gelln

I think I will ask santa that you find HAPPINESS. Its a very trite thing to say , very simple, but oh so hard to obtain..I almost lost myself finding it and it was here all the time.

Happiness isnt just one thing or one person to me, Its whole lot of little things each giving me joy ... some in giving some in receiving

yes happiness for gelln

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks AW for your sweet words to all of us! You are a very thoughtful wonderful person.

I thank God that He has given me happiness--I find hundreds of things every day to make me smile--I make a point to be the most grateful person every day. When I go to the bank, I thank the tellar. When I finish at the grocery store, I thank the bagger. When I get home to find my roommate has made a beautiful supper, I give her a big hug. When my teacher encourages me, it sends me floating. Yes, I am VERY thankful for a new life, one where I am finally independent from everyone which was a HUGE struggle for me! I was too dependent on my parents, then on Flard, then back again to my parents. I can now, starting this past summer, look at myself as a WOMAN instead of a GIRL. What an amazing feeling to be independent!

But I receive the best joy in giving to others. Every week I have a huge crowd over (sometimes twice in a week!) for a big huge home cooked meal--students who live in the dorms and never get to eat REAL food, or students who are so very poor they can't afford a good meal, or students who don't know how to cook. I started up Amnesty International at my college, and I am very active with AI in my community. When I see lonely people by themselves, I make a point to invite them for a Saturday afternoon hike at Southfork with my group of people--or over for a hot dog roast Saturday night, or off to Vespers Friday night at the church, or a movie Sunday night. I usually have several nights a week where lonely people drop in to my apartment to just chat and laugh with me, and this makes me very joyful to help people. I love people. I think this was a rift between Flard and I, because he doesn't really like people that much. He rarely has something good to say about people, and is very critical of everyone. I am exactly the opposite. I see all the good in people, I feel their pain, their joy, because I live it with them. So I am thankful for people to love, to care for, to be friends with. I woke up this morning to my brother hovering over me with a grin on his face and suddenly he sprayed water all over my face! I laughed and laughed! He turned on Christmas music for me, and put on the Christmas white lights, and headed out for church (he goes early to set up the sound:)). happiness is a beautiful state of mind to be in. Its a WONDERFUl state to be in!!!!!!!! See ya'll later <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

A Soldiers Christmas

Twas the night before christmas,
he was all alone,
in a one bedroom house made of
plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney
with presents to give,
and to see just who
in this home did live

I looked all about,
a strange sight i did see,
no tinsel, no presents,
not even a tree.

For this house was different,
it was dark and dreary,
I found the bolt hole of a soldier,
once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping,
silent, alone,
curled up on the floor
in this bombed out one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle,
the room in such disorder,
not how I pictured
a brave Aussie soldier.

Was this the hero
of whom I'd just read?
curled up on a poncho,
the floor for a bed?

I realized the families
that I saw this night,
owed their lives to these soldiers
who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world,
the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate
a bright Christmas Day.

They all enjoyed freedom
each month of the year,
because of the soldiers,
like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder
how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve
in a land far from home.

The very thought
brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees
and started to cry.

The soldier awakened
and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry,
this life is my choice;

I fight for freedom,
I don't ask for high rates,
my life is my God,
my Country, my mates."

The soldier rolled over
and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it,
I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours,
so silent and still
and we both shivered
from the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave
on that cold, dark, night,
this guardian of honor
so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over,
with a voice soft and pure,
whispered, "Carry on Santa,
it's Christmas Day,
but no place for you to be."

There’s killin and dying
happening to day
in this place and others
these no peace at play

I watched him so sadly
as he gathered his gear
he gave me a wink
he gave me good cheer

She'll be right Santa
Never you fear.
Then went over the top
There were no more tears

gellnjen -

You are very young, and your time will come. I hope that you believe that. At your age, I always worried that there wouldn't be anyone for me. But there was.

I very much appreciate being able to use your post on the other forum. I have been posting to this person for a long time, and she is having a horrible struggle. Has been having one for a long time.

When I read what you posted, I knew that was what she needed. Others read it and thought so too. So see, maybe you have helped others through your struggle.

I belong to AI too. I have for a long time.

I'm like you also, in that I invite people over to my house. Many days I have a houseful. I love to feed people.

Hope you will have a blessed Christmas. Don't be hiding your light.

Well, that program went much better than it had any right to do, given the fluctuating nature of its content..right up to the very end. Flard forgot his oboe reed in AZ, which we didn't discover until too late to buy another. Fortunately he'd brought his recorder so he played a duet, with Tina's flute, on that instead. Neak forgot her entire clarinet at home, so the guitar/flute/clarinet trio suddenly dwindled to the melody line only. The little girl who was to play Away in a Manger (on the piano) didn't show up, so the Children's Choir <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> was pressed into service when the time for that song rolled around in the program. All in all, it was lovely. At least that's what people kept saying. Like I said, it's a very non-critical church. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Well, I'm off to work. At least this afternoon I was actually able to sleep for longer than 1/2 hr. so I'm so invigorated I can hardly believe it's me. Make that, I'll be invigorated when I finish waking up. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Hope everybody else has a lovely evening. I, personally, hope to be bored out of my skull...which being interpreted is, I hope there aren't any/many patients and that everybody pregnant is busy at home opening presents and having a good time instead of hanging out at the hospital, spoiling our potluck/gift exchange, and making me actually WORK for my time and a half holiday pay! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

t&l

MERRY CHRISTMAS Neaks!!!!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

tl glad your project was FUN...important that having fun while still giving a good message.
Need more of it in our Church ...ok it was funny to see the Pope dressed up in the centuries old Santa suit and look like the Grinch [or was that only me?]...but more local stuff please!!
<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

The morning been's hectic, paper everywhere, kids running into & under all our feet. Great fun. Got 3 hours sleep.
Emilee & Aimee - well dont blame ME I didn't spell their names that way - are so cute 3 & 6 - not sure I'll give them back yet lol <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />
Aunty AW thinks you are so lovely doesn't she!!

We have played cricket - can you believe Dad actually played as well, went swimming, ate so much food..... now I have a headache. Mikey is still gurgling away sucking his fingers which usually means FEED ME ..so the little Mr first then a few Panadol <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Son rang so that was good ... they are having Turkey, Ham, Beef & the whole thing ...... all cooked by chefs .... wimps! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Travelling Soldier & DD talked for 2 hours ...well DD talked & I guess he listened or did a good job pretending ..hehehehe <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
[Wonder where she got that from ?? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />]

No word from Aussie but then its not too unexpected seeing whats going on so just as long as he's safe I'll be a good Army wife and shutup & be thankful.
<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Merry Christmas AW. I'm glad you have happy thoughts. If I were you, I would sneak a nap in the afternoon.

3 hours is a little shy of enough.

Tonight we read the story of our Saviors birth. AS we have each Christmas eve for 28 years since our marriage. I like to read of his resrection best though. It has the most meaning for me personally.

Isn't God good to us. Even with all the troubles, isn't he so kind.

SS

Hi SS

glad to know things are well with you & yours..I'm just sitting on the PC waiting for AUSSIE - IF HE can get to anywhere he can send of course <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> - and snoozing lol

Mikey is asleep, all the kids are outside with Mum in the pool, the adults are visiting various places leaving me in peace - well relative peace <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Mmmm that snoozing sounds SO good!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Can't find my tissue paper for wrapping gifts. It's 1:30 in the morning on Christmas day and I can't find the tissue paper....This is not good.

Well, at least I don't have to wrap my mom's or my sister's family's gifts till I get motivated to do so. Mom didn't even attempt to see me today though I did her. Precious sister got her first and don't have any idea when mom will be back home. Sister is only 25 miles away but I am not welcome there again and may never be welcome again.

CINDERS big hugs dear girl [[[[[cinder]]]]]]

perhaps today of all days right or wrong maybe you could ring your sister and wish her Merry Christmas regardless?

I think its her issue if she does not accept that.

I understand its a very awkward thing but you have nothing to be ashamed of not at all. You were victims

Maybe she will find the Christmas spirit within herself, but its her job to do that.

Anyway what ever is best for you and family <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

I've got this playing right now ...

Happy Christmas (War Is Over)

So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The olds and the young

A very Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong
And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight

A very Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas
And what have we done
Another year over
A new one just begun
And so happy Christmas
We hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The olds and the young

A very Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

Let the War be over, Let the War be over

Happy Christmas

Wow... wouldn't it be great!!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I greeted Christmas with a countdown on the insant messenger with a friend since I had no one else to be with... my brother went to bed in a sour mood leaving me quite bummed too, so it cheered me when my buddy online sent smiles and cheers my way. I watched midnight fly by.

Cinderella, hope you find your wrapping paper! That really stinks. And family problems are horrid, aren't they? I'm going to a Grandma's house this coming weekend who will have nothing to do with half the family. A Lions Den feeling, I believe. I love the whole family, and refuse to get embroiled in their issues <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. Its their problem. Its time to start acting like mature adults, especially Christians, since they all claim the Christianity badge of so-called "honor." ickth. If you can't even love family.... whatever <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> But I still go and love them all, both camps <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> just to show them up on how much they are missing out on happiness <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> and love <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> and family <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. Sweet dreams, whenever you get the chance to snooze! I'm off to the couch right now myself. MERRY CHRISTMAS WORLD! (I'm feeling childish now <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ).

This the Grinch checking in to say "Merry Christmas" to everybody. Hope you're all asleep, except for cc46, who is awake about now, I see, but in a way different time zone so it doesn't count. What an I.N.T.E.R.M.I.N.A.B.L.E night. Time and a half isn't enough! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> However, I went down and got my free Christmas dinner. Boy, is the dog going to be happy this morning when I get home! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> The lady was trying to be really nice, and asked if I wanted dark turkey meat or light. I was very honest. I told her, "I don't care." <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> Quite frankly, I don't think the dog will, either! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The only way I'm going to stay awake till morning is if somebody puts some wooden dowels in my eyes to hold the lids open. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Merry Christmas to all, and I wish somebody would tell me, "Good night." <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

t&l

Merry Christmas t&l, and have a great day's sleep!

I'm off tomorrow night and both of my sons are home (more on that later), so I'll only sleep a couple of hours and then spend the rest of the day across the lake at the girls' houses, reading to the grandkids while their moms cook lunch, and generally channeling my inner pit bull. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> I'm just tired of being tired, you know? What I REALLY want is a job as a test subject in sleep research. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Anybody hiring?

t&l, returning to the salt mines <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

I have NEVER heard so much on-the-job whining and complaining in my life as I've heard tonight. The Christmas Spirit is dead around this joint. Buried. Returned to the dust. I'm Good Morning Merry Sunshine compared to these people, and I'm crabby!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> I absolutely can't wait to leave here this morning. 50 more minutes and you might as well stuff me in a cannon and light the fuse, because I'm SO OUT OF HERE!! Christmas will resume after 7. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

t&l

T&L -

Sounds like kind of a rough night. I hope you get some sleep. Good luck on trying to read to your Grandkids. I could never get mine to settle down enough on Christmas day.

But I did make up for it by reading to my 18 month old neighbor boy. He and his family didn't speak any English, so of course he couldn't tell me to stop. Now he is 4, and guess what? He speaks perfect English and Spanish. In fact, he even understands MY Spanish.

Have a wonderful day with your family.

Merry Christmas, all. Thank you for the good wishes, they are fully returned.

Neaksis is persona non grata 'round these here parts. She got my children a bagpipe, and for the Dervish.....tasty ADRENALINE STRIPS!!!!!!!!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

A bagpipe?

Oh Neak, you made me laugh so hard I almost broke something.

Are bagpipes just as bad as a drum set, or worse?

I am still laughing, can't hardly type.

Everyone here is sleeping except me. I can't decide if I should sleep, or read.
I guess I could always eat, there seems to be no shortage of food today. I'd be better off missing a few meals though.

Today I live in a happy world. Though I don't know what tomorrow will bring, I know God will be there so I'll try not to worry.

God be with you all.

SS

Do you know why bagpipers walk so fast?

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

To get away from the sound.