For Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JANUARY 4th, 2011

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

It's TUESDAY!

Today is Trivia day. It's a fun day that gives us an opportunity to share those many little trinkets of knowledge. It doesn't matter how big or how trivial. Dazzle your friends and family with generous portions of trivia today!

Did you know for instance that on this day in 1493 Christopher Columbus left the New World? Or that Nepal's flag is the only flag in the world that is not square or rectangular? The Guinness Book of World Records is itself a record having become the best selling book series in history. Tease your brain today on National Trivia Day!

THINKING

God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest

J.G. Holland

Today: Be aware of what blessings God is placing before you and make the most of them.

IN THE KITCHEN

And today is National Spaghetti Day. In the US, the term spaghetti is practically synonymous with Italian cuisine. This popular pasta is boiled until soft and often is served with a tomato-based meat sauce. Since the late 1800s, this pasta dish has become the most popular Italian food in America.

Easy Spaghetti

1 pound ground beef, browned and drained

1/2 cup onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

16 ounces tomato sauce

1 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

4 ounces sliced mushrooms, drained

3 cups tomato or V8 juice

6 ounces uncooked spaghetti noodles, broken into bits

Combine all ingredients except pasta in crock pot. Cover; cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-5 hours. Turn heat to high and stir in uncooked pasta. Cook for one hour or until pasta is cooked through.

Makes 4 servings

I did actually make this yesterday so I took a picture for you to see. I'd never made spaghetti like this before and it turned out pretty good. I used frozen meatballs instead of ground beef.

PRAYERS

Dear Lord, Forgive us for the times that we became caught up in our activities. Help us to take time and reflect. Allow us to open ourselves to Your love and Your grace

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

We are all trying to get back to normal after almost 2 weeks of celebrating first Christmas and then New Years. Most in my family went back to work and school yesterday and I've got most of my decorations stuck away now and will begin little by little to sort things out in the basement.

I chose the basement rather than the attic, because I spend more time down there. My laundry room is down there and so is my shower. I figure this month I'll do the basement and next month the attic. I don't know if I'll get finished sorting it all out, but whatever I get done, it will be better than it was.

They say we may have a little snow coming our way today. BrrrChill!

Take good care everyone!

COUNTING THE DAYS

Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come

Author Unknown

75 DAYS UNTIL SPRING!

104 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