For Saturday, July 22nd, 2023

 

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 

SATURDAY, JULY 22ND, 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

66 DAYS UNTIL FALL

In Ohio

 Sunrise:   6;13 am

   Sunset:  8:55  

pm

  

Life is a special   

occasion!

Hallmark!

Today is Hammock Day which is a day to relax and enjoy some time taking a nap in a hammock. 

Todays’s reason to celebrate reminds us to slow down, breathe easy and enjoy these beautiful summer months. Though the exact origins are unknown, it is said hammocks originated hundreds of years ago in South America. Allegedly, the journals of Christopher Columbus provide the first doctumation of the hammock. However, some sources attribute the invention to the Ancient Greeks.  One thing is for sure, hammocks have always been symbols of leisure.

Today, take a few minutes to sit back and unwind on a hammock.  There’s no better way to celebrate today. Grab a cool drink and a good book, or lie back for a much needed nap!

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

 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY 

While sleeping in a hammock, with the touch of warm wind we remember why we are in love with the life.

Author Unknown

I’ve no pictures of a hammock to show you but I do take plenty of afternoon naps.  No one needs to remind me to relax.  I spend a lot of time resting in order to do what little I do get done.  Most days I rest more than I work and I always have a cool drink and a good book handy. 

They say that in the summer living is easy because we need to slow down on the hot days.  Find a shady place to relax and enjoy the good old summertime.

We haven’t had many hot days so far this summer and when it does warm up, I turn on the A/C to cool down.  I also have a big shade tree in the yard and enjoy many a summer day on the porch in the shade.  I can open up the windows and let the breeze blow through and just sit back and relax. No bugs can get inside to bother me.  Todays pictures are of my porch and the shady view on a hot summer day.  

On Saturday’s I cook for the weekend and on the menu for today is:

One Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Makes 4 servings

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided 

1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs

1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. minced garlic, divided

1 pound bonesless chicken breasts cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 tsp. Italian seasoning 

3 cups chicken broth

1 1/3 cups crushed tomatoes

8 oz. whole wheat penne pasta

1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese……

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.

Heat one Tbsp. oil in a large boiler safe skillet over medium high heat. I use my cast iron skillet.   Heat oil and  1 tsp garlic. Add bread crumbs ; cook stirring until crumbs are golden. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.  Wipe out the pan.

Heat remaining 1 Tbsp oil in pan over medium high heat. Add chicken, Italian seasoning and 1 Tbsp minced garlic.

Cook stirring frequently until chicken is no longer pink on the outside. Add broth, tomatoes and penne pasta.  Bring to boil and cook uncovered, stirring frequently until pasta is cooked and sauce has reduced and thickened, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile position an oven rack in upper third of oven.  Preheat broiler to high. When the pasta is cooked, sprinkle mozerlla cheese over the pasta mixture; broil until mozerella bubbles and begins to brown. Top with bread crumb mixture, Parmesan and basil.

This is super easy and making everything in one pan makes for easy clean up too.

The weather here is sunny and warm today, and I’ll probably enjoy dinner on the porch.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

I hope you all have a have a SUPER Saturday !

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS 

Naps are nature’s way of reminding you that life is nice, like a beautiful swinging hammock strung between birth and infinity.

Peggy Noonan

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

11,500. for hammocks to remind us to relax and rest

11,501. for a shady porch to enjoy

11,502. for a comfy chair to take a nap in.

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

An optimist is a man who plants two acorns and buys a hammock.

Jean de Lattre de Tassigny 

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma