For Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 22nd, 2010

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

It's Wednesday!

Today is Santa Claus Clearance Day, the day the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration usually clears Santa Claus for his annual flight. The FAA says Santa’s sleigh is equipped with an in-flight de-icing system for polar routes, a Terrain Avoidance Warning System required for low-altitude flights, and a special seat belt extension for a rotund pilot

THINKING

Our creator is the same and never changes despite the names given Him by people here and in all parts of the world. Even if we gave Him no name at all, He would still be there, within us, waiting to give us good on this earth

George Washington Carver

Today: Take time to reflect on how dearly Christians love Christmas. Then think about how other religions value their special days just as much

NEW IN THE KITCHEN

National Date Nut Bread Day is today. Enjoy a tasty bread for the holidays. It's the perfect bread for the season. It contains nuts and sugar, but is not heavy on the sugar. Date nut bread is quite popular. You can make it yourself, or buy some at the bakery. We suggest a couple of loafs

4 cups dates, cut up into large pieces

2 cups nuts, coarsely broken
2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed (dark brown is best)
2 eggs, room temperature
4 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
2/3 cup hot water

Put dates and nuts into a large bowl. Pour the boiling water over them, stir and set aside while you mix the batter. Cream the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and beat hard. Sift the flour and salt together. Add baking soda to the date and nut mixture. Stir the flour mixture into the creamed mixture alternately with the dates and nuts - starting and ending with flour.

Stir in the 2/3 cup hot water and mix gently but thoroughly. Pour into four or five small (3 x 6 inch) or three medium (4 x 8 inch) loaf pans which have been well greased and floured. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes (until toothpick comes out dry). Cool in pans for about 10 minutes, then turn out and cool completely. Wrap in plastic wrap. Best if allowed to age at least overnight; this bread keeps well.

PRAYERS

O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creatures you fashioned from the dust.

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

Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance - each more beautiful, unique and too soon gone

Deborah Whipp

Yesterday, the first day of winter, was the beginning of a journey towards longer days, times of new growth and a renewal of the world once again. It's just great to think that with each new day Spring is getting a little closer now.

Christmas holidays are always fun and exciting but then winter drags on and on so that when Spring finally comes it is something to celebrate for sure.

In just a few short days our family will be gathering to celebrate together and then there will be days and months, sometimes even years before we meet again. Memories are a good thing indeed.

COUNTING THE DAYS

O, wind,
If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?

Percy Bysshe Shelley

88 DAYS UNTIL SPRING!

3 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

117 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