HAVE A HAPPY NEW ATTITUDE FOR 2013

If one person can impact the world for evil, than how much greater is the power to impact the world for the sake of good?  Les Miserables is a perfect example of how one man's genuine desire to lift humanity, with pure intent, changed the lives of many.  

I believe that the most important impact in ones life is that of attitude.  My favorite quote on this subject is by Charles R. Swindoll:  

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.  Attitude, to me, is more important than facts.  It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do; its more important than appearances, giftedness or skill.  It will make or break a company, a church, a home.  The remarkable thing is  - we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we'll embrace for that day.  We cannot change our past and we cannot change the fact that people will act a certain way, nor can we change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have and this is our attitude.  I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.  And so it is with you... we are all in charge of our attitudes." 

The most beautiful people I have ever known are those who constantly strive to maintain a positive attitude.  I have come to understand that challenges are as essential to ones character as a cocoon is to the life of a butterfly.  Adversity creates an understanding of life and develops appreciation, sensitivity, concern, gentleness, love and compassion.  Striving to maintain a positive attitude is the journey to happiness and happiness is the key to a triumphant life.  

Happy New Year 2013!  Written by Linda Sumner Urza for: onefineday11.blogspot.com

THE GREAT SEASON OF GIVING

Suddenly everyone was quiet. Even my rowdy children paused, feeling the change in the atmosphere. Christmas stories happen in the most everyday places. I was part of one not long ago at the grocery store. I hope I never forget it, though the memory is bittersweet.

I had been shopping for almost an hour by the time I got to the checkout lines. My two youngest sons were with me, the four-year-old refusing to hold onto the cart, the two-year-old trying to climb out of the basket and jump down to play with his brother. Both got progressively whinier and louder as I tried to keep them under control, so I was looking for the fastest lane possible. I had two choices. In the first line were three customers, and they all had just a few purchases. In the second line was only one man, a harried young father with his own crying baby, but his cart was overflowing with groceries.

I quickly looked over the three-person line again. The woman in the front was very elderly, white haired and rail thin, and her hands were shaking as she tried unsuccessfully to unlatch her big purse. In the other line, the young father was throwing his food onto the conveyor belt with superhuman speed. I got in line behind him.

It was the right choice. I was able to start unloading my groceries before the elderly woman was even finished paying. My four-year-old was pulling candy from the shelf, and my little one was trying to help by lobbing cans of soup at me. I felt I couldn’t get out of the store fast enough.

And then, over the sound of the store’s cheery holiday music, I heard the checker in the other line talking loudly, too loudly. I glanced over as my hands kept working.

“No, I’m sorry,” the checker was almost shouting at the old woman, who didn’t seem to understand. “That card won’t work. You are past your limit. Do you have another way to pay?” The tiny old woman blinked at the checker with a confused expression. Not only were her hands shaking now, but her shoulders too. The teenage bagger rolled her eyes and sighed.

As I caught a soup can just before it hit my face, I thought to myself: “Boy, did I choose the right line! Those three are going to be there forever.” My mood was positively smug as my checker began scanning my food.

But the smiling woman directly in line behind the elderly lady had a different reaction. Quietly, with no fanfare, she moved to the older woman’s side and ran her own credit card through the reader.

“Merry Christmas,” she said softly, still smiling.

And then everyone was quiet. Even my rowdy children paused, feeling the change in the atmosphere.

It took a minute for the older woman to understand what had happened. The checker, her face thoughtful, hesitated with the receipt in her hand, not sure whom to give it to. The smiling woman took it and tucked it into the elderly woman’s bag.

“I can’t accept …” the older woman began to protest, with tears forming in her eyes.

The smiling woman interrupted her. “I can afford to do it. What I can’t afford is not to do it.”

“Let me help you out,” the suddenly respectful bagger insisted, taking the basket and also taking the old woman’s arm, the way she might have helped her own grandmother.

I watched the checker in my line pause before she pressed the total key to dab at the corner of her eyes with a tissue.

Paying for my groceries and gathering my children, I made it out of the store before the smiling woman. I had made the right choice of lanes, it seemed.

But as I walked out into the bright December sunshine, I was not thinking about my luck but about what I could not afford.

I could not afford my current, self-absorbed frame of mind.

I could not afford to have my children learn lessons of compassion only from strangers.

I could not afford to be so distant from the spirit of Christ at any time of the year—especially during this great season of giving.

I could not afford to let another stranger, another brother or sister, cross my path in need of help without doing something about it.

And that is why I hope never to forget the Christmas hero in the grocery store. The next time I have a chance to be that kind of a hero, I can’t afford to miss the opportunity.

Author unknown 

SANTA'S PRAYER ON CHRISTMAS EVE

The sleigh was all packed, the reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt by the side of his bed.

"Dear Father," he prayed,"be with me tonight.
There's much work to do and my schedule is tight.

I must jump in my sleigh and streak through the sky,
Knowing full well that a reindeer can't fly.

I will visit each household before the first light,
I'll cover the world and all in one night.

With sleigh bells a-ringing, I'll land on each roof,
Amid the soft clatter of each little hoof.

To get in the house is the difficult part,
So I'll slide down the chimney of each child's heart.

My sack will hold toys to grant all their wishes.
The supply will be endless like the loaves and the fishes.

I will fill all the stockings and not leave a track.
I'll eat every cookie that is left for my snack.

I can do all these things, Lord, Only Through You!
I just need your blessing, then it's easy to do.

All this to honor the birth of the ONE,
That was sent to redeem us, your most Holy Son.

So, to all of my friends, least your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them who gave me this job."

by Warren Jennings     

ON THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

                                         GIVING THE GIFT OF SACRIFICE

“Jesus sacrificed His life and paid a ransom for our sins.  He died for us, only asking that we live for Him.”  

On the hill of Calvary, outside the walls of Jerusalem, the helpless disciples looked on as the Roman soldiers laid Jesus upon the cross.  Then they drove spikes of iron through His feet, hands and wrists. He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities.

Then the cross was raised that all might see, and gape, and curse, and deride and this they did, with evil venom.  The heavens grew black and darkness covered the land. There was a mighty storm, as though nature and the very elements protested in agony. 

The Messiah hung on the cross and finally, when the atoning agonies had taken their toll, when the victory had been won, when the Son of God had fulfilled the will of His Father in all things, He said, “It is finished,” and He voluntarily gave up the ghost.  

The peace and comfort of a merciful death freed Him from the pains and sorrows of mortality and he entered the paradise of God.  After nearly forty hours, (three days as the Jews measured time) the Lord's body was taken to the Arimathaean’s tomb, where His body had been placed by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathaea.  

Then, in a way incomprehensible to us, Jesus took up that body which had not yet seen corruption and arose in that glorious immortality, which made Him in the perfect image of his resurrected Father.  He received all power in heaven and on earth and obtained eternal exaltation.

This Christmas may we fully understand the gift of sacrifice by remembering the miracles in the birth of our Savior.  May this Christmas season we share the noble virtues of our heritage and birthright, as the children of God.  May we take the opportunity to "live for Him" even as He died for us.  Merry Christmas, may your blessings overflow with the spirit of Christ. 

Linda Sumner Urza, written for: onefine11.blogspot.com 

ON THE ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

           GIVING THE GIFT OF REPENTANCE 

Two thousand years ago, outside Jerusalem’s walls in a garden called Gethsemane, Jesus and his disciples retired for pondering and prayer.  This sacred spot and holy ground is where the Sinless Son of the Everlasting Father took upon himself the sins of all men, on condition of repentance.  Abandon by His disciples and alone in the garden, Jesus, suffered beyond that of comprehension.  

Jesus drained the dregs of that bitter cup for the salvation of mankind and to free us from the chains of sin.  We do not know, nor mortal mind can conceive the full impact of what Christ did in the garden of Gethsemane, but the pressure was so intense that the very capillaries burst as he sweat blood from every pore.

Jesus suffered in both body and spirit more than its possible for man to suffer, except unto death.  Although, incomprehensible to us, the attonement ransomed penitent souls from the pains and penalties of sin, and made mercy available to those who believe in his holy name.  There is not a greater gift that has, or will ever be given in this life or the next.  He is the only way to salvation.  

The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement, but rather a loving appeal to turn around and return to God.  If one were running the wrong way in a marathon, no matter how hard or far that person ran, they would never reach their destination.  But, by turning around and going in the right direction, they would indeed cross the finish line.  

This divine gift of repentance is the key to happiness in this life and in the life hereafter. 

This Christmas may we accept the atonement and give the gift of repentance.

Linda Sumner Urza, written for: one fineday11.blogspot.com

ON THE TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

               BELIEVING IN THE GIFT

Simeon's only desire in life was to look upon the face of the messiah.  Many years had passed and he was old and ready to die, but God had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.  Even though the dark shadow of death had crept toward him, he believed without doubt in the promise of God. 

One day while in the temple he met Mary and Joseph. Simeon took the baby in his arms and full of joy, he praised God. "Now I can die in peace," he cried out, "for my eyes have seen Your salvation, 0 Lord."

Simeon knew that this beautiful light that descended from heaven would beam down, not only upon Israel, but upon all nations.

He professed that many would come to love the child and would receive happiness through Him, but there would be many others who would not believe in the divinity of Jesus. The birth of the holy child would cause some to fall and others to rise.

Simeon professed many things as his aged eyes saw far into the future. He knew that Mary's joy was greater than anyone's joy, but in time, her sorrow would be more painful than a sword piercing the heart.

When Simeon fell silent, another voice was raised. The new speaker was an old, gray woman, the prophetess Anna. She was an 84-year-old widow who spent everyday in the temple.

Anna came to stand by the baby Jesus and like Simeon, she saw much more than a child six weeks old.   She saw Jesus as the Son of God and professed His glory.  God had laid His son in the arms of His mother and for the sake of mankind.

This Christmas may we believe without doubt in the gift that was given.

Linda Sumner Urza, written for: onefineday11.blogspot.com

                     

                      

ON THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

           
                                                                                                 GIVEN THE GIFT OF FAITH

Perhaps the best-known Old Testament example of faith is the story of Job. As you know, it narrates the afflictions that fell upon a righteous man. It does not entirely answer the question of why Job, or anyone, might suffer pain and sorrow, but does state clearly that affliction is not a sign of God’s anger and a punishment. The book suggests that affliction may be for experience, discipline, and instruction, for Job was a just man who feared God and avoided evil. 

His afflictions included the loss of his seven sons and three daughters, the loss of his wealth in flocks and herds and serious physical illnesses. Yet, Job remained faithful to the Lord through his indescribable sorrow and suffering.  Job was able to say, “Blessed be the name of the Lord... Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him...He also shall be my salvation... For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth … yet in my flesh shall I see God.”

No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted.  It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility.  All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God … and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father in heaven.  Orson F. Whitney

Integrity is always doing what is right and good, regardless of the immediate consequences. It means being righteous from the very depth of our soul, not only in our actions but, more important, in our thoughts and in our hearts. 

May we give the gift of faith this Christmas.

Linda Sumner Urza, written for: onefineday11.blogspot.com

ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

          GIVING THE GIFT OF COURAGE

The army of Israel, under the leadership of King Saul, was engaged in a deadly war with the army of the Philistines. One army poised on one hill, the other on an opposite hill, with a valley in between. Now, the Philistines had among their number a great giant of a man named Goliath of Gath. His height was six cubits and a span and if the figures are correct, that would put him about nine feet tall. 

Clad in his armor, Goliath came down to the valley and called out to the army of Israel:

“Choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.  If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us."

When Saul and the army of Israel looked at this giant and heard his chilling challenge, they were frightened because they had no one with such stature.

On this day, Jesse, David’s father, asked his young son to take some food to his three brothers in the army.  When he arrived at the battleground, Goliath came out again, issuing the same challenge, which David heard.  There was fear throughout the army of Israel. David, who was no more than a boy, said to the king (and I paraphrase his language): “King, why are you so afraid of this giant? I will go and fight him.”

Saul replied, “Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.” 

David then persuaded Saul to let him try. He told the king of how he had fought with a lion and a bear to save his father’s sheep and concluded by saying that the Lord would deliver him out of the hand of the Philistine.  Saul, possibly thinking that one more life lost would not be serious among the great losses they had already sustained, said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with thee.” 

Saul then placed armor on David until the boy could scarcely walk. David said to the king, “I cannot wear this,” and he took the armor off.

He then “took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had; and his sling was in his hand.”

This stripling of a boy, with only a sling and five stones, and without any armor other than the armor of faith, went down into the valley to face Goliath.

“And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.

“And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?”

And Goliath swore at David, saying, “Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.”

Then David spoke these great words: “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

“This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.” 

That was brave talk for a boy who stood against a nine-foot giant.

In anger Goliath came at him. Then David, running toward the giant, “put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.” 

There are Goliaths all around us, hulking giants with devastating consequences.  These are not nine-foot-tall men, but they are people and institutions that control attractive things that challenge and weaken our lives.  If you don't have the courage to stand a little taller, no matter the test... what have you?  The strength in David came from spiritual courage and he is a true live hero who conquered the demon.

Have courage as David when he said to Goliath, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts...''   Have the courage to do noble things with your life, whatever your path may be and where ever the journey may lead you. 

This Christmas may we have the spiritual courage to make a difference in this world.

Linda Sumner Urza: onefineday11.blogspot.com

ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

                        GIVING THE GIFT OF GRACE

John Newton was a slave trader in the 1740’s. He trafficked thousands of men, women and children from Africa to the auction blocks. In 1748 a violent storm threatened to sink his ship. When he watched one of his men washed overboard by the treacherous waves, he fell to his knees and prayed to God for mercy. On that fateful night Newton sensed that there is a God who hears and answers prayers, even for the worst of men.  

That day, John turned his ship around heading back to port and freed all those who were taken captive. Then he sailed his ship into the harbor, sold it, and gave his life to God. From that single quantum moment he dedicated his life to preaching the word of the Lord.  

In 1772 he wrote the hymn, Amazing Grace, which today is still one of the most popular songs in history.  A song with only a few notes that lifts the hearts of the hopeless and softens the conscience of the hardened. Amazing Grace was sung by both sides during the civil war and used as a requiem by the Cherokee Indians on the Trail of Tears.  Civil rights protestors sang it during freedom marches, and on that sweltering day in August when Dr. King shared his dream.  Amazing grace rang out when Nelson Mandela was freed from prison and the day that the Berlin Wall came tumbling down.  On 9/11 it was sung to revive the spirits of a fallen city and comfort a country in mourning. 

Grace has the power to transform lives and to right the wrongs and it can turn a wretched man into a disciple of God.  John Newton turned away from a life promoting slavery to spend the remainder of his days as a preacher and he used the grace he was given to fight for human rights.  His immortal words are a witness of God’s grace and they will continue to resound throughout the centuries.

Amazing grace how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believed!

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

This Christmas may we allow the grace of God to transform our lives. 

By Linda Sumner Urza, written for: onefineday11.blogspot.com

ON THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

          GIVING THE GIFT OF COMPASSION

The beggar held a cardboard sign that read, “ I am hungry.  Can you spare some change?”  I watched as people passed by without a glance toward the man, who was standing at the side of the road. 

I had very little money in my purse, but it was enough for a few hot meals.  I pulled over, rolled down my window, and handed the money to the stranger. 

“I hope this money will ease your burdens.”  I said.  He took the money from my hand, then I grasp the steering wheel with the intent to drive away.  I noticed, out of the corner of my eye, that he was motioning to me.  He’d reached out with both hands as if he were offering me a gift, and then he spoke in a soft and humble tone.  I listened intently to hear the words he kept repeating. 

“God bless you.”  He said three times and with a spirit of love that warmed the chill of the night.  

For a split second, I witnessed a crack in the veil of heaven and I saw this man’s countenance.  He was indeed a beautiful and humble soul.  One of God’s children who had accepted an assignment far greater than mine.  His commission in life was to inspire compassion in a world filled with cruel judgements and reckless abandon.  

I burst into tears.  The reality of what I had purchased for only a few dollars had overwhelmed me with gratitude. That cold night, on the side of the road, I was given “the blessings of God.”  I knew it, I felt and I had witnessed the elegance and power of its grace.  The scriptures in Matthew define the glory of this experience.  Imagine what the world could become if everyone strived to eliminate poverty?  The blessings would be endless.

Matthew 25: 35-40

For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’

This Christmas may we strive to magnify the gift of compassion and eliminate the pain and suffering of those who have not. 

By Linda Sumner Urza written for: onefineday11.blogspot.com

ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

                                                                                                GIVING THE GIFT OF PEACE

There once was a wise man who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists submitted their renditions of what they believed depicted peace. The man looked at all the pictures, but there were only two that he liked and he had to choose between them.

One picture was of a calm lake with a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains surround it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds and all who saw this picture thought that it was the perfect picture of peace.

The other picture had mountains too, but they were rugged and bare.  Above the mountains was an angry sky, from which rain fell and lightning lit the the darken background. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall and this picture did not look peaceful at all.

When the wise man looked closely, he notice behind the waterfall, a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In this bush a mother bird had built her nest and there, in the midst of the rush of angry waters, she sat on her eggs in perfect peace.

When the wise man chose the second picture, those who were present were indeed confused, for they had not seen peace in the stormy setting. Perplexed, they asked why? 

"Because," explained the man, "peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work.  Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace."

There is no guarantee that life will be easy for anyone, for this is a troubled world with discord and disaster everywhere. It sometimes feels as though mankind itself may be hanging in the balance. 

We grow and learn more rapidly by facing and overcoming challenges.  You are here to prove yourself, to develop, and to overcome the opposition that you are given.  There will be constant challenges that cause you to think, to make proper judgments, and to act righteously.  You will grow from them, however, there are some challenges you never need to come across. They are those experiences associated with serious consequences.  As you continue to avoid such mistakes, your life will be simpler and happier.

'The heavens shall shake, and also the earth; and great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I preserve.' Moses 7:61

Take great comfort in the promise of peace and create its powerful influence.

Linda Sumner Urza, written for: onefineday11.blogspot.com

ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

              GIVING THE GIFT OF HONESTY

The story of Hans Christian Andersen's tale “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” represents the virtue of honesty. The story concerns two swindlers who convinced the emperor that they had the power to weave the finest cloth. They told him this cloth was not only beautiful, but it possessed magic as well. They claimed it was invisible to anyone who was stupid or unfit for his office. Then they proceeded to weave the cloth and make a suit of clothes that the emperor was to wear in a great procession. 

When the clothing was finished, the emperor and all his subjects could see nothing, for there was nothing to be seen, yet each was afraid to tell the truth.  As the emperor passed by in the grand procession, everyone admired the fit, the color, and the pattern of the emperor’s new clothes, which, of course, did not exist.  At last, a small child exclaimed, “Why, he has nothing on at all.”

“Oh, what a tangled web we weave...when first we practice to deceive.” 

Many people rationalize committing “small” acts of dishonesty such as keeping extra change they receive at the store, taking supplies from the workplace, being less than accurate on tax returns, and so on. Yet even so-called small errors need to be eradicated from our lives, for anytime we are dishonest, we are breaking one of the Lord’s commandments. The scriptures teach us, “there cannot any unclean thing enter into the kingdom of God.” 

When we learn to be honest in the little things, we acquire spiritual strength, increased confidence, we gain respect from those whom we associate and it becomes easier to be honest in the “greater” things. 

“An honest man's the noblest work of God.” Alexander Pope

This Christmas season may we exemplify the virtue of honesty.

Linda Sumner Urza, written for: onefineday11.blogspot.com

ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

   GIVING THE GIFT OF BENEVOLENCE

To possess benevolence is to give with charitable purpose, with no intent to profit from what is given. It is a marvelous gift to receive a random act of kindness from one who seeks no recognition. One of the sweetest stories is that of the widow’s mite who gave the ultimate gift.

The Christian lesson of the widow's mite, as relayed in Luke (21:1-4) and Mark (12:41-44), is an enduring testament to the value of benevolence. A destitute widow has only a few mites to her name, which she gave selflessly as her donation to the Temple. 

As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their offerings into the temple treasury.  Then he saw a poor widow put in two mites, which was everything that she possessed.   

“And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.” Luke 21:1-4

A Mite was an ancient penny that was nearly worthless at the time.  To Jesus, her modest gift was worth more than the ostentatious contributions of the wealthy, for her mites represented all her earthly possessions. This virtuous woman had demonstrated the selfless act of benevolence; she did not know where her next meal would come from, but she gave without asking for anything in return.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

This Christmas season may we embrace the virtue of benevolence.

Linda Sumner Urza written for: onefineday11.blogspot.com

(The picture above of the Widow's Mite is a painting by James Christensen)