My mom and I were sorting through some of her things the other day. She asked me to sort her pile of cards and get them in order so she could find the ones she wanted to send at the appropriate time. I enjoy writing cards and notes also, so I decided to go through my stash too, and blend some of them together for her. As I was sorting through her pile of things she had kept over the years, this poem popped up on a little pink sheet. As you read it, think about the friends that God has blessed you with.
The Miracle of Friendship
There’s a miracle called Friendship
That dwells within the heart,
And you don’t know how it happens
Or when it gets its start….
But the happiness it brings you
Always gives a special lift,
And you realize the “Friendship”
Is God’s most precious gift!
This past week brought some sweetness to one of my friendships. We had suffered through a misunderstanding for several months, and a few days ago my prayers were answered that all would be resolved. I am so happy about that. Friends can bring the sunshine back into a day. They can infuse worth back into our weary souls by just loving us the way we are. By accepting us and listening to us, wherever we are at in this journey of life. We have the power to give this same increase in value to others when we care about them just where they are at. And offer forgiveness when it is needed. What a joyous privilege friendship is!
One place that I experience several friends at once is in the Fulda Swimming Pool! What a great group of ladies gather three times a week to splash, laugh, and yes, exercise. The past few times the pool has been quite full, with close to thirty gals attending. As we move through the water, conversations turn and change constantly, depending who you are next to.
This week one of my “ Water Lily” friends and I talked about apples as we tried to balance on one leg and stretch in the water! She told me she had just canned several jars of apples for pie making in the winter months. Since I have an abundance of apples right now, I am going to try it. Maybe you would like the recipe too? I can just smell the hot mixture already!
Apple Pie in a Jar
Peel and slice apples into 7 quart jars. Leave just a little “head” room at the top of the jars.
Mix the following in a large pan:
4 1/2 cups white sugar
1 cup cornstarch
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. salt
10 cups water
Cook this until it is thick and bubbly. Then add 3 Tbsp. lemon juice. Stir together and pour the hot syrup over the apples. Place lids on the jars. Process in a hot water bath
for 20 minutes. ** My friend said that one jar is more than enough for one pie, unless you are using a deep pie dish. It is good warmed up over ice cream or just like it is. Yum!
