Tag: follow Jesus

God

God’s Ways Are Perfect

meghanewhite

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This stunning flower is from a carrot. I never pulled up my carrots from last summer and just let them be, resulting in the most gorgeous flowers. The term for this is called bolting. It’s a survival mechanism in plants when conditions are no longer ideal for the plant. The plant is producing seed to continue on. There is no longer viable fruit or vegetables after bolting occurs, but the seeds remain. New life will emerge.

It would have been great to enjoy a large bunch of carrots, but that did not happen. There were a few carrots early in the summer. Later, the unbearable heat made it challenging for me to do much work in the garden so the carrots were neglected. However, along with the stunning flowers, I pulled up this gargantuan carrot.

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It’s hard to tell from the picture, but this carrot is massive. Bigger than any I’ve ever grown. That’s what happens when you leave them through the winter. I will not eat it, but it sure was fun to find that in my garden.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

God’s ways are perfect. He made every plant, fruit, and vegetable. Only God can make something beautiful from a plant in distress. The fruit is no longer viable but the flower produces seed which means new life can continue. That’s not how I would do things, but I’m not God. I would have chosen an abundant carrot harvest, but I would have missed the stunning flowers. Sure, lots of veggies was the goal, but the circumstances were not ideal, and the plant was in distress.

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. Psalm 18:30

Whatever God allows is perfect. The hard things, painful things, and beautiful things, He allows. God’s way is perfect, not easy. Sometimes, His way is quite difficult for us. But He is a shield for us who take refuge in Him. He will help us. We don’t always understand His ways, but we can trust that He is faithful, and is working everything out for our good, and His glory.

We can trust God in all things. His ways are perfect.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your faithfulness and your perfect ways. Thank you for always working in our lives and turning beauty from ashes. Only you can do that Lord. You are our defender and protector as we take refuge in you. Help us, O God, to trust you more and give you everything that we are holding onto. Help us to place our fears and worries into your capable hands.

Amen

Love you all,

Meghan

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Photo credit: Meghan E. White

Sin

Let Jesus Take Care of the Jerks, and Don’t Be One

meghanewhite

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Over ten years ago, we moved to one of the largest cities in the U.S., Houston. Immediately, we noticed the friendliness and politeness with the people we encountered. That all went away as soon as we drove around the city. The southern hospitality ends at the asphalt.

Road warrior is no joke here. When I drive on the massive highways, and freeways I’m suddenly praying the Hail Mary. But that’s not all. There are days and times when I’m behind the wheel where I become a different person, and it’s not pretty. It brings out the worst in me. I may have worship music blaring in my car and I’m feeling great and then I’m cut off, or honked at, or nearly killed by an aggressive driver, and I’m angry. Then I’m not thinking about Jesus. I want that person to be stopped.

Justice must be served, by me. I’m cussing, and I want bad things for that bad driver who almost took my life. Then I’m brought back to reality and reminded that I’m supposed to be salt and light, wherever I go. Not very salty. I was using salty language, but not letting the Lord handle it.

We are to die to ourselves daily as followers of Jesus. When I’m on the road with a bad attitude, I’m living for myself. It’s my pride. By my selfish actions I’m saying, “Since You’re not going to take care of this Lord, I will.” I’m a wretch. There’s my confession. Good for the soul, right?

Here’s the good news, I am forgiven. Hallelujah!

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9, NKJV

This wretched sinner is under the grace of God. He is so patient with me as He teaches me, guides, and shows me how to do better and truly die to myself. I can’t help but think of what Paul wrote in Romans.

For I do not understand what I am doing; for I am not practicing what I want to do, but I do the very thing I hate. Romans 7:15, NASB

God’s working on me. I am reminded that I can just as easily be a jerk too. I say this little mantra to myself as I’m driving.

Let Jesus take care of the jerks, don’t be one.

I’m a sinner in need of a Savior, daily. And He saves me, from my selfishness. My God loves me too much to let me stay as I am. From glory to glory, less and less of me, and please Lord, more and more of You.

No one but Jesus has lived a perfect life. I’m not looking for perfection, it will never happen in me. God does not expect me to be perfect. He’s very aware what I’m capable of. That’s why we have amazing Jesus. He made the way to the Father, not me.

Oh Lord, forgive me for my many sins, especially pride. Thank you for sending Jesus to save me from my sins and make the way to You. He is the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the Father except through Him. Thank you for your grace, mercy and forgiveness. Help me to extend that to others by Your Holy Spirit. And help me Lord, as I drive, to be salt and light and not give in to temptation. Amen!

Love you all,

Meghan

Photo credit: Meghan E. White

Love

Love Is

meghanewhite

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Love is patient.

Love is kind.

It does not envy.

It does not boast.

It is not proud.

It is not rude.

It is not self-seeking.

It is not easily angered.

It keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in truth.

It always protects.

Always trusts.

Always hopes.

Always perseveres,

Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, NIV 

This perfect love has no jealousy, or boasting, or pride, or unkindness, or rudeness, or selfishness. There is no place for impatience, short-temperedness, or keeping a list of wrongs. Love never delights in evil and always rejoices in truth. It protects and trusts, always hopes and perseveres. Godly love never fails.

Agape is the Greek word for love used in this infamous passage of scripture. This is God’s love. And this is how we are to love others. It’s impossible to show this kind of love without knowing Jesus. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit within every believer to share this agape love. We have to be filled before we can pour out God’s love on people.

Agape is self-sacrificing. It truly is death to ourselves. Jesus said in order to follow him we must deny ourselves and take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23). That is the only way this powerful love from God can flow from us. It’s not about us, It’s about Him.

How do we know what love is?

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16, NIV

Jesus laid down his life for us while we were still sinners. This is the highest form of love. We are to love our brothers and sisters with the same sacrificial love. Impossible in our strength. Only possible through Jesus.

Where does love come from?

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8, NIV

There is no real love apart from God. He himself is love and we cannot love without knowing Him through Jesus Christ.

As Christians we get to share this agape with those around us. This beautiful love that God gave us through Jesus can overflow from us to every single person we have in our lives and even those we cross paths with each day. This love is powerful and nothing like any kind of love in the world. We fall short at times, and don’t always love the way we should, but God’s love will never fail.

Help us Lord, to love like you do.

Love you all,

Meghan

If you need prayer please leave your request in the comments or drop me an email (go to my contact page).

Photo credit: Meghan E. White

Food

Magic Bars

meghanewhite

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If you are looking for a super easy and decadent dessert, or even if you are not looking, I’ve got a great one for you. These amazing bar cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth, and your neighbor’s too. There are countless versions of these awesome cookies, Hello Dolly Bars, Seven Layer Bars, and a few others. I went with the Disney inspired Magic Bars because I like the name. Call them whatever you like.

The fun thing about cookies like Magic Bars is you can customize them to your preferences. If you don’t like coconut, don’t add it. Use this recipe as your base and tweak it to your liking. Have fun with it. I added sprinkles because why not. 

Magic Bars are effortless yet scrumptious. These uncomplicated cookies are soft and chewy like caramel with just the right amount of crunch. Your hunger for something sweet will be gratified with this lovely treat. Enjoy!

Happy Eating!

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders. Psalm 9:1

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Magic Bars 

Ingredients 

1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (approximately 9 graham crackers or 1 full sleeve)

1/2 cup melted butter (4 oz.)

6 oz. chocolate chips 

6 oz. butterscotch chips 

1 cup sweetened coconut flakes 

14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

2 Tbsp. Jimmies sprinkles (optional)

Instructions 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 9 x 13 pan with parchment or aluminum foil, or spray with cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl mix the graham crackers and melted butter. Dump the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press into place with a measuring cup.
  3. Spread chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and flaked coconut evenly on the crust. Pour entire can of sweetened condensed milk on top over everything.
  4. Add walnuts and sprinkles on top.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden brown, and the filling is bubbly. Cool completely and cut into bars. Enjoy!

Notes: 

  • Cool by placing the bars in the fridge or freezer. They will be easier to cut if cool.
  • Use parchment or foil to easily remove from the pan and cut.
  • Magic Bars are very soft, especially when they first come out of the oven.
  • Use more or less coconut, or nuts to your preference.

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Food

Apple Crisp

meghanewhite

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The smell of cinnamon and butter fills the air as the apple crisp cooks in the oven. It gives all the fall feels with each warm, crunchy, sweet bite. You get the goodness of an apple pie, without the fuss of making a pie crust. The most time consuming part of making this dessert is peeling and slicing the apples.

Use your favorite apples. I have made this with galas, honey crisp, and Granny Smiths. All are good, just depends on your preference. Pecans or walnuts would be a wonderful addition to the topping for some extra crunch and flavor.

For a simple delicious fall bake apple crisp is a winner. Your taste buds will thank you for taking the time to make this satisfying treat. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for perfection on a plate.

Happy Eating!

Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, Psalm 17:8

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Apple Crisp

Filling

6 apples peeled, cored, and sliced or chopped

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Topping

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup cold cubed butter

1 cup old fashioned oats

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Butter a 2.5 quart baking dish.
  3. In a large mixing bowl add the apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, and sugar. Toss until evenly combined.
  4. Place prepared apples in buttered casserole dish.
  5. In a medium bowl add flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, butter, and oats. Using a pastry cutter, or your hands, mix together until it gets crumbly. Spread evenly over the apples.
  6. Bake for 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
  7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm.

Notes

  • Store apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • To reheat bake in a 350° oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until warm.
  • You can also warm up individual servings in the microwave.

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