The coming New Year and Proverbs 3:5-6

As 2010 comes to an end and a New Year begins, we reflect on our experiences, events and accomplishments for this year as we look ahead to new goals for 2011.



What we hold dear from this past year may be something material - maybe a new car or a house, a promotion, some beautiful place we travelled to that impacted us in an amazing way. However, more than likely what has stayed in our minds and hearts, is special moments that we will always treasure - a wedding, the birth of a child, a graduation, a long awaited reconciliation with a loved one, or some other unique occassion with family and friends.



2010 was very challenging for many people spiritually, emotionally and even economically. Some of us may have had to face difficult situations and had to deal with tough decisions. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to experience some quiet times with God in Bible Study, prayer and worship which gave me hope, faith and courage to cling to, so that I could face the challenges of life. Proverbs 3:5-6 says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."



Remember, God is always faithful in blessing, leading and teaching us. What is required of us is being still and listening for his instruction! There are countless ways that God may reveal Himself to us, not only through Bible Study, but also through nature, other people or certain situations and experiences....Write down some of your blessings from 2010 and maybe some of your challenges and breakthroughs, and whenever you feel discouraged about the future, read what you have written. Recall the awesome things God has done in your life and treasure them in your heart. If He helped you in the past He will surely help you in the future.

Our warmest wishes go out to all of you this Holiday Season. May the New Year bring you much Love, Joy, Good Health and Happiness.

Merry Christmas!

Fun pet fair events for the entire family

Galen and I attended "Bark at the Park" pet fair on October 2, at the Lancaster City Park. What a fun event for the entire family. They had everything you can imagine. Good food, vendors, entertainment, celebrities, raffles, all kinds of demos, activities and contests for your dogs. It was a beautiful day. I highly recommend it. They hold this event every year on the first weekend in October. Free to the public. For more information go to their website: http://www.lancasterbarkatthepark.org/





We also attended the annual Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair on October 10, at the William S. Hart Park, Newhall. They were celebrating their 10th anniversary with exciting entertainment, pet-related vendors and adoptable dogs and cats from the LA County shelters. It is free to the public.. Fr more information go their website: http://www.bowwowsandmeows.org/

A Short Course In Human Relations

The six most important Words:

I admit that I was wrong

The five most important Words:

You did a great job

The four most important Words:

What do YOU think?

The three most important Words:

Could you please?

The two most important Words:

Thank you

The most important Word:

We

The least important Word:

I

Dealing with burdens

A lecturer giving a Stress Management Course to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, "How heavy is this glass of water?" Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g. The lecturer replied, " The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it.



If I hold it for a minute, it is not a problem.

If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.

If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.



In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."



He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, the burden will become increasingly heavy, and we won't be able to carry on."



As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden. Before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down; don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow.



So, my friends, whatever burden you're carrying now, let it down for a moment, if you can, and don't pick it up again until after you have rested a while........



And remember--we can all learn from crayons.....Some are sharp and some are pretty. Some are dull and some have weird names. They all are different colours, but they ALL have to live in the same box.



Have an AWESOME day!

Looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift?

Look no more......Mother's Day is almost here. Instead of the usual flowers, candy or taking her out to lunch, show your mom, grandma, auntie, sister or any other special lady in your life your love, by getting her a Special Book that she will enjoy for many years to come. "Paws of Wisdom" Valuable Lessons We Can Learn From Our Pets, will make the Perfect Gift. It will be signed and personalized by the author and shipped to you, or directly to your loved one.


(And.......don't forget, Father's Day is around the corner as well, and Dad's will love this book too!! )


Regular price is $15.58 (Includes tax and shipping). Our Mother's Day Special is $14.00
and if you purchase 2 or more copies, the price is $12.00 each.

To make a purchase please contact us at harmonybookpub@quixnet.net or 818-888-8594.


Have a Blessed Day!

Who was the first female doctor in the Western World?

Until the early 1800's, you had to be a man to enter medical school. In 1809 James Miranda Barry had to disguise herself as a man in order to enter medical school. Evidence indicates that she was born Margaret Ann Buckley, in 1792. After garduating in 1812, she joined the British Army as a surgeon and over the years was stationed all over the world. In 1857, she was sent to Canada as an inspector general of military hospitals. In this top-ranking position she advocated and fought for improved sanitary conditions and better food in hospitals. She was highly regarded as a surgeon, although she was considered an "eccentric" and sometimes difficult to deal with, and during the Crimean War it is reported that she got into an argument with Florence Nightingale. Dr. Barry continued to hide her identity her entire life and it was only upon her death that her true gender was discovered (although some claimed that they had "known all along").

Thanks to brave and courageous women like Dr. James Miranda Barry who paved the way for others, many women have been able to advance and choose professions that at one time were only availble to men.

Women's History Month ...cont'd

Founder of the American Cross: Clara Barton

Clara Barton began her lifelong work of helping others in the battlefields of the American Civil War and was dubbed "The Angel of the Battlefield". After the war, she led efforts to locate missing soldiers and gave speeches on her war experiences. When the International Red Cross was established in 1864, she began lobbying for an American branch. In 1881, the Amercan Red Cross was established and Baron served as president for over 20 years.

Celebrating Women's History Month (March)

Not so long ago, women were barred and discouraged from pursuing careers in medicine. In honor of Women's History Month, I'd like to spotlight some true pioneers.These women faced social barriers, discrimination and other hardships, yet they persevered to make great strides in medicine and healthcare. Not only did they change their world, but they also created a new world of possibilities for future generations of women.

The first woman who comes to mind is Florence Nightingale. She was born in 1820 and died in 1910. She became a nurse and was a great reformer in the field of nursing. Her parents considered that as being an "un-lady-like" profession, but despite their opinions she persevered. When the Crimean war broke out in 1854 she volunteered her services at the frontlines. Through her efforts, sanitary conditions at the hospitals improved greatly and casualties decreased. When she returned to England she established a school for nursing and made nursing a respectable profession. In 1860 she wrote a book "Notes on Nursing" which is still in print today. Florence was also very good in mathematics and is credited for inventing the pie chart, and other statistical tools which she used to collect and systematize record keeping practices, which were useful in improving the conditions in city and military hospitals.

GETTING OLDER.....IN DOG YEARS

As with people, dogs slow down with age. Although the appearance of aging may vary by breed, in general, a medium dog is considered 'elderly' if he is over 8 years old and a larger one around 5 years old.



You can do many things with and for your dogs to ensure that they live happy and healthy senior years:

• Take short walks to increase circulation, strengthen muscles, improve heart function, lung function and trim fat.


• Use a ramp to get into the car or on furniture if your dog is loosing mobility.


• If they suffer from arthritis provide them with a soft, comfortable place to sleep which will help to ease stiffness and discomfort.


• You may need to change their diet or add vitamins to their food, check with your vet.


• Make sure you take them for an annual check-up to the vet.


• If you notice a worrisome physical or behavioral change contact your vet, since certain symptoms can signal a serious health problem.


• Last but not least, make sure you return the unconditional love you have enjoyed for so many years from your dog....Older dogs need as much attention and affection as when they were puppies.

Continued good health for your dog, means more years of happy companionship for you.

"Do the right thing and you will never go wrong"....

Here is a review that I wrote on a book I just finished reading: 7 Times Down, 8 Times Up, by Alan Gettis, Phd.

His dad always told him : "do the right thing and you will never go wrong". What a great advice!

Dr.Gettis shares from his heart his lifelong experiences, so that others can learn and apply simple steps towards making positive changes in their lives. He will inspire you, as well as help you become the person you always wanted to be .

7 Times Down 8 Times Up has tremendous insight into common sense tips and universal principles, which provide a road map to a happier and more fulfilling life. This book is like a treasure of hope. A collection of short stories, easy to understand and relate to, and very entertaining. He always has a point at the end of every chapter which empowers the reader with wisdom and practical applications.

One of my favorite chapters is called "A Work in Progress". It talks about re-writing the book of your life..Despite the content of any previous chapters in your life's book, the final lines will always be written by you-the Primary Author. What a wonderful thought that we have the choice to re-make our life as we move forward!

The book can be purchased thru Amazon.com or by visiting www.Drgettis.com

Happy Valentines

On Valentines Day we remember our loved ones with cards, candy, flowers and all kinds of other beautiful gifts to let them know how much we love and appreciate them. That is a great thing. However, since I have been around for a while, I have come to the realization that we need to do that more often and anytime we get the opportunity to do so and not just wait for this special day. The Bible tells us that we are to love one another, for love comes from God (1John4:7). Wouldn't it be great if we could all love unconditionally without judging, just as our pets do with us. And speaking about pets, I just read an article that according to a global poll of 24,000 people in 23 countries about one fifth of adults would prefer to be with their pet on Valentines's Day rather than being with their spouse. The survey found that 25 percent of people aged under 35 opted for their pet over their spouse, compared to 18 percent aged 35-54 and 14 percent of people aged 55 plus. Men and women were evenly split over the question... WOW.



The results did vary on a country-by-country basis. Residents of Turkey (where I was born and raised!) were at 49 % (Which I find very hard to believe, by the way), followed by India 41%, Japan 30%, China 29%, United States 27% and Australia 25%. The countries with the least percent were Hungary 12%, Mexico 11% and France 10%. So, I guess the French still came top for romance. Well, although I love our cat and in the past when we had dogs I loved them dearly, I still would rather spend time with my spouse and family then my pet.



So whatever you end up doing on this special day make sure you make some memories, and tell the people you love how much they mean to you, not just on Valentine's but all year round.



Enjoy your Day!