Surviving the Holiday Aftermath

We all know the holiday season is a busy time of the year. After all of the planning, the preparation, the travel and the activities, we are worn out when the celebrating is done. I want to give you a few tips to help you undo the holiday chaos so you can have a smooth transition to 2012.

1. Storing the Decorations -- Keeping your holiday items neat, tidy and organized saves you time and energy when the season rolls around again. Use sturdy plastic bins which you can find at the local hardware and home improvement stores. Perfect for decorations, greenery and lights. To avoid the Griswold-style knot, roll a section of newspaper into a cylinder and wrap the lights around. Start with the male end, keeping it accessible to test the strand next year. Look for specialized boxes for ornaments that are tiered and sectioned. I use coffee filters to protect breakable or glittered ornaments. Don't forget to label!

2. Taking Down the Tree -- For a fresh tree, get a plastic tarp or an old sheet. With someone's help, remove the tree from its stand and lay it down on the tarp or sheet. Wrap the material around the tree carry/drag the tree outside. This will minimize the messy needle drop and sap transfer. For tree removal dates and information, go to LessIsMore.org (a great SB recycling resource), click on the "Yard Waste" tab and scroll down to "Christmas Trees" and you'll find all the information you need for pickup or disposal. If you have an artificial tree, you can purchase heavy duty storage bags to accommodate the tree's sections.

3. Disposing Gift and Shipping Boxes -- Usually both of these types of boxes are cluttering up your home and storage spaces after the holidays. Yes, it's great to reuse them, but we don't always have a place to store them. You can bring shipping and packaging materials that are in reusable condition to local shipping businesses (boxes broken down, peanuts bagged). If boxes are torn or destroyed, stop by one of the recycling outposts at:

a. South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station-4430 Calle Real
b. MarBorg Industries -119 North Quarantina Street
c. MarBorg Industries' Recycling / ABOP Center-725 Cacique Street

*If you don't live in Santa Barbara, do an internet search for cardboard recycling and Christmas tree disposal in your city.

4. Making Space - With the holidays, I'm sure you and your family are bringing some new goodies into your home so create some space by getting rid of the old. Don't overwhelm yourself and think you need to do an organizing overhaul just yet (unless you really need one!), but take away the old and unused toys, the games no one plays, the movies no one watches, the clothes you never wear. Go for a 1:1 ratio - one new sweater in the closet, one sweater out. And there are many local charities that would be more than happy to take those items off your hands.

5. Say, "Thank You!" - Remember when your mom would make you sit there and right thank you notes? It's a habit that has become less and less popular over the years with our busy schedules and reliance on email, but this year, take the time to show people your gratitude. In writing. Yes; actually hand-written. Thank people for gifts, for opening up their homes, for giving their time or just tell them how nice it was to talk or reconnect. Buy the cards and stamps early and set a goal of "x" per day so they are all sent by January 10th. You can even pre-address one the evening of a party so you can write the hostess the next morning. Another idea is to reuse sections of wrapping paper or gift bags. Cut out a piece, fold it in half, pop it in an envelope and voila!, instant, personalized and green thank you notes.

I wish you a very happy and organized holiday season!

Keri Dickerson is a professional organizer and owner of KMD Organizing, working with busy women in the Santa Barbara area. http://www.kmdorganizing.com/

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Make the Most of Time With Your Family

I am lucky to have so many comforting memories of my young years. When my brother and I were youngsters, we used to chase our little dog around our backyard. When we were a little older Mum and Dad would take us to the beach for swimming lessons and then to the kiosk for ice-cream on the way home. Later on as teens, we would spend time with the other neighborhood teenagers, riding our bicycles in the street until it got dark. More time goes by, we grow up, and then move away. Even though you love your parents and that will never change, it is easy for families to grow away from each other. It is this time of the year-holiday season-when we are reminded just how important it is not to take our family for granted.

Let Family Know You Appreciate Them

Showing appreciation of family members is so important, but sadly it is not always an easy thing to do. I never had an openly loving relationship with my father, for example. We're tough guys and sharing your feelings isn't the norm. Don't get me wrong, we know we love each other but it is unspoken. He had the same relationship with his father and never let him know that he loved him until it was too late. Because of this, I made certain to take on the responsibility of making sure things didn't end up the same way between my dad and me. Now, awkwardly, we share the "I love you son; I love you dad" moment. Still not perfect, but it is a work in progress. My partner's family is the polar opposite. When you come to dinner you get a hug upon arrival, and you get more hugs when you leave. It does make me a bit jealous sometimes, but it does give me something to try for.

Set Your Life Priorities

Look at life this way. If you died tomorrow, your coworkers would mourn you briefly but it is a guarantee you would be replaced and the office would go on without you. On the other hand, the family you leave behind will live with the loss for the rest of their lives. They will celebrate you often and they will never forget you. Now consider how much time you spend at work compared to the time you spend with your family. The level of importance should be very clear regarding time spent with loved ones, especially during the holidays. My mother and my aunt organise a massive family get-together each and every year during the holidays. My father's siblings consist of eight sisters and brothers. Each of them have at a minimum two kids of their own, grown now and some of those also have children! It is loud and busy and chaotic...but I wouldn't have it any other way. It is the best way I can think of to spend the holidays.

Make Time for Family

Make every endeavor to see your family. If it has been awhile, then take the first step; invite your family over for a nice dinner. Try to initiate get-togethers on a regular basis. If you live far from your family, give them a call on the telephone. You can rest assured they would love to hear from you. Reminisce together and let your family know how dear those memories are to you. Send them a letter or even an email if you are time poor. I am always getting spam emails from my mother, the kind of humorous junk emails that are so annoying and bothersome if they were to come from anyone else. She has a hidden agenda, I believe, conscious or not, to avoid being forgotten. She uses her joke emails as a reminder that she is still around and sure enough, we get a great dialogue going and we both feel better for it.

Every family has its good and bad times; there simply is no such thing as a perfect family. But it is the only one that you have and they will always be there for you. Try not to fight, the time we have together is limited. Never leave it until too late to show your appreciation and let your loved ones know you are thinking of them.

We have all been in a rut, locked in a pattern of circumstances that we can't seem to get out of. Sometimes, those circumstances change by themselves, but more often we need to take action to ensure that we don't become stuck in a rut. We aim to help you get out of a rut knowing they can affect any facet of life.

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Planning for the Holidays - Food Gift Baskets for the Season

Are you hearing the holiday songs or seeing the Christmas decorations being put up in the fall? You would think it's too soon but from the point of the view of retailers, it's important to get people into a spending mode as soon as possible. Not unexpected is the stress that comes when seeing the décor because it means having to shop and plan for the holidays - all of which means spending hard-earned money or scraping the bottom of the credit card barrel. That is, unless you opt for the food gift basket this year.

You need a plan on how to enjoy the holidays without the stress. You need a good gift plan like the food gift basket so you don't have to worry about every Tom, Dick, Jane, and Harry in your life. All you need are two items: a food gift basket idea for adults and toys for youngsters. Nothing could be easier if the food gift basket you decide to create can be given to any age, race, gender, or income level.

Here are more tips to help you out:

1. This may sound stingy and not really nice, but put an amount beside every person's name on your food gift basket list. You could make it a range but a definitive figure would be better. This number will represent how much you are willing to spend on each person.

2. Withdraw the amount in cash (try not to use credit cards this year) and set it aside.

3. For planning your food gift baskets, go the supermarket or mall only to get food ideas for your gift basket. You do not have to buy the items right away.

4. Go online and start looking for suppliers and bulk sellers or resellers of the food items you want to buy. You could get a wholesale price on the items if you buy by volume.

5. Look for volume order for wrappings and bows so you can save money on assembling your food gift basket yourself instead of hiring someone to do it for you. However, if you like the professional feel, find a supplier who can work around your budget.

With your gift list and food gift basket plans out of the way, turn an eye to holiday greeting cards and decorations. Don't be carried away by trying to have a home straight out of a magazine; instead, consider recycling your old décor or making your own holiday crafts.any way to avoid buying decorations. The money you save can be used for other essentials like adding to your food gift basket or buying food for your dinner table. You could go over new magazines or even pour through old ones. There are many ideas you can pick up from magazines - especially the magazines women read.

The last item on your stressless holiday agenda would be to plan the menu and even arrange for a potluck family dinner. Ask everyone to bring their specialty dish but make sure there are no double-ups. This means arranging it so only one brings the poultry, another the veggies and several others for desserts. Heck, you could even tell everyone to make one food gift basket for the dinner table but with a ceiling price that everyone can afford. That would be exciting because if your family is even slightly competitive, it's a race to look good on a budget.

Finally, after all the plans and food gift basket plans have been decided on, make sure to get some time off to relax. Have a massage or manicure and just let the spa therapist weave her magic around your stressed muscles.

Give the gift of yumminess, http://www.bienfaitcakes.com/. Baking and sending all-natural, hand-crafted, high-quality specialty cakes and corporate gifts helping you strengthen relationships, show care and appreciation, bring happiness, create good will and foster trust and loyalty. Find a delicious gift for clients, friends, family, soldiers or anyone on your list.

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Tips to Keep Your Sanity Up During the Holidays

Christmas is about love and giving, no doubt about it. But this season of giving can also be stressful: endless shopping for gifts, traffic, parties all night long, and the list of activities keep on growing including some unavoidable petty debates. These and more are nerve-racking. Here are some practical tips to keep your sanity up especially during the Christmas holidays.

Hunting for that perfect gift

You don't have to swim across the wave of late Christmas shoppers. There is a way to get that perfect gift without leaving your home. Online shopping is now the trend. With lots of choices to choose from, it's as if you are in front of the actual gift shop. However, the spree of online hoax will keep you at bay. Just remember not to divulge your personal information unless you are sure of the sites credibility. And besides, you can use PayPal. It's safe and easy.

All night party

Enjoy the party, but this doesn't mean you have to end it till the wee hours of the morning. You have to set your limit. To enjoy is not to overdo it. Inform the celebrant or the host that you are only good for a certain time. Just consider the most important part of the Christmas party - it's the sharing of gifts, messages and yes, the meal time: you don't want to go home with an empty stomach.

Keeping the debates at bay

There are some instances where debates, petty quarrel, and misunderstanding get messy. Much as you love Christmas, you got to love your neighbor. Petty or not, misunderstandings can be avoided if you are only aware of what will come out if you can't keep your cool. In a brawl there are no winners. All are losers. Take note, hurting someone is not a good idea.

Heavy Traffic

Traffic issues have always been a part of the Christmas season. If you find it annoying, you don't have to brave the traffic just for gifts. As part of your commitment to making your life enjoyable before and after Christmas, you have to enjoy the heavy traffic, consider the heat as natural "vitamin" and do not forget to show that million dollar smile.

Why skip your meals because of heavy traffic when online stores are open 24/7? Look for the stores' catalog pages. In there are wide variety of gifts. All you have to do is search for that perfect gift (highly recommended are gifts packed in hampers) and you are done with your shopping right in the comfort of your home.

Bradfords is an online gift shop where wide choices of Christmas gift hampers and food hampers are made organically and toxin-free.

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Three Useful Tips in Buying Gifts for Mom

Do you already have a gift to give this Christmas to your mommy dearest? Well good if you do but let us admit it, there are people who are not good or who are not comfortable in shopping for gifts. Well, I can say that I am one of these people during my teens. I really abhor buying gifts whether for my mom, my friends or even for my special someone. I just feel uncomfortable because I was afraid that they would not love my gift. Another scary thought that I used to have when it comes to buying a present was that I give something similar to other people. One time, I bought this cute bag for my friend's 18th birthday and what happened was someone also bought the exact bag for her. That was totally embarrassing, however that made me want to be better in giving gifts. I became more observant and sensitive so I can buy a perfect gift for family, friends or just mere acquaintances.

Last week, my boyfriend asked me for some tips in buying a gift for his mom and yesterday he called and was very thankful because his mom loved his gift so much. With this, I decided to share with all of you some of the tips that I told my boyfriend. This is very timely since Christmas is just around the corner and you might want to start buying Christmas presents for mom. So here are the tips that I am talking about:

1. See what are the things your mom needs - it should be on top of your list to buy what your mom needs. This might be tricky and could require you to be more observant so pay close attention. You should see if your mom needs new shoes, bags, cooking tools or maybe a new watch to replace her old one. Sometimes you will just hear your mom "oh this watch is ready to retire" "I think I need new pair of shoes" or there are times wherein you do not need to hear it but you will notice it. When you find this information then you will be able to give one of the best if not the best gift for mom.

2. Consider her hobbies and interests - you will be in a right direction if you consider the hobbies and interests of your mom. For example, your mom is into cooking then it would be ideal if you will think of gifts that are related in cooking. You can buy her kitchenware, some cookbooks or kitchen appliances. It is really effective to buy gifts that are related to your mom's interests and hobbies because for sure she will love it no matter what.

3. Make it personalized - if you are afraid that you might buy a gift that your mom already has then why not create a personalized gift item. This is a sure way that you will give unique and special gift for your mom. Giving a personalized gift item is also a way that will make your mom feel more special.

You should try to follow these tips in buying Christmas gift for mom and see how happy she will be with your gift.

I am Jennifer Green, mother of two cute boys, daughter of a loving mother. I enjoy buying gifts for my mom since I was 14 years old. I find it really fulfilling to be able to make her smile. Now that I am already a mother, I believe I understand more how to pick and buy gifts for a mom. With this, I started a website http://newmomsgift.com/, hoping to be able to help people out there to pick gifts for new moms, Christmas presents for mom and anything for her. I hope to be able to share this passion with all of you and of course, I wish to help you come up with best gift ideas for mom.

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The Simplest Gifts Can Mean the Most

Sometimes the best gifts come with the smallest price tag.

One of my favorite Christmas memories dates back more than fifty years. Filled with six year old wonder and excitement, I raced down the steps into the living room, graced with a sparkling Christmas tree. What did Santa Claus bring me? I was six years old and not yet savy enough to drop my innocent belief in Sant Claus. At last, the long awaited day had arrived. With great anticipation, I spun down our spiral staircase and laid eyes on the most beautiful sight.

When I looked under the tree, my eyes bristled with the sight of a small red wagon. It was the most beautiful toy in the world. My tiny heart leapt with happiness as I yanked it out from under the tree and carted it around the house. Over the years this little wonder toted cats, dogs, dolls, and a thousand other child treasures. It was a tiny taxi service to anything it could hold. Would Christmas wonders never cease?

Nine years later, it was due for a change. My small prize had grown old. The red hue had rusted over and a new paint job awaited. Every one of my green paint strokes was gifted with all the love I could muster for my faithful friend after all those years of service.

In a matter of a few seconds my mother shattered my new toy dreams. It seems that in an effort to save money, my parents took my brother's green wagon and painted it red. It was now going full cycle.

I felt a vague sense of disappointment when she told me this. Years later I would wonder how many toys my brother put in that wagon.

My parents were poor. My father was a milk man and my mother had yet to begin working at the Webster Groves Schnuck's store as a checker, a job she held for twenty five years. Money was scarce. So my Christmas gift from them was a hand me down. Growing up in that family had its share of challenges. Whenever I think of my father's drinking, my mind goes back to that brightly colored wonder and the seeds of forgiveness continue to ripen.

Even if it wasn't new, it reflected my parents' desire to give me a happy Christmas.

Parents, what can you give your children that they will treasure for life?

Merry Christmas to all!

I'm Barbara Altman
Raised in an alcoholic home, I became depressed and riddled with anxiety at an early age. In an effort to build a good life, I turned to my love of classical music for comfort, financial resources, and a place in the community. Over the years, I have dealt with depression in a variety of ways, from counseling to alternative and traditional healing modalities. One of the purposes in my life is to convey hope to those who have suffered from depression and I hope to do this in my writings and in speaking engagements.

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Mother's Day 2012: The History

She's honoured in many countries around the globe. She's a nurturer and peace maker by definition. She's the female who gave life to you...That's right, your dear 'ole Mum.

Every mother, the world over, deserves to be pampered every so often. What better opportunity to do so than Mothers Day? Mother's Day 2012 falls on Sunday March 18th this year. It's time to show Mum just how much she means to you. But what are all the chocolates, flowers, cards and so forth, all about?

Well, it's all down to two women, one named Julia Ward Howe - an abolitionist best remembered as the poet who wrote 'Battle Hymn of the Republic' - the other named Anna Jarvis, daughter of activist and social worker, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis.

But believe it or not, UK Mothers Day is a relatively new phenomenon - it's only just over a hundred years old!

In 1870, Julia Ward Howe worked to launch a Mother's Peace Day. She became so troubled by the bloody battles of the Civil War that she called on mothers to come together in unison to make an objection about the ridiculousness of their sons killing each other.

What's more, in 1870, she even created an appeal to women urging them to protest against the war in her world-famous 'Mother's Day Proclamation':

"Arise, then, women of this day!

Arise all women who have hearts...

Let them then solemnly take counsel

With each other as to the means

Whereby the great human family can live in peace...

In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask

That a general congress of women without limit of nationality

May be appointed...

To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,

The amicable settlement of international questions.

The great and general interests of peace."

Howe proposed the official idea of this day in 1872, which would be dedicated to peace and worldwide harmony between all women.

A dutiful daughter, Anna Jarvis never forgot her Mum's dream of having Mother's Day, and when her mother passed away in 1905, she decided to make her mother's wish come true.

Initially, Anna distributed 500 white carnations, her mother's favourite flower, at her mother's Church in Grafton, West Virginia, one for each mother in the congregation. She believed they symbolised a mother's pure love.

In 1907, Jarvis began to campaign to have Mother's Day officially recognised. It wasn't until 1914 that her wish was granted by President Woodrow Wilson, who proclaimed it a national holiday and a "public expression of our love and reverence for all mothers."

However, Mothers Day 2012 bears little resemblance to Howe's original idea. Nowadays, it's all about Mothers Day gifts, cards and lavish meals at restaurants. There's nothing wrong with this at all, but the original idea behind this day lies in the heartfelt words of the proclamation Howe wrote in 1870.

This year, bear in mind the lengths these revolutionary women went to in order to establish this official day and why they did it. Their willpower drove them to fight for the recognition mothers deserve.

So you've heard the history behind Mother s Day, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to plan something special for your beloved Mum this year.

Mother's Day falls on Sunday March 18th this year. Strapped for ideas? Fear not. GoneDigging has come to your rescue. Have a gander through our personalised Mothers Day gifts. There are heaps up for grabs. Our fave has to be our brand-spanking-new Pamper Hampers with Rosé wine - ooh la la! Melt Mum's heart on March 18th with unique Mothers Day gifts from GoneDigging.

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On A Budget? Cheap Valentine's Day Ideas For 2012

For Valentine's Day, you want a gift that shows just how much you care. The only problem is you've been hit by the economic downturn, and don't have a budget for lavishing expensive gifts on your sweetie. You'll be happy to know there are many cheap Valentine's Day ideas that will make your honey and your wallet happy.

Depending on where you live and the size of your budget, some inexpensive Valentine's Day ideas might include a romantic getaway. The Christmas rush is over and many places have off-season rates. If you can travel on a flexible schedule, Priceline.com might have the perfect trip at an affordable rate.

You can get inspiration for inexpensive and romantic gift ideas for Valentine's Day with a search online. Smartmarriages.com has a list of 50 Cheap Valentine's Day Gifts for Your Sweetheart (Without Looking Cheap). Depending on the weather, one suggestion is to have a picnic, either outside or indoors. Burn a CD of favorite songs - it shows you took the time to think about what your relationship means. Even though most restaurants have dinner deals this time of year, a great, loving and inexpensive alternative is breakfast in bed, lunch together or a romantic dinner that you have prepared yourself.

There are smaller, inexpensive gift ideas for Valentine's Day, too. With some planning you can select pictures of the two of you, then buy picture frames at a dollar store and present your "year in review". Or buy a number of smaller gifts from places like online stores and have "Fourteen Days of Valentines" instead of just one. Here are a few different cost-effective ideas to show your sweetie how much you care:

- Make chocolate or candy together instead of buying the over-priced box.
- Plan your garden together so you'll have beautiful flowers all year instead of just one day.
- Make your own card and say what you really feel instead of spending money on one that someone else has written.
- If you do go out for dinner, cut down on costs by having a drink or appetizers at home or, even better, plan a "very special" dessert.
- You can highlight a significant event in your relationship by starting a charm bracelet or even a "charm box" that you can buy one meaningful charm or item for each year.

Clearing your schedule so you can just talk and spend time together is perhaps the best gift of all. Once you start thinking about it, you'll see that you can find cheap Valentine's Day ideas that can actually increase the value of your relationship.

There are many Valentine's Day gift ideas for everyone and finding the right one for your budget just got easier. Evelyn Oakley found the perfect unique Valentine's Day gifts for everyone on her list.

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Who Will You Kiss When the Ball Drops in Times Square?

It is said that when Christ died on the cross, and in three days arose victorious over death, and walked out alive from his tomb, that God had figuratively put his hand on the flywheel of time, and started it in another direction. This is why the finished work of Christ is called, 'the good news,' which is exactly what the word 'gospel' means.

The question is not why we would continue to proclaim a two thousand year old event as good news, but how would we dare not to proclaim it? A new year may hold hope, but then produce only more trouble and hardship. Every year is just a notch above a gamble. Christ finished work is no gamble, but rather a destination in a place and a state of perfect victory.

At or near the end of any man's life there is no rush to replenish the riches, the size of our families or our sphere of influence. The thoughts of what our lives have meant, take precedence, even among those who, don't believe they will have to account to God.

The overriding message of any good preacher, prophet or messenger turns out to be the cross not just the clock. False prophets will always proclaim a glowing new future, while true prophets will always proclaim God's immutable system known as 'reaping and sowing' We will get back exactly what we put out.

The proclamation of the cross is a paradigm shift away from mere anticipation of a new and better year, but is a promise of a new life, year by year and into eternity. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2Cor 5: 17)

The gospel is not a mere religion but it is an entirely new path. It beckons those who are following the crowd, "...broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat." (Mt. 7: 13) to step away from the throng and come into another life, a life so different it is called the Kingdom of God. A kingdom is not a religion.

It is the kingdom that first begins in individuals who submit to the King of the Kingdom (Christ) and his rules, but it doesn't stop there. This is exactly why Christianity is despised by some. It does not stop until the King returns and is established on earth. "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever." (Rev 11: 15)

The only question that now looms over men is, when? This is where the matter of time comes into play. Just prior to Christ's first coming, almost all of the 167 Messianic prophecies were fulfilled, and then right on time Christ was born. The second coming of Christ has its own prophecies and any Bible based, conservative theologian, messenger, prophet or preacher of the day, knows that almost every pre-millennial prophecy of the second coming of Christ, is now fulfilled and the few remaining prophecies, are being fulfilled, even as I write these words.

Some people get frightened; others are just cranked, because while man thought he was passing through time and space with plenty of time to discover space; that is not the case. The Bible clearly assigns dominion of only one planet to man and then proceeds to warn us that it is time, specifically, our own threescore and ten or more that we will all be required to account for, no more.

Now, as the ball falls in Times Square each year it becomes clearer that the clock can be a friend or it can be an enemy. Those who believe religions are all the same, who believe the modern world's call to change the laws to allow for every prurient behavior, and the freedom to abort our own species indiscriminately across the globe, may be partying when the clock strikes twelve, but they would not be, if they knew how close the end of their own kingdoms actually are.

It is the crowd of unsuspecting, complicit and fully distracted, totally secularized people across the planet that will usher in the last days with the help of their elected or appointed leaders at the helm. As long as economies are relatively stable and personal freedoms to indulge in almost all Godless pursuits are not interfered with, the crowd will not even recognize the leaders who mislead them, until it is far too late. For the crowd, time is not on their side.

Those who stand on the sidelines warning of the nearing dangers are all the stock of Noah in the eyes of the unregenerate. They are so many quacks building boats in the desert; they are the off scouring of the planet, not worthy to be given the time of day. How ironic that the Bible calls them, the blessed of the Living God who will be accounted worthy of special recognition and rewards in the coming day. They are the trumpets and messengers of the times we are in, but much more, they are the very servants of the Keeper of Time. These words were penned to a song by the same name in 1997.

I see the time you've wasted; I see the time well used
I see when time is on your hands, and when you've little time to lose
I pour the hours upon you, for some they seem as years
For those who are suffering, and for those who live with fears

Some say that time is merely, the passage of events
Spending time in idleness, with pleasures they're content
Some fill the hours with busyness, others labor all the day
But few know who I really am, until I take them all away

I have voices all around the world, which say I'm moving fast
They raise their voices urgently, but they'll not tell you of the past
They talk of fleeting days, and life's brief fading hour
Who will hear their messages, of this worlds dying flower

I'm not the spirit of the age; I'm not pop culture's ace
I'm the driving and I am the rhythm, I'm the setter of the pace
I've swallowed up the mighty; I've brought riches down to dust
I've watched your maiden journeys, and I've turned your ships to rust

I'm a teller of stories; I'm a maker of rhymes
I'm a poet, I'm a prophet: I am the Keeper of Time

Keeper of Time © B&S Music, words by Rev Michael Bresciani 1997 all rights reserved

After giving a detailed summary of the events and conditions that would prevail on earth at the brink of his return, Christ leveled a scathing rebuke at those standing by for their hypocrisy in regard to their pet perceptions of time. Men continue to be callous about discerning time, but the clock continues on its unstoppable path as well, without regard to the indifference or the errors of man. In a scene almost as hard to imagine as, when east finally does meet west, the two, man's indifference and the clock's persistence, will collide at the second coming of Christ.

"And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, there will be heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?" (Lk 12: 54-56)

It is with measured caution that I will wish all a Happy New Year; however, I would rather wish you a happy new beginning in Christ if you have not already started down that path. As the ball descends downward this year, as you look around for who you might kiss, consider this.

"Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." (Psalm 2: 12 KJV)

Perhaps now I can say, Happy New Year.

http://www.americanprophet.org/ has since 2005 featured the articles of columnist Rev Michael Bresciani along with news and reviews that have earned this site the title of The Website for Insight. Millions have read his timely reports and articles in online journals and print publications across the nation and the globe.

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Specialty Cakes for the Holidays

Few things are more unique and personal than the gift of food. And during the holidays, when dessert often becomes the main focus at our celebrations, our options become almost limitless. With so many to choose from for that special holiday touch, specialty cakes might be our saving grace.

Cake has come a long way since the ancient Egyptians began making breads sweetened with honey more than 5,000 years ago. Breads that were made for sustenance back then gave way to cakes that today are designed to make a splash. Specialty cakes, as their name implies, are made for a special occasion. A specially decorated cake can make a holiday meal brighter and giving it as a gift can make your visit sweeter.

Holiday cakes are versatile, particularly eye catching, full of color and flavor. You can choose based on theme, content, color, and size. Whether you're looking to make a decorating statement or a culinary one, a specialty cake could be the item that ties it all together with style.

There are several things to keep in mind when deciding on a specialty cake. Who will eat it? Is it geared for children or an older crowd, and if so, how many? How much do you want to spend? What will it be paired with? Do you want to bake it yourself?

If you want to use grandma's recipe, consider the complexity and labor associated with this feat. Baking it yourself highlights your creativity, but buying it online might be a better alternative if you're strapped for time. For example, a traditional Christmas fruitcake sells online for between $25 to $75, can be sent to anyone on your shopping list, and could arrive in a festive tin box just in time for Christmas.

Which cake is right for your holiday get-together? The list of choices varies from traditional to trendy and includes fruitcakes, panettones, cheesecakes, tarts, gingerbread and even ice cream cakes. Cupcakes are the latest trend in holiday treats; hundreds of stores catering to this niche have sprouted both as traditional stores and as online sites. The cupcake market alone is projected to grow by 26% through 2014 to more than $20 billion in sales.

"Fondant is not the only way to go anymore," says Samantha James, a line cook and professional baker in State College, Penn. The trend in holiday specialty cakes is "simple, not as busy," she adds. James' holiday favorites include pies and spice cakes, which use nutmeg and ginger. A pie is an inexpensive and delicious addition to any meal and can cost as little as $5.

Ultimately, it may all come down to desert being the big finish, the pièce de résistance, or the icing on the cake, if you will. For those occasions when only a Santa cake will do, a specialty cake will leave guests oohing and ahing all the way to next year. Proof that you can have your cake and eat it too.

Give the gift of yumminess, http://www.bienfaitcakes.com/. Baking and sending all-natural, hand-crafted, high-quality specialty cakes and corporate gifts helping you strengthen relationships, show care and appreciation, bring happiness, create good will and foster trust and loyalty. Find a delicious gift for clients, friends, family, soldiers or anyone on your list.

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Tips on Dealing With Holiday Stress

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. At this time of year the air is thick with anticipation and the aroma of treats baking. The lights that people decorate their homes with make the world seem to be a happier place. You actually see more people smiling and all of a sudden even strangers will tell you to have a nice day. For most adults that wonderful glow of the holiday spirit lasts just long enough for "It's a Wonderful Life" to be over and then reality hits them over the head.

The majority of people will begin to suffer from holiday stress right after they finish their Thanksgiving meal. What causes all of this stress? People pressuring themselves to be a great hostess, and decorate the house perfectly, and throw a great party, and buy gifts for everyone on their list, and keep up with all of the holiday traditions they have participated in every year. The stress of trying to have a perfect Christmas makes the majority of people miserable.

Stop some of the insanity and reduce a lot of your stress by doing some of the following:

i) Set a realistic budget on how much money you can afford to spend this year on gifts, the parties, the clothes, and all things concerning the holiday. This budget will allow you to keep the stress of overspending out of your holiday.

ii) Do not attempt to purchase gifts for everyone that you know or for everyone that sends you a gift. If you receive a gift from someone that you did not purchase a gift for say "thank you." That is all that is required of you.

iii) Try to buy your children one item that is on their list and make the rest of their gifts things you select. If you give children too many gifts on the big day they do not truly appreciate or enjoy playing with the majority of them.

iv) It is not mandatory that your home be decorated like one from Better Homes and Gardens. Be realistic with the decorations you put up. If it takes you more than one day to decorate you may just be going overboard.

v) It is perfectly proper to throw a holiday gathering and tell the guests to bring a dish of food. Pot luck parties are less stressful and they cost much less to throw. Your friends will still attend and they will more than likely have a better time.

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New Year Countdown to Praise

3....2.....1......Countdown to 2012

Bringing in the PRAISE!

New Year, New You, New Habits, New JOY

Psalm 85:8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to their foolish ways.

Before we get all caught up in what goals "we" will set for the New Year, I propose we take time to sit quietly before the Lord listening to what He will speak, and then, CRANK UP THE PRAISE!

Praise ushers in His presence, because He promises to inhabit the praises of His people. His presence brings peace and blessed assurance of ALL His power and provision to dwell within us who trust in Him.

Psalm 103 sits in the center of the Word and is the heart of David crying out to His Lord,

"Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. "

This is one of the first scriptures I ever memorized. Read the whole thing. It is just so full of JOY. To break it down, briefly," to bless" means to offer thanks, praise and affection, " all that is within me" suggests my very soul, my being, my will, my affections and attitudes, my time and my mind, the very best of who I am and all that I am.

My God deserves my best. Am I willing to sit quietly and patiently before Him? Am I willing each day to worship him with my time and my presence, can I give Him my full attention and submit my will to His, instead of rushing into the same old routine? This is the beginning of "newness". He is the Source.

If we desire a New Year, a fresh start, a new beginning, there is no better way than to spend time with the One Who makes all things new!

Just look at the benefits.....Psalm 103 continues, "Who forgives all your sins, heals all your diseases, rescues your life from the pit of destruction." Hallelujah. So far, so good. Jesus' perfect atonement has accomplished total salvation, and clothed us in His righteousness.

The result? The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. SLAM DUNK! Stir up the Holy Spirit within you and CRANK UP THE PRAISE. ( No, I am not a quiet person. This quietness describes anxiety-free resting in the love of God.)

Just take a look at Psalm 29:11 The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

He grants us Inward peace; the peace that surpasses all understanding. We can experience the calming peace of God in the midst of any storm when we dive into an intimacy and communication with the Living Lord of Heaven and Earth. Check it out. Step it up. His mercies are new every morning!

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things and FOR THY PLEASURE they are and were created. Rev 4:11

Put on the garment of praise! Let go of the cloak of despair. You were created to honor the King. Listen for His assignment each day.

Be willing to hear God. Hear his words of mercy and of peace. Whatever he should ask of you, yield to it. Whatever He says, believe it. Whatever He asks you to surrender, let it go.

God is our only resource. He is complete and faithful. We can have confidence in Him that whatever he should say, require or do would be right. Whatever he shall say will be to assure our peace, our blessedness and prosperity.

He loves His people. He has our welfare in mind. Jeremiah 29:11 I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. They area plans for peace and not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.

So, standing here today, looking both forward to a new year, and back over what has passed, let us center our thoughts on God who has loved us completely, and set us free by the cross of Christ, and will empower us to live for him each day.

Remember the wonders He has done, his miracles, and judgments he pronounced. 1 Chronicles 16:12

How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me? Psalm 116:12

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in You? Psalm 85:6

Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11

Make that time with your LORD each day, dear Citizen of the Kingdom. Drink deeply and become overwhelmed by His splendor and His glory.

Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips will praise you, thus will I bless you while I live. I will lift up my hands unto your name. Psalm 63:3-4

Blessing for the New Year in Christ Jesus.

Lorraine is a Christian Speaker, Musician and Bible teacher. For lessons and inspiration, join the conversation at her blog at http://www.born2praise2.com/

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Romantic Valentine's Day Ideas: A Cheat Sheet For Guys

This article is for you if you are looking for romantic and unique Valentine's Day gifts but struggle with the creative and romantic part of this important day for relationships. Below is a cheat sheet you can use that will put you up there with Valentino in the romance department.

The pros at AskMen.com have some great ideas if you want experienced input about romantic Valentine's gifts. Their Valentine's Day Guide has options for everything from can't fail gifts to date ideas. They also offer gift advice on chocolates, flowers, pet treats, jewelry, romantic getaways, lingerie, and household items based on relationship levels from not yet committed to long-term.

Other online sites offer a wide variety of romantic Valentine's gift ideas. You will find gifts broken down into gift recipient categories - wife, girlfriend, or secretly admired, at FindGift.com. You can sort by age, price range, or type of gift if you've got something in mind|If you have something specific in mind, you can sort by type of gift, age range and price range. Look under the "I Love You" or personalized tabs for items with just the right sentiment.

Hubpages lists seven categories of gifts women want with links to some great Amazon prices. For romantic Valentines gifts that last all year long check out the Wine of the Month Club, which will send you two bottles of premium wines to enjoy together every month for around $30.

For romantic Valentines gifts on a budget you will find several smaller items that say "I love you" from the romantic to the humorous on different websites.

Valentine gifts that are romantic can be big or small, expensive or not, but the best ones are those that come from the heart. Instead of buying some last-minute generic item at the store, think about what your girlfriend or wife really likes, and build around that. Valentine's Day shouldn't be a chore, but it should be an expression of your love. Other ideas that can add to the romance:

You'll both feel good when you choose to be pampered together at a spa or bed and breakfast.Create a card, write a song, cook or do something else that doesn't come naturally to you. She'll appreciate the effort, even if it doesn't come out 100% perfect.If you're a family, find out if she would rather have time with just you or time with everyone and make it happen. No excuses. No outside distractions.

It's always nice to give the perfect gift, but perhaps the most romantic Valentines Day gift ideas are those where you actually just spend time together and show her how much you care.

It can be challenging to come up with personal and unique Valentine's Day gifts and ideas. To make loved ones feel special, Current Catalog offers many Valentine's Day gift ideas for you to show how much you care.

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Promotional Metal Pens as Holiday Event Favors

The holidays are slowly but surely approaching and for many businesses, it's not only the holiday season but it's also a time to market and advertise as much as possible. At the same time businesses also place a heavy focus on morale and team building. During the holidays businesses and companies of all types hold holiday events for their employees as well as for current customers and potential clients. Holiday events are a great way to build morale within your workforce just as they are a great way to advertise your business' name to the local community in hopes of gaining new business leads.

Throughout this holiday season if your company has holiday events planned, one of the best ways to make each event memorable and special is to offer holiday event favors. Favors can be any item but one item that works well for your workforce and your customers are promotional metal pens. Pens are always useful and you can ensure everyone who receives one will be more than thankful. Though there are all types of pens, metal pens tend to last longer and are a bit more unique when compared to plastic pens.

Using Mental Pens As Morale Builders

Businesses need morale and team players in order to be successful. Throughout the year it's important to have morale and team building activities that will keep your workforce together. However, during the holidays, holding a holiday event is a great way to once again bring all of your employees together at one place to socialize, learn about each other, and grow as an even stronger team. At your holiday event you may decide to take the time to show your employees that you appreciate their hard work in keeping the company successful. To do this you can provide a holiday event favor such as promotional metal pens. These pens can be personalized with a special message to your employees showing your sincere thanks and appreciation. Pens are a simple yet thoughtful way to build morale and show your employees that you are thankful for them.

Metal Pens For Advertising To Present and Future Clients

At the same time, your company may also choose to hold a holiday event for customers and potential customers. Holiday events meant for customers can be done in a variety of ways such as an open house at a local store or an event that includes giveaways and discounts. In the same situation, promotional metal pens are a highly suitable way to advertise your company's name while providing attendees a promotional item that they can use for a long time. Customers are sure to appreciate the metal pen and at the same time your company is able to promote its name in hopes of keeping repeat customers and gaining new ones.

When using promotional metal pens as holiday event favors, be sure to buy in bulk as this saves time, money, and energy on your end. With promotional metal pens be sure to personalize them with a special message that is unique and fitting.

When it comes to holiday event favors, nothing is more appreciated than stylish Promotional Metal Pens, personalized with your logo or special message. Perfect for customization, DiscountMugs offers you a variety of hot promotional items like Coffee Mugs, Sports Bottles, Key Chains, and more! Shop DiscountMugs to get yours today!

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