Category: a bit of history

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

snowballs

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I can’t describe my disappointment when I heard that Hostess was going out of business.  It was heartbreaking for me.  Not because 18,000 people lost their jobs, although that is a depressing thought for all of those employees right around the holidays.  Not because my children will probably never eat a twinkie, although word on the street is that the twinkie will survive Hostess’ demise.  I was not devastated for either of those reasons.

Its the snowball.

Every  time we spent the night with my great grandmother, GG, the hostess snowball, a chocolate covered, cream filled cake covered with marshmallow and coconut, was the favored treat of choice.  Who else but GG would  feed small children a snowball and coke for a bedtime snack and then manage to get us to go to sleep?   Snowballs were soft and moist, sweet and delicious.  And we loved them.  But not as much as we loved GG.

After looking at a couple of stores last night,  I realized I probably wasn’t going to find any snowballs on the shelves of our local grocery stores.  GG passed away more than 20 years ago, and there are times my memories of her are crystal clear, as if I spoke with her yesterday.  But there are other moments where I can barely summon the sound of her voice.  The snowball’s disappearance from the world signals one more piece of GG slipping away.

With these thoughts in my heart, panic ensued.  Losing a loved one is hard.  Losing the memory of them is even harder.

Last night, I had to come to terms with it.  again. “Please Lord,”  I begged.  “Help me.”    How can it possibly be okay to let go of the snowballs?  of the summer happinesses from my childhood that I want to hold close to my heart?

After I let my heart ache for a while, and I shed the necessary tears, He reminded me, as He is so faithful to do, “This is not the end.  This life is just the beginning.  GG is not gone, she’s with Me – and someday you will be too.”

Often I hold on tightly to the material things – as if I all I have is this life and the physical things that adorn it – the snowballs and everything else I enjoy.  But, it isn’t true.  This earthly, mortal life is just a blip in eternity.  I am an eternal being. And so are we all, including my precious GG, who is in Heaven now with our Savior.

The promise of eternity allows me the privilege of letting go without fear or anxiety.  Instead, I can focus on the hope He gives;  Life everlasting with Him for all the saints- for all who believe .

I find comfort in these words this morning:

from 1Peter 1:3-9

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

Truthfully, I intend to look a few more places for one last Hostess Snowball, just for fun.  But life and happiness don’t hinge on it.  If I don’t  get to taste one again, and that little piece of GG slips away, I know I will see her again.  And there is so much strength and peace in that thought today.

Here’s hoping there are a few snowballs in Heaven – if there are, I know GG and I will have one together some day.

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This post is dedicated to my cousins and my sister, from the Young family, who sat at GG’s table late at night eating treats:  Danielle and Branson, Nate and Becky and Marilyn Young.  and Mason, who didn’t get to meet GG yet- but will someday.   

a bit of history · in my kitchen

raisin pie

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Pie is all the rage.   I didn’t know it until my sister told me.  Apparently Martha Stewart has declared it’s so.   It’s taking the place of cupcakes.  Wow.  I really didn’t see that one coming.  I’ve been thinking about learning to make a killer pie crust anyway. So, it is now at the top of my baking “bucket list” – that’s my list of the things I haven’t yet tried to bake, but must try soon.

One thing is definite.  I will not, I repeat NOT be making a raisin pie.  You will not find a recipe for raisin pie on this blog and I’ll tell you why.  I don’t like raisins in baked goods.   They turn out to be partially rehydrated grapes when they’ve been baked in something and so really it is like eating a wilted grape.  At any rate, there is another reason…

A long time ago I almost tried a piece of raisin pie.

There is no way I can explain this without some background.  My dad was a traveling representative for a Bible College in Ontario, Canada.  Many Sundays our family visited churches where we knew no one.  My dad would preach and tell about the school, and after Sunday services, we regularly found ourselves eating lunch in the homes of complete strangers…

One such Sunday afternoon we found ourselves, my mom, dad, sister and I, in the very situation I’ve described.   We had been prepared a lovely lunch – and it was getting close to my favorite part of the meal.  Dessert.   And believe me, I wasn’t born yesterday.  I had saved room.

We had experienced quite a lot of incredible meals topped off with delectable treats of all kinds.  cookies.  cakes.  brownies and bars.  I know for sure of a turtle cake that was a huge hit with my family, made by one Pastor Twinem’s wife in Courtland, Ontario.  I remember tasting that cake like it was just this afternoon.  But, I digress.

There we sat, the dishes cleared and the gracious hostess brought the dessert and placed in the center of the table.  “Raisin Pie!” she said cheerfully.  and I’m sure I did not conceal my *sigh* well enough.  I know I tasted a teeny -tiny morsel, while trying to avoid a raisin- which is complicated when you’re eating a bite of raisin pie.

Over the past couple of weeks I’ve felt like I’m sitting around that table again.  looking at raisin pie.  wishing it was turtle cake.

All too often I find myself staring disappointment in the face, not knowing what in the world to do.  It might be something small, it might be completely life-altering – but there it is.  My head aches with the confusion, my heart pounds a little harder from the frustration; I can’t figure out which direction to go because everything is spinning out of my control.

I found myself telling the Heavenly Father, “But I don’t want this ‘raisin pie‘! ”  I could have sworn You promised me ‘turtle cake’!”  And I’ve had to search Scripture to find a way to understand better.   Do you know what I found?  I didn’t find a promise for what I want – I found a promise of His goodness.  Those two things aren’t always one in the same.

I’ve been holding tightly to these verses this week – in the middle of some turmoil – when things weren’t going quite the way I thought they should:

13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.

14 Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!

He promises that in time, if I wait – I will see His goodness.  It may be what I’ve been hoping for.  It may be better or different. But certainly it will be His best for me.

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PS:  I’ll see if I can’t find that recipe for Turtle Cake and post it…. or maybe the pie I try to make… or maybe I’ll post both recipes…

(originally written August 15, 2011)

a bit of history · friends and loved ones · in my kitchen

a little comfort goes a long way

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It is unusually cool and windy, for us here in Tennessee at the end of October.  Having grown up a northerner, I don’t mind it.  In fact, over the past 14 years that I’ve lived here, I have found myself really missing the fall season that I was acquainted with from my childhood.  The kind of fall that required a jacket for the morning walk to school and a cup of  hot chocolate after the walk home.  The kind of fall with fiery hues shining from the red Maples.

I loved that kind of autumn.

With all of these memories swirling through my mind, like the wind thru the trees in my backyard, I got to thinking about my favorite comfort foods that mom used to make.  I couldn’t help but think of some of her specialties, what her cooking was like in the winter.  And I could almost taste some of those favorites that my sister and I loved growing up.

Especially the meatloaf.  Now, many people turn their noses up at meatloaf.  It is definitely not a rich man’s food, I suppose.  But there is nothing more worthy of my oven, than a delicious hot, steaming meatloaf on a cold fall day.

You would probably be surprised (if you know me at all) to find out that I didn’t have the recipe.  Until today, that is.  I knew I wanted to make a meatloaf for dinner, since it is perfect meatloaf weather, but I didn’t want to make the same old sub-par meatloaf any more.  That one I always regret making.  I’ve been doing that for the past several years – and its just not as good as mom’s.

I called her.  and I said, “Mom, remind me.  I know we’ve made this meatloaf together before in the same kitchen.  I know you’ve made it for us when you’ve come here to visit.  But, I can’t remember.”  Without hesitation, she knew it by heart, right off the bat.  And I made it, one ingredient at a time, while we were on the phone chatting.

When we hung up, and I was finishing getting dinner prepared, I had a few quiet moments to think.   I recently found myself in a similar situation with my Emily; it was a tender-hearted moment, where she wanted me to tell her again.  She came, with her heart wide open, wanting me to remind her – why it was going to be okay, why she didn’t need to worry.  Where is the comfort? And, I don’t need to tell you all the details, but it was one of our most precious times together.

This is the kind of mom I want to be:  the kind of mom who offers the recipe to comfort.  Except, its pretty easy, because there is only one ingredient.  I know it by heart.  His name is Jesus – and it is all she needs, and all I need for that matter.  He is all this world needs for comfort,  for peace, for confidence: Christ Jesus, our Savior and Lord.   I don’t want to just offer it once in a while.  I want to say it so much and live it so well, that they are my children’s favorite words to hear, that they ask for them again and again and again, and they dwell on them with utmost fondness, fully settled into their hearts.

==================================

These are Words I’ve been lingering over – my hope, my peace, my strength for every situation.   My prayer is that I will live with confidence, and that I will be prepared to offer this comfort to anyone who needs it…

from Psalm 119:

145 I cry out with my whole heart;
Hear me, O Lord!
I will keep Your statutes.
146 I cry out to You;
Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.
147 I rise before the dawning of the morning,
And cry for help;
I hope in Your word.
148 My eyes are awake through the night watches,
That I may meditate on Your word.
149 Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness;
O Lord, revive me according to Your justice.

and from Isaiah 26:1-4:

“We have a strong city;
God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks.
2 Open the gates,
That the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter in.
3 You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
4 Trust in the Lord forever,
For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength.

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

cactus

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Saturday morning our family made a trip to Lowe’s.  We had several home improvement and gardening supplies on the list.  As we walked through the store, I had to stop.  There in the garden center was a whole aisle of cactus.

Looking at those plants, I was transported back in time to our house in Bowling Green.  It was there that I literally came in contact with my first cactus.  The former owner of the home had planted a cactus right at the edge of the sidewalk, at a rather pivotal place, in such a way that one could easily graze it on passing by…  Oh it was annoying… and painful.  I can’t tell you how many times I found myself pulling the tiny spikes from my sock, or worse my foot.   I know it brought curse words from my lips a time or two.  Stupid cactus.  urgh.

We tried removing it.  Digging it up.  But that’s hard.  How do you go about pulling out a cactus that is so prickly without getting hurt?  Its impossible I tell you.  So, it shouldn’t suprise you that in the winter  of probably 1996 there was much joy and jubilation when we found that the snowplow had actually run over it and dug it out of its smug little spot.  And you could see little pieces of the cactus in the snow bank near the curb.  Ahhh victory, at last.  Or so we thought.

That spring, it was rejuvenated and grew back even bigger and stronger.   I was jolted from my not-so-fond cactus memory by my son, standing there in the gardening center of Lowe’s.  He was crying.  Wailing.  He wanted a “Cars” watering can.  He wanted it now!   I could have sworn we already dealt with this…

Meet our own contemporary version of the cactus.  Greed.  In this modern day society, my kids are tempted by consumerism just like the rest of us.  Its ugly.  I find it to be one of the most prickly and complicated, besetting sins to deal with in my own heart – and in my children’s.  And at just the time I think I’ve eradicated it, there it is rearing its nasty head again!

Interesting that this happened on Thanksgiving weekend… a time when I wish my family would celebrate being thankful for all that God has given us.  But, instead, I find old selfish desires, wanting the things I don’t have and don’t need, creeping up on me.  I don’t know if its possible to get rid of this sin once and for all.  But, I do know a way to combat it.

Psalm 100:

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his [a] ;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Its almost impossible to live a life filled with greediness and envy, if I’m consumed with giving Him thanks.  Its not hard to get started – all I have to do is look around at all of the blessings in my life.   And, I guess this is what Thanksgiving is all about.  At our house we have plans to celebrate from now (on Canadian Thanksgiving) until American Thanksgiving in 6 weeks.  Its the first attempt at uprooting that mean ol’ greedy cactus.

happy thanksgiving everyone!

(originally written October 11, 2010)

a bit of history · friends and loved ones · in my kitchen

The only meatballs I ever make…

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It was probably 1989 or so.  My family had been invited for dinner at a friend’s home.  Miss Refsell was her name – a young elementary school teacher.  She also was an incredible vocalist – a soprano with a voice the size of all outdoors – and I was in awe of her.

Turns out she was also a phenomenal cook.  She made us meatballs for dinner that evening, with baked potatoes.  And those meatballs were to. die. for.  Oh yes.  All this time later, I don’t just remember them.  I have an unusual affection for them.  So much so, that as the holidays and other special occasions approach, I try to figure out how many times I can make them for parties and get togethers.  They are that good.

However, they are a tiny bit unusual with some surprising ingredients.  Those same items, that might make you raise an eyebrow, are what make the dish so wonderful.  Typically I’m a baker, not a cook.  I place recipes on my kithcen’s altar, sacrificing ingredients and their integrity, omitting some of the necessary items, cooking others far too long or others not long enough.   My culinary skills leave much to be desired on many occasions, its true.  But, this dish of yummy, rich, goodness, I’ve never messed up!

I’ve decided to share the recipe here with you, my friends.  I hope Miss Refsell (now Mrs. Lamgo) doesn’t mind.  You might need it as a hearty and delicious option for a fall or winter menu in the coming months.  Happily, I make them in the crockpot, which makes this yummy recipe easy to boot!

Recently, when I made them for a fall party,  I meant to get photos to share here. But, alas, they were gone before I could even get my camera out of the bag.  They are such a crowd pleaser!  So, I give you:

Miss Refsell’s Meatballs  (I don’t know the real title.  To this day, this is what the Young family calls them)

Ingredients:
1 cup of brown sugar
1 can of whole cranberries
1 bottle of chili sauce
1 bottle of water, (use the chili sauce bottle and fill with water)
1 can of sauer kraut ( around the 15 oz size)

about 4 pounds of meatballs – You can use your favorite recipe.  I use a bag or two of already made frozen meatballs

Instructions:

Combine the water and chili sauce, sauerkraut, cranberries and sugar in a pan.  Bring the ingredients to a boil for a minute or two.  Place the meatballs in the crockpot and pour sauce ingredients over top.  Let the meatballs cook for about 8 hours on low.

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I hope you enjoy these, as much as we do!  Make them once, make them often – you won’t regret it!

a bit of history

2 mug morning…

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Well, my sweet little baby doll was up a lot in the night with a nasty cold.   It seemed impossible for her to sleep in her crib without coughing and choking. She was miserable.  Around 11:30, I took her out to the living room and sat with her on my lap, so that she could sleep with her head elevated.  Finally, she was able to rest a bit.  But not without commotion.

She was so restless at times it was almost impossible to stay on the couch.  Needless to say, I didn’t sleep much.  I had plenty of time to think and reminisce.  At one point when Mackenzie elbowed me so hard I thought I’d cry, I was reminded of my summers with GG.

GG called it the “bonkie-roll-stomp” – and I was the master.  Regularly I was GG’s “bed night fellow” (that’s what she called the person who slept with her) – and I was a terrible partner.  I would kick and roll and throw a mean elbow, so much so that GG nicknamed all of my crazy sleeping antics.   I used to think that GG was a morning person, who always wanted to get up early and have her cup of coffee in the peace and quiet.  But now, as a mother, who has experienced my daughter’s finely executed interpretation of the “bonkie-roll-stomp” I think I may know the truth.

GG was having a 2 mug morning.  Forced from her bed early, by her not so friendly “bed night fellow” she was needing a little extra energy, maybe 2 cups of coffee…  But then I remember, it wasn’t just a coffee cup that was out on the kitchen table when I would come into the kitchen for breakfast.  There was her Bible, laying open where she had been reading.

And I have learned from her this morning…  as I’ve been trying to get up and at ’em, I poured myself some coffee in my favorite mug and went to my Bible…  looking for help and strength for my day.  And I’ve found it.   In fact, I’ve found so much energy and help from the Word – enough to fill 2 cups…

“the joy of the Lord is your strength” (from Nehemiah)

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” (from Psalms 28)

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” (Psalm 90)

“You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,” (from Psalm 23)

There are so many many more passages that I find my cup overflowing. I need 2 mugs to hold all of His promises.   I am encouraged this morning ; His mercy is so much more than enough and it will keep me going through the day.   GG made it, not because of her 2 cups of coffee, but because of the overwhelming truths of God’s Word applied to her heart.  And that is how I will make it today too!

Although, a second cup of coffee does sound yummy…

(written originally on October 19, 2010)

a bit of history · friends and loved ones · in my kitchen

the old, new “southern glow”

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A few months back my mom called.  She was cleaning out some of her older things in the kitchen.  And she wanted to know: Did I want the old set of dishes we used to use at the dinner table during my childhood years?  They were still in really great condition after many many years of wear and tear: Noritake’s  “Southern Glow” was the pattern name.

Well, I couldn’t say no.

In the first place, I had been saying to Michael not a week before that I thought we were going to need some new every day dinner ware.  A lot of ours had broken, or were cracked and chipped and frankly I was a bit concerned about little fingers getting cut.   Well, these dishes from Mom weren’t the same as the lovely pattern I had found in the Williams-Sonoma catalogue online, but they were definitely nice enough.

Besides, what Mom was offering was a big chunk of my childhood.  And I’m such a sucker for nostalgia and reminiscing.  I could not turn her down. It was settled then.  She would deliver them in person later in the fall.

Last week, when my folks arrived for their visit, they brought a large box full of “southern glow” dinner and luncheon plates, cups and saucers.  I opened the box and unwrapped the pieces. My fingers traced over the red and brown floral pattern that perched on the rim of each piece, those unique, little flowers looking as bright and crisp as ever.  Oh the memories that flooded in, from birthday dinners to special meals with guests, to the regular every day kind of suppers.

The flowers, they really do kind of glow…

And then I gave it more thought …

My parents didn’t just serve food at dinner time – Our family meals at supper time were some of our best times together, laughing and sharing our lives.  Especially as we got older, I know my parents were investing in us, teaching us godly principles and wholesome character.  When I look at those dishes, I remember so much of what they taught me, day in and day out.

Now, the dishes are circa 1960’s – and they look it.  The pattern is not just retro, it is vintage.  There was a day, not so long ago, I would have refused them for this very reason.  In fact, I’m sure many looking at the photos, might think they are ugly.  They certainly aren’t the newest Kate Spade set of every-day-ware on the market. But, do I really need those?  really?   In a season of life where I am trying to learn more fully and deeply about contentment and gratefulness, which is something my parents spent time trying to instill in me so long ago,  these dishes are the perfect object lesson.

The old is made new again, in my heart and on my table.  The plates and cups will be a beautiful and constant reminder of so many things. But, as I use them I will be able to take to heart my need for being content with what I have, and I am hopeful it will prompt me to be grateful for the ways He provides.

We kicked off our family’s celebration of Thanksgiving, by sharing Canadian Thanksgiving with my parents while they were visiting us last week.  Each place was set with our old-new dishes.  The table was almost radiant with gratefulness.  It couldn’t have been more perfect.

Thank you Heavenly Father for your continuing work in my life.   I pray that my heart will always glow with thankfulness and contentment that can only be found in You. amen.

a bit of history · in my kitchen

Grandma B’s Sugar Cookies

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A few days ago I pulled out an old friend from my recipe box …  Its been 20 years since I wrote out the recipe for my Grandma Brubacher’s sugar cookieson a little index card.  It has been a family favorite for as long as I can remember.  My Grandma would bake them at the holidays; my mom made them for special occasions all throughout my childhood.  Now my sister and I make them regularly for any good reason we can think of.

Lately I had been branching out, trying new sugar cookies – I’ve even shared a recipe on here that I enjoy.  But honestly, there is nothing that compares to these cookies.  They are delightful, the combination of flavor and texture, is just perfect.

On Canadian Thanksgiving Isaac requested “those pumpkin cookies from last year with the orange frosting”, and so I knew what I should do.  And then, I did something unexpected.  When the cookies had been baked and were cooled, I frosted them with maple cream cheese frosting; the delightful became divine.   Normally, I would have prepared one of  the regular frostings with almond or vanilla flavor.  But this.  Oh. my. goodness. This came together like it was meant to be.  I’m not sure I’ll ever go back to normal.

On this Friday, as fall is settling in, and the holidays are getting closer every day, I thought you might need this recipe.  Be prepared, if you make them once, you’ll have to make them again and again.  I promise you, people will make requests for these.

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Grandma B’s sugar cookies:

Ingredients:

2 cups brown sugar
1 cup margarine ( I use butter)
3 eggs
2 tsp cream of tartar
2 tsp baking soda
3 tsp vanilla
41/2 – 5 cups flour

Instructions:

Cream together brown sugar and butter.  Lightly beat the eggs, then combine them well with the sugar/butter mixture. Add the vanilla.  Combine the dry ingredients then mix into the wet ingredients a bit at a time until fully incorporated.  I find that depending on how humid it is, you may need 5 cups to keep the dough from being too sticky as you roll it out.

Take a portion of the dough and roll it out on a floured surface – to about a 1/4 inch thick, maybe a bit thinner. Keep in mind these cookies will puff up just a bit when baking.  Cut shapes with a cutter (dusted with flour) and place on a cookie sheet.  Bake at 375 for 7 -8 minutes.  (possibly longer, depending on how thick your cookies are.)

Cream cheese frosting:

Cream together the following ingredients until smooth and spreadable: 8 oz cream cheese, 1 stick of butter, 4 -5 cups of confectioner’s sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup (or a few tsp of maple flavoring.)

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I hope you love these cookies as much as I do!

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

He who finds a wife…

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I’m here, at the end of a week.  Today, on this lovely Friday, I’ve been looking back to a special day over 13 years ago.  I know I already wrote a whole blog post about my wedding day, and the blessing of being married to Michael.

But, I could not resist sharing these photos with you, in celebration.

Proverbs 18:22 says, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord.”  – I realize this Scripture makes it sound like Michael sure was fortunate to marry me… But, really, I feel like I am the one who is blessed.  I can’t even really put into words what its like to know that I’m married to just the right man – the one who God led to search for and find me!

Love is in the air around here as I reminisce…

Me with my niece, Maggie.

Me, with my groom.

Waiting, with Diet Coke in hand.  I am my father’s daughter after all.

Mom and Dad both walked me down the aisle

One of my favorite shots from the ceremony.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Day!

Thanks for taking this trip down memory lane with me!  And remember – hug and kiss the ones you love today!  You are blessed if you are  loved and have someone to love.

Happy Friday!

a bit of history · in my kitchen

Snickerdoodles…

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Its that time of year.  The sun is shining, the sky is blue, there is a cool breeze blowing and the leaves are beginning to show signs of color.  You may think I’m going to say its fall.  And these are the signs of fall’s arrival.  But much more importantly : its time to bake.

Inexplicably it seems that almost every piece of my personal history has a particular cookie tied to it.  I don’t know how it happened really. It may be my sweet tooth developed because of where I come from, or maybe I recall things this way because of my sweet tooth…   its unclear which came first.  At any rate…

My love for cookies is true blue.  But, at this time of year my taste buds begin to hunt for particular flavors.  This morning when I woke up, I knew it was time for the beautiful cookie of fall.    A light puff of cinnamon and sugar goodness, that melts in your mouth.

I remember the first time I got to help make the cookies with my mom.  It was autumn… I couldn’t have been more than 6.  And for some reason it seems like she was cooking apple sauce on the stove top.  Warm applesauce from the dutch oven and fresh cookies from the oven. This is the aroma of heaven.  She decided we should foray into the world of baking – and off we went. Snickerdoodles.    I was given the chore of rolling the small balls of dough in the cinnamon sugar before setting them on the baking sheet.  They turned out perfectly… at least as far as I can recall.

This weekend I’m planning to make Snickerdoodles with my daughter because, well I think its the right thing to do.  I bought special fall colored sugars to make them beautiful.  There is no special occasion – only the togetherness with my girl.  I have no idea if it will be memorable for her, the way my first cookie baking experience was with my mom.  More important than whether Emily remembers the cookies, or if they were perfect, I’m hoping its the time together she will not forget.

Somehow as this fall begins, I am impressed again that its my loved ones that matter the most.  Precious memories of time with friends and family will be my heart’s delight in the seasons to come – not stuff, not accomplishments.

Scripture talks about this a bit in Matthew 6:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “

Its simple, but true: Loving those  He has given to me is one of the best treasures I can store up in Heaven.  In the days ahead it may be my fortune.  For now, it is Snickerdoodles with my sweet girl. Someday those cookies may even be like gold…

(written originally October 15, 2010)