Kimberly Brown's Blog

​Theme: “White Wedding” By: Billy Idol ​Quote: “People are weird. When we find someone with weirdness that is compatible with ours, we team up and call it love.” – Dr. Seuss
It’s been about 3 years since I posted on this blog, needless to say I failed to stay active as I intended, but I’m going to work on fixing that. My goal is to post at regular intervals and see where it goes from there.
 
For those who have been wondering, I have spent most of my blog energy on my YouTube Vlog. Rather than recap everything the past 3 years have had I’ll just leave this link so people can check some stuff out. (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcrHYCyHh7BbBd-49n-KfVao2-GVR1RgZ).
 
Overall, a few big things have happened. I got married! Whoo-hoo! I love my hubby so much and am so grateful for him. We had the best wedding, It wasn’t as glamours as I imagined, but in a way that was better. It was real, and lovely and Thank God more affordable. We found people who were willing to work within our budget and were super kind. Thankfully my Mom and dad helped with other expenses too.
 
My Maid of Honor is truly one of the most wonderful people in the world! She helped me be less stressed about it and lean on her to handle so much. I can never truly repay her kindness and strength. Best of all the Bridal party was full of my closest and dearest friends/Family. And the rest of my family and friends were able to attend, only a hand full couldn’t make it. I was so blessed to see them all support us.
 
Sadly, the news goes a bit down hill here, the Honeymoon wasn’t that great, I had lots of health issues and was limited on what I could do. We did have fun and the Air BnB was lovely, but it did put a damper on the experience. My husband as awesome as he is didn’t blame me, but supported me with compassion and patience.
 
After that life tried to get back to normal with the added roommate I gained. It was weird living with him, he had already been over a lot so it was just he was staying the night and moving some stuff in. Was oddly similar and different at the same time.
 
Unfortunately, life took a downward turn when I was laid off my job. I was blessed with severance, but after working for them for about a decade I was devastated. I tried to fight it, but I became severely depressed and was hardly functional most of the time. If I managed to keep busy I was fine, I could shove the emotions deep down, but eventually I couldn’t any more and that made things really difficult. My husband as kind and understanding as he is, did his best to be there for me, but I didn’t make it easy.
 
Losing my medical coverage, and my health continually doing bad brought my anxiety to new levels. I tried to find jobs; must have sent out over 100 applications, but… physically I just didn’t qualify. It’s hard for me to stand or walk very long, or lift things and all the stuff I qualify for they have this expectation that you are physically in shape. Which sadly I’m not.
 
I wish I could say now that I’ve hit my stride and was financially in a better place, but we genuinely are struggling. Not as much as so many others hit harder during this time, but needing help from my parents who both are on limited income is difficult. I hate having to take from them, to hurt their budget and make them struggle too.
 
However, despite all this, I’m believing things will get better. I’m trying to eat healthier and smaller portions, get some kind of exercise even if it’s just laying in bed and doing stretches. Something is better than nothing after all. The hope that this season will pass and a new and better season will start is there and I refuse to let that hope die. It’s tough a lot of the time, but that’s why they call it Faith and Hope right? You have to work to keep them, they aren’t just magical warm fuzzies. Hope against Hope, Fight for your Faith and thankfully I have several dear friends, family and of course my hubby to help me remember that I am loved and not alone.
 
I’ve been thinking about to our wedding and hit with gratitude for all who helped and the decision that was made. I will never regret marrying this man that I love and I hope to prove to him the depth of that love. To encourage him like he has me, and ‘Never give him up, Never let him down.’
 
Yeah, you just got Rickrolled! XD
 
Thanks for reading!

Theme: “An Easter Hallelujah” By: Cassandra & Callahan Star
​Quote: “Easter is meant to be a symbol of hope, renewal, and new life.” – Janine di Giovanni

​I have met many types of people who find ‘Easter’ very controversial. 

There are the dubious origins of the name:
 https://www.britannica.com/topic/Easter-holiday

Long story short; many believe that it’s named after a pagan goddess of fertility that you offered brightly colored eggs to. 
 
If you have read any of my other blogs or posts on Facebook, you know that I have spoken about the pagan origins of many Christian holidays. This time however, I don’t want my time spent going over all those details. 
 
Like my talk about Halloween, I would like to sum up why it doesn’t matter if you do ‘Easter egg hunts’ or not. 
 
First, are you offering them to a goddess? 
 
Jesus in the Scriptures made it very clear, that the heart matters more. The inside is more important, than the ‘exterior’ of a cup. (Matthew 23:25&27) What you do in your heart matters. Just as in when I Trick-Or-Treated as a child, I didn’t worship demons or offer candy to ghosts, so they didn’t hurt me. 
 
The same is true when I color eggs with bright paint, stickers or sleeves. I don’t worship a goddess and I’m not beseeching someone for fertility. 
 
 
Second, are any of the practices actually evil, immoral or hurtful to others? 
 
Other than the occasional Egg toss accident, I have never been hurt on Easter. Candy, toys, games and family time have always been this holiday’s meaning. Especially, honoring the day Jesus Resurrected, while remembering His death and burial beforehand. 
 
Oh, but the evils of an Easter Basket! And Bunnies, surely demon spawn!

I’m kidding.
 
It’s silly to treat such innocent things as a path to darkness and devil worship. 
 
To quote Jesus again, “Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” (Matthew 23:24) There are much more important things we should do with our time and energy than splitting hairs about games and traditions passed down. How about we speak up against actual crimes and atrocities of religious freedom? No. Why? Because it’s not popular? That’s why it should be focused on. Bring into light what is in darkness. (1 Cor. 4:5)
 
Third, if it feels wrong… don’t do it. Though, you shouldn’t judge others that do. (Romans 14:13-23)
 
I have struggled for a while on which things I would want my child to participate in when they are born. (Not pregnant or even married yet so, long ways out).
 
I don’t want to lie to them, but I also don’t want to deny them the magical nature of special holidays that I loved as a child. Yet now have become far too political. “Don’t say Easter, say Resurrection Day”, “Don’t say Resurrection Day say Passover”, “Do this, don’t do that!” 
 
It’s enough to drive someone insane. How about we all enjoy these things to the best of our abilities, honor the beliefs these days stand for, respect each household’s choice to do it different and not judge or treat others badly? I mean as long as no one is hurting someone else, I think we need to chill and just say, ‘Oh, Happy Day!’ and have fun.  
 
So, say Happy Easter, Happy Holiday, Happy Resurrection Day, and wish people joy and blessings for the Feast of Passover. Let’s seek to enjoy and love each other and our blessed days of celebration!

Theme: “Blessings” By: Laura Story Quote: “To Accomplish Great Things, We Must Not Only Act, But Also Dream; Not Only Plan, But Also Believe.” - Anatole France

​There are many facts about the amazing man called Saint Patrick. There are also a large number of legends. (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Patrick)
 
The Shamrock (AKA 3 leaf clover) was a significant part in one of Saint Patrick’s teachings. A symbol of The Trinity. 3 separate leaves, yet one clover. (https://time.com/5550579/shamrock-history/)
 
Some might say the Patrick was very lucky, to have a holiday named after him. To be held in such regard, and to have survived as long as he had. However, was it really luck? 
 
To suffer kidnaping, slavery, sickness, near starvation, and countless other struggles and pain. Some people think that living a ‘blessed’ life is one without suffering. However, that’s far from the truth. 
 
Jesus would be considered one of the most blessed people on Earth, but what did he endure? Judgment, betrayal, the loss of His earthly father, the separation of His Heavenly Father…
 
Lucky is what everyone wants to be, but not really. See ‘Luck’ if you believe in it, is rare. It can only happen with special people, or on an amazing once in a lifetime occasion. Others have to do some crazy ritual to keep the sought luck. Like, wear old socks, throw salt over your shoulder or countless other superstitions. 
 
Being blessed however isn’t about having a one in a million shot at something good happening. Being blessed is, that despite the bad things in this world, the struggles, attacks, betrayals, pain, loneliness… You will make it, survive and grow stronger through it. Favor will happen that keeps you going. 
 
The dictionary says: 
Blessed
[blest, ˈblesid]
ADJECTIVE
made holy; consecrated.
synonyms:
holy · hallowed · blest · consecrated · sanctified · dedicated · venerated 
 
Set apart. In a way it’s the opposite of luck. Looking for luck is seeking that one in a million or even billion. While being Blessed is becoming that one in a billion! 
 
We can only be blessed by God, and He is not stingy in His blessing. We need only ask honestly for it. There is a caveat though. It needs to be selfless. 
 
See luck is selfish, Blessings are generous. It’s about giving not getting. 
 
That is why Saint Patrick wasn’t lucky, he was blessed. He didn’t focus only on what good things happened to him, getting ‘lucky’, but instead on how he could ‘bless’ others. 
 
So, I leave it to you, would you rather be lucky, and witness a one time or maybe every once in a while, good thing? Or would you rather be blessed and see things turn out for good despite how bad and wonderful they may appear? To have them turn in an unexpected way that ends up helping others. 
 
I know which one I want. What about you?

Theme: “Dance with me” By: Paul Wilbur Quote: “The value of love will always be stronger than the value of hate. Any nation or group of nations that employs hatred eventually is torn to pieces by hatred.” -Franklin D. Roosevelt
Saint Valentine, despite naysayers and people constantly hoping to defame the holiday, still stands with historical accuracy to prove this Holiday’s purpose.
 
There are many resources, but I picked one or two that specifically say how Valentine’s is not a romantic holiday. Yet the facts the site cling to actually confirm it.
 
The long and short of it, a man who is named Valentine, was imprisoned. He  was permitted to have interaction with the daughter (who was blind) of the man who watched over him and she received a miracle. 
 
The story may go differently depending on which source you find, some say the two were in love, other say he was executed before the miracle occurred. While this source states that the miracle occurred before his execution.
 
The end result being, the girl receiving her sight and the entire family became believers in Christ and the God whom they had not believed in before Valentine’s interactions with them. A belief which was against the law. 
 
It’s ironic that someone would say the exact proof of this not being a romantic holiday, was because the man himself was not a romantic or he did not love the girl. There’s no way to confirm this one way or another.
 
However, the most ‘romantic’ part of all of this is God’s love. God didn’t cause the beheading or murdering of His followers. In His love, He limited His influence in the world, to respect free will. Thus enabling evil to have an opportunity to flourish, but also allowing good the ability to fight and choose.
 
No matter if it’s a combination of stories from multiple people, or one person. The entirety of this holiday is about love. Choosing to love God despite the risk of death, and God choosing to love people because that’s who He is.
 
Anything can be commercialized, but that doesn’t make the original source false or a sham. Every day should be a day to show love to others, but if there’s something that is very true for us humans; special days that commemorate are key to helping us remember the past and learning from it.

We are flawed, and without birthdays, anniversaries, or even a day to honor love… we forget; grow casual about life and let precious moments pass us by. The hustle and bustle makes us put off appreciating the most important things. That’s the point of a holiday, building memories. A moment in time to treasure and remember. So, whether God healed this girl on February 14th, or there were several different people named Valentine, the meaning behind it, is the same; a day of honoring love and cherishing those we hold most dear.
 
My family has held the tradition that you don’t just give your significant other gifts or take them on a romantic date. But also gestures of love. Be they big or small; candy, flowers, a hug or an abundance of kind and loving words.
 
Something to show that they are loved in a world that sometimes leaves us feeling very unloved. Doing our best to mirror God‘s unconditional love for all.


It’s easy to get depressed if you’re single on Valentine’s Day. Instead, for those who are in that category, it’s your chance to show love to others. Go to family, or friends especially other single people. Not hating a holiday, but seeing it as an opportunity to remind others that they are loved and they are special. 


Hopefully it is not the only day of the year that we do this, hopefully it just stands as a reminder of honoring each other with expressions of love year-round. That this day is just a springboard into a culture of loving one another instead of hating. 


I love you all!

Happy Valentine’s Day! <3
 
Sources: 

https://madison.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/the-real-st-valentine-was-no-patron-of-love/article_0f1fb7be-f3b4-5fc1-bd35-05911a09d81d.html

https://www.history.com/news/6-surprising-facts-about-st-valentine

Theme: “Pride (In the name of Love)” By: U2 Quote: “I still have a Dream.” -Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.

Those words. “I still have a dream.” Are some of the most iconic words ever spoken. 


For what is a dream? The deepest, truest and most desperate desire of our hearts and souls. 


I have heard Reverend King’s Speech several times. Often the condensed version, and a couple times the full one. Yet, the power of it was never fully felt by me until I read it. I meditated on the carefully scripted and thought out words.


No matter what you think of this great American, we should all carefully read these words. It is self evident that this man valued unity, peace, justice and truth. That though he had many reasons to hate and despise, he chose instead to see that there were evil people and ignorant rules, and that was not the majority. 


Sadly, the minority ruled with an iron fist.


To this day, we all carry dreams in our hearts, and no matter what shape they may take they all follow a similar foundation as this great and historical one.


A dream for hope, and a better future. A dream of fairness and justice, a dream where people do not judge us by failures or family. Not even actions and words, since all humans can fail in all of these areas. Instead a dream that our hearts are what will be measured, a dream that people would take care and bother to learn About you as an individual. A dream without prejudice, preconceive notion’s and judgement of outward appearances, titles or makeshift boxes that people are sorted into.


This fight continues, for skin color, for gender, for identities and political parties… The list can go on for miles, the same dream which is meant to unite actually separates. Too many times have our calls gone unanswered, too many times have we been burned by trusting someone and have been betrayed.


This man however reminded us to never give up, it wasn’t just to ‘the people of color’ he spoke. It’s to the heart of every person in this world not just Americans! That we look beyond the superficial, beyond what other people have taught and yes even beyond our own pain and suffering, to stand up for justice to not ignore wrong doing and peacefully unite against physical violence with soul force! 


I knew this man was a great man, but his words hit so much more deeply reading them. How profound and beyond his time, it takes courage to empathize. He had the courage despite the horrible things that had and did happen to him. He had the courage to feel and care for those who persecuted and hated him for no good reason. And instead called them brothers and sisters.


The courage of this man is awe-inspiring, which makes the honoring of this day and every day remembering great Americans like him. Nay, great people; who stood for truth, justice and unity! 


I have a dream, my dream is simple to state but difficult to manifest.


My dream, is a world where people care about everyone. That we empathize with everyone. 


No longer is a veteran who sacrificed life limb family and health for his country, now homeless begs for food and is mis-treated and called a bum.


No more are children abused in silence when neighbors are fully aware. 


No longer are there wolves hidden among the sheep in the churches, who devour molest and destroy the hearts and souls of the innocent. 


No more political parties resorting to mudslinging, bashing, and insulting of intelligence and integrity. Instead people of differing perspectives able to conduct themselves maturely. 


No longer will trolls on the Internet be  silently allowed to persist or spark flames of strife and dissension.


No more will a pregnant woman be shunned by family, community, church and friends because she is unwed, 


Never again will someone decide to take their life, feel unloved or unseen.


Never again with someone turn a blind eye to pain, suffering, a coworker‘s tears, or the isolated and destitute.


My dream is that we can be in a place where we can enjoy the privileges and benefits of this age, no one being homeless, none lacking clothing, food or water that is clean.


A world where people can talk freely about their religion or choices of non-religion.


All can have healthy conversations, discussions and even peaceful debates. 


Never erupting into violence or hate.


A Planet where freedoms are not outlawed and people do not sue wildly and unjustly.


The universe built on trust and hope of working together towards a better future. 


Each with of our own unique and wonderful gifts that make us beautiful; painting, drawing, writing, building, sculpting, designing, engineering, calculating and sustaining this bright and beautiful world. 


That’s my dream.


What’s yours? 


Sources:
 https://ourlutherking.com/i-have-a-dream-speech-text/
​

​Theme: “Light of Christmas” Owl City (Featuring Toby Mac)
Quote: “Look how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness” - Anne Frank Normally my format for these blogs, are just long dialogs of my brain streaming. Talking about what I have learned, researched and expressing my emotions.
 
This one is going to have those elements, but thanks to a YouTuber I enjoy watching. I have several ideas and decided to have some fun with this one. I'm not naming the Channel out of caution since this person may not want to be associated with an amateur such as myself. Anyone familiar with this person's work will perhaps know, please be aware we are not connected and this is not an approved theory through any other person. 

Now that the legal stuff is handled, let’s address the elephant in the room.
 
Holiday is used in describing more than one holiday. As there are many religious holidays, (Christmas, Hanukkah, etc.) as well as cultural holidays (i.e., Kwanza). The uproar about using the term ‘Holiday’ is grossly over exaggerated.
 
For those who keep saying “Keep the Christ in Christmas” Their right but saying Holiday doesn’t take Him out of Christmas. X-Mas does. A ‘shortening’ of the name that replaces the name of Christ with an X, often symbolizing an ‘unknown variable’.

Also, the origin of the world ‘Holiday’ comes from an Old English word hāligdæg ( hālig " holy " + dæg " day "). (a)
 
 
A time I have been ‘offended’ was when some stores started to call a ‘Christmas Tree’ a ‘Holiday Tree’. When they know very well the only time people were buying them was for Christmas.
 
However, there did seem to be a small rising trend where people decorate a tree year-round, but that seems more the exception than the rule.
 
Now, on to the theory!
 
Why a theory you may ask? Easy, I’m taking observations and historical facts, and purposing a theory that may seem unorthodox and unlikely. The fact that Christmas and Hanukkah are one and the same! So, don’t check out until I’m finished.
 
Hanukkah is a celebration of the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. The temple had been defiled and many Israelites murdered, then they were told they had to stop their worship of their own God and worship the Greek gods. Then the family known as ‘The Maccabees’ rose up and fought. It was no easy task, but the beat all odds. Miraculously won the battles they needed to and at last reclaimed the Temple. They set to clean and re-sanctify it. The most important thing was the Golden Menorah, however not just any oil could be used. It had to be put through a specific process. It took 8 days to make this ‘holy oil’. And they only had one day’s worth of it that survived the ransacking.
 
It was decided that they would go ahead and light the Menorah and start the process for making the oil. They worshiped and cleaned, and to their utter astonishment the Menorah was still burning the next day. They again worshiped and continued their work. Another day and it was still burning, up until the 8th day when the oil was finished. That is why Hanukkah has 8 nights. (b)
 
Christmas is about the birth of the Savior of the world. Jesus Christ. However, Santa and his Reindeer usually take the focus away from that topic. Though I am not speaking poorly of Saint Nickolas, who had a very interesting and impressive story. When you bypass the myths and get to historical facts. The problem being that there is several ‘versions’ of his ‘history’ and it’s difficult to know which is truly accurate. However, they all hold to one major tenet. Generosity, AKA Giving.
 
The true Origin of Christmas’ is laid out in Luke 2: 1-7:

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.  This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.  And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (c)
 
There is obviously so much more to this story, just like Hanukkah. However, I have covered some of this in past blogs and there are wonderful resources out there to dig in deeper if desired.
 
Let’s get straight to the theory.
 
First, similarities. Those these are not identical in any way. Both Holidays (Holy Days) contain very similar themes.
 
Miraculous Provision:
 
Hanukkah- It may seem a bit obvious, but providing them with Oil to last 8 days that should have only lasted one? Yeah, that’s pretty impressive! How about the fact that they were not exactly soldiers and they took on trained and very well armored warriors!
 
Christmas- Through God’s Holy Spirit He provided Life in a virgin, Mary had ‘The Light of the world’. Placed within her. Not just that, but despite there being no room at the Inn, they still had a place to have their baby, had visitors in the Shepherds who praised God and spread the news, and not long later Wisemen providing expensive gifts for the ‘King of Kings’.
 
 
Miraculous Protection:
 
Hanukkah- Touching again on the point of untrained men, fought seasoned warriors, and won! Not only that, but they were also able to retake the temple. They took on a force of great danger and came out victorious against all odds.
 
Christmas- Several times God protected Mary and the unborn Jesus, as well as after he was born. Joseph could have stoned her, but he had compassion. Joseph could have canceled their engagement (Which he was planning to do), but God sent an angel to convince him otherwise. Mary could have died on the journey. It was by one person’s estimate 100 miles on the back of a donkey. She was also VERY pregnant by this point and more at risk. After Jesus was born all boys under the age of 2 were murdered, but Joseph listened to another dream and got them out safely.
 
 
Miraculous Prophecies:
 
Hanukkah- Well this one may seem a little vague, but God warned the Israelites what would happen when they turned away form Him, didn’t listen. That His protection would be gone. Yet, if they turned their hearts back. He would hear them and answer them. This theme is saturating the history of the Jewish people. Hanukkah is one of many testimonies of the amazing promise of the Lord and how accurate every prophecy He spoke has been.
 
Christmas- There are Prophecies in Scripture dating back hundreds or even thousands of years about the coming of a Messiah. Over 300 to be precise! (d)
 
 
Miraculous Timing:
 
Hanukkah- The same day that the temple had been ransacked and defiled, is the exact same day they retook it years later!
 
Christmas- Jesus (Yeshua) was born, during the Feast of Sukkot (Booths/Tabernacles). We know this for various reasons of time of this censes, the fact that ‘shepherds were in the fields’ (Not going to happen in winter) and especially another reason the town was packed. It was a High Holy Day. Which, amazingly enough if you backtrack 9 months you are around the time of Hanukkah.
 
Lastly, both days are on the ‘25th day of the 12th month’. Many will tell you that this is a foolish point as that day. The 25th of December was a day to worship the sun god and that it was the rulers at that time combining ‘paganism’ with ‘Christianity’.
 
However, the one who boasts these claims are typically Believers. (i.e., Christians). I find this amusing as they are taking a key factor out of the equation. The belief that God, saw it coming. There are no coincidences.  The thing is, if God truly is ‘All knowing’, He knew this would happen and easily could orchestrate the day/time to give special clues, ‘for those who have eyes to see’.
 
Proverbs 25:2 “It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.”
 
There are secrets. Mysteries lying in wait for those who want to dig them up.

In closing, these two holidays are obviously very different. They are also very similar. Sometimes they even occur on the same day. The biblical calendar is a Lunar Calendar while most everyone else uses a Solar Calendar.
 
They share very heavy themes of miracles, provision, protection, perfect timing and a possibly more importantly God giving a very special gift. For Hanukkah it was light, and for Christmas The Light of the World, Jesus.
 
The fact that we celebrate at this time the ‘Birth of the Christ’, fits perfectly with the biblical value, that life starts at conception. We in turn are celebrating the same thing as every Jew that Celebrates Hanukkah.
 
God giving us light miraculously, Protection us, providing what we need, and honor His generosity by showing loving, affection, and giving gifts to one another.

As my parents taught me. The greatest gift isn’t the one under the tree, but the One Who hung on a tree!
 
God knew all this would happen, that Christmas and Hanukkah would happen. That they would line up. That many would take the Christ out of Christmas, and some deny it because it has ‘paganism’ added to it. Both have become commercialized, both in winter and both about shining light for all to see. (The Hanukkah Menorah AKA hanukkiah and Christmas Lights, often even the tree is position in front of a window like the hanukkiah).
 
So does the theory hold? Did God plan it all out since the beginning, and is just waiting to see who notices it? Or is this just a wannabe theorist seeing threads where there are none?
 
I know what I believe but what do you believe? Post in a comment and let’s talk about it.
 
For now, this has been my theory, a Holiday Theory! So grateful you read! <3
 
 
Sources:
 
(a) https://www.etymonline.com/word/holiday
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holiday#Etymology
 
 
(b) There are many sources that add depth to this story and knowledge about Hanukkah:
 
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/hanukkah#:~:text=The%20eight-day%20Jewish%20celebration%20known%20as%20Hanukkah%20or,against%20their%20Greek-Syrian%20oppressors%20in%20the%20Maccabean%20Revolt.
 
https://gatewaypeople.com/sermons/hanukkah-celebration
 
(c) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%201&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202&version=ESV
 
(d) https://accordingtothescriptures.org/prophecy/353prophecies.html#:~:text=356%20Prophecies%20Fulfilled%20in%20Jesus%20Christ%20%20,%20Luke%203%3A23-36%20%2027%20more%20rows%20
 
(e) https://biblehub.com/proverbs/25-2.htm#:~:text=It%20is%20the%20glory%20of%20God%20to%20conceal,of%20kings%20is%20to%20search%20out%20a%20matter.  Light of Hanukkah:  Light of Christmas:

Theme: “The Thanksgiving Song” By: Ben Rector Quote: “If you haven’t all the things you want, be grateful for the things you don’t have that you wouldn’t want.” -Unknown Day in and day out, we are reminded how difficult life can be. How much need and suffering there is. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and become numb or apathetic. 

Each day, we make a choice. What attitude  will we approach the next challenge with? Will we see how little we measure up? How it’s never enough? Or will we choose to believe, that even though we can’t be all things for all people. We can be something for someone. A smile, returning someone else grocery cart, a complement, holding a door, and any numerous things from offering a blanket to someone in need, to donating time or money. 


To look around at life and not focus on what we don’t have ‘enough’ of, but what we do have. Maybe food, maybe a roof, maybe clothing, or just the breath in our lungs. 


It is a battle; a fight. A war to minimize the lack, and bad. To maximize the good, the joy. To have gratitude. No matter what place in life, how hard, or the pain inside and out. This day is a reminder, that this is our chance! The opportunity to say two very powerful yet simple words. 

Ones that aren’t sincerely get said enough. So let’s all stop and really ponder the good things, the hope, remember to spread around the magical and life changing phrase. 

Together we can change our world and others. Giving a new focus, and take the time to share love. With these two simple words; Thank you.

Let me go first, “Thank you everyone, for being a wonderful and unique light in this world. You are amazing, beautiful and cherished!” 

(Theme: “Ragged Old Flag” By: Johnny Cash)

(Quote: “The only way to deal with an unfree world, is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.“ – Albert Camus)

​With rockets red glare,
Smoke filled the air,
Dreams did fly,
While many would die,

Freedom was the fight,
Wrong fought the right,
And hopes sprung anew,
In the red, white and blue.

Oh, say…
To the USA
In God we trust,
We who are dust.

Fly once again,
The hope in all men
Truth be thy goal,
Our country, made whole

Not only for fame,
Or to shout your name,
But to truly be free,
And proclaim liberty.

But what is this freedom?
And from where does it come?
But within every heart,
If we all do our part.

To live or die and be,
A nation that can see,
The value of each person,
And not let it worsen.

Stay ever true,
Not to red white and blue,
But to God’s abundant love
And generosity from Above

Tis more than an vow,
But life's need now!
To do what is right,
In bright day, or dark night.

Lest we fail to learn,
From what the past did spurn.
We all stand as one,
Under the rain and sun.

Now together proclaim liberty!
That all slaves be set free!
Both physical and mental,
Emotional and spiritual.

Unite as one,
Not just to have fun,
But to be a shining light!
A fight the good fight.

Never give up, on what is true.
Nor the hope that is in you.
Instead we shout aloud
In the middle of the crowd

To God be the glory!
And His blessing fall on thee!

Happiest of Independence Days,
To God be all the Praise!

Happy 4th of July!

(Theme: "Cat's in the Cradle" By: Harry Chapin)

(Quote: "Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad, and that's why I call you dad, because you are so special to me. You taught me the game and you taught me how to play it right." -Wade Boggs)
​
What is a Father?
 
The definition of Father is: A man in relation to his child or children.
 
Basically, a man that has kids. It doesn't need to be biological, nor in close proximity. You are a father if you are a man and have at least one child.
 
Father, to me; is an authoritative male figure. Someone who is to be given respect, honor, and whose counsel is to be taken under careful consideration.
 
I find it strange that Father’s Day seems of less importance to the world as Mother’s Day. Maybe because moms bring us into the world, or perhaps because statistically speaking many children are raised by a female and do not always have a male figure present.
 
My theory, however, runs deeper into the grammar of it. Father is a title. When we say Mother and Mom, we see littler difference, but now say Father and Dad. For one thing they start with different letters.
 
There was a saying, anyone can be father, but only special people can be a daddy. Dad is the more personal and intimate name. It symbolizes closeness and a bond.
 
It’s great that our culture values the mothers in our lives. We must! Likewise, we should also value the fathers, because it is by the honor and respect, we give a father, that helps equip him to be a daddy.
 
In a world telling men they are ‘too manly’, ‘not manly enough’, ‘hair too long’, ‘hair too short’, ‘not serving/providing for their families properly’ or countless other burdens laid on their shoulders.
 
Fathers need to be reminded; that more than the money they earn, or hours they work. Their presence, their love and stories are irreplaceable treasures.
 
Everyone carries burdens, and recognizing the weight, expectations and anxiety that every man carries can make all the difference.
 
So many statistics show the incredible ramifications of not having a positive male role model in a child's life. Our fathers are not perfect, but they try. We as a society have a choice to make. Continue as we are, showing minimal respect to the fathers, just acknowledging love of cars and tools, or we can allow men of all types; poets, artists, chefs, architects, mechanics, figure skaters, singers and so much more to be themselves. To feel supported and loved by their family. Honor is a need every man has, so as you show your dad love, also give them a sense of how much you honor and respect them.
 
This Dear Fathers, is for you.
 
Oh, my dad, Father who raised me,
It’s because of you, that now I see.
You guided and protected.
And with discipline corrected.
Yet still you were there.
Struggling to share.
Leading as best you could.
Modeling what you thought you should.
And when burdens that you carried threatened to crush.
You continued on, forcing yourself to hush.
To silence these fears, doubts and pain.
Worried you might not make it home again.
Uncertainty was consumed by love.
As you modeled the Father above.
Even then all you would request,
Was an open ear, and heart at your behest.
I see now the tears you dared not shed,
And the longing that was left unfed.
How much was your pain?
The suffering and bloody stain?
The burden you carried alone,
Not giving a whimper or even a moan.
You are a mighty, superman.
But now it’s time to rest within.
Your family is here, we are you shelter.
Rest in us and you will not falter.
We are one, a unit ready for war.
United on the battlefield, and ready for more!
So, come now my father, and dear daddy.
Let us reside together, breathe, and allowed to just be.
 
Happy Father’s Day!
You are warriors, heroes, soldiers, and burden carrying teachers. 
 
We know you carry so much, but you don’t have to carry it alone. With other admirable men, and with your family, unite. Stand and fight. Together we will overcome. Together, as one.

(Theme: “Beyond the Surface” By: Kutless)
 
(Quote: “The world is satisfied with words, few care to dive beneath the surface.” –Blaise Pascal)
 
Have you ever noticed just how deceiving looks are?
 
Look at that dormant Volcano and how peaceful it looks, but all too soon magma and hot ash spew forth. How about the iceberg, which really doesn’t look quite so big. What trouble is a hunk of ice anyway? Ever heard the saying ‘That’s just the tip of the iceberg’? Because you are seeing maybe twenty percent of what is really there, the rest is just below the surface.
 
The results in both of these can be quite deadly. Appearances can be just as deceiving with people as they are with nature. We have countless movies that focus on methods of trying to coerce confessions or truth serums. Why? Because people are experts at showing one thing on the surface, while there is something else going on underneath.
 
Is it all sinister in nature? No, but it still can be quite as destructive. Like it was with me...
 
Have you ever looked at someone and saw ‘that’ smile? You know the one? The ‘I’m faking it till I make it’ aka ‘I’m FINE’. Yeah, Foul inside, neurotic and emotional. How about the automatic response people? The “How are you? I’m good!” Before you can even respond? Sorry pal, we’re not buying what you’re selling.
 
The fact is, we are all wrecks at times, and we do our best to put on, what I like to call, the ‘Great Facade’ or the ‘Grand Masquerade’ when I’m feeling fanciful. We are master illusionists and sadly that is not a skill to be proud of. Now I’m not saying we should just come to work or show up everywhere and let our baggage just lead us, but there is a balance between being real and being fake. I think that is where I struggle the most. For me, the more ‘fake’ I am, the less real I feel and the more my soul suffers. My identity gets lost and the more sick my heart feels.
 
For years I told myself, ‘No one cares if you’re not okay.’ a few times I was told that I should share, when I did, I was proven that I was right in not sharing. I was betrayed and what and been said in confidence was used against me or... the person demeaned and mocked me.
 
I give you permission to say “Ow, that hurts.” and all those rude people out there who say you’re a wimp, a push over or to grow up. Just shake your head. Their tune will change when it’s them who are hurting. It’s always different for people like that, when it’s ‘their pain’ and not ‘your pain’. You also have the right to stand up on behalf of another person who someone is hurting and say. “Stop it. You don’t have a right to judge them, you haven’t been through what they have. You don’t get to say what’s tough, what’s hard, what hurts. Keep your opinions to yourself.”
 
The biggest misconception when it comes to pain? “I’ve had that happen so, I know what it feels like.” Yes and No. I currently struggle with Anxiety, Depression, I used to have panic attacks regularly. Now, just because I have experienced these, does that mean I can say, ‘I know exactly how much it hurts’? How hard it is? How difficult? Or that I can put myself as judge and say what’s what? No, of course not. There are factors to consider. Other health conditions, for instance, say there is a perfectly healthy person who suffers from depression, but they have no other health issues. Then you take a person like me who has been in an accident, struggles with her weight, has asthma and add to that depression... Now the math has changed, but go back to the other person. Yes, they have no health issues, but that person is homeless and suffered horrible abuse as a child? Oh boy, that changed the math big time!
 
Here’s the point. It’s not a competition. We all struggle and we are not to judge what’s tough for one person or what’s not. Don’t compare or minimize others pain and we shouldn’t assume anything. Remember, what happens when we assume (Ass-U-me). We can never know what’s going on beneath the surface. So, before we place ourselves as, some sort of judge and say ‘So and so, just needs to X or Y’. We should maybe talk to so and so, hear their side. Build relationship instead. Stop looking from our side of the fence and maybe walk life with that person. Instead of ‘assuming’ something is something. We can instead get to know each other, learn and share our hearts. Share time and life. See the iceberg under the surface, the beauty and hurt, the good and bad, the talents and wounds. Maybe, we can even help heal some of our own along the way.
 
The benefit of looking under the surface? We see ‘everything’ under the surface. Theirs and ours. We might get hurt, rejected, but we may also make a lifelong friend. A brother or sister on the frontline. So, can we be brave enough? Can we take that step and be willing to take a peek? It won’t be easy, but the rewards I guarantee far outweigh the risks.