Cutie Patootie on St Paddys Day

I know, I know, it's already past--but hey, why not celebrate this grin all week?

Photo courtesy of my newest grandson.

Have a great week all!

Crank a Smile

 

Ever get caught doing something, when you thought no one was looking?

Or find your tail feathers are showing more than you'd like?

Or some days you're just plain irritated?

There's a solution. Start thanking the Lord for the blessings in your life. I know, I know, that sounds so flippant, but it's true. If you're breathing, you have something to be thankful for. And somehow, the burdens ease, the mood softens and you might just crank out a smile. 

"God is all mercy and grace-not quick to anger, is rich in love. God is good to one and all; everything he does is suffused with grace. Creation and creatures applaud you, God; your holy people bless you." Psalms 145:8-10 (MS)

Help me crank a smile, not an attitude, Lord.

photos:karenrevans

Walk this Way

I never know what will be out my front door on any given day. Today I saw an Ibis feeding just a few feet away. Of course you know, I ran back inside to get my camera. They feed on insects and worms in yards or small fish or mollusk in the water.

When I rounded my car, I saw the whole flock. They do like to go in groups, but at times they separate. Their long slender legs, long beaks and necks make them appear graceful, much like a swan. Until..

they start to fly away. Then it's all teenage awkwardness. Please ignore the dark streak in the pictures-that's just a palm frond in my way. I hurried to take the shot before they flew away. Ha, or maybe I just didn't notice it at all because of the birds.

"Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise." Ephesians 6:15

Wonder what else I've done that I just didn't take the time to notice. ooops...

Thank goodness, the Lord gives us second chances, and third and fourth, and...

Photos:karenreven-if I want to claim them. :)

Chocolate Gooooodness!

Here's a GREAT fudge recipe for Valentines Day. Pay no attention to the picture, I just grabbed the nearest paper, which happened to be a food magazine to copy this recipe from the Barefoot Contessa show.  Can't read it? Okay, okay.

Cinnamon Chocolate Fudge

1 Can of Condensed Milk
2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
2 1/2 Cups Bittersweet Chocolate Chips
3 Tablespoons Butter
1 Teaspoon Vanilla

Combine and melt over low heat, then add the vanilla. Pour into parchment paper lined pan. (Optional-sprinkle lightly with kosher salt flakes.) Put in refrigerator to set-oh about 20 minutes or so depending on how thick the layer was poured.

That it! Easy Peasy and sooo good! You could even cut the shapes into hearts with a small cookie cutter.

Now I had never made fudge with cinnamon or salt and it was delish! But I'd only put salt on part of it in case you don't like it. AND leave it out of the frig once it's set, in an air-tight container. Otherwise the salt will turn to liquid. Trust me, I know.

"O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:8

If once you try the Lord, you'll see He is good. And there's no other fudge refuge like Him. Trust me I know.

Oh No You Didn't!

I looked at the napkin the same way I looked at this African Bull Toad. Yucky!

Hubby and I were at a nice restaurant and it was busy as usual. Our waiter seemed a bit frazzled but attempted to be cordial. He placed beverage napkins on the table and went to get our drinks. Meanwhile, I didn't realize I had brushed my napkin on the floor, until I couldn't find it. Before I could reach down to retrieve the little thing, "Mr. Waiter" swooped in with efficiency and picked it up and put it on the table with my drink on top! UGH!

Am I alone, or do you put things from restaurant floors back on the table? I guess he thought he was helping. I picked it up with two fingers and hid it. I wanted to say, "Hey, what are you doing? No telling what's been on that floor." But I didn't. He still had our food to bring.

 "With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let's make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let's make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God." 2 Corinthians 7:1 (MS)

Father, may I put away, not just hide the things that don't bring You glory. I want a clean table/temple.

photo:karenrevans

How Do You Catch an Elephant?

 Ha, I bet you never guessed this one! One banana at a time!

Then add a few fruits up high. 

Then sit back and wait.

Yep, that worked all right!

 And if you're lucky, you might just get two.

 

Especially if you are at Busch Gardens in Tampa.

Now, kids don't try this at home. It won't work. Although you might attract a rat, raccoon or some other type of animal which you don't want. It's all location, location, location and food.

 Did I mention food? What about spiritual food? How do you feed your soul? 

"God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures." Psalms 145:13-16. (MS)

This refers to physical and spiritual food. Thank you Father for your favor and for making bananas.

Photos:karenrevans

Update: As of Wednesday, only 37 pythons have been killed, with more than 1,000 people signed up. Sneaky little snakes, they are. (See post below.)

Python Hunt!

Guess what? Florida is holding a python competition! Reckless snake owners tend to let these reptiles go in our Everglades when they get too big. Now our small wildlife seems to be disappearing. Even other regional snakes and small gators. Estimates are that they have wiped out more than 90 percent of our mammals in the Everglades.

According to the experts and hunters, pythons are expert at camouflage.

The hunt began January 12 and ends February 10th. There is a $1,000 reward to the hunter who bags the most reptiles. (There are rules, of course and you have to sign up.)

Okay, who's with me? Bwuaaahaaa. NOT!!!

"A common sense person lives good sense; fools litter the country with silliness." Proverbs 13:16 (MS)

Lord, help me pick up my physical, spiritual and emotional litter. May I not be a reckless owner of the gifts that You've given me for living.