Therewith to be content . . .

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
~Philippians 4:11

I love this scripture. It helps to remind me of all the things in my life that are important. Things like home and family, of peace, good health and love. Being able to open my eyes in the morning. Feeling the sun on my face on a warm summer's day. The joy of standing in a garden and hearing the bees buzz amongst the flower heads, and the birds singing above me. Feeling the whisper of a gentle breeze as it brushes across my brow . . .

Laying in bed and hearing the pitter pat of rain drops on the skylight above my head. Standing on the drive and watching snow swirl about me and drop from the heavens as soft as goose down from a feather pillow. Listening to the sparrows that live in the eaves of our humble home, their wings softly fluttering behind the walls as they softly chitter chatter to each other whilst bedding down for the night. Hearing the wind howl about, blowing the branches of the rose bush outside our kitchen window against the glass, scritching and scratching as I sit next to my Todd, all cuddled up together in front of the fire, whilst Jess snores quietly by our feet . . .



The smell of home made bread wafting from the bread maker on a cold winter's afternoon, while a humble pot of chicken soup bubbles away on top of the stove . . . an offering from the leftovers of the day before. The sight of my well worn scriptures laying next to Todd's on the top of our kitchen table. The ring of the telephone which ushers in the voice of a much loved friend . . . Looking back on a chore completed and seeing it finished . . . knowing in my heart that I have done my very best.

Having two eyes that see, two ears that hear and two feet that can place themselves one in front of the other and take me wherever it is that I want to go. Two hands that can feel and hold and help and heal. Two arms that can wrap themselves around another and a heart that knows how to love and how to hurt and how to cry, both tears of joy and sorrow. Knowing that as bad as today may or may not be, there is always a tomorrow that will dawn bright and fresh and new and mine.

Yes . . . life is good. Enjoy it for what it is and find peace and comfort in all your heartfelt treasures. Don't wish away your days waiting for better ones ahead. The joy is here. The joy is now and all around you. You only need to reach out and touch it, to claim it as your own, and therewith to be content . . .

As tired as I may have been yesterday, I found myself wanting the comforts of home and family and of peanut butter cookies. You can't get much better than the recipe in the Purity Cook Book, which have long been my standard, and the ones that I turn to time and time again . . .



*Peanut Butter Cookies*
Makes about 3 dozen

Plain, simple and full of buttery peanut butter goodness. A couple of these, fresh and warm from the oven with a glass of cold milk are the essence of pure and simple joy . . . and home.

1/2 cup vegetable shortening (crisco, Trex, or white flora)
1/2 cup peanut butter (crunchy or smooth, it's up to you)
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup soft light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt



Pre-heat the oven to 190*C/375*F. Lightly grease several flat baking sheets and set aside.

Place the shortening and peanut butter into a large bowl and cream them together until they are well mixed and light. Gradually beat in the sugars. Beat in the egg and the vanilla.

Whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt and beat this mixture into the creamed mixture, mixing it in well and thoroughly.

Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart from each other. Lightly press each down with a fork which has been dipped into warm water.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until down and lightly browned on the edges and bottom. Remove to a wire rack to cool. Store in a tightly closed container.