ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18TH, 2016
2 DAYS UNTIL WINTER
6 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS
Sunrise: 7:49 am
Sunset: 5:00 pm
Life is a Special Occasion!
Hallmark
Today is International Migrant’s Day, which was appointed by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 4th 2000, after having taken into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world. On December 18th 1990, the General Assembly adopted the international convention on the protection of the rights of migrant workers and members of their families.
If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.
Burton Hillis
If you ate, cabbage, cucumbers, grapes, peaches, peppers, strawberries or tomatoes recently, you should thank a migrant worker. Even with all the technological advances in modern agriculture, much is still dependent on manual labor, and the hands that do much of that labor belong to the more than three million individuals who follow the seasons and crops to harvest fruits and vegetables for Americans.
We had a very nice gathering for Christmas yesterday, Although the day itself was a bitter sweet one. I’d like to say THANK YOU to DD and her hubby for hosting a wonderful family get together. I took plenty of pictures to share. These are just a few and I’ll share more tomorrow.
Early yesterday morning I received news that my sister, whom I'd fondly called my next door neighbor for many years, passed away. Please join me in praying for her family as they mourn her loss. We will miss her very much. I was very thankful to have my family close.
This is the last Sunday of Advent and next Sunday we celebrate Christmas Day! I hope be off to church as usual today, but an ice storm and maybe more snow is predicted for our area, so I guess we will have to see how the roads are first. The week ahead looks to be a relatively calm one with temps in the mid 30’s.
I hope you all have a RELAXING Sunday!
WHAT’S NEW IN THE KITCHEN
There is a food holiday to celebrate every day of the year!
Today is Bake Cookies Day which comes at an opportune time. It arrives amidst the major December holidays. It serves as a reminder to bake holiday cookies, if you haven't done so already.
There has been no baking cookies here for me this year, but I did find some that were frozen and didn’t even need baking. The price was reasonable and they were just like homemade, so there is no lack of cookies here. Best buy I’ve found in a long long time.
Just in case you haven’t finished your cookie baking, I did find a delicious recipe to share today.
Sugar Cookie Recipe
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 t almond extract
1 egg
2 1/2 cups flour
1 t baking soda
1 t cream of tartar
Mix together the powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, almond extract, and egg in a large bowl· Stir in the rest once this is blended· Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours· Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F, divide the dough in half, roll out to a 1/4 inch thick sheet· Apply cookie cutters to get desired shape, and bake for 7 to 8 minutes until the edges are light brown. Cool and decorate as desired.
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.
4489. for the migrant workers that must travel in order to find work
4490. for cookies, good with a glass of milk
4491. for my sister, gone but always loved and never forgotten
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 !
ADVICE FOR TODAY
It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.
W.T. Ellis
A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone dear…
Love,
ma
2 comments:
Oh Ma, so sorry to hear about your sistet. Yes definitely will keep all in prayer. I am glad you were able to have your family gathering so you could enjoy a few laughs. Glad to see people came to it wearing holiday sweaters!
Betty
I'm so saddened to learn of your sister's passing. You are all in my prayers tonight.
You know, I never gave much thought to the migrants' situation until a few months ago: As part of my job, I work with new associates to do their i9's and other paperwork. One young man in particular made an impression with his big smile and obvious excitement -- at being a housekeeper. When I asked if he'd ever worked in hospitality before he replied, "No. I've just worked alongside my family. We pick lettuce, but that's hard on the back."
Perspective.
PS - Those holiday sweaters are so cute!
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