REMINDER FROM GOD:

What Is God Like?

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."1

King Duncan writes about the small boy who "was consistently late coming home from school. His parents warned him one day that he must be home on time that afternoon, but nevertheless, he arrived later than ever. His mother met him at the door and said nothing. His father met him in the living room and said nothing.

"At dinner that night, the boy looked at his plate. There was a slice of bread and a glass of water. He looked at his father's full plate and then at his father, but his father remained silent. The boy was crushed. The father waited for the full impact to sink in, then quietly took the boy's plate and placed it in front of himself. He took his own plate of meat and potatoes, put it in front of the boy, and smiled at his son. When that boy grew up, he said, 'All my life I've known what God is like by what my father did that night.'"2

We, too, can know what God is like by what Jesus did for us when he came to earth as a babe in Bethlehem and then to die on the cross in our place to pay the penalty for all our sins so we can be freely forgiven and receive God's gift of eternal life to be with him in heaven forever.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, how can I ever thank you enough for your great love gift to me at Christmas time some 2000 years ago in giving your Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for all my sins through his death on the cross so that I could receive your gift of forgiveness and eternal life? Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Romans 5:8 (NIV).

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WORD FOR THE DAY:
REDNECK WORD FOR THE DAY - N

Na-ked (na'-ked), n. and v.  a declaration of the capability of others.  "I'll do what I want, an' naked do wht they want."

nee-dle  (ned'el), v. to desire urgently, "after I finish this, I'm gonna needle little vacation."

nap-kin (nap'-ken), n.and v. a negotiation presuming a doze; commonly used by children.  "If I take a napkin I go?"

No-ah  (no'e), v. to have acquaintance or comprehension of.  "Anyone Noah guy with a boat we could use?"

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RECIPES:


Southern Sweet Potato Pie

This recipe is very popular here in the South. It's a particular favorite at our house because we always have plenty of sweet potatoes in our garden. Try it with a dollop of whipped cream. —Bonnie Holcomb, Fulton, Mississippi

    Prep: 15 min. Bake: 55 min. + chilling
    Yield: 8 Servings

Ingredients

    3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    1-2/3 cups sugar
    1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
    Pinch salt
    1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
    2 eggs
    1/4 cup light corn syrup
    1/2 cup butter, softened
    3/4 cup evaporated milk
    1 unbaked pastry shell (9 inches)

Directions

    In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, nutmeg and salt. In a large bowl, beat the potatoes, eggs, corn syrup, butter and sugar mixture. Gradually stir in milk. Pour into pastry shell.
    Bake at 350° for 55-60 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 8 servings.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 slice) equals 513 calories, 21 g fat (12 g saturated fat), 96 mg cholesterol, 290 mg sodium, 77 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 5 g protein.

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Texas Pecan Pie

This ooey, gooey pie’s luscious and creamy filling offers that good old familiar flavor so many have come to love!—Laurel Leslie, Sonora, California


    Prep: 20 min. Bake: 1 hour + cooling
    Yield: 8 Servings

Ingredients

    1/2 cup sugar
    3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    1 cup light corn syrup
    1 cup dark corn syrup
    3 eggs
    1 teaspoon white vinegar
    1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    1 cup chopped pecans
    Pastry for single-crust pie (9 inches)

Directions

    In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, flour, corn syrups, eggs, vinegar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in pecans. Pour into pastry shell. Cover edges with foil.
    Bake at 350° for 35 minutes. Remove foil; bake 25-30 minutes longer or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 8 servings.

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Celebration Cranberry Cake

After I've served this cake, guests never leave my house without requesting the recipe. The sweetness of the butter cream sauce balances beautifully with the cake's tart cranberries. —Jeri Clayton, Sandy, Utah

    Prep: 25 min. Bake: 40 min. + cooling
    Yield: 9 Servings

Ingredients

    3 tablespoons butter, softened
    1 cup sugar
    1 cup evaporated milk
    2 cups all-purpose flour
    3 teaspoons baking powder
    1 teaspoon salt
    2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, halved
  
 BUTTER CREAM SAUCE:
    1/2 cup butter, cubed
    1 cup sugar
    1 cup heavy whipping cream
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

    In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy; beat in milk. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in cranberries.
    Pour into a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
    For sauce, melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in the sugar and cream; bring to a boil, stirring often. Boil for 8-10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Serve warm with cake. Yield: 9 servings.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 piece) equals 534 calories, 26 g fat (16 g saturated fat), 83 mg cholesterol, 575 mg sodium, 72 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 5 g protein.

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Chocolate fudge

1  container of white and chocolate icing
1  cup of powdered sugar
1  bag of chocolate chips morrasles

You will need 3 small microwaveable safe mixing bowls, and a cake pan to pour the fudge into. Begin by emptying both containers of icing into one bowl pop it into the microwave times may vary according to the microwave you are using mine takes about 2minutes you just want to melt the icing not cook it. After you’ve done this repeat this step again with the 2nd bowl using the chocolate chips. After both of the icings and the chocolate chips have been melted take the chocolate chips and pour it into one of the bowl has the icing in it  then add the other icing and powdered sugar and stir together well. Now spray your cake pan with a little nonstick spray and then pour the mixture into the pan and put in the fridge. For about 2 hours cut into squares and enjoy

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Peanut butter fudge

1  container of white icing (it can be any brand, as long as it’s not whipped)
1  jar of peanut butter (you can choose any brand, also whether or not you want plain or peanuts)

Now you will need 2 small microwaveable safe mixing bowls, and a cake pan to pour the fudge into. Begin by emptying the container of icing into one bowl pop it into the microwave times may vary according to the microwave you are using mine takes about 2minutes you just want to melt the icing not cook it. After you’ve done this repeat this step again with the 2nd bowl using the peanut butter. After both the icing and the peanut butter have been melted take the peanut butter and pour it into the bowl that has the icing in it and stir together well. Now spray your cake pan with a little nonstick spray and then pour the mixture into the pan and put in the fridge. For about 2 hours cut into squares and enjoy.

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 QUICK CHOCOLATE FUDGE

1 Box confectioners sugar
1/2cup cocoa
1 stick butter or margarine (sliced up)
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Place ingredients together in microwave safe bowl, except vanilla and nuts . Microwave on high for 2 1/2 minutes. Remove from microwave and mix stir well. Add vanilla and nuts, Blend well. Pour into a greased 8x8 dish or 9 inch pie plate ( a regular dinner plate with slight depth to it works just as well) Spread evenly into plate. Chill until firm. Cut into pieces.


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Yam
By Bruce Guernsey

The potato that ate all its carrots,
can see in the dark like a mole,

its eyes the scars
from centuries of shovels, tines.

May spelled backwards
because it hates the light,

pawing its way, padding along,
there in the catacombs.

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Thanksgiving
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Observed by      United States
 Canada
 Liberia
 Puerto Rico
 Norfolk Island
Type     National, cultural
Date     2nd Monday in October (Canada)
1st Thursday in November (Liberia)
Last Wednesday in November (Norfolk Island)
4th Thursday in November (USA)
2012 date    

October 8, 2012 (Canada);
November 1, 2012 (Liberia);
November 28, 2012 (Norfolk Island);
November 22, 2012 (USA)
2013 date    

October 14, 2013 (Canada);
November 7, 2013 (Liberia);
November 27, 2013 (Norfolk Island);
November 28, 2013 (USA, Puerto Rico)

Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Thanksgiving is celebrated each year on the second Monday of October in Canada and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. Because of the longstanding traditions of the holiday, the celebration often extends to the weekend that falls closest to the day it is celebrated. Several other places around the world observe similar celebrations. Historically, Thanksgiving had roots in religious and cultural tradition. Today, Thanksgiving is primarily celebrated as a secular holiday.

 History

Prayers of thanks and special thanksgiving ceremonies are common among almost all religions after harvests and at other times.[1] The holiday's history in North America is rooted in English traditions dating from the Protestant Reformation. It also has aspects of a harvest festival, even though the harvest in New England occurs well before the late-November date of the holiday

In the English tradition, days of thanksgiving and special thanksgiving religious services became important during the English Reformation in the reign of Henry VIII and in reaction to the large number of religious holidays on the Catholic calendar. Before 1536 there were 95 Church holidays, plus 52 Sundays, when people were required to attend church and forego work and sometimes pay for expensive celebrations. The 1536 reforms reduced the number of Church holidays to 27, but some Puritans, the radical reformers of their age, wished to completely eliminate all Church holidays, including Christmas and Easter. The holidays were to be replaced by specially called Days of Fasting or Days of Thanksgiving, in response to events that the Puritans viewed as acts of special providence. Unexpected disasters or threats of judgement from on high called for Days of Fasting. Special blessings, viewed as coming from God, called for Days of Thanksgiving. For example, Days of Fasting were called on account of drought in 1611, floods in 1613, and plague in 1604 and 1622. Days of Thanksgiving were called following the victory over the Spanish Armada in 1588, and following the deliverance of Queen Anne in 1705. An unusual annual Day of Thanksgiving began in 1606 following the failure of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605, and developed into Guy Fawkes Day.

 In Canada

The Order of Good Cheer, 1606 by Charles William Jefferys, (1925).

The origin of the first Thanksgiving in Canada goes back to the explorer Martin Frobisher who had been trying to find a northern passage to the Pacific Ocean. Frobisher's Thanksgiving celebration was not for harvest but was in thanks for surviving the long journey from England through the perils of storms and icebergs. In 1578, on his third and final voyage to these regions, Frobisher held a formal ceremony in Frobisher Bay in Baffin Island (present-day Nunavut) to give thanks to God and in a service ministered by the preacher Robert Wolfall they celebrated Communion — the first-ever service in these regions. Years later, the tradition of a feast would continue as more settlers began to arrive in the Canadian colonies.
Oven roasted turkey

The origins of Canadian Thanksgiving can also be traced to the French settlers who came to New France with explorer Samuel de Champlain in the early 17th century, who also took to celebrating their successful harvests. The French settlers in the area typically had feasts at the end of the harvest season and continued throughout the winter season, even sharing their food with the indigenous peoples of the area.[6] Champlain had also proposed for the creation of the Order of Good Cheer in 1606.

As many more settlers arrived in Canada, more celebrations of good harvest became common. New immigrants into the country, such as the Irish, Scottish and Germans, would also add their own traditions to the harvest celebrations. Most of the U.S. aspects of Thanksgiving (such as the turkey or what were called Guineafowls originating from Madagascar), were incorporated when United Empire Loyalists began to flee from the United States during the American Revolution and settled in Canada.

Thanksgiving is now a statutory holiday in most jurisdictions of Canada, with the Atlantic provinces of Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia being the exceptions.

 In the United States

The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth By Jennie A. Brownscombe (1914)

In the United States, the modern Thanksgiving holiday tradition is commonly traced to a 1621 celebration at Plymouth in present-day Massachusetts. The 1621 Plymouth feast and thanksgiving was prompted by a good harvest. In later years, the tradition was continued by civil leaders such as Governor Bradford who planned a thanksgiving celebration and fast in 1623. The practice of holding an annual harvest festival like this did not become a regular affair in New England until the late 1660s.

Pilgrims and Puritans who began emigrating from England in the 1620s and 1630s carried the tradition of Days of Fasting and Days of Thanksgiving with them to New England. Several days of Thanksgiving were held in early New England history that have been identified as the "First Thanksgiving", including Pilgrim holidays in Plymouth in 1621 and 1623, and a Puritan holiday in Boston in 1631.

Thanksgiving proclamations were made mostly by church leaders in New England up until 1682, and then by both state and church leaders until after the American Revolution. During the revolutionary period, political influences affected the issuance of Thanksgiving proclamations. Various proclamations were made by royal governors, John Hancock, General George Washington, and the Continental Congress, each giving thanks to God for events favorable to their causes.[15] As President of the United States, George Washington proclaimed the first nation-wide thanksgiving celebration in America marking November 26, 1789, "as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favours of Almighty God".

According to historian Jeremy Bangs, director of the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, the Pilgrims may have been influenced by watching the annual services of Thanksgiving for the relief of the siege of Leiden in 1574, while they were staying in Leiden.

Every year, the President of the United States will “pardon” a turkey, which spares the bird's life and ensures that it will spend the duration of its life roaming freely on farmland.
Debate about first celebrations

The traditional representation of where the first Thanksgiving was held in the United States, and even the Americas, has often been a subject of debate, though the debate is often confused by mixing up the ideas of a Thanksgiving holiday celebration and a Thanksgiving religious service. This debate has been called a "tempest in a beanpot" and "marvelous nonsense."[13] There is evidence for an earlier religious service by Spanish explorers in Texas at San Elizario in 1598, as well as thanksgiving feasts in the Virginia Colony. The initial thanksgiving observance at Virginia in 1619 was prompted by the colonists' leaders on the anniversary of the settlement. Author and teacher Robyn Gioia and Michael Gannon of the University of Florida have argued that the earliest attested "Thanksgiving" service in what is now the United States was celebrated by the Spanish on September 8, 1565, in what is now Saint Augustine, Florida.

Thanksgiving services were routine in Virginia as early as 1607. A day for Thanksgiving services was codified in the founding charter of Berkeley Hundred in Charles City County, Virginia in 1619.

Fixing the date of the holiday

The reason for the earlier Thanksgiving celebrations in Canada has often been attributed to the earlier onset of winter in the north, thus ending the harvest season earlier. Thanksgiving in Canada did not have a fixed date until the late 19th century. Prior to Canadian Confederation, many of the individual colonial governors of the Canadian provinces had declared their own days of Thanksgiving. The first official Canadian Thanksgiving occurred on April 15, 1872, when the nation was celebrating the Prince of Wales' recovery from a serious illness. By the end of the 19th century, Thanksgiving Day was normally celebrated on November 6. However, when World War I ended, the Armistice Day holiday was usually held during the same week. To prevent the two holidays from clashing with one another, in 1957 the Canadian Parliament proclaimed Thanksgiving to be observed on its present date on the second Monday of October.[6] Since 1971, when the American Uniform Monday Holiday Act took effect, the American observance of Columbus Day has coincided with the Canadian observance of Thanksgiving.

Much like in Canada, Thanksgiving in the United States was observed on various dates throughout history. From the time of the Founding Fathers until the time of Lincoln, the date Thanksgiving was observed varied from state to state. The final Thursday in November had become the customary date in most U.S. states by the beginning of the 19th century. Thanksgiving was first celebrated on the same date by all states in 1863 by a presidential proclamation of Abraham Lincoln. Influenced by the campaigning of author Sarah Josepha Hale, who wrote letters to politicians for around 40 years trying to make it an official holiday, Lincoln proclaimed the date to be the final Thursday in November in an attempt to foster a sense of American unity between the Northern and Southern states.[23] Because of the ongoing Civil War and the Confederate States of America's refusal to recognize Lincoln's authority, the concept of "nationwide" Thanksgiving did not totally take effect until Reconstruction was completed in the 1870s.

It was not until December 26, 1941, that the unified date changed to the fourth Thursday (and not always final) in November—this time by federal legislation. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, after two years earlier offering his own proclamation to move the date earlier, with the reason of giving the country an economic boost, agreed to sign a bill into law with Congress, making Thanksgiving a national holiday on the fourth Thursday in November.

 Observance in North America

Canada

Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Day (Canadian French: Jour de l'Action de grâce), occurring on the second Monday in October, is an annual Canadian holiday to give thanks at the close of the harvest season. Although the original act of Parliament references God and the holiday is celebrated in churches, the holiday is mostly celebrated in a secular manner. Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in all provinces in Canada, except for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. While businesses may remain open in these provinces, the holiday is nonetheless, recognized and celebrated regardless of its status.

United States

Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Day, currently celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November by federal legislation in 1941, has been an annual tradition in the United States by presidential proclamation since 1863 and by state legislation since the Founding Fathers of the United States. Historically, Thanksgiving began as a tradition of celebrating the harvest of the year.

 Other observances known as Thanksgiving

Germany

In Germany, an early October festival is known as Erntedankfest, or the Harvest Thanksgiving Festival. The festival has a significant religious component to it but also, like its North American counterpart, includes large harvest dinners (consisting mostly of autumn crops) and parades. The Bavarian beer festival Oktoberfest generally takes place within the vicinity of Erntedankfest.

Grenada

In the West Indian island of Grenada, there is a national holiday known as Thanksgiving Day which is celebrated on October 25. Even though it bears the same name, and is celebrated at roughly the same time as the American and Canadian versions of Thanksgiving, this holiday is unrelated to either of those celebrations. Instead the holiday marks the anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of the island in 1983, in response to the deposition and execution of Grenadian Prime Minister Maurice Bishop.

Japan

Labor Thanksgiving Day (?????? Kinro Kansha no Hi?) is a national holiday in Japan. It takes place annually on November 23. The law establishing the holiday, which was adopted during the American occupation after World War II, cites it as an occasion for commemorating labor and production and giving one another thanks. It has roots in an ancient harvest ceremony (Niiname-sai (????)) celebrating hard work.

Liberia

In the West African country of Liberia, which beginning in 1820, was colonized by free blacks from the United States (most of whom had been formerly enslaved), Thanksgiving is celebrated on the first Thursday of November.

The Netherlands

Many of the Pilgrims who migrated to the Plymouth Plantation had resided in the city of Leiden from 1609–1620, many of whom had recorded their birth, marriages and deaths at the Pieterskerk.[36] To commemorate this, a non-denominational Thanksgiving Day service is held each year on the morning of the American Thanksgiving Day in the Pieterskerk, a Gothic church in Leiden, to commemorate the hospitality the Pilgrims received in Leiden on their way to the New World.

Norfolk Island

In the Australian external territory of Norfolk Island, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the last Wednesday of November, similar to the pre-World War II American observance on the last Thursday of the month. This means the Norfolk Island observance is the day before or six days after the United States' observance. The holiday was brought to the island by visiting American whaling ships.

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JOKES:

 Blonde Thanksgiving It was the first time the blonde was eating Thanksgiving dinner without her family. Trying to re-enact the tradition, she prepared a dinner for herself alone. The next day, her mother called to see how everything went. "Oh, mother, I made myself a lovely dinner, but I had so much trouble trying to eat the turkey!" said the daughter. "Did it not taste good?" her mother asked. "I don't know," the blonde said. "It wouldn't sit still!"

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 Pro Football Turkey The pro football team had just finished their daily practice session when a large turkey came strutting onto the field. While the players gazed in amazement, the turkey walked up to the head coach and demanded a tryout. Everyone stared in silence as the turkey caught pass after pass and ran right through the defensive line. When the turkey returned to the sidelines, the coach shouted, "You're terrific!!! Sign up for the season, and I'll see to it that you get a huge bonus." "Forget the bonus," the turkey said, "All I want to know is, does the season go past Thanksgiving Day?"

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 Young Michael Young Michael was sitting in his grandmother's kitchen, watching her prepare the Thanksgiving meal. 'What are you doing?' Michael enquired. 'Oh, I'm just stuffing the turkey,' his grandmother replied. 'Wow, that's cool.' Michael remarked. 'Are you going to hang it next to the deer?'

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 Amusing Thanksgiving Quotations From The Famous

    Rita Rudner: My mother is such a lousy cook that Thanksgiving at her house is a time of sorrow.
  
 George Carlin: We're having something a little different this year for Thanksgiving.  Instead of a turkey, we're having a swan.  You get more stuffing.
  
 Erma Bombeck: No One Diets on Thanksgiving.
    What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets.  I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?
 
  Johnny Carson: Thanksgiving is an emotional holiday.  People travel thousands of miles to be with people they only see once a year.  And then discover once a year is way too often.

    Reba McEntire: To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone.

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Today, God’s message for you is that you are never alone. No matter what you face, someone else has faced it, too. Whether it be in joy or sorrow, there is someone nearer than you think.

Tags: Religion, Recipes, Hints, Tips, Jokes, Etc

1 comments View Entry

Since I was Unable to Post yesterday, here is yesterday's bulletin, and todays is following this one.  Sorry again for the problems with computers.  They are such stubborn creatures sometimes. . .remind me of MEN!!!!!!    lol  

Have a lovely and Blessed day everyone!  

Grammy S.

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REMINDER FROM GOD:

If It Feels Good

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."1

In considerable thinking today among college students and others, so-called truth is based much too often on one's personal experience and how one feels about it.

As Mark Early wrote in Breakpoint, "Take, for example, the argument for s-e-xual experimentation. It goes like this: 'In order to make wise choices about s-e-x, you have to experience it.' This isn't just a 'line' a guy might use with a girl; it's a false theory of knowledge. It says that personal experience is the only way to know anything, and the test of experience is, of course, how you feel."2

Some also reason that because they can't see, experience, or feel God, he therefore doesn't exist.

In other words I make my experience and how I feel the final voice of authority on what is true and what is false, which of course is a way to justify what I want and choose to believe and do.

Certain drugs are addictive. That is true regardless of what I think or feel about them. If I experiment with these drugs to seek to prove my point, I can no longer think clearly or rationally. Furthermore, is fornication, adultery, abortion, homo-s-e-x-ual behavior, gay marriage or any other actions that God condemns right or wrong based on my experience and feelings? No. These actions are wrong because God's Word says they are. And God says they are wrong because they are ultimately harmful to those who indulge in them.

To make my experience and feelings the test of truth is to raise myself above God, implying that I know better than he knows. Rather egotistical to put it mildly, and ultimately self-destructive to put it realistically.

God's Word is the final voice of authority and the standard by which we measure all truths. If a behavior is in harmony with God's Word, we know that it is right.3 If it is out of harmony with God's Word, we know that it is wrong and harmful. We also need to remember that "there is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." It is much, much wiser to go God's way than my own.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the principles for healthy living you have given to us in your Word, the Holy Bible that, if we follow, will lead to eternal life. And that, if we reject and go our own way, will lead to eternal death. Thank you for this warning, and thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Proverbs 14:12 (NIV).

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WORD FOR THE DAY:
REDNECK WORD FOR THE DAY - M

man-i-fes-to  (man-ef-es'-to), interj. and n. an expression of despair concerning a final chance as for repair.  "Manifesto do it, I don't know what will."

me-an-der  (me'-and-er), n. a referece to one's self and a female.  "I would have gone out with Lucy, but meander cousin was already datin'".

me-di-ate (med'-e-et), n. and v.  animal flesh consumed by an individual male. " No wonder his stomach burst, considerin' the amount of mediate."

mas-cot (mas'-kat), n and v.  indicating the condition of state of the Christian Eucharist.  "When old lady Watkins took a swing at the organist, I'd say that's right about when mascot out of hand."

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Mayo Clinic Wellness Solutions for Fibromyalgia

Control fibromyalgia with the best remedies available from conventional medicine and alternative health

Mayo Clinic, one of the world's top medical centers, and Gaiam, the alternative health and wellness experts, have teamed up to bring you this integrated health action plan designed specifically to help you minimize the pain of fibromyalgia and allow you to live life to the fullest.

You'll love the results you'll get from this easy three-step action plan …

1. Start with understanding your condition. In this opening segment, you'll meet Mayo Clinic doctors who share the latest knowledge about fibromyalgia — what can cause it, specific triggers that lead to flare-ups and how to manage it using the most successful conventional and alternative therapies available today.

2. Eat well to feel better. That's the message in the second part of our action plan. You'll meet Donald Hensrud, M.D., a weight management expert from Mayo Clinic. Dr. Hensrud will take you grocery shopping, sharing his insights on how to shop smart and select everyday foods you and your family can enjoy while at the same time promoting better health. You'll also meet a Mayo Clinic dietitian who explains practical, easy food choices that help you maintain a healthy weight, since being overweight can impact the severity of fibromyalgia. We'll suggest which foods to eat and which ones to avoid.

3. Moderate exercise and stress-relieving techniques bring our action plan into balance. In this segment, you'll meet Rodney Yee, America's favorite yoga instructor. Rodney guides you through a series of simple, restorative yoga and stress-relieving meditation routines that are sure to bring new vitality to your life. These movements are designed to help you lose weight, improve circulation and reduce tension. This balance gives you better control over fibromyalgia and allows you to lead a healthier and happier life.

 
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RECIPE:

Orange Zested Chicken Breasts

Citrus makes it sensational! This five-ingredient main dish is done in 20 minutes.

    PREP TIME 20 Min
    TOTAL TIME 20 Min
    SERVINGS 4

INGREDIENTS"

1/2    teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4    teaspoon garlic powder
2    tablespoons butter or margarine
1   teaspoon grated orange peel
4    boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb)

DIRECTIONS:

    1 In small bowl, mix seasoned salt and garlic powder.
    2 In 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat butter and orange peel over medium heat until butter is melted. Add chicken; sprinkle with salt mixture. Cook about 15 minutes, turning once, until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (170°F).

Expert Tips

This orange chicken is super easy to prepare! Serve it with cooked fresh green beans or broccoli, warm breadsticks and a simple fruit salad.

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Grilled Cuban Pork Chops

Tired of plain pork? Jazz grilled chops with a flavor-packed rub.

    PREP TIME 20 Min
    TOTAL TIME 20 Min
    SERVINGS 4
 
Cuban Rub

2    tablespoons grated lime peel
1    tablespoon cumin seed
1    tablespoon cracked black pepper
1/2    teaspoon salt
2    tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
1    clove garlic, finely chopped

Pork Chops

4    boneless pork loin or rib chops, about 1 inch thick (about 2 pounds)
    Mango slices, if desired

DIRECTIONS"

    1 Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat. Remove excess fat from pork. In small bowl, mix all Cuban Rub ingredients; rub evenly on both sides of pork.
    2 Cover and grill pork 4 to 6 inches from medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, turning frequently, until pork is no longer pink and meat thermometer inserted in center reads 160°F. Garnish with mango slices.

Expert Tips

No cumin seed? Use 1 teaspoon ground cumin.

Round out these flavor-packed pork chops with corn on the cob and cooked rice tossed with black beans.

The Cuban Rub is also delicious on chicken breasts.

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Smothered Pork Chops and Potatoes

Dinner ready in 30 minutes! Enjoy this flavorful skillet made with pork, potatoes and Progressoâ„¢ Recipe Startersâ„¢ mushroom cooking sauce.

    PREP TIME 30 Min
    TOTAL TIME 30 Min
    SERVINGS 4
 
4    slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
4    boneless pork loin chops, about 1/2 inch thick (1 1/4 lb), trimmed of fat
1    can (18 oz) Progressoâ„¢ Recipe Startersâ„¢ creamy portabella mushroom cooking sauce
2 1/2    cups frozen potatoes O'Brien with onions and peppers (from 28-oz bag), thawed
1/3    cup sliced green onions
1/4    cup whipping cream

    1 In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Remove bacon with slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Drain all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat from skillet.
    2 Sprinkle pork chops with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Add pork chops to bacon fat in skillet over medium heat. Cook pork 3 to 4 minutes, turning once, until lightly browned. Remove pork from skillet; set aside. Stir in cooking sauce, potatoes, 1/4 cup of the green onions and the cream; heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    3 Return pork to skillet. Cover; simmer 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until pork is no longer pink in center. Sprinkle with bacon and remaining green onions.

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Hamburger Hash Skillet Supper

Dress up easy beef and potato hash with a bit of cream, tomatoes, and every smart cook's standby, Worcestershire sauce.

    PREP TIME 25 Min
    TOTAL TIME 25 Min
    SERVINGS 5
 
1    lb. lean ground beef
1   (1 lb. 4-oz.) pkg. refrigerated diced potatoes with onions
1/2    cup chopped red onion
1/3    cup whipping cream
1    tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1    teaspoon celery salt
1/4    teaspoon pepper
1 1/4    cups chopped tomatoes

DIRECTIONS:

    1 In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook ground beef, potatoes and red onion over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until beef is thoroughly cooked and potatoes are tender, stirring frequently. Drain well.
    2 In medium bowl, combine cream, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt and pepper; blend well. Stir into beef mixture. Cook an additional 2 to 5 minutes or until mixture is bubbly around edges, stirring frequently. Gently stir in tomatoes.

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Easy White Chicken Chili

This spicy chili is packed with chicken, Progresso® beans, Progresso™ Recipe Starters™ cooking sauce and Old El Paso® green chiles – dinner that’s ready in 20 minutes.

    PREP TIME 10 Min
    TOTAL TIME 20 Min
    SERVINGS 6

 INGREDIENTS:

2    cans (18 oz each) Progressoâ„¢ Recipe Startersâ„¢ creamy roasted garlic with chicken stock cooking sauce
2    cups cubed deli rotisserie chicken
1    can (15 oz) Progresso® cannellini beans, drained, rinsed
1    can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso® chopped green chiles
4    teaspoons Old El Paso® taco seasoning mix (from 1-oz package)

Garnishes, If Desired
    Shredded Cheddar or taco cheese
    Sour cream
    Coarsely crushed tortilla chips

DIRECTIONS"

    1 In 2-quart saucepan, heat cooking sauce, chicken, beans, chiles and taco seasoning mix to boiling, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low; simmer 10 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally.
    2 Top each serving with cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips.

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Cheesy Chicken and Bean Quesadillas

Quesadillas become a meaty main dish with rotisserie chicken, black beans and rice.

    PREP TIME 40 Min
    TOTAL TIME 1 Hr
    SERVINGS 8

INGREDIENTS:

2    cups shredded or finely chopped deli rotisserie chicken (from 2- to 2 1/2-lb chicken)
1/2    cup chopped red bell pepper
4    medium green onions, thinly sliced (1/4 cup)
1    can (15 oz) Progresso® black beans, drained, rinsed
1/2    cup cooked white rice
1    package (11.5 oz) Old El Paso® flour tortillas for burritos (8 tortillas)
3    cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (12 oz)
    Cooking spray
1    teaspoon olive oil
1    cup Old El Paso® Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
1/2    cup sour cream

DIRECTIONS:

    1 In medium bowl, mix chicken, bell pepper, green onions, beans and rice. Top half of each tortilla with 1/2 cup chicken mixture and 1/2 cup of the cheese. Fold other half of each tortilla over filling, press down slightly. Spray top halves of tortillas with cooking spray.
    2 Heat 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Place 2 filled tortillas at a time, sprayed sides down, in skillet. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and hot. Cut into wedges. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

Expert Tips

A shredded lettuce salad tossed with slices of ripe olives, avocado and tomatoes makes a nice accompaniment to these quesadillas. Finish with a scoop of lime or mango sorbet.
Microwave 1/2 cup instant white rice and 1/2 cup water in covered microwavable bowl about 4 minutes on High to get 1/2 cup cooked rice for this recipe.

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To Autumn  By  John Keats

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
   Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
   With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,
   And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
      To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
   With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
      For summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.

Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?
   Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find
Thee sitting careless on a granary floor,
   Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;
Or on a half-reap'd furrow sound asleep,
   Drows'd with the fume of poppies, while thy hook
      Spares the next swath and all its twined flowers:
And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keep
   Steady thy laden head across a brook;
   Or by a cyder-press, with patient look,
      Thou watchest the last oozings hours by hours.

Where are the songs of spring? Ay, Where are they?
   Think not of them, thou hast thy music too,—
While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day,
   And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue;
Then in a wailful choir the small gnats mourn
   Among the river sallows, borne aloft
      Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies;
And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn;
   Hedge-crickets sing; and now with treble soft
   The red-breast whistles from a garden-croft;
      And gathering swallows twitter in the skies

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 Did you know? Potatoes were not part of the first Thanksgiving. Irish immigrants had not yet brought them to North America.

After the first Thanksgiving, the observance was sporadic and almost forgotten until the early 1800's. It was usually celebrated in late September or October. In 1941, Congress made it a national holiday and set the date as the fourth Thursday in November.

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JOKES:

Thanksgiving Day Miracle

Bradley Priebe is a miracle child claims his mother, Anna, as she offered up her own Thanksgiving prayers.  While celebrating Thanksgiving Day in Brooklyn, USA, in a third floor apartment the 14 month old baby fell from an open window some 20 feet onto a music shop roof below.  Bradley not only survived, he didn't even break a bone. His father Brandon told police that his son wasn't seriously injured in the fall.  The local hospital released the child after a period of observation.

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General Quotations Suitable For a Thanksgiving Gathering

    Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action. W.J. Cameron
  
 What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal. Albert Pine.
 
  We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. Frederick Keonig.
 
   If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily.  Gerald Good.
 
  What a wonderful life I've had. I only wish I'd realized it sooner. Colette
 
  There is no sincerer love than the love of food. George Bernard Shaw
 
  Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. W. T. Purkiser.
 
  True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost.  Charles Caleb Colton
 
   Do not wait for the day of judgement, it takes place every day.  Albert Camus
 
  Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow.  Edward Sandford Martin
 
  If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. Meister Eckhart
   
I always pass on good advice.  It is the only thing to do with it.  It is never of any use to oneself.  Oscar Wilde

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Thanksgiving Alphabet

T ... Turkeys, table-spreads, being together,Thanksgiving poem
H ... Happiness and homes to protect us from all weather,
A ... Aunts and uncles, a reunion in Fall,
N ... Nieces and nephews, family members all.
K ... Kind-hearted kin coming over for dinner,
S ... Surely you'll have fun, but you won't get thinner,

G ... Gourds and pumpkins, mouths open wide,
I ... Indians and Pilgrims we remember with pride,
V ... Very special times-there could even be snow,
I ... Imagine what it was like at Plymouth long ago,
N ... Never forget how the settlers led the way,
G ... Giving thanks and blessing this special day.

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Are You Focusing on What Really Matters In Life?

“Less stuff, less work, less expense equals more money, more time, more joy. Less equals more.”

You know what’s interesting? The way most of us live our lives and how we are constantly chasing after all kind of things that are somewhere out there. We can’t seem to find a way to be happy with where we are and what we have, we can’t seem to find a way to really enjoy our lives.

Of course it’s important to have a clear mental picture of how you want your future to look like but you don’t want to waste your life making plans for the future, because in the end, just like John Lennon said it, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”

Knowing this, will we ever find a way to be happy with where we are and what we have?

Where is the peace in more is better? ~Wayne Dyer

Today I want to share this inspiring story with you and I would love to know what are your thoughts on it. Do you sometimes get caught up in the chase and forget to really enjoy life?

Mexican Fisherman Meets Harvard MBA What Really Matters in Life?

“A vacationing American businessman standing on the pier of a quaint coastal fishing village in southern Mexico watched as a small boat with just one young Mexican fisherman pulled into the dock. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. Enjoying the warmth of the early afternoon sun, the American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish.

“How long did it take you to catch them?” the American casually asked.

“Oh, a few hours,” the Mexican fisherman replied.

“Why don’t you stay out longer and catch more fish?” the American businessman then asked.

The Mexican warmly replied, “With this I have more than enough to support my family’s needs.”

The businessman then became serious, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”

Responding with a smile, the Mexican fisherman answered, “I sleep late, play with my children, watch ballgames, and take siesta with my wife. Sometimes in the evenings I take a stroll into the village to see my friends, play the guitar, sing a few songs…”

The American businessman impatiently interrupted, “Look, I have an MBA from Harvard, and I can help you to be more profitable. You can start by fishing several hours longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra money, you can buy a bigger boat. With the additional income that larger boat will bring, before long you can buy a second boat, then a third one, and so on, until you have an entire fleet of fishing boats.”

Proud of his own sharp thinking, he excitedly elaborated a grand scheme which could bring even bigger profits, “Then, instead of selling your catch to a middleman you’ll be able to sell your fish directly to the processor, or even open your own cannery. Eventually, you could control the product, processing and distribution. You could leave this tiny coastal village and move to Mexico City, or possibly even Los Angeles or New York City, where you could even further expand your enterprise.”

Having never thought of such things, the Mexican fisherman asked, “But how long will all this take?”

After a rapid mental calculation, the Harvard MBA pronounced, “Probably about 15-20 years, maybe less if you work really hard.”

“And then what, señor?” asked the fisherman.

“Why, that’s the best part!” answered the businessman with a laugh. “When the time is right, you would sell your company stock to the public and become very rich. You would make millions.”

“Millions? Really? What would I do with it all?” asked the young fisherman in disbelief.

The businessman boasted, “Then you could happily retire with all the money you’ve made. You could move to a quaint coastal fishing village where you could sleep late, play with your grandchildren, watch ballgames, and take siesta with your wife. You could stroll to the village in the evenings where you could play the guitar and sing with your friends all you want.”

So how do you want to live your life? Do you want to be like the young fisherman or do you want to be like the Harvard graduate? Feel free to share your thoughts by commenting bellow.

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Today, God's message for you is that patience is one of the greatest gifts you can give, to others and to yourself. Do not hurry through life; it goes by fast enough as it is.

Tags: Religion, Recipes, Hints, Tips, Jokes, Etc

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REMINDER FROM GOD:

Tact

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."1

When President Gerald Ford was in office, he was on one occasion visited in the White House by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. When the Ford's son, Jack, was dressing for a formal dinner with the queen and prince, he couldn't find the studs for his shirt so he rushed into his father's bedroom to see if he could borrow some.

He ran into the elevator with his shirt unbuttoned and hanging out and his hair disheveled—too late to discover that somebody else was already in the elevator. It was his parents with their guests, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

Mrs. Ford, feeling awkward, introduced Jack to their distinguished visitors. Sensing Mrs. Ford's embarrassment, the queen remarked sympathetically, "I have one just like that!"

I used to have one at home something like that too. In time, I learned to keep his door closed and my mouth shut! Sometimes it's what we don't say that can say the most and be the most tactful.

Tact and kindness are great gifts to use every day. Indeed, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to guard my tongue and learn to say the right thing at the right time, for the right reason, in the right way, with the right motive. Help me, too, to know when to seal my lips and keep my mouth shut. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Proverbs 25:11 (NKJV).


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WORD FOR THE DAY:
REDNECK WORD FOR THE DAY - L


let-ter car-ri-er  (let'-er-ka're-er), v. and n.  to suggest that a woman transport her personal belongings herself.  "If she wants to bring all that junk, lettercarrier own luggage."

liv-er  (liv'-er). v and conj.  regarding oiptions other than earthly existance.  "I'm so depressed I don't care if I liver die."

li-cense  (li-sint'), n, and adv.  a reference to the most recent instance of fibing.  "She ran over me with the pickup three days ago, and I ain't told a license."

lawn (lon'), n,  a reference to the rules of society; often used in connection with a popular television show.  "You catch that episode of Lawn Order lat night?"

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Cornhusk Doll

Native Americans used cornhusks to make spiritual messenger dolls. Early settlers in the Colonies painted faces on cornhusk dolls and made them into toys.

Here's how:

    Save some fine-grained inner cornhusks and store them in a dry place.
    Soak dried husks in warm water to make them easier to handle.
    If you want, dye them with regular fabric dyes (they pick up the color, but slowly).
    For the head, make a ball out of a cornhusk, fold two husks over the ball, and tie off for the neck with cotton string or heavy thread.
    Make arms by rolling husks into a tight tube or braiding three husks together, then put the piece through the middle of the doll.
    Make a dress by folding husks over each shoulder and crossing them at waist level.
    Tie the waist with string and cover with a narrow cornhusk.
    Trim the skirt so she can stand up.
    Glue on corn silk for hair, and make a bonnet out of a husk.
 
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Today's Tip

 Delete That Smudge of Deodorant
         
If you accidentally get a bit of deodorant on a dark-colored shirt, use a clean pair of pantyhose to wipe it off. The nylon fibers work like a magic eraser.

 
Eyebrow Taming Trick
          
Take an old, clean toothbrush, give it a spritz of hairspray, then brush it over your brows. The brush will put the hairs in place, and the spray will keep them there. After each use, clean your brow toothbrush with hot water.      
 
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RECIPES:

Chicken, Broccoli, Mushroom & Brown Rice Bake

This can't-miss combination of chicken, mushrooms and brown rice are brought together with convenient garden broccoli soup to make a family pleasing baked dish.

Serves: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
   
INGREDIENTS

1 carton (18.3 ounces) Campbell's® V8® Garden Broccoli Soup
1/4 cup water
3/4 cup uncooked instant brown Rice
4 ounces mushroom, sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast half
Paprika
ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

Heat the oven to 375°F.
Stir the soup, water, rice, mushrooms and onion in a 2-quart shallow baking dish. Top with the chicken. Sprinkle the chicken with the paprika and black pepper. Cover the baking dish.
Bake for 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Ingredient Note: We develop our recipes using a 4-to 5-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast half per serving. However, there are a range of sizes available in-store, from the butcher counter to the meat case and the freezer section. Use whichever you prefer- just follow the recipe as written above for the best result. If you're using larger chicken breasts they may require a little longer cooking time.

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Grilled Portobella Mushrooms

A great side dish to serve alongside any meat.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 to 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

4 large (1 1/4 pounds) portabella mushrooms
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon thyme
salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Gently pull away the stems from the mushrooms. Cut the stems in half lengthwise but leave the cap whole. Thread the mushrooms on skewers.

Combine the olive oil and thyme and brush onto the mushroom. Grill small mushrooms about 4 inches from the coals, about 5 minutes on each side. Grill large mushrooms about 7 inches from the coals, about 12 to 15 minutes on each side. Brush the mushrooms with the olive oil mixture while grilling. The mushrooms are done when they feel soft to the touch.

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Breakfast Waffle Club Sandwich with Honey Apple Syrup

Serve this for a delicious and satisfying breakfast.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: about 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:
 
3/4 cup honey, divided
1/4 cup apple juice
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 crisp red apples, cored and sliced
8 frozen waffles, toasted
8 thin slices ham

DIRECTIONS:

To prepare syrup, place 1/2 cup honey and apple juice in small saucepan over medium heat; heat through. Set aside and keep warm. Melt butter with remaining 1/4 cup honey in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add apples; cook and stir about 4 minutes or until apples are lightly caramelized, crisp-tender and nicely glazed. For each serving, place 2 waffles on plate, overlapping slightly. Top each waffle with 1 slice ham.

Top with 1/4 of apple mixture and drizzle with 1/4 of syrup.

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Honeyed Blueberry Blintzes

Great breakfast dish anytime of the year. When blueberries are fresh and sweet, this is better than ever!

Serves: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS:
 
Blintzes:
4 eggs
1 cup 2% lowfat milk
1/3 cup matzo meal
1/3 cup potato starch
1/4 teaspoon salt
oil, for frying

Filling:
3/4 cup honey
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup lemon juice or 1/4 cup potato starch
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
2 cups (12 ounces)fresh blueberries, or frozen, thawed
1 cup regular or low fat sour cream

DIRECTIONS:

To make blintzes: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, matzo meal, potato starch and salt. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Rub a small frying pan with oil; heat over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp. batter and tilt pan to coat pan surface evenly. Cook until surface of blintz no longer looks wet; carefully remove blintz. Repeat with remaining batter, oiling pan when necessary. Separate cooked blintzes with waxed paper and keep warm. (Blintzes may be prepared ahead of time and stored, covered, in refrigerator.)

To make filling: In a medium saucepan, combine honey, water, lemon juice, potato starch and lemon peel. Heat over medium high-heat, stirring frequently, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes, or until no longer cloudy. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Stir in blueberries.

To assemble: Spoon 2 tbsp. blueberry-lemon filling on each blintz. Fold the sides toward center, then bottom up and top down. Place blintzes, seam-side down, in buttered 9- x 13-inch baking pan. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned on underside. Alternately, saute blintzes in small amount of oil until lightly browned and heated through. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream.

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Smothered Pork Chops

Jump-start a deliciously easy dinner with a can of Progresso® soup!

    PREP TIME 5 Min
    TOTAL TIME 30 Min
    SERVINGS 4

INGREDIENTS:

1    cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice
1    tablespoon olive oil
2    cloves garlic, finely chopped
6    bone-in pork loin chops, 3/4-inch thick (about 2 lb)
1/2    teaspoon salt
1/2    teaspoon ground black pepper
1    can (18.5 oz) Progresso® Vegetable Classics French onion soup
2    tablespoons cornstarch

DIRECTIONS:

    1 Make rice as directed on package.
    2 Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Cook garlic and pork chops in oil 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until pork chops are brown. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
    3 In small bowl, mix soup and cornstarch. Pour over pork chops; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium, cover and cook 10 to 15 minutes or until pork is no longer pink and meat thermometer inserted in center reads 160°F.

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Buffalo Chicken Fingers

A restaurant favorite with a crunchy twist! It takes just 30 minutes to make these crispy and spicy Buffalo Chicken Fingers!

    PREP TIME 10 Min
    TOTAL TIME 30 Min
    SERVINGS 8

 INGREDIENTS:

1/4    cup buffalo wing hot sauce
1 1/4    cups Progresso® plain panko crispy bread crumbs
1/2    teaspoon paprika
1/4    teaspoon salt
2    tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1    lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut crosswise into 24 (1/2-inch-thick) strips
    Blue cheese dressing, if desired
    Celery sticks, if desired

DIRECTIONS:

    1 Heat oven to 425°F. Line cookie sheet with foil; spray foil with cooking spray.
    2 In shallow dish, place buffalo wing sauce. In another shallow dish, mix bread crumbs, paprika, salt and butter. Dip chicken into wing sauce; coat evenly with bread crumb mixture. Place on cookie sheet.
    3 Bake uncovered 8 to 10 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center and coating is starting to brown. Serve chicken with dressing and celery sticks.

Expert Tips

The original chicken wings were first served in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. In Buffalo, chicken wings are always served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.

Use precut chicken tenders to shorten prep time.

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Chicken Cacciatore
 
Recipe Inspirations World Flavors collection makes it easy and fun to explore global cuisines in your own home. Each packet includes pre-measured, all-natural, salt-free McCormick spices and herbs and a collectible recipe card. This classic Italian dish is prepared in the traditional style with tomatoes, peppers, and herbs, including thyme, oregano and rosemary.

Makes 6 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

1 package McCormick® Recipe Inspirations Chicken Cacciatore  which includes the following Spices:
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Black Pepper, Coarse Ground
1 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic, Minced
1 teaspoon McCormick® Marjoram Leaves
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Oregano Leaves
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Rosemary Leaves, crushed
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Thyme Leaves

1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 package (8 ounces) mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped (1 cup)
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into thin strips (1 cup)
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce


Directions:

1. Mix flour, salt and Pepper in shallow dish. Coat chicken evenly with flour mixture.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove chicken from skillet. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in skillet. Add mushrooms, onions and bell peppers; cook and stir 5 minutes on medium heat or until tender.

3. Stir in remaining ingredients and Spices. Bring to boil, stirring frequently. Return chicken to skillet. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 5 minutes or until chicken is heated through. Serve over cooked pasta or rice, if desired.

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"Southern Pecan Pie"

This is a classic pecan pie, made with corn syrup, pecan halves, butter, and eggs.

Ingredients:

    1 cup light corn syrup
    1 cup brown sugar
    1/4 teaspoon salt
    1/3 cup melted butter
    1 teaspoon vanilla
    3 large eggs, slightly beaten
    1 heaping cup pecan halves
    1 pie shell, unbaked, 9-inch

Preparation:
In a large bowl, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, salt, butter, and vanilla; mix well. Add slightly beaten eggs and blend well; stir in pecans. Pour into the unbaked pie shell. Bake in a preheated 350° oven for 45 minutes, or until set. Cool pecan pie and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.


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When the Frost is on the Punkin

By James Whitcomb Riley

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock,
And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin’ turkey-cock,
And the clackin’ of the guineys, and the cluckin’ of the hens,
And the rooster’s hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence;
O, it’s then’s the times a feller is a-feelin’ at his best,
With the risin’ sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest,
As he leaves the house, bareheaded, and goes out to feed the stock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock.

They’s something kindo’ harty-like about the atmusfere
When the heat of summer’s over and the coolin’ fall is here—
Of course we miss the flowers, and the blossums on the trees,
And the mumble of the hummin’-birds and buzzin’ of the bees;
But the air’s so appetizin’; and the landscape through the haze
Of a crisp and sunny morning of the airly autumn days
Is a pictur’ that no painter has the colorin’ to mock—
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock.

The husky, rusty russel of the tossels of the corn,
And the raspin’ of the tangled leaves, as golden as the morn;
The stubble in the furries—kindo’ lonesome-like, but still
A-preachin’ sermuns to us of the barns they growed to fill;
The strawstack in the medder, and the reaper in the shed;
The hosses in theyr stalls below—the clover over-head!—
O, it sets my hart a-clickin’ like the tickin’ of a clock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock!

Then your apples all is gethered, and the ones a feller keeps
Is poured around the celler-floor in red and yeller heaps;
And your cider-makin’ ’s over, and your wimmern-folks is through
With their mince and apple-butter, and theyr souse and saussage, too! ...
I don’t know how to tell it—but ef sich a thing could be
As the Angels wantin’ boardin’, and they’d call around on me—
I’d want to ’commodate ’em—all the whole-indurin’ flock—
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock!

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JOKES:

It is Friday.

Good movies came out today and Rednecks love movies...so

You Might be a Redneck if:

-Your mother gives you tips on how to sneak liquor into theaters.
-You talk back to characters on a movie screen.
-You yell out, "Hell ya!" during love scenes at the theater.
-You pay $6 for a drink so you have a cup to spit your tobacco in.
-You recognized three of you cousins in the crowd of extras for the movie "Deliverance. "
-You thought Ned Beatty was sexy in "Deliverance."
-You are having marital problems because your wife never lets you pick the movie.
-You breast fed your child at the theater.
-You thought Clyde the orangutan from "Every Which Way but Loose" should have won the 1978 Academy Award for best actor.

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 Amusing Thanksgiving Quotes

    When I was a kid in Indiana, we thought it would be fun to get a turkey a year ahead of time and feed it and so on for the following Thanksgiving.  But by the time Thanksgiving came around, we sort of thought of the turkey as a pet, so we ate the dog.  Only kidding.  It was the cat!  David Letterman
  
 Grave Humor
    What did the hen tell the naughty chicks?
    If you your father could see you now he would turn in his gravy.
    Great Uncle Jefferson Taylor occupied a chair of applied electronics at an important government institution, he was attached to his position by the strongest of ties, and his death came as a great shock.
   
The Secret of Stuffing a Turkey
    How many cooks does it take to stuff a turkey?  Only one, but you REALLY have to squeeze to get him in.

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Turkey Gobble

The turkey is a funny bird
Its head goes bobble-bobble;
And all he knows is just one word...
And that is GOBBLE-GOBBLE!

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 General Inspirational and Amusing Sayings

    The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself. Benjamin Franklin
  
 The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.  H.U. Westermayer
   
There are only two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as if everything is. Albert Einstein
  
 You can only govern men by serving them. The rule is without exception. Victor Kiam
 
  I don't have a solution, but I certainly admire the problem.  Ashleigh Brilliant
  
 There are three faithful friends, an old wife, an old dog, and ready money. Benjaminn Franklin
   
Those who can laugh without cause have either found the true meaning of happiness or have gone stark raving mad. Norm Papernick

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Turkey Towns

There are at least three places in the USA named after this traditional meal:

Turkey in Texas [population 491]

Turkey Creek, Louisiana [population 364]

Turkey, North Carolina [population 267].

Three towns in Kansas also have the name Turkey.

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Funny Thanksgiving Quotes for the Meal

    We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink.  Epicurus
  
 Old people shouldn't eat health foods.  They need all the preservatives they can get.  Robert Orben
  
 Morning Star Headline
    Kids Make Nutritious Snacks
    It's not the minutes spent at the table that put on weight, it's the seconds.  Anon
 
   An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day. Irv Kupcinet
  
 Thanksgiving is America's national chow-down feast, the one occasion each year when gluttony becomes a patriotic duty. Michael Dresser
  
 There are only two kinds of people who are really fascinating: people who know absolutely everything, and people who know absolutely nothing.  Oscar Wilde.

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 We Are Valuable
 
 Today's MP3
Value is now measured by two criteria: appearance and performance.  Where does that leave the ugly or uneducated?  Where hope does that offer the unborn child? The aged?  The handicapped? Not much at all. We become nameless numbers on mislaid lists.
 
This is man’s value system.  But it is not God’s.  His plan is much brighter.  In God’s book man is heading somewhere.  He has an amazing destiny.
 
We’re being prepared to walk down the church aisle and become the bride of Jesus. We’re going to live with him.  Share the throne with him. We count.  We’re valuable.
 
Jesus’ love does not depend on what we do for him. If there was anything that Jesus wanted everyone to understand it was this: A person is worth something simply because he is a person. That’s why Jesus treated people the way he did.
 
You have value simply because you are!
 
You are His.

Tags: Religion, Recipes, Hints, Tips, Jokes, Etc

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REMINDER FROM GOD:

What You See Is ?

"Why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye?"1

You may have read about the young couple who moved into a new neighborhood and, the next morning while they were eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hanging washed clothes on the clothesline. "That laundry is not very clean," she said, "she doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap."

Her husband looked on, but remained silent. However, every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.

About a month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice, clean wash on the line and said to her husband: "Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her how."

The husband said, "I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows."

And so it is with life: what we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look. The reality is that we see things not the way they are, but the way we are. Furthermore, to the degree that we are in denial, we will see only what we want to see; will hear only what we want to hear; will expose ourselves only to what we want to be exposed to, and will twist what we see to make it match our distorted perception of reality. Only the truth—brutal self-honesty—will set us free from this self-deception.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please confront me with the truth about me so that I will see myself exactly the way you see me. Please reveal to me any log in my eye that causes me to have distorted vision. Help me to become like Jesus—real and authentic. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

Matthew 7:3-4 (NLT).

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WORD FOR THE DAY:
REDNECK WORD FOR THE DAY - K

Ken-ya (ken'-ye). v and n  to inquire as to the ability of another.  "Hey, Rudy, Kenya hand me a beer?"

Kilt (kilt'), v having caused a living thing to expire.  "if he was my husband, I'd have kilt him a long time ago."

Ku-wait  (ku-wat'), v indicating the ability to employ patience.  "I'm really hungry now, but I guess I Kuwait."


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Cultivating Your Inner Garden

What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God. ~ Eleanor Powell

When my husband and I first moved into our new home, the garden could hardly be considered a garden, it was a more like a grass-less wasteland without even a worm. Perhaps naively, one of the first things we did was buy a bird feeder and seeds. We excitedly filled our feeder which was just a pole filled with seeds that we poked into the barren earth and sat back, expecting to enjoy the beauty of the birds. We waited. And waited a little longer. We were perplexed as to why the birds we saw all over the neighborhood weren’t gratefully flocking to our pole-in-the-barren-earth contraption. Just give them time, we told each other.

They’ll come eventually. How could they not? We waited all winter and never once saw a single bird even accidentally fly through. It was as if our garden had been declared a no-fly zone. Finally giving up hope, we took down the feeder after a few months, resigning ourselves to admiring the birds in our neighbours’ gardens but not our own.

When spring arrived, we sowed seeds of grass, erected a modest hedge, poured our love into a tiny vegetable patch, and even planted a young tree. Working in our garden became rewarding in itself rather than just a way of attracting birds.  Day after day, we marveled as it flourished, becoming more and more alive. And then one day we realized the birds we had tried so hard to attract had come.

The calm mind allows one to connect with the inner self, the Soul, the very source of our being. That’s where the music lives. That’s where my music comes from. ~Clarence Clemons

Are there ‘birds’ in your life you long to attract?  As the wisdom of nature taught me, sometimes working on improving your inner garden can makes it a more welcoming place for that which you wish to attract. It also makes the waiting process more enjoyable, and can even help you detach from the outcome.  In the end, you might attract the birds you are longing for in a different way than you had initially envisioned and you’ll be in a better place to do so.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. ~Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

Cultivate your inner garden and your heart’s desire will come. How often do you cultivate your inner garden? Share your insights by commenting bellow or by posting your lovely comment on PurposeFairy Facebook Page

This article was written by Hiba Giacoletto. Hiba lives in Switzerland and is a lover of yoga, words and traveling. Currently working in communications strategy, she is studying to become a Health Coach at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN).

 
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RECIPE:

Pumpkin Streusel Cheesecake Bars (Gluten Free)

No need to say no to dessert while on a gluten-free diet. Try our spicy pumpkin bars made with Betty Crocker® Gluten Free cake mix.

    PREP TIME 45 Min
    TOTAL TIME 3 Hr 50 Min
    SERVINGS 24
 
1    box Betty Crocker® Gluten Free yellow cake mix
1/2    cup finely chopped pecans
1/2    cup butter, softened
2    packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1    cup sugar
1    cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1    tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
2    tablespoons whipping cream
2    eggs


    1 Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, stir together cake mix and pecans. With pastry blender or fork, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1 cup mixture for topping. In bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch pan, press remaining mixture. Bake 10 minutes.
    2 In large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add remaining ingredients; beat until well blended. Pour over warm crust. Sprinkle with reserved topping.
    3 Bake about 35 minutes or until center is set. Cool 30 minutes. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

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Cherries Jubilee Cheesecake Bars

Cherry cake mix and frosting make this 3-step recipe a no-fuss alternative to traditional cheesecake.

    PREP TIME 20 Min
    TOTAL TIME 3 Hr 5 Min
    SERVINGS 36
 
1    box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® cherry chip cake mix
1/2    cup butter or margarine, softened
2    packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1    container Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy cherry frosting
3    eggs

    1 Heat oven to 325°F. In large bowl, beat dry cake mix and butter with electric mixer on low speed until crumbly; reserve 1 cup. In bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch pan, press remaining crumbly mixture.
    2 In same bowl, beat cream cheese and frosting with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in eggs until blended. Pour over crust; sprinkle with reserved crumbly mixture.
    3 Bake about 45 minutes (about 42 minutes for dark or nonstick pan) or until set; cool completely. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours until chilled. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

Expert Tips

A dollop of cherry yogurt mixed with whipped topping gives these yummy bars a special finish!

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Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

Cheesy baked bars topped with almonds - perfect dessert to impress your guests.

    PREP TIME 20 Min
    TOTAL TIME 2 Hr 25 Min
    SERVINGS 24
 
Crust

2    cups graham cracker crumbs (32 squares)
3/4    cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2    cup blanched whole almonds, finely chopped
1/4    cup packed brown sugar
1    tablespoon ground cinnamon

Filling

2    packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1/4    cup granulated sugar
1/4    cup packed brown sugar
2    teaspoons ground nutmeg
1/2    cup whipping cream
1    teaspoon vanilla
2    eggs

Topping

1/2    cup blanched whole almonds, finely chopped, toasted

DIRECTIONS:

    1 Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, stir crust ingredients until well blended. Press mixture in bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch pan. Bake 8 minutes.
    2 In clean large bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until softened. Gradually beat in granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, the nutmeg, cream and vanilla. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until creamy. Pour mixture over crust.
    3 Bake 30 to 35 minutes longer or until center is set. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup toasted almonds; press in slightly. Cool 1 1/2 hours. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows, using thin knife and wiping blade occasionally. Store covered in refrigerator.

Expert Tips

Try crushed vanilla wafer cookies instead of the graham cracker crumbs.

To toast almonds, bake in shallow pan at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.

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Lime in the Coconut Frosted Cheesecake Bars

 Pack a powerful punch of tropical flavors with a quick-mix layered bar.

    PREP TIME 45 Min
    TOTAL TIME 3 Hr 50 Min
    SERVINGS 24
 
Cookie Base

1    pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
2    tablespoons Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1/3    cup butter or margarine, softened
1    egg, slightly beaten

Filling

2    packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1    can (16 oz) cream of coconut (not coconut milk)
3    tablespoons lime juice
1    teaspoon vanilla
2    eggs

Topping

1    container (12 oz) Betty Crocker® Whipped cream cheese frosting
1 1/4    cups coconut, toasted
2    teaspoons grated lime peel

    1 Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, stir cookie base ingredients until soft dough forms. Press evenly in bottom of pan. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 15 minutes.
    2 Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in cream of coconut until well blended. Beat in lime juice, vanilla and 2 eggs until smooth. Spread over cookie base.
    3 Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until set and light golden brown on edges. Cool 30 minutes at room temperature. Refrigerate 1 hour to cool completely.
    4 Carefully spread frosting over filling. Sprinkle with coconut and lime peel. Cover; refrigerate 30 minutes. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

Expert Tips

"This recipe combines three of my all-time favorite flavors—cheesecake, coconut and fresh zesty lime—on a crisp sugar cookie crust, topped with a delectable cream cheese frosting."

To toast coconut, spread on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until coconut is light golden brown.

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Quick Beef Stew in Bread Bowls


Beef tips and Green Giant® vegetables stew ready for dinner in 35 minutes! Enjoy it spooned into bread bowls baked using Pillsbury® refrigerated crusty French loaf.

    PREP TIME 35 Min
    TOTAL TIME 35 Min
    SERVINGS 4
 
1    can (11 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crusty French loaf
1    package (17 oz) refrigerated precooked beef tips with gravy
1    box (9 oz) Green Giant® frozen roasted potatoes with garlic & herbs
1    box (9 oz) Green Giant® frozen sweet peas & pearl onions
1/2    cup beef gravy (from 12-oz jar)
1/3    cup water
1    tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

    1 Heat oven to 350°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. Remove dough from can; do not unroll. Cut dough into 4 equal pieces. Shape each into ball, placing seam at bottom so dough is smooth on top. Place dough balls, seam side down, on cookie sheet.
    2 Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until deep golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet; place on wire rack. Cool 10 minutes.
    3 Meanwhile, heat beef tips with gravy, and cook potatoes and peas with onions in microwave as directed on package and boxes. In 2-quart microwavable bowl, mix beef with gravy and vegetables. Stir in remaining ingredients. Microwave on High 1 to 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
    4 Cut top off each bread loaf. Lightly press center of bread down to form bowls. Place each bread bowl in individual shallow soup plate. Spoon about 1 cup stew into each. Place top of each bread bowl next to filled bowl.

Expert Tips

Pull cut sides of dough down to bring cut edges together to form ball. Place dough balls, seam side down, on cookie sheet.

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Greek Salad Tacos

These are zesty and hearty tacos for a light lunch, appetizer course or for those who enjoy vegetarian foods. Mediterranean salad greens and a Greek style vinaigrette make these tacos a must for your next get-together.

Serves: Varies
Prep Time: 15 minutes

1 package Mediterranean-style salad greens
1 cucumber
1/2 cup Greek-style vinaigrette
1 package ORTEGA® Taco Shells or White Corn Taco Shells


Toppings: crumbled feta cheese, sliced ripe olives, chopped tomato

TOSS salad greens, cucumber and vinaigrette in large bowl.

FILL taco shells with salad mixture. Top with cheese, olives and tomato.

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The Pumpkin
By John Greenleaf Whittier

Oh, greenly and fair in the lands of the sun,
The vines of the gourd and the rich melon run,
And the rock and the tree and the cottage enfold,
With broad leaves all greenness and blossoms all gold,
Like that which o'er Nineveh's prophet once grew,
While he waited to know that his warning was true,
And longed for the storm-cloud, and listened in vain
For the rush of the whirlwind and red fire-rain.

On the banks of the Xenil the dark Spanish maiden
Comes up with the fruit of the tangled vine laden;
And the Creole of Cuba laughs out to behold
Through orange-leaves shining the broad spheres of gold;
Yet with dearer delight from his home in the North,
On the fields of his harvest the Yankee looks forth,
Where crook-necks are coiling and yellow fruit shines,
And the sun of September melts down on his vines.

Ah! on Thanksgiving day, when from East and from West,
From North and from South come the pilgrim and guest,
When the gray-haired New Englander sees round his board
The old broken links of affection restored,
When the care-wearied man seeks his mother once more,
And the worn matron smiles where the girl smiled before,
What moistens the lip and what brightens the eye?
What calls back the past, like the rich Pumpkin pie?

Oh, fruit loved of boyhood! the old days recalling,
When wood-grapes were purpling and brown nuts were falling!
When wild, ugly faces we carved in its skin,
Glaring out through the dark with a candle within!
When we laughed round the corn-heap, with hearts all in tune,
Our chair a broad pumpkin,—our lantern the moon,
Telling tales of the fairy who travelled like steam,
In a pumpkin-shell coach, with two rats for her team!

Then thanks for thy present! none sweeter or better
E'er smoked from an oven or circled a platter!
Fairer hands never wrought at a pastry more fine,
Brighter eyes never watched o'er its baking, than thine!
And the prayer, which my mouth is too full to express,
Swells my heart that thy shadow may never be less,
That the days of thy lot may be lengthened below,
And the fame of thy worth like a pumpkin-vine grow,
And thy life be as sweet, and its last sunset sky
Golden-tinted and fair as thy own Pumpkin pie!

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JOKES:

My wife does not like all the time I am spending in the woods and watching football as my "honey-do-list" grows. Ladies and gentlemen, if these statements describe your house, we might have some work to do:

You Might be A Redneck if:

-The hedge around your house is full of empty beer cans.
-The seats on your porch used to be seats in your car.
-The only running water in your home is leaking through the ceiling.
-The trash barrel is the focal point of your landscape theme.
-People drive from miles away to look at your grandma's underpants hanging on the clothesline.
-There is more carpet on your toilet than on your floors.
-You've lived in three different homes at the same address.
-When it rains, there are more pots and pans in your living room than in your kitchen.
-Your property has been mistaken for a recycling center.
-You invite all your relatives over to see your new ceiling fan.
-You keep a can of Raid on your kitchen table.

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Good Deal for a Modern Freya

Freya was driving home on Black Friday when she saw an elderly Apache woman walking along the side of the road outside Albuquerque, New Mexico.  She stopped the car and asked the woman if she would like a lift?

With a silent nod, the woman climbed into the car.  Freya tried in vain to make conversation with the Apache woman.

The old Apache looked closely at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a red gift bag on the seat next to Freya.

'What's in the bag?' asked the old woman.

'It's a bottle of gin that I got for my husband.'

The Apache woman was silent for another minute or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said, 'Good trade.'

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Another Tale from the Shopping Mall Black Friday Funny Story

Mason watched as a woman at the shopping mall shopped with a four-year-old girl.  As they approached the sweet section the little girl asked for some liquorice sticks and her mother told her, 'No'. The little girl immediately began to whine and fuss.  The mother said softly, 'Now Cindy, our shopping is going well, Don't be upset.........we'll soon be out of here.'

Presently, they came to the aisle where the ice cream was on offer and the little girl began to ask for an ice lolly.  When told she couldn't have one she began to cry.  The mother said gently, 'There, there, Cindy, don't cry. Only two more aisles to go and then we'll be at the check out' .

When they got to the conveyer belt the little girl immediately began to demand sweets next to the checkout.  Finally she threw a tantrum when her mother would not let her have any sweets.  The mother, calmed her saying, 'Cindy, we'll be through this queue in two minutes and then we can go home and have a glass of squash and a nap.'

Mason followed them out to the car park and stopped the woman to compliment her on her child management.

'I couldn't help admiring how patient you were with little Cindy,' Mason said. Black Friday Jokes

The mother turned and replied, 'Oh, no, I'm Cindy. My little girl's name is Dorothy.

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Today's Tip

Chemical Free “Dryer Sheet”
         
Crinkle up a piece of aluminum foil, and toss it in the dryer with your clothes. It will help eliminate static cling.

Don’t try this with sheer silks or delicates that can snag on the aluminum foil.

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Lord, thank you for loving me when I made mistakes, when I turned my back on you, when I lost my faith. Your love has always been there to welcome me home. "I have loved thee with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3

Tags: Religion, Recipes, Hints, Tips, Jokes, Etc

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REMINDER FROM GOD:

Follow Me

"As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. 'Follow me,' he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him."1

"In our Monday morning group," wrote Milt Richards, "we have been reflecting on what it means to follow Jesus. In our scripture lesson for today we read the story of Jesus meeting Matthew. Here is a person who is one of the most disrespected and loathed persons in the community. Crowds of people had been clamoring to see and hear Jesus, the new miracle worker among them who claimed to be the promised 'Messiah.' Yet as Jesus moved on his way, a very special thing happened. The record specifically states that Jesus saw Matthew."

Not only did Jesus see Matthew—the despised and hated tax collector—but he also called him saying, "Follow me." In choosing to accept Jesus' invitation, Matthew became one of Jesus' special disciples—and his life and writings continue to make an impact on the world today.

Jesus, of course, was heavily criticized by the religious elite of his day for mixing with despised tax collectors and obvious sinners, but he had no intention of being "politically correct" in order to please the elite. He lived only to please his Father, who sent him to earth to seek and to save the lost; that is, the spiritually lost.

No matter how you and I are accepted, rejected, neglected or made to feel, Jesus sees us too. And his invitation is exactly the same as it was to Matthew: "Follow me."

Accept Jesus' invitation and your reward in heaven will also be great.

Be sure to click on God's Invitation at: http://tinyurl.com/6k49w.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for Jesus' invitation to me to follow him. I gladly accept his invitation. Please help me to live in totally harmony with your will and to honor Jesus and you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Matthew 9:9 (NIV).

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WORD FOR THE DAY:
REDNECK WORD FOR THE DAY - J

Ja-kar-ta (je-kar-te), n and prep. pertaining to a person's automobile.  "Oh yeah, that mechanic at Tom's garage'll get Jakarta run real good."

Ja-mai-can (je-mak'-an) n. and v.  an inquiry concerning another's creation.  "Hey there, Jimmy, what Jamaican for the science fair?"

juic-i-er (joo'se-er), n. and v. an inquiry concerrning whether another has perceived, visually, a female; often involves the disrobed state of the subject. "Juicier nekkid?"

junc-ture (jenk'chu'r), n. and adv.  a declaration of cernty pertaining to rubbish.  "You're throwin' it all out, but this juncture looks good to me."


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Vodka Cure for Cold Sores

Today's Tip    
     
Cold sores generally take about two weeks to clear up. Here’s a suggestion for helping it along. Dab a cold sore with a swab that’s been dipped in a little vodka—the alcohol will help dry it out. Be warned that the alcohol will also sting.

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RECIPE:

Scream! Cheese Swirl Brownies

Brownie mix and cream cheese swirl into baked classic flavors with Halloween party colors.

    PREP TIME 15 Min
    TOTAL TIME 3 Hr 30 Min
    SERVINGS 16
 
Filling

4    oz each cream cheese, softened (from 8 oz package)
1    egg
3    tablespoons sugar
4    drops red food color
4    drops yellow food color
1/4    teaspoon vanilla

Brownies

1    box (1 lb 2.4 oz) Betty Crocker® Original Supreme Premium brownie mix
    Water, vegetable oil and egg called for on brownie mix box

DIRECTIONS:

    1 Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Grease bottom only of 9-inch square pan with shortening or cooking spray. In small bowl, beat filling ingredients with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Set aside.
    2 Make brownie batter as directed on box. Spread 3/4 of brownie batter in pan. Spoon filling by tablespoonfuls evenly onto brownie batter. Spoon remaining brownie batter over filling. For marbled design, pull knife through batter and filling in wide curves; turn pan and repeat, if desired.
    3 Bake 40 to 44 minutes or until toothpick inserted 1 inch from side of pan comes out almost clean. Cool completely at room temperature, about 1 1/2 hours. Refrigerate at least 1 hour until chilled. For brownies, cut with plastic knife into 4 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

Expert Tips

Softening cream cheese is easy. Just microwave unwrapped cream cheese in a microwavable bowl on High for 10 to 15 seconds.

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Cherry Swirl Brownies

Cream cheese, maraschino cherries and chocolate create a trio of delight in fudgy brownies.

    PREP TIME 10 Min
    TOTAL TIME 2 Hr 35 Min
    SERVINGS 16

INGREDIENTS:

1    package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/4    cup sugar
1/4    cup chopped well-drained maraschino cherries
1    teaspoon maraschino cherry juice
1    egg
1    box (1 lb 2 oz) Betty Crocker® ultimate fudge Premium brownie mix
1/3    cup vegetable oil
1/4    cup water
1    egg

DIRECTIONS:

    1 Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Grease bottom of 9-inch square pan with cooking spray or shortening.
    2 In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, cherries, cherry juice and 1 egg with spoon; set aside.
    3 In another medium bowl, combine brownie mix, pouch of chocolate fudge, oil, water and 1 egg until well blended. Spread half of the batter in pan. Spread cream cheese mixture over batter. Carefully spoon remaining batter on top; spread gently to cover.
    4 Bake 43 to 47 minutes (51 to 55 minutes for dark pan) or until toothpick inserted 1 inch from side of pan comes out almost clean. Cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours, before cutting. Store covered in refrigerator.

Expert Tips

Softening cream cheese is easy. Just microwave unwrapped cream cheese in a microwavable bowl on High for 15 to 20 seconds

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Butter Rum-Glazed Applesauce Cake

Enjoy this delicious applesauce cake made with Gold Medal® all-purpose flour and glazed with butter and rum – a wonderful dessert.

    PREP TIME 20 Min
    TOTAL TIME 1 Hr 25 Min
    SERVINGS 9

Cake

1/3    cup butter (do not use margarine)
3/4    cup granulated sugar
1    cup applesauce
1    teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2    cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1    teaspoon baking soda
1   teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2    teaspoon salt

Butter Rum Glaze
2    tablespoons butter (do not use margarine)
1    cup powdered sugar
1/2    teaspoon rum flavor
3    to 4 teaspoons half-and-half or milk


    1 Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom and sides of 8-inch square pan with shortening or cooking spray.
    2 In 1 1/2-quart saucepan, melt 1/3 cup butter over medium heat. Cook 2 to 2 1/2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until butter just begins to brown. Immediately remove from heat. Stir in granulated sugar, applesauce and vanilla.
    3 In large bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir in applesauce mixture. Pour batter into pan.
    4 Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
    5 In 1 1/2-quart saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat; cook about 3 minutes or until butter just begins to brown. Immediately remove from heat. Stir in remaining glaze ingredients until smooth and spreadable. Pour over warm cake. Cool 30 minutes. Serve warm.

Expert Tips

After adding glaze, sprinkle the top of the warm cake with a bit of cinnamon.

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Apple-Sausage-Cheddar Breakfast Bake

Sweet apples and pie filling balance the spicy sausage and sharp cheddar in a breakfast bake that goes into the oven in under 30 minutes.

    PREP TIME 25 Min
    TOTAL TIME 1 Hr 10 Min
    SERVINGS 12
 
1 1/2    lb bulk pork sausage
1    can (21 oz) apple pie filling with more fruit
2    medium apples, peeled, chopped (about 2 cups)
2    cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
1 1/2    cups Original Bisquick® mix
1 1/2    cups milk
1/4    teaspoon salt
1/8    teaspoon pepper
6    eggs


    1 Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
    2 In 12-inch skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink; drain. Stir in pie filling and apples. Spread mixture evenly in baking dish. Top with 1 cup of the cheese.
    3 In large bowl, stir Bisquick mix, milk, salt, pepper and eggs with wire whisk or fork until blended. Pour evenly over cheese.
    4 Bake 30 to 37 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Top with remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake 3 to 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips

You can use turkey sausage as a substitute for the pork sausage.

If the timing is right, plan a trip to a nearby apple orchard with your family. Not only is it a great way to spend time together, but your kids will get a lesson in where and how apples are grown.

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Warm Caramel Apple Cake

Serve this yummy apple upside-down cake warm from the oven. It's all made easier with Betty Crocker® cake and frosting.

    PREP TIME 30 Min
    TOTAL TIME 1 Hr 25 Min
    SERVINGS 15

Cake

1/2    cup butter or margarine
1/4    cup whipping cream
1    cup packed brown sugar
1/2    cup chopped pecans
2    large cooking apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced (about 2 1/3 cups)
1    box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® yellow cake mix
1 1/4    cups water
1/3    cup vegetable oil
3    eggs
1/4    teaspoon apple pie spice

Topping
2/3    cup Betty Crocker® Whipped fluffy white frosting
1/2    cup frozen (thawed) whipped topping
    Caramel topping, if desired


    1 Heat oven to 350°F. In 1-quart heavy saucepan, cook butter, whipping cream and brown sugar over low heat, stirring occasionally, just until butter is melted. Pour into 13x9-inch pan. Sprinkle with pecans; top with sliced apples.
    2 In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil, eggs and apple pie spice with electric mixer on low speed until moistened, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Carefully spoon batter over apple mixture.
    3 Bake 41 to 47 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Loosen sides of cake from pan. Place heatproof serving platter upside down on pan; carefully turn platter and pan over. Let pan remain over cake about 1 minute so caramel can drizzle over cake. Remove pan.
    4 In small bowl, mix frosting and whipped topping. Serve warm cake topped with frosting mixture and drizzled with caramel topping. Store covered in refrigerator.

Expert Tips

You can use cinnamon for the apple pie spice for a slightly different flavor.

Granny Smith and Braeburn are good apple choices to use in this recipe.

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Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars

 Oatmeal cookie mix and pie filling make it easy to get a delicious apple pie-like bar.

    PREP TIME 20 Min
    TOTAL TIME 3 Hr 40 Min
    SERVINGS 24


1    pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® oatmeal cookie mix
1/2    cup firm butter or margarine
2    packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1/2    cup sugar
2    tablespoons Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1    teaspoon vanilla
1    egg
1    can (21 oz) apple pie filling
1/2    teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4    cup chopped walnuts


    1 Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.
    2 Place cookie mix in large bowl. With pastry blender or fork, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly and coarse. Reserve 1 1/2 cups crumb mixture; press remaining crumbs in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes.
    3 Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla and egg with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
    4 Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over partially baked crust. In medium bowl, mix pie filling and cinnamon. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle reserved crumbs over top. Sprinkle with walnuts.
    5 Bake 35 to 40 minutes longer or until light golden brown. Cool about 30 minutes. Refrigerate to chill, about 2 hours. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.


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The Thanksgivings
By Harriet Maxwell Converse

We who are here present thank the Great Spirit that we are here
          to praise Him.
We thank Him that He has created men and women, and ordered
          that these beings shall always be living to multiply the earth.
We thank Him for making the earth and giving these beings its products
          to live on.
We thank Him for the water that comes out of the earth and runs
          for our lands.
We thank Him for all the animals on the earth.
We thank Him for certain timbers that grow and have fluids coming
          from them for us all.
We thank Him for the branches of the trees that grow shadows
          for our shelter.
We thank Him for the beings that come from the west, the thunder
          and lightning that water the earth.
We thank Him for the light which we call our oldest brother, the sun
          that works for our good.
We thank Him for all the fruits that grow on the trees and vines.
We thank Him for his goodness in making the forests, and thank
          all its trees.
We thank Him for the darkness that gives us rest, and for the kind Being
          of the darkness that gives us light, the moon.
We thank Him for the bright spots in the skies that give us signs,
          the stars.
We give Him thanks for our supporters, who had charge of our harvests.
We give thanks that the voice of the Great Spirit can still be heard
          through the words of Ga-ne-o-di-o.
We thank the Great Spirit that we have the privilege of this pleasant
          occasion.
We give thanks for the persons who can sing the Great Spirit's music,
          and hope they will be privileged to continue in his faith.
We thank the Great Spirit for all the persons who perform the ceremonies
          on this occasion.

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JOKES:

What did General Patton do on Thanksgiving?
He gave tanks.

What do turkeys use to clean themselves?
They use "feather dusters"!

What do you get when you cross a turkey with an octopus?
Enough drumsticks for Thanksgiving.

What's black and white and red all over?
A Pilgrim with a rash!

Why did the Pilgrims eat turkey on Thanksgiving?
They couldn't get the moose in the oven!

Why did the turkey eat his meal so quickly?
Because he was a gobbler.

What was the main thing the Pilgrims did during the first winter?
Starve.

Why did Johnny get such low grades after Thanksgiving?
Because everything is marked down after the holidays.

What did the monster say to the Thanksgiving turkey?
"Pleased to eat you!"


What did the little turkey say to the big turkey?
"Peck" on someone your own size!

What do you get after eating way too much turkey and dressing?
Dessert, of course!
 
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If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?
Pilgrims!

If the Pilgrims were alive today, what would they be most famous for?
Their AGE

What kind of music did the Pilgrims like?
Plymouth Rock

Should you have your whole family for Thanksgiving dinner?
No, you should just have the turkey!

What sound does a turkey's phone make?
Wing Wing

When does Christmas come before Thanksgiving?
In the dictionary!

How do you keep a turkey in suspense?
I'll tell you at Christmas.

Why did the turkey cross the road?
It was the chicken's day off.

How much did the Mayflower weigh?
A Puri-TON

Why does a pilgrim's pants always fall down?
Because they wear their belt buckle on their hat.

What did the mother turkey say to her disobedient children?
If your father could see you now, he'd turn over in his gravy!

What's a turkey's favorite song?
"I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas"

What sound does a space turkey make?
Hubble, hubble, hubble.

Why do turkeys always go "gobble, gobble"?
Because they never learned good table manners!

Why can't you take a turkey to church?
Because they use such FOWL language

What are the feathers on a turkey's wings called?
Turkey feathers

What's the best dance to do on Thanksgiving?
The turkey trot

Can a turkey jump higher than the Empire State Building?
Yes - a building can't jump at all

What do Hippies put on their Thanksgiving potatoes?
Groovy

What do you get when you cross a turkey with an octopus?
Enough drumsticks for Thanksgiving

Why should you keep your eye off the turkey dressing?
Because it makes him blush!

What happened when the turkey met the axe?
He lost his head!

Teacher: "Why did the Pilgrims sail to America?"
Student: "Maybe they missed their plane."

Why was Plymouth Rock so brave?
It was a little boulder.

Teacher: "Why do we have a Thanksgiving holiday?"
Student: "So we know when to start Christmas shopping!"

Knock, knock!
Who's there?
Arthur.
Arthur who?
Arthur any leftovers?

When did the Pilgrims first say "God bless America?"
The first time they heard America sneeze!

What are unhappy cranberries called?
Blueberries!

How can you tell a male turkey from a female turkey?
The male is the one holding the remote control.

What do you call the dirt on a Pilgrim's hands?
Pilgrime!

What is your favourite thing to make for Thanksgiving dinner?
Reservations!

Why didn't the turkey eat dessert?
He was stuffed!

What's blue and covered with feathers?
A turkey holding its breath!

What cat discovered America?
Christofurry Columbus!

Why was the monster tickled when he ate the turkey?
Because he forgot to pluck the feathers!

What's the best way to stuff a turkey?
Take him out for pizza and ice cream!

How can you make a turkey float?
You need 2 scoops of ice cream, some root beer, and a turkey

Which side of the turkey has the most feathers?
The outside

Asked to write a composition entitled, "What I'm thankful for on Thanksgiving," little Johnny wrote, "I am thankful that I'm not a turkey."

Why did they let the turkey join the band?
Because he had the drumsticks

Why did the police arrest the turkey?
They suspected it of fowl play

What's the key to a great Thanksgiving dinner?
The turKEY

What did the turkey say before it was roasted?
Boy! I'm stuffed!

What do you get when you cross a turkey with a centipede?
Lots of drumsticks!

When the Pilgrims landed, where did they stand?
On their feet!

What's the best thing to put into a pumpkin pie?
Your teeth!

What would you get if you crossed a turkey with an octopus?
Eight feather dusters!

What kind of vegetables would you like for Thanksgiving dinner?
Beets me!

What smells the best at a Thanksgiving dinner?
Your nose

Why did the turkey sit on the tomahawk?
To hatchet.

Why did the Pilgrim eat a candle?
He wanted a light snack!

What always comes at the end of Thanksgiving?
The letter "g"!

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Dewey.
Dewey who?
Dewey have to wait long to eat?

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Waddle.
Waddle who?
Waddle I do if you don't open the door?

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Harry.
Harry who?
Harry up, I'm hungry!

What do rich people eat on Thanksgiving?
14 Karats

Where did the first corn come from?
The stalk brought it

Why did the Indian chief wear so many feathers?
To keep his wigwam

What happened to the Pilgrim who was shot at by an Indian?
He had an arrow escape

Why don't you eat fish on Thanksgiving?
Because Thanksgiving never falls on a FRY-day.

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Charlie decided to play a trick on his superstitious friend Henry.  Now Henry like a drink at the local pub every Friday nights. When Henry walked home in the dark,  Charlie hid in the Church yard and the scene was set.  As Henry staggered home passed the churchyard he said ' Where am I' .  Charlie replied in a ghoulish voice: 'Amongst the living' .  Where are you then said Henry.' Amongst the dead' .  Charlie sobered up and ran home faster than he had ever run before.

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What happened to the girl who wore a mouse costume to her Halloween party? The cat ate her. * Why was the boy unhappy to win the prize for the best costume at the Halloween party? Because he just came to pick up his little sister. * Q: What do birds give out on Halloween?
A: Tweets. * Q: What do little trees say on Halloween?
A: Twig or treat * Where's the most dangerous place to go trick-or-treating? On the psycho path! * What did the ghost serve at his Halloween party? Hallowieners! * What did the papa ghost say to the baby ghost? Fasten your sheet belt. * A man was staying in a big old house and in the middle of the night he met a ghost. The ghost said, "I have been walking these corridors for 300 years." The man said, "in that case, can you tell me the way to the toilet?" * Who did the ghost invite to his party? Anyone he could dig up. * What did one ghost say to another? I'm sorry, but I just don't believe in people. * What did the mother ghost say to the naughty baby ghost? Spook when you're spooken to. * Why didn't the skeleton cross the road? He didn't have the guts. * Why do witches fly on brooms? Vacuum cords aren't long enough. * What was the witch's favorite subject in school? Spelling. * What do you call a fat Jack-O-Lantern? A plump-kin * Where do baby ghosts go during the day? Dayscare Centers * Why do mummies make good employees? They get all wrapped up in their work * Do zombies eat popcorn with their fingers? No, they eat the fingers separately... * Why did the Vampire subscribe to the Wall Street Journal? He heard it had great circulation... * Where do ghosts go swimming? The dead sea... * What do you do when 50 zombies surround your house? Hope it's halloween ..

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Today, God’s message for you is to avoid those who are on the road to destruction.  Empathize with them and attempt to suggest ways in which they can pull themselves up from the rubble of their lives.  But always stay the course and keep a steady distance from those who will attempt to bring you down, diminish you, and vandalize your heart and soul.

Tags: Religion, Recipes, Hints, Tips, Jokes, Etc

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REMINDER FROM GOD:

Do You Want to Be Made Whole?

"Him [Jesus Christ] we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect [complete, mature] in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily."1

When Jesus spoke to the man at the pool of Bethesda who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years, he said to him, "Do you want to be made whole [or made well]?"2

Obviously he did—his was an active faith—because Jesus healed him immediately. The key word here is "want." To illustrate this point I often ask people in classes I teach how many want to weigh less than they do? There are always hands raised, so I then ask, "Well why don't you?" Not all, but many of us could weigh much less if we actually wanted to by doing something about it. Many people, who say they want to weigh less, but don't do anything about it, merely wish to weigh less. And a "wish" is never a "want" until I do something about it.

For years I kept physically fit by hiking in the mountains near where I used to live, and by riding my mountain bike several times a week up and down steep hills where I currently live. A couple of years back I hurt my leg which forced me to stop riding my bike. Consequently, I put on a few extra pounds. So how am I wanting to lose those extra pounds? By going to the local gym three times a week and maintaining a reasonable diet. Do I enjoy going to the gym? Not really, but I know that I need to if I am going to meet my goal to weigh less. Fortunately, I'm already half-way to meeting my goal.

The fact is that Jesus never asked anyone, "Do you wish to be made whole or do you wish to get well?" If we are going to be made whole or made well, we have to genuinely want it by doing what we need to do in order to see it happen. For instance, if I want God to heal me of a sickness that is caused by an unresolved resentment, it is imperative that I forgive the person who I feel has hurt me, in order to clear the way for my healing. And if, in any way, I am living out of harmony with God's will, I need to clean up my act if I want to be made whole/well.

As today's Scripture points out, God's goal for each of us is not just physical well-being but also that we are made "perfect [complete, mature] in Christ Jesus." The ideal model is to become like Jesus who "grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men."3 That is, he grew intellectually, physically, and relationally (that is, emotionally).

The reality is that only to the degree that we are made whole will our lifestyle, our actions, our behavior, our attitudes, our motives, and our relationships be wholesome. This is available for all who truly want it, and do their part in helping to make it happen.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for your Word that teaches principles for wholesome and healthy living. Please give me a love for learning what your Word teaches, and help me to live in harmony with all its life-principles. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus name, amen."

1. Colossians 1:28-29 (NKJV).
2. John 5:6 (KJV).
3. Luke 2:52 (NKJV).

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WORD FOR THE DAY:
REDNECK WORD FOR THE DAY - I

im-pa-tience (im-pa'-shents), n. any group of impared people confined to a place for healing. "Impatience in the mental hospital scare me to death."

In-dia (in'de-e), prep.  a function word indicating conditionality.  Flight attendant over the louspeaker:  "India 'vent of an emergency, your seat can be used as a toilet."

in-her-it  (in-her'-et), n. concerning the interior location of the speaker, "I don't know about outside, but inherit stinks."

in-tense  (in-tents'), prep and n.  inside portable canvas shelters.  "nest time we go campin', I suggest we sleep intense."

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Higher Self: 6 Ways to Help You Hear It


If the essence of SQ is, as I believe, shifting from ego to Higher Self, then it's pretty important to find that nobler inner voice. There are many synonyms for Higher Self: Inner Wisdom, Spirit Self, Soul, Essence, Eternal Self, Authentic Self, Atman, Buddha nature, the Divine within, the Tao within, and so on. But what does it sound like? How can I know it?

Sometimes the voice of the Higher Self may feel unfamiliar to us -- so much so that it is hard to relate to it as "self." But I would argue it is actually our truest nature. You can find it by noticing its qualities.

Your Higher Self is probably speaking if you notice any of these six characteristics:

1. Calm and centered. Your Higher Self voice is calmer than the ego. It is the "anti-Chicken Little." It can calmly observe all the craziness of life and stay centered. It can even calmly watch the ego doing "its drama thing" and patiently smile.

2. Seeing with compassion. Higher Self can easily imagine why other people might do weird and crazy stuff. Ego prefers judgment and self-righteous high ground.

3. Long-term focus. The ego looks for short-term gratification. The Higher Self looks at the long term. The ego's advice might be to deliver a verbal smack down that feels righteously self-justified. The Higher Self knows there is long-term pain for you and the other person in that choice.

4. Win-win outcomes. The Higher Self knows that sustainable good outcomes come from caring for others AND taking care of self. Either/or solutions are rarely good relationship tools. Everyone should see some form of "win." Creativity and intuition (aspects of our Higher Self) can break through traditional ego-solutions and see a better path.

5. Strong boundaries. I love to say that there is nothing wimpy about being spiritual. The Higher Self can say "no" and mean it. Higher Self sets boundaries calmly and clearly. There are times to be compassionate, wise and immovable.

6. Positive emotional texture. The Higher Self can see beauty and wonder in so many places. If you are feeling peaceful, joyful, grateful, wise and compassionate you are probably in Higher Self. Watch your body. Ego tends to cause fight or flight responses like shallow breathing and clenched muscles. Your muscles and emotions will help you know which voice you are listening to.

Overall, our Higher Self looks to find what is right, what is good in all the people and all the parts of this set of circumstances. It looks for something to be grateful for.

This is part of the high SQ self-awareness process -- learning to recognize the difference between Higher Self and ego self. In my own experience I have found that it gets easier over time. I now know that voice without a doubt. I feel it almost as a different texture to the experience of being me. You can learn to detect it too.

Perhaps you will identify it by a quality like peace, or space, or calm. Some people experience their Higher Self as a kind of intuition, or even an actual voice inside their heads, telling them what to do in critical moments. Others see pictures that contain intuitive knowing about a situation.

There is no right or wrong way to experience your Higher Self, but it is important to pay attention until you are sure you can discern it. Then you can learn to listen to it. This level of attainment also shifts our relationship to the ego. We can understand that ego is useful and its primary purpose is to keep us safe. The ego creates the stories it does in order to over-protect against possible threat. Ego is not really concerned with our happiness or our spiritual development. As we become more aligned with the Higher Self we understand that we have the ability to interrupt the ego's story. Ultimately the Higher Self can be the dominant voice we hear. And with time it is possible to enroll the ego in the larger purpose of our lives.

I have found that with time the positive feelings of letting my Higher Self run the show are so good, and the results are so worth it, that there is a positive feedback loop at work. The more I listen to the Higher Self, the better I feel. I no longer feel tempted to go back to the ego upset and drama.
 
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RECIPES:

7-Ingredient Chili

Give your taste buds a flavor kick with this delicious turkey chili.  It's got just 7 ingredients and it's ready in a snap!

Serves: 6 servings (about 1 1/3 cups each)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
   
2 pounds ground turkey
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3 1/2 cups V8® 100% Vegetable Juice (Regular or Low Sodium)
1 small green pepper, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
2 cans (about 15 ounces each) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

DIRECTIONS:

Cook the turkey, onion, chili powder and cumin in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat until the turkey is cooked through, stirring often.
Add the vegetable juice, pepper and beans to the saucepan and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with baked potatoes with sour cream and chives. For dessert serve fresh apple slices.

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Chili Con Queso Bites

The Southwestern-inspired flavors of Pace® Picante Sauce combined with Cheddar cheese and chili powder create these delicious appetizers.

Serves: 24 pieces
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
   
 
4 eggs
1/2 cup Pace® Picante Sauce
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons chili powder
6 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 green onion, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

Heat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease 24 (3-inch) muffin-pan cups.
Beat the eggs, picante sauce, flour and chili powder in a medium bowl with a fork or whisk. Stir in the cheese and onion.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon cheese mixture into each muffin-pan cup. Bake for 10 minutes or until the bites are golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature with additional picante sauce.

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Roast Chicken with Butternut Squash

Chicken quarters roasted with golden squash and sage are nice for a chilly autumn or winter evening. To help the squash to brown evenly, be sure to spoon off the fat from the roasting pan after removing the breasts.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
     
1 whole chicken, (3 to 3 1/2 pounds), quartered
3 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 small butternut squash, (about 2 1/4 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon dried sage
3 tablespoons water

Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Coat the chicken quarters with 1 tablespoon of the oil, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of the pepper. Arrange the chicken quarters, skin-side up, in a large roasting pan. Toss the cubes of butternut squash with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, and the sage. Add the cubes of squash to the roasting pan.

Cook, stirring the squash occasionally, until the chicken breasts are just done, about 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and remove the breasts from the pan. Tilt the roasting pan and spoon off most of the fat from the pan. Return the pan to the oven. Continue cooking until the chicken legs and the squash are done, about 10 minutes longer. Remove the chicken and squash from the pan.

Pour off the fat from the roasting pan. Set the pan over moderate heat and add the water. Bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan to dislodge any brown bits. Boil until reduced to approximately 2 tablespoons. Add any accumulated juices from the chicken. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.

Wine Recommendation: This winter-weight dish calls for a simple but robust red, and the sturdy Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, with its roasted-berry flavor, is just right. Best of all, it’s among the least expensive of all Italian reds.

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Chocolate Fondue Cups

Sharing isn't necessary when you fill individual puff pastry shells with this exquisite chocolate fondue.  Serve with fresh fruit and everyone can enjoy their own dessert.

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
   
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate pieces
2/3 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package (10 ounces) Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Shells, prepared according to package directions
Assorted fresh fruit (strawberries, banana slices, kiwi slices, pineapple chunks and grapes)

DIRECTIONS:
Heat the chocolate pieces, heavy cream and honey in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over low heat until the mixture is melted and smooth, stirring occasionally.  Remove the saucepan from the heat.  Stir in the vanilla extract.

Spoon 1/4 cup chocolate mixture into each pastry shell.  Serve with the fruit for dipping.

Recipe Note: You can serve the fruit with skewers or toothpicks to make dipping easier.
Easy Substitution: You may substitute orange, coffee or raspberry-flavored liqueur for the vanilla extract in this recipe.
Easy Substitution:  Some other ideas for dipping include marshmallows, pretzel sticks, dried fruit and/or your favorite Pepperidge Farm® cookies.

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Fruited Brie Bake

Remember this appetizer for your next party.

Serves: 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
   
1 fifteen-ounce wheel brie cheese
1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce
1/2 cup apricot preserves
sliced almonds


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Slice off the top of 1/4-inch of the Brie wheel; set aside. Hollow out the center of the cheese, leaving a 1-inch shell all around. Place in an ovenproof serving container slightly larger than cheese. Save left over cheese for another use.

Break up cranberry sauce with a fork and place in center of cheese. Cover with top of cheese. Spoon apricot preserves over top; sprinkle with almonds.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until soft and slightly melted. Serve with crackers.

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Pumpkin Spice Ghost Cake

Surprise your trick-or treaters with this hauntingly-good pumpkin spice cake with a rich cream cheese frosting.

Serves: 12
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
   
 
Cake:
1 spice or carrot cake mix
1 cup LIBBY  100% Pure Pumpkin
3 large eggs
1/3 cup water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Cream Cheese Frosting:
2 packages (3 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons margarine or butter, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
black string licorice candy, Nestle Raisinets Milk Chocolate-Covered Raisins and Halloween candy corn (optional)


FOR CAKE:

PREHEAT oven to 350º F. Grease and flour two 8 or 9-inch-round cake pans.

COMBINE cake mix, pumpkin, eggs, water, vegetable oil and pumpkin pie spice in large mixer bowl until moistened. Beat for 2 minutes or until thoroughly mixed. Pour batter into prepared pans.

BAKE for 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.

FOR CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:

BEAT cream cheese, margarine and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in sugar. Spread layers and on top and side of cake.

TO GARNISH:

FORM licorice strings into ghost shapes; press into side of frosted cake. Use licorice jelly beans for eyes. Arrange candy corn between ghosts on side and around top edge of frosted cake.

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Why Do Cockatoos NEED To Be Cuddled? – A Theory

Umbrella cockatoo

If you are the owner of a cockatoo, especially a white one, you have undoubtedly encountered their constant demand for cuddling. For many people, it is their favorite quality about their cockatoo.

Any time I pick up Linus, my umbrella, he will let all of his weight fall against my shoulders to encourage a good cuddle session. He loves it when I completely envelop him with my arms. I always found it interesting that a prey animal would feel comforted in the arms of a predator – something that in a natural setting would always be regarded as bad.

Theo, my goffins, is a “nestler”. She likes to wedge herself in under my chin or into the crook of my arm, any place of her choosing that is warm and cozy. Both birds have completely different cuddling styles.

moluccan cockatoo

While there are many parrot species that enjoy the hands-on attention from their owners, the cockatoo stands alone in their neediness for physical attention. Why is that? There is a theory that has been passed around for a few years now that may hold the answer. It begins with the raising of a cockatoo in the wild.

A wild parrot hatchling is doted upon while it is in the nest. As it feathers out, it is fed and kept warm and is fiercely protected by its parent. Once it fledges and becomes adept at flying, it is taught what it needs to know about foraging and survival skills. Then it is asked, somewhat impolitely, to find a place of its own and move out.

Generally speaking, this happens shortly after fledging with most species. The parents’ duties have been completed and the bird must now fend for itself. It’s not a touching story, but it is efficient, like most things in nature.

This is not where the story ends for the wild young cockatoo. The wild cockatoo is unique in that juvenile birds remain with their parents for a year or more and continue to be doted upon. Cockatoo parents have been seen in the wild continuing to feed their young well beyond their weaning age. One report observed a parent forcing a feeding on a fully fledged and already satisfied youngster. One has to wonder if the juvenile’s “failure to launch” originates with the young’s reluctance to leave – or the parent insistence that they stay.

Wild cockatoos also give new meaning to the term “close-knit family”. They tend to perch in unusually close proximity and even when going about a normal day’s activities, members of the immediate family can almost always be found nearby. Parents remain close, physically, with their young.


Moluccan cockatoo

It is hard to call the need for physical attention an innate behavior. Those behaviors are usually those that are relative to immediate survival – such as eating or the awareness of predators, but it also makes sense that a bird might see physical contact with other member of the flock in that light. There is safety in numbers, after all, and a smart bird depends on its flock mates to help keep it safe. In the cockatoo, physical interaction might be more deeply ingrained than in other parrots species.

This leaves the question about nature vs nurture. In captivity, a human bred cockatoo is unlikely to be allowed to be fully raised by its parents. My experience is that most breeders still have the idea that they must remove the chick from the nest for hand rearing so that human contact is imprinted at an early age. They believe that this makes them better “pets”.

I completely disagree. I believe that the most mentally healthy birds are those that understand that they are birds – this is most effectively impressed through parent raising.

Could it be that it is in the cockatoo’s nature to be physically needy as demonstrated by the relationship they have with their parents, and do they bond with their human “family” in the same way? Might captive bred cockatoos require so much physical attention because of what they weren’t allowed to receive from their parents in the nest?

What is your opinion?

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JOKES:

Two pilgrims go out hunting. One has two blunderbusses (guns).
The second pilgrim asks, “Why do you have two blunderbusses?”
The first pilgrim explains, “I usually miss the first time I shoot. By taking two I can shoot again”. The second pilgrim thinks for a while and then says, “Why not just take the second one, and only shoot once?”

What do you get if you cross a pointy black hat and some leftover turkey?
A Witch-bone

What would you get if you crossed a turkey with an evil spirit?
A poultrygeist!

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An elderly man in Phoenix calls his son in New York and says, "I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough."

"Pop, what are you talking about?" the son screams.

"We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the old man says. "We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her," and he hangs up.

Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. "Like hell they're getting divorced," she shouts, "I'll take care of this." She calls Phoenix immediately, and screams at the old man, "You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" and hangs up.

The old man hangs up his phone, too, and turns to his wife. "Okay," he says, "they're coming for Thanksgiving. Now what do we tell them for Christmas?"

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What did the mama turkey say to her naughty son?
If your papa could see you now, he'd turn over in his gravy!

Asked to write a composition entitled, "What I'm thankful for on Thanksgiving,"
little Timothy wrote, "I am thankful that I'm not a turkey."

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Who is not hungry at Thanksgiving?
The turkey, he’s already been stuffed!

What are unhappy cranberries called?
Blueberries!

Knock Knock.
Who's there?
Wilma.
Wilma who?
Wil Ma make lots of food again this Thanksgiving?

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Why did the monster get a ticket at Thanksgiving dinner?
He was exceeding the feed limit!

What’s the best thing to put into a pumpkin pie?
Your teeth.

How To Cook A Turkey:
Step 1: Go buy a turkey
Step 2: Take a drink of whiskey
Step 3: Put turkey in the oven
Step 4: Take another 2 drinks of whiskey
Step 5: Set the degree at 375 ovens
Step 6: Take 3 more whiskeys of drink
Step 7: Turk the bastey
Step 8: Whiskey another bottle of get
Step 9: Ponder the meat thermometer
Step 10: Glass yourself a pour of whiskey
Step 11: Bake the whiskey for 4 hours
Step 12: Take the oven out of the turkey
Step 13: Floor the turkey up off of the pick
Step 14: Turk the carvey
Step 15: Get yourself another scottle of botch
Step 16: Tet the sable and pour yourself a glass of turkey
Step 17: Bless the dinner and pass out



Why didn’t the Pilgrim want to make the bread?
It’s a crummy job

What would you get if you crossed a turkey with a baked fruit dessert?
Peach gobbler!

Asked to write a composition entitled, "What I'm thankful for on Thanksgiving," a student wrote, "I am thankful that I'm not a turkey."


Why did they let the turkey join the band?
Because he had the drumsticks.

Why did the pilgrim’s pants keep falling off?
The buckle was on his hat!

What would you get if you crossed a Pilgrim with a type of cracker?
A Pilgraham!

If the Pilgrims were alive today, what would they be most famous for?
Their age!


Why did the police arrest the turkey?
They suspected it of fowl play!

What would you get if you crossed Thanksgiving and Easter?
Feaster Sunday!

What did the turkey say before it was roasted?
Boy! I'm stuffed!


Why was the dog chasing the band in the Thanksgiving parade?
He wanted to bury the trombones!

Which side of the turkey has the most feathers?
The outside.

Why did the Pilgrim eat a candle?
He wanted a light snack!


"I was going to serve sweet potatoes with Thanksgiving dinner, but I sat on them.
"So what are you serving now?"
"Squash."

Gobbler said, "Doctor, help me! I can't stop acting like a turkey!"
"I see," said the doctor. "How long have you had this problem?"
"Let me think a second. Mom laid the egg in 1954..."

Teacher: "Where did the Pilgrims come from?"
Student: "Their parents, of course!"

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Today, God’s message for you is one of simplicity. Ever read the Old Testament books of law, such as Leviticus?  Does it ever amaze you the detailed rituals required to worship God?  Take a moment today to thank God, if for nothing else, that you can approach him as freely as you approach your best friend.  Thank Him for the gift of open communication, provided through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. 

Tags: Religion, Recipes, Hints, Tips, Jokes, Etc

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