Excerpt from “Tales From Heritage Farm” written by Wenda and Randall Grabau.
Last month’s story continues as Little Sister opens up to share her trouble with Mother. Let’s see if her problem gets resolved.
Wiping away the wetness of the tears from her long lashes, she confessed, “It’s something I have tried not to tell you, but it is always on my mind. I just think I need to tell you.”
“Well, okay, I am listening. What is the matter? Is it about social studies?” Mother offered.
Little Sister nodded as a fresh wave of tears threatened. Grasping Mother tighter, she renewed her mournful sobbing.
“I… I got a… a D,” she wailed. She held out her school work for Mother to review.
With one arm wrapped around her daughter, Mother reached for the paper. She eyed it. It was a D alright! “Is this a test?” she asked.
“No, the test is tomorrow,” explained the fourth grader.
“Is this the paper for you to study from for the test?” quizzed Mother.
“Yes. It was really hard, Mom,” blurted out Little Sister.
“I can see it was. May I help you study tonight for tomorrow’s test?” Mother inquired.
“Uh-huh, if you want to,” agreed Little Sister with a rising hope that brought the sparkle back into her bloodshot eyes.
“Honey,” counseled Mother, “I do care that you get good grades in all of your classes. But if you do get a poor grade, it shows me that you need some help. Dad and I want to help you. That’s why you should tell us if you get a low grade. Grades are a signal to us that we should tutor you in a subject if you are not doing well.”
Little Sister dried her eyes. “Mom, I felt so bad about it. I was afraid to tell you, but I still thought I should. My mind couldn’t rest.”
Mother, in tune with the Holy Spirit, recognized this teachable moment. “Did you know that the reason that you were bothered was because God has given you a special gift? It told you that keeping your grade a secret from Dad and me was wrong. It kept urging you to tell me, didn’t it?”
“It sure did!”
“That gift is called conscience. Your conscience tells you when you should correct a wrong thing and make it right,” taught Mother. “You did well to listen to your conscience. It is God’s tool to help you be obedient. I am so glad you obeyed.”
“Oh, Mom, I feel so much better now. I was so worried. Now maybe I can rest,” Little Sister said with relief.
“I know it does. I have heard my conscience, too.” added Mother. “It is one way that God speaks to us. Jesus says in the Bible, ‘He that has ears, let him hear.’ Sweetie, you have ears, and you used them. You did the right thing; I am proud of you.”
“Having a clean conscience feels as good as a nice warm shower after a hard day of work. It does feel good,” Mother added.
In I John 1:9, God’s Word promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Mushroom Casserole
1 pound fresh mushrooms (slice, sauté, cool and drain)
Combine the following:
½ cup green pepper
½ cup celery
½ cup onion
½ cup mayonnaise
Stir in mushrooms. Butter and cube three slices of bread and put on bottom of a casserole or (9×9 inch baking pan).
Pour mushroom mixture over bread. Butter and cube three more slices of bread and put on top.
Beat together: 1 ½ cups milk and 2 eggs. Pour over bread and mushrooms. Refrigerate several hours or overnight. One hour before serving, spoon 1 can of mushroom soup over top and sprinkle generously with grated American or cheddar cheese. Bake 1 hour at 350°F.