Coffee With Connie: 2009

Christmas Week Is Here...

The week of Christmas has finally arrived. We're making final purchases

and preparation for Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Some of us have family traveling and others are just waiting for the days to arrive so that we can get together and enjoy the blessings of being together to celebrate Jesus birth.

To me, this has been one of the best, most relaxed Christmas seasons in a while. I haven't felt rushed or as stressed as some. Maybe, age has something to do with it. It has surely been a blessed time of giving and sharing with others.

Have a blessed Christmas week...-

The Fourth Sunday of Advent 2009...

Today, we light the third purple candle (we will now have 3 purple and one pink candle burning). This is the candle of peace.

"For unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

-Isaiah 9:6

Why Do Men Make It So Complicated?...

This Christmas season as we think on the real meaning of Christmas and the prophetic Christ child who came in answer to the salvation of men, we sometimes wonder... why do men make it so complicated? It is such a simple salvation message... a child is born, grew, became a man, was crucified and rose again that we might accept him as savior and have eternal life. So simple, so wonderful a gift!

We are so blessed!

The New Media...

I like the New Media, as so many call it. It gives so many people the opportunity to voice their opinions with not only news organizations, but with blogs and web sites. It is truly the voice of America! Before, it was evident that it was censored news and we got to hear and see what a few wanted us to hear and see. Now, we hear from so many sources and voices. We can choose who we want to read, listen to and follow. We don't have to read or look at what we don't want to because there are more choices.

This is a good thing... true freedom of the press and expression.

Christmas is for Celebrating Real Joys...

You might not think much of it, but Christmas is for celebrating real joys in life. We have so much to be thankful for... family, friends, jobs, food, clothing, homes and a free country. We are so blessed and we should be joyful!

What I'm trying to say is this... look at what you have, not, what you don't have. We Americans are pioneers, with many successes and we will always strive to make things better. We don't have to follow the mess that the news puts in front of us today. So many leaders, movie stars, sports figures and others have their lives in a total unsatisfied mess. Publicity seekers who will do anything to get noticed. Don't follow the losers in life... find real leaders who have got it together. Follow those who have found true satisfaction in living and giving. The choice is each of ours!

I like this thought...

I have not the smallest interest in any holiday,

except as it celebrates

real and not pretended joys!

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

No Matter What Life Status...

Isn't it wonderful that God sent a savior for us... no matter what life status we hold. We can be as wealthy as a king, we can be as poor as poor can be... no matter what... God loves us all! He sees us all as equals... souls that need to be saved. It is so simple...

Homemade Fresh Cranberry Sauce...

Here's a great recipe for making homemade fresh cranberry sauce. Wash (one pound bag of fresh cranberries & set aside to drain.) In a large pan, boil sugar and water together for about 5 minutes then add the washed cranberries and boil for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Run the mixture through the blender. Store in the refrigerator. What a treat!

Ingredients:

1 c sugar (more or less for desired sweetness)

2 c water

1 lb whole cranberries

We are deep in the midst of the Christmas spirit. Giving, sharing, parties and celebrations to celebrate the birth of Christ and what he means to the world. Truly, a time of love and giving!

"...and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed God Bless Us, Every One!

-Charles Dickens, 1812-1870, A Christmas Carol

A pink or rose colored candle symbolizes the Joy of the coming Christ and is lit on the third Sunday of Advent. We light this candle to thank God for His Son our Savior who brings us great joy. (We will have the first three of the Advent candles lit today.)

There is truly joy in knowing Christ as Lord and Savior.

It's About Giving...

My daughter was telling me about her pastors sermon Sunday. It was about giving because

you care, not just to out do someone else or trying to out spend someone else. This is so true. Christmas is about giving, but it's about giving for a reason. That reason is love.

So Many Christmas Memories...

This is the time of year that we think of so many Christmas memories. For some reason the past comes forward. Past friends and relatives, parties, gatherings and fun. We really don't remember gifts ... we think of people and what they mean to us. The enjoyable times we've shared. We think of Christ and the wonder of the Christmas story. This is a wonderful time of year!

Think on this...

There are no times like the old times,
they shall never be forgot.
There is no place like the old place,
keep green the dear old spot.
There are no friends like our old friends,
May heaven prolong their lives.

-Oliver Windell Holmes

May we make pleasant memories this Christmas for the future of those we love...

Adorable Hedgehog...

One little surprise. There is an adorable hedgehog picture and I don't usually think they are cute. But, Knowing how ugly they are when they're grown, I thought you'd enjoy seeing them little. Check them out here.

Second Day of Advent 2009 ...

The second Sunday of Advent we light the second purple candle which represents love. (We will have both the first & second Advent candles lit today.) We ligh

t this candle to thank God for His love in sending Jesus Christ our Savior.

John 3:16 kjv, " For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Shop And Take A Stand For Christmas...

Consider this, Focus on The Family has a website, Stand For Christmas, that lists some of the most popular st

ores that we shop at and how they are treating Christmas. Since I try to support those that uphold my beliefs, I am so thankful for this list. My Christmas gifts are pretty much bought, so I will take the list into consideration all year long. I say, that if I buy just for just a holiday, I'm not buying. I buy for a reason and Christmas is a good reason to share with others God's love and your love.

I want to see businesses grow, but I want to support those businesses that have good values and are considerate of their customers.

Enjoy the day... Merry Christmas!

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season

The First Week of The Christmas Season...

Wow, can you believe that we are coming to the end of the first week of the Christmas season. We've already had Advent Sunday, and lots of our decorations are up, we have many gifts bought, we're listening to Christmas music, burning our scented candles and we are making delicious candies, cookies, cakes and other seasonal foods. Many of us will be or have had to our first Christmas parties for the year. This is truly the most wonderful time of the year.

Daily, I'm trying to take time to remember The Reason For The Season as I enjoy everything that I do and go to.

First Day Of Advent...

Today is the first day of Advent. Christian's around the world are celebrating the remembrance, the promise and birth of the Christ child...

"Advent, Advent the little light burns,
First one, then two, then three, then four,
Then the Christ child at the door."

-unknown

We are lighting of the first candle, of hope, in remembrance of the anticipation of Christ birth...

Thanksgiving Holiday...

I love the Thanksgiving holiday and I'm just not willing to give it up. This is a great time of year to really zero in on your blessings. I like to look back over the year and see what God has done.
Of course, there are sad things, but there are so many wonderful good things to be thankful for.

Look at the good today and tomorrow, maybe it will help you in the days and years to come. I like the verses written here...

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;

I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for help that I might do greater things;

I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness that I might feel the need for God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for,
but everything I hoped for.

Almost despite myself,my unspoken prayers were answered;

I among women am most richly blessed.
~ author unknown ~

Using Altavist to Search the Web...

I like using altavista to search the net. That was the search engine that I started with. It was used in my first computer class many, many years ago. I still like it. Actually, I use the big 3 plus Altavista. But, Altavista picks up some sites that the other search engines don't. Give it a try today, you might like it too.

Freshly Brewed Coffee...

There is nothing like a freshly brewed cup of coffee. I love coffee and have for a very long time. I started drinking coffee when I started working at 18 yr. of age. I love the smell of a freshly opened can. For drink and flavor enjoyment, there is just nothing compared to a good cup of coffee.

I also like freshly ground coffee beans. I keep my beans frozen and then grind them when I'm ready. I grind coffee when I want a special treat.

Why not join me for a freshly brewed cup of coffee now?

Firefox Web Browsing...

Have you had issues with your Internet Explorer? Lately, it seems like I am having regular issues. I don't know why, but when I'm having troubles, I use Firefox.

It is always a good idea to have two browsers on your computer. When one is not working, you can use the other. Also, if you need to download a driver or patch for Internet Explorer or something else, you can go to the needed website and download.

I hope this was helpful advice for better surfing!

Your cell phones are being made public...

The phone number for the National Do Not Call List for cell phones is 1-888-382-122 or email

It will be very important to sign up if you do not have free incoming calls. I did both ways because I had 4 phones to block. The web site lets you do 3 so it worked out o.k. both ways. I like the email because you get a receipt.

Just something that I wanted to remind you of.

Giving Tribute To Our Veterans...

Remembering, the hero's of America, our Veterans. Thank you for keeping us safe and serving to help give us freedom. We appreciate your sacrifice and honor you this Veteran's Day.

Today, we need to remember our country while we are praying for our servicemen and women. Freedom comes with a price.

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." -II Chronicles 7:13-14

Thank you so much veterans, we really appreciate your sacrifice!

Veteran's Tribute...
All Gave Some, Some Gave All -by Billy Ray Cyrus

Working On It...

Well, I've been looking at my site and trying to decide what I need. I've been so busy this past summer with gardening and other things that my blogging has let down.

I can see that I need to add pictures. I was doing pretty good with pictures up until this past year. I had a computer crash last December and lost a lot of my photo files. Reminder, back it up on an external hard drive, mosey, dvd or memory stick. Do something. I failed to save for about 3-6 mo. and lost a lot. Sorry to say, that has happened to me more than once and I've lost some of my poetry and the things that I write. I have some things on my external hard drive, but I have not worked on my files for almost a year now. Early New Years Resolution, work on it!

So you can see that at least it is on my mind and that is... the first step to working on it!

Smokey Mountain Vacation...

Yes, my dear husband treated me to a Smokey Mountain Vacation. We left last Sunday after church and drove down to the Condo that we had waiting for us. The leaves were just georgious. We weren't let down by the color.

We visited Cades Cove on Monday, traffic was really heavy and came to an almost standstill, so Tuesday we drove over to Cherokee, NC. It rained most of the day, but it wasn't too bad. The trees on top of the Smokies had lost a lot of their leaves and the color was gone & it was smokey. Most of the color was at the lower end of the mountains and round Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas. Of course, after the rain more leaves dropped and there was less color that when we arrived. But, on the whole it was beautiful!

We got to see 3 bear in town by our Condo. That was exciting. We watched them awhile and then went in. My husband said the police ran them out of town. I'm sure they enjoyed the excitement!

So, I did get to go to my favorite vacation spot. I am so happy!

Beauty of The Smokies...

One of my most favorite vacation spots is in the Smokies. I love the Smokies any time of year. Within a few weeks there will be beautiful fall color traveling to and visiting the Smoky Mountain Area. I love the spring beauty, but I think all the bright colors of fall are just as beautiful. I was looking at The Smokies, a guide for the area, and just longed to go there. Who knows... maybe I will.

Fall's Arrived...

I'm looking forward to this new Fall season with it's multicolored beauty. I love each season and all that it holds, but then with time, I'm ready to move on to the next one. It is so nice to have cool nights and a little slower pace.

Welcome Fall 2009!

Some Things To Work On...

Come on in and bring your coffee. Let's have a little chat... I've decided that I have a few things to work on with my blogging. I need more pictures and graphics. I've neglected to do that lately. I will work on it. Hopefully, this fall I can get back into full swing and share some things that my readers will like. Always, feel free to drop me a note and let me know what you think and what you would like for me to share.

My Birthday...

Today is my birthday. I do wonder how the years have gone by so fast. I have been so blessed with my wonderful family. It is such a blessing to still have my parents, my husband, six children and sons & daughters-in-law, fourteen grandchildren and one great grandchild. Now you know the rest of the story... I'm not very young, but I'm young at heart!

Keep On Blogging...

It has been 3 yrs. since I started blogging. I didn't know a lot about blogging or how it should be done, but I made the launch and I'm still plugging away at it. I've learned so much, but then again, things have changed so much. It isn't always easy to find interesting things to say that people will want to read. I do have the encouragement of my readers to go on.

So, I'm saying Happy Birthday to Coffee With Connie and keep on blogging!

Guidelines for Today's Living...

Guidelines For Today’s Living

By Robert Louis Stevenson

Make up your mind to be happy… learn to find your pleasure in simple things.

Make the best of circumstances. No one has everything , and everyone has something of sorrow.
Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Don’t let criticism worry you… you can’t please everybody.
Don’t let your neighbors set your standards… be yourself.
Do things you enjoy doing… but stay out of debt.
Don’t borrow trouble. Imaginary things are harder to bear than actual ones.
Since hate poisons the soul, do not cherish enmities and grudges.
Have many interests… if you can’t travel, read about places.
Don’t hold post-mortems or spend time brooding over sorrows and mistakes.
Don’t be the one who never gets over things.
Keep busy at something… a very busy person never has time to be unhappy.

This list was written by Robert Louis Stevenson over 100 years ago and is still so relevant today. Something to think about as we start a new week.

Have a great week!

April Showers Bring May Flowers...

Don't you just love the old saying April showers brings May flowers... mostly because it is true.
I just love Spring and it's new life, color and beauty. New flowers, new baby birds and animals and beautiful green grass. Spring brings new life to the nature around us.

Sit back and Enjoy A Nice Cup of Hot Coffee...

I thought that you might enjoy a little humor with your coffee. These are found at Laughlines on the World Net Daily web site. I always enjoy a little laugh esp. when ill. Enjoy!

Golden Years Humor

An elderly gentleman had serious hearing problems for a number of years. He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear 100%. The elderly gentleman went back in a month to the doctor and the doctor said, "Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased that you can hear again." The gentleman replied, "Oh, I haven't told my family yet. I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I've changed my will three times!"

<><><><><><><>

An elderly couple had dinner at another couple's house, and after eating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen. The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, "Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great. I would recommend it very highly." The other man said, "What is the name of the restaurant?" The first man thought and thought and finally said, "What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love? You know... the one red and has thorns." "Do you mean a rose?" "Yes, that's the one," replied the man. He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, "Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?"

<><><><><><><>

Hospital regulations require a wheelchair for patients being discharged. However, while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman--already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet--who insisted he didn't need my help to leave the hospital. After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let me wheel him to the elevator. On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him. "I don't know," he said. "She's still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown."

What a Tiny Car... What A Good Price!

Wow... have you seen the new tiny car that has been built in India and such a good price ($1,979). They are encouraging motorcyle riders to buy one. Sounds good... probably a little safer than a cycle... at least you can't fall off. It goes 70 mph., of course, on US highways at 65 mph, you would wonder if it could keep up the constant 70mph and last a long time. Also, wonder if it would shake or be sound structually. Just questions...

World's Cheapest Car... amazing check... it out!

"Do all the good you can... By all the means you can... In all the ways you can... In all the places you can... At all the times you can... To all the people you can... As long as ever you can."

- John Wesley

Spring Has Sprung...

Yeah, Spring is here! Spring is very welcome. We look forward to all it has to offer with the beauty of the spring flowers and blossoms to all the beautiful green grass and leaves.

Check Out This New Site...

Home Interiors & Gifts and Home & Garden Party are now a new company called... Celebrating Home. Products can be ordered from my Celebrating Home site and shipped to a designated address. I really like the online site because everyone can't always go to a party. So, you are invited to shop.

I really like this new company and look forwards to working with them. They have so many great products for the home.

I think that I like the ease of ordering and having things shipped to my home. The high gas prices and the time it takes to shop makes online ordering a lot nicer.

Things Happen, Life Happens...

Things happen and life happens. Different situation arise daily that we must make decisions about. Some things are small and some things are very big or even life threatening. We don't really know how we'll act, but sometimes the way we react to smaller things will make us strong for those things that are almost earth shattering to us. Our guidebook, the Bible, is the greatest guide that we can follow in our life. God's word gives us 10 Commandments in Exodus 20 that cover just about all our temptations. He even has a plan for salvation in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." My thought for today is to study God guidebook and prepare for the future.

You cannot tailor make the situations in life, but you can tailor make the attitudes to fit those situations before they arise.
-Zig Ziglar

Breaking News... Punxsutawney Phil Saw His Shadow...

Great news... Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning and we should have about six more weeks of winter. Given the way we've had so much snow, we welcome more snow and not rain for the next six weeks.

Like I said in my last post, this is always a fun time in the middle of winter. Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania has had this Groundhog Day tradition since 1887. Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow 97 times since then. They do not have records for nine years and he has not seen his shadow 15 times. It sure makes for a great fun festive time for these folks, I'd love to be there, maybe, someday. Anyway, you folks in Pa can keep on skiing!

Anxiously awaiting to see if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow...

I always look forward to this day in winter. It's a fun day and it's my guess that he will, at least, if it is sunny like it is here in Ohio. Let's see...