Make Your Next Family Reunion the Best One Yet

Summer is here, school is out, vacations are planned and families are gathering for that big get-together...the Family Reunion.

If your family is included in this scenario, here are some tips to ensure your next Family Reunion is the best one yet.

REMEMBER YOUR MANNERS AND BE POLITE. Yes, it counts with family, too. Being among kinfolk doesn't give you the right to be rude. Besides, some of the elders who taught you manners in the first place may be there watching you.

SOME ARE KIN...SOME ARE NOT. Guests are usually welcome, so friends, neighbors, and other non-related people are often invited to family reunions. With that being said, you need to remember that reunions also flush out members of your family that you haven't seen in years. So don't just read a name tag...find out exactly who everyone is. The last thing you want to do is hit on First-Cousin Cathy or Half-Brother Hal.

DO NOT AIR NOR SHARE FAMILY DIRTY LAUNDRY; even if it's your own family's laundry. When you see people together in a whispering huddle, you know it's not about Me-Maw's mouth-watering deviled eggs. So jump in and suggest playing a game or drag out the homemade ice cream maker...anything to distract the gossipers. And don't fret about spoiling anyone's gossipy good fun, either. There's always comfort in knowing they'll catch up on everything later, during the familiar post-reunion phone sessions.

PREPARE FOR ANIMATED ACCOUNTS OF PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS. There's no escaping this. They're as natural to reunions as ants are to cookouts; you know, a colossal pain in the butt, but expected none the less. So dispense with retorts of one-upmanship. Look at it this way; you're ALL family, so if someone happens to be doing well; you're ALL doing well.

And last but not least:

NO CRITICISMS ARE ALLOWED about the planning or organizing of the reunion. If you were on the committee...great! Then you know first-hand how much work was put into it. If you were not on the committee, then you should have been...so keep your criticisms to yourself. And before you leave, be sure to sign up to work on the next reunion committee since apparently, you think you can do better.

Reunions are about gatherings and happy times. Make it a point to keep them that way by remembering the special bond that brought you all together in the first place.

 

Creating Bliss ~ Better Living In Seven Steps

by Tammy Thomas Hopson

                            Buy CREATING BLISS Now!

            Foreword 

                by Howard "H" White

Author of  "Believe to Achieve, See the Invisible, Do the Impossible"

    "Reading Tammy Hopson's manuscript has both humbled me and given me great revelation in knowing that there are angels that walk amongst us that can guide our paths with their words of wisdom, encouragement and light that they shed on our lives. It reminds me that as children, we almost naturally have so many things that God has given us that we just take for granted. They tend to lead very blissful lives that are so happy, energetic and carefree; they are so simple and beautiful. It's always said that with a child's heart, there's no need to worry about the troubles of the day. 

    As we grow older, we come into our own problems and the realities of the world seem to set in. Our mind doesn't free us up to live happier, stronger, more carefree lives, but seems to imprison and keep us captive. In reading Tammy's work of art, it gives us a liberating freedom and steps to regain this happiness and peace that we had as children. 

    In her book, "Creating B.L.I.S.S.", Tammy, in truly a simple and yet very provocative fashion, gives us Seven Steps to gain our compass. For me, it's a North Star that can direct our path and guide us to the path that we so often seek. It's one of Happiness and Light and Truth. 

    Better Living In Seven Steps is such a powerful tool that can give us so much B.L.I.S.S. if we use it. Like any tool in our tool chest, we must take it out and use it. We need to take it to heart and like a breath of fresh air, take it deeply into our inner spirit and digest it. Take it in deeply and let it bathe your inner being and wash over your entire soul. Her words have the power to regenerate your spirits and  your faith in life again. Her words are like a battery charger for life. They have the power to recharge your life; to bring the down-hearted and down-trodden back to being full and whole and bright with light.

    In each chapter, Tammy gives you the words to bring about huge change. She not only gives you the steps to B.L.I.S.S., but she tells you, through examples in her own life that are personal and revealing, what part they've played in her own life. When someone shares their own life challenges and you can see the road that they've walked, you get a firsthand look into what true power is. When someone can say, "it's not what I believe, but it's what I've lived, and this is what it's done for my life"; When someone puts their own life on display for the world to see, and to see what personal power can do in our lives. Then she gives you your own personal workbook to keep track of your own thoughts.

    Use Tammy and her book to enhance and change and enlighten your life, your soul, your heart, and your spirit. Whether you're someone trying to get back to that state of self-awareness, happiness and an energetic live, or just trying to keep a positive outlook and well being and positive attitude, I think you're on the right track with B.L.I.S.S. Let it wash over your soul and inner being. Let this work of art give you the peace that you've searched for; just simply read it to know that you're on the right path and let it give you a mental tune up. But whatever you do, read it and take to heart its message. Take it in and let it recharge your batteries and give you a new perspective or just recharge the old ones that you have. I think that Tammy's work will give you newfound B.L.I.S.S. in seven profound, easy and doable steps. I think most things are easy; it's the doing them that's the hard part. I wish you much B.L.I.S.S. Enjoy!     

   

Howard "H" White

Author of 

"Believe to Achieve, See the Invisible, Do the Impossible"

 Happy Chinese New Year!

Today, January 29, 2025 ~ just one month after the Universal New Year arrived ~ the Chinese New Year begins. This Year of the Snake calls for careful planning of goals and desires as it promises success and positive transformation.

Today also welcomes the New Moon in Aquarius, the first new moon of the year.

And let’s not forget the spectacular Cosmic Parade of 7 Planets (Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Mercury) that’ll be going on until the last week in February.  

Most of these planets (Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn) can be seen with the naked eye. So don’t miss out. Go out and witness this dramatic event. Experience the wonder and excitement that only the universe can deliver.

This is an event that won’t happen again until the year 2492. So, as these celestial planets put on this dramatic cosmic dance for us, take advantage of it.

• Align your thoughts and deepest desires with inspired actions just as the planets are aligned.

• Take the time on tonight’s New Moon to release the old habits that no longer serve you.

• Set your intentions for what you want to show up in your life for the new cycle.

Happy manifesting! 

You couldn’t ask for a better time to do so!

BE WILLING TO GO FULL-CIRCLE

For years when I was a child, I would often hear people say (in total exasperation) that life took them "full-circle". They never said it in a good way, usually sounding annoyed and hinting that the 'circle' was useless and redundant. There’s nothing wrong with a circle and definitely nothing wrong with going full-circle.

Exactly what is a circle? Like everything else in life, the idea of it is a matter of perspective.

For example; to some people, a circle signifies boundaries and strength. Remember the little kid who’d start a fight by tracing a circle in the dirt and daring anyone to step into it. To him, that circle meant confidence and power. That is, until another kid saw the circle as an opportunity to prove his mettle as he answered the dare and stepped into the circle, too.

What is a circle?

It could be confirmation of the circle of life to the woman whose protective womb holds the promise of a new beginning.

A circle to some adults can mean love, security and infinity as in the symbolized shape of a wedding band. But to others, that same symbolized circle can mean limitations, unwanted boundaries and stagnation.

For me, circles signify both stillness and movement. To go full-circle gives me a sense of peace and completion; yet with a promise of continuous energy.

A journal entry I made a few years prior to my retirement describes feelings I had of coming full circle with a situation I pondered. I had just looked over the draft of a book I’d written (and ultimately designed a class I taught to teenagers) on Etiquette. Apparently, I’d also been thinking about what I would do after leaving my employer of almost 30 years. Here’s a portion of what I wrote:

“…which only serves to prove even more how forces much stronger than me are at work here. This draft wrote itself. The class taught itself.  I’m always writing, but now I feel I can’t help but write and that I will write even more when I’m retired. Humm…Writer and Author…the next chapter. I feel like I’ve come full circle because a Writer was my first self-identifier; the first thing I saw myself doing long, long ago. One of my oldest memories was of writing a poem on the way to school and feeling great.  I folded the paper with great ceremony (like little kids do with every paper they think is precious) and when I got to my seat, I placed it in the back of my desk for safekeeping until the end of the day when I’d take it home to show Mama…  I am whole. I've come full circle. I am home.”

For me, the circle signifies a path, and full-circle represents the force behind my life’s purpose to inspire others through my words.

The circle is whole.  It is universal; therefore, it’s natural. The circle is divine; therefore, it’s pure goodness. It’s never ending; so it is life. The circle is the Creator; therefore, it is all things and everything.  

There are many circles in life and the way you perceive each one is up to you.

So the next time you feel like you’re going in circles, stop, breathe, and in that universal moment, thank God for His circles.

When did you go Full-Circle and come out better than before?

Share your comments below.

HAPPY 2025!    

After bringing in the New Year, I went to bed around 1:30 a.m. with love and gratitude on my heart.

I awoke at 7 a.m., showered, completed my devotions (with a special New Year's Meditation) and began to cook breakfast. While waiting on the coffee maker to complete its cycle, I turned on the TV in the Den and that's when I saw the tragic activities that happened just overnight in New York and New Orleans.

I won't go into the details; I don't have to -- the media is taking care of that by saturating psyches of the masses with their "Breaking News" broadcasts.

Unfortunately, while the symbolic Ball of Light still shone, reflecting the happiness and hopes of millions, other souls around the world continued to show their frightened faces through heinous acts of terror. Terror, but not control. 

I saw the chaos and prayed for the many victims involved. I made note of the different ways the people of New Orleans were accepting help (money, clothes, etc.), and made my plans to do what I could for them.

Then I turned the TV to the heartwarming channel, MeTV (Memorable Television), not to ignore or downplay the horrific happenings of this morning's events, but as a choice to stay within my own nature, within my own light. 

Of course, it didn't change what happened. And it didn't stop the heartache I felt for the victims and their families, not by a long shot. But it did help me keep my perspective. It helped me to hold tight to my compassion to keep in mind that each and every person involved was a victim of some kind. It kept me on the path of gratitude and away from the road towards bitterness, anger and resentment.

So, while my heart grieved for the souls involved in this morning's tragedies, it also allowed me to laugh at The Beaver, Wally, Tom & Jerry, etc. -- my heart's way of projecting merriment into the world. 

There will always be hurt, pain, suffering and sadness. Some of which we can control, and some that we cannot. But the extent that we hold on to that pain and suffering is definitely within our control. It is completely up to us as to how we handle life.

So, on this New Year's Day:

• Be thankful for seeing the year come in along with whatever else it brings
• Be grateful, not only for the pleasant things, but for all things. If you witness it, some aspect about it is for you 
• Do what you can to help those within your grasp who need help
• Add your peace and increase World Peace by presenting the world with the gift of your light 
• Sincerely pray for the disturbed souls who live and act out of fear

And it doesn't really matter whether or not you choose to call these objectives your resolutions. Just focus less on the labels and endeavor to live life divinely inspired.

Choose to make 2025 the greatest year of your life; and it will be,

No matter what, have a 

HAPPY 2025!