Homemaking Tip – Generosity Knows No Bounds

You’ve been there. When people are so kind and so generous that it makes your heart hurt and feel good at the same time. That’s where we’ve been the last few weeks. The generosity has known no bounds. We have been so grateful for each act of empathy and compassion given. Each expression came packed with love and prayers. You have just given and given and given - your time, talents, prayers, thoughts, means. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Each act of love has come with perfect timing and made our days happier and our hearts lighter.

Since today is Homemaking Tip day, I thought I’d share ideas of the foods that friends and neighbors shared with us. The outpouring of help has been bounteous. Six of Grace’s siblings, most of their families, and her mother came to visit for the week, as well as our children and their families. People bigheartedly responded to the needs of all of us. Even though the ideas are many, I wanted to share them all since I’m always wondering what to take to families that need extra love and support. Each thing tasted so good, so perfect. Usually I put a pot roast in a pan, add potatoes and carrots, and call it good. No more. I have new and improved ideas for the future now; I hope this generosity gives you ideas, too.

• Cashew Chicken and Rice
• Homemade french bread
• Fresh Pineapple
• Watermelon
• Green Salad
• Brownies
• Barbecue Sandwiches
• Baked Beans
• Corn on the cob
• Potato salad
• Banana Bars
• Lasagna
• French bread
• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Fruit Salad
• Broccoli Rice Salad
• Melon Salad
• White Cake
• Enchiladas
• Refried beans (real ones)
• Spanish rice
• Tortilla Chips
• Chocolate pudding dessert
• Strawberry Shortcake
• Rootbeer and Ice Cream
• Chicken Pasta Salad
• No Bake Cookies
• Taco Chip Casserole
• Scalloped Potatoes
• Bundt Cake
• A warm loaf of banana bread in the afternoon for a snack
• Warm loaves of pumpkin bread in the morning for a snack
• Two different neighbors kindly invited us to eat at their home after all of the family had gone. They supposed we needed rest. One family served pork roast, potatoes, and all of the trimmings, while the other served spaghetti, homemade french bread, garden green beans, mozzarella with garden tomatoes, and hot fudge and ice cream for dessert.
• Still another neighbor, a farmer in his 70’s, came with a grocery bag filled with a brick of cheese, a half a ham, rolls, butter, and mayonnaise. It was so nice not having to go to the store for lunch incidentals.
• Another idea came from a friend who brought a huge stack of paper products from Costco (cups, plates, silverware) for us to use all week. That was a great help that I had never thought of offering to others. She also brought five dozen eggs for breakfasts.

These ideas don’t even count the food that was served at the dinner after the funeral. Add several more salads, fresh rolls, desserts, and casseroles (homemade macaroni and cheese and shepherd pie were two more ideas) to the list. These last two weeks have been plain delicious and humbling.

Praytell, what food items do you take to families in need of comfort, encouragement, or congratulations?