Good – an adjective, noun, or adverb – and this is the season of goodness.
Good is a word that transcends the globe in many languages and customs. Through a smile, music, a dance, and many other ways, good touches all and has a way to communicate across language barriers. Do you remember Matt?
Good – a desire or approval … as in living in peace with each other
Good – as in pleasing and welcoming
Good – kind, kindhearted, good-hearted, thoughtful, generous, charitable, magnanimous, gracious
Good – as in showing kindness and respect
Good – something produced for use by others
Good – as in appropriate, fitting, and adherence
Good – meaning valid, valued, treasured
Good – a quality emphasizing the best, finest, and nicest – or considerable, sizable, substantial, appreciable, and significant
Good – displaying or possessing a virtuous moral value – thus virtuous, righteous, upright, upstanding, moral, ethical, high-minded, and principled
Good – respectful, well-behaved, obedient, dutiful, polite, courteous, moral, righteous, and with integrity, virtue, and goodness
Good – referring to the positive qualities of a group of people
We need to reach that happy stage of our development when differences and diversity are not seen as sources of division and distrust, but of strength and inspiration. (Josefa Iloilo)
The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness. (Dalai Lama)
Goodness is the only investment that never fails. (Henry David Thoreau)
Dream that you and I and all of us will realize that we are family, that we are made for togetherness, for goodness, and for compassion. (Desmond Tutu)
I am an ordinary man who worked hard to develop the talent I was given. I believed in myself, and I believe in the goodness of others. (Muhammad Ali)
Each person has inside a basic decency and goodness. If he listens to it and acts on it, he is giving a great deal of what it is the world needs most. It is not complicated but it takes courage. It takes courage for a person to listen to his own goodness and act on it. (Pablo Casals)
I keep up enough with news to know that the world is not lacking bad news. Whether wars, human strife, harm, or killings, many of events are based on culture, religion, politics, race,and quest of power for imposing one set of values while stifling others. Nonetheless, my belief in humanity remains steady.
Even with all the bad news, I remain convinced that the majority of the world is good. After all, these are people who go about their daily life, and communicate across languages with smiles, dance, music, kindness, and acceptance … and yes, the bloggers at WordPress that I encounter also serve as ambassadors of humanity’s goodness – thus supporting my belief.
Yes, it’s the Christmas season, which is an important occasion for we Christians .. and festive time emphasizing good. However, goodness is a quality continually exhibited many Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, secular humanists, atheists, agnostics, and many other religions throughout the world … so to me, Santa Claus is a figure of good that transcends all cultures – thus not bound to Christianity.
In the spirit of Santa’s goodness, thank you for all the joys you regularly deliver to me. Yes, you are good. Happy Holidays to everyone … and to my Christian friends, a blessed Christmas to you!
But, one question … Which of the musical and visual gifts in this post did you enjoy?
It’s good to be reminded that, as you say, most people are basically good.
Happy Holidays o you and Right Angle, Frank!
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Elyse,
Those in the news and the self-advertising idiots make it hard to believe, but I still do believe in the basic good. Happiest of holiday wishes to you, John, and Jacob!
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Thanks, Frank!
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That was a feast of music and sights too – by the time I had listened to them all I couldn’t really say which was my favourite. I have always wanted to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing – it must be a wonderful wall of sound experience! And that was a great performance. I enjoy the Piano Guys – I do wonder how that cello was kept tuned though in the cold air.
Silent Night with the Aurora Borealis was beautiful both visually and musically – you really can’t beat that bit of music it is pure magic for a romantic! And round it off with the angelic children – nope Frank can’t choose – they were all lovely! Thank you for that little treat!
I too believe in the goodness of people. I believe we can and do make a difference when we refuse to buy into the fear and corruption and greed that corporations, governments and media throw our way. I think the amount of people choosing the good is growing!
Merry Christmas my friend!
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Pauline … my favorite Kiwi!
The fact that you took the time to take in all these wonderful videos your gift to me, so no favorite needed.
I’ve had the pleasure of attending two Mormon Tabernacle Choir concerts. The first time, this song captured my attention the most … and the second time was anxious awaited its reprise. … and yes, they produce a huge wall of sound.
Cheers to your goodness and your belief in the good. Merry Christmas to you.
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Hi Frank….I enjoyed all of your musical choices, but would have to pick SILENT NIGHT….not for the video,…yuk! God’s light display?? I closed my eyes to listen as soon as I realized that was Mannheim Steamroller, my favorite in Christmas albums. ( why no credit to them here?) Anyway, you have a GOOD Christmas and a VERY GOOD new year!
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Cynthia,
Cheers to you for listening to all the videos. So many wonders to enjoy!!!
Manheim Steamroller’s version of Silent Night is simply wonderful – thus one I like to use. I initially tagged the “official video”, but I love the accompanying light show!
In terms of credit to the recording artist, it is on the YouTube posting.
The best of holiday wishes to you and thanks for your kindness and sense of humor!
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This was such a fitting tribute to Christmas and also shows how amazing and good you are as well Frank. I think elected officials could learn a thing or two from bloggers who communicate with each other so much better. I hope you and your family have an amazing and safe Christmas this year :). By the way, I LOVED the silent night video
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Kay,
To the NYC lady of class, style, and goodness ….may may goodness continue to fall on you. … Meanwhile, Silent Night is a wonderful video!
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Silent night is always my favourite,,, my Gran used to sing it in the most hauntingly beautiful voice…. a memory I have of her at this time of the year…. have a very Merry Christmas Frank to you and your family… and may 2015 be all you wish yourself and family
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Bulldog,
It’s interesting how favorites at this time of year can be tied to something long ago. Thanks for sharing … and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
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The interfaith graphic. I loathe carols at a cellular level and am subjected to them from Hallowe’en forward into the New Year.
Happy Christmas, Frank.
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Red!
Oh yes – the All-Christmas Music stations come on a bit early. Meanwhile, your presence is a surprise gift for me .. thanks. Happy Christmas to you and your family!
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Silent Night is always my favourite. Merry Christmas Frank.
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Catherine,
My wonderful Canadian who loves to drive the kids batty … but in a good way. Cheers to your goodness and Merry Christmas to you, hubby, and the kids.
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Frank, I’m with my family out west and for some glitchy reason when I try to play YouTube videos posted on WordPress on my iPhone my phone crashes. But I’m sure that all of your
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Video selections were splendid – and yes I hit reply before I wanted to send which was not “good” at all.
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Lame,
Ah ha … west means time with Thurber! …. well, and human family, too!
Your goodness comes through loud and clear with your humor and wit, which I adore. Simply thanks … and the best of holidays to you.
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Awwww, thanks Frank! Thurber likes to lie on the bed with me. He’s such an affectionate fellow who loves it when everyone’s around. He told me to tell you, “Woof!”
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Thurber obviously loves his aunt!
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When Sweet Pea acts like a jerk I remind her that he’s getting the lion’s share of the inheritance. She’s undergone attitude adjustment. I have such a way with kids. Actually, now that she’s 20 and has developed her snark gene, we get on very well. Glad the terrible teens are over.
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Here’s to Goodness, my dear Frank. Happy Christmas, my friend and a Pleasing, Peaceful, Kind, Wonderful, Great, Exceptional, Superb… 2015 [all good synonyms!] in GOOD health of course. 🙂
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Marina,
To my Greek friend whose goodness shines through paintings and music … well, and a personable blog personality.
I hope these are right … Καλά Χριστούγεννα and ya mas!
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PERFECT!! 😉
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All are beautiful, truly. Each one at a different place. For some reason the first actually made me a bit weepy. The Piano Guys, I cannot resist them! I listened to this one twice. But all of these were wonderful selections. I agree Frank, most people, the majority of people are good.
Have a wonderful holiday season, Merry Christmas.
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Val,
Hooray to you for watching all the videos … and you just gave me a gift by telling me that each took you to a different place – thus mission accomplished! 🙂
Thank you for your goodness! Merry Christmas and enjoy time with your children and grandchildren … but don’t spoil them. 😉
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Spoiling this year is with hugs, games and love. We have all agreed. So I am looking forward to the entire two days.
🙂
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Spoiling allowed with those three! Enjoy!!!
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Peace and Goodwill. I just made a comment on someone’s site which fits here and so Frank hope you don’t mind but am going to recycle it in the spirit of good cheer.
Last night I went to top off the gas tank. The gentleman running the station, whom I think is possibly one of kindest beings I’ve ever met, was behind the counter bouncing and dancing around dressed in a Santa coat and hat. Christmas music blared from hybrid speakers, part speaker and part lava lamps.
Laughing and smiling, I was greeted at the till with, ” Ho Ho Merry Christmas Brother”. Originally from India and raised Hindu, he had the correct attitude as do you…….’good’ is a good word if expressed and practiced throughout the year.
Merry Christmas, brother Frank!
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Calvin,
I don’t mind the recycled story because I wouldn’t have known unless you told me. 😉 … and yes … that story is perfect for this post … plus additional confirmation of the spirit of goodness of the season is much about humanity!
Merry Christmas … and thanks for the goodness you bring to us!
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The ‘Piano Guys’ are always music to my ears, Frank. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, filled with joy, and surrounded by many ‘good’ people. 🙂
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Sylvia,
As you well know and whether it be work, neighbors, bloggers, or any group, placing yourself in the midst of good people is an important key to life! … and I consider myself lucky to have you in my midst. Joys to you this season and every day thereafter!
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This is easily an unforgettable Christmas musical extravaganza! Very joyful and peaceful at the same time. Thank you Frank and wish you and your near and dear ones a beautiful Christmas.
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Loved the lights Frank. A very special post. Thanks
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John,
Cheers to your joy of the lights … and thanks for the goodness that you share from your balcony in Texas.
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I really like the Matt videos. He and the others have a good time and lift their and my spirits.
Peace to you in the days ahead. May goodness be part of your life.
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Jim,
I started with Matt because he makes my point in the video better than I can in words. Many thanks for the goodness you give us from Iowa.
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I just shared Matt to Facebook.
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“Good” is also defined as treasure such as this blog, Frank! Happy holidays 🙂
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Christy,
Holiday cheers to you in beautiful Victoria … thanks for the kind words and a toast to your goodness!
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Thank goodness I found your blog! Have the best Holiday!
Cheers! ⭐
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Resa,
… the good lady in Canada with the camera that captures wonder street art … as well as being a person to helps prove my point about goodness. Best holiday wishes to you … and cheers to your role in spreading goodness.
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Such a lovely and incredibly thought provoking post, Frank. I agree with many of your other commentators, each video had a special quality about it, and to choose just one feels like I’m slighting the others. So I vote that you amassed an exceptional bunch that were wonderfully pleasing and heart-warming.
And speaking of heart-warming, I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Cheers, Frank!
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Shelley,
“Thought provoking” is quite the praise, so thank you! Meanwhile, Merry Christmas and cheers to you and your family in Virginia … and thanks for the goodness you share.
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Thank you for this beautiful and inspiring reminder Frank! Silent night it is for me….it took me back to happy Christmas celebrations in my hometown, an ex Portuguese colony, that is still home to many Christians. All best wishes and an abundance of goodness to you and your family 🙂
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Madhu,
The lady from India who loves travel … thus I imagine you have experienced your share of goodness in your travels. Silent Night is a good choice, and its special connection to me in why it is at the end … plus I love the lights!
Thanks for sharing a bit about the Christmas celebrations in your hometown. Merry Christmas to you and all those around you … and thanks for sharing your goodness across the globe with bloggers.
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Wonderful post, Frank! I’ve never seen the video with Matt, and enjoyed it very, very much. Thank you for sharing it. 🙂
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Frank!
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Robin,
Oh my … Matt has a series … simply wonderful! You are quite the positive person who spreads genuine goodness … so many thanks for what you do. Best holiday wishes to you!!!
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I will have to check out his series. Thank you, Frank. 🙂
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Where the hell is Matt? is the Youtube search phrase.
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Hi Frank–the Piano Guys are my hands down fave, any day, everyday, all year round!!! And I enjoyed the quotes about reaching for the good–in ourselves, and in others–the courage to embrace and be “togetherness”. That is what Jesus came for, died and was resurrected for–His ministry was reconciliation with the Father for everyone, and peace among all people. How I treasure this precious time, Christmas, and so want it to linger throughout the New Year. Wishing you all God’s abundant blessings (Merry Happy New!)
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Blu,
The Piano Guys are popular whenever I use them … then again, that’s a big Duh! 🙂 Thanks for the wonderful reflection on the day from a religious sense … which is the basis of the day! Blessings to you, and thanks for the goodness you provide to our global community.
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For goodness sake, bring on MORE goodness!!! I’m exhausted/slightly delirious, but ready to party down with hot (as in baked) shrimp dip, etc etc etc. Have a good one, Frank!
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Morrow,
You made me laugh with the goodness-food link. Low key for us tonight, well … culinary speaking … but tomorrow will be different. Cheers to the goodness you give others – culinary and otherwise. 😉 Merry Christmas.
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What a great post to read as I sit here early Christmas morn. I didn’t listen to the videos yet as I don’t want to wake everyone. You, sir, are a delightfully kindhearted blogger. I thank you.
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Audra,
The fact that it was a good read on Christmas morning makes me smile … but you may want to return for the videos … well, I like them! 😉 Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for your goodness.
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I think I love the visible joy (and ball juggling) of the Afghanistan video Mr Frank. Bright colours and dexterous ball maneuvers get me every time. We spend so much time alienating entire countries of people because of far away news reports that are splendiferously skewed towards negativity (and trying to win top media awards by manipulating the truth however they see fit). Rasism is rife when fear and ignorance are held up high. When you head out and look for good, you find it. What you seek, you SHALL find :).
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Narf,
There’s a lot of joy in that video, and I notice something different each time I watch it. Your statement about the world is powerful, thus why I point to the goodness throughout the world. Cheers to the goodness in Tasmania … and cheers for the goodness you bring. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas Day … and Boxing Day as well. 😉
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Just recovering now from a most magnificent 2 days and am starting the countdown to 2015 with my new New Year’s decision to be more proactive and to “do” more. I love to learn, to find things out, to discover but a lot of my discoveries get filed away. I need to shake my folders out and get doing this year. It is going to be a tiring but very exciting and educating year for me :). I hope everyone out there has a suitably interesting and self challenging year as that’s what good lives are made of 🙂
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Cheers to your love for learning … so a clink of the glasses to something we both enjoy!
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When you stop learning it’s the end…I fancy hanging around for as long as I can and will be cramming things into my brain until it won’t hold any more 😉
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Frank, you have done it again! Made me think and marvel at the universe. It is the time of year to value the goodness all around, to look for it up to the stars, deep in our own hearts, and all around us with all our wondrous diversity. Thanks for sharing. I liked all the videos, but “O Holy NIght” is my favorite Christmas hymn–this version was remarkable. The stars ARE brightly shining so how can we not notice the wonder and goodness all around.
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Patti,
Goodness is absolutely all around us … the skies, nature, people, architecture, & outer space, and if we just take time to look. Thanks for your California goodness that you share with others. Merry Christmas.
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cool vidio Frank
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Winny …. the one who spreads Indonesian goodness! … and glad you enjoyed these.
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btw u owe me ur address lol wanna send u postcard
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So beautiful, so beautiful, Thank you dear Frank, love, nia
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Nia,
You are a symbol of goodness, so I thank you for sharing a part of your goodness through photography … and all the way from Istanbul.
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You aFa,
“are a good man, Charlie Brown.”
Happy Boxing Day.
Raye
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Carol of the bells, by far. Such energy in that version.
I also believe that people are good and suffused with goodness, and that there is more of that in the world than the alternative. There has to be, otherwise we’d not likely even be around.
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