At night, when I pray, I start by thanking God for all the good things in my life.
He's blessed me so many times over -- my family is in good health, we have what we need, my children are happy, my husband and I have stable jobs, we have wonderful friends...
But over the last several years, I've also thanked Him for the peace He has given us. And that would not have been possible if others hadn't made the ultimate sacrifice. There are even soldiers out there right now keeping us safe. Even the Ukrainian men and women who are fighting daily are doing it for more than just their own kin.
And here I sit, peaceful, writing this post to share with y'all.
I'm glad we have this day where we can remember and honor those who have fallen. It grounds us, makes us acknowledge that there are things more important than the next television series or Marvel movie. (Although, my cousin who is a veteran would scold me and say, "Kara, we fight for your ability to enjoy your life without fear. So enjoy it and don't feel guilty.")
He's right. I know it.
So...yes. I will spend time with my family. We will play cards, and we will eat good food and be silly together. And we will give thanks to the soldiers.
And....I will make Apple Butter today! (For those of you who don't know, it's a kind of jelly.)
Now, it's not apple pie -- and I do make a glorious apple pie -- but it's the next best thing. Apple Butter is a staple in my father's family. My grandpa loved it and always had butter and jelly on the table at EVERY meal.
Oh, apple butter.
Oh, how I love you.
Your apple cinnamony sweetness gives happiness so true.
The way you melt with peanut butter is so fine,
I cannot wait until you get in that mouth of mine.
When I see you sittin' on my grandma's table,
my stomach growls and is unstable.
Until I can spread you on a biscuit so fluffy,
my temperament is terrible and I'm a little huffy.
Oh, apple butter.
Oh, how I love you.
Your apple cinnamony sweetness gives happiness so true.
The way you melt with peanut butter is so fine,
I cannot wait until you get in that mouth of mine.
When I see you sittin' on my grandma's table,
my stomach growls and is unstable.
Until I can spread you on a biscuit so fluffy,
my temperament is terrible and I'm a little huffy.
Oh, apple butter.
Oh, how I love you.
Thank you for the sweetness that always rings true.
Visit Kara O'Neal at www.karaoneal.com
A nice post, Kara. But now I want apple butter...
ReplyDeleteI have not had apple butter in years! I noticed that Cracker Barrel sells it now though.
ReplyDelete