A Recipe for Thankfulness

I debated on whether to write a Thanksgiving post, but I felt it necessary. Too often, this time of year is overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of other things happening. Yet, we are reminded in the Bible to be grateful every day for everything. "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

As I reflect on my journey, I realize just how much I have to be thankful for. The list of blessings in my life feels endless.

This past year alone, I’ve expanded my horizons in several ways. 

One major area of growth for me has been my independence, particularly through driving. I’ve mentioned this many times before, but every mile driven represents freedom and confidence. It’s a blessing I thank God for daily.

Additionally, I’ve been broadening my intellectual horizons. I’m learning new skills that I hope to utilize in the future as I continue on this journey of discovery and growth. I am reminded of Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." These words resonate deeply as I embrace these new challenges. While I’m grateful for the new skills and independence I’ve gained, I also treasure the familiar traditions that bring comfort and joy—especially those rooted in the kitchen.

Thanksgiving Traditions in the Kitchen

One of my favorite ways to celebrate Thanksgiving is spending time in the kitchen. Every year, I make my cranberry salad and sweet potato soufflé—two dishes that have become family traditions. Even though I can no longer eat by mouth, I take great joy in preparing these recipes for others. The cranberry salad is a simple yet delightful dish that even those who don’t typically enjoy cranberries seem to love. The sweet potato soufflé, topped with a delicious pecan crust, is another favorite.

When it comes to cooking, I believe in using fresh ingredients whenever possible. For the sweet potato soufflé, I always use real sweet potatoes—not canned yams—because fresh makes all the difference.

Sharing Recipes of Gratitude

Cranberry-Pineapple Salad

This super simple recipe is sure to win over even the cranberry skeptics.

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
2 packages (3 oz each) raspberry-flavored Jell-O
1 can (16 oz) whole-berry2f2f2 cranberry sauce
2/3 cup walnuts, (or pecans) chopped
1 red apple, peeled and chopped

Instructions:

Drain the pineapple, reserving the juice. Add enough water to the reserved juice to measure 2 1/2 cups of liquid.

Pour the liquid into a saucepan and bring it to a boil.

In a large bowl, add the dry gelatin mixes. Stir in the hot liquid for 2 minutes, or until the Jell-O powder is completely dissolved.

Stir in the pineapple, cranberry sauce, nuts, and apple. Mix thoroughly.

Pour into two loaf pans.

Refrigerate until set. Enjoy and/or give to share!

 (Adapted from Kraft Foods.)

Cooking isn’t just about nourishment—it’s about joy, creativity, and sharing love with others. I enjoy taking recipes that might seem simple and transforming them into something special, like this next dish.

Sweet Potato Souffle with Pecan Crust

A holiday classic topped with a flavorful crunch.

Soufflé Ingredients:

3 cups sweet potatoes, (approx. 3 medium-sized; peeled & cubed, boiled, drained, and mashed)
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp orange extract

Topping Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup self-rising flour
1 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl, mix the soufflé ingredients until well combined.

Grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter, and pour in the soufflé mixture.

In a separate bowl, combine the topping ingredients. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soufflé.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the soufflé is set.

 (Recipe by Felicia.)

A Lesson in Gratitude

I often remind the kids in my Sunday School class that we are all equal in the sight of God. There’s no “big I” or “little you.” God is not a respecter of persons, and He loves each of us equally. "For there is no respect of persons with God" (Romans 2:11).

The preacher is not more important than me, and God loves me no less than He loved Moses—after all, He personally buried Moses (Deuteronomy 34:5-6). If God loves me that much, then He loves you just as much, too.

I share this because I feel so blessed—not just lucky, but truly blessed. And if God doesn’t love me more than He loves you, then you can feel that same gratitude and recognize the blessings in your life. Sometimes, you just have to take a moment to sit and reflect.

It’s easy to focus on the negative because the devil allows those things to pop out everywhere, just like how negative news seems to spread faster by word of mouth. Think about it—people often remember one bad thing about a company or a person rather than the ten good things they’ve heard. But when we actively choose to reflect on the positive and God’s goodness, it shifts our perspective. As Psalm 103:2 says, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."

Sharing Joy Through the Flavors of Life

Life has a way of presenting challenges, but there’s something special about sharing the little victories—like the comfort of a good recipe. Cooking and baking have always been a joy for me, even after my accident in 2009. In fact, my love for it deepened during my recovery. Whether it was finding solace in flipping through cookbooks or experimenting in the kitchen during therapy sessions, food has remained a source of creative expression and connection.

One of my proudest achievements was publishing a cookbook filled with recipes I personally tested and photographed. Each dish tells a story, and many bring back warm memories of family, friends, and the spirit of perseverance.

Cooking as Therapy

While recovering from my accident, cooking became more than just a task—it became therapy. It allowed me to focus on small steps, much like my physical recovery. Measuring ingredients, stirring batter, or rolling out dough gave me a sense of accomplishment, even on the most challenging days. One of my earliest outings after the accident was to a bookstore, where I picked up a cookbook, sparking hope that I could regain some independence and joy in the kitchen.

It’s amazing how cooking connects people, too. My co-workers even created a dessert cookbook to raise funds for my medical expenses. That kind gesture inspired me to pay it forward by creating a cookbook of my own, filled with recipes I love, each with its own story.

Finding Joy in the Good

It’s easy to let the negative overshadow the good. Whether it’s a recipe that didn’t turn out or something more profound, the enemy loves to amplify the bad. But I believe there’s always more good to celebrate—it just takes intentionality to seek it out.

Negativity spreads quickly. My journey—filled with ups and downs—reminds me of this. I’ve learned to focus on the blessings, no matter how small, and share those with others.

The Heart Behind the Cooking

I hope these recipes inspire you as much as they’ve blessed me. They’re not just about the flavors—they’re about the heart behind the cooking. Whether it’s a celebration or just a quiet moment in your day, I pray they bring a bit of joy and connection into your life.

Thanksgiving is a reminder to slow down, reflect, and praise God for His blessings. Whether in my journey toward independence, learning new skills, or simply sharing cherished family recipes, I see God’s hand at work. Let us carry gratitude in our hearts not just on this holiday but every day. As Psalm 107:1 says, "O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."

I hope these reflections and recipes inspire you to embrace gratitude and enjoy the simple joys of this season.

What are your favorite recipes or traditions that remind you of joy and perseverance? I’d love to hear your stories. Share them in the comments! Let’s keep encouraging one another!

Be encouraged. 🧡