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, DECEMBER 13TH, 2018
Sunrise: 7:46 am
Sunset: 4:59 pm
Life is a Special Occasion!
Hallmark
Today is National Cocoa Day which is a day to make your favorite type of cocoa to enjoy. Nothing is better on a cold winter day than a delicious cup of hot cocoa. Cocoa is made from the dried seeds of the cacao tree. The seeds are ground to make a powder, which is the main ingredient in the hot cocoa we all know and love. This warm beverage is made with cocoa powder, heated milk or water and sugar.
Cacao trees are grown worldwide, but it is thought that first ones grew in South America. Lucky for us, cacao trees are plentiful because it takes 300 to 600 beans to make two pounds of chocolate.
For a holiday twist on a traditional cup of cocoa, try adding a candy cane!
If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Special Treat
Blend equal parts of Faith and Hope, mixed well with Charity;
Stir in Good Will and Sweet Content and Precious Memory.
Add Kindness, Helpfulness and Joy; of Gratitude don’t spare;
Then drop by drop Love’s essence sweet, and Praises freely share.
And don’t forget such spices rare as Laughter, Smiles and Fun,
Taste often for the best of results, ’Tis sweet to mince upon.
Now add a thankful Heart and then the recipe’s complete,
Your Merry Christmas all will like…so try the season’s treat.
Esther Lloyd Dauber
I had a great evening out yesterday. DS#5 and his family provided a nice break by having me for dinner and then we went to our Sweet Sugar AB’s Christmas concert. Her picture, which is from a Christmas past, is shown above. There is nothing quite like the excitement of children at this time of year to cheer us up.
I do drink more hot cocoa at this time of year than any other time. It’s is very warming on a cold day. It is also a great gift to give and to get. I found this recipe for a warm winter gift called Snowman Soup.
Snowman Soup
When the weather outside is frightful,
snowman soup can be so delightful
Pour the packet in a mug,
add hot water and top with snowballs
Use the candy cane to stir it,
sip slowly and feel the warm winter spirit.
You take a single serving package of hot chocolate mix, a candy kiss, marshmallows and a candy cane then package them in a mug or holiday themed gift bag, then add a gift tag for a cheery winter gift. You could also add a bag of Popcorn and make it into a winter gift basket. Popcorn and hot cocoa seem to go very well together.
On the bright side, they say that studies have shown that consuming cocoa products can help reduce the formation of plaque that can clog arteries. It might also help reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure. The only downside is that hot cocoa does contain a lot of sugar, but that hasn’t stopped me from topping mine off with marshmallows.
Today might possibly be the warmest day we’ve had in quite a while with temps close to 40 degrees, but that is still cool enough to enjoy a cup or two of hot cocoa. It feels good to get outside without freezing so I’m going to take advantage of it and run a few errands.
I hope you all have a GREAT day. Happy Thursday!
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.
6607. for a warming cup of hot cocoa
6608. for a great day to get out and about
6609. for dinner and a show, thanks to DS#5 and his family
Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!
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
Christmas is a the time to let your heart do the thinking.
Patricia Clifford
A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone dear…
Love,
ma
7 comments:
Chocolate makes everything a little better.
Love your blog-I was born WV-lived 30 different homes in several states but country roads a fav!!! Now flatlands Indy!!
Hot cocoa on a cold day is indeed a treat! Something soothing about holding the warm cup and seeing marshmallows melt in it. Glad you were able to enjoy a night out with your family and watch your grand daughter and her classmates perform.
betty
The hot cocoa looks inviting!
You've got the cutest coffee mugs, Pam! The 'Snowman Soup' and the popcorn is a super idea -- I may do just that for my hairdresser next week!
Love that mug with hot cocoa! ☺
Love your cute mugs and that sweet Granddaughter Pam! What a blessing you are able to spend times like this with your family! I like the idea of snowman soup! Thanks! xoxo
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