Homemade Ice Cream with Pizza

What could be better than homemade ice cream with good friends?

For three or years our family has been trying to find a date that would suit our Amish friends to get together in the winter for homemade ice cream and a good visit. It has been difficult finding a day that would suit so many and not have the weather be an issue. Well, it finally happened on Friday.

My husband and I brought my mom, since she knows these folks, too. We all met at Sarah & Wallie's. There were five Amish families plus the three of us. One family from Ohio and another was from Punxsutawney. So there were folks we had not seen for quite some time. It seemed like hundreds of kids having a great time together. There were really 28 of us all together. It was unfortunate that none of my kids could be there. These folks were all anxious to meet our grandsons, but you can't plan for everything, and we didn't plan for a sick boy. Our youngest was away on business in Philly.

With so many mouths to feed, everyone pitched in. The Byler girls made pizza and the ice cream and mom and I brought pretzel salad, cake, pies and cookies. All of this washed down with the sweetest, coldest spring water I have ever tasted. So you can see that if you went hungry it was your own fault!

It seems that my eyes have been 'spoiled' by our lights. It was difficult for me to adjust to the lamp light. After awhile, it seemed a bit better, but I was wishing for one more light. (Could it be my age??? lol )

When we arrived, the men were gathered in one room, while the women were making preparations. The children all enjoyed playing in the room off the kitchen. When it was time to eat, the men were slow in getting to the food table in the kitchen, so, the kids were served first. then the men arrived, then the women. The men ate in the room where they were visiting and the women in the kitchen. The kids were everywhere in between.

When it was time to clean up, I was anxious to exercise my dry sink skills. Elizabeth, the matriarch of the family insisted that since I was a grandma, that I sit and let the girls do the clean up. So, I scraped a few plates and gathered silverware, but didn't get a chance to do dishes. How's that for strange--I wanted to do the dishes! The kids had left quite a few potato chip pieces on the floor, so I offered to sweep up a bit under the table. Well, I guess I can't talk and sweep at the same time because, it wasn't long before Elizabeth was laughing at me stepping in my pile of crumbs! Of course, I just couldn't see it! We all laughed and I finally managed to get the floor cleaned up.

The women talked about our gardens and babies and spring chores that were upcoming. Later on the girls showed me how they make little soft, handkerchief toys for their kids to play quietly with during their three hour church services. What a challenge keeping little ones entertained and quiet for three hours! I was able to learn how to make a 'mouse'. Lizzie showed me how to make a 'baby', a 'set of twins' and a 'bonnet' for the baby. It was so cute to see the little ones learning how to make them, too. A dear little five year old helped to teach me how to make the mouse.

Of course, the subject of chickens came up. I was even offered an entire flock and the hen house, with the manure included! But, I don't think we will be doing chickens any time soon. It seems that hubby is not interested in raising chickens. Oh, well. It's not like I don't have anything to do around here.

The group talked about having another get together in June when the strawberries are in. More ice cream and fresh strawberries! I am already anxious for June to come.

I always come away from an Amish visit wanting to slow down, light my oil lamps and enjoy the quiet. While they work hard and are busy, there is a relaxed way to the things they do. It was enjoyable to observe the women work together and know each other's kitchen so well. I watched, too, as the children played together and the young girls were eager to hold babies and be helpful.

The evening wore on as we visited and some of the young ones drifted off to sleep in the corner of the room. The warmth of the coal heat and the delight of friends made for such a relaxing evening. It was hard to leave.

I am so grateful to be able to spend a simple evening with wonderful friends who make our visit to Amish country a pure delight.

So, Who Is In Control?

It seems awhile since I have posted anything. There has been sewing and quilting that has required my attention lately. There is a comfort to having fabric in your hands and doing something creative and constructive. One baby quilt is completed, the one for Zachary is about half way quilted. My sister's birthday present is cut out and started. Another baby quilt needs started--at least I have the fabric. There is still the Ihlenfeld reproduction quilt that I would like to spend some time on before the grass and garden season begins.

My mind has been occupied on our country as of late. I am constantly wrestling with what is racing through my mind and what I know to be true in my heart.

Our country may have been founded on Christian principles, but the people have left these guiding values and have decided that God is no longer in charge, but man.

In 1Samuel 8, there is the story of the elders of Israel that came to the prophet Samuel and asked for a king. They wanted to be like all the other surrounding countries that had kings to lead them into battle. Samuel was not pleased with the idea and when he inquired of the LORD, God told him that it was not Samuel the people had rejected, but God. At God's instruction, Samuel warned the people that a king will take your children to serve him in battle and in his household. A king will take a tenth of your crops and flocks. The best of all the people had would go to the king and they would become his slaves. Samuel's final warning was that the day would come when the people would cry out for relief from the king they had chosen and God would not answer them. Of course, as we all know, the people didn't listen. In this account, God tells the people that the king will require a tenth of their flocks and crops. That is the tithe that was to belong to God. The king's demands parallel what Israel was to give to God. The people really did reject God and wanted a king. Though they didn't listen to the warnings, the kings really did burden the people in a way God never would.

In my heart, I know that my King is in Heaven, but my heart hurts to know what is being done to our country. Socialism and Marxism have been creeping in up to this point for quite a few years, but in the last few weeks, it has been coming at break-neck speed. People wanted a 'messiah', but just like the Israelites of old, we may be crying out to God because of his burdens. Burdens that the real Messiah has never placed on us.

I am just as guilty as anyone. Surely if we just elect the 'right' man everything will work out. But there is the rub. A man. To put so much trust in a man, who can be corrupted by interests of other countries as well as by men from within who look only for their own selfish gain and power.

While America has never been a theocracy, we have a system of checks and balances built into our representative republic that is based on Christian values. The Founding Fathers realized that men are basically flawed and corruptible. But along the way the system was overrun by those who were hungry for wealth and power. Our second President, John Adams said, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." When we were a more moral and religious nation, that was part of the check and balance. God-fearing people are called to do what is right, even when no one is looking, because they answer to God, not just men. People were accountable to each other. Neighbors looked out for each other and respected one another.

People of God should be model citizens, caring for the poor, obeying the laws, living peaceably with their neighbors and praying for those in authority over us. When we are not, we give all Christians a black eye and give the 'world' reason to point the finger at us and say we are not any better than anyone else. Christians are called to be perfect. Most of us realize that this will not be attained this side of heaven, but that doesn't mean we stop trying. It is our calling to be obedient. Because God has chosen us, redeemed and saved us, we obey because we love Him. In somewhat the same way as a child who loves their parents, wants to please them and be obedient.

No matter how far the stock market falls, how many more stimulus packages are brought forth, how high our taxes go or who is in the White House, God is still in control. "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases", Proverbs 21:1.

All this may just be me 'talking' in circles and my theology may not be completely accurate, but I guess what I'm trying to say, if only to myself, is that God is still in control of this world and I can trust him. He has not failed me and he is my real King. I should not despair.

God knows what He intends....The will of God must be done. Without effor, He molds all events into His chosen form. In the spheres of mind and matter, His dominion is absolute....God can bend the thoughts of people as easlily as we can turn on a water faucet.

Tested believer, the Lord will be as faithful to you as He has been to me. The Lord will not fail you. Do not be discouraged, "the eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everrlasting arms" (Deut. 33:27). You will conquer. You will be delivered, and God will be glorified." from C.H. Spurgeon, Beside Still Waters, Roy H. Clarke, Editor

An Hour of Darkness?

While listening to the radio this morning, I heard an advertisement for Earth Hour to be 'celebrated' on March 28th at 8:30 pm.

God has called us to be stewards of the Earth and all that is in it. We need to be faithful to what he has called us to do. However, I do believe that he gave wisdom and insight to men and women to invent things...like electricity. We should not be wasteful of anything with which we have been blessed. That said, I am not turning off my lights at 8:30 on March 28th! My inclination is to turn every light in the house on! Of course, that is wasteful, but in some twisted way it might make me feel better.

If "every light makes a statement"? What is your statement, WWF? This is nothing more than symbolism over substance. One night a year for one hour? What does this prove?

Turn lights and other electric using appliances off when you are not using them! Just be responsible!

OK, I'm done.

The Struggling Economy Hits Home

I was privileged to see God at work the Body of Christ on Sunday. It was, what most would call 'normal', quite ordinary. There were no bright flashes of light or angels. It was amazing.

Our eldest son lost his job on Thursday. It was totally unexpected. He is the father of our two little grandsons and husband to a beautiful, loving wife. He is a hard-worker and a good provider. He called me on Thursday morning to share the news and said to get the word out. It is important to spread the news early and often. It seems that trying to find a new job is helped by spreading the information among friends and family who would have connections to other opportunities.

Being an obedient mother, I promptly called and emailed some friends and family. Many offered prayers for another position. Some offered ideas of places that may be hiring.

On Sunday, right after church was over, I had two people--ones that I had not called or emailed--offer prayers and one offered employment information. There are two other families that I know of who have also lost their jobs recently. My husband spoke with one gentleman and I called an other's family member with job opportunities that we had heard about that may be best suited for their skill set.

It was one church family member helping another. It was genuine care and concern for the members of the family.

Our church has had a rocky ride for the last several years. Sometimes it has been difficult to see God working. It was so refreshing to be part of how God is working. It shouldn't amaze me or surprise me when God's people do what they are called to do. It happens all the time with no fanfare or bells or whistles. Just people who have the right stuff doing the right thing. These folks never make the front page or get interviewed for the TV news. They are quietly doing God's work.

Often, it is the people with the right stuff doing the wrong things that get all the attention and give Christians and church members a black eye.

Is this a huge deal? Probably not in the big picture, I guess. But for one who was able to witness how the Body of Christ is really supposed to work, it was wonderful.

"My Saviour wept that all tears might be wiped from my eyes, groaned that I might have endless song, endured all pain that I might have unfading health, bore a thorned crown that I might have glory-diadem, bowed his head that I might uplift mine, experienced reproach that I might receive welcome, closed his eyes in death that I might gaze on unclouded brightness, expired that I might for ever live.
O Father, who spared not thine only Son that thou mightest spare me,
All this transfer thy love designed and accomplished; Help me to adore thee by lips and life.
O that my every breath might be ecstatic prise, my every step buoyant with delight, as I see my enemies crushed, Satan baffled, defreated, destroyed, sin buried in the ocean of reconciling blood, hell's gates closed, heaven's portal open.
Go forth, O conquering God, and show me the cross, mighty to subdue, comfort and save."

excerpt from Love Lusters at Calvary from The Valley of Vision