“Crises reveal character. When we are put to the test the hidden resources of our character are revealed exactly.” — Oswald Chambers Disciples Indeed
Thought for Today
Feast Day of Saint Patrick
Not being a drinker, I don’t get terribly involved in the American cultural celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day. But haven’t you ever wondered about the real life of this Saint and man? Here are two links to help us learn more.
Thought for Today
“Live out of your imagination, not your history.” — attributed to Stephen Covey [Source: Brainy Quotes]
It’s National Quilting Day!
Copyright 2014 by R.A. Robbins
Original quilt based on the song Circle Game
This is the day we celebrate quilts, quilting and quilters. If you think quilting is something only done by little old ladies think again. Women and men of all ages are turning to this age-old art form to not only make practical bed coverings but increasingly as a means of self-expression. From traditional quilting to art quilting/fabric art this art form is still alive and well.
If you live near Lincoln Nebraska Quilting Day activities are being held today at the International Quilt Study Center. Visit their website for more information. While you are at the website take a minute to look around to see some beautiful quilts.
Perhaps you have a quilting story of Grandma’s quilting frame, a beloved old family quilt or a story about your own quilting or fabric art activities you would like to share. Please leave a comment to do so. Happy Quilting Day!
Healthy Living A to Z: F is for Flaxseed
Copyright 2013 by R.A. Robbins
Not everyone may be familiar with flaxseed. Flaxseed is high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as phytochemicals called lignans. It is used to improve digestive health and may help lower total cholesterol, LDL or “bad” cholesterol, and reduce heart disease risk. Ground flaxseed is easier for the body to digest. Grind your own in a coffee grinder or purchase flaxseed meal.
You may add flaxseed to a variety of foods including yogurt for a little extra nutritional boost. I like to replace 1/4 cup of the flour in my baked goods with flaxseed meal or use it as an egg substitute. Mix one Tablespoon with 3 Tablespoons of hot water for each egg you are replacing. Let sit until the consistency of egg whites. When Colette Martin told me about this I didn’t think it was possible, but it does work.
There are other seeds on the market now with similar benefits including chia and hemp seeds. Flax is usually less expensive.
For more information: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/flaxseed/AN01258
Thought for Today
“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, as quoted in My Country Vol. 2, No. 3 (September 1968) by Litchfield Historical Society, p. 23
Just Say Hello
Thought for Today
“Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace.” — Albert Schweitzer, Kulturphilosophie (1923)
Pack Your Lunch Day
Copyright 2014 by R.A. Robbins
This is Pack Your Lunch Day! In case you need encouragement here are 5 Reasons to Pack Your Own Lunch:
1. Save Money Eating out is expensive. Keep track of how much you spend on lunch for a week. You may be shocked.
2. Eat healthier Restaurant food is often loaded with fat, sugar and salt. By packing your own lunch with fresh, whole foods and homemade items, you know exactly what goes into it.
3. Save time and stress Do you find yourself driving to a restaurant, waiting for your food, gulping it down and then rushing back to work hoping your won’t be late? Take your own food and enjoy a leisurely lunch with time left over to relax or take a short walk.
4. Cut down on food waste. Leftovers from last nights dinner make a good lunch.
5. Be kind to the environment. A reusable lunch box and food containers helps keep fast food cartons, napkins, cups as well as plastic bags out of the landfill.
Thought for Today
“Peace will come wherever it is sincerely invited.” — Alice Walker [From Living by the word: selected writings, 1973-1987, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 192, (1989). ]
espirational.com 