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.
153 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS
Sunrise: 6:16 am
Sunset: 8:52 pm
Life is a Special Occasion!
Hallmark
Today we celebrate Christmas in July which is an unofficial holiday that imitates the festivities of the actual Christmas and signifies our yearning for the coolness of winter amid the scorching summer months.
It’s hot and we long for relief from the summer heat. But the closest we can get to doing that is reduce the time left for Christmas and celebrate it in now in July.
American advertisers began using Christmas in July themes for summertime sales as early as 1950. Some TV stations may choose to run Christmas specials, while others choose to use it as an excuse for a party.
Happy Christmas in July !
If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.
Eric Sevareid
I choose to use July 25th as the date that I begin to get ready for Christmas. I try to make a lot of the gifts I give and it takes awhile to get it all done. So today I’m making my list of what I need to do and checking it twice. Thankfully there is still a lot that remains in my craft room that will give me lots to do. I gave a lot away, but what remains will give me plenty of gifts to make for this Christmas and probably next Christmas too. There is now 21 weeks until Christmas. Plenty of time for me to get it all done.
When we used to camp it was a day to party. Santa in his shorts and Hawaiian shirt, would come to visit the children and we’d decorate for Christmas. I can remember DDIL#1 taking her shredded mail and throwing it up in the air to make it look like it was snowing. It can be a fun time to make an excuse to have a party.
Yesterday and today are what I call Open Window days. The temps aren’t supposed to rise above 75 and that is cooler than I usually keep the air conditioner, so I can open up the windows and let the fresh air in. I’ll probably turn the fan on to circulate the air but that won’t take the electricity that the a/c does.
It’s going to be sunnier than it was yesterday. The sun shine didn’t break through much on Monday, but on the bright side, it didn’t rain.
Today’s pictures are from this past family Christmas celebration that we celebrated at DD’s house.
I hope you all have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!
WHAT’S NEW IN THE KITCHEN
There is a food holiday to celebrate every day of the year!
It’s Hot Fudge Sundae Day and I found this recipe for Hot Fudge Sauce in order to celebrate!
Simple Fudge Sauce
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup light cream
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan except for vanilla. Cook over medium heat, and stir until the mixture boils. Boil for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Don’t boil it for too long or it will become too thick. Then, turn off heat and stir in the vanilla. Done!
To make a fudge sundae, all you have to is pour the hot fudge sauce over ice cream and add your favorite toppings. Try something simple and classic, like vanilla ice cream, canned cherries, walnuts and whipped cream. In this version of the hot fudge sundae, the sweetness of the fudge will be a bit offset by the earthy nuts and the tanginess of the cherries. Another thing worth remembering is that even if you make too much fudge sauce, it can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator and then reheated in a microwave in a matter of seconds.
COUNTING MY GIFTS
The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.
Burton Hillis
Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for. There is truly is always something to be thankful for.
5101. for plenty of time to get ready for Christmas
5102. of Open Window days
5103. for fresh peaches for breakfast, delicious
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
He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.
Roy L. Smith
A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone dear…
Love,
ma
2 comments:
I had heard of Christmas in July but didn't really know too much about it. Seems hard to imagine it is only 21 weeks away! I bet you'll enjoy whatever gifts you make this year; not only making them, but then giving them to those you love.
betty
When I attended (away) summer camp in Colorado, they always celebrated Christmas in July -- with secret Santa exchanges and caroling in the pines. (sigh ...)
That's a great idea to begin your gift-crafting on July 25 and not fall prey to the craziness later in the year.
Post a Comment