If . . .

I was sitting in church the other morning and I got to thinking. I know . . . I should have been paying closer attention to the talks that were being given, and I did for the most part . . . but for a few minutes my mind did wander . . .

I thought to myself . . .

"If you knew that today was going to be the last day of your life would you do anything differently."

The answer was of course! There are things left unsaid that I would try to get said in time. There are things I would do that needed to be done, and people to see and speak to that I needed to speak with. My smiles would be a little sweeter and my deeds a little dearer. I think my priorities would completely change and suddenly what seemed so important would no longer matter all that much, with other more precious things taking their place. Each moment would count in a way it had never counted before . . .



And then I thought to myself . . .

"What are you waiting for? Why should it take the thought of losing all that is dear to you, for it matter more?"

And I declared to myself that I would begin to live each day as if it were going to be my last. We never know how many days we will have for sure. We don't always get notice that they are going to end. The end can oftimes come upon us very quickly and without warning. Lucky are those who have warning . . . they have the precious opportunity to dot all their "i's" and cross all their "t's".



Then I thought of that song about the Saviour, If the Saviour Stood Beside Me."

If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do?
Would I think of His commandments and try harder to be true?
Would I follow His example? Would I live more righteously,
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind if He were never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel? Would I speak more reverently
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would my thoughts be clean and pure?
Would His presence give me strength and hope, and courage to endure?
Would His counsel guide my actions? Would I choose more worthily
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I often kneel to pray?
Would I listen to the Spirit's voice, and hasten to obey?
Would I count my many blessings? Would I praise Him gratefully
If I could see the Savior standing nigh watching over me?

f the Savior stood beside me, would I comfort those in need?
Would I try to show the Savior's love in every word and deed?
Would I give to those who hunger? Would I serve more willingly
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

He is always near me, though I do not see Him there
And because He loves me dearly, I am in His watchful care
So I'll be the kind of person that I know I'd like to be
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me.
~Sally DeForest



I think the answers to both those questions are one and the same . . . and the answer to both is yes, I would do things a lot differently . . .

And so . . . I am.

By the way I am having a Giveaway over on Blossom Time Creations. Why not pop on over and get in on the fun! It's a world wide annual blogging giveaway event and there are also links there to a list which gives you the links to several hundred pages of other creative bloggers who are also hosting giveaways. It's phenomenal!

Here's a tasty salad that I made at the weekend. I love coleslaw and I have to say . . . here in the UK, it's pretty horrible. Way too much mayonnaise, and not enough flavour. I Like to make my own, and this version is one of our favourites. I love the sweetness that the raisins impart, along with the tangy crunch of the apple and the salty bite of the peanuts. All together they just are pretty wonderful. Todd doesn't normally eat coleslaw, but he loves this!



*Firehouse Salad*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

A different type of coleslaw, with raisins, apples and roasted peanuts! Delicious! (If you don't happen to like peanuts, you can substitute cashews for them with great success.)

1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 large head green cabbage, shredded
2 large apples, peeled, cored and chopped
1/4 cup roastged peanuts, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 TBS vinegar
3 tsp sugar
salt to taste
white pepper to taste



Mix the raisins and hot water together in a small bowl. Set aside for 30 minutes. At the end of that time, drain them well and place into a large bowl. Add the cabbage, apples, and peanuts. Toss together thoroughly.

In a separate bowl blend together the mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar. Season to taste with some salt and white pepper. Toss this dressing with the cabbage mixture. Cover and chill for several hours before serving.



Over on The English Kitchen today . . . Jacket Potatoes with Cream and Walnuts.