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!