For Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JULY 14TH, 2010

It's WEDNESDAY!

They say today will be warmer than yesterday but with less humidity. When I went for my walk yesterday morning I felt like I was in a steam bath. Good thing I took a paper towel along to wipe my sweaty brow.

I've shopping to do today. There is something eating the leaves of my azalea bush so I need to find something to put on that and the dirty bird needs food so that means a trip to the pet store. I know there are a few more things I need too so I'd better make a list.

THINKING

When you know you can’t do something, take a calming breath, and rejoice in the God who can do everything

Unless your faith is firm, you shall not be firm

Isaiah 7:9

NEW IN THE KITCHEN

Go with the slow

Summer slow-cooker recipes leave you more time for enjoying yourself outdoors

COUNTRY RIBS WITH ONIONS, APPLES AND SAUERKRAUT

Do not buy canned or jarred sauerkraut; opt for the fresh kraut in bags, found in the deli section. Serve these ribs with mashed or boiled parsley potatoes, cranberry sauce and some creamy horseradish.

Slow-cooker size: Large round or oval.

Setting and cook time: Low for 8 to 9 hours.

2 to 3 pounds country-style pork ribs

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 medium white onions, sliced 1/4 inch thick

2 medium tart cooking apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1/4 inch thick

2 pounds fresh sauerkraut, rinsed and drained

1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds

1/2 cup apple juice or dry white wine

1/4 cup beef or vegetable broth

Grease the bottom of the slow cooker with some butter or oil. Season ribs with salt and pepper. Layer in onions, apples, ribs and sauerkraut. Sprinkle with caraway seeds and pour over the juice and broth. Cover and cook on low until tender and meat starts to separate from bone, 8 to 9 hours. Serve immediately.

Serves 4.

PRAYERS

Lord, stop me from judging people or jumping to conclusions about them, but lead me to respect and accept others for who they are, focussing on the positive rather than the negative

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.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU!

AROUND HOME

Slow Down Therapy

1. Slow down; God is still in heaven. You are not responsible for doing it all yourself, right now.

2. Remember a happy, peaceful time in your past. Rest there. Each moment has richness that takes a lifetime to savor.

3. Set your own pace. When someone is pushing you, it's OK to tell them they're pushing.

4. Take nothing for granted: watch water flow, the corn grow, the leaves blow, your neighbor mow.

5. Taste your food. God gives it to delight as well as to nourish.

6. Notice the sun and the moon as they rise and set. They are remarkable for their steady pattern of movement, not their speed.

7. Quit planning how you're going to use what you know, learn, or possess. God's gifts just are; be grateful and their purpose will be clear.

8. When you talk with someone, don't think about what you'll say next. Thoughts will spring up naturally if you let them.

9. Talk and play with children. It will bring out the unhurried little person inside you.

10. Create a place in your home...at your work...in your heart...where you can go for quiet and recollection. You deserve it.

11. Allow yourself time to be lazy and unproductive. Rest isn't luxury; it's a necessity.

12. Listen to the wind blow. It carries a message of yesterday and tomorrow - and now. NOW counts.

COUNTING THE DAYS

Never let yesterday use up too much of today

Will Rogers

71 DAYS UNTIL FALL

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

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

Love,

ma