Matthew Kelly and A Better Version of Myself

We came home last night, after hearing Matthew Kelly, invigorated and hope filled . When the lesson is offered in positive manner, when the instruction is given without condemnation and when you are sitting in the midst so many on the journey hanging on every word, it's hard not to come away with the intention of making every effort to, as Matthew said, "Become a better version of yourself."

He's right! I am too busy. And because of this busy-ness, I neglect ME!!! When I neglect ME then there are so many things that suffer. I was hearing last night that there are many positive ways for me to improve this "version" of me. I can only tell you that when I hear Matthew speak in a way that affirms I am important, then I WANT to do something about it. When I take care of me then I am able to care for others more efficiently and compassionately. It's not being selfish to want the best for yourself, for when you are at your best then you can offer the best to others!!!

It was truly a GRAND experience last night. I'll be back again tonight!!! Wishing you a wonderful day!! In the meantime you can visit his website, Matthew Kelly Foundation.

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Matthew Kelly: Rediscovering Catholicism

I cannot tell you how excited I am that the next two days offer me an opportunity to experience the talents of Matthew Kelly. He is a wonderful speaker who can, with his enthusiasm, lift your spirits, and motivate you to be, as he says, "A better version of yourself." And so again, I will be privileged to hear his presentation tomorrow and Thursday nights here at St. John the Baptist Church!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Grandma Gretchen's First Annual Recipe Contest

I decided to enter a recipe contest. Yes, I did. I've never done this before. I've posted other recipes that I like but never was so bold as to post mine much less enter a contest with it. But this sounded like fun. So here is my entry.



New England Clam Chowder

5 medium potatoes
1 medium onion
2 cans of minced clams
2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper

1 cube butter/margarine

1/2 cup flour
3 cups milk
2 cups whipping cream

Peel potatoes and dice into small cubes. Finely chop onion. Place in large pot with clam juice from minced clams. Add just enough water to cover potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

Add minced clams, salt, pepper, milk and cream. Make roux from melted margarine and flour. Blend hot milk from chowder pot to roux to thin the roux's consistency and then while stirring over medium heat add roux to chowder. Continue to stir chowder until heated through. Do not bring to a boil. This should thicken the chowder to a velvety consistency.

Serve with salad and warm buttered French bread. May be topped with grated cheddar or Colby cheese if desired.

You can find the contest rules by visiting Spices and Stuff. The background for the contest can be found at My Wonderful Life. Think it over and go out on a limb! Who knows you may be the next chef featured on the Food Network!

Have a grand and glorious Autumn Day...I'm making clam chowder for dinner tonight!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Picture by doe-c-does

Word Verification...

Do you ever wonder if any of those words that are used for word verification are real? Well on occasion I have looked them up in the dictionary or tried to get away with one as a word while playing scrabble only to find it didn't exist and I couldn't fool anyone else by using it. I find that they just do not exist...I cant remember in the last 2 1/2 years getting a REAL word!

Well, much to my delight, this morning when I was commenting at Bernie's House I actually had a word I knew! Yes, indeed!

It put a smile on my face and will be reminded, when I have to spell a word verification 3 times to post my comment, that once upon a time I got a REAL WORD!!!

Have a grand day!!!

~~~^j^~~~
And thanks be to God!!!

The Eight Question MEME

Friend Jenny sent me this via email. I have shared this with all my email friends. Now, since it's been such a long time since I've done a MEME on my blog, I thought I would add it here today. And so we begin...

Six names you go by:

1. Cathy
2. Cat
3. Kate
4. Grandma
5. Mom
6. Catherine

Three things you are wearing right now:

1. Brown pants
2. white sweater
3. black socks/shoes

Three things you want very badly at the moment:

1. Hot tea
2. Visit with Mom
3. To shop for my dress for Jimmy and Kelly's wedding

Three things you did last night/yesterday

1. Went to Bible Study
2. Went to work
3. Did some laundry

Two things you ate today

1. English muffin
2. Hot tea

Two people you last talked to on the phone:

1. Marianne
2. Ron

Two things you are going to do tomorrow:

1. Work at Mother Teresa's Treasures
2. Finish laundry


Your three favorite beverages:
1. Hot tea
2. Fresca
3. Raspberry Iced Tea.

Here's what you're supposed to do. Copy and past the questions into your blog. Then delete my answers and type in your answers. Send this to 5 people and link the answers so that we can all enjoy the fun!

I invite:

Anita

Eileen

Bia

Queenmother Mama

Lisa

And two (2) for good measure

Abbey

Sue

Wishing all a grand Saturday!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!!