The
Welcome
Home
Good
Things
and
Recipes
May
4,
2005
Dear
Sweet-heart
Sisters,
I
can’t
believe
it’s
already
May
and
this
is
the
first
Good
Things
and
Recipes
letter
of
the
year!
I
trust
you
are
well
and
walking
in
the
light
of
God’s
Word
as
you
serve
your
families,
friends
and
guests
in
your
homes.
I
say
this
because
we
often
weary
of
the
tasks
at
hand
and
need
an
encouraging
word
from
time
to
time
that
we
ought
to
press
on
and
that
it
will
be
worth
it
all
and
that
no
matter
what
it
seems
like
from
day
to
day,
your
influence
bears
greatly
on
your
family
and
your
behaviour
has
a
profound
effect
on
the
lives
around
you.
As
many
of
you
know
I
exhort
wives
and
mothers
regarding
their
behaviour---just
I
continually
remind
myself---we
must
determine
to
be
kind,
to
be
sweet
in
our
homes.
So
be a
sweet
heart…
your
family
needs
you.
Celebrate
the
great
gift
of
life;
the
great
gift
of
womanhood.
(Psalm
113,
Proverbs
14.1;
15.13,15
and
Proverbs
31.26)
Mother’s
Day
The
Quilt
of
Motherhood
pamela
spurling
Those
first
two
little
teeth…
those
same
little
teeth
that
made
their
debut
five
years
earlier
mark
a
milestone
in
that
little
one’s
life,
when
they
begin
to
have
a
bit
more
space
in
that
growing
jaw
and
then
become
wiggly
in
delighted
little
fingers.
With
probably
the
same
thrill
and
joy
we
felt
upon
first
seeing
them
pop
through,
we
pull
them
out.
A
surge
of
the
bittersweet
may
wash
over
us
as
we
observed
this
milestone.
Those
bittersweet
moments
only
mothers
know…
the
baby’s
are
growing…
they’re
learning
to
toddle
across
the
floor,
they
fall
and
skin
flawless
knees,
they
ride
on
shoulders
and
then
on
bicycles,
they
work
at
their
play
with
plastic
money
and
baby
keys
that
are
in a
moment
replaced
with
exams
and
paychecks
and
car
keys,
they
pay
dress
up
and
then
get
dressed
up,
they
colour
in
the
lines
and
then
write
beautiful
poetry,
you
hold
them
in
your
hand
and
then
in
your
prayers---those
sweet
moments
mothers
treasure
in
their
hearts
for
a
lifetime.
I
remember
noticing
the
smile
becoming
broader
and
the
teeth
more
spaced
than
ever
before.
I
knew
in
my
heart
that
the
little
boy
face
was
transforming
into
the
face
of a
young
man---that
the
temporary
little
teeth
of a
toddler
would
be
replaced
with
the
permanent
teeth
of a
man.
Oh,
these
bittersweet
moments…
mama’s
all
over
the
globe
know
them
all
too
well.
Now,
at
the
risk
of
sounding
downhearted
about
these
life-passages,
I
assure
you
it’s
just
another
of
the
many
melancholy
moments
a
mama
experiences.
They’re
those
bittersweet
moments…
pieces
in
the
quilt
of
motherhood.
This
quilt---the
quilt
of
motherhood---warms
us,
stifles
us,
wraps
us
and
covers
us
as
it
defines
the
days
gone
by.
Mothers
fold
blankets
and
cover
their
babies
with
quilts,
and
then
they
fold
their
hands
and
cover
their
children
in
prayer.
They,
at
once,
picture
the
sweet
past
memories
and
picture
special
futures
of
their
babies.
All
the
while,
time
is
piecing
and
shaping
their
quilt.
Each
square
of
the
quilt
might
represent
a
child;
some
squares:
neat
and
tidy,
some
symmetrical
and
straight,
some
have
frayed
edges,
missing
stitches
and
torn
material,
some
with
the
softest
cloth
with
extra
batting,
some
have
raveled
seams
and
the
tattered
blocks
look
nothing
like
the
original
squares.
The
quilts
of
motherhood
are
pieced
with
tear-stained
fabrics,
the
soft
hues
and
bright
colours,
the
dark
sashing,
blood-stained
threads,
soft
cotton
and
rough
cloth,
the
fabric
of
childhood
memories,
hopes
and
dreams.
Every
mother’s
quilt
tells
a
story---lots
of
stories,
really
and
every
mother
knows
where
the
stitches
are
neat
and
even,
and
every
mother
knows
right
where
the
tears
and
frayed
edges
are.
As
the
days
pass,
even
the
dark
squares
and
worn
pieces
bring
a
sort
of a
melancholy
yet
sweet
memory.
The
older
the
quilt,
the
dearer
the
comfort;
the
older
the
quilt,
the
more
valuable
the
stitches
that
hold
the
pieces
together.
There’s
much
hope
in
both
the
older
and
newer
quilts:
the
older
with
memories
and
the
newer
with
hopes
and
dreams.
Both
are
warming
to a
mother’s
heart.
Both
cover
a
mother
with
a
joy
unspeakable.
Both
sweet---
though
one,
bittersweet.
The
quilt
of
motherhood
is a
precious
possession…
marvelous
and
challenging,
sunny
and
stormy,
glad
and
disappointing,
easy
and
difficult---no
matter,
most
would
do
all
the
days
over
again
just
to
have
this
treasured
possession.
It’s
at
once
unique
and
universal,
and
yet,
no
two
are
alike.
No
amount
of
money
in
the
world
could
create
the
treasure
that
mothers
possess
in
this:
the
quilt
of
motherhood
and
only
the
saving
knowledge
of
Christ
and
the
blessed
assurance
of
His
Holy
Spirit
and
life
eternal
is
worth
more
than
this:
the
quilt
of
motherhood.
»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«
Fresh
strawberries,
a
bowl
of
sour
cream
and
a
bowl
of
brown
sugar
makes
a
simple
and
delicious
dessert.
You
can
substitute
plain
yogurt
for
the
sour
cream.
You
can
place
several
strawberries
on a
salad
plate,
along
with
a
large
dollop
of
sour
cream
(or
yogurt)
and
a
couple
of
teaspoons
of
brown
sugar.
Dip
the
strawberry
in
the
sour
cream
and
then
the
brown
sugar…
and
eat!
Most
everyone
enjoys
this.
Speaking
of
fresh
fruit…
now’s
the
time
to
begin
looking
for
sales
on
canning
jars,
picking
up
plastic
freezer
boxes
for
freezing
berries
or
freezer
jam.
I
suggest
this
now,
because
so
many
times
in
the
past,
I’ve
gone
to
the
market
to
buy
additional
supplies
and
the
shelves
are
empty!
Then
over
the
years,
I’ve
accumulated
too
many
of
some
things
so I
like
to
share
with
sisters
who
are
just
getting
started.
That’s
what
a
sister
did
for
me
many,
many
years
ago.
I
also
start
picking
up
new
lids
and
sometimes
new
bands
for
canning
jars.
That
way,
when
I
receive
a
short
notice
call
that
fruit
is
in,
I am
ready
to
can!
If
you’re
new
to
canning
and
wonder
what’s
involved,
I’d
suggest
getting
some
books
from
the
library---there
are
many
that
show
step
by
step
techniques
for
canning
and
freezing.
I
still
use
my
Sunset
guide
to
canning
and
preserving.
On
my
website,
I
have
a
page
dedicated
to
showing
how
to
can
fruits
and
there
are
a
couple
of
links.
I’ll
add
to
it
as
I’m
able
to
make
it
more
comprehensive.
http://www.achristianhome.org/canning.htm
There
is
nothing
quite
like
opening
a
can
of
sunshine
when
it’s
snowy
cold
outside.
»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«
You
prepare
this
recipe
the
night
before
and
put
in
the
fridge
until
half
an
hour
or
so
before
baking.
French
Toast
Puff
1
Dozen
eggs
4
Cups
1/2
&
1/2
Or 2
Cups
1/2
&
1/2
and
2
cups
whipping
cream
2
tsp.
Vanilla
A
dash
of
salt
1
tsp.
Cinnamon
2
tsp.
Nutmeg
2
loaves
French
bread
Maple
Syrup
1/2
cup
soft
butter
-
melted
1
cup
firmly
packed
light
brown
sugar
1
cup
chopped
walnuts
2
Tablespoons
Corn
syrup
11"
x
14"
x 3”
baking
pan.
[I
usually
make
this
with
18
eggs
and
adjust
the
ingredients
accordingly
and
bake
in a
buffet
pan]
Spray
the
pan
with
pan
spray,
and
cover
bottom
with
bread
two
or
three
slices
high
(depending
on
the
thickness
of
the
slices).
Drizzle
some
maple
syrup
over
the
dry
bread.
(I
put
a
thin
drizzle
between
each
layer).
Sprinkle
the
dry
bread
with
cinnamon
and
nutmeg.
Combine
eggs,
cream,
vanilla,
and
salt.
Then
pour
egg
mixture
over
the
bread;
cover
and
refrigerate
over
night.
The
next
morning
or
noon,
remove
from
fridge,
preheat
oven
to
350*.
Combine
butter,
sugar
and
corn
syrup---whip
until
blended;
sprinkle
bread
with
walnuts
and
then
pour
glaze
evenly
over
the
whole
surface.
Bake
for
40
minutes
till
all
puffed
and
golden
light
brown.
The
cooked
dish
really
retains
heat---so
be
careful
serving
the
little
ones---it’ll
be
hot
for
them!
Serves
12+
»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«
Well,
Mother’s
Day
is
coming
up
and
for
so
many,
it’s
a
very
difficult
day.
Many
sisters
have
mothers
who’ve
passed
on,
or
mothers
who,
though
still
living,
are
not
a
part
their
lives,
but
are,
nonetheless,
part
of
the
fabric
of
their
lives.
Others
have
strained
relationships,
perhaps
distance
or
lifestyle
separates
them.
And
then
there
are
others
who
have
good
relationships
but
are
in
need
of
encouragement
to
deepen
or
strengthen
the
bond
they
have.
Another
difficult
angle
of
Mother’s
Day
is
the
old
pesky
trap
which
ensnares
us
all
from
time
to
time:
expectations.
Unmet
expectation
is
often
the
culprit
behind
the
negative
feelings
associated
with
holidays
or
life
circumstances.
We
often
“know”
how
a
situation
is
going
to
turn
out
and
we
practically:
set
it
up
to
happen!
We
anticipate
that
*nothing*
is
going
to
happen,
or
that
things
aren’t
going
to
turn
out
“right”
and
when
nothing
happens
or
things
don’t
“turn
out,”
then
we
have
that
old:
“I
knew
it!”
syndrome
wash
over
us
and
with
it:
disappointment,
again.
I
used
to
have
this
feeling
about
Mother’s
Day
from
time
to
time,
and
as I
look
back
now,
O,
how
much
I
missed
by
*expecting*
things
to
be
“just
so”
and
when
they
weren’t,
then
I
felt
low.
You
see,
I
missed
the
things
that
*were*
happening,
I
missed
some
“feeble”
attempts
at
honouring
mother.
I
see
now
that
*I*
didn’t
even
honour
my
mother
or
mother
in
law
as I
ought
to
have
and
yet,
*I*
desired
some
lofty
honour
myself.
But
my
words
indicated
otherwise.
I
often
have
said
to
my
family
that
they
don’t
need
to
do
anything,
that
they
love
me
every
day
and
so
to
do
extraordinary
things
on *one*
day
was
not
necessary.
What
I
was
doing
was
actually
sending
them
mixed
signals.
Sort
of
like
holding
out
a
hand,
flat
palmed:
stop!
and
the
other,
waving
in,
come
on:
give!
My
husband
and
children
were
then
confused
and
their
attempts
at
sweetness
were
thwarted.
Now…
for
many
years
I
have
“participated”
in
Mother’s
Day
and
it’s
been
a
delight
to
me---and
for
them,
also.
You
see,
I
decided
to
turn
things
around.
At
first,
it
was
because
I
didn’t
want
to
be
disappointed
and
I
didn’t
want
to
say
or
do
anything
to
make
them
feel
awkward
about
it
all.
So,
then,
I
began
what’s
now
become
a
tradition
of
giving
a
little
gift
and
writing
to
each
one
of
my
children
and
my
husband,
too,
for
Mother’s
Day.
I
attempt
to
convey
to
them,
their
particular
influence
or
importance
to
me
as
their
mother.
I
seek
to
affirm
the
qualities
I
see
the
LORD
building
in
their
lives
and
the
ways
He’s
using
and
blessing
them---and
what
that
means
to
me
as
their
mother.
So,
it’s
become
a
day
of
thanks
and
delight
and
not
of
any
dread
at
all.
I
know
they
look
forward
to
it,
too---and
you
know
what?
I
look
forward
to
it
more
and
more
each
year!
They
do *so*
many
dear
things
to
bless
me *everyday*
that
that
day
is
really
a
day
of
celebration
for
us
all.
They
know
I am
*for*
them
and
that
I so
adore
them,
each
one---and
my
great
joy
is
that
it’s
mutual!
I
believe
it
became
this
way
when
I
began
to
change
my
thinking---shifting
it
from
myself
to
them
and
the
blessing
they
are
to
me---the
children
who,
in
part,
made
me
what
I
am:
a
mother.
When
I
determine
to
set
aside
grief’s,
past
disappointments,
selfish
ambitions,
and
seek
to
embrace
the
day,
so
to
speak,
then
the
joy
is
full---because
my
joy
is
not
dependant
on
my
situation:
my
joy
is
dependant
on
Jesus
who
is
my
Wellspring
of
joy!
My
Rock
and
my
Redeemer---and
my
children
know,
my
husband
knows
and
I
live
*demonstrating*
that
*I*
know
this.
He
is
my
hope
of
Glory.
(Colossians
1.27)
That’s
why
it’s
so
very
critical
to
keep
your
eyes
on
Jesus:
the
Author
and
Finisher
of
your
faith.
HE
will
never
[NO,
not
ever!]
leave
you,
nor
forsake
you.
If,
when,
others
forsake
you,
count
on
this:
He
will
never.
So,
you
have
a
day
that
is
set
aside
and
you
have
these
expectations
and
all
the
possibilities
in
the
world
that
your
hopes
may
be
met
or
dashed---set
your
hope
in
God,
set
your
affections
and
all
your
expectations
on
things
above.
Remember,
the
LORD
will
joy
over
you
with
singing.
You
can
rest
in
the
knowledge
that
He
will
be
found
by
you---you
can
count
on
this!
(Jeremiah
29.13-14)
I
pray
this
Mother’s
Day
is a
delightful
day
for
you.
I
pray
it
will
hold
significance
for
you
as
you
seek
to
honour
your
mother,
if
possible,
and
as
you
seek
to
be a
mother
worthy
of
honour:
a
mother
who
delights
in
the
LORD,
showing
love
and
preference
to
her
children
and
graciousness
and
honour
to
her
husband,
I
pray
you’ll
know
you’re
cherished.
O,
that
we’d
all
be
found
faithful.
»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«
Remember…
be a
sweet-heart…
your
family
needs
you!
God
Bless
you
this
Mother’s
Day,
I
pray
it
be a
day
of
joy
for
you
and
that
if
you’re
not
a
mother,
and/or
have
experienced
pain
or
loss,
that
the
LORD
would
indeed
wrap
you
in
His
quilt
of
love
and
that
you
be
covered
with
a
garment
of
praise,
that
your
heart
would
be
blessed
by
the
presence
of
the
LORD
and
that
your
grief
and
sadness
would
be
comforted
by
His
presence.
~sincerely,
pamela
spurling
»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«
