Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. Don’t forget, this weekend is the time to set your clocks AHEAD one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night. I would much rather have the Fall time change, you know, getting that extra hour. Oh well. This winter whiplash is driving me crazy. Hopefully, Spring will have sprung for good in the next two weeks.
Happy Birthday to all of you who turned a year older this past week. Also, Happy Anniversary to you and your loved one for reaching another milestone year together.
Quote of the Week: “It is easier to take than to give. It’s nobler to give than to take. The thrill of taking lasts a day. The thrill of giving lasts a lifetime.” Joan Marques
Song of the Week: Michael Jackson always pushed the envelope with his music. And that was no different when he released “Man in the Mirror” in 1988. This song spoke about seeing the despair, hurt, and sadness in the world and looking inside yourself on how to make a positive impact.
Joke of the Week: Why did the philanthropist cross the road? He wanted to donate on the other side.
Nugget of Wisdom of the Week: I’m sure you have noticed the theme for this week…giving. Not only with money but also with yourself. I have always said the world needs your kind of you.
Getting back to the song referenced above, which also is a Christian book by the same title, I want to talk about finding the place you love and volunteering. I have also said that when people feel “bored” and believe they have nothing to do, choose just one organization and donate your time.
If you aren’t a people person but love animals, volunteer at the local animal shelter. The animals would love the extra physical attention you could provide while the workers attend to other tasks. In addition to your time, you could donate used blankets, dog or cat toys, and food to ensure the critters there have what they need.
If you are drawn to the elderly, locate the nearest assisted living facility or even an Alzheimer’s care home and visit the residents. The people there are often lonely as their family members may not be able to visit regularly. Just sitting and asking them about their favorite things can make a huge difference in letting them know someone cares about them. In addition to your time, you could encourage others to write notes, donate games and DVDs, and maybe bring a HABIT dog. Older people LOVE animals.
If you are still unsure where to plug in, write a list of the kinds of things you are good at, have a passion for, and would want to share with others. There is a world out there with hurting, lonely people just waiting for your love and attention. You got this!
Recipe of the Week: This week’s recipe is one I found scrolling on Facebook by none other than Ree Drummond–whoincidentally cameoed in the 2021 Hallmark movie, “Candy Coated Christmas.” Don’t worry, it’s not a Christmas recipe.
School Pizza–the rectangle-shaped one that was one of the best things in the cafeteria.
What you’ll need:
Crust-
2 2/3 cups of flour
¾ cup powdered milk
2 tbsp sugar
1 packet of quick-rise yeast
1 tsp salt
1 2/3 cups warm water, heated to 105-110 degrees
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Filling-
½ pound ground chuck
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
1 8 oz bag of mozzarella cheese
Homemade sauce-
6 oz can tomato paste
1 cup water
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
½ tbsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried crushed rosemary
To make the crust, dump the flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt into a bowl, whisking to stir completely. Add the oil to the water you heated to 110 degrees, then pour into the mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until the batter forms. Lumps are acceptable, you just don’t want any dry spots. Using your fingers, spread the dough onto a pan. Bake at 475 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
Brown the meat and drain. Use the sauce and spread it all over the crust. Add the meat, then sprinkle the cheese. Cook in the oven for another 8-10 minutes, giving the cheese time to melt and brown. Let stand for about 5 minutes, then slice and enjoy!
Shout Out of the Week: This week, I want to give a shout-out to everyone who gives back to others not only with their time but also with donations. You may not think you are doing much, but one act of kindness is never wasted. Thank you for giving it to others!
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.