Tag: trust God

Food

Pumpkin Bars

meghanewhite

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It’s that time of year. Pumpkin time. Pumpkin everything is everywhere. It wasn’t that long ago that the only big thing happening pumpkin-wise this time of year was the now infamous pumpkin spice latte. If you got your hands on one of those, then you felt pretty special. Now, pumpkin has taken over all aspects of food from yogurt to cereal, and even candy. We are pumpkin obsessed for some reason. For the non-pumpkin eaters, I’m sorry. For the rest of us, yay!!

In honor of all things pumpkin, I give you pumpkin bars. You’re welcome. I’ve been making these divine treats for close to twenty-six years. The bars are really more like a moist delicious cake. The pumpkin flavor is there, but it’s subtle, not overpowering. And, the piece de resistance, cream cheese frosting. The combo of the scrumptious cake and sweet icing make this dessert irresistible. It’s hard to stop at one. Pumpkin bars are addictive. You’ve been warned. 

I was blessed with this recipe from my boss all those years ago. She brought them into work one day and it was love at first bite. I got the recipe from her, which she was given by her mother many years before. And the circle of life continues as I pass this fantastic recipe on to you. Maybe you will share it with someone in your life too. Whenever I make these for potlucks or any event, they get devoured every single time. So be ready with the recipe, because you will be asked. 

Pumpkin bars are a nice alternative to pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, make both. Pumpkin fans everywhere will rejoice. I have to admit that I’ve made these in the summer. I know. It’s a bit bold, a bit daring, but so worth it. Try pumpkin bars in the off season too. They are just that good.

Happy Eating!

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  1 Corinthians 10:31

 

Pumpkin Bars

 

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. salt

In a medium sized mixing bowl whisk together dry ingredients and set aside.

 

4 eggs

1 2/3 cup sugar

1 15oz. can pumpkin

1 cup vegetable oil

pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)

 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Cream eggs and sugar.
  3. Add the vegetable oil, pumpkin, and pecans.
  4. Add the flour mixture and mix thoroughly with a hand mixer.
  5. Pour into an un-greased 15x10x1 inch pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Cool completely before frosting. 

Cream Cheese Frosting

3 oz. cream cheese softened

¼ cup butter softened 

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups powdered sugar

Cream together with a hand mixer until smooth.

 

Notes:

Store at room temperature in a sealed container.

I never add the nuts, but I’m sure it’s delicious. 

Let the cream cheese and butter soften at room temperature before making the frosting.

Ministry

The People We Meet Daily

meghanewhite

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I waited in the tiny car rental office. It was time to return my first car rental after my accident, and get another one. As the woman behind the desk entered my information in the computer my mind drifted to all that was happening in my life. A totaled vehicle after a head on collision. My husband was in the hospital with acute kidney failure, and dangerously low hemoglobin (not related to my accident). Nonstop tests, and several blood transfusions, with so many unanswered questions. 

The kind clerk offered to give me a ride to the collision office on the other side of the car lot. I was grateful for her generosity since the car lot was quite large. In our short drive I shared with her a little of what I was going through. She was kind and empathetic and then began to tell me that her young husband had a recent cancer diagnosis. He was very scared.

In an instant I was reminded that I was not alone in my suffering. This sweet young woman was dealing with her own crisis, yet was completely gracious to me. I asked for her husband’s name, and told her that I would pray for them and their family. I made sure to write down both of their names when I got home so I would not forget to pray. 

I just came across the small card with their names and prayer requests. It was a reminder to say another prayer for them. I will never see her again but I will never forget our brief interaction. I don’t believe in coincidence. We were meant to cross paths, even if it was just for a moment. 

Every day there are opportunities to be a blessing to someone. It could be a neighbor, or a coworker, or a family member, or even a complete stranger. There are so many blessings in the everyday ordinary exchanges between humans. There are countless chances to do something seemingly insignificant, but with God involved it becomes extraordinary. 

So many times we are looking for the extra special. Those big moments to offer help in a grand gesture. Some of us will get those big moments to do big things for the Lord. But the small interactions can be sacred as well. It can be easy to overlook the simple moments that God gives us to make a difference. They are there each day, we just need to be available and aware.

That sweet woman at the car dealership blessed me greatly. By sharing her story she reminded me that people right in front of me are hurting too. Then it gave me the opportunity to show Jesus in a very simple way just by offering to pray. It helped take my eyes off of my own troubles and give me perspective. 

God wants to use us to further His Kingdom. We get the amazing privilege to be a small part of what He is doing. And it may be a million little things that make a difference for the Lord. It’s humbling and God gets all the glory. 

I pray today, and every day, you know how much you are loved by the Father and a blessing to those in your life, and those you come across just once. I’ve seen the statement, “You may be the only Bible someone reads”. Those daily small interactions are opportunities to plant seeds for the Kingdom. 

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4, NIV 

 

Love you all,

Meghan

 

Worship

Stop Everything and Praise the Lord

meghanewhite

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The world is exhausting. We have access to any amount of information that we want, and plenty that we do not need. This evil world is broken, and getting sicker by the minute. Now add to all of that our own every day trials and responsibilities, and you’ve got the perfect formula for hopelessness. 

We have hope because of Jesus. We may not always feel it, but it’s always there. No matter how crazy the world gets, or how crazy our lives are, we always, always have hope. One really simple way to get our hope and joy back in seemingly uncertain times is to turn our hearts toward the Lord. Praise is a powerful weapon in our spiritual arsenal. 

I’m talking about singing and praising God. Absolutely no talent is required, just an honest heart worshipping God. Our voices sound like angels in God’s ears when it’s sincere. That’s just my opinion since God is concerned about the condition of our hearts above anything else. Sing even louder if you are in deep pain. Praise to God is so powerful in our trials. 

Praising the Lord takes our eyes off our circumstances and fixes them on Him.

Do you need to put the brakes on the insanity of our world? I know I do. It’s just too much. We are not designed to bear heavy burdens, only Jesus’ burdens are meant for us. Those are the light ones. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Step one is to turn off social media, news, emails, and pretty much everything that makes noise. If you’ve got young children you may need to be creative and use nap times, or just have them join in the praise. Those little ones, and big ones, will learn so much from some sweet worship at home. 

Step two is to turn up the worship music. Whether you have a piano or another instrument, and can play, by all means play. Use cd’s, Spotify, Youtube, or whatever format you get your music from, and play only worship music. A cappella is lovely too, if you’re up for that. There are hymns, and modern worship music, and everything else in between. 

Step three is to sing out loud and praise God. This is the best part. Fill your mind and heart with the greatness of God, and let Him know it. You can even dance around the house if you feel comfortable doing that. Just go for it, and give God full praise right in your kitchen, or bedroom, or anywhere. 

David danced before the Lord. 

Then David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. 2 Samuel 6:14 NKJV 

Dancing is not required, but it may spontaneously erupt out of sheer joy from the Lord. David is such a beautiful example of uninhibited adoration and worship of God. No wonder he’s called “a man after God’s own heart”. 

Something so amazing will start to happen as you lift your voice to the King of Kings. You will get your hope back, you will remember who is in control. Burdens will lift. You will see just how big and awesome God is. Our omnipotent God is still on the throne no matter what government’s do, no matter what the news says, no matter how pervasive evil is. God will never be dethroned. And justice is coming.

Praise Him today. Praise Him everyday. Take a break from all the crazy and give God your best praise and worship. It will fill your heart and give you joy knowing that no matter what you are facing God will help you. Let’s praise the Lord for He alone is worthy of our praise.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him. Psalm 28:7, NKJV 

Love you all,

Meghan 

 

If you need prayer send your request to meghanewhiteauthor@gmail.com

Marriage

26 Years and Counting

meghanewhite

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Twenty-six years sure flies by fast. So many memories. So many adventures, trials, heartaches, joys, and triumphs. The part of the wedding vows where it says “in sickness and in health” is no joke. We were put to the test this past six months with Tom’s health. An emergency hospitalization involving kidney failure, blood transfusions, and far too many questions forced us to rely on our faith in God and each other.

Did we pass the test? Only God knows for sure. I can say in all honesty that God carried us through the trial. There were many downs, and some ups too, during months of tests, and surgeries and a whole lot of physical pain. We are still here by the grace of God. We still love each other. We still believe that with God all things really are possible.

Marriage is a journey. But you journey together. And if you add Jesus to the mix, you have a recipe for success. Not easy, but solid. Because Jesus Christ is the solid Rock. He is the foundation for our marriage. We are not perfect, we are normal people. It’s all Jesus. He gets the glory.

Happy anniversary to us. It hasn’t been all romance these many months. It’s been taking it one day at a time. One doctor’s appointment at a time. Being grateful for good health care, and excellent doctors. Being grateful for the amazing gift of life. Being grateful for today.

Here’s to twenty-six wonderful years with my sweet husband Tom. You have endured so much. What an incredible example you have been to our sons of perseverance, faith, endurance, and strength. You are my hero.

Love,

Meghan

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Food, mustard seed sentinel

Key Lime Pie

meghanewhite

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There is something so delightful about a key lime pie. Maybe because it has the perfect amount of tart and sweet. I love all things citrus and key lime pie takes the cake. I mean it takes the pie. What I’m trying to say is that key lime pie is fantastic and this recipe is easy and amazingly good. 

I have been making this mouth-watering dessert for years and it always brings smiles. That makes me happy, which makes me smile too. It fills me up to know that I brought a little joy to someone in the form of a delicious piece of pie. You can’t be angry when you are enjoying a yummy treat. We all just need to eat more desserts.

No key limes are required to make this key lime pie. I have used key limes before and they are not the easiest fruit to work with since they are very small. Also, key limes are not always available at the grocery store. Regular limes work great. 

Make this delectable pie and bring some happiness to your world.

 

Happy Eating!

 

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11dsc00538

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Key Lime Pie

Ingredients

8 egg yolks 

2 cans sweetened condensed milk

The juice of 5 limes (approximately ½ cup) 

Zest of 5 limes (about 1 tablespoon)

For the crust

2 sleeves of graham crackers

14 tablespoons of melted butter

 

    1. Preheat oven to 325°
    2. Place graham crackers in a food processor and process until finely ground. You can also place graham crackers in a zip lock bag and pound them with a rolling pin until you get fine crumbs. Put the graham cracker crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
    3. Add melted butter to the graham cracker crumbs. Mix until combined. 
    4. Press the graham cracker/butter mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Use the back of a measuring cup to firmly press the crust in place. 
    5. Bake the crust for 20 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.
    6. Reduce oven temperature to 300°
    7. Add egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and lime zest to a large mixing bowl or stand mixer. Use the whisk attachment and mix on medium to medium high until everything is thoroughly combined. 
    8. Pour the pie filling into the pie crust. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
    9. The pie is done when the filling is firm but slightly soft. It won’t be wiggly and it won’t be brown. 
    10. Let the pie cool completely. Wait at least 4 to 6 hours before serving. Refrigerate overnight for the best flavor.

 

Notes

*If you can find key limes, use a few more than what the recipe calls for since they are small.

*Make this pie a day ahead for the best flavor.

* Buy extra limes to use for garnish. 

* Top with whipped cream.

 

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For this recipe and more go to the link. I write a monthly article for Mustard Seed Sentinel,  Meghan’s Corner. 

https://www.mustardseedsentinel.com/post/meghan-s-corner-key-lime-pie