Monday, February 29, 2016

LEAP YEAR MONDAY


February 29th.

Brought to you by the clever inventors of leap year.

My dad missed it by one day – his birthday was March 1st.

If I had been born on February 29th, this year I'd be celebrating my Sweet Sixteen birthday! 

(Hmmm, I like the sound of that better than 62…ahem).

I got to thinking about leap years, so I looked up some information.


Here's the facts:

1.  A leap year is also known as an intercalary year or a bissextile year.

2.  The extra day keeps the calendar year synchronized with the astronomical or seasonal year, and aligned with the Earth's revolutions around the Sun.

3.  Seasons and astronomical events do not repeat in a whole number of days. Therefore, calendars that have the same number of days in each year drift over time with respect to the event that the year is supposed to track. Inserting the extra day corrects the drift.

4.  A year that is not a leap year is called a common year.

5.  The name "leap year" comes from the fact that while a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar normally advances one day of the week from one year to the next, the day of the week in a leap year will advance two days (from March onwards) due to the extra day added at the end of February (thus "leaping over" one of the days in the week).

6.  Gregorian calendars were first used in 1582.  They are a modification of the Julian calendar first used by the Romans.

7.  There is also something known as a leap cycle.  Over a period of 4 centuries, the accumulated error of adding a leap day every 4 years amounts to about 3 extra days. The Gregorian calendar therefore removes three leap days every 400 years, which is the length of its leap cycle.

8.  You can tell if it's a leap year by what day of the week the year starts and ends on.  January 1st and December 31st always fall on the same day of the week.  In leap years, December 31st will fall on the following day of the week!

9.  In Ireland and Britain, it is a tradition that women may propose marriage only in leap years.   In Greece, marriage in a leap year is considered unlucky.

10.  A person born on February 29 may be called a "leapling" or a "leaper."

11.  There can be drawbacks to being born on February 29th.  There are an estimated five million people with Feb. 29 birthdays, and they once had to face a number of day-to-day administrative hassles.  Insurance companies, banks and other major organizations often didn't recognize leap day as a valid date, forcing people to choose either Feb. 28 or March 1 as their birthday.  Evolving technology has made this less of an issue, but some websites still won't accept Feb. 29.

12.  In Gilbert and Sullivan's 1879 comic opera "The Pirates of Penzance," Frederic the pirate apprentice discovers that he is bound to serve the pirates until his 21st birthday (that is, when he turns 84 years old), rather than until his 21st year.

13.  Leap years in history: During leap years, George Armstrong Custer fought the Battle of the Little Bighorn (1876), the Titanic sank (1912), Benjamin Franklin proved that lightning is electricity (1752) and gold was discovered in California (1848).

14.  Famous people born on February 29th: Dinah Shore, Tony Robbins, Jimmy Dorsey, Dennis Farina, Lord Byron, and a bunch of other people that can't be that famous because I didn't know who they were!!


So in some ways, today is an *extra* day!

And that's got me thinking about time.

Did you know that time is bendable?

According to Einstein's Theory of Relativity, there is a phenomenon called time dilationbasically a difference of elapsed time between two events as measured by observers.

(For instance, clocks on the Space Shuttle ran slightly slower than reference clocks on Earth, while clocks on GPS and Galileo satellites run slightly faster…The laws of nature are such that time itself (i.e. spacetime) will bend due to differences in either gravity or velocity – each of which affects time in different ways.)

I don't begin to understand any of this – even though I am a huge fan of the "Back to the Future" movies!!

("…the encounter could create a time paradox.  The results of which could cause a chain reaction that would unravel the very fabric of the space-time continuum and destroy the entire universe!...Granted, that's the worst-case scenario.  The destruction however might be limited merely to our own galaxy." 
– Emmett "Doc" Brown)

"Great Scott!"


No, I am not a physicist, but I do know this.

Time is not static – especially as we experience it.

I have found that time moves at a different pace when I'm waiting for something.  If it's something good (tax refund check), time moves slowly.  But if it's something I'm dreading (root canal), it goes way too fast.  Of course, if I'm waiting to find out if something is good or bad (test results), time moves slowly again.

Interesting, huh?!

OK, if you've stuck with me so far – (and I'm sorry that today's post is rambling all over the place) – it's *time* to get practical.


We are finite beings with a pre-determined amount of years allotted to us.

God sets our earthly time, our life clock, before we are even born – and He alone knows when that time will tick down to a stop.

And even if we live to be 100 years old, the time will still pass quickly.

So, what are we doing with the time given to us?

Our lives are a gift from God.

And in some ways, what we do with them is our gift to Him.


Are we pursuing His wisdom, His ways, His Word?

Are we spreading His Good News?

Are we making inroads for the Kingdom?

Are we storing up heavenly treasure?

Are we seeking His face, and spending time in relationship with Him?

Are we serving others well?


In other words, are we spending the time wisely?


I don't know how long my life will last.  But I want it to be well spent.  I am less concerned with quality of life than living a life of quality.

I want my years here to count for something – more accurately, I want them to count for Someone.

So, I'm taking this *extra* day and pondering how I might make better use of my time as I serve the Lord.


Time is passing.

Time is short.

And it's TIME – to get busy living, making the best use of our days, wisely following the Lord as He leads us moment-by-moment.

For He is coming…

…soon!





"Time is what we want most,
but what we use worst."

-- William Penn


Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

(Psalm 90:12)













"LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.  Remind me that my days are numbered – how fleeting my life is.  You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.  My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.  We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.  We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it.  And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?  My only hope is in you." 
(Psalm 39:4-7, NLT)

"Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.  For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.  As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.  When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, and its place acknowledges it no longer.  But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him…" (Psalm 103:13-17, NASB)

"He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and comes not again." (Psalm 78:39, ESV)

"For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being." (Job 12:10, NLT)

"For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." (Job 33:4, NLT)

"…He is not far from each one of us.  for in Him we live and move and exist [that is, in Him we actually have our being]…" (Acts 17:27-28, AMP)

"Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.  How precious to me are your thoughts, God!  How vast is the sum of them!" (Psalm 139:16-17, NIV)

"Since his days are determined, the number of his months is with You [in Your control], and You have made his limits so he cannot pass [his allotted time]." (Job 14:5, AMP)

"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow?  Your life is like the morning fog – it's here a little while, then it's gone." (James 4:14, NLT)

"But I am trusting you, O LORD, saying, 'You are my God!'  My future is in your hands." (Psalm 31:14-15, NLT)

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable.  Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless." (1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT)

"Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature.  But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.  So let's not get tired of doing what is good.  At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.  Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone…" (Galatians 6:8-10, NLT)

"'Look, I am coming soon!  My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End…'" (Revelation 22:12-13, NIV)

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.'  Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:20, NIV)



How are you using your precious gift of time?




Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, UNITE LINKUP, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, TITUS 2SDAYS, WISE WOMAN, WORSHIPFUL WEDNESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, TUESDAY'S RUBIES, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAYFROM HOUSE TO HOME, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, GRACE AT HOME, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, DANCE WITH JESUS, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, WEEKEND WHISPERS, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, LIVING PROVERBS, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

41 comments:

  1. Those were interesting facts about leap year; I didn't know a lot of them, especially about the one if you are born that day maybe having to choose which day to make it your birthday between 2/28 or 3/1. I recently read up on how they kept track of time during the time Jesus walked this earth; that was a fascinating thing to learn about, so different than how we do when we follow the Roman way of keeping track of time.

    I squander a lot of my time; I need to better organize it I think because I do want to make an impact for God in the days and minutes and hours he has given me.

    betty

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  2. Hi Sharon! I was thinking that today is an 'extra day', and wondered what I'd decide to do with it. But then again...isn't every day just that precious and rare? I guess Leap Day just underlines the fact that every day is gift to be used well and appreciated.
    Love that Psalm quote. I hope that I can gain a heart of wisdom! May I use every day to push to that goal.
    Happy Leap Day! Do something fun, and wise, for yourself my friend :)
    Ceil

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  3. I learned some fun facts from you today! What I already knew about time/life is that it goes by quickly and that we better live with a mind set on eternity and that which lasts forever.

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  4. What a great fun and serious reflection on time! So thankful for the perspective of eternity!

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  5. WOW extensive research Sharon! and to answer your question ... well, you'll just have to LEAP over to my place and read.

    Really enjoyed all of your grateful page and the list last week and this week from deadline - books! I too am grateful for all of those except 'deadlines' (sorry, can't remember the positive spin you put on this one, got carried away in my dread and "leaping" around) ... so happy birthday sent to heaven for dad (was he really born on March 1st or was he one who had to move to that date?) You made me think I had missed yours (but I figured out it was the number not the month, at least I hope so).

    Bless you and your time well spent today and in your life!

    Love and hugs,
    Peggy

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    1. fix your date in your sidebar for BOOKS :)

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  6. My birthday is March 1st, too, Sharon, so I share that with your Dad!
    And yes, we truly need to be more mindful of how we spend our finite amount of time here on earth. I pray I'm spending mine in a way that honors the Father and the blessed life He has given me.
    Blessings to you!

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  7. I just love reading your blog so much. I always learn something new - January 1 and December 31 fall on the same day except leap year - and I always laugh and I always am encouraged. Thank you Sharon for your wit and love of Jesus!

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  8. May we be ever mindful to make the most of time were have. Pretty interesting facts you shared Sharon.

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  9. I loved your interesting data on Leap Year. I think March 1 is a better day to celebrate if you were born on Feb 29. God lives in eternity and with Him there is no time. We do waste a lot of our time. One scripture that came to mind was "Time shall be no more." That will be the day our wait will be over. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.

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  10. And I love that Leonardo finally got an Oscars. What a wonderful day.

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  11. wow, very interesting. thanks for sharing my friend.

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  12. Powerful words you have shared here today, my friend. Time's a wastin'...I better get busy! I need to work on this! Thanks for the lesson on Leap Year too :)

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  13. Your Leap Year facts were really interesting- thanks for sharing- and I agree that time seems to move at different speeds depending on what we're doing or what we're waiting for. Great reminder too that time is a gift from God and that we should use it well and make it count for something. Visiting from Purposeful Faith.

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  14. Yes, He's coming soon and there's so much to do! I never feel like I measure up in the time allotted me. Interesting facts about leap year. If we ever play Trivia, I want to be on your team. We will win!

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  15. Sharon - My goodness - that is a lot of information on Leap Year - and very interesting, too.
    Hope your ENTIRE Leap Year is blessed full of good things.
    ~Marsha

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  16. Fun post and practical. God has been dealing with me on how I spend my time. I think I am learning that what He desires with my time might not be what the world feels is important..kinda Mary versus Martha time.

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  17. Interesting facts, Sharon. I was reading about Julius Caesar and the leap day way back then. But then again, there is Stonehenge and so many other odd phenomena around the world where ancients kept track of days, months, seasons, etc.
    We have curious and intricate minds wanting to KNOW. Thanks.
    ~ linda

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  18. I like how differentiate between "quality of life" and a "life of quality" because it does make a difference. I want to live my life to bring glory to God. I think we all need to work at using time wisely. :) Blessings! I'm visiting from #ThreeWordWednesday.

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  19. I loved reading all you facts. Great reporting! I tagged in my Feedly under trivia. I'm loving all your points and you actually brought me to tears when you asked "so, what are we doing with our given time?" I am not using my time well and I know I will regret this wasted time. I've been in a slump for years and I owe it to God to do more with the time he is giving to me!!!!!

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  20. Interesting facts about leap year and an important conclusion ... what are we doing with the time we have? I can be a bit of a piddler (at least that what my mother called it), but I frequently ask the Lord to help me "redeem the time." I visited today from Coffee for Your Heart. Blessings!

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  21. Hi Sharon, I really enjoyed having the extra day :) Waking up this morning I thought about how quickly the 10 minutes go by that I want to stay in bed for! So an extra day is a gift, to use wisely, to share joy and encouragement, to grow, to ponder, to breathe deep. Yes, I was grateful for the extra day.
    God bless
    Tracy

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  22. These are some really interesting facts! Thanks for sharing. I have a friend whose birthday is on Feb 29 and it's strange how his b-day doesn't exist on some years. ;-)

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  23. Well... I guess I know what "time" it is now!

    Interesting facts about February 29th. Kinda weird. Time is a grand thing to ponder in light of God's creation. In the end it is a gift from God to know and honor Him... in the end nothing else counts. Thanks for the reminder, sister.

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  24. Yes, make the most of the gift of time!

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  25. I read a fascinating little book once called "Einstein's Dreams" - each chapter proposed a different concept of time. It was really interesting. I also find it interesting to explore how other cultures view time differently. It helps us remember time pressure is all relative.

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  26. Love your devotional thoughts on time...and the Scriptures you selected. Thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop!

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  27. What a beautiful reminder about the value of time. You're right: we may not know how much time we have here, but we certainly want it to be well-spent. Thanks so much for sharing this inspirational post with us on #SHINEbloghop, Sharon. It's always such a pleasure to read your posts.

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  28. Interesting facts and encouragement. Visiting today from #faithfilledfriday where we are neighbors.

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  29. Fun facts and a fun conversation maker to bring to Party at My Place. These are the kinds of thoughts we could be discussing if we were physically together at a party.

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  30. Loved all the facts and the watch pictures.

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  31. Interesting info about leap year. The anniversary of my husband's and my first date is February 29th so we just celebrated our seventh anniversary with an ice cream date! It's fun having this once in four years celebration.
    Happy Birthday to you Sharon :)
    Patti

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  32. If I'm understanding your posts correctly, you had or will be having a birthday recently? Happy Birthday, friend! Interesting tidbits about leap year ;) I have my own theories about time. I believe God gives us enough time to accomplish His will for us. I've experienced days when time seemed to stand still, when I look at the clock and think, "Gosh, is that all it is?" I think that happens when we are in His will. I wish those days happened more often! Sigh. Like you, I'm much more interested in quality than quantity! Have a blessed weekend, friend!

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  33. My Emily's best friend had her baby on this year's leap year. I am so with you on making my years count. Somedays I get to the end of my days and wonder, What did I accomplish today?

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  34. Sharon, thank you for making me look at my time and assessing if I'm really using it the way God wants me to. For our days are numbered, and I have no idea how many more are left.
    Sent you an email last year sometime I think. If you didn't get it, I'll send it again.
    Blessings my friend, Janis

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  35. Thanks for the fun facts and the Scriptural tie ins. We're so glad you shared at the #LMMLinkup. I learned this year that Feb. 29 is Rare Diseases Day, which is important in our family since one of my children suffers from one.

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  36. Such true words! Time is passing so quickly, and Mom used to tell me often, "Only one life, 'twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last." We start to really realize that as we get older, and we see how foolish we have been to waste time on things that really have no eternal impact or significance. Thank you for sharing all of this...I have never heard the facts about leap year, so it was really interesting. God bless you, Sharon! Sending you much love across the miles!! :)

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  37. Thank you for sharing these awesome facts about Leap Year!

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  38. Wonderful post, Sharon! I did not know many of these things about leap years, and I love the Back to the Future movies as well! Thanks for sharing with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week :)

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  39. Thanks so much for linking up at the #BloggerSpotlight party! I pinned this to our group board. Don’t forget to come link up again tonight and see the featured posts!

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  40. I love this idea, to use leap year as a reminder to ponder how we're using our time to serve God.
    Thanks for linking with Grace and Truth last week!

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

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