A day well spent . . .

"If you sit down at set of sun
And count the acts that you have done,
And, counting, find
One self-denying deed, one word
That eased the heart of him who heard,
One glance most kind
That fell like sunshine where it went -
Then you may count that day well spent.
~ George Eliot

Each day I live is far to precious to me for me to let it pass by without taking note. Each evening I like to spend a few moments quietly thinking about the day that has just passed, a moment or two to ponder and to take stock of the day I've just finished.

Have I been the friend I should have been today?

Have I worked as hard as I could have?

Have I shared a kind word when the spirit has prompted me to?

Have I prayed for those that really need my prayers?

Have I prayed for those that are too afraid, or too humble to ask for my prayers?

Have I acted in kindness in love?

Have I done all that I could, when I could, and where I could?

Do I need to try harder tomorrow?

It often doesn't take the big magnanimous gestures to make a difference, but the small and simple things. These are the greatest gifts of all and oft-times mean the difference between having a wasted day or a day well spent . . .



I got quite a lot accomplished on my half day off yesterday. I got a new picture painted. Here's a little teaser below.


Of course, if you are interested you can see the full picture here. I called this one, "A Friend Loveth At All Times." I just love the scriptures and Proverbs is one of my favourite books.



I also got busy last evening and made my first Sock Monkey. He's all done now except for his eyes and I also want to make him a little vest to wear and a hat. I really hope my grandson likes him. I only have one more to make now and then the two older ones will both have one. It's Gabriel's birthday on the 7th, so I really need to get this first one finished and out in the post and on it's way across the Atlantic! It is hard to believe that he will be three already! The time has just flown past! Before we know it he will be starting school Jonathan will also be three in May! They're growing up quickly. There is a little girl in our chapel that was born just a few weeks before Gabriel and she is turning three on Friday. I am always watching her and thinking to myself that the things that she is doing are the things my grandson's are doing. It helps me to keep a perspective on where they are at!

I had some chicken breasts in the fridge that I wanted to use up yesterday. I love chicken breasts. They are so versatile and easy to prepare. They don't really take that long to cook and you can easily adapt them to most flavours. This is one of our favourite ways of having them.



*Crunchy Chicken*
Serves 4

Quick, tasty and very easy to do. I think this will become a family favourite!

1 (10 1/2 ounce) tin of condensed cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup milk
1 TBS onion, finely chopped
1 TBS fresh parsley, finely chopped
4 large, skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 cup herb seasoned stuffing cubes, finely crushed
2 TBS butter melted

Preheat the oven to 200*C?400*F. Lightly grease a shallow baking dish and set it aside.

Combine 1/3 cup of the condensed soup, 1/4 cup of the milk and the onion and parsley in a shallow dish. Set aside.

Place the crushed stuffing mix in another shallow dish.

Wipe the chicken breasts and then dip them into the soup mixture. Allow any excess to drip off and then roll them into the crushed stuffing cubes. Place into the greased baking dish, right sides up. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts, placing them all into the dish without the sides touching. Drizzle the melted butter over top evenly.

Bake in the heated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are nicely browned and the juices run clear when you pierce them with a fork. Do not overcook as they will dry out too much.

Combine the remaining soup and milk in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring now and again. Serve this sauce spooned over the chicken when you are ready to eat.