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Several years ago June and I heard rumors about a Salvation Army work that was in serious trouble. I said to my Salvation Army colleagues, “I pity the poor slob that ends up having to take care of that horrible situation.” A phone call then came from the divisional commander and I discovered that I was the poor slob selected for the task. Three years later rumors drifted around about a tragic incident that had taken place on a faraway island in Micronesia. I said to my Salvation Army colleagues, “I pity the poor slob that ends up having to ta...
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined…For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:2, 6) I was afraid of the dark when I was a kid. I wanted a nightlight in my room and I asked for my bedroom door to stay open so I could see the light from the other rooms. I’m not exactly sure what I was afraid of, but I am still not...
Black Friday, Merry Christmas, bah humbug, happy holidays, be politically correct, buy the most presents, host the best party, attend the most parties, Happy Hanukkah, children focused on how much they can get, depression, wrong gifts-hurt feelings, anger, credit card bills, crime, stress, good will to all, pressure, buy too much for all the wrong reasons, sadness. This is a result of everyone looking for the meaning of Christmas. Wonder when we decided we had to look for the meaning? I can’t think of where it says in scripture that we have t...
In our technology saturated world, if you take the time to do a Google search on the word “Christmas,” you will find an endless list with numerous suggested additional searches including, songs, countdown, games, quotes and the history. And if you type in the same word at www.dictionary.com, you get a simplified definition, as a noun, “the annual festival of the Christian church commemorating the birth of Jesus: celebrated on December 25 and now generally observed as a legal holiday and an occasion for exchanging gifts.” However, you and I k...
More children than ever before were able to enjoy this year's annual Christmas celebration at the Irene Ingle Public Library. "It's something we've done for years," explained head librarian Kay Jabusch. For 20 years, Wrangell's library has hosted its pajama story time every first week of December, with treats to enjoy and a visit from Santa Claus. Due to rising participation, library staff decided to approach the tradition in a new way this time around. "We broke it up this year," Jabusch said,...
Have children make their own wrapping paper by designing and coloring on paper grocery bags or use old homework pages to wrap gifts. Grandparents love to see them. Sunday comics make colorful gift wrap for children's packages as do old posters, maps old sheet music, and wallpaper scraps. For packing consider these alternatives: Popcorn (enclose a note saying birds can eat it), biodegradable starch peanuts, used packing peanuts or bubble wrap from a previous gift, or crumpled newspapers. Consider buying a potted tree that can be used ever...
I would make a toy monster truck for my baby brother. (Kiara Lyons) I would make glasses for all the blind people and write them a note. (Jackson Carney) I would make my Dad a new car. (Helen Mergenthal) I would make a coat for Santa because he is nice. (Boomchain Loucks) I would make hats for all the poor kids in Africa. (Christina Johnson) I would make toys for all the kids that didn’t have any. (Madelyn Davies) I would make a remote control airplane for my brother. (Shelton Eklund) I would build my Dad a new phone because his phone broke. (...
Christmas is one of the biggest holidays of the year. When I moved to Alaska from Poland I realized how different the two cultures are but also how similar they are. It was a big shock for me. I think what I missed the most was the way and how long we celebrate Christmas in Poland. Advent is the beginning of Christmas time in Poland. It starts four Sundays before Christmas and ends with the feast of the Three Kings on January 6. It’s a time when people try to be at peace with each other and remember the real reason for Christmas (a time of f...
Four Sundays thinking and looking forward to the Christmas Season and the Birth of Jesus. We all get a sense for hope and happiness at this time of year, wishing each other a “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year.” Maybe we should include “Happy Birthday” also. Remember there was a Birth of a Child. There is nothing that brings a smile to one’s face as seeing a newborn child for the first time. Moms and Grandmothers all want to hold the Baby. Each and every “Child” is special in its own way. We all get to share in the happiness of the...
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths,...
In Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts to help him see how past and present decisions are influencing his future, along with those around him. What a great story. Oh…to get a glimpse of what our present decisions can do to our future and others around us. The story though is about second chances. The truth is there are many of us who walk around with regret, indecision, confusion, and pain regarding our past. Whether we’re unhappy with our own choices or of those made around us, past mishaps, miscu...
They say it's better to give than to receive. But try explaining that concept to your child during the holiday, and they’re likely to look at you as if they just found coal in their stocking. Nonetheless, teaching children about charitable acts will give them a valuable appreciation of showing kindness and compassion toward others. You can begin by establishing charitable family traditions during the holidays. START GIVING Introduce your children to the concept of giving — while also making room for the new toys and clothes they’ll recei...
When a Christmas tree is cut, over half of its weight is water. With proper care, you can maintain the quality of your displayed trees. Below are a number of tips relating to the care of displayed trees: 1. Displaying trees in water is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems. 2. In selecting a tree, make sure that the "handle" at the bottom is long enough to allow the trunk to fit into you tree stand. Otherwise, it will be necessary to remove large branches near the base, which could ruin its...
Our Native traditional value is pride in family and generosity, here is what the children said when they were asked what they were thankful for this year: Angus, the alphabet and alphabet books! Akenna, I’m thankful for my Grandpa Mark, Grandma Georgia and Grandma Nellie. Arabella, I’m thankful for everything, especially my new baby! Breann, I am thankful for my Mom and Dad. Brogan, I am thankful for Mom, Dad, Killian and Sister. Braden, I’m thankful for my Mom, all my family and motorcycles! Bradley, I’m thankful for my cat and my dog. Ca...