OK.
Thanksgiving is over. Are you still grateful? Some people have been out
shopping since the wee hours of the morning…or even late last night. They are
just grateful to be home, with their feet up watching a ball game and drinking
some hot chocolate, coffee, tea, spiced cider or even spiced wine. Some may be
back in the kitchen warming up left-over turkey or making Christmas cookies.
Whatever…are you thankful? Are you still reflecting on what God has done for
you today? He has kept you safe, hopefully in good health, and not overspent on
your holiday budget. Spiritually where are you today? Thank God for the little
things in your life…sunrises, sunsets, food, friends, family, plants and
animals, buttons and zippers, and windows to see the world around you.
Training Tip – Give your children some raisins or yogurt covered
raisins, but ask them not to eat them yet. Ask them—where raisins come from?
(From grapes dried in the sun.) Ask—where do the grapes come from? (From God.)
He made grapes so that they could dry into raisins. Do you ever thank God for
raisins? Have you ever said, “Lord, we thank you for this little raisin?” although
it may sound a little silly, the Bible tells us that we should thank God for
everything. God gives us lots of good little things…like the flowers in the
spring and summer. Did you ever thank God for the flowers? “Thank you God for
the flowers.” We have clouds that bring us rain. “Thank you God for the clouds.”
We have grass growing in our yard. “Thank you God for the grass.” And we often
see a squirrel that runs along our backyard fence. “Thank you God for that
fluffy tailed little squirrel.” We have lights in our house. “Thank you God for
the lights.” God has given us lots of
things—we need to thank Him even for the little things. “Thank you God for the
raisins.” Before you eat them, thank God for one little thing. “Thank you God
for buttons.” (Eat a raisin.) “Thank you God for lights.” (Eat one more
raisin.) “Thank you God for this raindrop on our window.” (Eat another raisin.)
Think of another good thing and give thanks before you eat another raisin.
Lord God, help my children and grandchildren to
express their thankfulness for all things…even the little things in life—for
You provide everything for us.
Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table
My Mother
always made fruitcake cookies at Christmas time—mostly I think for her friends
and bridge club, but for my Dad, too. He really enjoyed them. Recently I was
going through her recipe cards and found her recipe…a bit yellowed and stained
with age. Here it is for you to try out…and enjoy if you like fruitcake.
Fruitcake Cookies
4 cups flour, sifted
1 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup vegetable shortening
2 cups brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
2/3 cup buttermilk or sour milk
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup candied cherries, cut in quarters
2 cups dates, cut up
2 4-oz cans (1 cup) candied
fruits and peels
Red or green candied cherries as garnish (optional)
Mix flour,
soda and salt. (Mom sifted again—but just stir together well.) In another bowl
cream shortening, add sugar and eggs. Beat until light and fluffy. Add
buttermilk and flour. Add nuts, cherries, dated and candied fruit. Mix well.
Chill dough for several hours.
Drop by
teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart on lightly greased (or parchment covered)
cookie sheet. Top each cookie with a half of candied cherry. Bake at 375
degrees for 8 – 10 minutes. Make 8 dozen cookies.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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