Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. Let’s welcome back our blog manager, Debra Hicks, from her fun travels. When I wrote my last blog post, school was ending. Now, we are in the throes of Summer Learning Camp. This week also marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day in World War II. We have a lot to be thankful for regarding our freedom.
Quote of the Week: “People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.” –Audrey Hepburn
Book of the Week: I think I have mentioned these books before, but I want to continue the theme of helping others. In Nancy Springer’s Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess, Enola mentions being a perditorian—a finder of persons and things. In this book (made more evident in the movie), Enola decides she needs to assist Tewkesbury, the “useless boy,” as she calls him in the movie, because he needs help. Later on, in The Case of the Left-Handed Lady, Enola tries to locate a missing red-haired young woman.
Joke of the Week: A dog is helping construct my house. He specializes in roofing.
Nugget of Wisdom of the Week: With summer vacation now in full swing, many of you may wonder how to fill that empty time in your day. Well, I have just the thing. I’ve always thought that the world would have fewer problems if everyone became a part of at least one cause or organization. Older adults are dying of loneliness and would love for someone to visit them. Animals in the shelters would love to be played with until adoption. Babies in the NICU at the hospital could use cuddling and rocking while waiting to go home.
If you can’t do any of these things, support worthy causes by making donations. You may know foster parents who seem overwhelmed. Giving them a meal occasionally or slipping a restaurant gift card in their mailbox would be a tremendous gift.
As Audrey Hepburn states in the quote above, all people need to know they are valued and needed. We may not be able to change the world on a large scale, but doing a small deed can change the world for one person at a time.
Recipe of the Week: Crockpot Chili
What you’ll need:
3 lbs. ground turkey
2 packets Au Jus seasoning mix
1 packet onion soup mix
2 jars of your favorite salsa
3 tbsp chili seasoning
1 can black beans, undrained
Put all ingredients into your crockpot, but don’t mix yet. Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. About two hours in, stir thoroughly to combine all the seasonings. The moisture from the turkey meat will provide the juices for the seasoning packets. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and corn chips. Cornbread, either regular or the sweet variety, is another favorite side.
Shout-Out of the Week: This week, I want to give a shout-out to those who volunteer their time and talents to serve others. The world needs your kind of you.
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.