Years ago . . my mom belonged to a group at church called the "Dorcas Ladies Aid".
They would meet once a month . ..to quilt or sew together. . share each others joys and sorrows. . to encourage and challenge each other . . and to look into God's word.
I belong to a group sharing through our computers. . .called "Mennonite Girls Can Cook".
We meet to chat over our computers. . .here and there through out the week.
You, see the part. . .where we meet to share our recipes. . . but far more than that. .
behind the scenes we have found a safe place to share our hearts with one another.
When one of us has a need. . .we hold them before our Heavenly Father in prayer. .
When one of us. .needs a bit of love. . .we all ((((hug)))).
When one of us needs courage to carry on. . . we all cheer!!
When one needs a bit of advice. . .we offer bits of our own experiences that are tried and true.
Besides being friends. . .these girls are all mothers.
We are all either in process of emptying our nests. . .or we are empty nesters.
Between us we have about 320 years of mothering.
Each of us are our husband's wife. . our children's mom. . .and our parents daughter.
The recipes that we share with you have all been made. . .
not for earthly financial gain. . .
but out of love. . .
for family and friends .
Often the recipes have been quickly put together. . .
camera in one hand. . . phone in the other. .
inviting our children, parents. . .friends. . . and sometimes new friends over to help eat our wares.
Time and time again. . .
I have been amazed at the kindness that each "girl" has for her family.
The love for her husband. . . her children. . grandchildren.. . . and her parents is evident by the quick adjustments and allowances she makes each day to meet all the needs around her.
Each girl is purposing to pass what she knows. . .down the line. .
to the next generation. . . and also to you.
There was a time. . that when sharing a recipe that was a bit tricky. . .
many homemakers were reticent to tell all. . .keeping back little tricks big tricks. . .keeping it their special secret in the kitchen.
We all have an opportunity to leave a legacy in one way or another don't we?
I feel blessed to be a witness to something very special happening here on this blog.
There is no selfishness shown here. . .
only a joy in giving. . .and sharing. . .and a hope that young cooks. . will learn something worth passing on to their own families.
It is evident. . .that each girl that has contributed to this blog has a gift of hospitality. . .
a heart to bless others. .
and a desire to give and receive love.
(click on the photo to enlarge it)
When I asked the girls to send me photos of their mom and mom in law so that we could honour them. .
they were quick to respond and willing to share.
Many of the photos were sent with a longing heart. . .to see their mom again.
Most of the pictures sent to me. . .were accompanied by loving words of honour, respect and sentiment by a daughter who has been loved by beautiful women.
Often when we prepare the recipes. . .that our mom once made.. .
our memories are heightened by the aromas that we associate with being in mom's kitchen.
The moms we still have with us are cherished. . and honoured today. .
The moms we miss will forever now hold a special spot here in the recipes that live on.
To the girls that I am honoured to share this blog with. .
I say . . .well done . . .
I am so inspired by each one of you.
Your commitment to put your families first in your lives. . .
is a legacy that will not be overlooked.
I am certain. . that if I had called up the children of these girls. .they would all agree that they have amazing and loving moms. . .I'm sure of it.
I have often said. . that I love it when God plants an idea in our hearts. .
run with it. . . something extraordinary is about to happnen.
May we continue to honour our Heavenly Father in our homes with our gifts of hospitality. .
and on this blog.
Happy Mother's Day to you all!
All for now. . . with love,
Lovella
Thoughts on Mothers Day
