Making a Brand New Beginning . . .

I doubt that there are very many of us who would consider that we have led a perfect life. As hard as we may try, it is a very rare soul indeed who has no regrets, who has made no bad decisions . . . who has done things that they wish they hadn't of done, or even left undone things they should have done.

Although it's very important to recognize when we've messed up and made mistakes, to acknowledge them and repent . . . it's equally as valuable to know when to forgive ourselves and to move on. The erasing of past errors is not always possible, in fact it's rarely if ever possible. It is a far worse mistake that we make, if we allow them to entirely overshadow our futures.



You may never be able to change other people's behaviour . . . they may never see it in their hearts to forgive you . . . but if you have done your best to right a wrong, and they still cannot accept this, then you just have to leave it behind . . . and move forward knowing you have done your best.

"Though no-one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start now and make a brand-new beginning."

I like the thoughts of that.



I am off to my One Step Program this morning. I am going to go to the exercise class that they run in the hour before the counselling session. I hope that I can cope with it. Of course I can. When I think of my friend Lura and all that she is going through right now . . . a simple exercise class does not seem all that insurmountable! Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers for her road to recovery. She just loves to hear words of encouragment, so please stop by and give her some happy words and thoughts if you can. Thanks so much!

Has anyone been watching the new Mini Series on TV about the Kennedy's?? We are thoroughly enjoying it. It's amazing how well the actors have been picked out to exactly resemble them! I think that the fella that's playing Jack Kennedy is the spitting image!

I love oatmeal cookies. They have such a wholesome flavour and I like to think I am eating something somewhat healthy when I have one. Here is one of my favourite recipes. I'm always trying out new ones in the search for that elusive one . . . one that's crunchy and yet still has raisins in it. These are not it, but they are very tasty nonetheless!




*Oatmeal Chip Cookies*
Makes 36
Printable Recipe

A delicious oatmeal cookie chock full of nuts, chocolate chips, raisins and cornflakes!

3/4 cup of butter, softened
3/4 cup of soft light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
1 large free range egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups quick cooking rolled oats (not instant)
1 1/2 cups cornflakes cereal
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

Cream together the butter and both sugars in a large bowl until fluffy with an electric whisk. Beat iin the egg and vanilla. Whisk the flour, soda and salt together in another bowl. Stir this dry mixture into the creamed mixture. Stir in the oatmeal, raisins, cornflakes and chocolate chips.

Drop by heaped tablespoons onto the parchment lined baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake in the heated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges and tops begin to brown. Remove from the pans to wire racks to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.



Over in The English Kitchen today I'm playing with my new Cuisinart Griddle and Grill and I've made some really delicious Turkey Panini!