Needed—Tomato Cages
By Pam Hannold

Recently, my parents were each in hospitals, but in different states. I flew midweek to Ohio to check on my Mom. Seeing she was stable, I returned home to eastern Pennsylvania to immediately visit my Dad in a hospital close to where I live. I am caring for my Mom and Dad, and looking after my nearly grown children, as a single parent. I’m in one of those “pressured seasons” of life.

As my Dad assured me he was ok, he shooed me out of the hospital and my attention shifted to unearthing the shopping list buried somewhere in my purse. After quick dashes through two different stores collecting the items, I was feeling as crumpled as my short but important list, and so began my drive home.

At a welcome calm of a red light, I mentally reviewed the list. All seemed well, when I suddenly realized I had remembered everything for everybody…except the one very important item…tomato cages, a must have for me…for my garden at that time. Feeling frustrated, exhausted, and defeated, I hit my steering wheel in anguished disappointment. As the light turned green, I looked to the left and out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a large cardboard handwritten sign, “FREE”! I could not believe what I saw and yet, there they were, right before my eyes, TOMATO CAGES. More than enough!

I gazed at the sky, proclaiming aloud, “Thank You Father!”, fully realizing at that moment that my Heavenly Father knows my frame and He knew a big hug from Him, yes, this small miracle, would encourage my heart. I want to always remember, and never forget, to thank the Lord for His personal care, He so graciously provides…Thank You Lord

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” - Philippians 4:19


Kid's CraftPinecone turkeys (1)

This feature is an easy craft to do with your children to help them remember what they are thankful for and to help decorate your Thanksgiving table!

Thankful Gobblers

Materials needed:

  • Pinecones
  • Pom poms
  • Small wiggly eyes
  • Markers
  • Strips of construction paper (Various fall colors)
  • Glue

Instructions:

  • Take your pinecone and adorn it with a cute pom pom.
  • Glue the pair of wiggly eyes on the pom pom
  • For the turkey beak cut a small triangle and glue it on the pom pom
  • On each strip of construction paper have the kids write something they are thankful this season
  • Glue the Thankful strips on the back as paper tail feathers

This is a cute and fun way for the kids to think about all the things they are grateful for, and it can help you decorate your table for Thanksgiving! Another idea is that before dinner you go around the table so all (adults included), get to read the strips saying what each of you are thankful for.


cala-w6ftFbPCs9I-unsplash Becki’s Creamy Harvest Bisque

  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 4 c. vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 tsp sage
  • 2 outer celery stalks
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 3-4 c. cut, peeled butternut squash chunks
  • ½ tsp dried parsley
  • 2 large yams
  • ½ tsp celery seed
  • 2 large carrots
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 can evaporated milk
  • 1 large can tomatoes
  • pepper, to taste
  • nutmeg or curry (optional)

Chop onion and celery in large chunks. Sauté in butter in a large pot over medium high heat. Peel, chop, and add all other vegetables. Cover with broth and canned tomatoes, cook for 35-45 minutes until all are tender. Turn off heat, puree with an immersion blender. Add evaporated milk and (if using) nutmeg or curry, stir thoroughly. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Garnish option: toasted pumpkin seeds and plain yogurt.

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