For Thursday, April 21st, 2016

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

THURSDAY, APRIL 21ST, 2016

60 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

Sunrise: 6:38 am

Sunset:  8:15 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

If there’s ever a day when it’s time to look beyond appearances, it’s today which is Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day. Known for their wrinkly faces, stocky builds and tendency to slobber, bulldogs don’t often find themselves associated with the word ‘beautiful’. On this occasion, however, things are different.

To celebrate, owners treat their beloved pets to a special adventure.  It could be it a walk in the park or something more extensive. Delicious treats and extra cuddles are usually on the menu, too. Some dog lovers dress their pets in cute garments and accessories. Those who don’t already own bulldogs, but have always wanted a furry, dribbling, loyal friend, can consider rescuing one from a dog shelter.

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Do not judge by appearances; a rich heart may be under a poor coat. 

Scottish Proverb

Thanks to one of my nephews, I occasionally get to visit with a couple of the cutest bulldogs ever.  These two always make me smile !  They are adorable!   

It is always best to look beyond appearances.  What is beautiful on the outside isn’t always what is on the inside.  It is natural for us, as humans, to judge people, and, of course, ourselves, since it just happens without us even thinking about it. We take one look and in two seconds summarise our opinion of a whole person. We may decide they are overweight, pretty, stylish, sloppy, lazy, stuck up, friendly, unapproachable, tacky or something else. This habit comes from the need of our brains to categorise the whole world in order to be able to function without becoming overwhelmed. 

Judging is our way of identifying what we consider to be relevant information. We are trying to decide if the person approaching is a threat or a friend, or whether they are somebody we don't need to worry about. This way of looking at people, making snap decisions, does make a lot of sense in a dangerous context, but in our daily lives it can lead to an overly simplistic, and often incorrect, reading of the people we meet.  I’ve learned this lesson well, never judge someone by appearances.  

They say showers are coming our way today.  Our temps remain in the 50’s and mid 60’s for the most part.  On the bright side,  more sun than showers are coming our way for the weekend.

The pictures below are of a few more of the lovely tulips blooming here.  Thanks to the cooler nights we are having I think we’ll be enjoying them yet for awhile.

I hope you all have a GREAT day.  Happy Thursday !

WHAT’S NEW IN THE KITCHEN

There is a food holiday to celebrate every day of the year!

 April 21st is Chocolate Covered Cashew Truffle Day

Cashew Truffle Surprise

3 pkg., 4 oz. each, Semi Sweet Chocolate, broken into pieces

1/2 cup whipping cream

 1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 can Cashew Halves with Pieces, divided

 

Cook and stir chocolate and cream in saucepan on low heat until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in vanilla. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Meanwhile, reserve 30 nut halves. Finely chop remaining nuts.

Shape chocolate mixture into 30 one inch balls with melon baller or teaspoon. Insert 1 nut half into center of each ball; reshape ball to enclose nut. Roll in chopped nuts.

Place in waxed paper lined rimmed baking sheet. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator 30 min. before serving to soften slightly.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Beauty is God's handwriting.

Charles Kingsley

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is truly is always something to be thankful for.

3790.  for bulldogs, I’ve met two that are very cute !

3791. for Spring, it gives us some beautiful flowers

3792. for beauty, it is everywhere when we take the time to look

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

  

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

Protect our military

as they discharge their duties

with the shield of your strength,

may the power of your love

enable them to return home in safety

that with all who love them

they may ever praise you for your loving care.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT’s

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU ALL !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Every day stop before something beautiful long enough to say, Isn’t that b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l!

Alice Freeman Palmer

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma