Showing posts with label New Year. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Year. Show all posts

Tuesday, 31 December 2013

New Year's Resolution Mania



Resolution or Broken Promise?

Do you groan when you think about making a New Year Resolution?
If so, you are probably not alone.
It has been suggested that about 1/3 of New Year Resolutions are broken by the end of January and 80% over all. Forbes Magazine has an even dimmer outlook, saying that only 8% of people achieve their New Year’s Resolution.
Chances are, quite a few folks make a New Year’s Resolution to begin with solely because it is  the thing to do. It’s a very politically correct action this time of year.
If those success rates are true ( and I think they come pretty close) then obviously something isn't working so well.
You can read all sorts of strategies about how to stick to your resolution, how to overcome your bad habits, how to turn over a new leaf, etc. etc. until you want to move to a desert island where no one will be asking you what your resolution was and if you stuck to it.
Maybe that is why when I was a little girl I thought February was the worst month of the year. It usually didn’t snow any more, so that was no fun, I thought, but it still was so cold, grey and dreary. Maybe what was really happening was all those broken resolutions were floating around in the atmosphere releasing bad vibes!
So this New Year, instead of making a resolution that chances are, will get broken relatively quickly and leave you with a feeling of failure, why not try something different? What about simply trying something new or change something in your life! It can be as simple as you want, or elaborate and challenging.

Why Change Is Good

  • One of the 7 signs of life is movement so in essence, change is a sign of life.
  • Without change, things stay the same until they stagnate and die.
  • Change brings adventure into our life.
  • Change forces us outside our comfort zone and helps us grow.
  • Resisting change is harder work than embracing it. What goes up, must come down. Change is a natural force of nature and it’s better to flow with it than resist it.
  • Doing something new and different will help make you more flexible.
  • It can be encouraging to know that if you wait long enough, most things will change. However, being able to initiate a change yourself instead of waiting for it to just happen can help you find solutions earlier on.
change_your_new_year's_resolution 

Ideas of Things You Can Change in Your Life or Do New

  • Change your hairstyle or colour.
  • Re-arrange the furniture in your house.
  • Change the ringtone on your phone.
  • Try a new recipe.
  • Change your internet browser.
  • Learn a new skill by taking a short course about something you are interested in.
  • Change your schedule—try waking up earlier!
  • Write a new book.
  • Make a new friend.
  • Join a new club or support group.
  • Take up a new hobby.
When you get used to trying new things and accepting change in your life, you are opening the door to possibilities that will help you problem solve and discover new solutions and enjoy new experiences.
What new change are you going to try? Embrace Newness!
 changing_from_2013_to_2014

Monday, 31 December 2012

Welcome, 2013!

Do You see things and say, “Why?”

Or dream things that aren’t and  say, “Why not?”

Let’s make 2013 a Why Not year instead of a Why Year!

Keep doing your bit to make a difference this coming year! You never know how far your good deed or kind words might go, or how many it might effect!


Happy New Year!

Saturday, 31 December 2011

Happy New Year! You Tube clips from ACTION, Romania



From our colleagues in Romania, still going strong with the Association we helped Found when we were there. "Give this Christmas Away".

Sunday, 14 February 2010

Recent Activities

I have been rather delinquent posting about our activities.

It started with Christmas.

We were very busy participating in numerous events of all kinds during this holiday season. We collaborated with several charities such as Noah's Ark Children's Hospice, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Help a London Child, and more. We had quite a few touching moments, especially involving children, when we were able to help spread the Joy of this Season. Some of these children are life limited, meaning they are not expected to live very long, due to some form of sickness. Others had severe handicaps and others were just normal people, but nevertheless, needing love and inspiration, just like you and me! We were able to share the special Christmas songs that tell about the joy of the birth of Jesus, distribute hundreds of various forms of Christmas literature and audio material and in general share together the special joy of the season.
I hope to be able to share a couple of the moments that stuck out to me and helped make this a very special time indeed, as soon as I have a little more time!

Our personal Christmas was shared with our son Tim, who came over for a visit from Italy. It was his first time to England so we had fun showing him some of the sights during the time he was here. We also had a family of 5 stay with us during this time. They included 3 young children, so our house was full of children's laughter and merriment during this holiday time!

For New Year 's Eve, we once again had our Candle Light Ceremony. This year our house was open to guests from about 3 PM until after midnight. Neighbours, friends, General Members, Active Members and full time Members visited through out the evening and into the New Year. Besides abundant food and drink, we had several bonding and inspirational activities together, ending with the Candle Light Ceremony. This Ceremony is a Family tradition for many years now. We all sit around a large white candle which represents Jesus. One by one we each lit our own candle, placed it in the middle next to the large candle and shared three things: 1.What we were most thankful for this past year. 2.What goal or vision we would like to accomplish this coming year 3.A verse or meaningful quotation that applies to us regarding the new year ahead. This simple ceremony was inspiring and meaningful as we shared our own thoughts and listened to those around us. It was a happy, but also meaningful way to see in the New Year!

We thought we would have some down time after the New Year, but we just seem to be staying very busy! Another thing that is helping us to step outside of our comfort zone (which is good for growth!) is that we are moving to another house. There is probably no need to explain how much this involves, especially since we are closing a rather large house and have a lot of furniture and household items to find new homes for, not to mention all else that is involved with moving.

Hopefully, after the move is complete (and we have our internet connected!) I will be able to share a bit more details of some of the special moments that God placed in our paths.


Wednesday, 13 January 2010

RESOLUTIONS


By Ian Bach

This year...
I’ll take more time to laugh and smile,
To feel the wind upon my face,
To learn true wisdom from a child,
Give my soul the needed space,
To live life pure and clear...
...this year.

This year...
I’ll learn to turn off my computer,
Interact with human beings,
Spend less time in online stupor,
More time learning, breathing, seeing
All that life holds dear...
...this year.

This year…
I will resolve to write that letter
That I have too long neglected,
Make an aching heart feel better,
Cheer a friend who feels dejected,
Bring someone some cheer...
...this year.

This year...
I’ll not be hijacked by my deadlines,
Or imprisoned by ambitions.
Or let dismal, gloomy headlines
Dictate my heart’s disposition.
I’ll choose faith, not fear...
...this year.

This year...
I’ll see the struggling flower beneath
The hard, frosty exterior
Of one who lets frustration seethe
Because they feel inferior.
I’ll try to draw them near...
...this year.

This year...
No high-and-mighty resolutions
Fit for presidents and kings.
I’ll start a quiet revolution,
Seek these simple loving things
Above wealth or career...
...this year.


Saturday, 31 January 2009

Arrival of the New Year

Friends and family visited our Centre in London for New Years, most of the day and evening. We had activities for all ages to help us all reflect on the past year and to look forward to the new year.




New Year Activities


David, along with Julius and Eve, enjoying a happy moment.
Julius, who is originally from Ghana, happy to relax with his family and to greet in the New Year with us.












The children enjoyed the songs and games.



Activities and games included the teens and adults. Crystal, Family Volunteer, (right), was visiting from her Centre in Ghana.



Blast from the Past: Thailand

Making a Difference in Romania