Inspired by . . . savoring this life
I wish you could experience the smell in my cottage right now! I just pulled a batch of Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies from the oven.
If warmth and comfort had a smell, this would definitely be it.
They were worth the work. Even worth the dough that got crammed up under my fingernails. Ick.
Mine don’t look as picture pretty perfect as Miss Kelly’s but, oh-yeah, they’re yummy!
I’m alone in the cottage today. Enjoying the quiet. I knew it would be the perfect day to try this recipe. Not having to rush, or worry that every inch of my little kitchen is, a-hem, covered in flour.
Baking brings with it a lot of memories for me. I wanted to savor them today. Not just the memories, but life.
I want to slow down and savor this life.
I lay my dad’s bread board across the sink, doubling the counter space in my kitchen. Decades of gentle kneading has made the surface as smooth as silk. It is a large board, seamless, nearly eighteen inches wide. I think about the tree from which it came, and glance outside.
The wind is playing with the trees in my front yard. Coaxing them to release their leaves.
Release.
I wonder if the trees feel a sweet relief as they let go and slip into their winter slumber. I know there are a few things I’d like to let go of . . . .
"Come to Me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28
Knead the dough. Roll it out. Feel the rhythm.
In the background, faintly, because I’m enjoying the peace of this day, Elvis sings White Christmas. It’s the day after Thanksgiving, so Christmas music is allowed. I like to keep it special.
Sometimes less is more.
Life is so different now, of this Elvis reminds me.
My thoughts swirl like the cinnamon and sugar, mixed with the sharp tang of the Granny Smith apples. The good, the not-so-good, and the new.
Sweet and salty.
Mix it all up, assemble your pie and apply intense heat.
The goodness comes bubbling out.
Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested by fire; and so your faith,
which is much more precious than gold, must also be tested, so that it may endure. 1Peter 1:7
I’m so grateful for the memories. All of them. Even for the times when something other than good came out when the heat was applied- - for the times I needed a do over.
The times I received grace and mercy.
For they are all evidence of God’s fingers weaving the fabric of my life.
I’m so grateful for the moments-in-the-making. For God is here, now, still weaving.
He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; Phil 1:6
What moments are you savoring today?
Is there a “do over” you need to thank Him for?
Blessings,
Check out more recipes on my Pinterest board
Sharing inspiration here:
Thank you for this beautiful, realistic and encouraging blog. your photos are so amazing. And your message is one for my heart and life. God bless you.
ReplyDeletehttp://preciousdblog.blogspot.nl/
Your words are beautifully written. I am so thankful for the do-over that God has done in my life and continues to do. I was so foolish earlier in my life and had gotten into drugs and so many bad things, but I am not that person anymore, by God's grace. Every day I look at my children, my husband, and my life and thank God for how far He has brought me. And how far He is still daily bringing me. It seems like every day I need another do-over, but He never gives up. Thank you for the great post, glad I found you on the Weekend Brew.
ReplyDelete-Miranda at http://rahabtoriches.com/
I want to savor the moments too - the good, bad, the successes and the challenges. There is something so calming and therapeutic for me when I bake and I can totally relate to the memories and feelings that were stirred among the apples, sugar and cinnamon. Thank you for your beautiful words and for linking up at The Weekend Brew.
ReplyDeleteHi June,
ReplyDeleteSuch a delightful post - both the thoughts and your beautiful photos (oh the old bread board - a wonderful thing from your dad!) Those pies are adorable - apple pies are my favorite here in autumn.
I am also grateful that God is the Potter, and we can be clay in his hands ...
Blessings to your weekend,
Nina
Today has been a beautiful day of slowing down to savor the moments. To notice. Be more present. To be intentional with love. God's presence is felt. I smile. And so very grateful for your beautiful words. Also wishing we could enjoy a quiet day in your cottage together. :) Much love to you, June. xoxo
ReplyDeleteDear June ... that you have shared your kitchen, your cottage, and that gorgeous old bread board ... how absolutely lovely. You've motivated me to dig out my Grandpa's old board he used for carving. What an inspiring visit today ... as always.
ReplyDeleteHugs.
Yes, sometimes less is more. What a relaxing post you paint here. I love the pictures and can almost smell the apple pies. Wish I could taste them too! :)
ReplyDeleteOh my, you are a new one to follow! I love this post. I could almost smell the pies baking, hear the wind blowing the leaves and feel the smoothness of your dad's bread board. However, I had to draw the line somewhere. I tuned out with Elvis...so sorry, but Bing does that one best! lol... The scriptures were spot on for me today. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove this post..... Beautifully written and I would like that recipe please!
ReplyDeleteJune, your words are beautiful and so are your pies. This is the second time I have been reminded today to slow down and savor the moment. Thank you. Now I think I'll go make some hand apple pies with the granny smiths I have in my kitchen. Blessings. ~Heather @ My Overflowing Cup
ReplyDeleteJune, I want to come taste those pies! They look delicious! Today in my quiet time, I was pondering the gifts of Advent and I kept coming to the word "release." And I thought about how timely it was that Advent comes in fall, when trees are releasing their leaves. Another way God shows us Himself and His plan...
ReplyDelete