December 15 - East County Gazette

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PAGE 8 GAZETTE DECEMBER 15, 2011 Inspiration Christmas fruitcake always gets a bad rap Rev. James L. Snyder Many reasons exist why a person should love and embrace the Christmas season. I hear of those who attack the Christmas season and I take no notice to them at all. The thing that keeps buffoons energized is his attention paid to them. If they were really serious about their so-called beliefs, they would leave the country during the Christmas season and go somewhere where it is not celebrated. My recommendation is the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean . Ignoring the holiday buffoons, I snuggle down and enjoy the Christmas festivities. So much about the season to savor and enjoy. The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage has our home all decorated for the Christmas season. In the evening, we sit down in the living room among all of the decorations, sip our hot cocoa and have a healthy slice of Christmas fruitcake. When it comes to decorating things, I don’t even have a thumb. During this time, I envy those who are all thumbs. My decorating expertise is simply to enjoy the work done. And that I do. I love everything about the Christmas season, except maybe shopping in the mall. I think there should be some kind of a law restricting shopping in the mall. It is not that I hate going to the mall… well, I guess if I am truthful, I really do hate going to the mall. If they had a nice good used bookstore, I might see my way to the mall more often and deliberately. Apart from the mall, the Christmas season is a terrific time to be alive. I love the Christmas trees. Go ahead and call it a “Holiday Tree” if you do not mind letting other people know how stupid you really sound. Solomon, in the Old Testament, had some of these people in mind when he wrote, “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” (Proverbs 17:28 KJV ). If it is a “Holiday Tree,” which holiday does it represent? I love all the decorations associated with this time of year. Throughout the year, everything seems to be rather drab, but when Christmas comes along things begin to brighten up. I love all the stories associated with Christmas. Yes, I know some of them are just stories made up; but every once in a while it is good to listen to a story. The fact that somebody has accused Santa’s reindeer’s of bullying poor little Rudolph only indicate that some people do not know the difference between fact and fiction. Do not let this get out, but, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer does not even exist. He is just a made-up character in a Christmas story. I know that will come as a shock to many people, but the truth is the truth no matter whom it hurts. I love the music of Christmas. Particularly, because 90 percent of the Christmas music is religious. Go figure? Nothing is more inspiring than listening to a choir sing Handel’s Messiah. Of course, there is a danger that the wrong people will get a hold of this great piece of music and want to change the title. I am looking for someone to protest this and insist we call it, “Handel’s Person.” VA NO MONEY DOWN Free List w/Pictures of properties available with NO DOWN PAYMENT! Free recorded message 1-800-294-0388, ID#3025 www.SDNoMoneyDownVA.com The music of Christmas is uplifting and inspiring despite all the naysayers that seem to come out of the ground during this time of the year. I wish they would stay underground and celebrate whatever they celebrate with Punxsutawney Phil. Dare I mention the food of Christmas? I’m going to anyway. The best thing about the food at Christmas time is that nobody, and when I am talking about nobody, I am referring of course to my wife, says, “You shouldn’t be eating that.” The beauty of Christmas food is that you can eat it whenever and as much as you like. When I come back for my second slice of fruitcake and somebody looks at me I always say, “I’m starting my diet next month.” And I get away with it. Speaking of fruitcake, it is the best part of the Christmas food frenzy. My biggest concern in this area is that the fruitcake has gotten a very bad rap by people who do not understand this delicacy. It is a very wonderful way for a person to get their daily portion of fruit. How nice of it to be mixed in with cake. After all, if the word “fruit,” is associated with it, it must be good, right? Everybody knows fruit is good for a person. I take my portion of vegetables in carrot cake and my portion of fruit in fruitcake. This is the cuisine of the gods. There is a very practical side to this fruitcake business. As I am picking up my fifth slice of fruitcake, I begin thinking about the New Year and how I need to add more fruit to my diet. As I slowly chew on the fruitcake, every aspect of my being is energized with glorious delight and goodwill toward men. After a few slices of fruitcake, I am in such a good mood that even the “Holiday Tree” people do not bother me so much. Nothing comes between my fruitcake and me. Christmas is the season to rejoice in God’s love for the world so much that he sent his only son, Jesus Christ. The Rev. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of God Fellowship, PO Box 831313 , Ocala , FL 34483 . He lives with his wife, Martha, in Silver Springs Shores . Call him at 352-687-4240 or e-mail jamessnyder2@att.net. The church web site is www.whatafellowship.com. Dear Dr. Luauna Dear Readers, It has been almost 33 years since I received Christ as my Savior. Christmas began to mean more to me when I personally experienced the life-changing love of Jesus. I was lost, broken and hurting deep within and Jesus rescued me. Matthew 1:23, “Behold the virgin shall be with child and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated God with us.” This scripture is so powerful. God came to be with us, to make Himself real instead of the picture of a distant, angry Creator. He is a loving Father who came to seek and save the lost. Many people are hurting, broken inside and some even contemplating suicide during this time of year. It’s more important than ever to reach out to others with the love of Jesus, to let them know there are answers for their life and healing for their broken hearts. The babe born in the manger came with a Divine purpose spelled out in this verse: Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” So many around us are searching for peace from the turmoil of life, anxiety and fear of the future. The Bible promises in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” He is still touching hearts and changing lives today. Maybe you need this kind of touch from the Lord. He is waiting to help you not just during a season but everyday of your life. If you would like to receive Christ as your Savior, repeat this prayer with all your heart, “Jesus, I believe you died on the cross, I believe you rose from the dead. I ask you to forgive my wrongs and I surrender my life to you. Help me to understand and experience your peace, in Jesus name, Amen.” I said a simple prayer like this one and Jesus changed my whole life. He is the only reason for the Christmas season, Merry Christmas! Please tune into my radio program on KPRZ AM 1210 on Sundays at 7 a.m., or join us for church service, A Touch From Above Prayer Mountain, 16145 Hwy 67, Ramona, CA. Sundays at 10 a.m. Our television program airs on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Cox Cable Channel 18 & 23 and Wednesdays on Time Warner at 5 p.m. on Channel 19. I would love to hear from you, please send me an e-mail: drluauna@ atouchfromabove.org questions@drluauna.com www.drluauna.com www.atouchfromabove.org Facebook: DrLuauna Stines 760-315-1967 NEED TO ADVERTISE? Call us and see how easy and affordable it can be! (619) 444-5774 Advertise in the paper everyone’s reading!
DECEMBER 15, 2011 GAZETTE PAGE 9 For Health’s Sake Red Cross offers tips for 12 days of holiday safety Having a busy time getting ready for the holidays? While everyone is shopping, baking, gift wrapping, decorating and going to parties, the American Red Cross, San Diego/Imperial Laughter is the Best Medicine The green thing Checking out at the store, the young cashier suggested to the older woman, that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment. The woman apologized and explained, “We didn’t have this green thing back in my earlier days.” The clerk responded, “That’s our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment for future generations.” She was right -- our generation didn’t have the green thing in its day. Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled. But we didn’t have the green thing back in our day. We walked up stairs, because we didn’t have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks. But she was right. We didn’t have the green thing in our day. Back then, we washed the baby’s diapers because we didn’t have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry our clothes back in our early days. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that young lady is right; we didn’t have the green thing back in our day. Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house — not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana . In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded up old newspapers to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap. Back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. But she’s right; we didn’t have the green thing back then. We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. But we didn’t have the green thing back then. Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint. But isn’t it sad the we didn’t have the green thing back then? Submitted by Regan Schutte Counties Chapter has holiday tips to help make the season a safe one. 1. Prepare vehicle for traveling to grandmother’s house. Build an emergency kit and include items such as blankets or sleeping bags, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, compass and road maps, shovel, tire repair kit and pump, extra clothing, flares, and a tow rope. 2. Drive the sleigh and reindeer safely. Avoid driving in a storm. If travel is a must, let someone know the destination, the route being taken to get there, and how long it should take to arrive. If the car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along the predetermined route. 3. Help prevent the spread of the flu. Stay home if sick. Wash hands with soap and water as often as possible, or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn’t available, someone should cough or sneeze into their elbow, not their hands. 4. Follow Santa’s fashion lead – dress in layers. When it’s cold outside, layered lightweight clothing will keep a person warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. 5. Use a Red Crosstrained babysitter when STOP SMOKING! Comprehensive, Effective, and Drug Free $99.95+s&h www.stoptodaymedia.com Push your body. Find your beat. attending holiday festivities. Red Cross-certified babysitters learn to administer basic first aid; properly hold and feed a child; take emergency action when needed and monitor safe play. Some may be certified in Infant and Child CPR. 6. Avoid danger while roasting chestnuts on an open fire. Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If leaving the kitchen even for a short period of time, turn off the stove. This is important because unattended cooking causes nearly 90 percent of all kitchen fires. 7. Be a lifesaver during the holidays. The Red Cross recommends at least one person in every household should take first aid and CPR/AED training. Visit www.redcross. org/training for details and to register. 8. Designate a driver or skip the holiday cheer. Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired. If someone plans on drinking, designate a driver who won’t drink. 9. When the weather outside is frightful, heat the home safely. Never use a stove or oven to heat the home. 1067 Broadway, El Cajon 50 % OFF JOINING FEE & FIRST MONTH For new customers or those who haven’t attended in six months or longer. Joining fee and auto-payment registration required. Offer Exp. 11/30/11 Never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended. Install smoke alarms. 10. Cut down on heating bills without being a Grinch. Get the furnace cleaned and change the filters. Make sure furniture isn’t blocking the heat vents. Close off any rooms not in use and turn off the heat in those rooms. Turn down the thermostat and put on a sweater. 11. Home for the holidays? Travel safely. Check the tire air pressure and make sure the windshield fluid is full. Be well rested and alert. Give full attention to the road – avoid distractions such as cell phones. If someone has car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible. 12. Resolve to Be Red Cross Ready in the New Year. Get ready now in case someone in the household faces an emergency in 2012. For more information about or to support the chapter please contact (858) 309-1200 or visit www.sdarc.org. Also connect with us on Facebook and You- Tube and Twitter. We welcome families of all ages! Donald Adema, DO (Board Certified Family Practice) Most Insurance Accepted 10201 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee, CA (619) 596-5445 Call today for your appointment!
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December 15 - East County Gazette

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