What? What is starting to stir inside of me? BAKING!! You know how much I love to bake and make things.... and with cooler weather right now, and knowing in about 2 months is Christmas (my baking is for Christmas, not Thanksgiving).... I am starting to think ahead on what to do and when to actually start. In fact, I'm hoping that this weekend I can start on my cranberry pumpkin nut bread. I've discovered over the years there are not many in my family that actually like it... but I will have some out for any that want to take it. I've bought a couple new cookbooks that I am hoping to find healthy foods to bake so that those who need to be careful of their diet can still enjoy without being too 'bad'. The best part of all the baking? I give it all away. It brings me much joy to bake and give away to whomever wants it.
In fact, (I may have already shared this) a few weeks ago I was talking to our neighbor on the right and we got to talking about the upcoming holidays and how I love to bake and give things away. She asked me if I would put her on my list of recipients. Of course I will! I love it even more when people ASK to be put on my list! My boss, for example, will tell me explicitly that she wants salsa, bread and butter pickles (if I make them), cheeseball... and this year I plan to make her a chocolate cheesecake that I have learned how to make. I want to make a big one to have for Thanksgiving and see how it goes over with my kids before I make smaller ones for Christmas if any want. My neighbor across the street is an insulin dependent diabetic so I am hoping to find something that even she can enjoy.
And of course there is also getting the grandchildren and great-grandchildren over to bake. Sigh. That is a difficulty as the grandchildren have their own lives and can not always take the time to come over. I will make a greater effort this year to have them, though. My kitchen is smaller, maybe have to have two at a time. I just love the time I get to spend with each one. I love that my granddaughter brought my great-granddaughter up last year to bake cookies with Oma. I can't wait to spend time with each one! They bring my heart so much joy. I don't even care if it is after Christmas - I just want to spend time with them.
I've been thinking more and more about getting away for a couple days. I'm feeling really tired lately and thinking a couple days off work just might do the trick. I get it that hubby is tired of being 'home' all day and while I'm working he feels 'alone'. If I was in an office, he would truly be alone and would be a real mess. He never has liked being alone. But I'm thinking even if we stay in town, just to get a change of scenery for a couple days. Maybe take a Thursday-Friday off - or a Monday-Tuesday and have the weekend on either end. Will have to think about it. With the holidays coming, if I'm going to do something, I need to do it soon!
I Corinthians 13:8: "Love never fails".
That is what is on my card this morning that I chose to look at. Love never fails. That's an interesting statement, isn't it? When things get tough, when tempers rage, when life isn't what we thought it would be.... Love always comes through. There is just something about Love that stirs our hearts. For some people Love is just Love. But what is it about LOVE? It's the caring and comfortable feeling you have with others who you enjoy being with. Usually we associate love with girlfriends or boyfriends, or even spouses, but there is Someone who loves us so much more!
I Peter 3:8 (NKJV): "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
Having compassion on others isn't quite the same as loving them, but it is caring for what is going on with them. Are they hungry? Are they weary? Are they in need? Love and have compassion on them and help them, for when we do that, we are serving Jesus.
I love the backside of the card.... "The best way to spend my day is to spend it with you!" Isn't this where we go "awwww"?
Am I getting melancholy this morning with all my talking about baking and giving things away and love and compassion? Could be! There are so many hurting people in the world. I admit, I am somewhat wary of those who always have their hand out.... unless I feel prompted by God to 'meet a need/want'.... I will usually not do it. I give to charities. I like helping do things for the homeless. But some people just want the handout and not do the 'work' to get out of the hole they are in. I have my own opinions on that. And, yes, I probably should not look at it that way, but I would rather help someone in need who is really trying, than someone who has their hand out because they don't want to do the work on their own. Ok - enough about that! We see so much of it on our street corners that it is discouraging. I just pray and ask the Holy Spirit to prompt me if I am to give something. I'm not to judge on what they do with it; I am only to give freely.
And....with that... I'm going to hush and get my day started by taking a good hot shower and be refreshed to start my work day.
Have an amazing day!
Blessings!
