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Christmas Travel

Backstory

These tips were developed through personal unfortunate experiences. When they happen, you may have a juicy, gory story to tell of your hard road trip. But you’ll be a happier arrival if you just protect yourself with these tips instead. Happy holiday traveling, whatever your conveyance.

Click to listen or follow below to read.

Christmas Travel – #517

Will you have to travel over the holidays? I don’t envy you! Between never knowing what the weather will do, and the crowds descending on roads and airports and bus stations, it’s not my favorite way to get into the holiday spirit. But if you are traveling, here are a few tips:

Be sure to have some food and water stuffed away. You don’t know when a delay will keep you from eating or being able to purchase food or drink.
If you’re going to be gone for a while, ship your clothes and gifts ahead of time, rather than jostling them with you. It will be well worth the cost and save you a lot of money, if you are traveling by air.
Take a careful inventory every time you leave a restaurant, rest room or waiting area. Be sure you have every bag, purse, toy and blanket that you brought with you. Don’t leave it to chance. If you forget something, you may not be able to go back for it.
Keep your Christmas spirit alive and well. There are thousands of fellow citizens experiencing the same inconveniences as you. All of you are being served by people who are working instead of being home with their families. Have mercy on them. Smile at them and give them a holiday greeting.
Be aware of your surroundings and guard your safety. Carry a few dollars in your pocket for incidentals and security. Avoid pulling out a big roll of your travel dollars. That visual can be enticing to a traveling predator who then focuses on making your dollars, his or her dollars.

And remember the treasure at the end of the rainbow: the loved ones at the end of your trip, who will make your holiday joyous and special.

Take their feelings into consideration too. If your trip is more duty oriented than joy, well, it’s even more important to bring that Christmas spirit with you.

Don’t show up tired and grumpy. Show up tired and smiling with a “Happy Holiday” greeting for everyone.

Even better, wish them all a “Merry Christmas.”

P.S.

One more tip – Be careful if you depend on a GPS to get you to your destination. Accurate a huge percentage of the time, this machine can also take you dangerously off track or going around in circles. Doesn’t hurt to keep an atlas or road map with you as back-up. Double check any directions that don’t sound right or don’t make sense.

[Show #517]

The Spirit of Christmas

Backstory

How do you convey the spirit of Christmas in your world? Are we doing a good job of projecting the essence of peace on earth, good will toward man? Is that hard to do, in a secular world where the presence of angels and miracles is challenged? Here’s what I see, when I look around.

Click to listen or follow below to read.

The Spirit of Christmas – #514

The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in the U.S.A. Look around you. People are giving to the causes that provide Christmas to kids whose stockings would otherwise be empty. From the Marines, to neighborhoods, to the local Rotary Club, coats, toys, books and food are going out with love. The Salvation Army bell is being heeded generously. It’s the time of year to remember others with visits and special considerations.

If your home is decorated in the colors of the Christmas season, invite someone over to enjoy it – someone whose own home may lack holiday sparkle. If you’ve baked those special cookies of yours, take some over to the neighbor who is housebound.

Send cards, make phone calls, send emails, and light up Facebook with Christmas cheer.

We’re all so busy. Yet this is the time of year when we make time for those we love and the friends we treasure. It’s when we’re especially polite to strangers. Don’t let the Christmas rush delete your Christmas spirit.

Remember, the true meaning of Christmas is sharing love and laughter and showing how much we care about each other. Keep the concept alive by what you say and do this season.

If the Christmas spirit is in your heart, it will show. Peace on earth, good will to men – and women too!

P.S.

You know what could happen? You could start to feel so good, carrying the Christmas spirit around with you, that you just might pour it over into 2019. Now wouldn’t THAT be a hoot?

[Show #514]

Christmas Story Book 2018 For Sunday Friends

I sincerely appreciate all your support, encouragement and comments, over time. Hearing from you is a gift that I treasure, as the week’s story or message is mine to you. – Annette

Captivating book bursting with Christmas spirit and joy.
More than 50 short stories about the season of the heart.
Tales of how the holiday is celebrated, envied or ignored.
Quick, easy reads, unique and stimulating insight.
Nice big print you don’t have to squint to read
Heart-warming stories of yesteryear
Authentic views of Christmas in a secular world.
Romantic yarns and wondrous anecdotes.
Bonus section – Thoughts for the New Year.

Want it autographed? Be sure to fill in the PayPal form. Email Annette if you need multiple copies autographed.
(You will be able to select quantity in the next step.)

Entertaining Christmas episodes and messages from over 600 stories written for her radio show, selected by Annette Petrick to enrich your holiday, uplift your spirit and encourage gratitude and joy.

Read about happenings that will touch your heart, poignant personal experiences, festive customs and inspiring family traditions.

Scattered throughout with merry musings, whimsical poems and stimulating observations.

Want it autographed? Be sure to fill in the PayPal form. Email Annette if you need multiple copies autographed.
(You will be able to select quantity in the next step.)

[accordions id=’3935′]

Christmas in today’s secular world
Mothers’ visions of the holidays
The Best Gift Ever
Twas the Night Before –
Special poem for grandparents raising grandkids
Love delivered from the kitchen
Christmas through the eyes of youngsters
Gift of Your Time
The kinds of warm, happy stories that have kept the popular show on the radio for twelve years
Nice big print for an easy read
Gifts that cost no money
Memories of Christmases past
When Christmas brings sadness
Christmas Wonders and Joy
Bonus Section – Thoughts for the New Year

[accordions id=’3973′]

Thanks for the programs. Love them as always … consolidate them all in a book. I think there is real potential for a best seller.
Donna Resta, New Jersey

It is moving, inspiring and beautiful. . . Maybe it is simply the joy of finding words to express the inexpressible.
Sharon Isralow, Washington, DC

Let me tell you how much joy your “Consider This” sound bites bring to my life. . . You are so delightful — you, the person, your writings, the way you deliver the message.
Janie McKenna, Maryland

Those were good! You are making a difference with your unique messages.
Doug Clark, Texas

Want it autographed? Be sure to fill in the PayPal form. Email Annette if you need multiple copies autographed.
(You will be able to select quantity in the next step.)

The Sunshine Poem

Backstory

Some of the stories you hear on Consider This are written by someone else. Mason Jars by Amy was featured recently and had a tremendous response from listeners and readers. This week, we feature another piece by a listener. I wonder if Suzanne will remember this poem, written decades ago. Listen in.

Click to listen or follow below to read.

The Sunshine Poem- #455

Suzanne sent in a little poem that she wrote on May 10, 1991. For whom was it written? See what you think. It goes like this –

Grant me a little bit of sunshine,
Promise me a little bit of hope.
Have faith in me,
Even though you might feel that I’m wrong.
For if you stand behind me,
I know I can be strong.
And if you stand beside me,
I know I can succeed.

A beautiful intercession showing someone how important they are to the writer. A cry for understanding and acceptance. The words seem to echo what we all desire from someone we care for.

Listen again and let the words sink in.

I don’t know for whom the poem was written. But I can tell the person must be special to be called on to play such an important role In the life of the writer.

It was written more than 20 years ago. I hope Suzanne went on to write out more such thoughts. They are well worth considering

P.S.

Musing on Suzanne’s poem, I hope that the person she addressed did indeed stand behind her and beside her. It sounds like that person gave her strength and confidence. What a blessing to have someone like that in your life. I hope Suzanne was so blessed.

[Show #455]

Christmas Story Book 2018

Captivating book bursting with Christmas spirit and joy.
More than 50 short stories about the season of the heart.
Tales of how the holiday is celebrated, envied or ignored.
Quick, easy reads, unique and stimulating insight.
Nice big print you don’t have to squint to read
Heart-warming stories of yesteryear
Authentic views of Christmas in a secular world.
Romantic yarns and wondrous anecdotes.
Bonus section – Thoughts for the New Year.

Entertaining Christmas episodes and messages from over 600 stories written for her radio show, selected by Annette Petrick to enrich your holiday, uplift your spirit and encourage gratitude and joy.

Read about happenings that will touch your heart, poignant personal experiences, festive customs and inspiring family traditions.

Scattered throughout with merry musings, whimsical poems and stimulating observations.

[accordions id=”3935″]

Christmas in today’s secular world
Mothers’ visions of the holidays
The Best Gift Ever
Twas the Night Before –
Special poem for grandparents raising grandkids
Love delivered from the kitchen
Christmas through the eyes of youngsters
Gift of Your Time
The kinds of warm, happy stories that have kept the popular show on the radio for twelve years
Nice big print for an easy read
Gifts that cost no money
Memories of Christmases past
When Christmas brings sadness
Christmas Wonders and Joy
Bonus Section – Thoughts for the New Year

[accordions id=”3973″]

Thanks for the programs. Love them as always … consolidate them all in a book. I think there is real potential for a best seller.
Donna Resta, New Jersey

It is moving, inspiring and beautiful. . . Maybe it is simply the joy of finding words to express the inexpressible.
Sharon Isralow, Washington, DC

Those were good! You are making a difference with your unique messages.
Doug Clark, Texas

You Can’t Recover

Backstory

I longed for a do-over. If only I could be given one more chance to make it right, I would do things so differently. But that privilege was denied. I was stuck with the action I had taken. No do-over. Never. It made me think of the times when you just don’t get a second chance. This week’s story is about those times.

Click to listen or follow below to read.

You Can’t Recover- #454

There are five things that you cannot recover in life:
          1. The Stone…after it’s thrown,
          2. The Word…after it’s said,
          3. The Occasion…after it’s missed,
          4. Time…after it’s gone,
          5. Loved ones …after they die

Yet we are so quick and willing to waste each of these precious commodities. It’s like we think they’ll always be there. And they won’t.

When something goes wrong, the stone of blame is thrown so quickly, often before the facts are known.

And the word – oh, the angry word that can’t come back after it’s said. Pray for the wisdom to take a breath when you are angry. Measure your words before they are said. The wrong words can live a lifetime with the one who hears them.

Then there are the occasions. If the occasion is special to someone you love, it should be special to you. Be there. It matters.

And when you decide how to spend your time, remember that no graveyard headstone ever said, “I wish I spent more time in the office.”

Spend it with those you love – particularly the young, and the old. Share stories. Create memories. Give generously of your time to those you love. They are not here forever – and neither are you.

P.S.

Second best is making up for one of the items you cannot recover. Sometimes you get the chance to admit your error, apologize and try to move on. Such a very poor alternative. Spend your time making sure you don’t commit these sins, rather than making up for them.

[Show #454]

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