Leap Day

Hi, Marilyn here! Today is Leap Day--February 29, a date that happens only once every four years. Did you know these facts about leap years?

- A leap year is divisible by 400. So, 2000 was a leap year, but 1900 was not. The next time leap year is skipped will be 2100. The next leap year will be 2016.

- If you were born on a Leap Day, you're called a "leapling" or a "leaper."

In 1700, Sweden had a February 30.

- Some famous people born on Leap Day:
Pope Paul III (he died in 1549)
Dinah Shore (an actress)
Al Rosen (a baseball player)
Antonio Sabato Jr. (an actor)
Morarji Desai (an Indian Prime Minister)
Joyce Kolinski (a sweet friend of mine)

- If you were born on leap year in:
1992, you'd be 5 years old
1996, you'd be 4 years old
2000, you'd be 3 years old
2004, you'd be 2 years old
2008, you'd be 1 year old

- Traditionally, women can ask men to marry them on Leap Day.

- If you were born on February 29, your official birthday would depend on the country you're in. In the United Kingdom and most US states, your birthday would be March 1. In China and New Zealand, your birthday would be February 28.
- There are also Leap Seconds. A Leap Second is 1 second that's added to the clock to align the earth's rotation with astronomical time (for example,the sun's rising and setting). The next time 1 second will be added to the clock will be on June 30, 2012, at 11:59:60 PM.

What are you doing with your extra day?

Leap (of Faith) Day

Why not use Leap Day to take a leap of faith? Do something you've never done before, or never thought you could do. Pray first, then listen for God's guidance. Maybe you'll try a new food or talk to someone who needs a friend. Maybe you'll try a new skill, like watercolor painting or ice skating. Or explore a new place. Go for it! Take a leap of faith that God will hold you up, and then catch you on the other side.

God bless you!

10 Simple Ways to Let Others Know You Care

Hi! Sherry Kyle, here. Can you believe it’s February? Before you know it, it will be Valentine’s Day, the day to show your loved ones how much you care about them. But why wait till then? Consider these ten ideas to put a smile on their face, and warmth in their heart ANY day of the year:

1. Forgive something they did that hurt you without needing to hear the words, “I’m sorry.”

2. Send them a text that reads, “Thought of you today, and it made me smile.”

3. Look them in the eye and say, “I really appreciate you—just for being you.”

4. Compliment them on a job well done.

5. Give them something from nature that reminds you of them—like a beautiful shell, or a sturdy rock.

6. Ask, “How are you—really?” Then do nothing but listen for as long as they’d like to talk.

7. Encourage them to pursue their dreams.

8. Tell them which qualities of theirs you admire.

9. Notice when they do something that might have been difficult.

10. Go on the swings, get some ice cream, and let go of your stresses together.

By Sherry Kyle