For Thursday, October 28th, 2010

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

OCTOBER 28th, 2010

If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side

It's THURSDAY!

And today is LIBERTY DAY

An emblem of Franco-American unity, the Statue of Liberty, was presented to the American people by the French and unveiled this day in 1886

Inscribed on a tablet inside the pedestal of ‘Miss Liberty’ is a poem by Emma Lazarus. It describes the statue of a woman holding a book and torch. The symbol of freedom, she waits for immigrants who must pass by her on their way to Ellis Island and admission to America. It reads:

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, with conquering limbs astride from land to land; here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand a mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command the air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

Keep your ancient lands, your storied pomp! cries she with silent lips. Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest lost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

There are 192 steps from the land to the pedestal, with a total of 354 steps to reach the crown. The crown features 25 windows, symbolizing earth's 25 gemstones. Seven rays represent the seven seas and continents of the world.

THINKING

Doubt sees the obstacles

faith sees the way.

Doubt sees the darkest night

Faith sees the day.

Doubt dreads to take a step

Faith soars on high

Doubt questions who believes?

Faith answers, I

Author Unknown

NEW IN THE KITCHEN

Hello, any other chocoholics out there?

Well, praise the Lord and pass the cocoa, because today is National Chocolate day. Yes, October 28th, just before Halloween is a day for chocolate lovers.

You've probably been hearing more and more these days about the health and healing benefits of dark chocolate. It's been credited as being the number one antioxidant food in the world. 30 times higher than red wine and 20 times higher than green tea.

Here is a good way to use up and of those left over candy bars you might have after trick or treat:

Candy Bar Pie

1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened

1 8 oz. container Cool Whip, thawed

5 2.1 oz Butterfinder bars (or similar)

1 9 inch graham cracker crust

In a small mixing bowl beat cream cheese until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Crush candy bars. Fold 1 cup crushed candy into cream cheese mixture. Spoon into crust. Sprinkle with remaining candy bar crumbs. Refrigerate 2 to 4 hours before serving.

PRAYERS

Let us pray for all refugees and exiles who are far from their homeland.

Lord, in your mercy - hear our prayer.

Let us pray for a greater understanding between people, in places where there is civil unrest and war.

Lord, in your mercy - hear our prayer.

Let us pray for all who are experiencing persecution and oppression.

Lord, in your mercy - hear our prayer.

Let us pray for all who would like to make a new start in their lives.

Lord, in your mercy - hear our prayer.

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

It is getting colder here and today some places to the east of us may even see some wet flakes by evening. We'll probably just see rain here. I'm continuing my crafting. These days are very quiet here with not much new going on at all.

COUNTING THE DAYS

To believe is to know that every day
is a new beginning.
It is to trust that miracles happen,
and dreams really do come true.
To believe is to see angels dancing among the clouds,
To know the wonder of a stardust sky
and the wisdom of the man in the moon.
To believe is to know the value of a nurturing heart,
The innocence of a child's eyes
and the beauty of an aging hand,
for it is through their teachings we learn to love.
To believe is to find the strength
and courage that lies within us.
When it is time to pick up the pieces and begin again.
To believe is to know we are not alone,
That life is a gift and this is our time to cherish it.
To believe is to know that wonderful surprises
are just waiting to happen,
And all our hopes and dreams are within reach.
If only we believe.

Author Unknown

54 DAYS UNTIL WINTER!

58 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

169 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

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

Love,

ma