There is, of course, a need for prayer even in times of joy and peace and prosperity.

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It is inspiring to feel close to people, to sympathize in grievances and share times of joy and national pride.

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Therefore I can imagine the joy a recent New York Times article sparked for anyone annoyed by spam. (Read: everyone.) The New York Times did a nice job highlighting the work of scientists at two University of California campuses, which identified a potentially key chokepoint in the anti-spam war.

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The big question is, how do you find joy and fulfillment during lean holiday times like these?

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" She also writes, "say goodbye to Maria, and tell her that I ask that she keep you company many times, because that will give you joy.

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All the familiar ornaments of the season of joy, that reminds so many of us of happy times with our family, have been pressed into service as memorials of loss.

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Holiday times also foster high expectations for love, connection, joy, gifts and good cheer.

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The times are demanding us to wake up and assume our cosmic status, our cosmic responsibility and our cosmic joy and to make life on earth the heaven it really should be.

BBC: reith feed