The Difference . . .

I got up early one morning
And rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish
That I didn't have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me
And heavier came each task
"Why doesn't God help me?" I wondered
He answered, "You didn't ask!"

I wanted to see joy and beauty
But the day toiled on, grey and bleak;
I wondered why God didn't show me
He said "But you didn't seek!"

I tried to come into God's presence
I used all my keys at the lock;
God gently and lovingly chided
"My child, you didn't knock."

I woke up early this morning
And paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish
That I had the time to pray.
~author unknown



One of the first things I do each morning, as soon as I open my eyes in fact, is to have a few moments alone with my Heavenly Father in prayer. I thank Him for the night I have just passed through, and then I thank Him for the day which sits before me, and I ask that He would guide my steps along the journey that faces me in the coming hours. When I am in the shower, I prayerfully think about all those that I know are in need of my words and prayers, and I ask God to help them, and I ponder any needs that I may have myself, and I ask for guidance and help for those as well. I often say a silent prayer throughout my day as I go about my business. I believe the scriptures charge us to pray unceasingly, and I have to say that I usually have a running monologue going through my head between myself and my Heavenly Father. It is a simple thing . . . prayer . . . but it is something that I absolutely need each morning to get my day off to the right and perfect start. I love my Todd, and I would no more think about going out that front door each morning without sharing a few words with him and telling him how much I love him . . . and I love my Heavenly Father and I would no more think about going out the front door of my day without doing the same thing with Him . . . it takes so little effort, but it makes all the difference in the world between having merely a good day or having a great day! It has been my experience that, when I allow my Heavenly Father to guide my steps, I walk a better path . . .



No Thrifty Thursdays here today. This is my last post before I go off on my great adventure. I cannot believe that at this time tomorrow, I will have begun this wonderful journey! I am so excited about the friends I am going to be able to spend time with, and about seeing my lovely daughter again. I hate to leave Todd behind, but alas, it just wasn't the right time for him to go anywhere. I have made sure he has enough to eat, and I just know that people here will take good care of him for me while I am away.

I have not had any time to do any posts ahead this time, like I did last summer when I was away, but you never know, I may have a chance to jump onto a computer now and then and let you know how all is going. In any case, when I return home, I will be armed with lots of pictures and stories to share with you all. If anyone of you wanted to keep up with my daughter, she has a page here on the Canada Team site: HERE There is a lovely photo of her there and a few words about her as well. I believe that one is also able to leave a message of support for her on that page. The official page for the games is HERE.

I have a ton of things to do today. I have to work, as well as pack, as well as teach a Seminary Lesson. I also have to cut Todd's hair. I am giving Young Women's a pass tonight as I have to be in bed early. I will be on the road a little past five o'clock tomorrow morning! Somebody pinch me coz I still feel like I am dreaming!

I thought I would leave you with the recipe for a really tasty appetizer spread that I make often at work and at home. You don't need to go out and buy the best smoked salmon for this. I often only buy the packages of bits and ends that is quite a lot cheaper. They work just fine in this recipe. I have had this recipe posted on Recipezaar for a long time now, and I have to say it has lots of 5 star reviews and is quite popular, so you know , it's really good.



*Smoked Salmon Spread*
Makes 2 cups

Normally we serve this delicious spread with breadsticks or crackers. Try spooning the leftovers (You'll be lucky if there is any) onto some thick, grilled slices of sourdough bread and top it with a squirt of lemon and a few grinds of pepper. The creamy, pale pink spread, melting into the crevices of the crunchy toast is totally moreish!

12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
6 dashes Tabasco sauce
3 spring onions, white and green parts, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
8 ounces smoked salmon, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 1 tablespoon dried dill tops
fresh ground black pepper to taste
fresh dill, for garnish (optional)
crackers or breadsticks, for serving

Blitz the cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice and tabasco sauce in a food processor until it is well combined and smooth. Add the spring onions, capers, salmon, dill and black pepper and pulse a few times to blend well. Don't over pulse as a bit of texture is wanted. Garnish with dill and serve chilled or at room temperature, accompanied with crackers or breadsticks.

I'll catch you all on the flip side! Wish me well!!