Friendships that last forever.......

Growing up on the farm, I had one friendship that has lasted through the passages of time. I never knew what it was like to have a friend that would support me through thick and thin. During my time with my ex-husband, I had the fortunate opportunity to build a few friendships lasting until this day and I'm thankful for those friendships.

When I returned to Oregon in 1985, I didn't know what God had in store for me and my little girl. Everything was new and different being a single parent. I watched my little girl turn from a toddler into a grade schooler and then into a middle schooler. Changing it up again, I met a man who would be the love of my life and he had several children who came to the new relationship. I have built friendships with each one of the children I know will last a lifetime. But what do you say to young children in helping them build their own relationships with their friends.

I suggested these guidlines to help our children build those friendships that would last a lifetime: 1) find someone who is acdemically on the same page as theirself; 2) find someone who has similar tastes and outlooks on life; 3) and finally find someone who has the same values and morals they share.

One of my daughters has had the privilege of building several friendships in her lifetime including one where she and her husband played "Match-Maker". The "match" was a hit and now the friend is getting married to my daughter's husband's best friend. My benefit in all this has been to pray for this couple and watch both couples cement those friendships lasting a lifetime. I also get to help and make life a bit easier for the bride-to-be and her family helping with little things. God put these friends together with their special partners and I'm so thankful God has given these couples friendships lasting a lifetime.

This next weekend, there will be a bridal shower for the bride-to-be and she requested I make a certain pastry she fell in love with at our house. This Austrian treat is not sweet but very good. I hope you enjoy this pastry as much as our family and friends. May God bless you with those around you who will be your friends for a lifetime.

Austrian Twists

3 cups flour
1 cup cold butter
1 package yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar

Mix the dry ingrediants together including the yeast. Cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles peas. Set aside

In a separate bowl mix 8 oz (1 small carton or 1 cup) sour cream plus 3 egg yolks. Mix into the flour mix until just moistened. This will be a semi-dry dough. Refrigerate overnight or 4-5 hours.

Take out the dough from the fridge and mix 1/2 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon. To this add 1 cup chopped walnuts. Set aside.

Cut the dough into four portions. Roll each portion into a circle 8-10 inches in diameter and sprinkle with 1/4 of the cinnamon mixture. Cut the dough into 8 pizza wedges. Roll up from the large end to the small end creating a small croissant. Place the small rolls onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. Repeat for the remaining 3 pieces of dough.

Bake immediately in an oven set for 375 degrees until the rolls are lightly golden. Serve warm or cool. They are good either way. Makes 36 rolls.