For Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 21ST,  2011

O Radiant Dawn,

splendor of eternal light, sun of justice

come and shine on those who dwell in 

darkness and in the shadow of death

It's WEDNESDAY! 

NATIONAL LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE DAY

On this, the darkest day of the year, look within yourself for ways to brighten up the day. Don't look at the glass as half empty, but as half full.

Look on the Bright Side Day is a day to be optimistic. The term itself is an optimistic one. It calls upon us to look for something positive, out of an otherwise bad or sad situation. Often, a bad experience has positive lessons to be learned.
If you have a bad day yesterday, look on the bright side.... today is another day, and an optimistic one at that!

The world always looks brighter from behind a smile. 

Author Unknown 

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. 

PUMPKIN DATE NUT BREAD

4 whole eggs
3 c. granulated sugar
1 c. shortening (use half butter)
2/3 c. fresh orange juice
2 c. canned pumpkin
3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 1/2 c. cut up dates
1 1/2 c. chopped nuts

Beat eggs gently with sugar. Add shortening, orange juice and pumpkin; mix well. Sift flour, baking powder, soda, salt and spices; stir into egg mixture. Fold in dates and nuts.Pour batter into 4 buttered 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" x 2 1/2" loaf pans and bake in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour or until loaf tests done. If desired, about 20 minutes before end of baking time garnish loaves with walnuts or pecans. Cool 10 minutes in pan. Turn out on wire rack. When cool, wrap in waxed paper, foil or plastic film for several hours or overnight before slicing. 
Chocolate chips may be added.
 Makes 4 loaves.

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

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

Todays good cup of coffee is from Newman's Own

The box says that some relationships are meant to happen.  It seems only natural companies with a share vision of a better world would unite to bring you exceptional coffee and the chance to make a difference.

Fair trade organic coffee gives you great taste and that chance to make a difference in the lives of coffee farmers around the world. Because coffee farmers get a fair price for their crop they are better able to take care of their land, their families and themselves.

Fair trade certified organic Newmans' Special Blend - Extra Bold Medium Roast

We all can make a difference in our world...I'm doing it by drinking my good cup of coffee today, but there are many many other ways.

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. 

William James

COUNTING THE DAYS

This bright, new day... complete with 24 hours 

of opportunities, choices, and attitudes… a perfectly 

matched set of 1440 minutes. This unique gift, this one 

day, cannot be exchanged, replaced or refunded.  Handle 

with care. Make the most of it. 

There is only one to a customer.

Author Unknown

1 DAY UNTIL WINTER

3 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone near…

Love,

ma