my Creative Corner

Hope

Hope, always within reach
Yet sometimes ethereal
Fleeting and winsome
Untouchable,yet,you feel

Hope, like invisible waves
Of heat, burning inside
Yearning to be released
Rising up like the tide

Oh, hope, faithful and fateful
In its power to raise
The heads of the powerless
And of those who give praise

Hope is free; its cost is everything
Ambitions and promises it does ask
For all that one has to give
Until the final breath is drawn at last.
John Russell Talbott

Copyright ©2009 John Russell Talbott

I want to enjoy my life.

"Celebrate we will, because life is short but sweet for certain." -Dave Matthews Band

I knew the Dave Matthews Band were wonderful musicians. I didn't know they were also so intelligent!

In a few weeks, I will turn 30 years old. Wow! It feels like just yesterday that I was old enough to legally take a sip of alcohol. Where does the time go?

I want to enjoy my life. Everything seems to be going by so fast...Every morning, I get up and get my son ready for school and off to the bus. Then, I get ready for work myself. I get online and write my blog, answer emails and do a little promoting.

When I look at the clock, hours have flown by. I get into writing mode and take care of whatever I need to for the newspaper I write for. Then, I get to work on my current novel or work on editing and rewrites, whichever is on the agenda.

When I next glance at the clock, it's time to get my son and my neighbor's kids off the bus. I realize I forgot lunch so I stuff something in my mouth as I head out the door to get the kids. This part of the day consists of checking folders and homework, making sure everything gets done from school.

My husband comes home. The neighbor's kids go home. Oh my gosh, it's already time to cook dinner. Hmmmm...what am I going to cook? Leftover chicken looks good. As I heat up the food, I multitask and pack my son's lunch for the next day.

I hurriedly clean up from our meal and head out the door for an interview or a school board meeting, or whatever community project I need to cover for the paper. Then, holy cow, it's time to get home and get my son to bed.

A mad dash home gets me through the door just in time to tuck my son in after his bath, read him a story and sing him to sleep. I get my pajamas on and settle down to read a book or watch some television to relax.

Then, no way...it's not possible that's it's bedtime! But, it is. Just before I shut my eyes, I realize I haven't spent much quality time with my husband so I whisper that I love him just before exhaustion claims me and I fall into a deep sleep.

In a blink, the day is gone. Again, I have to ask - where does the time go? In another blink, a week is gone. I really love my life and I want to enjoy it!

Could someone please slow life down for me?

Do you handle yourself as a Christian?

visit my daily blog at www.destinybooze.com and let me know.

Don't let the fear of disappointment stop you!

Check out my website at www.destinybooze.com for my view on this and one of my favorite quotes!

Blurb for my most recent book: The Curse of a Mind

They can’t win. The perpetrator is using a marvel in the medical field known as techlepathy, a combination of technology and telepathy to produce a telepathic result. He’s reading their minds. How can they possibly get away when he knows their every move?

This story begins in Los Angeles, California on June 21, the longest day of the year. Chris Chambers is a private investigator with great instincts and a shady past. She works with a skilled team on cases that most P.I.’s won’t touch. She’s hardened to life, hardened to people and as tough as the military trained her to be. Ricky Deniro is second in command, appointed to his position by the founder of their organization, his father. He is used to having his way with his career, with women, and with his co-workers. Sam Montgomery is the team’s muscle, a huge African American with a huge heart. He struggles behind closed doors with a dilemma to leave the company. His wife wants him to quit and his family is his top priority. Elliot Sparks is the team’s IT specialist. He leads a secret life away from work that he will fight to keep hidden. Leslie Rose is new to the team. She is sweet and kind and she has something to hide.

The team’s newest case involves a death threat to a construction worker by the name of Aidan Wolfe. Aidan is hard-headed and successful, a man with no friends and a long list of enemies. Someone is trying to kill him; someone with extraordinary gifts; and Chris is on the case and this time it’s personal. Deniro Investigations will crumble if they can’t work together to solve this case.

Things only get worse when they discover the perpetrator’s motive. He thinks Aidan Wolfe killed his son and he wants revenge. He’s coming after all of them, including Chris and her team. His son died in a terrifying manner and his goal is to give Aidan a taste of his own medicine by making him face his worst fears. He’ll do the same to the members of Deniro Investigations. He has all the information he needs. He knows their fears.

Chris deals with the ongoing investigation as she also juggles her home life. Her brother, Thomas, is a thirty-year old man with autism, a severe disorder involving sensory spin-outs, sensory blocking, tantrums, unresponsiveness to others, and other difficulties. He lives with Chris and his caretaker, Gloria. His life must remain structured and calm – a definite challenge on this case.

The intensity grows as Chris and Aidan deny a growing attraction for each other as they fight to stay alive. Her life is a constant test of control and he makes her feel anything but in control. She doesn’t do relationships and he doesn’t do casual. There is no middle ground for either of them. Will Chris finally open her heart? Can she save them from a man that reads minds? Can she save herself?

The investigative team and Aidan must test their physical and mental limitations as they face their worst enemy – themselves. They are cursed to face their own thoughts, their inner fears, their prejudices, and their private feelings as this man toys with their minds and hearts. Can they survive? By the end, will they want to?

Motivational Monday

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A Smile Every Sunday

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Happy New Year!

The first week of 2009 has come and gone... Let's share a laugh. Watch this cute video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o-aJa8HFac

A story to touch your heart.

Pancakes
Six -year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor.

He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.

Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very special for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad.

He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove and he didn't know how the stove worked! Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky.

Just then he saw his Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon 's eyes... All he wanted to do was something good, but he made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him.

Then, walking through the mess, Dad picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky!

That's how God deals with us.. We try to do something good in life, but sometimes it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend, or we can't stand our job, or our health goes sour.

Sometimes we just stand there in tears because there is nothing else to do. That's when God picks us up, loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him.

But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying to 'make pancakes' for God or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried...

I was thinking and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that need rekindling or three words needing to be said. Sometimes, 'I love you' can heal & bless! Remind your friends that you love them. Even if you think they don't love back, you will be amazed at what those three little words, a smile, and a reminder like this can do.

Just in case I haven't told you lately... I LOVE YA !!!

Please share some of this love with others....suppose one morning you were called to God; would your friends know you love them?
And never stop 'making pancakes.'

Surprising Research Results

According to a story I read from November 2008, research shows that behaviour has improved among young children in the classroom in the last thirty years. These results were credited to better teachers and positive reinforcement in the classroom.

Although these results sound wonderful, I have to say I was shocked. Exactly what age does "younger" children represent? Preschool? Come on. I want this to be true, but I do watch the news. How many reports in the last year alone have we seen of children with guns in school, including "younger" children.

Even without considering the recent violence we have seen in schools, how many reports have we seen that cases of ADHD are on the rise? Though that is a legitimate medical condition, it doesn't make me assume that behaviour in schools are getting better.

In my opinion, schools seem to have gotten tremendously worse since prayer was taken out of them. I want children's behaviour to have improved. I want these reports to be true, but are they?

What do you think? Are the school systems improving? I sure know one thing. When I was in school, it felt like a safe place. I pray that it still is.

New Contact Information

I'm available by postal mail now!

My contact information:

Destiny Booze

P.O. Box 911

Buchanan, Virginia 24066

destinyrae@earthlink.net

Please, write to me any time. I want to hear from you!

Visit my website at www.destinybooze.com for other ways to contact me!

Be the kind of woman...

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Some Motivation for Monday

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THE FINAL ANSWER!!!

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John Travolta and Kelly Preston need our prayers.

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Passionate Pen celebrates 10 Years!

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Specific Goals for 2009 - Thinking BIGGER

I want to be a bestselling author and I want my books to be read all around the world. I will continue to maintain a strict weekly work schedule and stick to it without excuses. I will query and solicit publishers for at least two new contracts this year. I will complete two new novels by the end of the year. I will promote my book on a daily basis through online activities, mailers and starting a newsletter. If I have a book in print by the end of the year, I will strive to promote it with every avenue I have available to me. I will continue to network with other authors, build friendships and grow with the publishing industry. I want to be the best mother, best wife and best friend of all time. I will wake up everyday wondering what I can do to help others. I will do something daily for my husband to let him know how much I love him. I will do something daily for my son to let him know how much I love him. I will make quality time for my son every single day. I will take special care to stay in touch with family and friends. I want to change the whole world for the better by helping everyone I come into contact with, by influencing everyone around me and through a positive attitude and a smile. I will continue to write a daily blog about faith, family and love. Any need I see, I will fill if I am capable of doing so. If not, I will help to find someone who is capable of filling that need. I want to be closer to God than anyone else has ever been while still on Earth. I will read the Bible on a daily basis and pray daily. I will seek God's advice before all decisions in my life and keep Him involved in everything I do. I want to master my emotions, have peace and be in control of my own happiness. Health is an important key to happiness. I will make a conscious effort everyday to make good food choices, take daily vitamins and exercise three to five times a week for my health. I will choose happiness every single day, multiple times when necessary. I will choose to forgive those that hurt me and let go of any anger I feel. I will choose to be flexible to change and roll with the punches in 2009. I'm ready!!! 2009 is going to be a great year!!! 10:43 am est Wednesday, December 31, 2008 Some Lyrics to Inspire for the New Year! Artist: Montgomery Gentry Song: Some People Change Album: Something To Be Proud Of: The Best Of 1999-2005 His old man was a rebel yeller: Bad boy to the bone. He'd say: "Can't trust that other fella," He'd judge 'em by the tone of their skin. He was raised to think like his Dad: Narrow mind full of hate. On the road to no-where fast, Till the Grace of God got in the way. Then he saw the Light an' hit his knees an' cried an' said a prayer: Rose up a brand new man; left the old one right there. Here's to the strong; thanks to the brave. Don't give up hope: some people change. Against all odds, against the grain, Love finds a way: some people change. She was born with her mother's habit: You could say: "It's in her blood." She hates that she's gotta have it: As she fills her glass up. An she'd love to kill that bottle, But all she can think about, Is a, a better life, a second chance, An' everyone she's letting down. She throws that bottle down. Here's to the strong; thanks to the brave. Don't give up hope: some people change. Against all odds, against the grain, Love finds a way: some people change. Thank God for those who make it: Let them be the Light. (Let them be the light) (Some people change.) Here's to the strong; thanks to the brave. Don't give up hope: some people change. Against all odds, against the grain, Love finds a way: some people change. Some people change. (Some people change) **This lyrics came from www.cowboylyrics.com** 9:33 am est Tuesday, December 30, 2008 A book recommendation - My Sunshine by Catherine Anderson This romance just made my heart melt! The heroine in this story suffers from aphasia because of a brain injury many years ago. Her name is Laura. She has trouble speaking long words. She has trouble counting. She sees some numbers and letters backwards. Despite everything, she has managed to live an independent life and hold a job. She has accepted that men will no longer be interested in her because of her speech problems. She never expects to find love again. Enter our hero - Isaiah - a veterinarian with a warm heart that needs a good woman to take care of him because he stays so busy that he simply forgets to take care of himself. He overlooks the heroine's bad speech and sees her big heart. The story was just a little slow to get going, but it was so worth it. I loved the story. It is incredibly sweet. 10:00 am est Monday, December 29, 2008 2009 Resolutions - Think BIGGER! There are so many things I want to accomplish in my life, things that will take a lifetime to achieve. Some goals need more than a year to see completion. So, I've decided that this year I am making a list of life goals. Then, I'll write my list of resolutions for this year to start working towards my big plan. I want to be a bestselling author and I want my books to be read all around the world. I want to be the best mother, best wife and best friend of all time. I want to change the whole world for the better by helping everyone I come into contact with, by influencing everyone around me and through a positive attitude and a smile. I want to be closer to God than anyone else has ever been while still on Earth. I want to master my emotions, have peace and be in control of my own happiness. Do those goals sound too big? Why? Think BIGGER. I would rather wish for everything and get some of it than wish for nothing and get all of it. Come on. Think big with me this year. Then, think about a few realistic and small steps to how you can start to move toward those life goals in 2009. Take it one step at a time...all the way to SUCCESS. Time is all we have. Let's plan well this year and use that time wisely. That's my plan! Keep watching for my New Year's resolutions! 9:05 am est Sunday, December 28, 2008 A Smile Every Sunday A pregnant woman boards a bus. After taking a seat, she notices a man smiling at her. She feels self-conscious and changes her seat, but he seems even more amused. She moves a third time, and he starts to giggle. On her fourth move, he bursts out laughing. They both get off the bus at the next stop. The pregnant woman is furious and demands an explanation. "What exactly is so damn funny?" "I'm sorry, ma'am," replies the giggling man. "But I couldn't help noticing you're pregnant, and when you first sat down, you sat under an advertisement which read 'Coming Soon: The Gold Dust Twins.' Then you sat under an ad that read 'Sloan's Liniments Remove Swelling.' Then you moved under a deodorant advertisement which read 'William's Stick Did the Trick.' And I just couldn't hold it in any longer when you moved a fourth time and sat under a tire advertisement which read 'Dunlop Rubber Would Have Prevented This Accident.'" This joke is courtesy of www.jokes.com. 8:26 am est Saturday, December 27, 2008 Loss is so much harder this time of year... The hardest question in the world to answer is probably one of the main problems with faith. Why does God let bad things happen to good people? On the news yesterday, I was shocked and appalled to see reports of several different shootings on Christmas day. What is that about?!?! Was it greed? Was it overwhelming sadness? Was it desperation? Were drugs to blame? It is so tragic to see that sort of violence on a day meant for love and companionship. It breaks my heart that some people might not have had someone to share the holiday with. Some people may not have had any presents, or family, or anyone to love them, no one to give them a hug and a smile. Lonely should never be a word used on Christmas day. A family in my community lost everything just before Christmas when their house burned - a great loss right at the holidays. So, why would God let something like that happen to them? I don't have an answer. Whereas some might ask why he let it happen, another might see that it was truly a blessing that no one was inside the house when it caught fire. Perhaps God chose that family because He understood that our community would pull together for them. Perhaps He was teaching us all that it is not objects and things that should hold value in our hearts. I just don't know. The truth is that we never will know. That's what faith is all about. Only God can understand the grand scheme. Only He knows why. Joyce Meyers told a story on one of her television shows about a man that had lost a son to illness. He raged at God for taking his son. He wanted to know why. Later, when he went to Heaven, he asked God, "Where were you when my son died?" God answered, "I was here, in the same place I was when My son died." 11:21 am est Friday, December 26, 2008 Did you celebrate yesterday with the true meaning of Christmas? Were you a Santa yesterday? Christmas is about celebration, love, and kindness, a day for Christians to spread joy for the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. How did you spread cheer this year? My family had a wonderful Christmas. My husband wrote me an amazing love letter and put it in my stocking. It was positively beautiful. He called me a wonderful wife and a wonderful mother. He said he admired my relentless ambition to follow my dreams. He said he lives to see me smile. I melted inside with his words. It was the perfect gift. He brought me joy. I am so very blessed this year. 9:26 am est Thursday, December 25, 2008 Merry Christmas! Be a Santa today! Adventure with Grandma* I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!" My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her world-famous cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because, Grandma said so. It had to be true. Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus!" she snorted. "Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad. Now, put on your coat, and let's go." "Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous, cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's. I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs.Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out for recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough, and he didn't have a coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that. "Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes," I replied shyly, "It's .... for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag and wished me a Merry Christmas. That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat in Christmas paper and ribbons (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it -- Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially one of Santa's helpers. Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his doorbell and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby. Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were...ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team. I still have the Bible, with the tag tucked inside: $19.95. =============================== He who has no Christmas in his heart will never find Christmas under a tree. MERRY CHRISTMAS **Thank you to Shannon for sending this to me.** 9:52 am est Wednesday, December 24, 2008 One day until Christmas...Wow! How did it get here so fast? A little known fact about the 12 days of Christmas.. There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas? Today, I found out. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality, which the children could remember. The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. Two turtledoves were the Old and New Testaments. Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love. The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament. The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation. Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy. The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes. Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.. The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples. The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in The Apostles' Creed. So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on............... if you wish. **Thank you for sending this to me Becky. 10:45 am est Tuesday, December 23, 2008 New Christmas Poem TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE, IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE. I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE, AND TO SEE JUST WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE. I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE, NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE. NO STOCKING BY MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND, ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LANDS. WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS, A SOBER THOUGHT CAME THROUGH MY MIND. FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY, I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY. THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE, CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME. THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER, NOT HOW I PICTURED A UNITED STATES SOLDIER. WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I'D JUST READ? CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED? I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT, OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT. SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY, AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY. THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR, BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE. I COULDN'T HELP WONDER HOW MANY LAY ALONE, ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME. THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE, I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY. THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE, 'SANTA DON'T CRY, THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE; I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON'T ASK FOR MORE, MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY! COUNTRY, MY CORPS.' THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP, I COULDN'T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP. I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL. I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT, THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR SO WILLING TO FIGHT. THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE, WHISPERED, 'CARRY ON SANTA, IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE.' ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT. 'MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.' Thank you to Fran for sending this to me. 9:02 am est 2009.01.01 | 2008.12.01 | 2008.11.01 | 2008.10.01 | 2008.09.01 | 2008.08.01 | 2008.07.01