The *beautifier !

.. love is a great beautifier - Louisa May Alcott.

MEETING life head-on, with a smile, attracts people and situations to us.  OUR attitudes shape our world-which is not to deny that problems do occur.  HOWEVER, problems can be viewed as special opportunities for personal growth-as gifts, more or less, that we are ready to receive.  WHEN the student is ready, the teacher appears.  The stumbling blocks WE encounter push us beyond our present awareness.  They teach us that we are stronger and more creative than we'd thought.  ...

Negatively confronting the day is sure to complicate any experiences.  A simple misunderstanding can be exaggerated into a grave situation, requiring the energy of persons to handle it.  On the other hand, a patient, trusting, loving attitude can turn a grave situation into a positive learning experience for all affected.

WE can beautify the day by smiling throughout all the EXPERIENCES it offers us.  The expression of love to those we meet guarantees to make us more lovable in return.

______________

How great is my influence TODAY!  I CAN go forth feeling love, IF I CHOOSE to-guaranteeing an ENJOYABLE day FOR me and everyone I meet.

(excerpt) K. Casey

Treescake ???

Q.  What do Termites eat for dessert ??
A.   Toothpicks (or, would "Treescake" be a better answer ?)

~ God SURELY works in THIS way ! ~

I've come to the conclusion, that it's needless to continue to "push myself". I'll just blog for the enjoyment of it (took me a while to evaluate/learn that, didn't it?). Why should I pressure myself? Simple! All is good.k.

P.S. God can SURELY work in this way. WHEN one door closes another door opens!

* HEALTHY treat . . . Grape ICYPOLES !!

GRAPES are tasty straight from the bunch - and make an important contribution to a sweet Dessert.

THE following healthy iced treat Recipe is from the AUSTRALIAN Table Grape Association:

* GRAPE ICYPOLES !

Ingredients:
250g. Red AND/OR Green Grapes (cut in half)
2 Cups unsweetened Apple juice

Method:
PLACE cut Grapes into four (4) ice-block moulds.

POUR the Apple juice into the moulds AND clasp the tops in place. Freeze overnight.

SIMPLE !!!

* THROUGH the Storms !!

"SO, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you (*ISAIAH 41:10)."
"WHAT a beautiful sunny morning! It was one of those rare days in early June. But by early afternoon the clouds began to come up very fast. The sky grew darker and darker, so black that only the streaks of sharp lightning gave any light. IT was the most furious storm I had ever witnessed. The wind and rain beat against the house, and thunder rumbled until the earth shuddered.

A small, tearful voice called, "Mommy, are you afraid?" I held my child tightly in my arms, not wanting to admit that I was afraid. "Can we pray?" asked the small, trembling voice. SHE prayed a few simple words, telling Jesus that we were afraid and asking Him to take care of us. THEN, in a trusting voice, she said, "Now I can take my nap. Jesus will take care of us."

WHEN the storms of life OVERWHELM us, WHEN death robs us of the one we hold dear, WHEN loneliness sweeps in, WHEN we feel friendless, WHEN pain envelops us, WHEN our faith is faltering and we are fearful, how do we react? DO we cry out, "WHY has God permitted THIS affliction and pain? WHY has He taken my loved one? I DO not understand why my plans have been overturned."

HAS the sweetness vanished from life? ARE you troubled AND afraid? God longs to heal OUR hurts AND give Victory over our fears, but He waits for us to cry-out to Him. He responds to our MOST desperate needs as we TRUST Him during the storms of LIFE." MILDRED SCHLEH