ON THE BRIGHT SIDE: For Saturday, February 3rd, 2024

THE BRIGHT SIDE

Decide to be happy today, to live with what is yours – your family, your business, your job, your luck. If you can’t have what you like, maybe you can like what you have.

Just for today, be kind, cheerful, agreeable, responsive, caring, and understanding. Be your best, dress your best, talk softly, and look for the bright side of things. Praise people for what they do and do not criticize them for what they cannot do. If someone does something stupid, forgive and forget. After all, it’s just for one day.

Who knows, it might turn out to be a nice day.

THE BRIGHT SIDE

I'm looking out the window
and the day is drab and dreary,
And I'm trying to console myself
by thinking something cheery
I know it's simply horrible
to get in such a slump
And I also know it's up to me
to get across the hump
And I realize I'm selfish
to mention this to you
For, gee, you might be feeling
a little 'low-down' too
but often when I feel like this
I tell myself it's true
That I am not the only one
who feels 'low-down and blue'
And just knowing there are others
who feel the way I do
Renews my sinking spirit
and keeps me smiling through
and know that it's natural
to take a 'spirit-dive'
Provides the spunk and courage
to hang on and survive
And while there are a lot of moods
that we can drive away
by looking on the BRIGHT SIDE
in all we do and say,
There also is a loneliness
that God meant us to feel
But, gee, it sure is mighty hard
to know which one is real
And I'd hate to be a 'sad sack'
who never saw the sun
And just complained that every day
was such a dreary one.
But I know that all the dark days
are just part of God's plan
We should accept them graciously
and do the best we can...
So I'll just keep on trying
for I know it's 'Gospel true'
there never was a cloud so dark
the sun could not shine through!

by Helen Steiner Rice

On the Bright Side Newsletter

I send this little letter out each morning to all my family and friends and even to a few people that I've never met. Many of them send it on to others too. So in order to make it available to more people I post the 'brighter side' of the news here each day in this journal.

The letter began as an effort to keep in touch with my family as they are spread out in all directions. My family, friends and God are the most important things in my life.

You'll find quotes, poems and stories and even a few recipes included in this newsletter. I try to find something new each day to share.

In a world that very often publishes only the dark side of things I felt that others would be encouraged to hear about
'the bright side'.

'On Ya'-ma

Saturday, February 3, 2024

For Saturday, February 3rd, 2024

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD, 2024

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

45 Days Until Spring

In Ohio

Sun1rise: 7:38 am

Sunset : 5:46 pm

Life is a special
occasion!

Hallmark!

Today is Elmo’s Birthday which celebrates the favorite red monster from Seseme Street— always friendly, playful and lively. We adore him for his cute giggle and adventurous ways. Many different people have played Elmo over the years, with his first appearance being in 1972.

Elmo was such a popular character that he was given his own segment, called Elmo’s World. This funny monster always refers to himself in the third person. He has a large family, including a goldfish named Dorothy. His favorite toy that he often carries around is a monster doll, and he loves his blue blanket. Elmo loves almost all foods, especially Wasabi, but hates Brussels sprouts.

To celebrate today, watch an episode of Sesame Street or Elmo’s World, and enjoy some spicy wasabi while you watch.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

If you keep practicing, you can do anything.

Sesame Street

The only pictures I have of Elmo are found in a coloring book I got for my grandchildren to color on when they come to visit. Most of them were very familiar with Elmo and watched him on TV.

It is a big coloring book and I store it under the couch. They all remember where to find it when they come to see me.

I’m cooking again today, this time it is something for the weekend.

On the menu is:

Maple Roasted Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potato Wedges and Brussels Sprouts

Makes 4 servings

2 Tbsp. pure maple Syrup

4 tsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. snipped fresh thyme

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into one inch wedges

1 lb. brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

Nonstick cooking spray

4 bone in chicken thighs, skinned

3 Tbsp snipped dried cranberries

3 Tbsp.chopped pecans, toasted

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a small bowl combine maple syrup, 1 tsp oil, the thyme, and pepper.

In a large bowl combine sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Drizzle with tbsp. oil. and sprinkle with remaining pepper; toss to coat.

Line a rectangle baking dish with foil. Heat the pan in the oven 5 minutes. Remove pan and coat with cooking spray. Arrange chicken, meaty side down, in center of pan.

Arrange vegetables around the chicken. Roast 15 minutes.

Turn chicken and vegetables brush with maple syrup mixture. Roast 15 more minutes until the chicken is done, at least 175 degrees and potatoes are tender. Serve topped with pecans and cranberries.

This is a delicious dinner with everything made in one pan. This makes for easy clean up.

Unlike Elmo, I happen to love Brussels Sprouts!

I hope you all have a SUPER Saturday !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Life is similar to a movie where you need to write your very own

ending.

Elmo

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

12,038.For Elmo and Sesame Street

12,039. for my grandchildren

12,040.for crayons and coloring books, hours of fun

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

Elmo thinks it’s important to be kind because if you’re kind to somebody, then they’ll be kind to somebody, and it goes on and on and on.

Sesame Street

a smile, a word of cheer,

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

3 comments:

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...: It's Elmo’s Birthday which celebrates the favorite red monster from Seseme Street— always friendly, playful and lively. We adore him for his cute giggle and adventurous ways.; February 3, 2024 at 10:36 AM
Mevely317 said...: Elmo's such a gregarious little fellow, isn't he? I confess to never having watched any of his TV shows but I don't know anyone who isn't familiar with his reputation.
One of these days I'm going to have to find a recipe for Brussels sprouts that I like.
Have a wonderful Saturday!; February 3, 2024 at 11:41 AM
Chatty Crone said...: Oh my goodness Ma - I l oved Elmo -probably better than my kids! lol; February 4, 2024 at 9:57 AM

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

THE BRIGHT SIDE

RECIPES AND CRAFTS

Labels

Followers

THE BRIGHT SIDE

On the Bright Side Newsletter

Award from Aging Disgracefully

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE

Blog Archive

About Me

Saturday, February 3, 2024

For Saturday, February 3rd, 2024

3 comments: