Saturday, December 26, 2009

Angel Standing By

Howdy, I hope you had a fantastic Christmas with your familiy and friends. Just thought I'd post this video today. It's amazing.

Merry Christmas again!!!



xoxo

Ramona

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Day 24 - The Birth

Merry Christmas everyone. Today is the last day of my Calendar but I will keep on posting regularly, so keep checking.

How could I not end the Calendar with pointing it all to Jesus. He came to the world, became human, was crucified and rose again from death to take away all our sins so whoever believes in Him and calls Him Lord will find eternal life in Him.

I am posting the Christmas story, the birth of Jesus, Emmanual, King of Kings today!


1 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire.2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census.4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee.5 He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.7 She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified,10 but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

14 "Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."

15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.18 All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished,19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

21 Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.
22 Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.23 The law of the Lord says, "If a woman's first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the LORD."*24 So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—"either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."



Merry Christmas.

xoxo

Ramona

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Day 23 - Roses

Today we gave a rose to every home in the town where my church is. We spread 870 roses. We wished them all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. Most people almost could not believe it. It was so much fun!!! So great to be part of a church that blesses people! We truly blessed the community today!
The church is here to make a difference.



So I am asking you today: How are you making a difference? How are you blessing people?

xoxo

Ramona

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Day 22 - At this Moment

I haven't posted a video in a while, but this you have to watch. It's another dance that is so inspiring and beautiful and it doesn't get any better.
So, take a moment, drink some tea, enjoy the day and enjoy this dance.



For Facebook viewers please click "view original post"

xoxo

Ramona

Monday, December 21, 2009

Day 21 - Why

Today I read this quote a friend of mine posted on facebook and it struck me. I will share it with you.

"Sometimes I would like to ask God, why He allows poverty, famine and injustice in the world, when He could do something about it...but I'm afraid He might ask me the same question."-Anonymous


Wow, I mean... if that doesn't play the ball right back into our hands? We are supposed to be God's hands and feet. We have to go and reach out to the world. If we won't do it, who will?
That does not even necessarily mean that you have to travel to the far ends of the world. Who are your neighbours, the people you work with or go to school with? Did you know you cannot only be poor in material but also also emotionally and socially?

Are you God's hands? Are you His feet? Do you tell people of the good news? What do you do to bring justice and love and hope?

xoxo

Ramona

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Day 20 - Winter Wonderland

It's snowing outside!!! Yesterday we had -16° C, that's crazy, but I love it. Dreaming of a white Christmas.
Hope you're celebrating a beautiful 4th Advent.



xoxo

Ramona

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Day 19 - Beautiful

I see Your face in every sunrise
The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes
The world awakens in the light of the day
I look up to the sky and say
You’re beautiful

I see Your power in the moonlit night
Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright
We are amazed in the light of the stars
It’s all proclaiming who You are
You’re beautiful, You're beautiful

I see you there hanging on a tree
You bled and then you died and then you rose again for me
Now you are sitting on Your heavenly throne
Soon we will be coming home
You’re beautiful, you're beautiful

When we arrive at eternity’s shore
Where death is just a memory and tears are no more
We’ll enter in as the wedding bells ring
Your bride will come together and we’ll sing
You’re beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful


Song and lyrics by Phil Wickham

Friday, December 18, 2009

Day 18 - Christmas Party

Due to our youth Christmas Party I couldn't post anything earlier and all I'm posting is the flyer of the party.
It was an amazing night... so great to see so many people grow over this year. I love these people sooo much.



xoxo

Ramona

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Day 17 - Take Time

Take time to laugh
It is the music of the soul.

Take time to think
It is the source of power.

Take time to play
It is the source of perpetual youth.

Take time to read
It is the fountain of wisdom.

Take time to pray
It is the greatest power on earth.

Take time to love and be loved
It is a God-given privilege.

Take time to be friendly
It is the road to happiness

Take time to give
It is too short a day to be selfish

Take time to work
It is the price of success

~ Irish Poem, Author Unknown

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Day 16 - Words of Encouragement

It's snowing outside and I am sitting here with my tea, cookies, clementine and the Vitamin String quartett playing Maroon 5 songs. I'm enjoying this moment, especially because I am super excited about today's blog.

Today I want to try something out, but I need you to join me in this. Ready?
Here we go:

I want you to take a piece of paper, a card, whatever is at hand. Then think of a person and write down all the things you like about this person. Why do you appreciate this person? And what are some of the things you enjoy with this person. Only write down positive things, write down words of encouragement.
When you have done that, give your piece of paper to this person and let him/her know that you just simply want to encourage them.

Why do this? Because we all know the feeling and the goodness that comes when people encourage us, don't we? Let's not only take for ourselves, but let's give it to others.

Let me know how it all worked out and how people reacted to your words!

Can't wait for your comments.

xoxo

Ramona

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Day 15 - Dreams

It is so interesting. Ever since I started writing the Virtual Calendar thoughts, poems and such just come my way constantly.

Today I read a quote that made me think, so I want to share it with you:

You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, "Why not?"
~ George Bernard Shaw

What are some of the things that never were, that you dream of? Write a list about these dreams, pray and see God do the impossible and fulfill each of these dreams.

Until tomorrow

xoxo

Ramona

Monday, December 14, 2009

Day 14 - Friendship

Another week has started and to be honest with you, I am super excited. I'm so excited about what is happening right now and what is ahead.

Somehow this whole weekend and today the topic of friendship has kind of been with me.
Somebody once said, that life is like climbing a mountain, there are people who have gone before us, who help us climb up, there are people who come after us, who we lead. And then there are the people who we climb the mountain with. They are our friends, people who we share this experience, called life, with.
I want to raise the question if you have good friendships, but in order to do that I feel like I have to define what a friend is. According to the Merriam Webster online dictionary, a friend is "a favored companion". I like that. A companion is somebody who accompanies you.
For me, a friend is someone who I can trust, someone who shares this life with me, someone who I look after and someone who looks after me. A friend is a person in which's company you can completly be yourself. A friend has full permission to speak into my life, may it be praise or criticism.

Today I raise the question if we have those kind of friends? Godly friends. People who take care of you?

Friends have a very high influence on us, which is why we must choose them wisely and carefully.

Who are your friends? What kind of influence do they have on you? How do they help you grow as a person. How do they help you become a better person?

I really want you to ponder and reflect on this subject today. Maybe even write down a few things.

Until tomorrow

xoxo

Ramona

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Day 13 - The Christmas Story

Christmas is only 1 1/2 weeks away and I am sooo excited.

Today at church our Pastor preached again about the story of Ruth in the bible and it is one of my favorite stories. It represents so much what Christmas talks about and I want you to read the book for Ruth today (it's only a few chapters) and link you to a blog I once wrote about how Ruth is my hero. You can find it here under Decisions that make History

Enjoy this day. Celebrate the coming of our King, Jesus, YHWH.

xoxo

Ramona

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Day 12 - Silent Night

Christmas is coming closer and closer, but are we really aware of it? What does Christmas mean to you?

I am posting the Silent Night lyrics because they are so beautiful and reflective of what Christmas is.


Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth



xoxo

Ramona

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Day 10 - An ordinary Day

Just lit my little candle I have on my desk. Also I am enjoying a good cup of tea and a piece of cake that tastes like Christmas. Plus: The sun came out.

Anyway, orginally I wanted to post about something else, something more serious and deep than I am acutally going to now. But I feel I should post this.

I called this post "Ordinary Day" because often times we think it will just be a normal, well ordinary day with nothing spectacular to happen. Yet sometimes the sweetest, most beautiful things can happen. The sparkle of a moment can happen on these days.
The only problem is that sometimes we are so consumed with what's going on, with the hectic of a day that we can miss out on these things.
Therefore I want to encourage you today to live life with opened eyes. Don't be to busy to see. Don't run everywhere. Look around you. See the things that are happening around and about you. I promise you that although not every day will be spectacular, you will find the sparkles, the breathtaking moments, the beautiful scenes, the people around you. You will be surprised about the beauty of it all.

Also I am posting this amazing dance that in my opinion embodies what I just wrote about: the sparkle of a moment.



For Facebook viewers please click on "View original post"

xoxo

Ramona

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Day 9 - String Quartett a little different

Oh I love this time of the day when I get to blog something for you! It's so much fun and gives me the time to pause for a few minutes also.

The video I am posting today is of a dance which I think is phenomenal. It's very different from the dances I usually like because it is more hip hop style. Yet mixed with this music it's simply beautiful.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!



For Facebook viewers, please click on "View original post" to see the video.

xoxo

Ramona

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Day 8 - Cheese of Holes

I am back from Austria, where I spent the weekend to celebrate my uncle's 60th birthday.

This morning I read a few very interesting thoughts about how we see our lives and it inspired me to ponder along with you.
I want to raise the question about how we see our lives? What do we think of when we look at our lives? Where is our focus? What do we represent?

The article I am talking about compared our life with a piece of cheese and its holes. Often we only focus on the holes, where there is nothing, the things that didn't work out, things we failed in, instead of focusing on the actual cheese. Yes, it has different tastes, because we are differerent, but it is the cheese that tastes good, not the holes.

Why don't you start looking at your life today. Take a few minutes, write down what you are good in. Write down a few of your dreams. What legacy do you want to leave? What do you want to acchieve?
Also, start looking at yourself the way Jesus sees you. Read Psalm 139 again. These are His thoughts about you.

Then, walk into a new day, be yourself, enjoy the day. Make a difference and get ready for the big things that are yet to come.

Until tomorrow
xoxo

Ramona

Monday, December 7, 2009

Day 7 - A Season

Today I am quoting Ecclesiastes 3

For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6 A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.


What season are you in? What is your time now?

Until tomorrow

xoxo

Ramona

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Day 6 - Advent

It's the second advent.

Due to family celebrations I am only refering you to an article by Relevant magazine about the meaning of Advent. I thought it was worth reading.
So here you go:

It's the Final Countdown
xoxo

Ramona

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Day 5 - A recipe for some Gratimann

One day before St. Nicholaus day I have to post a quick and easy recipe for our local speciality called Grattimann. It's amazing.
I will post it in German and English. Maybe you have some time to make them.



Zutaten
250 ml Milch
40 g Hefe
500 g Mehl
75 g Zucker
2 Eigelbe
1 Prise Salz
100 g Butter

Zubereitung
1.Die Milch handwarm erwärmen, die Hefe hineinkrümeln und mit der Milch und 1 Tl Zucker glatt verrühren, beiseite stellen.
2.Inzwischen das Mehl in eine SchĂĽssel geben, den restlichen Zucker, 1 1/2 Eigelb und das Salz hinzufĂĽgen. Die Butter zerlassen und ebenfalls zum Mehl in die SchĂĽssel geben.
3.Die Hefemilch unter die Mehlmischung rühren und alles mit den Knethaken des Handrührgerätes zu einem glatten Hefeteig kneten. Den Hefeteig so lange kneten, bis er sich vom Schüsselrand löst, eventuell noch etwas Mehl dazugeben.
4.Teig mit etwas Mehl bestäuben und zugedeckt an einem warmen Ort etwa 20 Minuten gehen lassen.
5.Anschließend den Teig kräftig durchkneten und auf einer mit Mehl bestäubten Arbeitsfläche etwa 1,5 cm dick ausrollen.
6.Aus dem Hefeteig mit Hilfe einer einfachen Schablone 6 Weckmänner ausschneiden und auf 2 gefettete Backbleche legen. Weckmänner abgedeckt etwa 20 Minuten gehen lassen.
7.Den Backofen auf 225 °C vorheizen. Das halbe Eigelb mit etwas Wasser oder Milch verquirlen und die Weckmänner damit bestreichen. Mit Korinthen oder Rosinen den Weckmännern Augen, Nase und Mund geben.
8.Weckmänner anschlieĂźend im vorgeheizten Backofen bei 200 °C etwa 20 Minuten backen lassen.

Ingredients:
8,2 oz. Milk
2 Tbsp. Yeast
2 Cups all pupose flour
1/3 Cup Sugar
2 yolks
1 dash salt
½ cup butter

Instructions:
1. Warm up the milk and crumble in the yeast. Then stirr with 1 Tsp. Sugar and put aside.
2. In the meantime put flour in a bown and mix with the rest of the sugar, 1 ½ yolk and the salt. Melt the butter and mix in also.
3. Stirr the yeast milk into the fould mixture and knead until smooth. Knead until the dough gets off the border of the bowl. You might have to add some flour.
4. Dust dough with some flour and put aside covered for yout 20 minutes.
5. Knead again. Then dust your work area with flour. Roll out the dough to a 1.5 cm height.
6. Form 6 little men with a self made caliber and then put on greased backing tray. Let them rest for another 20 minutes.
7. Heat up the oven to 447° F. Whisk the yolk with some water or mild and coat the men with it. Use some raisins for eyes or or nose.
8. Bake Grättimen at 392° F for about 20 minutes

Enjoy

xoxo

Ramona

Friday, December 4, 2009

Day 4 - Family

I am having my little morning break. Tea ready, a Grättimann and tangerine, plus a candle lit. I say, Christmas is right here.

Today I want to ponder a little bit about family. I am going to visit some family in Austria this weekend to celebrate my uncle's birthday. It's going to be a huge family celebration. I am super excited about it and think it is perfect now at this season of the year.

They say Christmas is the time of the year to be with your family. To visit your family, to spend time with them. I heard a girl say she doesn't like Christmas. Only sitting around, eating and talking. Others might say, they don't like to spend time with their family as too many conflicts could come up. Others then say, they don't even have a family or their family is living so far away there is noch chance to see them this Christmas.

I can understand these things and I know that I am blessed with an amazing family who is supportive and loving and forgiving and simply amazing.
Not everybody has this chance. Yet I want to encourage you, if you are not so good with your family, make an effort this year. Even if they did something to you. Make an effort, also if it is only a smile or some cookies. Hey, if that is the only thing you can do, do it.
If you don't have a family any more, let me encourage you by saying, that you have a family in Christ (if you are in a relationship with him). Do something with you best friends, celebrate with them. Make sure you are not alone on Christmas.

And here is also another way of giving love to a family. There are kids out there who don't have anything. They live with the least of things, usually with nothing.. And you can be their parent, give them love. How? Only with 1$ or 1€ a day. Organizations like Compassion International give you the oppornuity to make a change in a family. All you have to do is go to either www.compassion.com for the United States or www.compassion-de.org for Germany. Find out how you can sponsor a child.

Be the change.

Until tomorrow

xoxo

Ramona

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Day 3 - Gift Suggestions

Christmas time is the season where stores make most profits. Everybody is hunting for presents, trying to get it all together before the big day. But is this really what Christmas is about?

I found a list of presents I thought are worth giving and thought I'd suggest them to you also:

To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.

~ Oren Arnold (1900-1980)


Have fun giving and until tomorrow

xoxo

Ramona

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Day 2 - Time Flies

I cannot tell you how excited I am today about posting this video. It is a lyrical jazz dance which portraits that one moment in your life where you are completely content.

I think it fits so well into this Christmas time. Often times we are so hectic and busy and time flies by so quickly we cannot even grasp it. That is why it is so important to take a little bit (even if it is only 5 minutes) of your day, sit down and ponder about a few things, talk with God, be in relationship with him. Do you reflect your life every once in a while? What are some of the dreams you have? Where do you stand right now? How has God worked in your life this year? How have you grown?

Please watch the video with the dance. You will love it and hopefully you have a moment today.


For Facebook viewers please click "View original post" in order to actually see the video.

xoxo until tomorrow

Ramona

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Day 1 - See the Invisible

Enjoying some hot tea and a piece of toffee while taking a moment off of this day together with you.

I want to ponder a little bit about a quote that I read today.

"We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done."

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)

Isn't this just so true. Sometimes we're so stuck in what we think we cannot do or how little we are capable of achieving a certain goal. We do not see outside the box and envision where we already are and how far we have already come. The people around us, who know us can see far more than we sometimes can see. And if they already see this much, how much more does God see the abilites in us, the gifts he placed into us, the dreams He has for our life and the goals He wants to reach for your life.
This encourages me so much. When I start seeing myself the way God sees me, my perspective completely changes. Yes, some of these things may look impossible to me, but isn't our God a God who makes the impossible possible? Aren't His ways of us always exceeding our utmost dreams?

I want to encourage you today to read Psalm 139. That is how you were created. Lift your eyes to Jesus, Yaweh, our Saviour and take a look through His eyes. He created you, He loves you, He wants you.

xoxo until tomorrow

Ramona

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