For Wednesday, December 15th, 2010

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 15th, 2010

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

It's WEDNESDAY!

Today is Bill of Rights Day. To Americans, the Bill of Rights are key amendments to the U.S. Constitution, that protect our individual rights.

The Bill of Rights includes these Amendments:

Amendment 1- Freedom of speech, press and religion

Amendment 2 - The right to bear arms

Amendment 3- Protection of homeowners from quartering troops, except during war.

Amendment 4 - Rights and protections against unreasonable search and seizure

Amendment 5 - Rights of due process of law, protection against double jeopardy, self incrimination

Amendment 6 - Rights of a speedy trial by jury of peers and rights of accused

Amendment 7 - Rights to trial by jury in civil cases

Amendment 8 - Protection from cruel and unusual punishment, excessive bail

Amendment 9 - Protection of rights not specified in the Bill of Rights

Amendment 10 - States rights, power of the states

I hope you celebrate your American Citizenship, and spend a few minutes reflecting upon the freedoms that you enjoy. These freedoms do not exist in many countries of the world

THINKING

Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods

C.S. Lewis

Today: Investigate something you’re questioning about your faith

I recently heard of an old world custom that calls for all Christmas holiday preparations to be completed by St. Thomas Day, December 21st. That way the last few days of Advent could be given to focusing the heart, mind and spirit on the Christ of Christmas. Perhaps I'll try that tradition this year

NEW IN THE KITCHEN

While yellow or chocolate cupcakes grab all the glory, lemon cupcakes are a refreshing surprise at Holiday parties, potlucks, and bake sales alike. And while they may not be standard Christmas fare, lemon cupcakes will be a hit item at your annual gathering. You can tell your cohorts that you made them in recognition of National Lemon Cupcake Day!

LEMON KISSED CUPCAKES

1 package yellow cake mix (9-ounce size)

1 egg

1/3 cup water

1/4 cup lemon juice from concentrate

2 tablespoons sugar

Preheat oven to 350°. Line muffin tins with paper bake cups.

Combine cake mix, egg, about half of the water and 2 tablespoons lemon juice in medium-sized bowl. Beat with mixer on medium speed 2 minutes. Add remaining water; beat 2 minutes longer.

Divide batter among prepared muffin tins. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine sugar and remaining lemon juice in small saucepan. Cook and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat.

Brush warm lemon mixture over tops of cupcakes. Cool completely.

Note: You can top each cupcake with a dab of frosting and add a maraschino cherry on top to give them a festive appearance.

PRAYERS

Lord, help me be still and know that You are 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 ALL!

AROUND HOME

Tuesday was a very fast day. I enjoyed having Mr. Wonderful here to keep me company. He really likes listening to the music box in my Christmas tree snow globe It plays jingle bells ! I've found most babies like music and so do I. We have a lot in common. We like to laugh a lot too. I'm not sure if he's laughing at me or with me most of the time.

It is still very cold but no more snow so that is a very good thing. Today will be another day of music and laughter here at my house. Life is good!

COUNTING THE DAYS

Good luck will come to the home where
a fire is kept burning throughout the Christmas season

6 DAYS UNTIL WINTER!

10 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

124 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