Lifestyle

OF THE WEEK Submitted by Myrna Stölen Sugar Cookies 1 egg - well beaten 1 cup sugar 1 cup shortening and butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cup sifted flour 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/8 tsp salt Beat egg, add sugar and shortening, beat well. Slowly add in dry ingredients, mixing until combined.

Vicar of Healing Waters Lutheran Parish, Lutheran Seminary Student She couldn’t help it. Something was missing. Something deep inside wasn’t right; like an ocean wave without the sound. Vacant. Lost. A vacuum created by guilt. She was waiting, but she didn’t know what she was waiting for…to fill that void, she took another drink. Then like the psalmist she cries out on her knees, begging, “O Lord, hear my voice! Open your ears and hear me. O Lord, if you keep track of sins, I know I’m not worthy? O Lord, who could be?” She was at her bottom. Again, God heard her voice and sent words of hope. Words she finally heard. Words that filled her with life-giving air, renewing her hope for life.

The sun is shining so bright that it’s difficult to keep your eyes open when you step out the door. But then the wind hits you and you realize that it’s still winter. Yup. The season that keeps on giving. And giving. There’s still one week of state basketball so we can expect one more snow incident. The forecast talks about rain and temps in the high 30s, but I am skeptical.

I will share a secret with you – I get a little nervous when I sit down to write this! Each column presents an opportunity to share resources or ideas to help make life easier and I want to be sure I’m making the most of it. When I’m looking ahead at my calendar and see there is one due soon, I say a little prayer for guidance.

Last week I announced that I’m on the hunt for fine artists in Montevideo. What is the difference between fine artists and crafters? Imagine someone who is skilled at portraiture or sculpture and then imagine someone who stencils fun decorations on weathered barn wood or creates dried flower arrangements.

Eleven years ago, Ray Martin retired, and after just a few months decided he was bored at home. When the opportunity arose to help out with the Knights of Columbus food drive for lent, Ray volunteered to bring the donations to the Neighbors United Resource Center Food Shelf. What he didn’t know at the time, was that this place would become a part of his daily life.

Minnesota 4-H held the Southwest BLU and TEEL leadership workshops on February 18 at Southwest Minnesota State University for 58 youth from across our region. In February, youth from across Minnesota gathered to participate in the annual 4-H Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU) and Teens Engaged in Emerging Leadership (TEEL) workshops.

OF THE WEEK Submitted by Myrna Stölen A note from Myrna: These are like little pieces of pie and just the right size for this rich dessert. Pecan Pie Bars 1 cup and 1 tbsp flour 1/2 cups oatmeal 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup butter 3 eggs 3/4 cup dark corn syrup 1 cup broken pecans 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/8 teaspoon salt Mix together 1 cup flour, oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar and butter until particles are fine (with mixer, use low speed).