Oh Give Thanks!

Hello daughters of grace!

Happy Thanksgiving!  Thanksgiving is a day set aside to give thanks for all the blessings we have received.  As I sat down to write this blog a hymn that we sing at church popped into my head

Oh give thanks unto the Lord! For He is good.  Yes, He is good! (repeat)

For He is worthy, worthy!!  For He is good. Yes, He is good! (repeat)

For some of us thanksgiving is a wonderful time of family and friends, joy, laughter and in the case of my family serious games of Scrabble!  For others it may be a time of heartache or pain.  For others, working is taking up your day.  I just want to encourage you that no matter your situation – God is still good!  He loves you and He is always on your side.  Take some time tomorrow and just thank the Lord.  Change your focus or make your focus even more laser sharp on Him.  As Paul said to the church at Philippi: 

Phil 4:8-9 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Spend some time with the Lord.  Thank Him for every little thing you can think of.  Right now I'm thanking Him for Hebrews 4:15-16.  Read it when you get a chance!  Changing our focus works wonders for the soul!  I encourage you – Think on these things.  By the way, Thursday is my birthday.  Thank the Lord with me for blessing me with another year.  J 

For those who were not able to attend the Mom Squad Luncheon you missed an AWESOME time in the Lord!  I had the pleasure of teaming up with Josh Booth of the Fish and I offered some wonderful time saving tips to make your Thanksgiving easier.  I also shared my “not so low-fat” Corn Pudding recipe!  If you missed it I’m going to give it here just for you.  Have a blessed thanksgiving and God bless you!  An after turkey day tip!  Be on the look-out for the Mom Squad New Years Get Healthy & Fit Challenge presented by Sonia and myself

Chef Robin’s Top 5 Time Saving Tips for a Happy Thanksgiving!

• Sharpen your knives!!  Sharp knives mean fewer chances for cutting yourself and easier cutting! 
• Only try one new recipe for the holidays.  Stick to what you know so you don't have unhappy family. 
• Make what you can in advance.  Maybe a pie that can be prepared and frozen days or even a week in advance saves time.
• Make a list!  This may seem like a shocker but be like Santa - check that list twice.  Check your pantry before you make a list.  Also, that nutmeg from last year, toss it.  It's time for a new one. 
• Get everyone involved.  A professional kitchen always has several chefs and cooks working to make your meal excellent.  You don't have to be superwoman so put that cape away and accept some help with the cooking!

Corn Pudding

1/4 cup sugar

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

6 large eggs

2 cups whipping cream

1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine, melted

6 cups fresh corn kernels (about 12 ears) or 6 cups frozen whole kernel corn (thawed)

Directions:

Combine sugar, flour, baking powder and salt.

Whisk together eggs, cream, and butter.

Gradually add sugar mixture, whisking until smooth; stir in corn.

Pour into a lightly greased oblong baking dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes OR until golden brown and set.

Let stand 5 minutes.