For Friday, December 23rd, 2016

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23RD, 2016

87 DAYS UNTIL SPRING 

2 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Sunrise: 7:52 am

 Sunset: 5:03 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is Festivus which is celebrated as a holiday by those seeking to find an alternative to the commercialism and pressures that the Christmas holiday shopping can 

cause.

In a 1997 episode of the popular television comedy, Seinfeld, Festivus was brought to the masses when Frank Costanza  explains he invented Festivus in response to the commercialism of Christmas. 

Its slogan is: A Festivus for the rest of us.

Maybe Festivus is to prove that we as humans don’t need material objects to be happy on a holiday, but all we really need is excellent company, jovial attitudes, and lively music to make the holidays the best we could have.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Life is a happy thing, a festival to be enjoyed rather than a drudgery to be endured.

 Luci Swindoll

I really do believe that it is not material things that can make us happy.  Happiness is not for sale.  You can have everything you want and still not be happy.  Happiness comes from the things money cannot buy.  In my case it’s my faith, family and friends.

You cannot be happy unless you appreciate what you have. And as the saying goes, the best things in life are free. 

It seems that we’ll be in the upper 30’s today and hopefully the last of the layer of ice on everything will melt away.  It’s been pretty slippery around here this week. Tomorrow we may have rain.  

Take care everyone !

I hope you all have a FANTASTIC Friday!

WHAT’S NEW IN THE KITCHEN

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

 It is National Pfeffernusse Day

December 23rd is reserved for this German spice cookie. Very popular around the holidays, pfeffernusse are fluffy cookies made with ground nuts and spices and covered in powdered sugar.

Pfeffernusse Recipe
Here's a recipe that your grandma probably made. Nowadays, most people buy it at a bakery during the holiday season. 

2 1/4 cups flour

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

 1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon ground mace

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 eggs

 1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup finely chopped candied citron

1 teaspoon rated lemon rind

1/2 cup confectioner's sugar

 Mix together in a bowl the dry ingredients, except sugar. Set aside. In a second bowl, beat eggs lightly.  Beat in sugar until mixture is light and fluffy.

 Stir in dry ingredients.  Mix in citron and lemon rind.

Roll dough into 1 inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet, one inch apart.  Cover with waxed paper and refrigerate overnight. 

Bake in oven preheated at 350 degrees. Bake for 20 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and allow to cool.

Roll balls in confectioner's sugar.  Makes 4 to 5 dozen.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! 

Hamilton Wright Mabie

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

4504. for the free things in life that make me happy

4505. for Christmas cookies, tasty for sure

4506.  for warmer weather melting all the ice away

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

Christmas Day is the festival of optimism. 

Helen Keller

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma