Despite waking up to snow covered driveway, Spring is here and I am feeling very hopeful about a lot of things. The house I grew up in finally sold so we can finalize Dad’s estate. Talk about a long process. Who knew estates could take so long to settle? Especially the estate of a man who virtually had nothing but the random pieces of junk he picked up at garage sales. I know mom is also relieved. Waiting for this moment has felt like eternity at times but yet I do see the wisdom in being able to slowly say goodbye. My mom had so much suddenly taken away that these last few years of waiting for her house to sell makes it easier for all of us to come to terms with many things and be at complete and total peace.
I’ve had many conversations with Mom since Dad died. We have finally found our groove living together. The downstairs is regarded as her living space, the main floor is our common area, and the upstairs is my space. Mom is not allowed in my bedroom and she needs not ask me permission to come and go from the house as she pleases. Yes, would you believe she used to ask my dad anytime she needed to go somewhere?
With Easter less than 2 weeks away and the house closing right before then, I cannot help but to ponder the meaning of it all, especially from a faith perspective.
The symbolic significance of Easter is so deeply personal to me that the celebration of Christ’s resurrection goes beyond just the holiday. Instead, I’ve been pondering a lot about areas in my own life I thought were dead yet I can feel a deep stirring that what was believed to be dead may actually be manifesting itself into a tangible reality – dormant seeds awakened by possibilities. And no, I’m not talking about unfulfilled dreams and hopes. I’m talking about seeds that are bigger than ourselves – seeds of purpose which define our lives by not what we have accomplished or accumulated but when harvested define our very being of what we were born to do while we are able to do so.
Sometimes this means having to walk through the darkness in order for God to redirect our heart towards true north, even if this means laying everything down. If anything, it is this strong sense that whatever comes my way in the future, all will be okay. And if I’m asked to let go of everything, I will be able to with no regrets knowing His plans for me are for good. All that I need is to be open and seeking guidance that I am not being led by my own will but hopefully God’s, and God’s alone. That is my hope, desire, and ongoing prayer.
With many of you preparing for your Easter celebration, I have a wonderful Spring recipe for you. It is a very simple and easy lemon tart. Preparing the lemon tart filling should only take you about 5 minutes and baking time is 35 minutes. Made with real fresh squeezed lemon juice, this tart is not only refreshing, it is a beautiful reminder how some of the best recipes to share with others are often the simplest to make.
Have a wonderful weekend!
- pre-made refrigerated pie crust or your favorite pie crust recipe
- sugar
- eggs
- fresh squeezed lemon juice
- lemon zest
- melted butter
- vanilla extract
- kosher salt
- powdered sugar, divided
- sour cream
- fresh raspberries
- Click here for the full Easy Lemon Tart Recipe from Alice's PBS Parents column today.
Those fresh raspberries make my mouth water. I love them and the majority of tarts I make usually contain raspberries. I am looking forward to preparing your tart either either in my own kitchen or during a cooking class I signed up for a few weeks ago. To put it more precisely, my husband gave me a special gift on this year’s Valentine’s Day – he booked a cooking class organized by Zac’s cooking school in our native Vancouver called – cooking classes for couples so we’re now collecting interesting recipes to come up with during that course and this one will definitely be part of our list. 🙂
I absolutely love lemon, and a lemon tart would make a great Easter dessert. Thanks for the lovely post!
Alice,
I love reading your post. You are a wonderful daughter and a great woman of faith. Happy Easter to you and your family. Lifting you up in prayers regarding your shoulder.
Shirley
This was such a beautiful and endearing post. I try to keep up with your blog as much as possible because it is so honest and helps me to feel connected as well. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings- which is by no means an easy task. Sending warm wishes your way!
You can never go wrong with a good, homemade tart recipe. And this is no exception! Love the lemony notes 🙂
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful post (and delicious recipe!)
What a lovely dessert! This sounds fabulous 🙂
I have never made a homemade lemon tart. This looks very interesting and healthy. I really love a good desert once in a while. This is brilliant. Thanks.
Alice, this is such a heartfelt post, with your experiences and thoughts on faith so beautifully stated. The process of grieving and finding your path again is such a long one, with many detours, and I am glad that you and your mum are finding your way together.
This tart is the perfect thing for the Easter table!
Interesting and tasty recipe. I make an awesome lemon raspberry cake for Easter. Can’t wait to try this one. Also heard your buttercream is delicious. Looking forward to that as well.
I am touched by the sheer vulnerability AND personal strength of your post. Your faith is strong, it’s a powerful thing. My best wishes to you & your mom. Happy Easter!
Thank you for the recipe!
What a wonderful post, thank you!
Wonderful post – and I will enjoy trying your lemon tart! Thanks.
Mostly, I was touched by the tenderness in your post and your wonderful testimony of your feeling of rebirth! May we all be touched by His spirit during the Holy Days of Easter and may the true meaning of His resurrection live with us and show in the way we live our lives.