January 4 – Greater Love

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 

How many people do you know that would actually “lay down” their life for you? We’ve heard stories of teachers and students taking the bullet for others in recent school shootings—that is such a heroic example. Would you do that for others? I certainly would like to think that I would—for my family and friends. Jesus did just that for us—He willingly gave up His life so that we could all live eternally. Of course, we have to accept what He did for us personally—just knowing that He died on that cross for our sins doesn’t get us to Heaven—to eternal life. We have to believe in Jesus as the Son of God, as our personal savior. Believe—not just know the story.  

So how does this relate to “training” up the kiddos in your home? Teaching them about Jesus is a good start. Be a good example by putting others first. We all tend to have a bit of a selfish streak in us—I especially do now that I’m retired. I just want to have some time to myself—to do my own projects or just read. But then the “greater love” comes in and I feel the need to help others—in the family and in my circle of friends. There is always an opportunity to help others. What can I do for you today? I’ll gladly “lay down” my own time to help you do what you need to do. 

Training Tip – Taking time for others shows that you love them. Put down your iPhone and spend some quality time with your kiddos today. 

Lord, You showed us the greatest love by giving up Your own life on the cross for us—showing us that eternal life is worth so more than our own selfish desires. Thank you.

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

Fridays are feasting days—so I’m including a recipe. This week’s feature is my sister’s favorite cookie, Snickerdoodles. When we were growing up, Shirley and I spent a lot of time in the kitchen baking and we would often make these cookies. Recently my daughter-in-law made these and it took me back to afterschool snack time. 

Snickerdoodles  8-10 dozen

3     cups sugar

1     cup butter or margarine, softened

1     cup shortening

4     eggs

5 ½ cups unbleached flour (sifted before measuring)

4     teaspoons cream of tartar

2     teaspoon baking soda

½    teaspoon salt

2     Tablespoon sugar

2     teaspoons ground cinnamon

Mix shortening, butter, sugar and add eggs.

Mix dry ingredients and then add to the butter mixture.

Chill the dough for a couple of hours or overnight.

Roll into small balls and dip into cinnamon & sugar mixture.

Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. These are soft and puffed up when taken out of the over, but they flatten out with crinkly tops. Enjoy!

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.