|
We should never take for granted the special time we have with those
closest to us. The memories that we create during the holiday season as
well as on the “normal” days that we are together stay with us much longer
than we could ever imagine in that moment. It is important that we show
our love and care when we spend time together so that in our absence only
good will be remembered and thought upon. We should be thankful that they
are in our lives and do all we can to let them know how special they are
to us. Don't assume they already know that you love them, but rather say
the words so that there will never be any doubt in their minds. Be
encouraged to remember how fragile life really is and do not pass an
opportunity to sit with those younger than you as well as those older than
you to reminisce, laugh, encourage, teach and simply share your love one
with another. (James 4:13-14) (Romans 12:10) (1 Peter 3:8-11)
I hope this message encourages your heart to spend time with your loved
ones no matter how busy life may get. The memories that will be created
will be well worth any time that was sacrificed.
THE STUFFING!
I was about 11 when I remember the best part of Thanksgiving Day.
The time was very early in the day. I called for my mother to come quickly
to my bed and she lifted me into my wheelchair.
Mom had already started cooking the turkey and the wonderful smell lofted
into my room. This smell reminded me that I was in charge of helping mom
make the delicious stuffing.
She and I chopped up the nice green celery and the perfect onions. We then
threw them into a hot pan with about two (maybe more!) sticks of melted
butter. I could toss in some sage, parsley, salt, pepper and poultry
seasoning.
Mother had to pull the turkey out of the oven, as she had to add some hot
turkey juice to “our” stuffing. I stirred the vegetables with a big wooden
spoon, until they were lightly brown. Then, she poured it all into a huge
blue and white bowl that was filled to the top with flavored croutons. We
guessed on how many eggs, maybe at least a dozen were added. She mixed and
stirred and mixed and stirred until the favorite time of the day arrived.
It was time to taste.
Mom gave me a spoon and took one for herself and we both dipped our spoons
in. She always asked me, “What do you think it needs?” “I would say it
needs just a bit more sage, a tad more butter and a lot more turkey juice.
Then, we would taste it again. A little more pepper.” It went on and on
until it tasted just perfect!
Mom would stuff the moist dressing into the gigantic bird. She would put
what was leftover, into a real dainty casserole dish. Back into the oven
went our turkey with of course, the dressing. An hour before dinner was to
be served she would place the stuffing casserole into the oven.
I couldn't wait to eat everything -- turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry
relish -- and especially, the remarkable dressing. The dressing was the
most delicious and luscious, probably because I helped! I can still taste
it today as my mouth waters.
Every year at Thanksgiving that was my job -- to help make the stuffing
taste great! Even when I could no longer stir, crack the eggs, cut the
celery and onions, etc., my mom would always give me a taste and ask me,
“What does it need?”
It was a special time. Not only for Thanksgiving but a special time for my
mom and me. I am thankful to her for allowing me to help make the stuffing.
It was a time I'll always remember. A time I will always hold dear to my heart.
By Lori Andalee Hinderer
Lori says, “I'm 47 years 'young!' I have a rare form of muscular dystrophy
since birth. I love to read books on tape, writing short stories, starting
my book and writing in my journal. Writing I have found is rewarding. Due
to the warm weather in Arizona, I moved here twelve years ago. I dedicate
my story to my Mother.” You can email Lori at: sliceoflife2@cox.net
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Galatians 6:1-4 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are
spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering
thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so
fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when
he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work,
and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”
1 John 3:16-18 “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down
His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But
whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth
up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed
and in truth.”
1 Corinthians 12:26-28 “And whether one member suffer, all the members
suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set
some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers,
after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments,
diversities of tongues.”
Matthew 25:37-40 Jesus declares “Then shall the righteous answer Him,
saying, Lord, when saw we Thee an hungred, and fed Thee? or thirsty, and
gave Thee drink? When saw we Thee a stranger, and took Thee in? or naked,
and clothed Thee? Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison, and came unto
Thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you,
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye
have done it unto Me.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: GOD WON'T ASK
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem38.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: RESCUED FROM DEPRESSION
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony37.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
