JOY!

This week I had the joy of . . .

Having everything needed for life and breath every hour of each day. Thank you Lord for your kind and caring provision. ~

Preparing a favorite recipe from a favorite cookbook on a sultry day. Thank you Lord for those who prepare meals with love and creativity and share that in many ways, including through a simple cookbook. ~

Seeing morning and evening follow each other in quiet rhythm of constancy. Thank you Lord for the rhythm of the seasons. ~

Hearing a far off friend's laughter over the phone. Thank you Lord for the joy of a dear friend that distance cannot take away. ~

Noting the glimmer of a tear in my husband's eye when he said, "I love you" across the dinner table. Thank you Lord for a dear and loving husband. ~

My brother Jerry's boys with their Jeep "Festus"

Reading about a couple of nephews who were spending quality time with their Dad learning what it means to grow up as a responsible man. Thank you Lord for my family and the faithful parents that make up each home.

Spending a couple hours playing an organ in a lovely sanctuary across town. Thank you Lord for music and the ability to use it in my career, especially in worship settings.

Listening to the sound of happy neighbor children going for a walk with their mother. Thank you Lord for all mothers and bless them, especially those carrying heavy burdens this day.

Receiving a copyright permission that included a kind note about my skill as a pianist. Thank you Lord for those who take time to share words of encouragement.

Discovering a new writer and savoring his written thoughts on life. Thank you Lord for those who help mold and shape me and help me to grow in love and deed through their words.

Being reminded how vinegar does a really good job in the cleaning department. Thank you Lord for a lovely home and the ability to care for it. ~

Posting my very first video on YouTube. Thank you Lord for the ability to share your good gifts with others, even those I don't know and will never meet this side of heaven.

Refraining from being crabby inspite of the heat -- an accomplishment for me! Thank you Lord for protection and helpful things during hot days.

Being alive in a world that, inspite of so many problems, still bears the imprint of the Creator in generous, riotous measure. Thank you Lord for the Gift of Life!

What is on your list of things that gave you joy this past week?

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Here's the recipe I mention above, my version of it. It comes from THE WESTMINSTER COOKBOOK, "Michigan Salad" by Elaine Miller. My version is

SUMMER BLACK CHERRY SALAD

Combine:

1 package mixed spring greens
4 green onions, finely sliced
1/4 cup crumbled feta
1/4 cup roasted almonds (sliced or cut-up)
3/4 cup fresh Dark Sweet Cherries, pitted and quartered

Dressing:

3-4 Tbs. sugar
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. water
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. mayonnaise
1/2 T. prepared mustard
1/2 T. poppyseed
1/4 c. white vinegar or white wine
1/2 c. oil - canola or olive

Mix dressing in a blender or shake until blended in a pint jar. Makes more than you will probably use. The dressing keeps in the refrigerator for several weeks.

Toss the dressing with the salad before serving.

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HOT WEATHER TIP

Put a couple drinking or dinner glasses (large) in the freezer. Water, milk, lemonade and more are SO refreshing when poured into this icy glass. (Some restaurants do this, which is where I got the idea).  I even had a glass of milk that formed a milk-cube at the bottom of the cup. Tasty!

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Here's the link to my first YouTube upload.
Enjoy!   

Majestic Trees at the Raleigh Rose Garden

HAPPY LAND