Author: meghanewhite

joy

JOY

meghanewhite

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I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.

Do you have joy? Deep down in your heart? 

If you answered no please be assured you can get your joy back because it’s there. It just got buried in trials, heartache, and stress. If you’ve got Jesus then you’ve got joy.

What is joy?

Joy is an abstract noun so it can be difficult to describe because it’s not something we can physically touch or see. It is a feeling or an emotion by definition. But what emotion is it? How can we define it?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, joy is “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires”. This description of joy is based on circumstances. Good things take place resulting in our happiness. But this joy is circumstantial and temporary. 

What is joy to the Christian?

Joy is not just a mood or a feeling to the Christ Follower, and is not dependent upon our circumstances. Joy is deeply rooted in every Believer. We cannot conjure it up or fake it. Joy is knowing who we are in Christ. Joy is delighting in God. Joy is constant, unshakeable confidence in God the Father. Joy is a gift from God to every Believer in Jesus Christ.

Joy in the New Testament 

Chara is a Greek word for joy that’s used often in the New Testament. Chara describes “a feeling of inner gladness, delight or rejoicing”. 

The birth of Jesus Christ is announced with joy.

But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Luke 2:10, HCSB 

Jesus gives us His joy.

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11, NKJV 

One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is joy.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Galatians 5:22, NASB 

Prayer brings joy.

Until now you have asked for nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. John 16:24, HCSB 

Trials bring joy. 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, James 1:2, NIV 

Loving Jesus brings joy.

and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 1 Peter 1:8, NASB 

Joy in the Old Testament

There are many Hebrew words for joy. Simchah is used frequently in the Old Testament and means “joy, mirth, pleasure, or exceeding gladness”. 

Strength comes from the joy of the Lord.

“For the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10b, NKJV

There is joy in God’s presence.

You will make known to me the way of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11, NASB 

God can restore our joy.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12, NIV 

Joy results in praise. 

Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Psalm 66:1, NIV 

Wise words bring joy.

To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! Proverbs 15:23, ESV 

God gives joy to the righteous.

For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; Ecclesiastes 2:26a, NKJV

Can we choose joy?

I say yes. Because the choice is not for a phony temporary happiness. You can’t just plaster on a fake smile, and voila you’ve got joy. Real joy is authentic, and is deep inside of every Christian. Joy is from God and part of who He is. We’ve got the Holy Spirit living inside of us as Believers, so we’ve got access to joy all the time. 

It’s easy to lose our joy because we are being bombarded with a million things that take our joy away. When we take our eyes off of Jesus our joy diminishes. It’s still there but we covered it up unknowingly. The good news is our beautiful Savior, Jesus, is unrelenting in loving us and reminding us of who we are in Him. That’s real joy.

Some things you can do to get your joy back.

Ask the Father to reignite your joy in Him.

Spend some time just worshipping God.

Write down Bible verses on joy and place them around your home.

Take social media breaks.

Turn off the news.

Take a day to fast and pray.

Some things to remember to help get your joy back.

Jesus is your Savior, and intercedes for you day and night.

The Holy Spirit indwells every Believer.

Heaven is the perfect eternal home waiting for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.

Today is a new day with new mercies.

Jesus paid our sin debt in full.

Jesus will help you in all of your troubles.

Joy is a heart full of Jesus.

I just barely scratched the surface on the large subject of joy. God gave us the amazing gift of joy, His joy. What an awesome loving God we serve.

Love you all,

Meghan

If you need prayer email me at meghanewhiteauthor@gmail.com

Food, mustard seed sentinel

Dole Whip

meghanewhite

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The name Dole Whip will be familiar to any Disney fans. Disneyland started serving this fantastic ice cream treat back in 1986 at the Tiki Juice Bar which is part of The Enchanted Tiki Room. The popularity has grown so much over the years it’s now considered an iconic refreshment at the Disney Parks. There’s even Dole Whip merchandise for super fans.

You don’t need to take a vacation to enjoy a Dole Whip. You can make this easy frozen treat at home. All you need is a blender and three simple ingredients. Pineapple juice, frozen pineapple, and vanilla ice cream combine to create a delectable flavorful dessert.

Pineapple soft serve is refreshingly cool and sweet on a hot day, or any day. This version of Dole Whip is absolutely delicious with the same wonderful texture and flavor as the original. Enjoy this delightful frosty treat.

Happy Eating!

For the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

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Dole Whip 

Ingredients

½ cup pineapple juice (4 oz.)

2 cups frozen pineapple chunks (10 oz.)

1 large scoop vanilla ice cream (approximately ¾ cup)

Yield: 2 large servings or 4 small servings 

Directions

  1. Put pineapple juice, and frozen pineapple chunks in a blender and pulse for a few minutes to chop the pineapple. Add vanilla ice cream and blend on medium high until combined. Stop every so often and give it a stir and keep blending until everything is smooth and creamy. 
  2. Place the finished mixture in the freezer for 30 minutes.
  3. Scoop into bowls and enjoy. If you want the iconic swirl, then use a piping bag with a star tip. Pipe into serving bowls just like soft serve.

Notes

  • After you fill your piping bag, place it in the freezer for a few minutes before making each serving. It’s very soft ice cream and melts quickly.
  • You can use fresh cut pineapple. Just freeze it before making the soft serve. 

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You can find this recipe and all my monthly recipes at Mustard Seed Sentinel, Meghan’s Corner. Mustard Seed Sentinel is an online Christian magazine filled with articles on books, entertainment, and so much more. Subscribe today.

https://www.mustardseedsentinel.com/post/meghan-s-corner-dole-whip

Family, Parenting

Happy Father’s Day

meghanewhite

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Tiny newborn Dylan wrapped his little baby hand tightly around his dad’s finger. Only days old and the love of a father for his child was immediate. Not a lot changed over the years except the chubby baby hand grew, and so did the love.

Dylan would follow Tom everywhere, and wanted to do anything his dad was doing. If Tom was in the garage and using tools, Dylan wanted to use tools too. Tom would hand Dylan pliers or wrenches and let him play along. When Tom mowed the lawn, Dylan mowed right next to him with his toy lawn mower.

At two-years old Dylan loved wooden trains, especially Thomas the Tank Engine. There was always wooden track set up on his bedroom floor. Dylan would wait patiently all day for his dad to get home from work to play with him. Tom would create elaborate train track arrangements. Dylan would say, “every piece of track”. So Tom would oblige and use every single piece of track.

When Joshua came along our life was different. Tom was back in school, but the deep abiding love for his second born was the same. As a newborn Joshua was colicky, so Tom held him all night until he fell asleep. I’d find baby Joshua snug between his father’s legs. Like a little nest. I’m not sure how Tom had the energy to do that since he was working full time and in school full time, but he did.

Tom takes fatherhood seriously and loves our boys deeply. Tom has always made everything fun for them. Even picking out candy was a fun adventure. Every summer there were father son camping trips filled with junk food and campfires. He has enjoyed taking our boys on adventures and showing them how to explore, and learn, and just be themselves.

Our boys aren’t little anymore but the foundation of love has been built upon over the years with layer upon layer of precious memories. Some difficult memories too. All the good and bad have come together, being used by God in a beautiful plan to shape our sons. Tom helped lay that foundation as their dad.

Thank you Tom for:

Loving our boys.

Loving me.

Loving Jesus.

Sacrificing for us.

Working jobs you hated to provide for our family.

Fixing all the broken things in our house.

Repairing all the cars.

Holding croupy babies in steamy bathrooms.

Taking the boys everywhere and showing them all the cool things.

Showing the boys what it means to be a Godly man.

Discipling our boys and teaching them the difference between right and wrong.

Thank you for the joy, fun, and perspective you give the boys.

We love you Tom! You’re the best dad.

The father of a righteous son will rejoice greatly, and one who fathers a wise son will delight in him.  Proverbs 23:24,HCSB

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads. God bless you abundantly!

Love you all,

Meghan

Food

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

meghanewhite

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This is my favorite pound cake. It’s delicious and easy. I found this scrumptious dessert years ago in Southern Living magazine. I get asked for this recipe every time I make it. I shared this pound cake when I first started writing for Mustard Seed Sentinel, and wanted to share it again with new followers. 

Enjoy this delightful sweet treat. Life is short. Have a piece of cake.

Happy Eating!

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups butter, softened

1 (8oz.) package cream cheese, softened

3 cups sugar

6 large eggs

1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

3 cups all purpose flour

⅛ teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°

2. Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer for 2 minutes or until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating until mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Add eggs one at a time, beating until combined. Add vanilla extract, beat until blended.

4. Combine flour and salt in a small bowl; gradually add to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended after each addition. Don’t over mix.

5. Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch bundt pan or tube pan.

6. Bake for 1 hour and 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Remove from pan, and let cool completely for about an hour.

Notes:

~I prefer to use three loaf pans. Cooking time drops to approximately 1 hour 5 minutes when using loaf pans. You can freeze the loaves. Thaw before serving.

~Reduce the sugar to 2 ½ cups or 2 ¾  if 3 cups is too sweet. It still comes out yummy.

Family, Trials

There’s Always Hope

meghanewhite

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The first morning glory of the season greeted me bright and early today in the garden. It’s fun to grow a new variety like these gorgeous pinkish purple ones. Tom gave me these seeds among others at Christmas. I love watching seeds sprout, grow, and eventually flower. It’s very rewarding.

A new flower gives me hope. My garden is no longer a brown desolate wasteland. Now it’s full of new life. Vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruit are thriving. I didn’t have much hope of planting anything just a few months ago. I didn’t think I would have a garden this year with Tom’s hospitalization and health issues.

God brings hope and blessings in the midst of trials.

Since you all have graciously followed along on our journey of my car accident, and Tom’s hospitalization, and a lot of unknowns, I wanted to give you a little update. Tom had his hernia surgeries yesterday. I sat in the surgery prep area with Tom as nurses came and went asking questions, taking his vitals, and getting him ready.

The anesthesiologist came in, looked over Tom’s blood draw results, and was very concerned with his kidney function. He let us know that Tom is high risk, and rattled off a bunch of potential really horrific things that can happen going under anesthetic and having surgery. My heart sank. Fear whispered in my ear, “something bad is going to happen to Tom“.

Tom was not worried and reassured me that he will be alright. I told fear to take a hike, like forever. The Holy Spirit said to me, “I’ve got Tom. Do not fear“. It was another faith test. I could not see the end result and I was told awful scary things. But God said, “Keep trusting Me“.

The surgeon stepped in the room and went over the anesthesiologist’s serious concerns and asked Tom what he wanted to do. Tom told him that he felt good, and healthy, and that he was ready. The surgery was a success and went better than the surgeon expected. That’s a big praise.

Tom came home last night. There are all sorts of tubes and pumps in his three large incisions. He’s in a lot of pain, no surprise there. He’s been very nauseous and thrown up several times. Sorry if that’s too much info. Gotta keep it real. You have to go through the hard ugly stuff to get to the good.

Today is a new day with new hope just waiting. New opportunities for God’s grace and mercy are here. I’m praying Tom will have less pain today on his path to healing. I’m still praying for his kidneys to completely recover.

The Lord can breathe new life into anything. What appears to be a lost cause can be fertile ground for new life, for hope.

We stand on The Rock. We trust God to completely heal Tom. Through the ups and downs God is faithful. Thank you so much for your prayers!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13, NIV

Love you all,

Meghan