The Bread Machine

Things are changing daily as to what we can/can't 

do/go.

The one good thing I have found for myself is that, not only am I staying home, but I'm really thinking carefully about going out.

Do I really need to go?

Can it wait?

Can I make do with something else?

Can I order it?

Do I really need whatever "it" is?

I had to run out Thursday, while I was out I stopped at Aldi. I was out of milk. Regular shop day isn't for another week. I discovered Friday morning after breakfast that I was out of bread. I didn't need anything else and didn't want to go for just bread.

Several months ago, I was cleaning and purging the "pantry" part of the basement. I cam across the bread machine.

I purchased it many, many years ago, even before I was married. I lived on my own and used to make bread often. It was fun and something to do. I've made bread since for my family, but it's been quite a while. Life happens, we get busy and just don't take the time.

I was going to donate it because I wasn't using it. When I went to drop it off, the attendant told me they get so many that it would end up in the trash.

I was shocked!! So I kept it, put it back in the basement thinking I would use it again "someday".

Several weeks ago, we found ourselves in the current pandemic. People were buying out toilet paper, hand sanitizer and I discovered as I did my regular shopping, bread, flour and yeast.

What ? ! ? !

Ok, so by God's grace I did find yeast at Aldi, but the rest was gone. And even as of this week they still didn't have flour and bread was limited to two loaves. I did end up with a couple of bags from another grocer.

This week, I ordered more dog food because it was on sale and I had a few extra dollars. I took a chance on flour. They had both bread and all purpose flour, 25 pound bags. I ordered one of each.

Friday morning, I'm making bread.

The first time in years. I used the basic recipe in the manual that came with the machine.

I do have a couple of books that I will peruse and see if I can't find some new favorites.

I'm excited. With supplies on hand, I can make bread whenever I want and need.

Life as we know it is changing.

Stores are opening later, closing earlier.

Thinkgs we used to just run in and get aren't always available.

Jobs aren't secure.

Schools and churches are closed.

At the same time, I feel blessed.

What I have is more appreciated, not just things but the ability to do and make. From cooking and baking, to cleaning and mending, to sewing and quilting.

For the moment, we have income. I don't have to look for employment. I have the skills and resources to take on some of the changes like making my own bread.

Next up for me, Amish Friendship Bread starter. Once it's ready, it can be baked in the bread machine or oven. I did this years ago too.

This sweet song came to mind as I was writing this blog:

Count your blessings

name them one by one

Count your blessings

See what God has done

I hope in these uncertain, sometimes scary times, you can count your blessings. Our God is good. He has a plan and none of this is a surprise to him. I hope and pray that you know Jesus Christ as your personal saviour. We are going to need him in the days ahead. 

Thanks for stopping by,

Wishing you a safe, healthy and productive week.

Don't worry about anything; 

instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, thank him for all he has  done.

Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. He will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Phillipians 4: 6-7