| NEWSLETTER Winter - snowmen, roaring fires, hot chocolate, snowball fights - just a few of the many things to enjoy during the wintertime. It's a great time to enjoy the beauty of God's creation in a new way. **************************************************************************** Tea Time In the frigid winter months, it's a luxury to curl up with a blanket and hot beverage. If tea is in your mug, say hello to a healthier you. Along with rich flavor, tea offers: * Antioxidants. Black tea can boost you immune system and ward off the flu and other infections. * Phytonutrients - Plant derivatives found in green tea contribute to stronger bones. * Weight loss - A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that substances in green tea may contribute to fat oxidation. Overall health - Regular tea drinkers are at less risk for heart attack and stroke, and they have a reduced risk of certain cancers. Oral health - Certain tea compounds may inhibit plaque, and the fluoride content supports healthy teeth enamel. ********************************************************************************* Authentic Apologies We all blow it from time to time, and when we do, an apology is required. Use this checklist to teach your children how to apologize (and make sure your own apology is for real.) *Put yourself in the other's shoes - have compassion. *Let go of the guilt and pride - an apology isn't about winning or losing. *Be sincere - no icy tone, eyeball rolls, or shoulder shrugs. *Keep it simple - "I'm sorry". *Avoid qualifiers like "I'm sorry you feel that way". They only add fuel to the fire, since everyone knows they mean you're not sorry at all. ******************************************************************************** On The Lighter Side Three friends from the local congregation were asked, "When you're in your casket, and friends and congregation members are mourning over you, what would you like them to say?" Artie said, "I would like them to say I was a wonderful husband, a fine spiritual leader, and a great family man." Eugene commented, "I would like them to say I was a wonderful teacher and servant of God who made a huge difference in people's lives." Al said, "I'd like them to say, 'Look, he's moving.' ********************************************************************************** CONGRATULATIONS..... Eva Rudzinski, Lucille Bradley, and Irma Lewandowski - winners of our Senior Expo drawing. *********************************************************************************** Connect This month as you celebrate the New Year, connect your past to your present. * Trace your heritage through looking at old photos to see where you got your physical traits. Think about admirable qualities in your relatives that you would like to work on in yourself. *Repeat your vows to your spouse. Share favorite memories and share how you're looking forward to making new ones. *Pull out an old book that you loved as a child. Gather your children/grandchildren and read it to them. *Clean out the attic. Revel in memories as you make room for new ones. *Do something you haven't done in a long time, and do it alone. Enjoy a moment to yourself while recalling past ones. ******************************************************************************************* COMMEMORATING A LIFE Commemorating the life of a loved one is an extremely emotional and personal experience. When making funeral arrangements, families have unlimited options for services and memorialization. The most important things are to create a farewell event that is meaningful and satisfying to you and others who will participate, and to establish a means of permanent memorialization that best suits your needs and your loved one's wishes. Keep in mind that there is no "standard" funeral arrangement. So as you go through the arrangement process, make service and memorialization choices that provide comfort and meaning and that feel right to you. Ask your funeral director for more information on prearranging a funeral. You can also go to our Prearrangement Page to fill out and e-mail us your pre-arrangement form. |