Christmas True Meaning and TraditionsChristmas has had a long and varied history. It has been celebrated for centuries by different people, at different times, in different places, and in many different ways. Here you will find links to information about the different ways that the holiday we know as Christmas has been celebrated, or not celebrated, over the years.»Watch video about the history and origins of ChristmasAn Ancient HolidaySome of our modern Christmas traditions have much older roots, going back to pagan European traditions.»See how people celebrated the winter solsticeSaturnaliaSaturnalia was a Roman celebration in honor of the god Saturn.»Discover what the Ancient Romans celebrated on December 25thAn Outlaw ChristmasThe Puritans didn't believe in the jovial Christmas holiday, so they banned it.»Find out the penalty for celebrating ChristmasChristmas ReinventedAmericans embraced Christmas in the 19th Century, even inventing some of their own Christmas traditions.»See how Americans created their own vision of ChristmasA Christmas CarolCharles Dickens' classic tale reflected and influenced changing ideas about the nature of Christmas.»Learn how Scrooge and Tiny Tim changed ChristmasEnjoy Christmas with Santa Claus at the North pole, an award-winning Christmas web site. Send a letter to Santa Clause or a Christmas card to a friend.»Santa Claus and Christmas at the NorthpoleThe True Meaning of Christmas
Stephen King Under The Dome
Under the DomeBy Stephen King
Stephen King Writes a Spellbinding Supernatural Novel "UNDER THE DOME"On an entirely normal, beautiful fall day in Chester's Mill, Maine, the town is inexplicably and suddenly sealed off from the rest of the world by an invisible force field. Planes crash into it and fall from the sky in flaming wreckage, a gardener's hand is severed as "the dome" comes down on it, people running errands in the neighboring town are divided from their families, and cars explode on impact. No one can fathom what this barrier is, where it came from, and when -- or if -- it will go away.Dale Barbara, Iraq vet and now a short-order cook, finds himself teamed with a few intrepid citizens -- town newspaper owner Julia Shumway, a physician's assistant at the hospital, a select-woman, and three brave kids. Against them stands Big Jim Rennie, a politician who will stop at nothing -- even murder -- to hold the reins of power, and his son, who is keeping a horrible secret in a dark pantry. But their main adversary is the Dome itself. Because time isn't just short. It's running out.Stephen King’s Under The DomeBook trailers are an interesting recent development in marketing. The very concept doesn’t make a whole lot of sense at first, seeing as books don’t actually have visual scenes to make a trailer out of, but done properly, they can be pretty effective tools for creating buzz around a new novel. And sometimes, they can be pretty cool. The trailer for Stephen King’s new book, Under The Dome, falls squarely into the “cool” category. The novel follows the inhabitants of a small town that is trapped in a huge, clear dome by unknown forces.Some say King’s best years are behind him; I disagree. That’s not to say I enjoy every last one of his books – hell, the man’s written so many, there’s no way they could all be great. But when he’s on, he’s one of the best writers in modern horror (and sometimes science fiction). To me, it seems that he’s at his best when he gives himself room to breathe, page-wise. The Stand is brilliant; so is It. Both are over 1000 pages. The Dark Tower series, his masterpiece, unfolds over the course of seven increasingly long books. Under The Dome will be 1088 pages long; hopefully, that means we can expect the epic storytelling and surprisingly personal character development the author, at his best, is capable of.Check out the trailer below; it’s short, but it got me kinda pumped for this book.
UNDER THE DOME BY STEPHEN KING
VISIONS OF 2012 DOOMSDAYDear Friend,Are you tired?Tired of all the misinformation out there about 2012?If you've done even one Google search on the topic you know what I'm talking about... SURVIVE 2012Where well-meaning “experts” went wrong... and why all the governments of the world ultimately decided not to tell you the truth.What is really going to happen in December of 2012... and exactly how millions will be devastated, and your world will be turned upside down... forever.How you can safeguard your life... and the lives of your family members. Because you really can survive... and spiritually thrive in the wake of this life-changing event.VISIONS OF 2012 DOOMSDAY - (1)VISIONS OF 2012 DOOMSDAY - (2)VISIONS OF 2012 DOOMSDAY - (3)VISIONS OF 2012 DOOMSDAY - (4)VISIONS OF 2012 DOOMSDAY - (5)The Underground Kingdom of Light - 1Journey Into The Resistance Movement - 2Galatic Wars - 3Liberation of the Planet Earth - 4Vision 2012 - 5It will begin suddenly, without warning. Many scandals that will disclose true backgound about how the System works will shake human masses. Disclosures about how international energetic megacompanies earn billions selling oil, preventing at the same time inventions of free energy to come to public. Disclosures about pharmaceutical trusts that earn money with "healing" diseases that are spread with viruses created in hidden laboratories. Disclosures about efficient cures for AIDS, cancer and other diseases that are known for quite some time, unkonwn to human masses. And about world media and censorship there, which is a logical consequence of a fact that few individuals own most worldly known newspaper, media and telecommunication companies. And finally disclosures about a secret world government that has most prominent politicians as its puppets and which creates profit out of wars and human suffering for millenia, a small group of beings that you work for in your jobs and voluntarily give them a significant amount of your monthly salary.When lists with names, supported with facts will be known, human masses will arise. When facts will be known about what is happening in the stock market and where the money really goes, this will create a world stock market crash and fall of the current monetary system. Riots will begin as a consequence of released emotional energy which was suppressed for so long. In the chaos of those days members of the Resistance movement will reveal themselves to humanity and give guidance and support. They will penetrate to the surface from their undergound realms and bring along technology that will help humanity to get over those critical moments. They will cure most of currently known diseases with their medicaments. With their free energy sources they will end world energy crisis and stop environmental pollution. They will bring information that will open the eyes of people. Finally people will realize that they have lived in quarantine for millenia. Money will disappear and will be replaced with exchange of goods based upon vibrational economy. The Resistance movement will assist in establishing new world government which will be chosen by humanity with its free will and that will lead humanity based on the principles of the Galactic codex. At that point the energy field of the planet will be cleared significantly. Memories of Atlantis will be returning to people and they will begin to create a New Atlantis, a new civillization of light. Buildings will be constructed in a combination of Atlantean and modern architecture which will be in harmony with nature. Many will be in a pyramidal or half spherical shape. Spiritually developed individuals will begin to gather in New age communities, so called islands of light. Everybody there will follow his vision aligned with the divine plan in deep connection with the universe. When people will release the past, everybody will experience clarity of mind, emotional aliveness and physical health. The basic cell of society in islands of light will not be a family of personalities (father, mother and children) but a family of souls (twin souls, soulmates and other members of a soul family). People will connect there energetically and telepathically with angels, guides and extraterestrials. Through islands of light a physical connection between the surface of the planet and extraterrestrial civillizations will be established. There will be teleportation chambers in islands of light through which it will be possible to travel into the Resistance movement, for some people into the Atlantean network and also towards the Pleiadian motherships. When the network of light will be strong and stable enough this will enable mass landings of Pleiadian starships. The Pleiadians will assist humanity during its transition towards the New age and with the process of acceptance of this planet into the Galactic confederation. They will anchor energy columns that will guide planet Earth throuh its transformation during its entry into the inner section of the tachyon belt.When the critical mass of consciousness will be achieved the first wave of Ascension will occur. Motherships of the Galactic confederation will hover as brilliant white clouds above the islands of light, where teleportation beams will descend and lift the volunteers into the motherships. Those volunteers will reappear on Earth shortly in Ascended state in their rainbow bodies of light. Soon afterwards another critical mass will be achieved and the second wave of Ascension will happen. Masses of Ascended masters that will return to Earth will prepare humanity for the third wave of Ascension and for the Evacuation. Great planetary cataclisms will begin then as a cleansing of the physical matter of the planet. At the moment of most intensive cataclisms a polar shift will happen and that will trigger the third wave of Ascension with final Evacuation. Linear time as we know it will end and Earth will enter a new, higher dimension. This is a moment when the Mayan calendar ends, a moment in 2012.
"We won because the American people mobilized for change. It was really people at a grassroots level who carried our campaign financially, who carried it organizationally, and we don't want that to dissipate." - Barack Obama
The organization will operate on these core organizing principles:
The organization's goals will be to promote:
In order to accomplish these goals, we will:
Aberdeen * Alcester * Alexandria * Arlington * Armour * Ashton * Avon * Baltic * Belle Fourche * Beresford * Big Stone City * Blunt * Bonesteel * Bowdle * Box Elder * Brandon * Bridgewater * Bristol * Britton * Brookings * Bruce * Bryant * Burke * Canistota * Canton * Carthage * Castlewood * Centerville * Central City * Chamberlain * Clark * Clear Lake * Colman * Colome * Colton * Columbia * Conde * Corsica * Crooks * Custer * Deadwood * Dell Rapids * Delmont * De Smet * Doland * Dupree * Eagle Butte * Edgemont * Egan * Elk Point * Elkton * Emery * Estelline * Eureka * Faith * Faulkton * Flandreau * Fort Pierre * Frankfort * Freeman * Garretson * Gary * Geddes * Gettysburg * Gregory * Groton * Harrisburg * Hartford * Hecla * Herreid * Highmore * Hill City * Hitchcock * Hosmer * Hot Springs * Howard * Hurley * Huron * Ipswich * Irene * Iroquois * Jefferson * Kadoka * Kimball * Kosmos * Lake Andes * Lake Norden * Lake Preston * Lead * Lemmon * Lennox * Leola * McIntosh * McLaughlin * Madison * Marion * Martin * Mellette * Menno * Milbank * Miller * Mission * Mitchell * Mobridge * Montrose * Mount Vernon * Murdo * Newell * New Underwood * North Sioux City * Oldham * Onida * Parker * Parkston * Philip * Pierre * Plankinton * Platte * Presho * Rapid City * Redfield * Roscoe * Salem * Scotland * Selby * Sioux Falls * Sisseton * Spearfish * Spencer * Springfield * Sturgis * Tea * Timber Lake * Tripp * Tyndall * Valley Springs * Veblen * Vermillion * Viborg * Volga * Wagner * Watertown * Waubay * Webster * Wessington * Wessington Springs * White * White Lake * White River * Whitewood * Willow Lake * Wilmot
by Julie Redstone
Each nation comes into being with a soul-identity and purpose that is meant to be of benefit to the Earth. At this time of the presidential election, prayers are needed that America's deepest identity and purpose be upheld.
The destiny of a country is shaped by its Divine mission, appointed at the time of its inception, the time when its 'soul' comes into being. This mission which defines its energetic contribution to the world and in some ways its national character, is also defined by the hearts, minds, and conscience of a people as it evolves through time, building upon the innate characteristics that are part of the national heritage, and taking these to new levels of unfoldment of their Divine potential.
Nations, no matter how large or small, have an inherent contribution to make to the world. They contribute both resources and spiritual energy to the family of nations, and in this way function like a vital organ within the body of the Earth and the family of man. To veer from the higher potential of development for a nation so that it seeks or resides in its lowest potential, not only has an effect on the people of that nation, but also on the collective consciousness of which it is a part.
Thus, nations, as well as people, must hold themselves accountable to align with their highest motives for the benefit of all, and to remain aligned with these motives though challenges may face them and fear may come into play.
America, today, faces this challenge, this fork in the road. In the decision-making process currently taking place this electoral year, she faces the choice between realizing her highest potential or taking a lower road. What that choice will mean for the present is unclear, but it will determine a variety of outcomes that will emerge from the current situation. However, America is also being guided and guarded by forces that are greater than campaign motivations and impulses and greater than their espoused policies and principles. She is being guided by forces within the Realms of Light that are ever watchful in helping her to continue to move forward to meet and fulfill her Divine mission to the Earth.
America's future does not rest entirely on this election. Rather, it rests in the hearts of a people that can be influenced, for a time, by ideas that take it away from the very ideals that are part of its core identity, but which will ultimately bring it back to stand firmly on the foundation of these ideals.
Because of the importance of the choices being made, and of our desire to reduce the suffering that will ensue as a result of these choices, we must pray, today, for the people of this land, for the candidates of both parties, and for the leaders of all nations, to support the ideals that America stands for and to remain faithful to these ideals at the present time. All that is light-filled and holy within the higher Realms of Light stands with America at this juncture, enabling her to make the choice that will lead her in the direction of serving the greatest good. Amen.
If you have not done so already, please consider reciting the Invocations, in whole or in part, at the beginning of ‘One World Meditations,’ or regularly throughout the week. These prayers and invocations are powerful, and join each individual and group prayer with those beings of light praying within the Realms of Light for the future of America. In addition, a poem/prayer that can be said alone at any time is "I Am America."
by Julie Redstone from the Sacred World Newsletter
Senator Obama has been truthful throughout his efforts to serve us as President Obama. The campaign has been different, from the beginning. The movement around Senator Obama has grown as all of us yearning for honesty in government recognized someone we can trust. Senator Biden is another strong voice for positive open change, and no nonsense. This morning a radio news reporter concluded that even though the people on the other ticket are indeed misrepresenting themselves and others, they 'want to win' and (paraphrasing) whether it's pretty or ugly how they get there, they want to get into the White House, so they're doing what they have to do.
This is not about pretty or ugly. This is about lying. Lying like intentionally misrepresenting your opponents' positions and biographies. Lying like claiming you departed with your party much of the time when you voted with your party's leader over 90 percent of the time. (By the way, if your main charge against your opponent is that you differed with your party more than he differed with his - maybe that means he showed better judgement in choosing his party!) Claiming you "said 'thanks but no thanks' " to an earmark when you supported it and then took the money for other projects... that's lying. We have had enough experience with an executive branch who thinks it's ok to lie to acomplish your private vision of what you think is 'right' for this country. We have had enough of deceptions justified as necessary to 'the mission.' If they win the election by lying, what will motivate them to tell the truth as they govern?
I wish all the candidates could see their way clear to respect Americans enough to run a serious election in these profoundly serious times. Tell the truth about where you stand, then stand by your own positions and let the people decide. Our democracy and our world need leaders who value integrity in the means as well as the ends. We need Barack Obama and Joe Biden in the White House, for all of our sakes. And they need all of us to help them get there. Let's keep our eyes on the prize.
Even though it may not look like it or feel like it, you are making progress.
Continue working towards progress instead of perfection.
Nothing or no no one is perfect.
Just keep taking steps.
Keep making those phone calls.
Continue following your plan.
Remain focused on your goal.
Do what you have to do right now to get to the next level.
Complete every task.
Keep every promise and commitment.
Don't look back.
Let no one weaken your walk of faith and determination.
Remain teachable.
Place yourself in a blessing position by associating with people on-the-grow.
Talk with teachers.
Walk with winners.
Climb with champions.
Study successful people.
Something great is about to happen for you!
Start giving thanks right now before you can even see the outward manisfestation of your prayers and desires.
Everything you do from this day forward will take you further away or closer to your potential for successful living.
-by Dr. Jewel Diamond Taylor, Motivational Speaker & Author
I'm a 50 year-old African American woman. When JFK was killed in 1963, I was in the first grade. I've never forgotten how I felt when a teacher knocked on my teacher's door and called her into the hallway to tell her that he'd been shot. I remember hearing teachers crying. I remember the announcement being made on the loud speaker. I remember my mom crying that night when I got home. I remember her sitting there glued to the tv watching the news and watching the funeral.
When Dr King was shot, I was old enough to know what was going on. I sat glued to the tv during the entire funeral while my siblings played outside. I remember the years afterwards when I was allowed to stay home from school to remember his life and what it stood for.
I remember Bobby King's assassination and being glued to the tv once again.
I honestly never thought I'd live to see the day when a woman or an African American man would run strongly for the presidential election. We've come a long way. Long before the campaign took an an ugly turn (as it has lately) I chose Barack as my candidate based on the policies he plans to implement for health care, our economy, the war, education, and family values. For the first time in my life I became involved in the political system. I've learned a lot - some good, some bad. I've worked on voter registrations, postcard writing, phonebanked, and some other projects. I didn't canvass because of a health problem. I have two family members that will go to the polls for the first time in November. I've talked a third to vote for Barack because of his health care plans.
One thing I've heard a lot from people of my race is "Do you really think they are going to let him in the White House? He'll be killed first." I want to believe this is not true. That's why I was one of the people that became very upset over comments that were made last week by the opponent. My generation has not forgotten about the Kennedy brothers, Dr King, Medgar Evers, Emmet Till, or Malcolm X. My question to you is how can I convince these people, and others to vote for Barack when they already feel he won't survive when he's elected president? No one wants to see or hear about that happening to this man who promises hope and change to us. It's my mission to continue to convince the non-committed or even a few Republicans that Barack will offer the best platform for all of us.
I'd like to hear from anyone with useful, helpful advice. Please don't make it negative. Before hitting the send button, re-read what you've written. If you are leaving anything negative, delete it and reword your thoughts. Thanks!
To Barack, Michelle, and your family of supporters, this simple word: Press on.
Do not be distracted by those things meant to distract you -- don't let it sadden you any more, don't let it pull you down, don't let it distract you from your mission and your vision. You have been called for a PURPOSE -- and all of America needs you to take a deep breath, say a little prayer for Rev. Wright...and then get back up and Press On!!
Here is a quote for the day: "Brothers and sisters, I do not count myself as having obtained the prize yet, but this one thing I do; FORGETTING THE THINGS THAT HAPPENED IN THE PAST, and stretching FORWARD to the things that are ahead of me, I PRESS ON TOWARD THE GOAL AND TO THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS." (Philippians 3:14 paraphrased)
I am one who believes that you have been Called for our great Country, Called for all Americans, Called to bring us together as ONE NATION, Called to help the little guy, Called to bring a message of HOPE, Called to bring needed CHANGE, Called to help get America back on track, and Called to be President of the United States.
Continue to walk worthy of the Call...let the criticisms and the attacks fall off your back...there is One Who is carrying all your cares...and Press on to North Carolina and Indiana...and to the nomination...and to the White House!!
PRESS ON!
Man I'm happy. I can feel a good thing happening. The candidate that I'm backing has a greater and greater chance of winning each day and I'm on board now like I've been since his announcement. I feel like the fan of the sports team that's staging a thrilling comeback and possibly heading to the playoffs.
But I feel like something needs to be stated for the record here. I just heard Shelby Steele on Charlie Rose and I absolutely have to step in here and articulate that my excitement over Obama has everything to do with his message and not his color. Honestly! In fact, the best part about his color is that people are not going to let it prevent them from voting for him.
