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, OCTOBER 12TH, 2017
Sunrise: 7:37 am
Sunset: 6:51 pm
Life is a Special Occasion!
Hallmark
Today is Old Farmers Day honors the hard labor of farmers throughout American history. Early American culture was heavily a farming culture. Early settlers cleared fields and pristine woods, to farm the rich land. They brought seeds and farming methods with them. They found new seeds, and learned new methods along the way. Many of those new farming methods came from Native Americans, who were already farming the land. Most notably, was the concept of hilling, or mounding soil.
The month of October is a very appropriate month to celebrate and honor farmers. At this time, the harvest is largely complete. It means that farmers can take a break from their labors, to enjoy this celebration.
A farmers' work is long and hard. It certainly doesn't make a person rich. It has its good years, and its bad ones. There is no guarantee of a good crop. Weather, pests, and disease problems often prove disastrous. But, through it all, farmers have persevered. And, their ceaseless hard work sets an example for all.
As Americans, we tip our hat to all farmers for their contributions to American culture, values,society, and the economy. Happy Old Farmers Day!
If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
There are two spiritual dangers in not owning a farm. One is the danger of supposing that breakfast comes from the grocery, and the other that heat comes from the furnace.
Aldo Leopold
I’m a city girl and certainly not a farmer. But I had grandparents that were and I’m thankful for having had many happy times spent on a farm. Those memories never seem to fade away. It’s hard work being a farmer but my grandparents always seemed happy and of course I loved visiting the farm.
There was always something new to see and do with every visit. Seeing the spring lambs, feeding and milking cows, hunting for eggs in the henhouse seemed like wonderful things to me. I probably should have been a farmer, but instead lived in the city. I’m a city dweller with a farmers heart .
I’ve shown the pictures in today’s post before, but they are of my grandparents farm where some wonderful memories were made. I made the trip there early this year and although they are no longer living, made sure to get pictures as we drove by the farm.
We had a rainy day yesterday so I was indoors for the most part working in what I fondly call Santa’s workshop. Today I’ll go out for a hair cut which is badly needed. I’m rather a shaggy mess. I’m also going to do a little shopping as my bananas are gone as well as the milk. Time to restock a bit.
I hope you all have a GREAT day. Happy Thursday!
PRAYER REQUEST
In yesterday’s news I read that northern California wildfires death toll is expected to rise The fast moving blazes, many of which tore through the wine country of Sonoma and Napa counties, destroyed more than 2,000 homes and businesses and left at least 17 people dead. Please pray for an end to the fires and for all those affected.
WHAT’S NEW IN THE KITCHEN
There is a food holiday to celebrate every day of the year!
National Gumbo Day is today. It's a great opportunity, to enjoy a little Louisiana Cajun cooking. Gumbo is a thick stew, with chicken, beef, or seafood. It is heavily seasoned with cajun spices. And they say that it absolutely must contain Okra.
30 Minute Sausage and Shrimp Gumbo
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pkg. Smoked Sausage, sliced
1 can diced tomatoes, drained
1 can condensed chicken broth
1 pkg. frozen okra, thawed, sliced
1 small bay leaf
1/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/2 lb. cleaned medium shrimp
6 cups hot cooked rice
Melt butter in large skillet on medium high heat. Stir in flour. Cook 4 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently. Add green pepper, onion, celery and garlic; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until crisp tender, stirring occasionally.
Add sausage, tomatoes, broth, okra, bay leaf and thyme; stir until well blended. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium low; cover. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in shrimp; cook 5 minutes or until shrimp are opaque, stirring frequently. Remove and discard bay leaf. Spoon over hot rice. Makes 6 servings.
I haven’t made this recipe yet, but I think I would also add a dash or two of cajan seasoning to this.
COUNTING MY GIFTS
Life on a farm is a school of patience; you can't hurry the crops or make an ox in two days
Henri Alain
Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for. There is truly is always something to be thankful for.
5338. for farmers everywhere
5339. for my grandparents
5340. for great 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
Like farmers we need to learn that we cannot sow and reap the same day.
Author Unknown
A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone dear…
Love,
ma
4 comments:
Farming is patient work. You don't see the fruit of your labors right away. Grateful for them. So heartbreaking about those fires Iin California. We have visited that area, just gorgeous. Hard to think of the destruction. Definitely prsyers for all.
Betty
My aunt owned a farm. We visited it every summer that we were able. So many good memories there. Unfortunately too many kids do think everything comes from the store. The horrors of California right now are hard to grasp.
Like you, I loved spending time on my grandparent's farm in SW Minnesota.
All the same, I'll never forget the tears in my mother's eyes when she'd remember "How hard they worked!" ... for what little they had.
I wish I'd had an opportunity to know them better.
My Grandparents were also farmers and they worked hard. I think it is a shame how farmers are treated today by these big grocery chains, often being forced out of business because they simply cannot afford to keep their farms running on what the supermarkets are paying. So many Dairy farms have been shut down. Unless they can do something in addition like producing their own yoghurts and cheese, and ice cream, it simply isn't viable anymore. Its really sad. Mom might not have had alot materially speaking when she was growing up but she always had plenty to eat! God bless! xoxo
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