Welcome to Lemon Pie to Make the Heart Glad. This page will explore something we all need— encouragement. The first story explains the title choice. Many of these writing will be excerpts from my still unpublished book.

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Sandra McGarrity 2007

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Head-scarves and Popcorn

Posted December 18, 2007 - “It’s colder out here than I thought it was going to be.” A small frown creased her forehead. “I can’t believe we forgot your caps. We are going to be out in this cold for awhile.”

Her three daughters stood on the sidewalk beside her, happily chattering away while she worried. We weren’t concerned about our heads. Let mother worry about it. All of that worrying stuff was her job, not ours. Our breath hung in heavy wisps on the December afternoon air. We pretended to smoke cigarettes when Mother looked the other way. Stamping our feet helped to keep them warm and provided an outlet for our energy. We were having a great time.

Dazzling Christmas decorations embellished the full length of Main Street. The huge tree in the Court Square was hung with hundreds of ornaments and draped all around with silver tinsel. The store windows displayed treasures of bicycles and baby dolls that made us giddy with excitement. We joyfully embraced the magical world of colored lights and candy canes that surrounded us.

It seemed as if the entire population of our small town lined the street waiting for the Christmas parade. The annual parade was an important event in our lives and few people missed it. This particular parade was to be the best one ever because our older sister, the fourth “stair-step” was riding on one of the floats. It wasn’t just any float, either. She was riding on the main one – the one with the big guy in the red suit. Our sister was to be a part of the grand finale as one of Santa’s helpers. For this day, she was one of the most important people in the town. We were her sisters, so that made us pretty important too.

“I don’t know.” Our mother shook her head again. “I don’t need a house full of sick children. Pat is already probably freezing to death, riding that float dressed in pajamas. I can’t let the rest of you freeze.”

In truth, there was no way that we could be freezing. We were tightly bundled against the winter day in pants, heavy socks and shoes, coats, gloves, mittens; you name it. It was just that somehow, our caps had been forgotten. As about the most conscientious mother on the planet, our mother stood there convincing herself that we would be fatally ill before morning if she allowed our heads to go uncovered.

Gail, Debbie, and I continued to talk and giggle. We craned our necks, hoping to catch a glimpse of the police car that would begin the parade. We weren’t at all concerned about our capless state. We just wanted to see the parade.

Mother began to go through the contents of her purse. She pulled out her coin bag and counted the change, then dug to the bottom of her purse and found a few more coins. She counted the coins and looked across the street to the dime store. She cast a furtive glance up and down the empty street. “You three stand right here and don’t move. I will be back in a few minutes.”

The Christmas spirit, as well as three little hearts, began to sink within us. She had that determined look on her face. “Where are you going?” We clamored around her.

…to be continued

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Come Let Us Adore Him

Posted December 12, 2007 - My grandson has always loved my Nativity Set. It is porcelain but inexpensive, so we play with it often in the weeks before Christmas, enacting the birth of Jesus. He happened to be at my house this year while I was decorating. He could barely wait for me to open the box of figures.

Since he is close to five years old and was so excited, I allowed him to place the figures on a table. When he was finished, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were barely visible because he had the shepherds, wise men, and animals crowded into a semi-circle around Jesus.

I usually spread them out so you can see each figure and still have them somewhat turned toward the manger. I asked him, “Don’t you want to turn them around a bit?”

“No.” His answer was rapid and firm.

Soon, my husband came in and started to rearrange the scene. I did some quick hand motions to signal to him to leave it alone. My grandson has been known to get dramatic about things like that.

The next day I explained to Mike, “I didn’t want you to change them while he was here because I didn’t want to listen to the grief.”

Mike answered, “I changed everything around last night. The first thing he did when he came in today was to put them all back the way he had them.”

So, the Nativity remains according to Connor’s arrangement. The more I look at it; the more fitting it seems. Those who came to Jesus didn’t come to be seen but to see the Savior of the world. They must have crowded in as close as possible to see this miracle. All attention was on Him. I smile every time I pass it. I’m glad a child’s handiwork reminds me where my focus needs to be.

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...she can laugh at the days to come

-Proverbs 31-25

Posted November 28, 2007 - Thanksgiving is over. Take some time to relax and regroup for the days ahead. May the next six weeks find you filled with laughter.

Years ago, my cousin was a beautiful little girl with blonde ringlets and deep dimples. One day an elderly neighbor told her, “I had dimples like yours when I was a little girl.”

Completely serious, Pam replied, “What happened? Did they turn to wrinkles?”

I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying, toys not included.

- Bernard Manning

From a commercial point of view, if Christmas did not exist it would be necessary to invent it.

- Katherine Whitehorn

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Posted November 21, 2007 - For a Thanksgiving meditation, I would like to emphasize selected verses from Nehemiah 12:27 NLT

27 For the dedication of the new wall of Jerusalem , the Levites throughout the land were asked to come to Jerusalem to assist in the ceremonies. They were to take part in the joyous occasion with their songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres.  

31 I led the leaders of Judah to the top of the wall and organized two large choirs to give thanks. One of the choirs proceeded southward along the top of the wall.

They used the musical instruments prescribed by David, the man of God. Ezra the scribe led this procession.

37 At the Fountain Gate they went straight up the steps on the ascent of the city wall toward the City of David .

38 The second choir giving thanks went northward around the other way to meet them. I followed them, together with the other half of the people, along the top of the wall.

40 The two choirs that were giving thanks then proceeded to the Temple of God , where they took their places. So did I, together with the group of leaders who were with me.

41 We went together with the trumpet-playing priests…and the singers… They played and sang loudly under the direction of Jezrahiah the choir director.

43 Many sacrifices were offered on that joyous day, for God had given the people cause for great joy. The women and children also participated in the celebration, and the joy of the people of Jerusalem could be heard far away.

This was truly a Thanksgiving Day Parade. Two large choirs bearing musical instruments marched in rank along the new city wall of Jerusalem. The parade route ended at the Temple of God where they played and sang under the direction of the choir director. Next, sacrifices were offered and the women and children participated in the celebration.

It was a day of recognition for all God had done for them. God had given the people cause for great joy. The spirit of Thanksgiving was so great that the joy of the people of Jerusalem could be heard far away.

Thanksgiving Proclamation

I believe I have fulfilled my goals up to this point. It has been nice to focus on Thanksgiving. But I have to admit I have felt like the headless turkey a few times already. The greatest celebration ever is still ahead in heaven. Jesus has made all the preparations. For once the women can just sit down and enjoy.

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The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts.  No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. ~H.U. Westermayer

Posted November 13, 2007 - In regard to my Thanksgiving Proclamation:

When I think of things I’m thankful for I would first say God, family, friends, freedom, etc. I’m thankful for many other seemingly small blessings.

The list could go on and on. In fact, one of the best ways I’ve found to chase away the blues is to walk from room to room in my house thanking God for every thing I lay eyes on. I’m always laughing by the time I get to “Thank you Lord for the dirty toilet.”

Give thanks in all circumstances.
- I Thessalonians 5: 18

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Posted November 7, 2007 - When the Pilgrims of Plymouth Massachusetts had a successful harvest, Governor William Bradford proclaimed a day of celebration and thanksgiving. After that time a harvest celebration was usually held each year.

The Continental Congress issued the first official Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1777. In1789 President George Washington declared a Thanksgiving Proclamation assigning Thursday the 26th day of November “to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being…That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country."

After this John Adams and James Madison each issued two Proclamations of Thanksgiving during their presidencies.

Author and magazine editor Sarah Josepha Hale spent 40 years writing to congressmen, lobbying five presidents, and writing countless editorials in her campaign to create an official day of thanks.

On October 3, 1863 President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November to be a day set apart for National Thanksgiving. President Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation begins:

Since that time every U.S. President has made an official Thanksgiving Proclamation. The celebration of Thanksgiving is, as we all know, in danger of being swept under the rug or maybe wrapped with the other gifts under the tree. I’m not against Christmas. I just want to take the time to breathe deeply and remember where my provision comes from before I pour that provision into whatever I do during the weeks ahead. Thanksgiving is a time to stop, rest, recharge, and think about the things most important to us.

This year I make my own Thanksgiving Proclamation:

In the remaining weeks before Thanksgiving I will give progress reports on my proclamation. So far, I’ve watched my husband put up Thanksgiving décor outside, arranged a bowl of Indian corn and gourds, and mailed four cards.

I hope you all are having fun with Thanksgiving. Don’t forget to send your Thanksgiving thoughts to Julie!

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Posted October 30, 2007 - A friend of mine made a comment at a group meeting one evening. She was talking about the large number of Christians that descend upon the restaurants after Sunday services. She believed that it was an opportunity for Christians to be a positive force in the world.

She said, “I believe that Christians in restaurants on Sundays should be the best customers the servers have seen all week. We should have a smile on our face, be kind and easy to please, and leave the best tips.

After all, we have just come from church and they know it.”

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Oh Those Israelites!

Posted October 23, 2007 - Numbers 13: 26-33 - Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it."

When I read the Biblical account of the Israelites I always want to shout, “Joshua and Caleb have come back with glowing reports of the Promised Land and you guys are standing around whining, ‘If only we had died in Egypt or in this desert!’ Stop the negativity and get in there and take that land!” It is pretty easy for me to be disgusted with them since I’ve already seen the end of the story and know what they missed.

At about this point in my irritation the Lord reminds me of the times my negative attitude sent me to some wilderness time. My whining spilled over taking others along for the wilderness walk. Why do I stand around whining? Haven’t I seen God do great things for me? Don’t I already know the end of the story? Can’t I read ahead and see all of His promises to me?

So, I’m sorry Israelites of the Bible for criticizing. And, hey, thanks for the lessons I can learn from you.

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Sweet Talk

Posted October 17, 2007 - I saw some new things in the book of Philemon today. Paul asks that Onesimus be accepted back by Philemon not as a slave but as a brother. He reminds Philemon right up front that he could demand that Onesimus stay with him instead of sending him back. Next, he gives an appeal using the kindest and most encouraging of words. Paul uses some sugar in a situation that could have been sour as lemons.

Some great combinations have been made with lemons and sugar.

There is no such thing as a ‘self-made’ man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our successes.

- George Matthew Adams

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Good things are happening all around—open your eyes.

Posted October 9, 2007 - Like the old song that says “Don’t tell me I’ve nothing to do”, don’t tell me nothing good ever happens. (Is that grammar correct?) Look at all the good things that have happened on this week’s dates:

October 8, 1849 – U.S. Poet, James Whitcomb Riley was born

On October 9, 1871, Chicago's "Great Conflagration" was brought under control. The fire started the night before and was not completely extinguished until much needed rain fell the following day.

October 10, 1985 – The Achille Lauro hijacking ended
October 10 – My sister Debi was born.

October 11, 2002 - Jimmy Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
October 11 – My sister Gail was born.
October 11 – My sister-in-law, Virginia was born.

October 12, 1492 – Columbus discovered the Americas.

October 13, 1792 – The cornerstone of The White House was laid.

How about October 2007? Good things are happening. Look for them.

In honor of autumn, here is a fun poem by James Whitcomb Riley. Enjoy it. Act like a child for a few minutes—please!!!

When the Frost is on the Punkin

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock,
And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin' turkey-cock,
And the clackin' of the guineys, and the cluckin' of the hens,
And the rooster's hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence;
O, it's then's the times a feller is a-feelin' at his best,
With the risin' sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest,
As he leaves the house, bareheaded, and goes out to feed the stock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

They's something kindo' harty-like about the atmusfere
When the heat of summer's over and the coolin' fall is here --
Of course we miss the flowers, and the blossums on the trees,
And the mumble of the hummin'-birds and buzzin' of the bees;
But the air's so appetizin'; and the landscape through the haze
Of a crisp and sunny morning of the airly autumn days
Is a pictur' that no painter has the colorin' to mock --
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

The husky, rusty russel of the tossels of the corn,
And the raspin' of the tangled leaves, as golden as the morn;
The stubble in the furries -- kindo' lonesome-like, but still
A-preachin' sermuns to us of the barns they growed to fill;
The strawstack in the medder, and the reaper in the shed;
The hosses in theyr stalls below -- the clover over-head! --
O, it sets my hart a-clickin' like the tickin' of a clock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock!

Then your apples all is gethered, and the ones a feller keeps
Is poured around the celler-floor in red and yeller heaps;
And your cider-makin' 's over, and your wimmern-folks is through
With their mince and apple-butter, and theyr souse and saussage, too! ...
I don't know how to tell it -- but ef sich a thing could be
As the Angels wantin' boardin', and they'd call around on me --
I'd want to 'commodate 'em -- all the whole-indurin' flock --
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock!

- James Whitcomb Riley

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Posted October 3, 2007 - One day I stood at the checkout counter while the clerk rang up my purchases. She didn’t greet, thank, or otherwise speak to me. She was too deep into a conversation with the bagger about the failings of the President of our country. It seemed the two of them believed that they could put our country back together if given the opportunity. Their conversation involved several rude remarks.

I left the store saddened. I wanted to tell them that I remembered a day when people respected those in authority even if they didn’t agree with them. I wanted to tell them that their job was to help the customer and to be friendly. The problem was that I might be as guilty as they if I told them what I was thinking.

Something similar to this has occurred so many times since then. The service people are spending more time standing around complaining about the boss, break times, and other workers than they are helping the customers. I always leave those places feeling discouraged.

Don't reserve your best behavior for special occasions. You can't have two sets of manners, two social codes - one for those you admire and want to impress, another for those whom you consider unimportant. You must be the same to all people.

- Lillian Eichler Watson

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to heir needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

- Ephesians 4:29

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Kool-Aid Punch

Posted September 24, 2007 - My aunts also had a way of making things special. Often, when we would visit the home of one of those aunts in the hot summertime, she would make one of her special treats for us. It was something that we didn’t have very often because our mother didn’t own a punch bowl back in those days.

Our aunt poured ice-cold, grape kool-aid into a punch bowl set in the middle of her kitchen table. She placed the small glass cups in a circle around the bowl and allowed us to ladle our own “punch”. The most wonderful touch was the paper thin lemon slices floating on top of the kool-aid.

She could have poured the drink from a pitcher into paper cups or told us to get a drink of tap water. She could have told us to get a drink from the garden hose so we wouldn’t run in and out of the house. Instead, she created a memory that is just as bright forty or so years later as it was then.

Can you create a bright memory for someone today?

So live that your memories will be part of your happiness.

Author Unknown

The memory of the righteous will be a blessing

- Proverbs 10:7 

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Author Allison Bottke

Posted September 5, 2007 - Allison Bottke was a recent guest at my blog. At the time I discovered the "God Allows U-Turns" series of books, I’d had a few stories published. Having stories in several of those books paved the way to more publication. So, I owe a special thanks to Allison.

I loved Allison’s two fiction books, "A Stitch in Time" and "One Little Secret". These books take us to worlds most of us seldom visit. At the beginning I thought “How can I ever be interested in this?” I couldn’t put either book down. I came away with two truths: The problems we face are universal and there is a whole set of people out there who need to be reached.

I’ll now share with you some of Allison’s blog:

I was 35 years old when I made my u-turn toward God. Some of you may be aware of my ministry called: GOD ALLOWS U-TURNS. In fact, as an aside, we are collecting stories for three new volumes in our true short story anthology. So, if you’d like to submit your story for consideration, please read the Writer’s Guidelines on the God Allows U-Turns web site.

My very first book was published in the year 2001, it was a collection of true short stories called GOD ALLOWS U-TURNS. Today, there are over 23 books (non-fiction AND fiction) under the God Allows U-Turns “brand.” It’s the release of "ONE LITTLE SECRET", my 2nd “Boomer-Lit” novel that brings me here today.

I developed "ONE LITTLE SECRET" first as a screenplay called "JUST A HOUSEWIFE". When Bethany House wanted a second novel after my debut novel called "A STITCH IN TIME", I immediately thought of this story, realizing that it would make some great Boomer-Lit!

Here’s a little synopses about "ONE LITTLE SECRET"…

**** For Ursula Rhoades, her "ONE LITTLE SECRET" becomes her one big problem! "ONE LITTLE SECRET" fits seamlessly into a culture obsessed with reality TV and celebrity lives (think American Idol and E! channel). Delving into the life of a fictional rock star, "ONE LITTLE SECRET" takes readers on a fun-loving ride through Hollywood and the famous GRAMMY awards.

In a land of glitz and glamour, Ursula Rhoades isn't fazed in the least by the constant parade of Prada. She has a beautiful home, a loving family, and fulfilling volunteer opportunities that leave this fashionable and loving Bel-Air housewife completely content, even if she did have to give up her dreams when she married Don so many years ago. Enter Nikolai Prevelakis, or Nik Prevel to his fans, the hottest young music star in the country. But it isn't enough. Handsome, famous, and living the life of a rock star, Nik isn't content. When his path crosses Ursula's, he sees the opportunity he's been waiting for. But what seems like a harmless little secret changes their lives forever-and becomes one big secret everyone's trying to figure out!

"ONE LITTLE SECRET" is a Hollywood fairy tale with all the pleasures of escapist literature mixed with gentle lessons on using the talents God has given you, the power of sacrifice, self-esteem, and the value of being "just a housewife."

I had a blast writing this book. I had even more fun developing a contest to go with it. We’re actually giving away an all expense paid trip to Hollywood for two in the event the book gets optioned for a film. Readers can vote on who they think would make the best Ursula and Nik—from stars like Catherine Zeta Jones and Antonio Banderas. It’s a fun and funky contest, how about stopping by and voting, okay? Check out the contest here, we call it The Hollywood Casting Call Contest.

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Taste and See

Posted August 28, 2007 - Psalm 34: 18 was the verse sent to me via e-mail today. I receive a verse each morning from K-Love radio. They always seem to be perfect for the day. I haven’t been brokenhearted in a long time but the last couple of weeks have seen me right back there. You know how you feel when your spirits are crushed? It isn’t good.

The Lord has been close to me over and over but I still kept falling back into the pit. As Joyce Meyers says – I was pit-i-ful. Yesterday, I think He rescued me via the members of my Sunday School class. I hate to boo-hoo in public but what an outpouring of love I received. Thanks people.

If you live in the Chesapeake, Virginia area and need love and a lot of fun come to Deep Creek Baptist Church and ask for the “Blessed” class.

Psalm 34

18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
  he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Another verse in the same Psalm reads:

8 Taste and see that the LORD is good.

I think this verse goes well with this column “Lemon Pie to Make the Heart Glad.” My sister, Pat Gray recently had an accident. She has a fractured and semi-dislocated shoulder and is in a lot of pain. Pat is an outstanding Christian. She is my role model but I don’t think I’ll ever achieve it. You can see her writing at answers2prayer.com and christianmagazineonline.com.

In her honor I’m actually posting a recipe.

Pat’s Lemon Pie

1 crumb crust, cooled
15oz. sweetened condensed milk
½ cup lemon juice
2 egg yolks

Blend milk, juice and egg yolks until thickened. Pour into pie shell. Prepare one recipe meringue and put on top of filling. Cook 15 minutes at 325 degrees. Cool. Chill thoroughly.

This recipe came from my sister, Pat Gray. Pat was featured in her local newspaper in a section entitled, The Good Cook. This recipe had another name at one time. Now, we all refer to it as ‘Pat’s lemon pie’. The recipe appeared in a cookbook sponsored by the Jaycettes of Calhoun City, Missippi.

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A Kind Word

Posted August 21, 2007 - I am keeping this week’s column brief. I pray that many kind words will come to those with anxious hearts this week. God bless you. Have a good week.

God has not called us to see through each other, but to see each other through. -Unknown

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Proverbs 12:25

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A Poem of Encouragement

Posted August 14, 2007 - Sometimes—most of the time—okay, always the thing I need most is encouragement. Understanding how much I need a good word along the way makes me want to be an encouragement—something I often fail at. This poem written in the early 1900’s is somewhat flowery as all poetry was at the time. The message here is easy to get—please, God, make me an encourager so I won’t live to regret not being one. Let someone remember I made their life better.

"I Shall Not Pass This Way Again"

I shall not pass this way again-
Although it bordered be with flowers,
Although I rest in fragrant bowers,
And hear the singing
Of song-birds winging
To highest heaven their gladsome flight;
Though moons are full and stars are bright,
And winds and waves are softly sighing,
While leafy trees make low replying;
Though voices clear in joyous strain
Repeat a jubilant refrain;
Though rising suns their radiance throw
On summer's green and winter's snow,
In such rare splendor that my heart
Would ache from scenes like these to part;
Though beauties heighten,
And life-lights brighten,
And joys proceed from every pain,-
I shall not pass this way again.

Then let me pluck the flowers that blow,
And let me listen as I go
To music rare
That fills the air;
And let hereafter
Songs and laughter
Fill every pause along the way;
And to my spirit let me say:
"O soul, be happy; soon 'tis trod,
The path made thus for thee by God.
Be happy thou, and bless His name
By whom such marvellous beauty came."
And let no chance by me be lost
To kindness show at any cost.
I shall not pass this way again;
Then let me now relieve some pain,
Remove some barrier from the road,
Or brighten some one's heavy load;
A helping hand to this one lend,
Then turn some other to befriend.

O God, forgive
That now I live
As if I might, sometime, return
To bless the weary ones that yearn
For help and comfort every day,-
For there be such along the way.
O God, forgive that I have seen
The beauty only, have not been
Awake to sorrow such as this;
That I have drunk the cup of bliss
Remembering not that those there be
Who drink the dregs of misery.

I love the beauty of the scene,
Would roam again o'er fields so green;
But since I may not, let me spend
My strength for others to the end,-
For those who tread on rock and stone,
And bear their burdens all alone,
Who loiter not in leafy bowers,
Nor hear the birds nor pluck the flowers.
A larger kindness give to me,
A deeper love and sympathy;
Then, O, one day
May someone say-

Remembering a lessened pain-
"Would she could pass this way again."

~ Eva Rose York

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Lemonade Ice Cubes

Posted August 7, 2007 - I have a sweet memory of my sixth birthday. My mother gave a big party for me complete with decorations of crepe paper streamers and balloons. We even had party hats—a pretty big deal back those days.

It seemed that dozens of children crowded into our kitchen to play “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” and other party games. A huge pile of gifts awaited me. Mother served cake, ice cream, and lemonade for refreshments. Of course, everything was served in birthday plates and cups with small paper birthday napkins bearing pictures of Woody Woodpecker—if I remember correctly.

The lemonade ice cubes were the special touch of the day. My mother froze lemonade in her ice trays to go into the lemonade we had to drink. But, she didn’t stop there—she colored the cubes soft pastel shades of pink, blue, green, and yellow. Everyone was amazed by those cubes, I felt like a princess for having something so special.

Can you remember the last time you made someone feel like a princess?

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

-Philemon 7

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God’s Strength

Posted July 31, 2007 - I depart from the discussion of lemons this week but stay with the subject of encouragement. Have an encouraged week!

God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.

- I Corinthians 1:25 NLT

This verse was in my Bible reading yesterday. It is such a simple yet powerful encouragement to be reminded of His strength. I’m so glad I don’t have to rely upon myself for strength because I have little of it.

Phil Pfister was named Met-RxWorld’s Strongest Man on September 23, 2006. My husband enjoys watching these events on television so I’ve often witnessed the incredible strength of these men. Pfister works as a firefighter—it’s good to know a great guy like him is out there protecting people in West Virginia.

It’s even better to know that God’s merest whisper of strength is stronger than the strongest human. Whether we see ourselves as weak or strong, we need His power. He is willing to put that strength to work on our behalf any time—it is available to us all the time.

God is the Great Encourager
Turn to Him for Encouragement
You Will Never be Disappointed

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Meringue Dreams

Posted July 23, 2007 - When I was a little girl, I delighted in watching my mother whip up a bowl of meringue for a pie. There was something magical in watching as those egg whites grew into billowy, white, mountains as she added sugar and whipped. The finished product made my mouth water.

She would usually give me a taste and with my mouth full of the sugary, white fluff, I vowed that when I grew up and had my own home, I would make meringue and eat the whole bowl any time I wanted. Don’t laugh- they say it is good for children to have life goals.

Somehow, I never fulfilled that dream. Sure I made meringue dozens of times, but I always needed it for the pie, so I kept telling myself “someday.” Then, of course, I had to go and read that magazine article about salmonella poisoning. It was graphic. Now, I look at the bowl of meringue and instead of thinking “someday,” I’m thinking “no way”. I wonder if I put off my dream for too long.

Maybe, I will make my way into the kitchen…

…she can laugh at the days to come.

-Proverbs 31:25

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This story, written by myself, was published in What I Learned from God While Cooking compiled by Christine Bolley.

Lemon Pie to Make the Heart Glad

Posted July 17, 2007 - Her child rode the bus to church every week. The Young woman was elated at the good news that she was carrying another, much wanted child. She and her husband rejoiced that their family would soon be complete. They hoped for a girl.

One Saturday my husband came home from visiting his bus route. His voice was tinged with sadness as he told me the little family had lost their baby. “She (the mother) is devastated. I talked to her for a long time,” he said. “Do you think you could make some food or something? They don’t have any family living here and they have very few friends.”

I was the wife of a college student and we had two little girls to support so I had to give some thought to his request. It couldn’t be anything fancy and definitely not expensive. I decided on a meat loaf and some vegetables. For dessert, I made a homemade lemon meringue pie—crust and all. I made them fairly often because they were inexpensive, but delicious. It wasn’t the easiest dessert I could make, but I felt certain the Lord was instructing me to make it.

When the food was delivered to their door, they were almost overwhelmed with gratitude. Because his hands had been full on the first trip my husband had to go back to the car to get the pie. As he approached the door the grieving woman burst into tears and said, “I know that has to be a lemon meringue pie. I have been craving it. It is my favorite; how did your wife know?”

Of course, I didn’t know, but her Heavenly Father knew, and he passed the word along to me, without my realizing it. Pie is a small thing, but it made her heart glad, and mine too. Our great big God cares so much about the little things. He sends many things simply to gladden our hearts. His word tells us that He gives wine to gladden the heart, oil to make the face shine, and bread to sustain the heart. All of these speak of things given for our happiness, not simply things given to fill our stomachs. He could stop at providing our physical needs but our happiness means so much to Him that he gives the extra for our pleasure.

Do you know someone who needs a “lemon pie” to gladden the heart?

 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.

- Isaiah 40:1

Although baking a lemon meringue pie is neither easy nor quick, everyone should try it at least once in a lifetime. There is great pleasure in stirring the filling until it starts to thicken and becomes clear. Fascinating bubbles form and pop in the mixture. The sweet, sour aroma causes you to drool for the finished product. Patting meringue on top to make peaks with just the perfect curl is a work of art. Browning the meringue to perfection without burning the curls provides a challenge. Nothing compares to biting into a flaky crust you made yourself.

Gladden someone’s heart today. It may be your own

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