HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

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Image: Fall Foliage 2024 by Gail K. Kachnycz

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

By Gail K. Kachnycz on 23 November 2024 

     There is a difference between being thankful, and giving thanks.

     In recent years, cultivating an “attitude of gratitude” has been recognized as a positive thing to do. Research backs this up: Linda A. Baker, a Clinical Therapist, noted the following in Princeton Health News: The practice of gratitude encourages new, positive pathways in the brain. Dopamine and Serotonin are released, two chemicals in the brain that promote feelings of pleasure, happiness, and overall well-being. “Practicing gratitude encourages us to be aware of our automatic thoughts and core beliefs and purposefully reflect on what is good and valuable.”(1)

     Long before gratitude was “a thing,” the Apostle Paul advised the Philippian believers:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things you have learned and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 NASB 2020

     Science demonstrates the Biblical truth of these verses. Gratitude improves psychological well-being, promotes a better mood, increases self-esteem, and enhances resilience. With these benefits, it is no surprise that relationships improve. There are even physical results such as better sleep and boosted immune function (2).

     It was around Thanksgiving 2018 that the cardiologist Mike was seeing at the time told him that all treatment options had been exhausted, and hospice was recommended. I began the practice of journaling then to provide an outlet for my emotions and to deal with this prognosis. At some point, I began to end each entry with either a written prayer or a list of three things I was thankful for. I figured there had to be at least three things that would come to mind. It was helpful to have a format, so I started with the phrase, “Grateful For: (1)…(2)…(3)”

     However, as I reflected on the upcoming holiday this year, it impressed me that it is “Thanksgiving.” There is a difference between having a general sense of gratitude, and giving thanks. We give something to someone. In the case of Thanksgiving, especially for people of faith, we give thanks to God. For me, this means my journal entry will no longer use the phrase “Grateful For,” but instead, “Thank You, God, For:” Psalm 107 captures the intent and essence of our Thanksgiving holiday:

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,

whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands,

from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. Psalm 107:1-3 ESV

God bless you as you gather and give thanks to the LORD.


1. Reference accessed 11/23/2024: https://www.princetonhcs.org/about-princeton-health/news-and-information/news/can-gratitude-increase-quality-of-life 

2. Reference accessed 11/23/2024: https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-gratitude-research-questions/

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RECIPE: Family Tradition

Thursday, November 21, 2024

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Image: Sweetzels Storefront October 2023 by Gail K. Kachnycz

RECIPE: FAMILY TRADITION by Gail K. Kachnycz 21 November 2024

     The recipe I had planned for November was a combination of two seasonal flavors: pumpkin and Spiced Wafers. Delaware Valley natives are familiar with these crispy treats: Sweetzels, and Ivin’s (sold at “the Acme”). Anyone who is not a local says, “Oh, ginger snaps.” They. Are. Not. Spiced Wafers have their own unique flavor, not quite as strong as ginger. A rare commodity, they are both regional and seasonal. Grab them when you can.

     My recipe was a pumpkin cheesecake using Spiced Wafer crumbs for the crust instead of graham cracker crumbs. I first made it last year, and it was a big hit, with repeat requests. Since it had been almost a year since I baked this dessert, I decided to make a practice serving for lunch guests. It was a big flop. The crust was cemented to the bottom of the spring-form pan, and the cake was a bit too soft, especially after scraping it off the brittle crust. So, back to the test kitchen! However, that left me with finding a recipe to post a little in advance of the big Thanksgiving meal next week.

     As I cast about for a replacement, I thought about the special recipes that are brought out for the occasion. The best ones are tried and true, an expected part of the menu. They are often associated with a specific person, such as, “Anna’s Chicken Liver Stuffing.” If you were accorded the honor of receiving the recipe, it was probably hand-written on an index card. If it was from a cookbook, a photocopy could be made, and often there were notes written in the margin: the cook’s special touch.

     This week’s recipe is just such a one: hand-written by my sister, our mother’s Oatmeal Crisp Topping, “for anything that needs a good topping.” This crumb mixture stores well in the fridge, so I make up a batch, use just what I need, and save the rest for later. Whenever I use it, I remember my mom, who was taken home to heaven 25 years ago. As the holidays approach, I encourage you to search through the card file or leaf through the old cookbook. Take the time to make the recipe, and as you do, think about the person who made it special for you.  

 


Helen's Oatmeal Crisp Topping (for anything that needs a good topping)

1 cup Rolled Oats

1/2 cup Butter

1/2 cup Brown Sugar

1/3 cup Flour 

1-2 teaspoons Cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg

Cut butter into the other ingredients until crumbly. Place on top of anything you want.

Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees F. Enjoy!

Gail's note: if the item you want to top requires more than 30 minutes to bake, the topping can be sprinkled on for the last 30 minutes to keep it crisp rather than soggy.


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NOVEMBER: National Family Caregivers Month

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

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Image: dreamstime.com

NOVEMBER: National Family Caregiver Month

By Gail K. Kachnycz on 12 November 2024 

     November is National Family Caregivers Month. I did not know there was such a thing until I started this blog. Those who care for a family member deserve recognition indeed. Many of them are also in the workforce or serving their community or church as well. At this time, I would like to highlight friends who have encouraged me with this blog and website, who are caregivers for members of their family. You have met some of them before. I would also like to salute those of you who subscribe to this blog who care for family members. Some of you have replied by email with encouragement or suggestions, or information about resources. Thank you.

Edith with her husband, Fred. They were featured September 2, 2024

As I described in my post, Edith has been a mentor to me in my journey of caregiving. She is a prayer supporter and encourager to me. In addition to caring for her husband, Fred, she also has an administrative role in our church and is “Gram” to over half a dozen grandchildren.

Donna and her daughter Rebecca. They were featured May 8, 2024

Donna is a wonderful friend and an amazing mother to Rebecca. Donna and I pray weekly, and she has provided information that is helpful to those with family members with special needs. She is also a busy cardiac nurse and in leadership and dance ministry in our church.

Gretchen with her mother, Janet, and her husband, Scott

Gretchen's book was featured October 18, 2024

Gretchen is the author of the book, Come Dance with Me; Devotions for Deeper Intimacy with God. Gretchen is caring for her mother in their home. Gretchen’s mother-in-law also lived with Scott & Gretchen until the Lord called her home in 2023. This couple is an example of honoring parents with love and devotion. Gretchen is an RN, leads dance ministry, and coordinates Operation Christmas Child in our church.

Susan and her "Sweetie Mom"

Susan Reinhardt is an author and has encouraged my writing efforts. She is caring for her mother in their home, while continuing her own writing career.




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ELECTED TO SERVE

Thursday, November 7, 2024

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Image:  https://pixabay.com/photos/usa-flag-us-flag-american-flag-239620/

ELECTED TO SERVE 

By Gail K. Kachnycz on 28 October 2024 

     We are indeed privileged in this country to have the opportunity to vote for those who represent us. I hope you exercised that right on election day.

     Whether you are elated or incensed with the results of the election, the officials who have been voted into office have a responsibility to serve all of their constituents, regardless of party affiliation. It is important to have contact information for elected officials, so that you can inform them of your support or concerns about upcoming legislation or other issues. Here is a link to a website that provides the contact information for every elected official in the USA, from the President right through your city mayor and local representatives. It is easy to use simply by entering your address (no name needed). By January 2025, when newly elected officials are sworn in, the website should be complete with all the updated information.

My Reps Website

     Last week, the post highlighted the PA MEDI program, for help during Medicare Open Enrollment (10/15/24-12/7/24). Since Medicare is a federal program, it is important to know that if you are having difficulties with Medicare services, your Federal Congressman/woman is the office that can help you. Your US Representative should have a person designated as the “Medicare Liaison.” You can use the link above to identify your Representative and contact information.

     Let me close with a few verses that address our attitude toward government officials. 

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Romans 13:1 NKJV 

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 1 Peter 2:13-17 NKJV 

The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1 NKJV

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 NKJV 

     As Paul states in 1 Timothy, the ultimate goal is “for all men to be saved and to come the the knowledge of the truth.” God’s purposes in this world cannot be thwarted, regardless of who is wielding earthly authority. With that in mind, I leave you with Paul’s prayer for the church in Ephesus:

Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come. Ephesians 1:15-20 NKJV (emphasis added)

 


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