How to Make Palm Crosses

Watch this video on how to make palm crosses or go to this site for step by step instructions on how to make crosses using palm fronds.

Dancing to the Tune of Beat It

A fun and hilarious video of the Norwegian alpine ski team. Enjoy it !

Lenten Reflections

First Sunday of Lent

"It also says, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.'"

Luke 4:12

Ash Wednesday

In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the first day, or the start of the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter (Sundays are not included in the count).
Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. During some Ash Wednesday services, the minister will lightly rub the sign of the cross with ashes onto the foreheads of worshipers.
Not all Christian churches observe Ash Wednesday or Lent. They are mostly observed by the Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and Anglican denominations, and also by Roman Catholics. Eastern Orthodox churches observe Lent or Great Lent, during the 6 weeks or 40 days preceding Palm Sunday with fasting continuing during the Holy Week of Easter. Lent for Eastern Orthodox churches begins on Monday and Ash Wednesday is not observed.
The Bible does not mention Ash Wednesday or the custom of Lent, however, the practice of repentance and mourning in ashes is found in 2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Daniel 9:3; and Matthew 11:21.

Happy Valentines Day !

Early Summer

This is a part of my home garden, for weeks has been basking in hot sun. I make my plants survive by twice a day watering.

One good thing about hot weather, orchids love it ! I've been harvesting all colors and sizes of this flower weekly.

Summer arrived early this year and we cool off by enjoying the late evening breeze at our balcony.

Quotes to Live By

"Glory in life is not never failing, But rising each time we fail.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

If God answers your prayers, He is increasing your Faith.

If He delays, He is increasing your Patience.

If He doesn't answer, He knows you can handle it.

Author Unknown

Raising My Eleven Year Old

My 11 year old son is growing up fast, he is taller than me now, and his habits and interests are changing. Two years from now, we'll have a teenager at home. I've been searching the internet about articles on raising pre-teenage kids and I found the following interesting and useful:

Sleep pattern changes 'common in 11-year-olds'

Parenting and Behaviour in 9-11 Year Olds

Teenage Growth and Development : 11-14 Years

I'm looking forward to years ahead of raising my 11 year old.

The Presentation of the Lord

"Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of many peoples. a light for the revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel."

Nunc Dimittis