We will clasp hands and
laugh
shout
dance
sing
and bring friendship
to those who don't even know us.

Jessica Evans, Mahtomedi, MN

To friends: The family we choose for ourselves.

Lynn Thompson, Macomb, IL

The idea for the following entry in the "Good Tidings" contest was realized while listening to "Feet of a Dancer" by Maura O'Connell. I enjoy this song, but as I listened, it occurred to me that I do not hope for my children to find "all the easy answers to your pain." Sometimes a few hard answers are more beneficial.

Thus, the following tiding:

May you sail a storm-tossed sea
to make dear the sunny shore.

May your joy be made the brighter
by the hardships gone before.

For we all must know some sorrow,
to make more glad our mirth.

We all must know some brokenness
to hail the Savior's birth

Pam & Brian Larson , Arden Hills, MN

May your friends and your family be one and the same
May a willingness to love be your greatest fame
Happy New Year!

Michelle Forsberg, Mankato, Mn

1. May you hop out of your bed on Christmas morn with a childlike skip versus a geriatric ache.

2. May peace and great deals abound this holiday season.

3. May you take delight in your family as a child does with cardboard boxes.


Jodi Nelsen, Rochester, MN

A toast at the Turn of the Century
To my friends, and guests plenipotentiary -
Here's hoping we'll stay
If not free, just away
From serving time in the state penitentiary

Richard Lane, St. Joseph, MN

May we learn to pay attention
And upon doing so, find that we
Attend upon the sublime.

Sandra J Deneen, Spring Grove, MN

May the glow of a candle make you kind.
May the warmth of your hearth make you generous.
May the face of a child make you wise.
May the beauty of a song make you joyful.
And may your own kindness, generosity, wisdom and joy bring your heart great peace.

Karen Seay , Edina, MN

A blessing for Holiday bakers

May all your cookies be crisp and your coffee be hot,
May your breads be tender and your pies be sweet,
And may all your fruit cake be eaten by someone else.

Joy Gerard, Courtland, MN