Fri., May 4, 2018

Genesis 27:4 – “Cook some of that tasty food that I love so much and bring it to me. I want to eat it once more and give you my blessing before I die.” 

A package arrived on our front porch today from a friend. Surprised by this box, a huge smile crept across my face as I opened it.

Inside was this:

Yep, Joanna Gaines new cookbook, “Magnolia Table.”

I wasn’t just grateful for this book. I was excited as well!

I will admit: I am a Gaines follower. I watch the shows. I study pictures of her designs and use them for inspiration in our old Victorian farm-style house. Her basic style resonates with me.

When we redid the kitchen in this house, I KNEW white cabinets were in my future. Hubby Rick was convinced wood cabinets were the only option. When it came time to order them, I went by myself, as encouraged by Rick, so I could order exactly what I wanted. When the white cabinets arrived, Rick dutifully installed them, following the little sketch I drew on a used piece of paper. They are lovely and exactly what I had in mind.

More than one person while walking through our house have brought up the names of Chip and Joanna Gaines. We aren’t Chip and Joanna. We do not plan on going into the business of flipping houses. However, I will admit that recently, I walked into the former upstairs kitchen. Someday, it will be a master bathroom. Rick was in the room and we were going to talk design and lay-out. The first words were, “OK, Chip. What do you have in mind?”

I only spent about five minutes thumbing through the cookbook today. Here are my first quick reactions:

• It’s more than a cookbook. It’s a story. Joanna shares tidbits about how she created the recipes and why she included them.
• There are a variety of recipes inspired by the various lines of her heritage as well as traditional southern recipes.
• It’s not a cookbook for someone carefully watching their diet. This is soul food. I have made some changes to my diet since the first of the year. I will not be cooking from this cookbook every day if I want to continue these eating habits. However, I do plan to use this cookbook; just in moderation.

Food is an important part of our culture. It’s how we gather together. Around a meal, sharing our lives along with something to eat. Think about it. Communion is a meal for Christians to remember why Christ came to earth.

In the scripture from Genesis, Isaac is old. He instructs his son Esau to go hunting and make the wonderful stew he is known for. He wants one more serving of this special stew before he dies. If we would keep reading the story, we would discover that Esau’s twin brother, Jacob, is encouraged by his mother, Rebekah, help make some stew and take it to Isaac before Esau does. Then, Jacob will receive the family blessing. This is exactly what happens; all over a bowl of stew.

I found a special place in a nook between those white cabinets for my new cook book. It’s right next to one of my Mom’s cookbooks. They will keep each other company there. Both are also pretty good cooks.

For this cookbook, as well as my Mom’s cookbook, I am grateful.

Lord God – I think of all the times great fellowship has happened over a meal! The many ways food is used to celebrate important event within the church. After a special event such as a baptism, a wedding or a confirmation. Even after the death of a loved one as a continuation of a person’s celebration of life. Each time we come to the communion table, we participate in a special meal ordained by you. Thank you for the people who love to cook and share their food. May we continue to be inspired through the breaking of bread to connect with brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

P.S. – We had more rain today. Rick still hasn’t found the rain gauge!

If you have enjoyed this blog, please pass it along to someone else who also enjoy it.