Wordless Wednesday February 24, 2016

Daffodils

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Prayer of the Day/Collect for 2 Lent Year C

God of flaming light, when Abraham and Sarah had doubts about your covenant promise; when residents of Philippi were content with belly gods to satisfy their physical wants; when many in Jerusalem turned away from Jesus; you remained faithful to your people and promises. Forgive our doubts, fallings into temptation, and turnings away; help us to trust in and live under the power of your promises; through your Son, Jesus our Messiah; who together with the Holy Spirit we worship and serve; one God, now and through all ages of ages. 

Now that’s my cup of tea! January is hot tea month

Top 8 reasons to have more tea in your life 

I've been an avid tea drinker from way back. Although I was aware of some of these health benefits before, now my tea habit gives me even more reasons to keep sipping. You’ve been hearing for a long time that tea is good for you, but have you wondered about all the reasons? There is a lot of research behind the proven health benefits of tea that comes from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). Teas from this much studied plant include green tea, black tea, white tea and oolong tea. As long as the Camellia sinensis tea leaf is what you’re drinking you’ll be getting proven health benefits relating to heart health, brain health and weight management just to name a few. In addition, all teas including herbal tea blends can help with hydration and relaxation. Read the whole post here.    

50th Anniversary of Sound of Silence

Fifty years ago today, January 1, 1966, Simon & Garfunkel's song, "Sound of Silence" reached number one on the hit parade. Give it a listen, and Happy New Year!

A tidbit about the oldest Advent hymn

Did you know that what some consider to be the oldest Advent hymn is O Come, O Come Emmanuel? The hymn dates back to the ninth century, and is based on the O antiphons of Advent, which, in some traditions, are sung on the third Sunday in Advent. 

   Here's another interesting tidbit about O Come, O Come Emmanuel: Even though it is considered the oldest Advent hymn, it was not translated into English until the nineteenth century by a Church of England clergyperson, John Mason Neale. Last night I heard a quartet sing the hymn and the last stanza they sung was not familiar to me or to our Lutheran hymnals. However, upon further investigation, I discovered that it was part of the Mason Neale translation.  

Prayer of the Day/Collect for 2 Advent, Year C

God of the now-and-not-yet: Cleanse and purify our hearts, minds and lives so that we may be bearers of your peace into this violent-ridden world. In our waiting, prepare us for your coming; through Jesus the Messiah; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit; one God, now and through all ages of ages.

How to wear a poppy

One of the annoying things folks have to put up with here in Canada with our version of the poppy is that they keep falling off, and the consequence is that many people fail to wear a poppy. The Royal Canadian Legion's official position on the matter is that one should wear the poppy as is, rather than place a lapel pin in the middle to keep it in place. However, the Legion does suggest a few things one can do to keep the poppy on as is by doing something with the end of the pin. Click the following link to learn more: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/dailybrew/poppy-pins-a-handy-idea--but-not-officially-supported-by-the-royal-canadian-legion-135901932.html