Pre-New Year Thoughts

Wow !!!
Only a few hours left and I forgot to post my thoughts to close out the year.

I've been thinking about what is the final conclusion of the year 2008 for me? I had a lot of things to choose from:

• my joys
• my fears
• my faith
• my tears
• my love
• my losses
• my failures
• my health
• my trips and falls
• my walking laps in the park
• my participation in the election
• my part-time job
• my business
• my travels
• my interaction with loved ones
• my friends
• my finances
• my hope

The whole of the year is summed up in one thing:

My Gratitude

Thankful to God for it all. Whether the skies were grey or sunny, I am now grateful that I was allowed to experience it all. I know that it all is working out for my good.

I am grateful for each of you who have supported me in this endeavor in your way this year.

The Holy Bible tells us in I Thessalonians 5:18: "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

The emphasis is mine. In everything, not for everything. This is, not possibly. Concerning you (Joyce). You can replace the "you" with your name. The Good Lord is concerned about us.

In the new year my only goal is to pursue gratitude at all cost.

Question: What is the one thing that you are going after in the new year at all cost?

Stop the Access-A-Ride Fare Hike Petition

Dear Friends,
I have just read and signed the online petition: "Stop the Access-A-Ride Fare Hike" hosted on the web by PetitionOnline.com, the free online petition service, at: http://www.PetitionOnline.com/mbpo/

I personally agree with what this petition says, and I think you might agree, too. If you can spare a moment, please take a look, and consider signing yourself.

Best wishes,
Joyce Jenkins

Pre-Christmas Thoughts

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Yes it is! Jesus the Savior was born and came to earth in a unique way and for a purpose that only He could fulfill.

Each of us has our own uniqueness in how we are to be in the world. Sometimes finding our "be-ness" each day is difficult.

Hope comes from the fact that we are each a special gift. No one else can possibly be you in the world. You too were born for "such a time as this."

Be purpose-driven today to share your gift. Share your unique gift first with yourself.

• Love you.
• Care for you.
• Nurture you.
• Be gentle with yourself today.

Then and only then can you truly do the same for others.