For Thursday, December 23rd, 2010

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 23rd, 2010

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

It's Thursday!

Celebrate your genealogy, as today is Roots Day. It's a great day to celebrate your heritage. Many of us are returning to our roots today, as we head home for Christmas. Returning to our roots is a warm, cozy and comfortable feeling, a sense of belonging.

THINKING

A very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year. Let’s hope it’s a good one, without any fear

John Lennon

The message of Christmas is all about light and a call towards light, hope and new beginnings in our lives. There is no need to be afraid of God's light. The many Christmas lights on display are doing their best to brighten up our dark winter evenings, but only God's light can penetrate the darkest of corners.

Today: Be open to God's light

NEW IN THE KITCHEN

Pfeffernuesse is translated as pepper nuts, a traditional German Christmas cookie or biscuit that is lightly spiced and lightly sweetened, then rolled into a ball and some powdered sugar to resemble little snowballs! Leave a plate of pfeffernuesse for Santa Claus and he's likely to fill your stocking!

Here is a recipe to help you celebrate Pfeffernuesse Day. Don't forget to add the Puderzucker. They're not Pfeffenresses with out the Puderzucker.

3 1/2 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground black or white pepper
3/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1 cup honey
1 large egg
confectioners' sugar for dusting

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 2 large baking sheets, or line with parchment paper.

Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, pepper, cloves and salt, set aside.

In a large bowl, beat shortening, until creamy, gradually beat in honey and continue beating until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Beat in egg, then lower mixer speed and gradually mix in the flour mixture, beating just until blended. Shape dough into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm.

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls and roll into balls. Dust hands with confectioners' sugar to prevent sticking while forming cookies.

Place balls an inch apart on prepared baking sheets and bake about 15 minutes, or until golden and slightly cracked. Cool slightly on baking sheets before removing to a wire rack.

When cookies are still lightly warm, roll in confectioners' sugar to completely coat the cookies. Store in an airtight container.

Makes 3 dozen

Note: Puderzucker is the powdered sugar!

PRAYERS

O Emmanuel, King and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.

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

Just sharing some SMILES for you today..

Here are some signs seen around Christmas time.

Toy Store: Ho, ho, ho spoken here.

Outside a church: The original Christmas Club.

At a department store: Big pre-Christmas sale. Come in and mangle with the crowd.

A Texas jewelery store: Diamond tiaras -- $70,000. Three for $200,000.

A reducing salon: 24 Shaping Days until Christmas."

In a stationery store: For the man who has everything. A calendar to remind him when payments are due.

Bridal boutique: Marry Christmas.

COUNTING THE DAYS

May you have the spirit of Christmas which is peace,

the gladness of Christmas which is hope

and the heart of Christmas which is love.

87 DAYS UNTIL SPRING!

2 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

116 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