Photo Credit

Nadine & Trevor at the waterfalls, Goose Bay, Labrador

I would like to thank my talented son-in-law Trevor Harris for my new banner. The picture is taken from Pine Tree in Goose Bay, Labrador with a view of the Churchill River.

Thanks to my beautiful daughter Nadine for discovering this amazing fella. It was wonderful to have them visit for a couple of weeks in July.

Hugs!

Hugs are fat-free, sugar-free, and require no batteries.
Hugs reduce blood pressure, body temperature,
and relieve pain and depression.
Hugs brighten the day and lighten the heart!

A Hug

According to Wikipedia, a hug is a form of physical intimacy, not necessarily sexual, that usually involves closing or holding the arms around another person or group of persons.

The hug is one of the most common human signs of love and affection, along with kissing. Unlike some other forms of physical intimacy, it is practiced publicly and privately without stigma in many countries, religions and cultures, within families, and also across age and gender lines.

Sometimes, hugs are a romantic exchange. Hugs may also be exchanged as a sign of support and comfort. A hug can be a demonstration of affection and emotional warmth, sometimes arising out of joy or happiness at meeting someone.

Hugs are mostly short and used to show many levels of affection. It is not particular to human beings alone, as there are many species of animals that engage in similar exchanges of warmth.

Hugging has been proven to have health benefits. One study has shown that hugs increase levels of oxytocin, and reduce blood pressure.

There are different variations of hugs. Prolonged hugging in a cozy, comfortable position is called cuddling. Spooning is a cuddling position, a kind of hugging when both the hugger and the hugged persons face the same direction, i.e., the front of one person is in contact with the back of the second one. The person whose front is in contact with the other’s back is referred to as the “Big Spoon” and the person whose back is in contact with the other’s front in referred to as the “Little Spoon”. “Big Spoon” is a position held predominantly by males, whilst “Little Spoon” is typically the female, or smaller partner.

Then there’s the Christian side hug, a satirical term for a display of affection in which a person hugs another by putting one arm around their shoulders, rather than both arms around them, thus minimizing the chance of inadvertent sexual contact.

Hugs are not only nice they are needed, Hugs can relieve pain and depression, and make the healthier happier. Hugging feels good and overcomes fear.

*HUGS*

There’s something in a simple hug
That always warms the heart;
It welcomes us back home
And makes it easier to part.

A hug’s a way to share the joy
And sad times we go through,
Or just a way for friends to sa
They like you ’cause you’re you.

Hugs are meant for anyone
For whom we really care,
From your grandma to your neighbour,
Or a cuddly teddy bear.

A hug is an amazing thing -
It’s just the perfect way
To show the love we’re feeling
But can’t find the words to say.

It’s funny how a little hug
Makes everyone feel good;
In every place and language,
It’s always understood.

And hugs don’t need new equipment,
Special batteries or parts -
Just open up your arms
and open up your hearts.
~ Jill Wolf

Bear Hug

I am so glad that I have friends who like to hug!

So hurry!

Give someone a HUG today!!!

It will not only get you one back, but you’ll also help brighten someone’s day.

A Child-like Spirit

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.
~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
~ words of Jesus, Matthew 18:3-4

Simple child-like faith opens your heart to receive all the blessings of the Christ of Christmas. You can have the joys of Christmas in your heart and life all year round.

My Emotional Raincoat

When a comment starts to hurt me
and the hurt seems deep and long
I take out my Emotional Raincoat
and simply put it on.

It always fits me perfectly
do warm, so close, so snug
wrapping me in its coziness
like a firm, yet gentle, hug.

Protecting me from sadness
and anger that I may feel
chasing away all traces of it
leaving me completely healed.

Some days I wear it often
and some days not at all,
but it’s nice to know I have it
when worries come to call.

For, people can only hurt us
if we allow them to
’cause we have a strength more powerful
than hurtful people do.

So wear our Emotional Raincoat
proudly from time to time.
And if you haven’t got one
then, here, please borrow mine…

Are you a MOST or a SOME?

Here’s another quote that bears repeating:

Most read books. Some write them.
Most attend conferences. Some create them.
Most fake intimacy. Some live intimately.
Most love great design. Some design.
Most listen to great music. Some write great music.
Most point out problems. Some solve them.
Most admire beautiful art. Some create it.
Most receive generously. Some give generously.
Most imagine what should’ve been. Some imagine what can be.
Most criticize. Some create.
Are you a “MOST” or a “SOME”?

Let’s stop being afraid of those blank canvases that stare us down and scare the hell out of us…….and let’s create.

~Pastor Scott Hodge

A New Ending

Gosling Lake Sunset

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
-Maria Robinson
King Solomon said, “The end of a matter is better than its beginning…finishing is better than starting.” How a matter, a day or a life ends – your destiny, can be changed to be all that you want it to be. The choice is yours. You can make the changes starting right now!

Alphabets

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain,
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame.
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow.
God is forever able,
Hold on to what you know!
Imagine life without His love,
Joy would cease to be.
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to Thee.
Move out of “Camp Complaining!”
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone.
Quit looking at the future;
Redeem the time at hand;
Start every day with worship–
To “thank” is a command.
Until we see Him coming,
Victorious in the sky
We’ll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high.
Yes, there’ll be good times and yes some will be bad, but…
Zion waits in glory…where none are ever sad!

~Author Unknown