Tag: trust God

Waiting

God Has Not Forgotten You

meghanewhite

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Waiting on God can be quite difficult. At first, our faith is strong and unwavering. Then, as time goes by, our faith gets a little tired. Our patience gets exhausted, and we start to think that God may have forgotten us in our suffering. That could not be farther from the truth.

When we don’t get an immediate answer to our prayers, the wait begins. The longer the wait, the more fear and doubt come in to our minds. It’s a faith test that no one wants to take, definitely not me. Delay does not mean denial. It can sure feel like it though.

I can wait a few hours, a few days, maybe even a few weeks. When weeks turn to months, and months turn to years, I start to wonder what is God doing. “God, do you see me?” “Do you care that I’m in pain?” “How long will this go on?” The truth is that God sees us, and is with us in our pain, and He has a plan for our good, in all of it.

Recently, I watched a talk given by an elderly woman who was part of the Dutch Resistance in the Netherlands during the Nazi occupation of WWII. I can’t recall her name, but she was a friend of Corrie ten Boom. Her story was filled with danger, and suffering, and a lot of faith. She mentioned the length of the war, and how they did not know the Nazi occupation would last for five years. They were always hoping and praying for the terrible war to end, but it took five long years for the Germans to surrender in 1945. Her nightmare ended, but they had no way of knowing how long it was going to last.

We don’t know how long we have to wait for that promise from God, but He does. He is with you as you wait. He is with you when you can’t take it another minute. He is with you when you hurt. He is the God of all comfort. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 2 Corinthians 1:3, NIV

God is having you wait for a reason and a season. Keep trusting Him when you don’t know, and don’t understand. God is sovereign and loves you. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16, NIV

“Is there something you are waiting for, something you are trusting God to do, to perform, to fulfill, and He hasn’t done it yet? You are probably waiting longer than you thought you would have to wait. But that doesn’t mean God’s provision is canceled, it just means His promise is delayed. Our timetable is different from His, and on occasion He will say, “Wait.” I repeat, the delay doesn’t mean He has canceled it, it simply means He’s building our character through the process of waiting.”

Charles R. Swindoll, Bedside Blessings

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1, NIV

Love you all,

Meghan

Photo credit of forget-me-not flower: Meghan E. White

Food

Pumpkin Mousse

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If you love pumpkin like I do, but want something different, then this mousse will satisfy that desire. It’s easy, light, and deliciously sweet. You could layer this pumpkin mousse in a trifle, use it as a pie filling, or just eat it all on its own. Do whatever you like with this amazing mousse, just please make some. It’s so good!

This pumpkin mousse would be a wonderful addition to a Thanksgiving dessert table. I made little portions in small glass containers. Easy to grab, and small portions mean less guilt with plenty of room for other desserts. Or grab two because you should. I love dessert so I say life is too short to not enjoy a sweet treat. Enjoy this yummy pumpkin mousse.

Happy Thanksgiving!

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 

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Pumpkin Mousse

Yield: 6 cups

Ingredients

1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. ginger

1 cup milk

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree

2 Tbsp. maple syrup

1 tsp. vanilla

1 pint (16 oz) heavy cream

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl whisk together the pudding mix, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  2. Add milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  4. Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of the whipped cream to the pumpkin mixture.
  5. Pipe the mousse into serving bowls. Top with remaining whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to the heavy cream before whipping if you like a sweeter whipped cream.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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Perseverance

The Struggle Bus Is Real

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Bolton bus by Alan Murray-Rust is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

I was waiting for a bus, a party bus. It was going to be lovely. The destinations were fun, happy, relaxing places. No stress or troubles were in sight. My bag was packed ready to go as I sat at the bus stop. Several buses came whizzing by, but they didn’t slow down. Surely my party bus would arrive soon.

Finally, my moment had come. A bus pulled up right in front of me, yet it didn’t look at all like the party bus I was waiting for. This bus was kind of odd looking and definitely not fun at all. The door opened and the driver motioned for me to get in. I hesitantly stepped up and found a place to sit. The seats were worn out and torn. The bus smelled funny, and there was no one else on board. Oh no! It was the struggle bus.

I’ve been riding the struggle bus for some time now, even though it was supposed to be just a short ride. The trials keep piling on with each roll of the bus wheels. There is nothing special about me or my troubles. I am not unique in going through hard times. It happens to all of us. I wouldn’t choose the struggle bus, but this is where I need to be right now.

I am learning to accept where I am as I wait for God to answer my prayers and teach me what I need to know. There is plenty for me to do as I’m riding along. My faith is being stretched and tested. Each day I say, “I trust You, Lord”, when I can’t see anything in front of me. He knows every detail and wants me to trust Him, and I do.

The struggle bus is not so bad. Though there are days, and times that are gut wrenching. The party bus is my kind of ride, but that’s not for me today. In the struggle is where God is etching away my pride, fear, and doubt and replacing it with humility, faith, and perseverance. I have to rely on Him to get through, because He will bring me to the other side better, with a little less of me, and more of Him.

If I only rode the party bus my faith would never grow. I wouldn’t need Jesus. I would be a terrible, soulless person. It is in the struggle that faith muscles get a much needed work out. It’s not pretty, but the results are amazing. So today I’m enjoying my ride. It can get bumpy, and I may get car sick, but I will make it by the grace of God.

Enjoy the ride.

Love you all,

Meghan

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4, NIV 

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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Prayer

Silent Before the Lord

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My soul waits in silence for God only; Psalm 62:1

I am a pro at giving God my laundry list of “to do’s”. I talk, and talk, and cry out to Him as I am supposed to as His daughter. We are to cast all our cares on Him. What an incredible blessing to give all of our concerns to God, knowing He will take care of whatever concerns us.

There are times when we need to stop talking and just rest in Him.

When was the last time you were silent before the Lord? I don’t mean not knowing how or what to pray. I mean sitting before the Lord in silence. Not asking, or pleading, or begging Him to do something. Just being in His presence and letting Him, through the Holy Spirit, do the talking.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26, NASB 

This may sound weird, or uncomfortable. After all, we are supposed to bring our requests before the Lord, and we absolutely need to do that. What if we hit the pause button on the requesting every now and then, and just sat at His feet, and waited for Him to talk to us. I am learning to do this more and more, and it’s quite remarkable what happens to me. I get more peace just being with the Lord.

Being silent before the Lord takes some discipline, and you can’t have distractions. Turn off the phone, or place it out of ear shot. No music, no noise, no screens. Allow nothing that will grab your attention. Close your eyes and ask the Holy Spirit to speak. Now, be still, wait, trust, and let Him speak to your soul.

As we sit in silence with the Lord our confidence in Him grows stronger. He already knows what we need before we ask Him, so ultimately, every problem we have He has an answer awaiting at just the perfect time. We can take this time to find refuge in Him, knowing He will take care of us.

My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. Psalm 62:1, NASB

God is our salvation. While we wait for His perfect answer to our prayers we can be confident in the God of the universe. Waiting in silence is placing our complete trust in Him. This is not passive. While we wait, God will refresh our souls, give us new strength, and new perspective.

He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken. Psalm 62:2, NASB  

We can trust God.

He will answer. He will come through. He is the Rock.

Love you all,

Meghan

Photo credit: Meghan E. White