As a grandmother, I’ve been holding hands with my grandchildren and I love it! Elli’s little hand fits perfectly in mine as we walk through a busy parking lot. It’s simply an unspoken fact that I am there to protect her, lead the way, and offer safety; she willingly accepts it. I hold hands with my grandchildren for other reasons too. I’ve covered Elli’s hand with mine as we form letters and shapes together with a crayon. I’ve taken Levi’s hand and said, “Come with me,” leading him in a direction away from getting into mischief while exploring his surroundings. I’ve played patty-cake with Quinn and he erupts into a smile. I’ve used my hands to hold a book and point to pictures and letters on pages as each of my grandchildren sit on my lap for a story. As a family we hold hands when we pray together before a meal.

In Isaiah 41:10, we read, “So do not fear, for I am with you—do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Then again we read in verse 13, “For I am the Lord, your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

My hands look mature and their age communicates experience. They’re so much larger and stronger than my grandchildren’s. Hand-holding means a lot to my grandchildren and to me: security, protection, safety, love, companionship, joy, knowledge, belonging to each other. Don’t you think that God takes hold of our hand for the same reasons?

Reflection: John 10:28 reminds us of our security in Christ. No one can take you out of His hand!

Have you considered making handprints of your children or grandchildren? You can buy kits at a store to make permanent hand prints, or simply draw them and frame them, marked with a date.

Cut-Out Cookies

Cut-out cookies are a treat at holiday time, but any shaped cookie cutter can be used year round. We’ve enjoyed this family recipe for music notes for a recital, leaves and pumpkins for fall, and wedding bells for our cookie table at my daughters’ weddings! You can sprinkle with colored sugar before baking, or frost and decorate as you wish once they are baked and cooled. Either way, they are hand-made with love for all to enjoy!

1 1/3 cups soft butter (not shortening) 8 tsp. milk

1 ½ cups sugar 4 cups flour

2 tsp. vanilla or almond flavoring 3 tsp. baking powder

2 eggs, beaten ½ tsp. salt

Cream sugar, flavoring and eggs until fluffy. Add remaining ingredients and mix together. Dough will be soft. Chill at least two hours. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll dough out on a floured board and use a cookie cutter for desired shape. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 6 minutes. The cookies should be soft and white, not browned. Frost and decorate as desired. Yield: about 6-7 dozen depending on the size of the cookie cutter.