I like it when the communion assistant knows my name. I lift my slim rim to meet the silver V of the chalice. The blood of Christ shed for you, Beth. I say Amen and tilt the sliver of plastic, that liquid ruby sliding down, over wafer crumbs still in my mouth.
This soul feast—it’s what’s to sustain me in the week to come. But I’m never quite sure if I do it right.
Is this the day? The day I feel communion take hold in my body? The time the wafer and wine feed me week-long, nourish me, make me more Christ-like? I try the quick ACTS formula before communion, thinking it might ready my soul better, though worship during worship always seems better suited to the childless.
Adoration: God, I praise you, for you are mighty. Your wonders never cease.
Dispense raisin handfuls.
Confession: Dear Lord, there are so many ways I’ve failed you this week. I’ve been impatient, selfish, snapped at my kids, didn’t love my husband as I should. I’m sorry. Please forgive …
Retrieve matchbox car under the pew to quell rising squeal from 3 1/2 -year-old.
Thanksgiving: God, your blessings are many. You give us so much ...
Admonish 8-year-old for all-too-audible “is church almost over?”
Supplication: …
The usher finally clears his throat; I’m not sure how long he’s been waiting for us to retrieve our cups.
So, here I am, again, communion-complete. And, I feel content. I always do. I’m happy, whole, for this brief moment, until the kids start squabbling because someone accidentally stepped on someone else’s foot. And, the nourishment ceases. Or, I cease to recognize it.
A quick text from my husband’s cousin has turned into having all the family over for Sunday dinner—a group that includes great-grandma, my in-laws, my sister-in-law and her family, and, of course, the cousin and her family. There will be six kids total, four of them under six. I have a few hours to make and clean up from lunch, put the toddler down for his nap, prep dinner, tidy house, and make homemade apple pie.
Usually, I’d be all awhirl with frenzied activity, but this afternoon, I select a lower gear; I strap my phone on, runner-ready, and plug earphones in {though this is an exercise in paring and pastry}. A made-from-scratch apple pie takes time.
I spread out rinsed apples, chopping board, chef’s knife, compost bucket, peeler. I tap Pandora on. Soon, I’m done peeling and start to make squares of cores. I slide the blade down one side, shaving off a cheek of white flesh; and repeat.
Ten Shekel Shirt starts singing “Beauty.” I’ve never heard it before.
I slice thin, palest golden half-moons. The mound grows, and my mind leans into this minute alone, this music, this lyrical loveliness.
Tell me that mystery and majesty are
Drawing me
Sometimes when I get real
The greatest presence I can feel
It’s like a fire inside that burns me deep
And I come alive
I’m slicing apples, and it’s so stunning, this moment, my eyes prickle with joy. I’ve come alive to His splendor in this humble space, and it’s nourish-worship, feeding my soul right now.
___________________________________________________________________
Perfect Apple Pie
Dough:
2 ½ cups flour
2 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
11 tbsp. chilled unsalted butter cut into small pieces
7 tbsp chilled shortening (I use coconut oil instead for its health benefits and yummy taste!)
4 to 5 tbsp. ice water
Filling:
7 medium apples, peeled, cored, sliced
¼ cup each light brown sugar & granulated sugar
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
½ to 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. nutmeg
¼ tsp. salt
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. cornstarch or arrowroot powder, if you have it
Method:
For dough, mix flour, sugar and salt in food processor. Add chilled butter and shortening and pulse until chunks are pea-sized or smaller. Sprinkle water over dough and pulse until dough holds together. Form dough into a ball with hands and separate in half; press each half into a disc, wrap up, and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.
For filling, combines apples, sugars, lemon juice, spices, and salt in large bowl; toss and set aside at room temperature for 30 minutes (up to 3 hours). Drain liquid from apples. Add butter and liquid to a small saucepan and cook, swirling liquid over medium-high heat until syrupy, about 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer apples back to large bowl, toss with cornstarch, and pour syrup over apples.
Move oven rack to lowest position and heat to 425 degrees. Remove chilled dough and roll out bottom crust and place in a 9-inch pie plate. Fill with apple mixture and roll out and place top crust. Press edges to seal and cut about 4 steam vents in top crust. Bake on foil-covered sheet for 45 to 55 minutes or until juice bubble through slashes. Remove from oven and cool for at least 30 minutes to help the filling set. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Leave a Comment
Marcy says
Love that God loves us through the mess all the way to Real.
Thank you for capturing that beautiful Truth. Now to find Ten Shekel Shirt and Beauty!
Elizabeth Anne May says
How beautiful is God’s presence, when we find it smack in the middle of our daily lives! Thank you for reading, Marcy. {HInt: there’s a link in the post to Ten Shekel Shirt’s music!}
Summer Joy says
I love this recipe of the ordinary holy…and finding the Presence of God by “selecting a lower gear.” Thank you Elizabeth Anne. Beautiful writing and thank you for drawing me closer to Him this morning.
Elizabeth Anne May says
Finding a lower gear, a more thoughtful and open place where I take time to let God in, yes, that is a great recipe for the “ordinary holy” as you put it so aptly! Selecting a lower gear is always a struggle for me — a classic do-er/perfectionist — but when I do, I am rewarded so richly.
karyn says
Thanks so much for the recipe for your apple pie. I love apple pie btw.
I cannot seem to find the song.
🙂
Elizabeth Anne May says
Karyn: You are so welcome for the pie recipe. I clipped it from our local newspaper years ago. The combo of butter AND shortening (I use coconut oil now instead of shortening, though) make for an amazing crust. And, the trick of simmering down the liquid the apples release intensifies the flavors 🙂 The link in the text above goes to Amazon MP3’s little sample, which isn’t a very good way to get the feeling of the song overall. You could always do a Ten Shekel Shirt station on Pandora, or use another free or online music app… I also love their songs,”Spark,” “Meet With Me,” and “Great” as well. An awesome (if not a bit older) Christian band!
Holley Gerth says
So thrilled to see you and your beautiful words here, friend! 🙂
Elizabeth Anne May says
Thrilled to be here, as always! I’ll be counting the days til I can submit again 🙂
Ashley says
This blessed me so much!
Elizabeth Anne May says
And you blessed me by taking the time to comment!
Hope says
Thank you for this and the beauty of your gift it has blessed me this afternoon!:)
Elizabeth Anne May says
Hope: So grateful for your kind words today! Best to you and yours this holiday season.
Kacey says
The way you chose to take the change of plans in stride and enjoy the day is definitely a lesson for me. Can’t wait to try the apple pie recipes…it’s one of my fav desserts.
Elizabeth @seasonswithsoul says
Kacey: We love apple pie around here too… and peach …. and blackberry… and strawberry rhubarb… You get the picture 😉
Mandy says
Beautiful. And yummy 🙂
Elizabeth @seasonswithsoul says
Thank you, friend!
emily says
Wow. This looks amazing! I have forever been looking for a substitute for shortening. Had never thought of coconut oil! I’m totally making this. Thanks!
Elizabeth @seasonswithsoul says
I have been substituting coconut oil for shortening in my baking for the past three years, and I love the result! Of course, you may have a slight coconut taste to your finished product, but that usually is just an added benefit for me 🙂 When it’s cold out, coconut oil solidifies and has a texture just like shortening; on warmer days, you can just pop it into the fridge if you want it more solid.
Christine Wright says
Oh friend, your words light up my soul! Truly. I can hear your heart and see your smile as you made that pie. Miss you so much. : (
Shelli Littleton says
Thank you, Elizabeth!
Beth Williams says
Great recipe for apple pie and life. It is always best to slow down and drink in the sunshine and worship that is God, but that isn’t always easy especially with a change of plans.
I love listening/dancing to music of all kinds. When I need to “get in the worship mode” I turn on Pandora and listen to Praise and Worship music. It helps start my day and keep me focused on what’s important.
God bless you and your family!