Personal Irritations

I was in the grocery store waiting for a friend. I wandered over to a large bulletin board covered with comment cards.  These cards had been laid out so that there was a block for comment & a block for the store manager to respond in some way.

Most were requests for a specific product to be carried or wondering why a product they had could no longer be found, but the one that made me think….. "Are-You-Kidding-Me?"... was the one that commented on the shape of the hamburger patties made fresh at the store.

“What is with oval shaped hamburger patties it asked?  When it is on the bun, I have gaps in my sandwich.” 

I found myself wondering if this person looked for little irritations in life to focus on & complain about.  I wondered if there was gratitude that they could even afford to buy a hamburger patty-oval or round.  I wondered if they realized the time they spent writing that comment card complaining was time spent in the negative, & could never be retrieved for something worthwhile.

I wondered if they realized an uncooked hamburger patty can be simply reshaped into a round with gentle pressure or that one could trim off the ends of the oval & place them in the gappy areas of the bun.  Problem solved.

I wondered if the mindset of the person who wrote the comment card tended to focus on the negative aspects of life that personally irritated.  If so, then I imagine they were so fun to be around…not!

Life will never always conform to our personal preference, in fact it rarely will, but it is when I willingly place all circumstances in the hands of the Lord God that I can deal with whatever He brings my way.  Attitudes of the heart matter to Him, and make a difference in our response when life doesn’t go our way.

Since I mentioned gaps earlier, I was reminded of those whose wonderful friends who stood in the gap for me when my husband died suddenly in 2009.  I am planning a casual dinner party because they are a definite positive in my life. I plan to serve these burgers.  Maybe I will even make them OVAL SHAPED to fit my homemade rolls.  :-)

JUICY BURGERS

1 lb. lean ground beef                      dash garlic powder, or to                                                                        taste
1/4 c. dried bread crumbs                1 egg
1/4 c. ketchup                                  1 pkg. Au Jus gravy mix
1/2 c. onions, finely minced              salt and pepper, to taste

Mix beef with rest of ingredients, except Au Jus mix. Form into 4-5 patties, but don't
over handle the meat, as this toughens it. Grill until done, about 5-minutes on each
side or until meat thermometer registers 160°. 

If not serving immediately, mix gravy mix with just enough water so that it still tastes a bit concentrated. Reheat burgers in juice when ready to serve. Save gravy for homemade soup or another recipe. Serve on buns with all the fixin's.

Note: I grilled 200 burgers in advance for a school event and reheated them, basting in
the juices. They were tender and juicy and one lady told me it was the best burger she
ever had! I also use this mix as meatloaf, omitting the gravy mix, shaping in a loaf
pan and topping with bacon and ketchup.

The Prayer Closet

When word of my husband’s death reached my friend Vicki, she came.  She hadn’t seen me in quite some time.  Our lives had diverged into different directions.  I was surprised & touched to see her that day.

Since my move from Indiana to Ohio, Vicki has come to me for rest & respite from time to time.  I’ve noticed a pattern in her trips.  She managed to come on or near the anniversary date of Greg’s home-going.  I asked her if this was intentional…& she gave me a knowing smile. She was widowed with 4 small children years ago & knows the pain of those anniversary dates.

However, her visits WERE for her personal rest also.  Vicki has a life that revolves around caring for others.  A wheelchair bound husband she adores, kids & grandkids living in her home, church involvement, plus a full-time job leave her with little time for self-care. 

On one of our visits, she seemed near exhaustion, both physically & spiritually.  She 

commented on the absolute quiet we were enjoying.  This was not an option for her at home.  She told me that sometimes she sits in her car after work just so she can pray & read the bible without interruption.

Due to her husband needs, their master bedroom door had to be removed for his w/c access & replaced with a curtain.  Given this situation, she had no place to go to shut out the distractions & noise of those living within her household.  Apparently, beloved grandbabies do not understand Grandma needs a break. J

The bible tells us  in Matt 6:6  ⁶ But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

As Vicki & I talked, the idea of using her sizable Master bedroom closet as a literal prayer closet began to emerge. Of course, it was packed with the STUFF we all seem to collect, & rarely find the time to go through, BUT her desperate need for peace & quiet outweighed the desire to hang onto things.

Sometime later, Vicki has reported major de-cluttering, & a place to shut the door for refreshment.  The Lord has provided!!

My own prayer closet is a small sunroom that I have claimed for my own.  The Lord is sought after every day in that little room. I feast there on the Bread of Life & receive Living Water.

I encourage you to find your own prayer closet.  This is truly the “Recipe for living.”

                                         Confectionately  Yours,

Sue

Setting the Table

I have a favorite do-ahead task when I entertain. It motivates me, reduces my stress, and increases my enjoyment.  When I am planning a special party, I set my table a few days in advance.

I love to decorate seasonally, coordinating my napkins, and table settings with interesting centerpieces.  I mix and match with abandon.  

After the table is to my liking, I find that the enjoyment of the dinner party increases for me.  I visit the decorated room adding a little of this or that to the settings, or simply anticipating the arrival of my company. 

I always ask my guests of there are any food allergies or dietary requirements I need to consider before planning the meal.  It just makes sense to prepare what they can have.

A friend asked me why I went to such elaborate lengths.  “It is part of the celebration for me. I love having the table set early because every time I walk past it, I think of the people who will sit in those chairs. I think of their favorite dishes and look forward to preparing each one. I guess you could say that I enjoy the party long before it begins.”

That is the idea behind praise.  We can praise God for what He will do long before He does it. We can prepare a victory table before the battle begins, knowing that the battle belongs to our God. And don’t you know that a pre-battle victory party irritates the fire out of the enemy? I love that!

It is said that in Africa a tree produces the “taste berry,” a unique fruit that literally alters taste buds so that everything that’s eaten after eating the berry tastes good and sweet. Praise is the “taste berry” of the Christian’s life. When our hearts are filled with praise, when we choose to praise God, no matter what, stress fades into the background of a battle won before it begins.  Life is sweet!!. Party on!!


Here is a “berry” good pie recipe that can be made in advance, frozen, and reheated for your next company if you need a make ahead dessert.

BERRY-APPLE PIE
pastry for double-crust pie
 2 c. blackberries, fresh or frozen
1 c. sugar
 2 c. tart, crisp apples, peeled and sliced
4 tsp. quick cooking tapioca
2 T. butter, cut up
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Prepare pastry and divide in half. Roll out one half into a 12" circle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer to a 9" pie pan. 

In a large bowl, stir together the sugar, tapioca, and cinnamon. Add the blackberries and apples Toss gently until coated.

Spoon filling into the pastry lined pie plate. Dot with butter and top with the other half of the crust. Moisten the edge of the pastry lightly and press together. Crimp into a
decorative edge or use the back of a fork to press a design into the edge. Cover edge with foil to prevent over browning. Cut slits into the top crust to allow steam to
escape. 

Bake in a preheated 375° oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 20-25 minutes more or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. Cool on a wire rack. Yield: 8 servings

Note: When displaying desserts, I place appropriate sized sturdy boxes at different heights and then cover them with a matching or coordinated tablecloth. For weddings,

I have covered round boxes with tile adhesive, then stuck on mirror pieces as tiles.

Confectionately  Yours,

Sue

The Stages of Grief

It’s been 4 years since the very unexpected death of my husband of 32 years.  It has been journey that I would not care to repeat, but I will be the first to admit and praise God for His faithfulness and comfort.

We are told there are 6 stages of grief. The first is shock (you just can’t quite comprehend that this has happened.)   The others are denial, anger, bargaining, sorrow, & acceptance.

Denial- MAYBE it really didn’t happen-I’m dreaming, or the diagnoses hasn’t come back with surety.

Bargaining-where we might ask God…”Lord, if you will just do this thing or heal this disease, I will do whatever You require of me.”

Anger-It might be with God or the person who died. 

I was surprised to find myself angry with my husband for leaving me behind.  It was unreasonable when dying was not his choice, but in reading books on grieving, I have learned that this is a normal response.  Anger can turn into bitterness if we live in that land too long, so be wary of this.  God can heal an angry spirit if we allow Him to.

Sorrow-This one needs no elaboration, but as I move through this grieving process, I find this one lasts the longest.  On those really hard days that seem to come out of nowhere, and a memory or situation emphasizes my loss, it is good to know that this is normal.

Then finally comes acceptance. Accepting the situation doesn’t mean it is over. Some stages last longer than others, have no particular order in which they come, and no set time frame for their completion.

I have kept a computer journal these past 4 years. Next to prayer and reading God’s word, it has been one of the most beneficial tools in my grieving process.  When I revisit those days, and compare to today, I see progress.  There have been blessings, victories & spiritual growth these past 4 years, along with the sorrow. God is good.  He has given me hope and a future.

                                         Confectionately  Yours,

Sue

Come & Dine

My church has a theme song that speaks to me.  My pastor, whom we affectionately refer to as simply Preacher, leads the song every Sunday.  Sometimes he humorously rewrites the words to reflect a holiday or situation, but every Sunday the chorus remains the same as the congregation chimes in.

"Come & dine, the Master calleth, come and dine.
You may feast at Jesus table all the time.
He who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine,
To the hungry calleth now, Come and Dine.”

One Sunday, a 40ish year old man slipped out of the choir to just stand beside Preacher during this song time.  His name is Billy, and he has Downs Syndrome.  Preacher handled this unexpected turn of events with his usual grace.  From that Sunday forward, we were treated to the Preacher and Billy show. 

As the music for Come and Dine begins, Billy steps forward to take his place beside Preacher.  Between verses, the music quiets, and Preacher asks Billy about some aspect of his week, his opinion of the service that day, or comments on Billy’s suit. He is always dressed in his Sunday best.  We never know just how Billy is going to respond, but the results are often hysterical. 

On really special Sundays, we are treated with the addition of another sweet young man named Bo.  He is Preachers 18 y. o. grandson, and he, too, has Downs Syndrome. 

When Bo was born, his condition was a shock to the family.  But out of their grief and healing, the Lord has given them a special heart for the developmentally challenged.   We have witnessed these young men as believers in Christ with an ever present child-like faith.  It is precious to behold.

Since Bo loves pasta, I am posting my Spaghetti sauce recipe on my blog today.  I never make it without remembering the time that Bo ate 3 helpings at one sitting.  When we sing Come and Dine, we mean it!!!

QUICK SPAGHETTI SAUCE

1 lb. ground beef

1 env. McCormick spaghetti sauce mix

 

1/2 c. onions, chopped

1 (16-oz.) can tomatoes, diced

 

1 large jar, Prego-Traditional flavor

water, if needed, to thin sauce

 

Brown ground beef and onions, Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes. This is my all purpose pasta sauce for spaghetti, lasagna, stuffed pasta shells, etc. Substitute tomato sauce for the canned tomatoes if you don't like a chunky sauce.

The Unexpected Appointment

I received a notice in the mail that there was a possible danger to the car my daughter drives.  The company would fix it for free, but we needed to make contact & set up an appointment for repairs.

I know this doesn’t sound like a big deal, but these kind of unexpected things are what “upsets my apple cart” so to speak.  Yes, there is ANOTHER thing placed on my to-do list!!  And the car is located 3 hours away where my daughter goes to college.

As with most things, I spend more time dreading them than they actually take to accomplish!!  I called & talked with the nicest man named Mike.  I explained the situation, & that my daughter drove the vehicle & that I, the owner, lived in OH.

 

Mike assured me my presence wasn’t needed in Ft. Wayne for the repairs to be done.  I simply had to give permission & have my daughter call to set up the appointment.

I’m not sure how we got our wires crossed with the dealership, but repairman Mike made an 8am appointment for Thursday, and left a message for my daughter informing her of the same.  Thankfully, her schedule accommodated this.

Spiritually speaking, I’m reminded that we all have an eternal appointment someday.   It is with our Creator God, & He sets the date & time.  Yes, we want to put off this appointment as long as possible.  We have things we wish to have & do, a family to raise, & career goals in place.  

But Hebrews 9: 27 says   It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

v. 28-So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

I’m grateful that on that day appointed for me, that the blood of Jesus will cover my sins.  I accepted Him as my Savior at the age of 16.  He has been so faithful to me.

Since I talked about having my “apple cart upset” earlier in the segment, I think I will share a recipe for Apple Cranberry bread today.  If I still lived in Ft. Wayne, IN, I might just bake a loaf to thank repairman Mike for getting the job done so quickly. 

APPLE CRANBERRY BREAD

2 eggs                                                         1/2 tsp. salt

1-1/4 c. sugar                                                1/2 tsp. baking soda

2 T. canola or vegetable oil                           1/4 c. pineapple juice

1-1/2 c. all purpose flour                                2 c. tart apples, peeled and chopped

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder                                1 c. fresh or frozen cranberries

1 tsp. ground cinnamon                                  1/2 c. walnuts

In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs,sugar, and oil. Combine the flour, baking powder,

cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Add to egg mixture until just combined. 

Add pineapple juice and stir in the apples, cranberries and nuts. 

Spray an 8 in. x 4 in. loaf pan coated with non-stick cooking spray. Bake at 350° oven for 50-60 minutes or  until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before  removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Yield: 1 loaf.

Note: This loaf freezes well and can also be baked in smaller individual loaf pans.

Decrease the baking time to 25-30 minutes, but test for doneness before time allowed

and adjust baking time as needed. Wrap well in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag

for up to 2 months. Be sure to label and date your baked goods.

Confectionately  Yours,

Sue

NO MORE CATERING!!

I recently learned a hard lesson.  At least, I think I have!!  You see, since I was a teen, I have been drawn to hospitality related events.  I love the planning & preparing even more than the actual event itself.   I really feel hospitality is my Spiritual gift.

Now for years, I seemed to equate “hospitality” with big events….weddings, banquets, school fundraisers.  When these things weren’t on the calendar, we entertained in our home, often having 20 or more folks in for dinner.

Recently, I took on an event for a friend.  I jokingly told her she is now an “ex-friend.”            ( Just kidding, Vicki)

In reality, I did feel God’s stamp of approval to do this event, & thankfully, it all turned out well.  BUT, what used to be so enjoyable, & come together so easily, NOW is burdensome.  I was still trying to get my life & house back in some semblance of order over a week later.

Ecclesiastes tells us to everything there is a season.  It has been hard for me to accept, but perhaps this season of big event planning & implementing is over for me.  It is hard giving up the thing that I felt sort of defined me in others eyes, but the frustrations & physical energy expended far outweighed the pleasure. 

I won’t quit being hospitable.  It is who God made me to be.  BUT, I will refine this area of my life.  Actually, I already have.  My dinner parties usually include just one or two friends.  I make soup & take a jar to some folks at work or church who appreciate my efforts.  I wrap up a couple of cookies with a short & sweet note.

Hospitality is simply sharing what you have.  Jesus blesses even a cup of cold water given in His name.  Here is one of the recipes I made for the aforementioned event.  It is a soft homemade roll wrapped around a cheeseburger filling.  

CHEESEBURGER BUNS
(A soft roll filled with cheeseburger flavor)
5 tsp. rapid rise yeast                                 1 egg
1/2 c. warm water (110°-115°)                    1/4 c. shortening
3/4 c. warm milk (110°-115°)                     1 tsp. salt
1/4 c. sugar                                                3-4 c. all purpose flour
In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, sugar, egg, shortening, and
salt plus 2 cups flour. Beat with mixer until smooth.

 By hand, stir in enough flour to make a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 4-6 minutes. Placed in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. 

Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.

Cheeseburger filling
1-1/2 lbs. ground beef ,browned anddrained             1/3 c. ketchup
8 slices American cheese
1/4 c. onion, chopped


In a skillet, cook beef and onion; drain well. Add ketchup and allow to cool a bit.


Punch down dough and divide into 16 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll
out dough into 5" circle.

Fold cheese slices in half and then again, to make 4 pieces.

Place 2 pieces on center of dough, then add 3 T. of beef mixture. Bring dough edges
to center; pinch edges to seal. Place pinched edge side down on a greased baking
sheet. 

Spray with butter flavor non-stick spray, cover with clean cloth and let rise until
doubled, about 20 minutes. 

Bake @ 400° for 8-12 minutes or until golden brown.  Brush hot rolls with melted butter as soon as they are removed from oven. Yield:16  sandwiches


Note: Please try this recipe. Kids and adults just love it! A trick for determining if
dough has doubled is to put it in a clear plastic container with high sides sprayed with
nonstick spray. Put a rubber band around the container at the level of the dough.

When the dough is twice as high as the rubber band, it has doubled in size.

Confectionately Yours,

Sue