Day 26 of 26 Days of Thanks

Day 26:

Thanks to everyone who has participated in the 26 Days of Thanks..whether publically or through quietly recognizing God's goodness. When we take the time to reflect intentionally it certainly takes the focus off us and all the less than pleasant things that happen around us and to us.

I am thankful for a God who knows my heart, the real emotions that no one else sees or knows. I'm thankful for real fellowship with believers. I'm overwhelmingly thankful for the family I've been gifted and above all for the relationship that I have with Christ. My list could go on and on...these 26 days have taught me to take time to think about the goodness of the Lord...meditating on His goodness cures a multitude of bad attitudes, discouragements and mood swings!

Thanks for joining in!

Make Ahead Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

This is a recipe that I always used on Thanksgiving Eve. It's delish! I usually make a few without the onions and poppy seeds for the kids. I make them the day before, wrap them up and then warm them right before serving. Yummo!

1/2 lb. butter

3 tbsp. regular mustard

1 sm. onion, grated

1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 tbsp. poppy seeds

1 lb. shaved ham (The deli will do this for you)

1/2 lb. Swiss cheese, shaved

16 hamburger buns (Onion rolls are good too!)

Soften butter and mix well with mustard, onion, Worcestershire sauce and poppy seeds. Spread on both sides of buns. Fill generously with ham and Swiss cheese. Wrap in foil and place in freezer or in oven at 275 degrees for 20 minutes. For those taken from freezer, defrost somewhat before heating or increase the heating time.

Favorite Thanksgiving Dessert Recipe

Here's a recipe that I tried out last Thanksgiving and I will be making it again this year.

Journey over to It's So Very Cheri to link up to this fun tour...Explore Thanksgiving Traditions and Recipes and add your own too!

Caramel Bars

INGREDIENTS

32 individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped

5 tablespoons heavy cream

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt together the caramels and heavy cream, stirring occasionally until smooth.

In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir in the melted butter until well blended. Press Half of the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan. Reserve the rest.

Bake the crust for 8 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove and sprinkle with chocolate chips and walnuts. Pour the caramel mixture over the top and then crumble the remaining crust mixture over everything.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 12 minutes, or until the top is lightly toasted. Cut into squares while it is still warm.

What's On Your Thankgiving Menu?

I'm wondering what you're having for Thanksgiving dinner?

Are you:

A. Cooking a traditional dinner with Turkey, dressing and all the trimmings?

B. Cooking something out of the ordinary, unconventional, crazy...tacos, lasagna, meatloaf?

C. Not cooking...You're eating out or someone else does the cooking

D. Haven't got a clue...it's way to early to be thinking about Thanksgiving!

Leave your vote in the comment section of this post!

26 Days of Thanks

November...my favorite month of the year. Cooler weather, chili simmering on the stove and a fire in the fireplace. It's also the month that contains my favorite holiday ever. Yep...that's right, Thanksgiving.

During November, I am challenging myself to blog a thankful expression everyday til Thanksgiving. I'd love for you to join me as ofter as possible. You can blog it at your own site or leave a comment on any day you can. I hope that whether here or there...you'll take a little extra time to give thanks for all your wonderful blessings.

Day One

I am thankful for a relationship with my Savior. This might be an obvious first day gratitude, but truth is, I am not nealy as grateful as I should be. When I think about all He has done for me, really nothing else matters.

As a five year old child, sitting in an AWANA Sparks lesson, I remember understanding my need for a Savior to take my black-sinfilled heart and make it pure white with His red blood. I believed on Jesus that Wednesday night.

As a teenager I remember His voice wooing me as I sat at the Bill Rice Ranch in Murfeesboro, TN and understanding He wanted my life for His service in a special way.

As an adult, over and over the Savior has led my steps, covered my mistakes with His righteousness, taught me His ways and forgiven my many sins.

I'm thankful everyday, but sometimes I'm not thankful enough...to share Him with someone new, no tell of His greatness, to spend time with Him, to acknowledge His presence.

I'm eternally thankful He is patient with me.

How are you thankful for the Savior today?