Saturday, July 17, 2010

But it was in Southern Living....

My friend's birthday was last week and I didn't know what to get her. Believe me I looked. But she lives out of town, so I didn't know anything on her need/wish list.

Then perusing, no ripping through my Southern Living mags, I saw this recipe for flavored vinegars for salads and marinating. Enter-light bulb. Onward to the stores.

First I searched for the bottles. I wanted the ones with the fastener that closed, so they wouldn't spill on her way home. After many stores, I found them, but they were huge, decorative bottles. So I settled for the plain Jane ones.

Went to grocery and veggie stand for the herbs and lemons and garlic. That went fine.

Readied the vinegar and put it into the sterilized bottles with the additions. Finished reading the recipe and it said, "store in refrigerator for at least a week before using." I realized they would need three more days of refrigeration after I gave them to her. Sigh...... Now, I to figure out how to keep them cold for her 2 1/2 hour trip home.......Why did I feel like Charlie Brown?

But my friend said she loved them, even if only because of our friendship.

"I have called you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father." John 15:15 (Jesus)

How many times have I rushed to do things for God, thinking it's a great idea; however, only to realize there's more to it than I thought. Or rather didn't think.

Jesus understands and still calls me His friend, and explains things all over to me, again.

Photo:karenevans

19 comments:

Diane said...

Looks yum but good point you made! :O)

Amy DeTrempe said...

Great post. I have done that as well. Usually it is a recipe I find that sounds wonderful and plan for a 5:00 dinner on the weekend, and we end up eating at 10:00. I've also rushed to do things for God, or thought they were and sometimes find myself in over my head.

Jeanette Levellie said...

I'm smiling as I read this, because I've done similar things many times--I'm the great idea princess. I forget to ask the Lord for guidance, then pickle myself! Thank God for His mercy.

Love you; love your stories and the sweet way you tell them, Karen.

Kathryn Magendie said...

What a great and wonderful friend you are!

Melinda said...

Oh, I have been guilty of that -- rushing to give God a "gift" and not realizing all the steps and sacrifice involved (ex. becoming an author??? ;0)

What a great friend you are to take the time to do that, Karen. Very thoughtful. ;0)

Karen said...

Diane, they sure smelled good.

Amy, oh, been there with the dinner, too. :)

Jeanette, haha...pickle myself...that's too cute. AND useable!

Kathryn, you're soooo sweet.

Karen said...

Melinda, yes, this authoring is tough stuff, but I think it's what God wants right now....hopefully. Blessings**

Anonymous said...

Karen, thanks for the reminder.

What a friend we have in Jesus.

Sometimes it's difficult to understand why Jesus wants to be our friend but thank God He does!

God bless you and have a great Sunday

Ron

Laura@OutnumberedMom said...

Yep, He's the real Friend. Love your message.

What a neat idea to make flavored vinegar! Did you make several kinds? Did you make any for yourself?

Jean Wise said...

A good friend said to me once that one of life lessons she has had difficulty in learning is THNGS TAKE TIME. Your post reminded me of that. Friendship takes time too but is so worth it. Thanks for the thoughts, Karen

alicia said...

I'm sure they were appreciated even though she had to let them sit for a few days!
What a great lesson for all of us!

Karen said...

Ron, I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around that. Amen!

Laura, yes, I did make several kinds. Tarragon-lemon, Rosemary-Garlic, Thyme-Sage-Garlic-Lemon. No, I didn't make any for me--no bottles...bwuahahhh.

Jeanie, oh, how I do like to hurry things. You are so right.

Alicia, I "think" she liked them, but I know she was grateful. Thanks for your kind words.

Julie Gillies said...

Awww, I think your gift idea was just perfect, Karen. Good things are worth the wait, and sometimes the wait itself, and the accompanying anticipation, makes it even better.

But I'm with you...grateful that Jesus understands I need things explained more than once. :)

Blessings, my friend.

Covnitkepr1 said...

Feel good about it...with my thick skull, at times it takes several attempts to find out I'm rushing things.
God is good...all the time!!!

Karen said...

Julie, you are so sweet. Praying you will have a great time at She Speaks.

Stan, yes He is!!

Dave said...

It's the thought that counts Karen, not just the present. I'm sure that she enjoyed your gifts.
Just to let you know, also, that I am blogging again. - Regards, Dave.

Clella said...

My granddaughter sang on Sunday and she talked and sang about waiting...not settling for the good, but waiting for the best. I am thinking on that. Thanks for this post. Of course I'm a bit late reading it as usual. Clella

Karen said...

Dave, thanks for letting me know you're back. I'll be over.

Clella, doesn't it thrill your heart to see your grandchildren do things like that!

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