God has not only left us an instruction book of 66 love letters but He also has left subtle little reminders all throughout nature. It is like a treasure hunt finding them. A certain one can be found on the beach. It is the sand dollar. This is a flatish burrowing sea urchin that lives on the bottom of shallow sandy waters along the coasts of ocean waters in the Northern Hemisphere. They get washed up on beaches regularly. Perhaps you have combed a sandy shore and found one yourself. On a recent vacation my granddaughters did and were thrilled. After the urchin is washed up on the beach, it is bleached by the sun and looks like a large silver coin. That’s why it got the name Sand Dollar, but that’s not what’s so special about it. There is religious symbolism in this small shell.
There are five cuts or slits which represent our Savior’s wounds on the cross. Jesus was nailed through his hands and feet, and then he was pierced in his side with a sword. One side shows an image that looks like an Easter lily with a star in the middle. The Star of Bethlehem. On the other side is a poinsettia or Easter Lily. When a Sand Dollar is broken there are five doves inside representing peace and good will.
All around us are subtle reminders of God’s love and His Son Jesus. Plants, trees, shells, and flowers. If you take time to really look at nature you will see the multitude that Abba has given us to show His love. These also remind us that He sent His Son to die for our sins. He has a plan of salvation that is free for the taking. We don’t deserve it. Can’t earn it. It is just there for us to pick up. Like finding a Sand Dollar on a beach only this gift offers eternal life.
” For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16 KJV
Sand Dollar Cookies
1 Cup Butter
1 Cup Vegetable Oil
1 Cup White Sugar
1 Cup Powdered Sugar
2 Eggs
1 Teaspoon White Vanilla or 1/2 tsp. Almond
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Soda
1 Teaspoon Cream of Tartar
4 1/2 Cups Flour
Cream sugars, butter and oil until fluffy.
Beat in eggs. Add dry ingredients to mixture and mix well.
Roll into balls, about a teaspoon of dough, and place on parchment lined cookie sheet. Press down with a sugared glass bottom* or cookie stamp. (Thinner is better.) Add slivered almonds to represent the flower. Make 5 small slits with knife or toothpick.
Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. Remove and cool. These are very delicate so handle carefully and don’t over pack in container.
*can use cinnamon sugar for a Snickerdoodle taste
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 