The Lost Sheep and Sweet Pancakes

Dear Diary,

Today’s Gospel reading was from Luke 15:1-10, and it was such a beautiful message. Jesus spoke about the lost sheep and the lost coin, and how much joy there is in heaven when a sinner repents. Father LeRoy reminded us that God’s love is so great that He will always seek us out, even if we feel lost or unworthy. He said that just like the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one, or the woman who searches carefully for her lost coin, God is always looking out for us, ready to rejoice when we return to Him. Father spoke about how we are each precious in God’s eyes, and that every soul, even one, is worth rejoicing over. It made me feel warm inside, like God would always care for me no matter what.

Mini, though, wasn’t very focused! She fell asleep under the pew and started snoring, which made me a little embarrassed, especially when a few people nearby chuckled. But she was so peaceful, and maybe she felt safe and happy at Mass, just like we do.

The day turned out to be mild and sunny, so Sister Mary Claire and I took a case of eggs to the Breakfast Club. It was lovely to see Hayden, Caleb, Sasha, and Max all together. The cousins were cheerful as usual, and they made us pancakes with soft, easy-over brown eggs—so delicious. Sister had hers with butter and pure maple syrup, and I had mine with strawberry jam and cream on top. It was such a treat!

Here’s the pancake recipe they used, just like Hayden told me:

Fluffy Breakfast Pancakes

Ingredients:1 cup flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, milk, egg, and melted butter.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Heat a griddle or pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter.
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook the other side until golden.
Serve with butter and pure maple syrup or strawberry jam and cream, just like we did! So, so good!

Evening Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for seeking me out like the lost sheep and always keeping me close to Your heart. Help me to always remember that I am precious to You, even when I feel small. Thank you for today’s sunshine and the time spent with Sister and our friends. Bless Mini, even with her little snores, and let her feel safe and loved. Bless Father LeRoy, Hayden, Caleb, Sasha, and Max, and everyone who gathered today in Your name. Please keep my family and friends in Your care tonight. Amen.