For Friday, February 17th, 2023

 ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH, 2023

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

30 DAYS UNTIL SPRING 

In Ohio

 Sunrise:  7:20 am

 Sunset:   6:04 

pm

Life is a special  

occasion!

Hallmark!

Today is National Random Acts of Kindness Day which is celebrated each year on February 17th. It is celebrated by individuals, groups, and organizations nationwide to encourage acts of kindness.

As a favorite celebration for many, people everywhere are enjoying doing these acts of kindness. They bring joy to the receiver and they spread positive reactions to the giver too.

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is an internationally recognized non profit organization found upon the powerful belief in kindness and dedicated to providing resources and tools that encourage acts of kindness.

To celebrate today, you could buy a cup of coffee or meal for the person in front of you in line, or leave a kind note for someone, and even share some words of encouragement.  You never know who might need them. Just smiling at someone is easy to do and smiles are one thing we always get right back.  It is something than can be celebrated any time of year, not just today. 

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.

Aesop

My family is always surprising me with all the kindness they show.  They shovel snow, clean up and mow the yard, they give me rides and take me places, they even give me to trips to far away places.  They are the best of kind people I know. 

They say they are paying me back for all I’ve done for them.  If so I can only say what you give, comes back to you ten fold.

It’s my day to cook up something new to eat and on the menu for today is:

Cheddar Cheese and Broccoli Soup

Makes 2 servings

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup butter, cubed

1/4 cup flour 

1 1/2 cups milk

1/4 tsp pepper

3/4 cup vegetable broth

1 cup chopped fresh or frozen broccoli

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender.  Stir in the flour, and pepper until blended.  Gradually add milk and broth.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened.

Add broccoli.  Cook and stir until heated through.  Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.

This is the perfect soup for a cold day and it’s only going to be in the low 30’s today so it’s freezing out.  But our weather roller coaster continues  and we’re to be 50 degrees by Sunday.

I hope you all have a FANTASTIC Friday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.

William Arthur Ward

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

11,061. for the kind people in my life 

11,062. for smiles that make my day 

11,063. for a cold day inside to stay inside and get something done 

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!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Love and kindness are never wasted.  They always make a difference.  They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.

Barbara De Angelis 

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma