For Wednesday, March 1st, 2017

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

The moments of our lives may be bright with possibility, dark with fear or sadness, or even plain everyday gray, but God's glory never fades.  May God's glory shine into the exciting lights, upsetting darks, and boring grays of your every day.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1ST, 2017

20 DAYS UNTIL SPRING 

Sunrise: 7:02 am

 Sunset: 6:19 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

WELCOME MARCH !

The Month of March is Irish American Month, Music in Our Schools Month, National Craft Month, National Frozen Food Month, National Irish American Heritage Month, National Nutrition Month, National Peanut Month, National Women's History Month, Red Cross Month, and Social Workers Month

Today is Ash Wednesday which is the first day of the Christian season of Lent and a sign of penitence. During Lent, we fast and give up things we like. 

On Ash Wednesday, many will go to services and receive ashes on their foreheads in the sign of the cross. It is a reminder of from 'Ashes to Ashes and Dust to Dust'. It means that we came from dust and we shall return to dust, referring to our earthly bodies, not our souls.

The ashes we receive are from the prior year’s palms from Palm Sunday.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

God loves us the way we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way.

Leighton Ford

Sometimes it’s a good thing to be reminded about who we are and where we’re headed.  Thinking of Ashes to Ashes is a very humbling thing.  We are only here for such a short time and while we are here we should appreciate life and enjoy it to the fullest.

Every good gift comes from above and we need to remember always to be thankful for what we have, who we are and for those people in our lives that are so dear to us.  Life is short, there is no time to waste on  being angry or mad.  We need to enjoy and appreciate those we love and let them know how much we love them.

Life is too short to stress, argue or worry. Stay positive, be humble, count your blessing, embrace the lesson and cherish the people who support you and love you for who you are.

It might seem obvious that humility, kindness, and calmness are positive traits. But in case you ever needed more of a reason to exhibit these things, they don't just help others, they help you and make your life easier.

Remember to extend your hand in kindness and offer help to those who need it. They just might extend their hand back to help you get where you want to go. Admit you're wrong when you are and find a way to believe that other people might be better than you at something. They just might offer you advice or teach you how to get better at a particular skill. And, no matter what happens, always try and remain calm and keep from going off the deep end. Everyone you've ever met is trying to do the exact same thing you are. Life is a lot easier when you accept that you aren't the only one living it.

I found these wonderful pictures of some Spring flowers on my computer from a few years ago so I’m sharing them today.  They certainly helped to brighten my day.  It’s to be a rainy day here and we already had quite a thunderstorm this morning.

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!

PRAYER REQUEST

Please join me in continued prayers for my oldest son.  Although he has had a temporary fix to his health problems and he has resumed normal living, scans this week show that his actual condition is growing worse.  The doctors have been at a stand still as how to treat it because they are really not sure of the cause, and have sent more blood work out for testing.  May the dear Lord provide a clear path to treatment and may my son be restored good health.  We pray in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE KITCHEN

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

Today is Fruit Compote Day which is a delicious mixture of fruits or berries and sugar. There’s no better way to get your 5 a day than with a tasty treat like this.

Use any mixture of berries in this simple, quick compote.

Mixed Berry Compote

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3 cups mixed berries such as raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries

 Melt butter in a skillet over moderate heat. Stir in brown sugar and lemon juice until sugar is dissolved. Add berries and cook, tossing gently to try to keep most of them from breaking up, until berries are warm and juices begin to be released, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes about 3 cups

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Faith is like a bright ray of sunlight. It enables us to see God in all things as well as all things in God.

St. Francis de Sales 

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

4702. for a day to remember that we came from dust and to dust we will return

4703. for berries, they are a delicious treat!

4704. for my faith, it is a way of life

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

We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.

Saint Mother Teresa

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma