Grateful for Food and Home (TY – 8)

The bare necessities such as food and shelter are things most of us take for granted; yet, it is very important that we appreciate the food we have to eat and the home we have to protect us from the outdoor environment. I deeply appreciate having nutritious meals daily. My husband and I almost always express thanksgiving before each meal no matter where we are (whether it be at home, at a restaurant or visiting friends or family). I find it really brings importance and satisfaction to our meals. The nourishment we receive is acknowledged and appreciated.

Our home provides so much more than just protection and shelter. It provides security and many comforts for which I am deeply grateful. Our home, like most in the United States (that I am aware of) has indoor plumbing and electricity. We have heating and air conditioning and adequate space for our needs. I feel so blessed to have a home, especially when I am aware there are many in our world who are without any form of shelter. Thoughts and appreciation for having a home too often come after natural disasters, when we realize how vulnerable we are. My heart will always be grateful for each day in which we have healthy meals and a comfortable home.

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The Day Before Christmas

The Day Before Christmas

by: Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

It was the day before Christmas
and all through the land.
People trying to complete
their last-minute Christmas plans.

Goodwill is around us,
if you open your eyes;
See people acting kindly;
it is Jesus in disguise.

Smiles and laughter
will rule this day,
With Christmas carols
playing along the way.

However, keep in mind
that a few souls will be
Not as much into Christmas
celebration as you and me.

A hole in their heart from a past
event that brought them despair.
Let us create for them new memories
and fill them with love and tender care.

Appreciate and value every
person that crosses your way,
Know them or not, express love
and kindness; make their day.

Christmas can be a magnificent
and marvelous time to bring
A new season of compassion and love,
let every bell chime and every voice sing.

“Merry Christmas to all and to all Love and Thanksgiving!”

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Think Globally, Act Locally

One of the most wasteful times of the year occurs in December. Why do I say that? Simple. Increased local traffic to stores. More consumerism. PACKAGING and WRAPPING! There is more baking, cooking, visiting, etc.

Let us consider clever ways to reduce the amount of waste we generate. One of the most simple things we can consider is how we wrap our gifts to each other. One of my favorite things to do is use simple canvas bags as gift bags set with a colorful and festive fabric bow, both of which can be reused. Look  about your home and see what you can creatively use to wrap your gifts this year. Maybe you have some fabric you can use. How about using newspaper and collage it with colorful magazine pictures?

Maybe you can forgo material gifts. Perhaps you can give a gift of love and time instead by visiting and engaging in heartfelt conversations where your attention is undivided (yes, turn off that electronic device for an hour or so). Here is another wonderful possibility…share a skill with others by teaching them how to do something you are good at doing, such as: gardening, baking, crocheting, wood-working, scrap-booking, bird-watching, fishing, paper-crafting and so on and so forth.

Other ideas: Dovetail errands so you are using less gasoline; create more gifts instead of buying them from materials you already have at home; send e-cards via e-mail instead of sending paper cards through the mail; have a holiday gathering around a charity event or while being of service to the poor and the needy; etc.

What are some other things we could do to cut waste during this holiday season? The list is endless and the possibilities countless if you just put for five to ten minutes of thought into it. I came up with quite a few in the ten minutes I spent writing this article. Most of all, have fun with the ideas. The holidays of December are meant to be experienced with love, joy and reverence. Don’t stress. Merry Christmas! (Ten days away and counting down.)

 

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Home and Heart

Home is where the heart is. You make your home wherever you are spiritually connected. A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. A home is where love is found in abundance; it is encouraged and appreciated. My home is filled with many delightful memories and tokens of love. It is warm and inviting, as well as, fun and joyful; furthermore, if I were ever uprooted from my house, I would always carry my home in my heart because of the love and joy I have experienced in my home. What does your  home look like?

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