Reminders of God

The song, "My Favorite Things" reminds me to take notice of things in life which bring to mind God’s presence, goodness, and love.

These are some of mine:

Sun sifting through a stained glass window…a tiny hand of a child…old familiar Christmas carols, beautiful music…rabbits playing on a sunny, country lane…an old, worn, family Bible…sunrise…sunset…a soft, warm, gentle wind on my face...a horse-drawn sleigh in snow…a December sky laden with bright stars…constellations…the Big Dipper…sitting by a warm fire, soft candlelight...white birch trees against a winter sky...purple violets and yellow daffodils of Spring…a found seashell…the tide coming in and going out, ever constant…a spider spinning a web... birds at the feeder...the scent of fresh evergreen…happy giggles of children…hugs from my grandchildren…homegrown tomatoes, warm chocolate chip cookies...church bells ringing…the story of Moses… the story of David…fireflies on a Summer evening…small, random acts of kindness…birds singing…a bright full moon shining on the ocean…a loving hug…the smell of rain…a thunderstorm…a rainbow…snowflakes flying…planting seeds…the colors of the sea…warm, homemade bread…colorful Autumn leaves -flying in the air…my Mother’s love… old family photographs…bright, sunny, Summer days…a pumpkin patch…lunch with a good friend…family gathered around the table…happy beginnings…happy endings…happy memories.

Thank you, God.

Jam Cake
Billy & Flora Caplenor

1/2 c. Crisco or equivalent
1 c. sugar
3 eggs
3/4 c. buttermilk
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. cloves
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. chopped nuts
1 c. raisins
1 c. seedless blackberry jam
1/2 c. pear preserves or pear honey

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Add buttermilk and mix thoroughly; mix in cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Place one cup of flour, baking soda, and baking powder on top of this mixture, but do not stir. Top with nuts, raisins, and the rest of the flour. Place jam and preserves on top of it all, then beat thoroughly for two minutes.
Place mixture in greased 9x13-inch pan and bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes. Optional: top with caramel frosting or glaze of choice while hot.