For Monday, April 2nd, 2018

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.

MONDAY, APRIL 2ND, 2018

81 Days Until Summer

Sunrise: 7:10 am

 Sunset: 7:55 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day !  The average American consumes 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches by the age of 18.  The combination of sweet jelly and salty peanut butter has been a staple in school lunch boxes for over fifty years.

According to one story story, American soldiers invented the peanut butter and jelly sandwich during World War II.  They decided to combine their bread, jelly and peanut butter rations in to a fabulous new treat.  When the soldiers returned home from the war, peanut butter and jelly sales soared.

Celebrate today and have this iconic American sandwich for lunch.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Too few people understand a really good sandwich.

James Beard

One thing I know is that you are never too old to enjoy a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  I still enjoy them!  I also love to make peanut butter and jelly bars which make a great dessert. So I’m sharing a recipe for them today. 

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

1 c. flour

1 c quick cooking oats

1/3 c. light brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/2 c. chunky or smooth peanut butter

10 tbsp. butter, cut into small pieces and soften at at room temperature 

1 c. strawberry jam

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Coat a 9 by 9 inch baking pan with butter then flour tapping out any excess flour; set aside

Please the flour oats, sugars, salt and baking soda in a large bowl and whisk to combine.  Add the peanut butter and using your fingers mix together until evenly combined.  Add the butter which has been cut into pieces and mix till evenly combined.  

Place 2/3 of mixture into prepared pan and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom.  Bake until edges start to brown, about 15 minutes.

Remove from oven . Dollop the jam over the crust and spread into an even layer.  Crumble the reserved oat mixture and sprinkle over the jam.  Return to the one and bake till topping is golden brown about 20 minutes.

Remove pan and let cool completely.  Cut into 18 bars.

The pictures I’m sharing today are just o few from our trip on the Lolly the Trolly we took this past Saturday.  We learned a lot we didn’t know before about Cleveland, then went to the West Side Market and topped the day off with a stop at Mitchell’s Ice Cream.  

We’re to be a bit warmer today than we were over the weekend, with temps in the mid 40’s and partly sunny. It was a very chilly Easter here. 

I hope you all have a GREAT start to this new week.  Happy Monday!  

COUNTING MY GIFTS

You’re the jelly to my peanut butter.

Author Unknown

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

5851. for peanut butter, good and good for you

5852. for good times with family

5853. for the big city, close by and fun to visit

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

Man cannot live by bread alone; he must have peanut butter.

James A Garfield

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma