Scattered Thoughts From A Maryland Cottage

Scattered Thoughts From A Maryland Cottage
The Yin and Yang of Thankfulness
Showing posts with label thankful. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thankful. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The Yin and Yang of Thankfulness

“One of the main reasons that we lose our enthusiasm in life is because we become ungrateful..we let what was once a miracle become common to us. We get so accustomed to his goodness it becomes a routine..” 
                                                                                                 Joel Osteen


it's windy, wet and I see a few flurries
outside my bedroom window while I
write this post and I've been thinking about so
many things on this early release day. I work in a 
high school health room which means
everyone left early for the holiday. as always, 
it was a crazy pre-holiday week because not
everyone is happy about Thanksgiving. some families 
are broken, homeless, hungry and all of the above.
I didn't realize to what degree until I began this career
11 years ago. I've always had a meal. 
in fact, I've usually trying to lose a few pounds.
so as I sit here, I began to think about this past year
 and the title of this post 
"The Yin and the Yang of Thankfulness". 

I don't believe I take the time every day 
to be thankful enough. 
for every moment with my kids
instead of saying "I wish I saw 
you more often" - I want to just 
enjoy them!
and there's a little one on  
the way in a few weeks
....
enjoying the stillness of winter,
school snow days, comforters,
Christmas... instead of moaning about 
slush and short dark days.
....
bringing more flowers inside the house
and taking road trips to gardens
I've always wanted to see.
....
I had both knees replaced in March,
I'm pain free and this is 
going to be my summer!
and thanking others... I want to bitch less -
and thank more.
Well, I'm going to try.  
Because I have so many, many things
to be thankful for.  Jenn

Give this a try... I want to!

Grapefruit Cranberry Marmalade
adapted from myrecipes
  • 4 large grapefruit (about 4 pounds)
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 2.5 cups cranberries
  • 3 cups sugar
  1. Carefully remove the rind of each grapefruit with a vegetable peeler or pairing knife, being careful to avoid the white pith. Slice the rind into thin strips. Place in a large saucepan.
  2. Peel and section the grapefruit: Slice off a piece of both the top and bottom of each grapefruit until the fruit is visible. Place on a cutting board. Starting at the top and following the curve of the fruit, cut away the remaining pith until only the flesh and membrane are left. Holding the fruit on it”s side, slide a pairing knife between one section of fruit and the membrane that is holding it there, loosening it”s hold. Cut alongside the opposite side of the fruit to loosen it from the membrane on the opposite side. Continue all the way along the grapefruit. Place the grapefruit sections into the saucepan and discard the empty membrane.
  3. Add 1.5 cups water to the saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 min, stirring occasionally.
  4. Stir in cranberries and simmer for another 10 min.
  5. Add sugar and simmer for 30 min until slightly thickened. Continuing to stir occasionally.
  6. Remove from heat and allow to cool 10 min. Poor into jars or plastic containers and allow to cool for another 20 min before putting on lids. Let sit on counter until room temperature. Store in the fridge or freezer.
Makes approx: 5 cups
*This will keep for 3 weeks in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer.
*Cranberries have enough natural pectin to set this jam by itself. It is important to note that fresh cranberries have more pectin then frozen ones and therefore will set firmer. I did use frozen cranberries for mine and it turned out fine.
*To remove excess pith from the peeled rind: hold the rind firmly, pith side up, with one hand and drag your pairing knife in the opposite direction, shaving away the pith.
                                              thank you to...      Kitchen Simplicity.com                    

Monday, February 14, 2011

Thank you, Thank You Very Much Valentine!

today i was thinking about all the people that deserve a little love and thanks...because i believe that "Valentine's Day" isn't just for sweathearts, husbands and wives, girlfriends and boyfriends. i have always tried to make it a special day for "special someones" - but then that's what I love to do. it dosen't have to cost a thing - you can email a pretty poem or quote, leave a sticky note in a hidden spot - it not what you spend.
honest
so... here's to
nurses and caregivers
music teachers - all teachers!
cab drivers
day care staff
physcians
Hospice
Cafeteria Workers
coaches
bus drivers
Postal Workers
and Mommas and Pappas too!

Love, Jennifer

Monday, November 29, 2010

Hats Off To You!

hats off to the heros
who are serving our country
and didn't get to come home
on Thanksgiving

hats off to happiness
wherever you can grab it!
hats off to huggable
as sweet as a baby can be
hats off to handsome
beauty inside and out
Hats Off to Hilarity
because we can laugh at silly times
Last but not least...
Hats off to all the HELPERS
from Thanksgiving
  • who ran to the grocery store
  • brought a dish
  • dried a dish washed a dish
  • held a baby
  • drove someone home
  • had to work
  • got up early
  • changed a diaper
  • put left overs away
  • set the table
  • tried a new recipe
  • called someone they loved
  • sent a card
  • said "I'm Thankful For YOU"
  • remembered someone in prayer
Hugs, Jennifer

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

We Gather Together To Ask The Lord's Blessing

Thank you to all my friends, heartfelt wishes for you and your loved ones for a joyous Thansgiving!

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.
Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!
We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
And pray that Thou still our Defender will be.
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

With Love, Jennifer

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Entering Through The Door Of Thankfulness

dear Lord,
i just want to say i'm so very thankful for...
your son
nature(by my house the other night)
friendship
gentleness
motherhood
healing
life
energy

May there be abundance of grain in the land; on the tops of the mountains may it wave; may its fruit be like Lebanon; and may people blossom in the cities like the grass of the field! Psalms 72:16

Thank you Lord for each blessing we receive, Amen. 

Monday, November 22, 2010

Down In My Heart!

I've Got the Joy In My Heart

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Where?
Down in my heart!
Where?
Down in my heart!
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay
And I'm so happy
So very happy
I've got the love of Jesus in my heart
Down in my heart
And I'm so happy
So very happy
I've got the love of Jesus in my heart.
I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus
Down in my heart
Where?
Down in my heart!
Where?
Down in my heart!
I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus
Down in my heart
Where?
Down in my heart to stay.
happy, happy, joy, joy
bless you!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Gerber Daisies & Thoughts on Thursday!

sorry friends
today is a day of feeling overwhelmed
like there is not enough time
in the day - the week

to do what I want - need
to get done

i'm a positive person
hope for the best
believe in good vs. evil
the power of prayer

today is a tough day for me
blah
blah


so i'm working, really working on images
thoughts of things that bring me joy
it works for me... and i remember how blessed i am
i'm pushing, fighting, trying, losing, winning...
do you understand - are you having a day like me
what do you do?
Spring is coming... I pray it is soon!
gerbers, lol - i think of gerbers and a big hug from someone that cares
jenn



      perky bright colorful symmetrical alive humorous spring

                                           The heart takes perseverance
As something most essential
To bring down
God's Compassion-Satisfaction
Into the heart-pocket of the seeker.
                                Sri Chinmoy
    i believe i believe i believe i believe i believe