For Monday, December 27th, 2010

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 27th, 2010

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

It's MONDAY!

Make Cut Out Snowflake Day is here and now. Here's a day to show your crafty skills, as you make paper snowflakes. Making cut out snowflakes is a great project for kids. However, you don't have to be a kid, to have fun making paper snowflakes. It's a skill that is practiced by many people.

They say no two snowflakes are alike. It shouldn't come as a surprise, that there are seemingly countless different snowflake designs. So, if you like snow...bring it on! Bring out the paper and scissors, and cut out some paper snowflakes on this very special Make Cut Out Snowflake Day

THINKING

On the third day of Christmas we celebrate St. John the Apostle and Evangelist. Tradition tells us that John was once given a cup of poisoned wine, but drank it with no ill effect. A chalice with a serpent signifying the powerless poison is one of his symbols. In spite of exile and attempts to kill him, John lived to a great old age. In his last years it is said that he had to be carried to the assembly of the Church and, when he was asked to speak, he would say, simply, My dear children, love one another.

It is the custom to bless wine on St. John's day, and to drink a toast to the love of God and to the saint. Most of us are a bit sad to see Christmas pass. I hope this was a great Christmas at your house. May the meaning of the season last all year long for you

NEW IN THE KITCHEN

December is National Fruitcake Month. Refining that Holiday season salute to this celebratory loaf, today is National Fruitcake Day! Old fashioned fruitcakes may not have been everyone's favorite, but there are recipes for such modern updates as carrot fruitcake, Jamaican fruitcake, and even beer fruitcake!

Quick bread Fruitcake

2 eggs
2 cups water
1 package cranberry quick bread mix
1 package date or nut quick bread mix
2 cups chopped pecans
2 cups raisins
2 cups candied cherries
1 cup cut-up candied pineapple

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease and flour the bottom and sides of a fluted tube or 10 inch tube pan.

In large bowl, combine eggs and water. Add remaining ingredients. Stir by hand until combined. Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 75-85 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Cool in pan 30 minutes. Loosen edges and remove from pan. Cool completely.

Wrap in plastic wrap or foil and store in refrigerator.

PRAYERS

Loving God, help us to keep the message of Christmas alive all year long.

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 ALL!

AROUND HOME

We had a wonderful family Christmas yesterday. There was plenty of fun times and good food to be had as always. DS#5 and his wife do a terrific job of hosting Christmas at their house for us and I sure appreciated all they do too.

COUNTING THE DAYS

As every thread of gold is valuable, so is every moment of time

John Mason

83 DAYS UNTIL SPRING!

112 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