A Loaf Full of Love

-

Shauna Niequest ~

“I think preparing food and feeding people brings nourishment not only to our bodies but to our spirits. Feeding people is a way of loving them, in the same way that feeding ourselves is a way of honoring our own createdness and fragility.”  

I love feeding people.  As I work in my kitchen, I often think about who I am feeding, pray for them and pour my heart into what I'm making.  It's a way to show love to people.

Stephen made a comment under one of my Facebook posts the other night that was so unexpected and brought tears to my eyes.  He said, "You do a lot more for our family than cook for them, Mom. You are, along with Dad and of course Jesus, the foundation of who I am and who the Groh's are. Thank you, I love you!!"

As parents we often wonder if we are making mistakes or at times, doing anything right!  So it was nice to get some affirmation straight from his mouth.  But my kitchen is the center of our home and it's from the many familial offerings created there that advice is given, prayers are lifted up, nourishment is provided and the foundation is laid.  So yes, I do more than cook for my family but it's through my cooking that many other things are accomplished.

I can truly say that my children know I love them not just by my words and embraces, but by my food.  I've spent countless hours coming up with creations that would work with Emily's food allergies.  Meals are a way that Nathan especially feels loved.  I said to Dan the other day that Nathan should have been born in a different time because he is perfectly happy with three large meals a day.  :-)  Things I make to fatten up my thin college student are done with a tremendous amount of love.  I know when my husband's birthday roles around a pie is his request.  I know each of their favorites and the things they hate.  I take a lot of time to not just make sure it tastes good but is presented attractively

I love to bake and cook.  I love being creative.  I love my friends and family.  For me, it's all intertwined.

Comments

  1. Kathy in IllinoisJanuary 29, 2015 at 9:47 AM

    What a nice compliment from Stephen! Your children and husband love you and appreciate everything you do for them. It's nice to get complimented every once in a while though!
    God bless, Kathy in Illinois

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kathi DJanuary 29, 2015 at 10:58 AM

    My first thought was, you are truly a Proverbs 31 lady.

    Kathi in Florida

    ReplyDelete
  3. Faye HenryJanuary 29, 2015 at 3:55 PM

    I know you must feel so blessed to read your son's comment.. And I agree with Kathi that you are indeed a Proverbs 31 lady.. God bless...xo

    ReplyDelete
  4. TerriJanuary 29, 2015 at 4:08 PM

    Thanks, Ladies!

    ReplyDelete
  5. ElizabethdJanuary 29, 2015 at 4:39 PM

    I agree too.
    My son says there is always a smell of baking in my kitchen! I think it is one of the best things we women can offer..food made with love.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

I love your comments and encouragement! I can't always respond back but do read each comment.

Popular posts from this blog

Oh What to Do; I'm Sixty-Two!

-
Image
Today is my sixty-second birthday and it's hard to believe I've achieved that....um....seasoned age! My first thought this morning was one of not being sure that I like it. However,  as I thought I about it, I decided to take joy in the fact that I've reached an older age. Because age comes with benefits. Benefit #1 - I'm a bit wiser.   When I look back at some of the decisions I made when I was younger, I cringe. With age has come the ability to slow down and think things through before I make major upheavals in my life. I've also discovered that getting worked up about certain things is just an absolute waste of emotional energy. Benefit #2 - I'm enjoying my life.   As I've aged I've learned all kinds of skills and hobbies and can honestly say that I'm never, ever bored. I love all the different things I'm able to do and it's fun! Benefit #3 - I've learned to appreciate my relationships. With age I've learned to work on developing a...
Read more

Eating to Live

-
Image
  Despite the unexpected busyness and interruptions, I have been plugging away at my weight loss as well as writing the plant-based, whole food cookbook. Recipe testing fell by the wayside the past two weeks, but I've still gotten a good chunk of the book done. I also got on the scale this morning for another one pound loss which makes a total of 61 lbs. since I started this journey back in July. It's second nature at this point and I have so much more energy and feel healthy. The only negative is that because I've lost so much weight I'm seeing some sagging, crepe-papery skin happening. Yuck. Some of that is age and I need to figure out some toning exercises. It's definitely a life-style change, but a positive one which I'm so thankful I started on. The pictures above are a small selection of meals I've eaten the past two months and many of those will be included in the book.  This will be a printable e-book as I find that will be the easiest and most cost ...
Read more

When the Unexpected Pops Up

-
Image
On Thursday afternoon, just as Dan and I were getting ready to leave for a meeting, we received a phone call from our son. He was sitting on the side of the road with a blown engine in his car. The problem is he lives 3 1/2 hours away. After back and forth phone calls he called a tow truck and got it towed to a garage. He ended up renting a car and headed here for the holiday. We've been working with him to figure out his next steps because he still owes thousands of dollars on the car which will also take a significant amount to replace the engine. His rent is going up in the new year. His seasonal job ended and he is trying to find something else, but needs a car for that to happen. His car still has not been looked at by the mechanic. It is all more than a little overwhelming. Long story short, we extended an invitation for him to live here temporarily so he can get out from under all of this. It would save him money on expensive rent and utilities.  The timing was right since h...
Read more