For Monday, December 20th, 2010

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 20th, 2010

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

It's MONDAY!

Go Caroling Day

Tis the season to be caroling so grab a few friends and head out into your neighborhood to spread some cheer! Christmas caroling remains popular in many area and among many groups. Scouts and youth groups often partake in this special musical event.

Caroling events are often topped off with hot chocolate and cookies.

THINKING

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.

Burton Hillis

Today: Share your time with friends and family

NEW IN THE KITCHEN

Today we celebrate National Fried Shrimp Day

Americans' preferred method for preparing shrimp is frying. Generally this means that individual shrimp are dredged in flour or batter and fried in oil until their coating is browned and crisp

1 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled & deveined
1/2 cup oil
1 egg, beaten
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup milk
3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon salt
Oil for deep frying

Preheat oil to 350 degrees. Combine 1/2 cup oil and egg; beat well. Add remaining ingredients except oil for frying and stir until well blended.

Dip shrimp into batter to coat. Drop shrimp into hot oil and fry for 30-60 seconds or until golden brown. Remove with slotted spoon; drain on paper towel. Makes 6 servings

PRAYERS

O Key of David and Scepter of the House of Israel; you open and no man closes; you close and no man opens. Come, and deliver from the chains of prison those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

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

I found this while surfing the net this past weekend and thought you might enjoy it too.

Twas the week before Christmas and all through the house Everyone was scurrying, yes even the mouse. With more gifts to buy and the checkbook so bare Out came the MasterCard and Visa to spare.

The children had lists as long as their arms Mother and father were both quite alarmed. And what of the neighbors and friends they would see Would they be unhappy if no gifts there would be?

But never to worry, these folks went to work Smiling and singing, not being a jerk Last minute shopping and baking began Thinking like that train, they said, yes we can

To the stores and the computer they flew like a flash Grabbed up the credit cards and dug deep for cash On WalMart, on Target, on Amazon and ebay Let’s fill up the cart and call it a day.

As the swirling dust settled and a deep breath was sighed It dawned on this couple they’d let something slide Only a few days till Christmas and what had they done Not even a mention of God’s holy Son.

To celebrate His birthday was the most important reason That December 25th is called the Christmas season. The gifts we give each other are but a symbol of our love The love He shows us each day from above.

So let not the hustle and bustle of this week Push aside the time we should spend at His feet. Enjoy your holiday, whatever you call it Take out your Bible and put up your wallet.

Treasure your family, they are your gifts Love, live and laugh with them as time it does shift Celebrate this season with love and good cheer Sing and be joyful as we cap off this year.

All is quiet here at my house..

COUNTING THE DAYS

Open your presents at Christmas time but be thankful year round for the gifts you receive. May the good times and treasures of the present become the golden memories of tomorrow. Wish you lots of love joy and happiness. Merry Christmas!

1 DAY UNTIL WINTER!

5 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

119 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