I thought it was lost forever.  I searched online over and over, but none of the recipes I found had the “secret” middle layer using an egg that my Momma’s recipe had.  She served her unique Orange Congealed Salad many times, and it always got rave reviews.  She died 31 years ago, and somehow the recipe seemed to have disappeared.  But, a few days ago, while I was searching for something else entirely in a place I rarely look, THERE IT WAS.  The coveted recipe.  And in my Momma’s own handwriting.  I was thrilled. In my heart and from my perspective, it was like finding a Lost Treasure.

The very top of the recipe I found. For the time being, I believe I’ll keep the entire recipe “in the family.” Hope you don’t mind.

I quickly made a photo of the recipe and sent it to my siblings and daughters — much to their delight.  I will be diligent to be sure this treasure never gets lost again.  And, to add to my joy, tomorrow I will take this salad to a luncheon at my church where several ladies will be attending who actually knew my Momma.  That makes me smile, and I believe Momma would be pleased.

The first layer of Momma’s orange congealed salad.

The final stage of Momma’s orange congealed salad.  It’s that secret middle layer that makes it extra special.

Jesus shared several parables about finding something that was lost and rejoicing when it was found.  One, in Luke 15, involves a woman with similar feelings to my own.

Luke 15:8-10  “Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!’ In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

What a beautiful picture for those of us who have “repented.”  Our repentance brought joy in the presence of God’s angels.  And, doesn’t that motivate us to share the gospel with those who are lost, so that the angels can experience joy over and over and over?