Yesterday one of our church family members blessed us by making these cool Hamen Hat Cookies
I called her at the last minute and asked her to make them because they went with the Bible lesson we were teaching. The Story of Esther.
At that moment she had a choice. She could have easily said she did not have time. Or that I should have asked earlier (which I knew I should have) or simply said no.
BUT
Not her.
She smiled and said sure she would make them. I apologized for asking her at the last minute, but I had just discovered the recipe that day and the significance those cookies brought to The Story of Esther.
Because of her kindness she blessed our whole congregation. And I was able to share the story in a way that many would remember.
Because she didn’t say no all the children have a deeper understanding of the bad guy (Hamen) in The Story of Esther. And how God protected Esther and her people from Hamen’s evil plot against them.
The coolest thing is that she isn’t the only one. Many people in our church look for ways to be a blessing. One lady invites everyone she knows to church she is happy to encourage people to attend. She has told me that she thinks it is good for people to attend. She says when she attends church she feels better. It’s like the positive start she needs to begin her week. She is a role model to me and to others.
Another lady and gentleman has opened up their homes to us so that we can have Bible Study. They have young children and their schedules are very occupied BUT they make room for what is important to them. I admire them for that.
One gentleman breaks down the hospitality table most Sundays. And when he doesn’t get a chance to there is a young lady in our church that makes it her mission to clean that area. She has dine this since the very start of Safe Haven Church. They both do this without anyone asking.
Other young men arrive early to church every week to set up. They make sure the sound is working, the videos we use for sermons are working. And that everything is in its place. They are setting up drum kits, and tables, chairs, and their guitar. They all amaze me with their devotion to God.
Another couple took on the entire responsibility of the games we play during a Family Fun Night. They were so creative they had the kids doing all kinds of cool games using water, sponges, and pipes with holes in them. Since it was warmer and the event was outside it was a huge hit!
I could go on and on and on about all the different church family members and how they bless us so much with the little things they do. It may seem like no big deal to them, but to Scott and I it is a HUGE deal. They take so much off of us by taking ownership in their church and looking for ways to bless others. They realize that it’s not about them it’s about others. They greet each other warmly, they catch up on their week. They encourage one another and they are true friends to one another. It is my privilege to be a very small part of each of their lives. It is so easy to love our church family.
That’s another reason I wanted the Haman Hat Cookies made. I believe they all deserve the best. So whenever I find something that can add positive value to what we are teaching we use it to help us all remember the important values of what is taught.
Have you ever heard the saying that goes something like, “I’d eat my hat if this or that happened” well that’s the gist of eating a Hamen’s Hat Cookie.
The Story of Esther is remarkable. And very eye opening as it is yet another example of God’s protection, love, and saving grace.
What we do in our everyday life can affect others more than we realize. Each day we are faced with a series of choices. Just like Esther was faced with a choice to go before the King uninvited. Knowing full well it may cost her life. We are faced with choices that could change our lives. Some choices are easily decided just like making the Hamen Cookies. Other choices we make may take more thought.
Whatever choices you may be facing today please know that there is a loving savior who will help you in life all you need to do is ask. 1 John 5:14-15
There is so much more to The Story of Esther. I encourage you to read the entire book of Esther found in the Old Testament of The Bible. Here is a link to a brief explanation of The Story of Esther.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esther
However, I encourage you to read the actual book of Esther in the Bible. It is full of adventure, love, and intensity.
If you want to try out the recipe for Hamen Hats here is the recipe.
Easy Hamantaschen (Haman Hats)
By: Sharon
“A favorite treat for the Purim holiday! It has always worked better for me if I cover the dough and refrigerate overnight.”
Prep Time:
15 Min Cook Time:
12 Min Ready In:
27 Min
Servings
Original Recipe Yield 24 cookies
Ingredients
3 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup orange juice
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup fruit preserves, any flavor
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until lightly and fluffy. Stir in the oil, vanilla and orange juice. Combine the flour and baking powder; stir into the batter to form a stiff dough. If dough is not stiff enough to roll out, stir in more flour. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to 1/4 inch in thickness. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter or the rim or a drinking glass. Place cookies 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. Spoon about 2 teaspoons of preserves into the center of each one. Pinch the edges to form three corners.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Allow cookies to cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheet before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
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