For Saturday, September 30th, 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.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017

82 DAYS UNTIL WINTER 

Sunrise: 7:24 am

 Sunset: 7:11 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is Save Your Photos Day which reminds us to safeguard these treasures.

Photographs, whether digital or physical, are an important part of our history and collection of memories. Whether they were passed down from our grandparents and parents or were created out of a personal passion for photography, these valuable artifacts represent days and moments in our lives and those of loved ones that can’t be reclaimed if lost. 

There are tons of options to protect your photographic memorabilia, and Save Your Photos Day reminds you to take that extra time to keep them safe.  Save Your Photos Day is also about saving your memories, and memories are best saved by being shared.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

A good snapshot stops a moment from running away. 

Eudora Welty

I like to share my memories and share as many photos as I can.  Our family is scattered far and near and it’s my way of keeping them in touch with what is happening.  I have albums of pictures, several scrap books and lots of pictures stored on my computer.  It would be a shame to loose any of them and in sharing them with others, I know they will be there if I need them.  

For years I thought I’d lost my wedding album but thankfully it was found when sorting through things before I moved.  I took a few pictures to share so that just in case I loose it again, someone will have them besides me and that is what the pictures are of today.  We would have been married for 52 years and it’s one occasion I will never forget !

Today we’re still on the cool side here with temps in the 60’s but they say we’ll be warming up into the 80’s again come Monday.  Everyday is a gift of another memory to be shared.  I will definitely be taking more pictures.

I hope you all have a SUPER Saturday!! 

WHAT’S NEW IN THE KITCHEN

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

It’s Hot Mulled Cider Day

The chilly seasons welcome a delicious drink called hot mulled cider, a traditional drink made from heated apple cider with various spices added, including citrus orange, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon. It’s a perfect drink on chilly days whether you are home alone by your fireplace reading a book, or having a party serving this drink with your friends.

Making your own is simple and easy. In a large pot, add brown sugar to apple cider over medium heat. Stir until all the sugar has dissolved. Then add other ingredients such as nutmeg, allspice, orange juice, and lemon juice, and bring to a boil. When serving, strain out the spices, pour into a mug, and enjoy! Add a cinnamon stick to your mug if you’d like.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind. 

Lionel Hampton

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

5302. for lots of pictures to share

5303. for cider, delicious 

5304. for wonderful memories

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

There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer. 

Ansel Adams

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

For Friday, September 29th, 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.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH, 2017

83 DAYS UNTIL WINTER 

Sunrise: 7:23 am

 Sunset: 7:13 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is World Heart Day which is part of an international campaign to spread awareness about heart disease and stroke prevention.   Overeating, lack of exercise, unhealthy diets and high blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels are all factors which can trigger heart disease and threaten our own lives, and those of loved ones. Heart Day was set up to drive home the message that heart problems can be prevented.

The aim is to improve health globally by encouraging people to make lifestyle changes and promoting education internationally about ways to be good to your heart. This lesson is becoming increasingly relevant as reports of obesity, poor diet and physical inactivity in children and young people become more and more common.

So on Heart Day, get involved, eat your fruit and veg and get outside; both you and your heart will feel the benefits.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

When your heart speaks, take good notes. 

Judith Campbell

Thankfully I don’t have heart trouble and am for my age relatively healthy, but I really do not exercise enough and I probably eat more than my fair share of sweets.  There is definitely room for improvement in my lifestyle.  

The thing is that there is more than one kind of heart trouble.  Broken hearts, cheating hearts, and lonely hearts abound.  On the bright side there are those with cheerful hearts, willing hearts and loving hearts that help us each day.

They say that the heart of the matter, is the matter of the heart.  

It has really cooled down here and this morning we have an unbelievable 46 degrees.  They say it will warm up to 70 today with a chance of rain later on.  I’m hoping to get out to do a little shopping as I saw a few ads in the paper that looked pretty good.  Save a Lot has chicken breast for 99 cents a pound and Round Roast for 2.99 a pound…we’ll see.  

Thankfully I was able to find a few pictures of hearts to share today with you all.  Everyone has one but we don’t see it.   The most beautiful things in life are not seen but felt only by heart.

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!

Today is National Coffee Day

Over 400 billion cups of coffee are consumed each year. It is a world commodity that is second only to oil. Don't forget to take a coffee break or two today to celebrate this important beverage!

I do love my coffee and make it in my Keurig, one cup at a time these days.  I love the convenience and the variety of coffee K cups there are to choose from.  I think I’ve tried them all.  

In honor of the day I’m sharing an old fashioned coffee cake recipe.   Serve it for breakfast or as a mid afternoon dessert with a cup of coffee.

Sunday Morning Coffee Cake

2 Tablespoons butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

2/3 cup milk

1teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

Topping:

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons flour

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1/4 cup butter

Beat butter, sugar and salt in a small bowl until crumbly. Add the egg, milk and vanilla; mix well. Combine flour and baking powder; add to butter mixture. Transfer to a greased 8 inch square baking dish.

For topping, in a small bowl, combine the sugar, flour and cinnamon; cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over batter.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Serve warm if desired. Yield: 9 servings.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

All that is worth cherishing begins in the heart. 

Suzanne Chapin

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

5299. For loving hearts that care

5300. for coffee and something sweet to go with it

5301. for holidays that remind us to take care of ourselves

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

Nothing is impossible to a willing heart. 

John Heywood

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

For Thursday, September 28th, 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.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2017

84 DAYS UNTIL WINTER 

Sunrise: 7:22 am

 Sunset: 7:15 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is Good Neighbor Day which is definitely a good thing. Being good neighbors is an important part of the social fiber that makes this country so great. Therefore,  it seems only fitting that one day a year honors good neighbors.

 This is day is to truly recognize and appreciate your good neighbors. Hopefully, one of those good neighbors is you!

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

When strangers start acting like neighbors... communities are reinvigorated.

 Ralph Nader

Not so long ago, the world felt like a smaller place, and everybody knew everybody else in their neighborhood. Now, many of us aren’t familiar with our neighbors, and only speak to them in passing. 

I’ve met my immediate neighbors and they all seem very nice.  But other than the passing hello, I rarely speak with them nor do I know much about them.  It’s a very quiet neighborhood which is in a community off the beaten path and rarely is there anyone around that doesn’t live here.  Most are seniors like me but there are some with young families too.  I’ve got to say it is the perfect place to retire to.

Loving God, loving yourself, and loving your neighbor are the keys to life's happiness. When you help another with love, you are helped, too.

There are restaurants and places to shop close by and these are the neighbors I really appreciate.  Not having to travel miles to get somewhere is definitely a plus.  Sadly there are not as many places to shop in as there used to be.  For one our Sears store recently closed.  It is the way of the world these days with everyone doing there shopping on line, but there are plenty enough stores for me and having them close by does make a difference.

We are finally cooling down and will be having some more normal fall temperatures.  60’s and 70’s are showing in the long range weather forecast.  Summer had it’s fling, now we can fall in love with fall.

There is truly something to love about all the seasons, just as there is something to love in every day.  Not every day is a good one, but there is something good in every day when you look for it.

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!

It’s Strawberry Cream Pie Day which celebrates the creation of what may be one of the world’s most delectable treats. It is not just a creation of artistry in flavor, though there is little as perfect as the rich flavor of sweetened cream combined with the tart and tangy flavor of perfectly ripened strawberries.  Considering that the fruit isn't even in season here in September, they are always in the grocery store no matter.

Only 4 ingredients are all you need for this delicious Easy Strawberry Cream Pie. The pie is special enough for holidays yet easy enough for weeknight dessert.

Strawberry Cream Pie

1 graham cracker pie crust

1 small package Strawberry gelatin

1/2 cup cold water plus enough ice cubes to make 1 full cup

1 small tub of whipped topping

1 cup strawberries, chopped

Stir boiling water into gelatin mix in large bowl, according to the instructions on the package, then stir at least 2 minutes until gelatin is dissolved. Add ice cubes to cold water to make 1 cup, stir into gelatin mixture. Stir until thickened, remove any unmelted ice cubes

Add whipped topping with a whisk until well blended.  Stir in chopped strawberries. Refrigerate 20 to 30 minutes. Spoon filling into crust, chill for 6 hours or overnight.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

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

5296. for a quiet community to live in with good neighbors

5297.  for places to shop close by

5298. for strawberries, which are always in season at the grocery store

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

Love one another and you will be happy. It's as simple and as difficult as that

Michael Leunig

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma