January 4, 1956
Dear Diary,
This morning was freezing—14 degrees, but the windchill made it feel like just 2! Sister Mary Claire and I bundled up and made it to church early to help Father stoke the big Ashley stove and read our daily meditation together. It was about Mary at the Crib of Her Divine Child. The words painted such a beautiful picture of Mary holding baby Jesus, full of love and wonder, pondering the mysteries of His birth in her heart.
On the way home, Sister explained it to me. She said Mary treasured those moments, keeping them close, and we should do the same with the blessings and mysteries God gives us. I thought about that all the way back.
As soon as we got home, I ran out to the chicken house to gather eggs. The cold had already claimed one egg, and it was cracked, but I figured I could still save it for my breakfast. I scattered fresh straw for the hens, poured fresh water into their pan, and gave them some extra laying mash. The wind was biting and I decided I had better gather eggs again at noon.
On the way home, Sister explained it to me. She said Mary treasured those moments, keeping them close, and we should do the same with the blessings and mysteries God gives us. I thought about that all the way back.
As soon as we got home, I ran out to the chicken house to gather eggs. The cold had already claimed one egg, and it was cracked, but I figured I could still save it for my breakfast. I scattered fresh straw for the hens, poured fresh water into their pan, and gave them some extra laying mash. The wind was biting and I decided I had better gather eggs again at noon.
Back inside, Sister cooked oatmeal while I warmed up by the fire. I kept thinking about the meditation and made a resolution to imitate the virtues of Jesus’ Holy Childhood—His humility, silence, and recollection. I want to try to carry that with me, even in the smallest things, like caring for the chickens or helping Sister with chores.
Prayer for tonight:
“O Jesus, living in Mary, help me to be humble and gentle like You and to treasure the blessings You’ve given me, no matter how small.”
Goodnight, Dear Diary.
With love,
Kathy
Perfect Creamy Oatmeal Recipe
Ingredients:
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (Sister uses Bob's Red Mill oats and brown sugar.)
• 2 cups cold water (or milk for creamier oatmeal)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional toppings: brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, a splash of cream or a pat of butter.
Instructions:
1. Start with Cold Water:
In a medium saucepan, combine the rolled oats, cold water (or milk), and salt. Starting with cold water allows the oats to gradually absorb the liquid, creating a creamier texture.
2. Bring to a Gentle Simmer:
Turn the heat to medium and gently stir the oats occasionally to prevent sticking. As the liquid heats up, you’ll notice the oats beginning to thicken.
3. Simmer Slowly:
Once the oatmeal starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Stirring helps release the starches, making the oatmeal creamy.
4. Customize Consistency:
If you prefer thicker oatmeal, let it cook longer while stirring. For a looser consistency, add a splash of hot water or milk.
5. Rest Before Serving:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the oatmeal sit for 1-2 minutes. This allows the oats to fully absorb the liquid and become even creamier.
6. Add Toppings as mentioned above and peace be with you!
1. Start with Cold Water:
In a medium saucepan, combine the rolled oats, cold water (or milk), and salt. Starting with cold water allows the oats to gradually absorb the liquid, creating a creamier texture.
2. Bring to a Gentle Simmer:
Turn the heat to medium and gently stir the oats occasionally to prevent sticking. As the liquid heats up, you’ll notice the oats beginning to thicken.
3. Simmer Slowly:
Once the oatmeal starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Stirring helps release the starches, making the oatmeal creamy.
4. Customize Consistency:
If you prefer thicker oatmeal, let it cook longer while stirring. For a looser consistency, add a splash of hot water or milk.
5. Rest Before Serving:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the oatmeal sit for 1-2 minutes. This allows the oats to fully absorb the liquid and become even creamier.
6. Add Toppings as mentioned above and peace be with you!
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