The Power

I just returned from attending the funeral of a former teacher, Norma Smith. She is surely very proud, her final performance was perfect. I say that because she was my high school Drama and Speech teacher.  She also taught English, though I never had the opportunity to have her for that class. 

I remember being a rather shy sophomore.  What ever lead me to take Drama completely mystifies me to this day.  I am however grateful that a wonderful soul like Mrs. Smith was there to welcome me.  She was enthusiastic and so much so that you couldn't help but be likewise when you were around her.  She was nurturing.  As the cast list was posted for an upcoming play, I read in disbelief that I had the lead.  My nerves were wrecked, to a point that I was almost in tears.  She acknowledged my fear and simply said to me, "If I did not believe you could do it, I would not have cast you there. You are going to be great!"  She probably would never again recall the conversation, but I did.  I knew she felt a great sense of pride in her productions and she trusted me to carry this off.  I can not tell you now the name of the play or even the name of my character, but I do remember Mrs. Smith and her faith in me.  (I recall I played a crazy lady....type cast huh?) 

This made me think of all the negative comments we hear in our lives that we hold on to. Why do we not hold on to the positive comments?  I have heard it said that it takes a multitude of positive comments to over come one negative comment.  Maybe we should be more careful with what we say to others, especially our children?  Maybe we need to take time to think before we punish with our words?  Maybe some battles are not worth fighting?  We have the great power in our tiny little words to encourage and inspire.  We also have the same awesome force to belittle and breakdown.  Oh, Mrs. Smith got frustrated with us plenty and often sat us down to have a talk, but never do I recall harsh words.  She would pull at her hair in annoyance at our lack of concentration, but she would only rally her cast..."The show must go on!" 

I want to emulate that type of speech, one that fosters the good in others, one that promotes kindness and one that champions the heart.  I want to always speak in a way the will provide good memories for my children to hold on to long after I am gone. 

Thank you Mrs. Smith for your unfailing graciousness toward a shy sophomore! 

How about some cookies?????  Have you tried the raspberry cheesecake cookie at Subway yet? OH Yums!  I have tried to copy it.  I must say it is not an exact copy, but it got rave reviews from the peanut gallery. 

RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE COOKIES



Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Ingredients:

1 cup butter

1 package cream cheese 8 oz

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

2 tablespoons milk

2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup frozen raspberries

Prep:

Cream together the butter, cream cheese, sugar, salt and vanilla. 

Add egg and milk; beat well. 

Stir in the flour. 

Cut the frozen raspberries in to smaller pieces and carefully fold in to the batter. 

Drop the batter by teaspoon onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.

Bake at 325 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes.

We continued on with a glaze from powdered sugar, milk and some more cream cheese but they are just as good without the glaze. 

I hope you enjoy!

Have a blessed day!!