WISDOM: 17TH CENTURY PRAYER

Mary Marcia
America's STORYTELLER
Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking

http://tellmeastory-marcia.blogspot.com/

I found this 17th Century Prayer  two decades ago, when I was working as a Community Life Director at a retirement community for senior citizens.  
 

Copyright 1997 Marcia Norwood

I hoped the humor and wisdom in this prayer would help residents who had become  sour in their old age.

I asked GOD to remind me when I got older - to heed the advice in this centuries old prayer.  

The title of the prayer is traditional.  

The author is unknown.

Here's the prayer I'm praying for myself today.

Who else will pray through it with me?

Click on each image to enlarge. 

17th CENTURY PRAYER

LORD, 

Thou knowest better than I know myself

that I am growing older, 

and will some day be old.

Keep me from the fatal habit 

of thinking I must say something

on every subject and on every occasion.

Release me from craving 

to straighten out everybody’s affairs.

Make me thoughtful, but not moody…

helpful, but not bossy.

With my vast store of wisdom, 

it seems a pity not to use it all,

but Thou knowest, LORD, 

that I want a few friends at the end.

Keep my mind free 

from the recital of endless details.

Give me wings to get to the point.

Seal my lips on my aches and pains.

They are increasing, 

and love of rehearsing them

is becoming sweeter as the years go by.

I dare not ask for grace enough 

to enjoy the tales of others’ pains,

but help me to endure them with patience.

I dare not ask for improved memory,

but for a growing humility, 

and a lessening cocksureness

when my memory seems to clash 

with the memories of others.

Teach me the glorious lesson 

that occasionally, I may be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet.

I do not want to be a saint…

some of them are too hard to live with.

But a sour, old person 

is one of the crowning works of the devil.

Give me the ability 

to see good things in unexpected places,

and talents in unexpected people.

And give me, O LORD, 

the grace to tell them so.

Amen

Thanks for stopping by.

Come back often, and invite a friend.
 

Mary Marcia

America's STORYTELLER

Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking

 

 

 

JOY

Mary Marcia
America's STORYTELLER
Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking


What brings you joy?

 
What is joy anyway? 

JOY Synonyms: (words having the same or nearly the same meaning):  beatitude, blessedness, bliss, blissfulness, felicity, gladness, happiness, warm fuzzies

JOY Antonyms: (words opposite in meaning) calamity, ill-being, misery, sadness, unhappiness, wretchedness

The first known use of the word JOY was in the 13th century.  It's from the Anglo-French joie, from Latin gaudia, plural of gaudium, from gaudere to rejoice.  The Greek gethein means to rejoice.

Author, Terry Pratchett, writes science fiction, fantasy, humor and award winning (Carnegie Medal) children's books.  Pratchett wrote in   A Hat Full of Sky:

"JOY is to fun what the deep sea is to a puddle.  

It's a feeling inside that can hardly be contained."

Visionary French Jesuit, paleontologist, biologist and philosopher, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, said:

"JOY is the infallible sign of the presence of God." 

American author and humorist, Mark Twain, had something to say about JOY:

"To get the full value of  JOY - 

you must have someone to divide it with."

My wish for you today:

May your heart always be filled with the JOYS of simple things. 

    

  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, 

forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  

gentleness and self-control.

Holy Bible

Galatians 5:22-23

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Come back often, and bring a friend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary Marcia

America's STORYTELLER

Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking

RECIPE: BROCCOLI RICE CASSEROLE

Mary Marcia
America's STORYTELLER
Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking

Link:  http://tellmeastory-marcia.blogspot.com/2016/01/recipe-broccoli-rice-casserole.html

RECIPE

BROCCOLI RICE CASSEROLE 

 My daughter, Sarah, asked me to make broccoli rice casserole for her birthday.  Sarah is a college student who works full time, and she also spoils our four puppies!

Our Rescued/Adopted Puppy Pack:  Daisy (Chinese Crested/Chihuahua), Pearl Ming Zhu (Peek-A-Poo), Tilly (Shiz-Poo), and Izzy Belle (Schnauzer).

Our Rescued/Adopted Puppy Pack:  Daisy (Chinese Crested/Chihuahua), Pearl Ming Zhu (Peek-A-Poo), Tilly (Shiz-Poo), and Izzy Belle (Schnauzer).

This recipe for BROCCOLI RICE CASSEROLE  is different from others we've had, and it is now our favorite.

Cook separately:  Soup mixture, Celery and Onions, Broccoli, and Rice...Then mix all together and bake in the oven.

It's not difficult to make, but you use lots of pans, and cook items separately before you mix everything together to bake it. 

Cook the broccoli and rice separately, then make a mixture of cream of mushroom and chicken soup plus water and cheese, then cook celery and onions in butter, and finally combine all mixtures and bake in the oven.  

 

Yummy!  Broccoli and Rice Casserole!  The recipe says to bake all ingredients in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish, but I had so much that I used two baking pans! 

Are you ready?

Let's begin!

BROCCOLI RICE CASSEROLE 

• 2 (10 ounce) Packages Frozen Chopped Broccoli
• 3 Cups  Instant Rice
• 1 (10.75 ounce) Can Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) Can Cream of Chicken Soup
• 1 and 1/4 Cup Water 
• 16 ounces Cheese (Cubed or Shredded)  (I used cheddar cheese.)
• 1 Tablespoon Butter

• 1 Bunch Celery (Chopped)
• 1 Large Onion (Chopped)
• Salt and Pepper to Taste

Preparation Time:  30 minutes
Cooking Time:  45 minutes
Ready in 1 hour and 15 minutes

Cook separately:  Soup mixture, Celery and Onions, Broccoli, and Rice...Then mix all together and bake in the oven.

 Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cook Broccoli according to package directions.
3. Cook Rice according to package directions.
4. Mix and cook Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup, and 1 and 1/4 Cups Water in a MEDIUM SAUCEPAN over low heat.
5. Gradually stir in 16 ounces  cheese until melted.  Be careful that the cheese does not burn. 
6. Melt butter in a large SKILLET over medium-high heat, and cook and stir celery and onion until soft.
7. Add all ingredients in a large mixing bowl:  broccoli, rice, soup and cheese mixture, celery and onion...and season with salt and pepper.
8. Pour entire mixture into a  9 x 13 inch baking dish.  (I had so much that I used two baking dishes.)
9. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes, until bubbly and lightly brown.

Yummy!  Broccoli and Rice Casserole!  The recipe says to bake all ingredients in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish, but I had so much that I used two baking pans! 

Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by!

Come back often, and invite a friend!

 

Mary Marcia

America's STORYTELLER

Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking

RECIPE: THE BEST APPLE CAKE YOU WILL EVER MAKE

Mary Marcia

America's STORYTELLER

Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking

RECIPE

The BEST Apple Cake 

You Will Ever Make 

 

My friend, Joy Lewis, gave me this recipe for Apple Cake when we were teachers in the 80's at Independence Christian School. This cake is still one of my favorites.  It's just so MOIST and delicious. 

You will notice from my photo that I did not do a good job of getting the cake out of the bundt pan.  I think it's because I didn't grease the pan well enough, and I tried to get the cake out of the pan as soon as I took it out of the oven, and my new clay bundt pan is SO heavy...I almost dropped the entire cake.

Still - the cake was delicious.  I LOVE the parts that carmelized.  I  think this apple cake will become one of your family favorites!!!

The BEST Apple Cake 

You Will Ever Make 

  

 PREHEAT oven to 350 Degrees. 

GREASE a Tube or Bundt Pan. 

 
Combine the FIRST Mixture:
1 and 1/2 Cups Wesson Oil
2 Cups Sugar
2 Eggs

Combine in a separate bowl the SECOND Mixture:
2 Cups Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon   

COMBINE first and second mixtures together...
And then ADD:
2 teaspoons Vanilla
3 Cups SMALL CUBED (Green) Apples
1 Cup CHOPPED Nuts (your choice)    

 

MIX all ingredients together...
and then POUR into Tube or Bundt Pan.   

BAKE at 350 Degrees for 1 and 1/2 HOURS. 

I used the same recipe to make Apple Muffins for my daughter, Sarah's birthday.  She asked me to make apple cake, and my  Broccoli-Rice Casserole.  I'll share that recipe in my next blog.   

My daughter, Sarah.  Copyright 2015 Marcia Norwood

I baked apple muffins for Sarah's party in large, Texas-size muffin tins.  I found the large Wilton muffin pans (normally $29 each pan) on sale at Gordman's for $4.99 each pan. 
 

I prefer to use green apples. 

I didn't  have cupcake liners big enough for the large muffin tins,
so I made my own liners with parchment paper.  I drew around a large bowl on the parchment paper, and cut out circles to use as liners.

Some of the muffins fell in the center during baking time.    Maybe it's because I didn't fill them full enough.  Also - someone came in the kitchen while they were baking, and slammed a door shut...making a LOUD NOISE.    The muffins were still delicious. 

Enjoy your 

Texas-size Muffins or

your Apple Cake! 

I think you will agree that it's

the BEST Apple Cake 

You Will Ever Make !

Thanks for stopping by!

Come back often, and invite a friend!




Mary Marcia

America's STORYTELLER

Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking


 

HOMEMADE SOAP

Mary Marcia
America's STORYTELLER
Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking

Recipe:  

Homemade Soap

     I used flower petals and leaves from my home garden, and miniature toys to put inside my homemade soap.

Click on each photograph to enlarge.

Copyright 2010 Marcia Norwood

 "The best thing 

that can come out of a garden

are gifts for other people."

Jamie Jobb,

Author

It's easy to make your own homemade soaps from "Melt & Pour" soap bases.  I taught myself how to make soap from instructions in books and online videos.  
    

I added COFFEE and OATMEAL to this homemade soap bar.

 

Copyright 2010 Marcia Norwood

It's so easy.  

My daughters and granddaughter like to help.

Did I mention that it's easy?!

Megan Jewell, Sarah Zheng-Kang and Faith Fu Ju.  Copyright 2010 Marcia Norwood

We press flowers from my garden to put inside homemade soaps.

Dogwood Blossoms pressed in a phone book:  Copyright 2010 Marcia Norwood

 

Flower Petals and Ferns make great additions to homemade soaps.

Gather Supplies:

I shop for soap making supplies (molds, cutters, trays, Melt & Pour Bases, colors) at Hobby Lobby, and online at Bulk Apothecary. 

CLICK on this link or 

COPY and PASTE the link in your browser:

http://www.bulkapothecary.com/categories/soap-making-supplies.html

Hobby Lobby Glycerin Soap Base.  Copyright 2010 Marcia Norwood

My favorite soap bases at Bulk Apothecary are:

• Honey Crafters Choice Glycerin Melt and Pour Soap Base

• Honey SFIC (all natural) Glycerin Melt and Pour Soap Base

• Goat Milk SFIC (all natural) Glycerin Melt and Pour Soap Base

• Olive Oil Crafters Choice Glycerin Melt and Pour Soap Base

Let's Begin!

1.  Cut the soap base into cubes, and place in a microwave safe container. 

2.  Use the container for soap making only. Do not use it for food. 

3.  Heat the soap base in the microwave for 30 seconds. 

4.  Stir the mixture. Continue heating the soap base in 30-second intervals and stirring until the soap is melted. Once it is melted, take it out of the microwave. If the soap gets too hot, it causes tiny bubbles in the finished bars of soap.  

(Spray with rubbing alcohol to reduce/remove bubbles.)

Rosemary from my herb garden simmered on the stove and then added to soap. 

5.  Stir in drops of special coloring made for soaps to soap base.  

6.  Add  drops of  essential oils for soap fragrance.   I also add Vitamin E Oil.

Potpourri from My Garden,  Soap Fragrance from Hobby Lobby

Store Handmade Soaps in Snack Baggies and then decorate.

Pour liquid soap into molds and then add herbs

7.  Pour the warm soap mixture into the soap mold. 

8.  Let the soap cool for at least one hour. 



9.  Turn the mold over, and, gently, push down on the back side of the mold until the soap releases from the mold.

 

Homemade Soaps

 

Add Miniature Plastic Toys & COINS to encourage children to wash their hands.  First add liquid soap 1/4 to 1/2 way in mold, and let it dry.  Then add toys or coins to the center, followed by more liquid soap to fill the mold.

Add Herbs and Flowers  from the GARDEN  & Foam LETTERS for NAMES.  Copyright 2010 Marcia Norwood

Add Flowers, Herbs, Miniature Plastic Toys & COINS to encourage children to wash their hands.  First add liquid soap 1/4 to 1/2 way in mold, and let it dry.  Then add toys or coins to the center, followed by more liquid soap to fill the mold.

Add Flowers, Herbs, Miniature Plastic Toys & COINS  and even children's NAMES inside soap to encourage children to wash their hands.  First add liquid soap 1/4 to 1/2 way in mold, and let it dry.  Then add toys or coins to the center, followed by more liquid soap to fill the mold.

Add Flowers, Herbs, Miniature Plastic Toys & COINS  and even children's NAMES inside soap to encourage children to wash their hands.  First add liquid soap 1/4 to 1/2 way in mold, and let it dry.  Then add toys or coins to the center, followed by more liquid soap to fill the mold.

Copyright 2010 Marcia Norwood

Store homemade soap in plastic bags so they don't dry out.  Copyright 2010 Marcia Norwood

Add LEGOS, Miniature Plastic Toys & COINS  and even children's NAMES inside soap to encourage children to wash their hands.  First add liquid soap 1/4 to 1/2 way in mold, and let it dry.  Then add toys or coins to the center, followed by more liquid soap to fill the mold.

Add Flowers & Herbs from the Garden to Homemade Soaps

Homemade Coffee/Oatmeal Soap.  Copyright 2010 Marcia Norwood

Wrap/package your soap in creative ways.

Add your own personal label.

 Creative Packaging:  Coffee Filter, Cut-Up Cardboard, Raffia & Handmade Tag with Paper Doily                                             Copyright 2010 Marcia Norwood

Copyright 2010 Marcia Norwood

Careful!  
Don't make the mistake that I did.
See how the letters for FAITH got messed up?

Foam letters floated everywhere.  

Be sure to add 1/4 liquid soap to mold FIRST -
then let that dry - and then add foam letters...
followed by filling the rest of the mold with liquid soap. 

Copyright 2010 Marcia Norwood

Our Kitchen Table.  Copyright 2010 Marcia Norwood

Here are some videos to help you get started making your own homemade soaps!!!

Have FUN!

CLICK on this link or 

COPY and PASTE the link in your browser

for videos on how to make "Melt & Pour Soap." 

http://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?p=how+to+make+homemade+soap+with+melt+and+pour

Candy Molds can be used for Soapmaking. 

Thank you for stopping by!

Come back often, and bring a friend! 

Mary Marcia
America's STORYTELLER
Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking

Copyright 2010 Marcia Norwood

Copyright 2010 Marcia Norwood

Click on each photograph to enlarge.