I think my mom is the reason I like to make things from scratch.
Both my sister and I watched Mom whip up cookies, bread, and pie from scratch as children.
She used to make her own jelly from the plum tree in the backyard.
She also grew mountains of vegetables, especially tomatoes, cukes, and corn.
Those seeds of growing food and then preparing it took root in both my sister and myself.
Actually, my sister is one of the best cooks I know.
She enjoys it so much that she will spend her free time cooking.
So, it’s not surprising that our family enjoys homemade food.
When our children were all little, my husband was working full-time and going to college.
Money was tight and my energy was spread across four children, plus the time volunteering at our church.
So, I learned how to make several things in bulk.
Canning fruit was a big help.
I’d take the kids to the orchard with bowls and we’d pick cherries or peaches.
I normally tried to catch the strawberries at the beginning of summer and put up jam.
My husband is an outdoorsman and a friend of mine taught me how to can meat.
Many of those things were left in the past due to our very busy years of highschool sports, but we’ve canned here and there.
Our daughters learned to make some of our favorite foods.
Infact, Anne is a better baker than I.
Then illness claimed my time and I’ve only recently been able to return to making some of the food my family loves.
Homemade granola is one of those.
We eat it for breakfast, but if I let them, the kids would have a bowl anytime.
I’ve even seen my husband pour a bowl after everyone’s in bed.
So, I’m grateful God has given me the strength to cook again.
I’m so thankful to God for this simple recipe I found in the back of a Better Homes and Gardens magazine, so many years ago.
I’m blessed to have the time and resources to provide meals for my family.
Truly, the small details of life can bring the most amazing joys.
A newborn’s smile.
A ray of sun shining through the apple tree.
A kiss good morning from a loved one.
A bowl of homemade granola.
God is so good!
His blessings surround us, if we will but take the time to notice.
Praise the Lord , all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples! For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord !
Psalms 117:1-2 NKJV
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You so much for the little and the large. Thank You for shining Your light into our lives. Lord, thank You for guiding and directing us. Thank You for providing for us. Lord, there are many who are struggling, hurting, lost. Please defend the innocent, provide for the weak and hungry, and save the lost. Please let our lives bring glory to Your name. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 