Over the years, I have had many people encourage me to have my daughters participate in the Girl Scouts. My initial reason for not joining was the constant sales required by the girls in the troops. There was the annual cookie sale and then, at least in earlier times, some kind of calendar sale going on. Although I'm sure they did more than compete for selling the most of anything, all I ever heard about from other mothers was the cookie sale competition. How much of the profit went back to the individual troops, I can't say but it seems like the people at headquarters pull in good salaries.
Later on, I checked out a Girl Scout manual and didn't like the path they were taking on health and morals. Today, my avoidance of the group for my children was rewarded:
http://www.lifenews.com/2013/05/31/girl-scouts-join-planned-parenthood-at-huge-pro-abortion-conference/
I found this horribly sad. I've heard rumors of this sort of activity but to see it in print and know for a fact that the Girl Scouts support the wholesale murder of babies, is sickeningly. I've had arguments from well-meaning Catholic mothers who have daughters in the organization. They claim that they don't allow this discussion in their groups and keep it clean and moral. I have no doubt of that but how is the profit from their fundraisers ultimately used? And isn't a person judged by the company they keep/support.
It is disheartening, however, to see girls actually selling their cookies after Mass in some parishes. Either the pastors are uninformed or they just don't want to make waves. Given the current change in the Boy Scouts' bylaws, it will be interesting to see how many chose Faith over values.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Home of the Free? - America in decline . . .?
If a teacher cannot teach students about their rights as American Citizens and is punished for doing so, there is something very dark and evil going on in our world today. Why are 'freedoms' limited to what a person in power deems to be free? Wasn't America founded on individuals working together for the common good even when people begged to differ on issues? Unfortunately, if you follow all the news sources, you will find this is just one aspect of our regimented freedoms today.
http://lastresistance.com/2187/teacher-faces-disciplinary-action-for-telling-his-students-about-their-constitutional-rights/
http://lastresistance.com/2187/teacher-faces-disciplinary-action-for-telling-his-students-about-their-constitutional-rights/
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Gluten-Free Bread - Recognizable as Bread!
I've been baking 'things' that are supposed to be bread. They have tasted okay and were handy for bread puddings or crumbs for breading chicken, etc. I had yet, however, to produce a loaf of gluten-free bread that looked and tasted like the real deal . . . until today!I found the recipe in Gluten-Free on a Shoestring - Quick and Easy. As you can see the recipe worked well and we enjoyed our chicken soup accompanied with bread and butter. I highly recommend the book.
The interesting aspect of this recipe was that it wasn't as touchy as some have been where you have to either hurry or avoid working with the dough too much. You basically mixed the ingredients together, dumped it into a roomy container, and left it to sit in the refrigerator twelve hours to rise. It could also be left for up to a week. The bread had a great crust, good crumb, and a sour dough tang. I had better put another batch to rise as I'm afraid there might be some confrontations on the remaining half of the loaf.
Almond Snack!
Since I try to keep the foods around the house of the healthier variety, I'm always on the lookout for ideas to provide snacks that satisfy yet aren't full of empty calories. Over the recent weekend, I remembered a favorite one. After making a batch, I couldn't believe I had forgotten about it. It all started when I was sorting through the freezer and discovered a bag of almonds . . .
Almond Snack
Approximately two pounds of shelled but unblanched almonds
1 egg white
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more if you like it hotter)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch of salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a large, rimmed baking pan with parchment paper.
Dump the almonds into a large mixing bowl. Add the egg white and mix into the nuts to coat them all. I know, it seems that one egg white isn't enough but it is! Add the rest of the ingredients and mix to get all the nuts coated.
Spread the nuts evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for approximately 10-15 minutes or until the nut are hot through and the coating is dry. It is a good idea to pull the pan out every few minutes and stir them around for more even roasting.
Let them cool thoroughly before storing them in a container. Makes a great hostess gift packed in a small canning jar with a bit of fabric to decorate the lid. Nice to have a jar on the counter for the family to grab a quick snack. Goes well with an apple for breakfast!
Almond Snack
Approximately two pounds of shelled but unblanched almonds
1 egg white
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more if you like it hotter)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch of salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a large, rimmed baking pan with parchment paper.
Dump the almonds into a large mixing bowl. Add the egg white and mix into the nuts to coat them all. I know, it seems that one egg white isn't enough but it is! Add the rest of the ingredients and mix to get all the nuts coated.
Spread the nuts evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for approximately 10-15 minutes or until the nut are hot through and the coating is dry. It is a good idea to pull the pan out every few minutes and stir them around for more even roasting.
Let them cool thoroughly before storing them in a container. Makes a great hostess gift packed in a small canning jar with a bit of fabric to decorate the lid. Nice to have a jar on the counter for the family to grab a quick snack. Goes well with an apple for breakfast!
Sunday, May 26, 2013
The Meaning of Memorial Day . . .
I imagine that the first thing that will clue you into tomorrow being a holiday from work and school will be the smell of barbecues firing up. You have to wonder how many people will take time to attend a special service, go to Mass, or observe a moment of silence for our military working for us today, our retired soldiers, and the ones who have died in the service of our country.My grandfather died as a result of a wound while fighting in World War I. My father was overseas when peace was announced in World War II. My great-uncle retired after many years of service and many months away from home on military duty. My own father died from a service related ailment. How many other families have stories to tell, parents to mourn, and fathers currently overseas helping to protect our freedoms.
That first bite of a delightful barbecue picnic meal comes to us all compliments of men and women who offered so much that we could have a day to celebrate their accomplishments. Let's not forget this in the joy of the day.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Boy Scouts and Everyone's Right to a Choice
The Boy Scouts of America made a choice, yesterday, and that is how the world is supposed to be . . . freedom of choice. Given this, Dr. Taylor Marshall is making a choice and offering an alternative to scouting for boys. Sounds intriguing and I'm interested to see how this goes.
http://www.taylormarshall.com/2013/05/why-im-starting-new-boy-scouts-my.html
http://www.taylormarshall.com/2013/05/why-im-starting-new-boy-scouts-my.html
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Solace in the Midst of Strife . . .
Deep in his slumber, one night a man had a very real, yet surreal dream. He
dreamt that he was walking along the beach with God. As he looked up at the sky,
he saw all the scenes of his life flash by along with two sets of footprints:
one set for himself, and another for God.
After all the scenes had flashed before him, he looked back at those footprints and noticed something quite disturbing: At the most difficult times in his life, he saw only one set of footprints.
This deeply troubled the man, so he turned and said to God: "You said that if I followed you, then you would always walk with me through thick and thin. In looking back, I see that during the most painful times there is only one set of footprints. Why did you leave me when I needed you the most?"
"I love you and would never leave. It was during those times when you suffered the most that I carried you."
After all the scenes had flashed before him, he looked back at those footprints and noticed something quite disturbing: At the most difficult times in his life, he saw only one set of footprints.
This deeply troubled the man, so he turned and said to God: "You said that if I followed you, then you would always walk with me through thick and thin. In looking back, I see that during the most painful times there is only one set of footprints. Why did you leave me when I needed you the most?"
"I love you and would never leave. It was during those times when you suffered the most that I carried you."
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Saint Dominic Savio . . . the soul of a young saint.
Saint Dominic Savio (1842-1857) was a young man
under the spiritual care of another great saint, Saint John Bosco. Saint Dominic Savio pursued his studies for the
priesthood early in life until he became ill and died at the age of fourteen. I find it amazing that such a young man would determine his path in life so devoutly and persistently.
At the age of only twelve, Saint Dominic Savio decided on four rules of life which he vowed to live by in order to eventually attain sainthood. Everyone that reaches Heaven, is a saint. Some saints, however, make an impression on the world that is known long after their death. Saint Dominic Savio's four rules worked for his spirituality and are wonderful in the simplicity that is available to everyone.
1. I will go to Confession and to Communion
often.
2. I will keep holy the feasts days.
3. Jesus will be my best friend.
4. And I would rather die than to commit a
sin.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Baked French Toast?
Every time the temperature goes down a bit, I'm encouraged to turn on the oven. Okay, so it has gone from the 100-degree mark this week to all of 90! Although my family enjoys French Toast, I've never thought of baking it in the oven. Seems like a perfect way to get every one's breakfast ready at the same time yet leave work space on top of the stove for doing eggs and bacon. This recipe sounds easy and, ultimately, very good. It is on my list of recipes to try in the very near future. I even have a gluten-free bread recipe to try for my version of it.
Baked French Toast
1 loaf of French Bread
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons corn syrup (Molasses if you like a 'deeper' taste)
6 large eggs
2 cups milk (you can substitute 1/2 cup of the milk for heavy cream)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash of cloves
Vegetable oil spray a baking dish about 9" x l3" or so. Slice the bread to 3/4-inch thick.
Cook the sugar, butter, and corn syrup in a pot until it is liquid and syrup-like. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking pan. Place the bread in a layer, one deep, over the syrup mixture.
Beat together the eggs, milk (milk and cream), vanilla, and spices. Pour over bread. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Bake the next morning in a 325 degree oven for approximately 20-30 minutes or until hot through, browning on top, and bubbly. Serves 6-8.
With the sugar/butter layer, you might not even need more syrup on it when served!
Baked French Toast
1 loaf of French Bread
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons corn syrup (Molasses if you like a 'deeper' taste)
6 large eggs
2 cups milk (you can substitute 1/2 cup of the milk for heavy cream)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash of cloves
Vegetable oil spray a baking dish about 9" x l3" or so. Slice the bread to 3/4-inch thick.
Cook the sugar, butter, and corn syrup in a pot until it is liquid and syrup-like. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking pan. Place the bread in a layer, one deep, over the syrup mixture.
Beat together the eggs, milk (milk and cream), vanilla, and spices. Pour over bread. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Bake the next morning in a 325 degree oven for approximately 20-30 minutes or until hot through, browning on top, and bubbly. Serves 6-8.
With the sugar/butter layer, you might not even need more syrup on it when served!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Benghazi and some facts . . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ds1nnJ3t14&feature=youtu.be
Some interesting facts about a travasty of American justice. The journalists and reporters in America have to start reporting the news not what they and the government would like the news to present. Taxpayers shouldn't be told lies and American lifes should be protected. This is very sad.
Some interesting facts about a travasty of American justice. The journalists and reporters in America have to start reporting the news not what they and the government would like the news to present. Taxpayers shouldn't be told lies and American lifes should be protected. This is very sad.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Sweet Potato Biscuits - Sweet or Savory
This is the basic recipe for some colorful biscuits to grace your luncheon salad or dinner party. What I like about it is that you can also add more sugar to taste along with some spices and have a sweeter version that is good for snacks or breakfast and still keep the healthier properties of the sweet potato.
Sweet Potato Biscuits
1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon softened butter
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment or use vegetable oil spray to grease.
Beat sweet potatoes, butter, and sugar until well blended. In another bowl, combine the baking soda in the butter milk and then add to the potato mixture. Stir together the salt and flour and add to the mixture. Gently combine to just mix. Roll out to approximately 1/2-inch thickness on floured board.
Using a small cookie cutter, round works best, cut and place biscuits on prepared baking sheets. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Should yield about 2 dozen biscuits depending the size cookie cutter you used.
For sweeter biscuits, increase the sugar to 1/2 cup and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, dash of cloves, nutmeg, and ginger to taste. Mix as already directed.
Whip together an egg white and tablespoon of sugar and glaze the tops of the biscuits before baking.
Sweet Potato Biscuits
1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon softened butter
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment or use vegetable oil spray to grease.
Beat sweet potatoes, butter, and sugar until well blended. In another bowl, combine the baking soda in the butter milk and then add to the potato mixture. Stir together the salt and flour and add to the mixture. Gently combine to just mix. Roll out to approximately 1/2-inch thickness on floured board.
Using a small cookie cutter, round works best, cut and place biscuits on prepared baking sheets. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Should yield about 2 dozen biscuits depending the size cookie cutter you used.
For sweeter biscuits, increase the sugar to 1/2 cup and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, dash of cloves, nutmeg, and ginger to taste. Mix as already directed.
Whip together an egg white and tablespoon of sugar and glaze the tops of the biscuits before baking.
Happy Mother's Day Greetings from the Famous!
Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children.
William Makepeace Thackeray
The love of a mother is the veil of a softer light between the heart and the heavenly Father.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.
Barbara Kingsolver
A mother's happiness is like a beacon, lighting up the future but reflected also on the past in the guise of fond memories.
Honore de Balzac
"A mother is not a person to lean upon, but a person to make leaning unnecessary."
Dorothy Canfield Fisher
"My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her."
George Washington, U.S. President
"By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class."
Anne Morrow Lindbergh
"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."
Abraham Lincoln, U.S. President
"Youth fades; love droops, the leaves of friendship fall; A mother's secret hope outlives them all."
Oliver Wendell Holmes
William Makepeace Thackeray
The love of a mother is the veil of a softer light between the heart and the heavenly Father.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.
Barbara Kingsolver
A mother's happiness is like a beacon, lighting up the future but reflected also on the past in the guise of fond memories.
Honore de Balzac
"A mother is not a person to lean upon, but a person to make leaning unnecessary."
Dorothy Canfield Fisher
"My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her."
George Washington, U.S. President
"By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class."
Anne Morrow Lindbergh
"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."
Abraham Lincoln, U.S. President
"Youth fades; love droops, the leaves of friendship fall; A mother's secret hope outlives them all."
Oliver Wendell Holmes
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Pentecost is coming - Novena in Honor of the Holy Spirit!
NOVENA IN HONOR OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The novena in honor of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (Recite before the novena prayer for the day)
On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the strength and light of my soul! In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace, and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light and listen to Your voice and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You, asking in Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, so to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy One, Spirit of the Father and the Son, to say always and everywhere: "Speak Lord, for Your servant hears." Amen.
+ + +
DAY 1 - FRIDAY - Recite the Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit. Then: Holy Spirit! God of Light! From Your clear celestial height, Your pure beaming radiance give!
The Holy Spirit: Only one thing is important-eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared-sin. Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of Love, bringing sevenfold gifts enlighten the mind, strengthen the will, and inflame the heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation, we should invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for "The Spirit helps our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit asks for us."
Prayer
Almighty and eternal God, Who has vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Spirit, and has given us forgiveness of all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us your sevenfold Spirit - the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and guide us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen. (Our Father & Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Prayer for the Seven Gifts at end of novena)
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DAY 2 - SATURDAY - Recite the Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit. Then: Come, Spirit of the poor. Come, treasures which endure. Come, Light of all that live!
The Gift of Fear - The Gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial love for our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. "They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls."
Prayer
Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever. Help me to shun all things that can offend You, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Your Divine Majesty in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, world without end. Amen. (Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Prayer for the Seven Gifts at the end of the novena)
________________________________________
DAY 3 - SUNDAY - Recite the Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit. Then: You, of all Consolers best, visiting the troubled breast, does refreshing peace bestow.
The Gift of Piety - The Gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His authority, the Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of religion not a burdensome duty, but a delightful service.
Where there is love, there is no labor.
Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority lawfully exercised over me. Amen. (Our Father & Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be 7 TIMES. Prayer for the Seven Gifts at the end of the novena)
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DAY 4 - MONDAY - Recite the Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit. Then: You in toil art comfort sweet, pleasant coolness in the heat, solace in the midst of woe.
The Gift of Fortitude - By the Gift of Fortitude, the soul is strengthened against natural fears and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy that move it to undertake without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample human respect underfoot, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. "He that shall persevere unto the end shall be saved."
Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, and give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.
(Our Father & Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Prayer for the Seven Gifts at the end of the novena)
________________________________________
DAY 5 -TUESDAY - Recite the Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit. Then: Light immortal! Light Divine! Visit these hearts of Yours, And our inmost being fill!
The Gift of Knowledge - The Gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth-in their relation. to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals our emptiness, and points out our only true purpose as instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God even in adversity and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light, we put first things first and prize the friendship of God beyond all else. "Knowledge is a fountain of life to them that possess it."
Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things that I may eschew vanity and work only for Your glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond earthly goods to You and Your eternal rewards. Amen. (Our Father & Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Prayer for the Seven Gifts at the end of the novena)
________________________________________
DAY 6 - WEDNESDAY- Recite the Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit. Then: If You take Your grace away,
Nothing pure in man will stay; all his good is turned to ill.
The Gift of Understanding - Understanding, as a Gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our Holy Religion. By faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to "walk worthy of God in all things pleasing, increasing in the knowledge of our God."
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation, and thereby merit at last to see the eternal light in Your glorious light; grant us the ultimate vision of You and the Father and the Son. Amen. (Our Father & Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Prayer for the Seven Gifts at the end of the novena)
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DAY 7 - THURSDAY - Recite the Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit. Then: Heal our wounds-our strength renew; on our dryness pour Your dew, wash the stains of guilt away.
The Gift of Counsel - The Gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must be done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. "Above all these things, pray to the Most High, that God may direct you in the way of truth."
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Your Holy Will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Your Commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long. (Our Father & Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Prayer for the Seven Gifts at the end of the novena)
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DAY 8 - FRIDAY - Recite the Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit. Then: Bend the stubborn heart and will, melt the frozen, warm the chill. Guide the steps that go astray!
The Gift of Wisdom - Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of Wisdom it is written, "all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, while the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Savior: "Take up your cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light."
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power, and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them forever. Amen. (Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Prayer for the Seven Gifts at the end of the novena)
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DAY 9 - SATURDAY - Recite the Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit. Then: Descend Holy Spirit, on those who confess and adore You! Fill us with Your sevenfold gift, and as we die, give us life with You on high - give us joys that never end.
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit - The gifts of the Holy Spirit perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our service becomes more sincere and generous, our practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God to serve Whom is to reign.
Prayer
Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Your heavenly fruits, Your charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Your inspiration, may merit to be united eternally with You in the love of the Father and the Son, Amen. (Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Prayer for the Seven Gifts at the end of the novena)
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+ + +
PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - (Recite daily at the end of each novena prayer.)
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant that same Spirit to us to perfect in our souls the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant us:
The Spirit of Wisdom, that we may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal;
The Spirit of Understanding, to enlighten our minds with the light of Your divine truth;
The Spirit of Counsel, that we may always choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven;
The Spirit of Fortitude, that we may bear our crosses with You and overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose our salvation;
The Spirit of Knowledge, that we may know God and know ourselves and grow perfect in the science of the Saints;
The Spirit of Piety, that we may find the service of God sweet and amiable;
The Spirit of Fear, that we may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark us, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate us in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.
The novena in honor of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (Recite before the novena prayer for the day)
On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the strength and light of my soul! In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace, and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light and listen to Your voice and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You, asking in Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, so to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy One, Spirit of the Father and the Son, to say always and everywhere: "Speak Lord, for Your servant hears." Amen.
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DAY 1 - FRIDAY - Recite the Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit. Then: Holy Spirit! God of Light! From Your clear celestial height, Your pure beaming radiance give!
The Holy Spirit: Only one thing is important-eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared-sin. Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of Love, bringing sevenfold gifts enlighten the mind, strengthen the will, and inflame the heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation, we should invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for "The Spirit helps our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit asks for us."
Prayer
Almighty and eternal God, Who has vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Spirit, and has given us forgiveness of all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us your sevenfold Spirit - the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and guide us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen. (Our Father & Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Prayer for the Seven Gifts at end of novena)
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DAY 2 - SATURDAY - Recite the Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit. Then: Come, Spirit of the poor. Come, treasures which endure. Come, Light of all that live!
The Gift of Fear - The Gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial love for our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. "They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls."
Prayer
Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever. Help me to shun all things that can offend You, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Your Divine Majesty in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, world without end. Amen. (Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Prayer for the Seven Gifts at the end of the novena)
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DAY 3 - SUNDAY - Recite the Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit. Then: You, of all Consolers best, visiting the troubled breast, does refreshing peace bestow.
The Gift of Piety - The Gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His authority, the Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of religion not a burdensome duty, but a delightful service.
Where there is love, there is no labor.
Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority lawfully exercised over me. Amen. (Our Father & Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be 7 TIMES. Prayer for the Seven Gifts at the end of the novena)
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DAY 4 - MONDAY - Recite the Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit. Then: You in toil art comfort sweet, pleasant coolness in the heat, solace in the midst of woe.
The Gift of Fortitude - By the Gift of Fortitude, the soul is strengthened against natural fears and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy that move it to undertake without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample human respect underfoot, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. "He that shall persevere unto the end shall be saved."
Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, and give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.
(Our Father & Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Prayer for the Seven Gifts at the end of the novena)
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DAY 5 -TUESDAY - Recite the Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit. Then: Light immortal! Light Divine! Visit these hearts of Yours, And our inmost being fill!
The Gift of Knowledge - The Gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth-in their relation. to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals our emptiness, and points out our only true purpose as instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God even in adversity and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light, we put first things first and prize the friendship of God beyond all else. "Knowledge is a fountain of life to them that possess it."
Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things that I may eschew vanity and work only for Your glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond earthly goods to You and Your eternal rewards. Amen. (Our Father & Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Prayer for the Seven Gifts at the end of the novena)
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DAY 6 - WEDNESDAY- Recite the Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit. Then: If You take Your grace away,
Nothing pure in man will stay; all his good is turned to ill.
The Gift of Understanding - Understanding, as a Gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our Holy Religion. By faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to "walk worthy of God in all things pleasing, increasing in the knowledge of our God."
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation, and thereby merit at last to see the eternal light in Your glorious light; grant us the ultimate vision of You and the Father and the Son. Amen. (Our Father & Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Prayer for the Seven Gifts at the end of the novena)
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DAY 7 - THURSDAY - Recite the Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit. Then: Heal our wounds-our strength renew; on our dryness pour Your dew, wash the stains of guilt away.
The Gift of Counsel - The Gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must be done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. "Above all these things, pray to the Most High, that God may direct you in the way of truth."
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Your Holy Will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Your Commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long. (Our Father & Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Prayer for the Seven Gifts at the end of the novena)
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DAY 8 - FRIDAY - Recite the Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit. Then: Bend the stubborn heart and will, melt the frozen, warm the chill. Guide the steps that go astray!
The Gift of Wisdom - Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of Wisdom it is written, "all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, while the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Savior: "Take up your cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light."
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power, and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them forever. Amen. (Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Prayer for the Seven Gifts at the end of the novena)
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DAY 9 - SATURDAY - Recite the Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit. Then: Descend Holy Spirit, on those who confess and adore You! Fill us with Your sevenfold gift, and as we die, give us life with You on high - give us joys that never end.
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit - The gifts of the Holy Spirit perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our service becomes more sincere and generous, our practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God to serve Whom is to reign.
Prayer
Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Your heavenly fruits, Your charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Your inspiration, may merit to be united eternally with You in the love of the Father and the Son, Amen. (Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Prayer for the Seven Gifts at the end of the novena)
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PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - (Recite daily at the end of each novena prayer.)
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant that same Spirit to us to perfect in our souls the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant us:
The Spirit of Wisdom, that we may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal;
The Spirit of Understanding, to enlighten our minds with the light of Your divine truth;
The Spirit of Counsel, that we may always choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven;
The Spirit of Fortitude, that we may bear our crosses with You and overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose our salvation;
The Spirit of Knowledge, that we may know God and know ourselves and grow perfect in the science of the Saints;
The Spirit of Piety, that we may find the service of God sweet and amiable;
The Spirit of Fear, that we may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark us, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate us in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.
Realities of our Fallen Natures . . .
The news from Cleveland, Ohio was both joyful and horrendous yesterday. I can only imagine the happiness of the families of the three women released from the sordid home of those three perverts after more than a decade of captivity. While the joy is very much real, it is another shock to the world that such evil is existing right next door in so many circumstances these days.
The world had reduced it's modesty and grace to a very low standard. We don't stop premarital sex, we find ways to prevent the 'side effects' like disease and . . . babies. Women want to be taken seriously yet dress like they are recruiting business on the streets. Women have the choice of carrying a disposable fetus or expecting a baby. No choice for a baby struggling to survive the horrors of being burned or butchered through abortion. Women demand equal rights and snub men who dare to be polite and open a door for them. Sex isn't a gift a married couple shares. It is now a part of recreation and it doesn't have to be within a committed relationship. Yet, we are still shocked when the level of cruelty and horror takes another step as in the discovery of the three victims in Cleveland.
Years ago, Ruth and Billy Graham presented the world with a quote and it keeps gathering meaning over the years. God doesn't allow bad things to happen so much as allow us to use our free will and forget about praying for discernment before utilizing that gift of free will.
"If God doesn't soon bring judgment upon America, He'll have to go back and apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah!"
The world had reduced it's modesty and grace to a very low standard. We don't stop premarital sex, we find ways to prevent the 'side effects' like disease and . . . babies. Women want to be taken seriously yet dress like they are recruiting business on the streets. Women have the choice of carrying a disposable fetus or expecting a baby. No choice for a baby struggling to survive the horrors of being burned or butchered through abortion. Women demand equal rights and snub men who dare to be polite and open a door for them. Sex isn't a gift a married couple shares. It is now a part of recreation and it doesn't have to be within a committed relationship. Yet, we are still shocked when the level of cruelty and horror takes another step as in the discovery of the three victims in Cleveland.
Years ago, Ruth and Billy Graham presented the world with a quote and it keeps gathering meaning over the years. God doesn't allow bad things to happen so much as allow us to use our free will and forget about praying for discernment before utilizing that gift of free will.
"If God doesn't soon bring judgment upon America, He'll have to go back and apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah!"
Monday, May 6, 2013
Ciinnamon-Oatmeal-Banana Cookies
Oatmeal cookies are a favorite of mine. Yes, I've already found a recipe to make them gluten-free for my husband. This recipe, however, is not gluten-free so everyone with a bag of flour in their cupboard, this one is for you. I plan to make them for Christmas if not sooner . . . much sooner! I may even experiment and see if I can come up with a reasonable replica gluten-free.
Cinnamon-Oatmeal-Banana Cookies
1 cup softened butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 cup pureed bananas
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash of cloves
2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup toasted and chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter, sugar, brown sugar, and eggs in a large mixing bowl, mixing well.
Add bananas, vanilla, spices, oats, flour and baking powder. Beat in to
incorporate. Stir in the walnuts.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about an inch
apart to all room for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set and golden
around the edges.
For an extra punch, you can drizzle with lemon icing or dust with powdered
sugar.
Cinnamon-Oatmeal-Banana Cookies
1 cup softened butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 cup pureed bananas
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash of cloves
2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup toasted and chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter, sugar, brown sugar, and eggs in a large mixing bowl, mixing well.
Add bananas, vanilla, spices, oats, flour and baking powder. Beat in to
incorporate. Stir in the walnuts.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about an inch
apart to all room for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set and golden
around the edges.
For an extra punch, you can drizzle with lemon icing or dust with powdered
sugar.
Definition of a baby . . .
In the United States, today, one can terminate a pregnancy at just about any point of the pregnancy. This presents an interesting but sad statement about the respect for human life in our world today. A baby in the womb is only worth the opinion of the mother carrying the baby. If a baby is killed when a mother intended to keep it, you have a homicide. On the other side, if a child is killed when the mother didn't intend to keep it, it's legal abortion.
Partial birth abortion delivers the head of the baby so the 'doctor' can puncture the head and suck out the brains. This is acceptable. However, if the baby slips entirely out before this can happen, it might be considered murder if the doctor complete the task at this point. Why? What has changed? It was a warm, viable baby on it's way to delivery in the partial birth agenda. What changes when the whole baby is delivered given the initial mind set involved?
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Quote to ponder . . .
People
who would insist on fresh local food think nothing of freezing the substance
from which their own children would form - freeze it for years - no problem.
People who talk about ecological relationships in nature disrupt their own
hormonal system by using contraceptives - for years on end.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Lemon Cookies, Iced Tea, and Summer Time!
A fast recipe to avoid heating up the house this summer. Goes great with a glass of iced tea.
Lemon Cookies
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon extract
Freshly-grated lemon zest
2 cups all purpose flour
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter,
sugar, lemon juice, extract, and zest in a mixing bowl. Slowly stir in the four.
Drop teaspoonfuls of dough (or use a cookie scoop) onto parchment-lined baking
sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Makes about 3 dozen
cookies.
Remember, a lemon drizzle of glaze is not over the
top!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Quick and Easy Dinner . . .
Many an afternoon, I suddenly realize I still need to think about what to cook for dinner. And, given the fact that I've forgotten until that point, most of the meat is frozen too solid for any immediate use. I keep a stand by in the freezer - sausage! Not the breakfast type but the meaty, thick ones that you can slice at a diagonal in order to crisp up as much of the surface as you can! Well, I was blessed to still have some of my stand by in the freezer and this is how I turned out a hearty meal in a nick of time!
Sausage of your choice. My favorite brand is Hillshire but most any sausage except breakfast sausage will work just fine. How much you need depends on how many hungry people will soon be gathering around your dinner table.
Cut the sausage in diagonal disks and brown in a bit of oil in a large frying pan. Meanwhile, dice up a large onion, a bell pepper, and eight peeled cloves of garlic and add to the pan. Stir and cook until the vegetables start to soften a bit. Add a teaspoon of chili flakes and a bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce. Turn down the heat, cover, and simmer until it is heated through and bubbling. If the sauce is too thick, a bit of water, red wine, or chicken broth can remedy that. You want to be sure to have enough sauce to soak into the rice you are going to serve with this!
This takes less than 30 minutes. Rice is easy enough to prepare and if you have a rice cooker, that is one less thing you have to think about. A green salad is good or a festive fruit salad comprised of your favorites and dressed with just a few squeezes of orange or lime juice. Pretty sure you won't get any complaints!
Sausage of your choice. My favorite brand is Hillshire but most any sausage except breakfast sausage will work just fine. How much you need depends on how many hungry people will soon be gathering around your dinner table.
Cut the sausage in diagonal disks and brown in a bit of oil in a large frying pan. Meanwhile, dice up a large onion, a bell pepper, and eight peeled cloves of garlic and add to the pan. Stir and cook until the vegetables start to soften a bit. Add a teaspoon of chili flakes and a bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce. Turn down the heat, cover, and simmer until it is heated through and bubbling. If the sauce is too thick, a bit of water, red wine, or chicken broth can remedy that. You want to be sure to have enough sauce to soak into the rice you are going to serve with this!
This takes less than 30 minutes. Rice is easy enough to prepare and if you have a rice cooker, that is one less thing you have to think about. A green salad is good or a festive fruit salad comprised of your favorites and dressed with just a few squeezes of orange or lime juice. Pretty sure you won't get any complaints!
California Schooling . . .Home schooling might be the saving of your child!
5 Reasons to Break Away from Public Schools Now
Common Core State Standards, academic standards adopted by many states nationwide, is dropping American literature classics from school curriculums in 46 states by 2014. It will be compulsory for 70% of books studied to be non-fiction.
California, which follows the multi-state Common Core Curriculum, has decided to dumb down and eliminate the algebra requirement for all eighth graders.
School districts are eager to take on debt without caring one bit how difficult it will be for their community to pay for it. For instance, a San Diego school district recently took on a balloon loan called a Capital Appreciation Bond (CAB). They borrowed $100 million, but stuck the taxpayers with the responsibility to cough up the $1 billion to pay it off.
Government schools are de facto indoctrination centers for radical environmentalism, the social justice agenda, and Hillary Clinton's it-takes-a-village mindset.
A public school is the place a young person is most likely to encounter bullying, drug and alcohol use, promiscuity, and other negative social behaviors.
Common Core State Standards, academic standards adopted by many states nationwide, is dropping American literature classics from school curriculums in 46 states by 2014. It will be compulsory for 70% of books studied to be non-fiction.
California, which follows the multi-state Common Core Curriculum, has decided to dumb down and eliminate the algebra requirement for all eighth graders.
School districts are eager to take on debt without caring one bit how difficult it will be for their community to pay for it. For instance, a San Diego school district recently took on a balloon loan called a Capital Appreciation Bond (CAB). They borrowed $100 million, but stuck the taxpayers with the responsibility to cough up the $1 billion to pay it off.
Government schools are de facto indoctrination centers for radical environmentalism, the social justice agenda, and Hillary Clinton's it-takes-a-village mindset.
A public school is the place a young person is most likely to encounter bullying, drug and alcohol use, promiscuity, and other negative social behaviors.
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