For Saturday, December 30th, 2023

 

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30TH, 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

79 Days Until Spring 

In Ohio

   Sunrise:  7:54  am

   Sunset:   5:07  pm

Life is a special  

occasion!

Hallmark!

 

Today is Bicarbonate of Soda Day which celebrates baking soda which is used for baking, cooking, de-orderizing, cleaning, polishing and countless other applications.

The Ancient Egyptians used natural deposits of sodium bicarbonate as soap, but it wasn’t until 1791 that the French chemist, Nicolas Leblan produced sodium bicarbonate in its modern form.  In 1846, two New York bakers named John Dwight and Austin Church established the first factory to make baking soda.

Baking soda is a white, odorless, crystalline solid that is completly soluble in water.  It is very useful around the home, the kitchen, and for medical purposes.  It can be used as an antacid to treat indigestion and heartburn.  It certainly deserves a whole day of celebration!

 

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

 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Sure, you can mix the flour, baking soda and salt, shortening and the whole nine yards, but why wouldn’t you just pull out  a box of Bisquick?

Sandra Lee 

I always have baking soda on hand, and use it for many things.  Thankfully I don’t suffer from indigestion or heartburn so I haven’t had to use for that.  It deodorizes things like laundry and  the refrigerator.  I keep an open box in the fridge for that purpose.  

The uses for it seem to be endless and I often use it to make soda bread, which is delicious.

I will be cooking for the weekend today, and on the menu is: 

Savory Pork Roast

We always start the New year with Pork and Sauerkraut.  My dad said it would bring good luck in the New Year.  So it’s become a tradition here at my house.

DDH preferred the roast cooked with sauerkraut, but I like the sauerkraut served as a side dish.  In DDIL’s #6’s house they always fix Chicken Soup.  But dad said chickens were always scratching on the ground  while pigs rooted their way forward. 

 Makes 12 servings

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tsp. dried marjoram

1 tsp rubbed sage 

1 boneless pork loin, about 4 lbs.

Combine the seasonings, rub over the roast.  Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.

Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees until a thermometer reads 145 degrees. About 80 minutes.  Let stand 15 minutes before slicing.

I like to make gravy with the drippings in the pan.  I simply mix cornstarch with some water and stir into the drippings; cooking until it thickens.

I will also make mashed potatoes, the sauerkraut and serve with a side of applesauce. 

I hope you all have a SUPER Saturday!

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS 

My secret weapon is baking soda.  It’s a great natural exfoliator; you can put it in the shower and scrub down your body, and you can use it on your teeth.

Molly Sims

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

11,942, for baking soda and its many uses

11,943. for good luck in the New Year 

11,944. for the ability to eat most anything, I don’t get indigestion or heartburn.

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

Just treat the baking soda as dry shampoo.  Sprinkle it all over your pet and massage it through his fur and make sure you work it into his skin, which is where the oil comes from. Leave!

Patty Korman 

a smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma