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Published December 9, 2009
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Hospitality Hints and Help By Laverne B. Jackson
Ah! Valentine Day! So much love is expressed in so many different ways on this
day. In fact, it has been said that more candy and roses are sold on this day
than any other holiday throughout the year, as an expression of love and
caring.
So what does love mean to life? It is quite possible to live without it,
although few would choose to do so.
Think today, we look outside, the day is overcast, the scene is drab and we turn
away with a sigh. We look out the next day, same scene, but the sun is shining
and the warm glistening brightness gives a lift to our heart, in fact our
entire feelings. We most likely think,
“This is going to be a good day.”
Love, like sunshine, can change our outlook. Where there is love we find
comfort, joy, compassion, a desire to help, faith in God
’s goodness and the potential of our fellowmen. Love, this special quality of the
heart, can spread to the whole fabric of everyday living.
Love is not a fixed commodity that can be weighed and measured. It is a
relationship of immeasurable variety. Sometimes its role is to stand aside and
smile. Sometimes it must be expressed in discipline. Often it is to hold out an
encouraging and strengthening hand. A gesture that says
“I love you and am here to help you.”
Surprises, flowers, compliments, applause, gifts, notes, remembrance of special
days
– perhaps these things may seem trivial to some – but they bring happiness out of all proportion to the effort involved. Children
are fortunate who grow up in homes where they learn at an early age to draw
pictures, write letters, make gifts, and plan surprises for others.
While thoughtfulness can bring joy, it is not enough in itself as a way of life.
Love is like a strong plant, with roots of duty, loyalty, and responsibility,
but it is more beautiful when it flowers with that imaginative expression which
makes the eyes shine and the heart glad. Love is not only thoughtful, but is
willing to gladly accept responsibility!
I Wish You a Happy Valentine Day and hope that if you give a Valentine gift, it
will be an expression of love that will gladden the heart and make the eyes
shine.
Published December 9, 2009
Hospitality Hints and Help By Laverne B. Jackson
What Does One Leaf Matter?
This story is told by the superintendent of a famous park:
One year there was an African Violet show. Thousands of people came, probably
because they enjoy growing these plants and because of the beauty of the
flowering plants. A strange thing happened during the show.
One after another, the people attending broke off leaves from the finest plants
to take home and root for their collections. They probably thought, "What does
one leaf matter?"
But it did matter. The show had to close ahead of schedule. So many leaves were
gone from the plants that there wasn't much left to show.
A similar thing happened to me. Several years ago, while on vacation, we visited
the Petrified Forest. On entering, we saw a sign, "Do not take the pieces of
petrified wood." Then on into the gift shop, there was letter after letter with
apologies asking for forgiveness and saying how sorry they were that they had
taken a piece of wood.
Yes. The pieces taken were returned!
You see, if every visitor had taken a piece of petrified wood, the place would
have had to be closed because there would have been no wood to show.
What does one leaf or piece of wood matter?
Think about this. The leaves/wood suggests the small decisions woven into the
fabric of our daily living, decisions that seem unimportant in themselves, but
that would be damaging on a large scale.
Think of the times you have stayed away from church or school meetings, thinking they would be long and dull; of congratulations or
condolences which were not offered, feeling that yours would not be missed; of
election days when you did not go to the polls, thinking you did not have the
time.
There is another way in which one leaf can matter. Imagine that someone sees a
person break off a leaf or take a piece of wood and thinks, "Well, if it is OK
for that person to take these things, why can't I?"
You see, actions are contagious.
A speeding motorist often quickens the speed of other drivers. Picknickers
leaving trash along the highway, others may feel inclined to do the same. One
student cheats, and another thinks he will try it.
Happily, good actions are contagious, too.
Small decisions made unselfishly, even though this is the harder way, can set an
example. Not only do they strengthen one's own character, but they may very
well influence the person next to us to vote, to attend, to contribute, to
serve, to stand fast, or to believe.
What does one leaf matter?
Remember our daily actions, as part of a larger pattern, may affect the lives of
others. May we deal with each choice before us responsibly and constructively.
Published December 9, 2009
Hospitality Hints and Help By Laverne B. Jackson
Have you noticed that the word “gift” takes on a different meaning this time of year? Perhaps it’s Christmastime – the time of Jesus’ birth. Perhaps it’s about the stories of the Magi, the three men who brought gifts at the time of
Jesus
’ birth. It seems that there is a special joy at Christmastime that touches every
heart. It reminds us how much we really care for friends and family whether we
see them everyday or just once in a while. There is a special warmth at
Christmastime that we seem to feel for everyone, that fills us with a sense of
joy that makes us want to pass on to those with whom we come in contact. Keep
in mind when giving gifts any time of the year, it is not how big the gift or
how expensive, it is the caring, warmth and joy with which it is given. A gift,
of any size or cost, given with warmth, joy and love will be rewarding to both
the one giving and the one receiving.
I found an old Christmas card that has a wonderful Christmas message, so I am
passing it on to you.
Christmas is more than a day.
It is a smile exchanged with a stranger
Charity that springs from a joyous heart.
A child’s wide-eyed wonderment.
It is carols sung with unrivaled exuberance.
The delicious aroma of home baked cookies and other Christmas goodies.
A special warmth that spreads abounding cheer.
Christmas is love.
May the wonderful feeling that is Christmas be with you every day of the year.
This Fresh Apple Cake is great for giving or keeping. It keeps well for slicing
or freezing.
Fresh Apple Cake
4 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored and chopped
2 cups sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
3 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup vegetable or canola oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Combine apples, sugar and pecans in a large mixing bowl. Set aside for 1 hour,
stirring occasionally. Combine flour, soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set
aside. Combine oil, eggs and vanilla. Before adding to mixture
– beat oil mixture well.
After 1 hour, add dry ingredients to apple mixture, then add oil mixture. With
large spoon and by hand, mix well. Pour into well oiled 10
” tube pan. Bake in 350 degree oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Remove from oven
to wire rack. Punch small holes in hot cake. Drizzle with hot glaze. Let stand
until absorbed. Remove from pan.
Glaze
½ cup sugar
2 Tablespoons butter
¼ cup milk
¼ teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to boil then simmer for about 4
minutes. Pour while hot over warm cake.