HAGDWJ!...... and other signs of love. Macaroni Special

I LOVE YOU - in sign language and stickers from Lily

WARNING: This post is sprinkled with signs of LOVE.  

This morning, after Kim and I walked in the GBN field house at 6AM,  I met Ellen Henderson for coffee at Starbucks.  Carri and Ellen had been meeting on a regular basis and when the Madison's moved I asked Ellen if I could take Carri's place.  

This was our first time meeting, we shared a scone and sipped our drinks as we caught up on each others lives.  We talked about our kids, we love our kids.  We talked about Pastor Tom and Barb, we made a plan to try to get to know her better.  We talked about JT, Carri and Lily, we both miss them a LOT. We agreed that Lily is a very smart 3 year old! We laughed about JT buying espresso at the gas station now, but we are glad they seem to be settling in to their new town. We talked about our parents, how it is hard to watch them getting older.  We talked about our Bible study groups, Ellen's needs more people, our group needs to get involved somehow. Then all too soon it was time for Ellen to head off to work and for me to go home and clean bathrooms.

A kiss from Max

As we said goodbye in the parking lot, I said "Have a great day with Jesus!"

I thought of YOU.  

I can't remember when I began telling you to "have a great day with Jesus".  Was it in high school?  Jr high?  Whenever it was, it became part of my goodbye routine: A hug, a kiss on the cheek if I could get one, then I'd tell you "I love you, have a great day with Jesus" as you raced off to wherever your day was taking you.  

A rose from Dad

When I learned how to text, it became my daily greeting, "I love you, hagdwj!"

But, even though you get this message from me in some form almost everyday, I want you to know it is not a meaningless ritual for me.  "Hagdwj" has become for me an opportunity to invite Jesus into my day.  I know He loves me.  I know He is always with me.  But this phrase has become a cue for me to become aware of His presence and actually include Him in my day.  Instead of heading out to face my day alone, I make the choice to bring Jesus with me.  It brings me comfort to know Jesus is heading out into the world with you too!

To bring you comfort, I am sharing this favorite recipe.  You have both enjoyed this soup for years.  It is from the Best of Friends, Too! cookbook, a gift from Auntie Lou's friend Gayle.   Emily, I know you stayed home sick today, you probably have everything on hand to make this for dinner.  Hope it helps you feel better.

Macaroni Special

2 1/2  cups shell macaroni (or whatever shape you choose)

3 1/2 cups 2 % milk ( I always use skim)

butter or margarine

salt and pepper to taste

Cook the macaroni according to package directions.  When done, drain and add milk.  

Heat to desired temperature.  Ladle into individual bowls;  top with a tablespoon of butter;

add salt and pepper to taste.  It can't get any easier!

I always added the butter, salt and pepper to the mac and milk in the pan before serving. 

Either way it tastes great! 

I love you, HAGDWJ!

Photos of people we love and new artwork from Lily