It has been very quiet on our Herstory blog for some weeks – mainly due to computer and electronic storage issues. Hopefully, a new computer and expanded storage capability has resolved most of the problems. A new year is always filled with hope, and we look forward to another year of our blog continuing to showcase the herstory of Australian Church Women (ACW) and the many activities and achievements of members over the years.
Looking back once again at the ACW newsletters, the first issue for 1994 began with a ‘Recipe for a Happy New Year’.
Recipe for a Happy New Year
TAKE twelve fine, full-grown months, see that these are thoroughly free from all old memories of bitterness, rancour, hate and jealousy; cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past—have them as fresh and clean as when they first came from the great Storehouse of Time.
CUT these months into twenty-eight, thirty or thirty-one equal parts. This batch will keep for just one year. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot in this way) but prepare one day at a time, as follows:
Into each day put twelve parts of faith, eleven of patience, ten of courage, nine of work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavour of the rest), eight of hope, seven of fidelity, six of generosity, five of kindness, four of rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad—don't do it), three of prayer, two of meditation, and one well-selected resolution. If you have no conscientious scruples, put in about a teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humour.
POUR into the whole love in abundance and mix with vim. Cook thoroughly; garnish with a few smiles and a sprig of joy; then serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness, and a Happy New Year will be a certainty.
Author unknown
As we begin the unfolding of this new year, let us consider how we can be a blessing to others by remembering to use this recipe every day. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ continually fill you with the hope of the Gospel and enrich the journey ahead.
God bless,
Donna
