Coconut Miracle Pie and The Story of New Shoes

This receipe is a favorite of Hazel, my mother-in-law and is dedicated to Paige my grandaughter who is learning about making her own choices. The story is about things I learned from my daughter, Tina.

Coconut Miracle Pie

1 C. Sugar
1 C. coconut
1/4 margarine
4 eggs
2 C. milk
1/2 C. flour
1/4 tsp. salt **
1/2 tsp. baking powder**

** omit if using self-rising flour

Melt the butter in pie pan or square baking dish. In separate bowl, mix dry ingrediants then add rest of ingrediants. Pour into melted butter. Bake at 350 degrees about 60 minutes. It miraculously makes its own crust and the coconut comes to the top!

When my children were small, if one child needed shoes or clothing for school, all of them got it at the same time. To me, that seemed like the simplest solution but Tina took a different approach to her children. If she was shopping for one, the other did not always get the same thing or sometimes anything. The first time she took me along for a shopping trip, I was sure the one who did not get shoes would be disappointed and offered to pay for one or both of the pair of shoes. Her answer was a firm "no". It was not a matter of finances, it was a lesson she was teaching her children to trust her and that things are in life are not always fair. To my amazement, the one who did not get anything did not get upset. Tina understood the needs of her children and gave to them not always equally but as they had a need. She has been an amazing mom. She clipped coupons and taught her girls that homemade games are just as fun as expensive store bought games. Because she did this, it was she who taught them to write their names and tie their shoes instead of daycare and her girls learned at an early age about the value of music, dance and decisiveness. Someday Paige will use the lessons of her mother to be a great mom herself.

Our heavenly Father does not always give to us equally but He does know our needs. Matthew 7:1-11 teaches about judging others, guarding our treasures and how abundantly God blesses us. If He gives more to others than you think is fair, don't be alarmed. He knows your heart and needs and will meet them with His perfect timing.

Love,
Nana