We rejoice as the Church enters into the season of Advent, "adventus." May we joyfully prepare our homes and hearts for the reception and celebration of the Bethlehem event.

The Good News

Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue - Our Nation's Leading Donkey Rescue

It is during this season of Advent that we will turn our good news towards those who rescue and care for the animals that the Bible refers to as being present at our Lord's birth.

There isn't a more famous domestic farm animal in the Bible than the little donkey, who appears many times throughout the Old and New Testament and is mentioned in the life of our Lord. Our Christmas mangers always reflect the presence of little donkey.

Today, the United States' leading donkey rescue, Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue works very diligently to rescue donkeys having rescued over one thousand donkeys from abuse, neglect and abandonment. Founded by Mark and Amy Meyers, this organization has grown to the largest rescue of its kind with facilities across the country. You may have seen them on national television as they carry their stewardship mission across the globe.

We encourage you to visit this wonderful, heart-warming site, where you will learn more about the beauty of this special creature to share with friends and family during this Christmas season.

Please consider making a love donation to Peaceful Valley to honor this little animal that surely was close to Our Lord's heart!

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Inspiration Blooms

The True Meaning of Christmas

~by Sister Marie Rene, S.S.J.

Sister Marie Rene quotes one of her favorite people to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.

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Father Ron's Column

Seasoned With Hope

~by Father Ron Camarda 

Father Ron guides us on our journey into the Advent Season with a discourse titled, SEASONED WITH HOPE.

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Artfully Speaking

Fruitful

~ by Rick Cannazzaro

Rick offers us a great moral truth as he speaks about an unusual fruit that he captured in one of his recent oil pastels. This one will make you think twice!

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In the Key of "G"

Christmas is Still Alive in America

~by Mary Galvano-Bajohr

Mary performed a week ago in a magnificent musical presentation at Epcot at Disney World, Florida. And she has a message for America!

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Susi's Commentary

New Advent

~by Susi Pittman

It is at this time of year that our hearts are attuned in a special way towards those we love. Many people have personally contacted Susi throughout this past year about losing a pet and the hardship it will be for them not to have their pet present this Christmas.

Have you lost someone or a pet during the past year? Are you finding it hard to deal with the grief and emptiness? Then this week's column titled NEW ADVENT from Susi is a must read for you.

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Steward Alerts

Send an Advent E-Card

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CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA, a beautiful new song by our own Mary Galvano-Bajohr can be purchased here.

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Steward Activities

The Legend of the Poinsettia with fun activities from JUST 4KIDS

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Visit CatholicMom.com for great family fun ideas for Advent and Christmas

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Organic Gardening

We recommend Organic Gardening Farming Magazine published by Liam McDonald. Sign up for their beautiful OGFM digital magazine at www.organicgardeningfarming.com

CLICK HERE to view Susi's article in this month's issue, "Garden Harmony" (page 22)

Invite Susi to Speak

Susi Pittman, author and founder of CatholicStewardsofCreation.com is available to speak to your school, club or organization. *

She loves sharing her passion and love for the creatures of this world with her audience! Susi is about saying "yes" to God when it would be easier to say no! She is about teaching others how to see the created world through the eyes of a dedicated steward, as God's "stand-in." She is about believing that you can do anything you want to do and enjoy getting there, heartbreak and all! If it is the challenge of change, Susi helps people rise to the occasion with all the vigor and enthusiasm that serving God as caretakers demands in this wonderful life.

For booking information, please call (904) 735-5979 or email susi@catholicstewardsofcreation.com

Currently scheduled to speak at Incarnation Church, Sarasota Florida, January 25, 2011, 7:00PM

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Wellness & Nutrition

Healthy Holiday Recipies

Healthy holiday recipes is our theme this week. You can't get too much good advice when it comes to preparing those delectable hors d-oeuvres and dynamic dinners. We recommend a few great websites to help you in your food presentation journey.

EatingWell.com

GoodHousekeeping.com

OrganicValley.coop

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Stargazing

Total Lunar Eclipse December 20, 2010

Did you know that we in North and South America will be treated to a TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE December 20, 2010? Check out Dr. Sky's website and dust off your telescope for a grand show in the night sky.

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Share a Link

Star of Bethlehem: Amazing Research

CLICK HERE to watch an amazing documentary on the Star of Bethlehem by producer, Stephen McEveety (The Passion of the Christ) as you are walked through biblical and historical clues revealing the eternal significance of this celestial event as well as the vastness of God's creativity.

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Special thanks to Tom & Joan who submitted this wonderful photo of an abandoned "shepherd" that found shelter at a church Nativity and comfort in the lap of our Lord.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good will."

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Susi is going "green" and throwing out the old electric paper shredder. It seems that the six new feral cats that have become part of our family are quite capable of handling the job of "paper security" around our home.

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