There’s a job for everyone when the church folks gather to make blankets

Life tends to become mundane, but then sometimes you shake your head and wonder … In the wee hours of the morning, something unusual transpired, soon after I was summoned to my little daughter's side.

The night before, I had been in awe of how I could feel the presence of angels. It was so peaceful and serene. The reality of heaven made the natural things of this world seem so minute. Even the best things of earth seemed to fade and pale. Part of me wondered how I could ever go on with life on earth as it felt so tainted compared to the heavenly realm. Then the thought hit me that as we journey on in the Lord, we are actually living in His holy presence even in our earthbound bodies!

Now in the stillness of the morning hour, I headed for the kitchen where I planned to fetch something for Hosanna's headache. Just like that, a light flashed from behind me. Instinctively, I turned to look behind me; there was no light and no apparent source of light — it was gone. In my mind I can still see the shadow of my shoulders and head against the wall in the darkness of the kitchen.

There was nothing left to do but fetch the vitamin for Hosanna and realize that there is a God in heaven who really dwells with us, who shines His light upon us even in the dark times. The waking hours we spent together did not matter anymore.

Despite that precious touch from our Maker, I am human and I still get tested! This afternoon as I thought of the children coming home from school, I wondered how things would go … Somehow it looked big to me to keep things flowing smoothly. It's also the time of day Daddy used to come in from the shop. And you know how it is — there are no good options in life besides taking it a minute or second at a time.

Things flowed well and I enjoyed the children, but when the door opened at 4:00, a stab went through me. No, it was not my husband — it was one of the boys who had been doing chores. It hurt, but it was okay; God is still good. Like the song Daniel used to sing, "Bigger than any mountain that I can or cannot see …"

You know how it is. Sometimes we get so hung up or distracted with what is bothering us most that we forget to do what we can to lighten another one's load. Children may be a good example of that. Bickering seems to come so naturally! "It was not my fault, and it's my turn!" Today I've been contemplating some good ways for them to get their focus off of what they feel they deserve and onto others' feelings. Not sure that I've pulled it together in my head, but we'll keep working on it.

One simple thing the children enjoy is helping make blankets for those in need. About once a month we'll gather with other folks from church and knot comforters. There is work for all to do — from the little ones who can barely peer over the tables to the grandparents, there is a job for one and all.

Joshua enjoys using chalk to mark where the knots will go. A large piece of cloth with holes is placed on top of the comforters and used as a pattern to mark where the knots should go. One of my highlights from the last time was watching the first and second-graders as they eagerly learned how to weave the needle up and down through the three layers of fabric and lining, then cut the yarn and tie the knots.

By 8:00, things begin to wind down as we get ready for what the boys look forward to the most — snack time! Each family brings a finger food of their choice. I'm amazed by the balanced variety that seems to be there each time — usually there will be fresh fruits, veggies, baked goods, salty snacks, and a variety of dips to go with various dishes. This last time, one particular dip caught my eye. I felt something like resistance, but then there was that choice to make. Why should I reject it just because of the memory I had linked to it from having made it for Daniel? I haven't made that dip since the day I served it to him 10 years ago. I decided to try it, and yes, it tasted just like it did a decade ago. Matter of fact, I went back for seconds. You know, God knows those moments. He understands because He cares about the details!

Okay, I can't help but share it with you.

Pretzel Dip

Cream Cheese Layer:

· 8 oz. cream cheese

· 1 tablespoon finely chopped onions

· 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt

Sweet Layer:

· 1/4 cup butter

· 1/4 cup brown sugar

· 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

· 1/2 teaspoon mustard

Topping:

· 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Cream Cheese Layer: Mix together cream cheese, onions, and garlic salt. Spread about 1/2 inch thick on a nice serving plate.

2. Sweet Layer: Combine butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard in a saucepan and heat until melted. Do not boil. Spread over top of cream cheese layer.

3. Top with chopped pecans.

Note: We like to dip with square pretzels.