For Friday, November 25th, 2022

 ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH, 2022

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.

Slightly adapted from one of my morning devotionals

'

27 DAYS UNTIL WINTER 

 Sunrise:  7:26 am

 Sunset:   5:03  

pm

Life is a special   

occasion!

Hallmark!

 

Today is Black Friday which is the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season.  If you want to avoid the crowds, begin your your holiday shopping from your couch and use the internet.

We are encouraged to shop on this popular retail holiday.  The name Black Friday comes from the accounting terms, in the red and in the black.  Retailers hail the day after Thanksgiving as the turning point of the year, when they transition from red to the black. 

On this day many retailers traditionally open their stores early to accommodate all the people that camp out in the parking lot the night before to take advantage of the holiday sales.  Although Black Friday is the biggest day for shopping traffic, it is not always the day of the most sales.  That distinction typically belongs to the last Saturday before Christmas. 66 percent of shoppers say they shop for themselves on Black Friday. 

To celebrate today, go shopping.  Go in person or on the internet, it doesn’t matter. 

If you cannot see the bright side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Shop till you drop.

Author Unknown 

I’m going to go shopping today with my daughter, but it’s a little different than your regular shopping.  This trip is all about Christmas.  Many years ago, after DDH died, our family began the tradition of going to a small town nearby to shop at the Root Candle Factory store there. They used to also have a craft show there, but sadly they don’t do that any more. Thankfully they do have every imaginable Christmas item available there.  

We decided to honor DDH, who died the day after Thanksgiving in 1992,  by living a happy and fulfilled life as a family.  He wouldn’t want us to be sad.

So I’m off today shopping with DD and possibly some others in the family. I’m not sure yet who else might be going.  It’s always been one of our favorite things to do together.  She said I taught her how to shop and shop well. I have to take my friendly walker along as I don’t walk very long distances any more, but that won’t stop me.  This is what the pictures are of today, one of our previous trips to the Candle store.  

It’s also a day set aside to cook here.  I may still have some Thanksgiving leftovers, but I’m tired of turkey.  I love breakfast for dinner and on the menu today is:

Apple Pancakes with Cider Syrup

Makes 6 pancakes 

1/2 cup flour

1/4 cup whole wheat flour 

2 tsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

2/3 cup finely chopped peeled apple

1/4 cup raisins

2/3 cup buttermilk

1 egg seperated, room temperature 

Syrup:

1/4 cup sugar 

2 tsp. cornstarch

2/3 cup apple cider or juice

1 cinnamon stick

dash ground nutmeg

Additional butter, optional

In a small bowl, combine first 6 ingredients, stir in apple and raisins.  Combine the buttermilk, egg yolk, butter and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients.  In a small bowl, beat egg white until soft peaks form, fold into batter.

Pour batter by heaping 1/4 cupfuls onto a greased griddle, turn when bubbles form on top. Cook until the second side is lightly browned.

Meanwhile, in a small pan combine the sugar, cornstarch and cider until smooth; add cinnamon stick.  Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Discard cinnamon stick.  Stir nutmeg into syrup.  Serve pancakes with warm syrup and if desired additional butter.

I usually can eat 3 pancakes at a time, so I’ll have 3 left for tomorrow’s lunch too.

Today I’m thankful for all the kindnesses shown in my life, the warm welcoming smiles of my family and friends, their kindness overflows.

Kindness is a gift we can give to one and all.  It’ doesn’t cost a thing and is easy to give.  All you have to do is start with a smile and a bit of encouragement.  No kindness is ever wasted.

We had some rain here early this morning but it’s supposed to clear out and be partly sunny. with temps in the upper 40’s .  It’ll be a good day to be out and about. 

 I hope you all have  a FANTASTIC Friday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS 

Happiness is not in money, but in shopping ! 

Marilyn Monroe 

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

 

10,824.   for our tradition to shop on Black Friday 

10,825. for a day to spend with my daughter and maybe some others  in my family.

10,826. for dry weather to go out in.  No more rain expected.

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 EMT’s.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

A bargain ain’t a bargain unless it’s something you need.

Sidney Carroll

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma