Past
When I was in the sixth grade, my family moved to California. At that age, traveling halfway across the country was a pretty exciting adventure. We stayed in California for three and one half years. My father was marketing a home building product that was quite revolutionary. The problem was that it wasn’t a union product. He ignored the “suggestions” by union representatives to cease and desist. Then he started receiving threatening phone calls. Needless to say, it was a very unpleasant time for our family. I wasn’t old enough to be of any assistance, but I was old enough to notice the tension. Both of my parents were very concerned. It was with a great deal of joy and relief that they announced we were moving back home. When the moving van was loaded and departing, we all cheered and my parents breathed a sigh of relief…that is, until my father remembered that his wallet with all his cash for the move and traveling expenses was in his bureau drawer at the front of the van. Some would say that the arrival of a friend within a few minutes was a fortuitous event…this man loaned my father the necessary cash to get us safely home. I say that it was the hand of God that inspired this dear man to drive to our home in order to say goodbye. Little did he know how much that goodbye would cost! My father, of course, returned his money when the moving van unloaded our furniture. But I do thank God for our sweet friend’s appearance—if not for him, I might still be a resident of California!
Present
I remembered this incident from my childhood as I struggle with the boxes and boxes and more boxes of stuff (and I do mean stuff!) that we have collected over the years. I have said often in the past few weeks and I state it again, “God willing, I will NEVER move again.” Moves are getting painful. They are painfully expensive and physically painful. I still have not found the coffee maker and the silverware. I remember packing them, but I have no idea where they are in the maze of boxes. So we are using plasticware and buying coffee at the local convenience store. I think in most people’s lives there is a sense of needing order…even if that order appears somewhat chaotic to others. I know where my things belong, don’t touch my stuff. It may look a little lopsided and weird, but it’s the way I want it. It gives me a sense of comfort and belonging to be able to arrange books, pillows, computer, dishes, whatever, in the same fashion that I have always done. I notice that as I unpack and arrange things, I seek God’s comfort in the matter. “Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.” Psalm 119:76 Many times during this stressful move, I have called upon the name of the Lord and he is faithful to answer. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” (Psalm 46:1,2)With that kind of assurance, what’s a little move?
Recipe
Mississippi Mud Cake
2 sticks of butter
2 cups of granulated sugar
1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa
4 extra large eggs
1 ¾ cups of flour
1 teas. vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
Beat together butter (softened), sugar and cocoa until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one. Add the flour, vanilla, and pecans. Mix just until blended and pour into9 x 13 pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Cool before frosting.
Icing
1 stick of butter
1 ¾ cups of sifted powdered sugar
2 cups of miniature marshmallows
2 tbsps plus 2 ½ teas of cocoa
¼ cup milk
½ cup pecan pieces
Combine the butter, sugar, marshmallows and cocoa in a saucepan. Add the milk gradually. Cook over low heat until marshmallows are melted. Drizzle over the cake and sprinkle pecans over the top.
This recipe was given to me by a sweet, dear friend. She was the principal of the first Christian school in which I taught. Sue was a tiny, little God-fearing woman. She has gone home to be with the Lord, and I know she wouldn’t mind me sharing her recipe with you.
When I was in the sixth grade, my family moved to California. At that age, traveling halfway across the country was a pretty exciting adventure. We stayed in California for three and one half years. My father was marketing a home building product that was quite revolutionary. The problem was that it wasn’t a union product. He ignored the “suggestions” by union representatives to cease and desist. Then he started receiving threatening phone calls. Needless to say, it was a very unpleasant time for our family. I wasn’t old enough to be of any assistance, but I was old enough to notice the tension. Both of my parents were very concerned. It was with a great deal of joy and relief that they announced we were moving back home. When the moving van was loaded and departing, we all cheered and my parents breathed a sigh of relief…that is, until my father remembered that his wallet with all his cash for the move and traveling expenses was in his bureau drawer at the front of the van. Some would say that the arrival of a friend within a few minutes was a fortuitous event…this man loaned my father the necessary cash to get us safely home. I say that it was the hand of God that inspired this dear man to drive to our home in order to say goodbye. Little did he know how much that goodbye would cost! My father, of course, returned his money when the moving van unloaded our furniture. But I do thank God for our sweet friend’s appearance—if not for him, I might still be a resident of California!
Present
I remembered this incident from my childhood as I struggle with the boxes and boxes and more boxes of stuff (and I do mean stuff!) that we have collected over the years. I have said often in the past few weeks and I state it again, “God willing, I will NEVER move again.” Moves are getting painful. They are painfully expensive and physically painful. I still have not found the coffee maker and the silverware. I remember packing them, but I have no idea where they are in the maze of boxes. So we are using plasticware and buying coffee at the local convenience store. I think in most people’s lives there is a sense of needing order…even if that order appears somewhat chaotic to others. I know where my things belong, don’t touch my stuff. It may look a little lopsided and weird, but it’s the way I want it. It gives me a sense of comfort and belonging to be able to arrange books, pillows, computer, dishes, whatever, in the same fashion that I have always done. I notice that as I unpack and arrange things, I seek God’s comfort in the matter. “Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.” Psalm 119:76 Many times during this stressful move, I have called upon the name of the Lord and he is faithful to answer. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” (Psalm 46:1,2)With that kind of assurance, what’s a little move?
Recipe
Mississippi Mud Cake
2 sticks of butter
2 cups of granulated sugar
1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa
4 extra large eggs
1 ¾ cups of flour
1 teas. vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
Beat together butter (softened), sugar and cocoa until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one. Add the flour, vanilla, and pecans. Mix just until blended and pour into9 x 13 pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Cool before frosting.
Icing
1 stick of butter
1 ¾ cups of sifted powdered sugar
2 cups of miniature marshmallows
2 tbsps plus 2 ½ teas of cocoa
¼ cup milk
½ cup pecan pieces
Combine the butter, sugar, marshmallows and cocoa in a saucepan. Add the milk gradually. Cook over low heat until marshmallows are melted. Drizzle over the cake and sprinkle pecans over the top.
This recipe was given to me by a sweet, dear friend. She was the principal of the first Christian school in which I taught. Sue was a tiny, little God-fearing woman. She has gone home to be with the Lord, and I know she wouldn’t mind me sharing her recipe with you.