For Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

a pictorial journal

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

FEBRUARY 17^TH, 2010

It's WEDNESDAY!

Today’s weather forecast is saying about the same as what we’ve had for quite awhile now… we’ll have another chance of snow showers, but on the long range forecast I see that Saturday it may be partly sunny!

If it does decide to come out, I think I’ll put my coat on and go outside and soak up some sun. I think my energy level is depleted and I need recharging.

THINKING

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which is today.

This day of ashes, tells us that ashes, dust, dirt, and earth are the stuff from which we have been made, and to which we will return.

While private time of devotion and prayer are important during Lent, it is also important that we don’t miss the opportunity to come together as a people and share our journey by encouraging each other on the way

Gather the people, notify the congregation, assemble the elders

Joel 2:16

NEW IN THE KITCHEN

We’re having on PASTA NIGHT on Wednesday this week

CROCKPOT MAC AND CHEESE

8 oz. dry elbow macaroni

3-4 cups (about 3/4 lb.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

13 oz. can evaporated milk

1 1/2 cups milk

2 eggs

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

chopped onion to taste

Combine all ingredients, except 1 cup of cheese, in greased slow cooker. Sprinkle reserved cup of cheese over top.

Cover. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Do not remove the lid or stir until the mixture has finished cooking.

Variation: You can add some extra zest, add 1/2 tsp. dry mustard when adding ingredients.

PRAYERS

Father, thank you for listening to your people. Please show us the way to find Jesus in our personal prayer time and also when we gather with your people.

Amen

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

AROUND HOME

I’ve started getting all my Valentine’s decorations put away. About the only people that saw them were those of you that saw my pictures of them and myself of course.

Even though I am here alone most of the time, I always like to change my decorations around for the seasons and special holidays so now I’ll begin to get the St. Patrick’s day things out as well as some things for Spring.

I won’t put a lot out. Just a few artificial flower arrangements here and there , a few little trinkets that I have and some green candles.

It is a fun thing to do and I’ll take some more pictures to share with you too.

FAMILY

Here is an activity that you might like to do as a family during lent.

Enjoy some pretzels!

The pretzel traditionally was Lenten fare. It was made only of flour, water and salt. It reminds us, today, that in times past people fasted from milk, butter, eggs, cheese, cream and meat. The pretzel is shaped into the form of arms crossed in prayer. Serve them often during Lent .

A small pretzel at every dinner plate during Lent will certainly proclaim its spiritual message as clearly and deeply to our modern families as it did to our fellow Christians in ancient Rome

Lent can be a time to rediscover the blessings that these simple moments can bring to each of us.

COUNTING THE DAYS

What you achieve through the journey of life

is not as important as who you become

Author Unknown

31 DAYS UNTIL SPRING !

58 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS

43 DAYS UNTIL MA RETIRES

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone near…

Love,

ma

The pictures today are from March 2008