The Journey Journal
February 2023 Edition
Special Days in February
February is Black History Month: Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today. Some influential Americans included Rosa Parks, W.E.B. Du Bois, Jackie Robinson, Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth.
February 2: Ground Hog Day: The Germans started the tradition. Yes, the see-his-shadow-ornot concept stems from Germany and the holiday, Candlemas. Early European Christians believed that if the sun came out on Candlemas (also February 2), winter would last for another six weeks. The groundhog really can predict the end of winter. Just not with his shadow. Because groundhogs hibernate every winter, the fact that he'd bother to leave his hideaway is a natural sign of spring to come! The furry critter is also easy to find groundhogs live in the majority of central and eastern U.S., plaguing gardeners everywhere. The original Groundhog Day involved eating groundhogs. After sightseers celebrated Punxsutawney Phil's weather prediction in 1886, they all headed over to Gobbler's Knob to dine on a feast made up of various groundhog dishes and the equally-delicious-sounding groundhog punch.
February 21: Mardi Gras: Mardi Gras refers to events of the Carnival celebration, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is known as Shrove Tuesday. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday", reflecting the practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual Lenten sacrifices and fasting of the Lenten season.
February 22: Presidents’ Day: The birthday of U.S. President George Washington (February 22) was first celebrated as a federal holiday in the United States in the 1880s. In 1968 the holiday was adapted to also honor the birth of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and moved to the third Monday in February.
February 23: Battle of the Alamo: The siege and the final assault on the Alamo in 1836 constitute the most celebrated military engagement in Texas history. The battle was conspicuous for the large number of illustrious personalities among its combatants. These included Tennessee congressman David Crockett, entrepreneur-adventurer James Bowie, and Mexican president Antonio López de Santa Anna. For many Americans and most Texans, the battle has become a symbol of patriotic sacrifice. Traditional popular depictions, including novels, stage plays, and motion pictures, emphasize legendary aspects that often obscure the historical event.
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Pray With Us
I read this quote today and wanted to share it with you:
"Accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward. If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down...."
Here is my reflection on this:
At some point in an eagle's lifetime, it flies to a high mountain to pluck out many of its feathers and file down its beak on a rock. It needs to drop much of the old in order to thrive and survive. The weight of the old feathers and the hook of the old beak no longer allow it to be the magnificent creature it is called to be.
Today's a good day to check ourselves and release some of those things that are weighing us down. They may not necessarily be bad, but they no longer serve us best. If we want to thrive and live life to our fullest potential, let's make the effort to remake ourselves to the best possible people we can be.
Add the effort to prayer and we will be able to soar way past our old expectations!
Joshua 1:8 - Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
Be sure to take time each day to spend in His Word.
God Bless
Pastor Carol
Answers to Math Puzzles
- Roy T. Bennett
Denise Raymond, Newly Appointed Administrator
Lutheran Social Ministries is pleased to announce the promotion of Denise Raymond to the role of Administrator for Journey Hospice South. Since joining Journey Hospice in 2019, Denise has served as the Director of Nursing, successfully building a strong clinical team and a strong culture of teamwork. In addition to her passion for and dedication to the Journey hospice program, Denise has a wealth of experience working both in healthcare and with the senior population. Before joining Journey Hospice/LSMNJ, Denise held leadership roles in marketing, long term care and assisted living.
Denise has earned bachelor’s degrees in both nursing and social work. She is also certified as a Dementia Practitioner. Additionally, she is an active volunteer with the veteran population in her local community. Denise resides in Cape May County with her husband, their four daughters and their grandson.
www.journeyhospicenj.org
Hats Off to Our Helper!
Hats off to Madeline Martinez, our January Employee of the Month. We continue to be blessed to have caring, hardworking nurses, aides and professionals that care for our patients on a regular basis. Thank you, Madeline for all that you do!
February Jokes
Q: What do you get when you cross a groundhog with a peanut?
A: An animal who is nuts about predicting the start of spring
Q: What month is the best for coffee?
A: Feb-BREW-ary
Q: What is a frog’s favorite month?
A: February. It has a Leap Year.
Q: Which is the month in which a person would talk the least?
A: February, because it has the least number of days.
Q: What’s the difference between February 14th and July 4th to someone who is single? A: There isn’t any because they’re both Independence Day.
Q: What’s for breakfast on really cold days in February?
A: Frosted Snowflakes.
Q: What do you say on the last day of the second month?
A: February is ending today, but that’s okay. We’ll March on.
Q: What is a ghost’s favorite month?
A: Feb BOO uary.
Q: What did baby kangaroo say to mama kangaroo?
A: Don’t leap me hanging.
www.journeyhospicenj.org
www.journeyhospicenj.org
February Coloring
