Totally Tuesday Book Club

I have always enjoyed reading as well as writing.  My grandmother used to say that she never saw me without a book in my hands.  Nowadays, one can find books and bookshelves in every room in my house.  And there are also Nooks and apps on the computers, IPad and phone for books and more books.  Yes, I like to read!

A few years ago, our previous pastor and fellow avid reader, Beth Nelson, organized the Third Thursday Book Club at our church.  We have continued it ever since.  We moved it to a Tuesday last year and renamed it the Totally Tuesday Book Club.  We meet the first Tuesday of the month and enjoy discussing a great cross section of books.  I'll share some of our previous selections in future posts.  But for today, here is a look at what we are doing this year.  Maybe there is something here that you might enjoy.  Or maybe you have some suggestions of books that you have enjoyed.

Respect



Image courtesy of [Michael Elliott] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Respect - from the Latin meaning looking back. 
 

As Election Day 2012 comes to a close, I have been thinking about the word respect.  I am thankful that so many that I know have chosen to respect each other’s similarities and differences as opposed to disrespecting others because of political views.  Throughout the campaign time there have been some who had become so entrenched in their choice and support of candidates that they let that drive their lives.  And, often, some appear to focus on the political climate above all else in relating to others with a sort of tunnel vision.   Some became so focused on all that was spinning around them that they appeared to have forgotten the importance of the concept of respect in relation to others in their lives.

Politics is not what defines who we are.  Respect for each other, for family and friends, and for our country and its leaders is ultimately more important than who supports whom or who votes for whom.  When all finally is settled in this election, as in all elections, all need to acknowledge and accept the outcome and continue to do their best to be the best person that they can be.  It also means to accept and move on.  And that means to respect others and to work together to support all that our country stands for.  Two friends put it quite well when they talked about how friends or family members can have differing political affiliations, different views and still love and respect each other.  It is my hope that this is possible for many.  With such a very close election this year, there will be an opportunity for division or for cooperation.   The choice is up to each individual.   With respect for each other, let us cooperate and work together for our country.  After all, respecting others around us, including our leaders can help us to be the people and the nation we need to be.

So as the election comes to a close and we discover in what direction our country will be going, take time to look back and to respect all who are a part of the process.  Each has a part in history.  And look at those around you and remember what makes them important to you.   Campaigns and elections are but a small part of what occurs in our lives.  Friendships, relationships and respect continue every day.   As you look forward to the future also look back with respect on all who are important in your lives. 

Special thank yous to my friend Mark and Bishop Tom for your inspiring words today as always.

Quotably Yours #12

Who Said It?

The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he's always doing both.

Hint:  The author of this quotation is known to be loquacious in his/her writing! ;)

Quick Fudge

In an effort to post more, I thought that today I would share a recipe that I like.  It is decadent, but it's really good to have on hand as we move into holiday entertaining.  Now, assuming that you have no leftover Halloween candy, you might want to give this a try this weekend, just to be sure it's good for guests during the holidays!

 

Quick Fudge

This recipe comes from a fellow Longaberger Consultant.  It’s very easy and very decadent for those who love chocolate and fudge!  I think it tastes a lot like the Hershey’s recipe on the can which requires lots of work and talent, which my grandmother always made, but much, much easier.

1 box or 4C. powdered sugar

1/2 c. Hershey's Cocoa powder
1 stick of REAL butter (margarine will NOT work)
1/4 C. Milk
Chopped nuts optional

Place Grandma Bonnie's Pie plate, or 8x8 in freezer for 20 min. or longer

In the lid to the 8-in-1 Entertainer or a Longaberger Mixing bowl, batter bowl, or buffet bowl, mix powdered sugar and cocoa.* Scatter the chunks of butter over the mixture, but do NOT stir. Drizzle milk over mixture, but do not stir. Cover with a paper towel and microwave for 2 min. on high. With a wire whisk, stir until smooth. Pour into the chilled pie plate or 8x8. Place in the refrigerator for 25-35 min. Slice fudge and arrange in your favorite pottery piece or basket.

*Note from Sandy:

I sift the powdered sugar and cocoa together.  It takes more time, but I think it makes it much easier to blend completely.

All Saints Day

Remembering those who have gone before us on All Saints Day.

For All the Saints

Text: William W. How, 1823-1897
Music: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958
Tune: SINE NOMINE, Meter: 10 10 10 with Alleluias

1. For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

2. Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;
thou Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;
thou in the darkness drear, their one true light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

3. O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
and win with them the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

4. O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

5. And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

6. From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!