Stolen Candy

What kind of grandmother would steal candy from her grandchildren’s Easter baskets?  Me.  I’m guilty and so convicted, I baked two loaves of pumpkin bread to send home with them as a guilt offering.

The shutdown, as well as my family, cancelled Easter travel plans last month.  Papa and I felt disappointed and we knew where those chocolate peanut butter eggs hid in their baskets so we ate them!    Papa loves to buy the little’s Easter baskets and fill them to the full with fun goodies, mostly crafts, but always some rich candy too.

Last week when the family called to ask if they can visit, we made a mad dash to the store to replace the chocolate.  That's when I baked pumpkin bread. We celebrated a late Easter and early Mother’s Day.

Now the house is empty and I miss the kids, their mom and the dog.  I liked the pizza that Auntie and Uncle brought, the fun time in the park, coloring eggs, playing card games and baking Chicken Enchiladas. 

We enjoyed our early Mother’s Day and my heart is full.  Motherhood, though difficult at times, comes with rewards.  I’m happy to feel accepted, forgiven and blessed and know my children do not expect perfection.

Life doesn’t come with a manual.

It comes with a mother.

                                                                                                                 Unknown

For me, when I think of mothers and look at Scripture, I see two things.  God’s Word instructs us to honor our mothers and fathers.  Sometimes it’s easy, but if they’re difficult, we set boundaries, of course, and make sure their needs are met no matter how they treat us in return.

Secondly, I like to think on the fruit of the Spirit.  Who doesn’t need kindness, patience and love?

I hope your Mother’s Day celebrations are special despite the lock down.  Mamas, Aunties, Step Moms, Bonus Moms:  you matter!  Enjoy your day.  You deserve it.

Honor your father and mother

So that you may have a long life

In the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Exodus 20:12

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace

Patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness

and self control.

The law is not against such things.

Galatians 5:22-23

Hazel’s Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Bread or any fruit (Makes 2 loaves)
3 cups white flour
1 tsp soda (or ½ tsp each soda and baking powder)
3 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
2 cups white sugar
Stir dry ingredients then Mix in separate bowl
1 small can pumpkin 15 oz (not pie mix)  or 2 cups chopped apples.
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
mix wet ingredients and stir into dry mixture

Optional:

1 cup chopped nuts
I line 2 bread pans with a 2 inch strip of wax or parchment paper instead of greasing the pan.
Bake 350 degrees for 55 minutes. Cool and Grab the paper and the bread will come out whole.