Tag: trust God

Salvation

The Narrow Path

meghanewhite
person waking on hill
Photo by Krivec Ales on Pexels.com

We wanted to hike to the top of Diamond Head on our Hawaiian vacation. Our itinerary was filled with snorkeling, kayaking, and sight seeing. Hiking to the top of an iconic volcanic crater was a must. The path started out at the ground level smooth, paved and relaxing. Within minutes the path began to curve and wind. No longer paved, it became rocky and uneven.

The trail was not super difficult, yet not super easy either. I had to pay attention since there were numerous switchbacks along the way. There’s a large steep staircase that brings you up 560 feet. I had to stop and catch my breath after climbing those steps.

After climbing another set of stairs there is a 225 foot long tunnel. I am not a fan of enclosed dark spaces. There was no way around the tunnel. I had to go through it to continue on my journey to the top. Once we made it through the creepy dark tunnel it felt like a small victory.

There are several look out points where you can take a break and enjoy the view. When Tom and I finally reached the top it was all worth it. The views were stunning. We could see Waikiki Beach, and downtown Honolulu. Everywhere we looked was absolutely gorgeous. The beautiful blue Pacific Ocean looked like it had no end. Taking the narrow path was worth it.

Following Jesus is the narrow path.

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Matthew 7:13-14, NIV

Jesus is the only way to the Father. “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, NIV). Following Him is not the easy road. The narrow road can be treacherous, steep, and winding. To stay on the narrow path we must fix our eyes on Jesus. He is leading the way and we must follow.

There are dark tunnels and the only way through them is to trust where He is taking you, even when you cannot see. Jesus will get you to the other side of that darkness. And when you are tired and cannot take another step He will pick you up and carry you.

When you are afraid as you look at the steep drop-offs, He will comfort you, and reassure you that you can in fact make it. The only way to get through the narrow path is with Jesus.

Our faith is tested on the narrow path. We must humble ourselves, lay down our pride, take up our cross and follow Him. The longer we are on the narrow path the more we become like Jesus. Little by little, step by step.

There are blessings along the narrow path, provision, and beauty. The narrow path leads to life. Jesus is life. Our time here on Earth is brief and it will come to an end. Those who have placed their faith in Jesus will be in Heaven with Him forever.

2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:2-3, NIV

The Broad path leads to destruction.

The road to destruction is wide. There are plenty of people on this path. This road is all about self, and making our own way. Doing our own thing. We have no need for Christ on the broad road.

This wide open path is easy, effortless. There is no thought of the narrow path here. Do what you want. Make your own way. It’s difficult to wander off the wide path. There’s plenty of space to do absolutely anything you want without much consequence.

The way of the broad path is not a happy one. Destruction is where it leads which is eternal ruin in Hell. “But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 8:12, NIV)

Jesus is not on the broad path. He is calling us to Him on the narrow road. It’s our choice to make.

I was on the broad path before placing my faith in Jesus Christ. Everything changed once I met Jesus. My eyes were opened to see just how beautiful Jesus is, and how sinful I am. His shed blood saved me and set me free.

Jesus died for all. “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2, NIV) But not everyone will place their faith in Christ.

The only path I want to be on is the narrow one because Jesus is there. No matter the difficulties, no matter the hardships, there is no place I’d rather be then with my wonderful Savior. Jesus is life.

Only a few find Jesus.

I think it’s interesting that the island of Oahu averages around 250,000 visitors per day yet only 3000 each day hike to the top of Diamond Head. It’s a great illustration of the ease of the wide path with very few finding the narrow path. Sure, many tourists see Diamond Head and it’s beauty, yet they go right past it not wanting to take that narrow path to the top.

Jesus spoke the words in Matthew 7. He is telling us to choose Him because He is life. What appears to be hundreds of ways to Jesus is a lie. The narrow gate is the only entrance. That means placing your faith in Jesus Christ. All other ways lead to destruction.

There is hope for those on the broad road to destruction. In Matthew 7:7-8 Jesus says to ask, seek, and knock. He is ready and waiting to answer our prayers. Jesus does not want anyone to perish. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (1 Peter 3:9, NIV)

The narrow path can be lonely and difficult but Jesus is there, and He is leading us home.

Love you all,

Meghan

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

U.S. Military

Memorial Day Memories

meghanewhite
us a flag on white book page
Photo by Chad Madden on Pexels.com

When Dylan was a little boy he was a Cub Scout. One of my all time favorite things the Scouts did was going to the Veterans Cemetery just before Memorial Day. Troops from all over the Portland area would meet up and be assigned a section of the cemetery. There was a flag ceremony at the beginning of the night with tributes and prayers from some of the local military organizations. “Taps” was played, and there wasn’t a dry eye to be seen.

Once the ceremony was done the Scouts headed out to their designated locations in the cemetery. Each boy was given a handful of small American flags, and a whisk broom. Dylan took his job serious. He swept the grave marker, wiping away leaves and dirt. He then placed the flag, and gave a salute. 

There were fresh graves, some only days old. At that time we still had a lot of U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Dylan would place a flag on a young man’s grave marker, and then place another flag right next to it from a WWII veteran. It took my breath away to look across the cemetery and watch all these boys placing flags and saluting at each Veteran’s grave site.

One year when we were at the cemetery with the Scouts placing flags I decided it was time to look up my dad’s grave marker. He did not die in a war but Dad did serve in the Marines during Vietnam. After roaming around going the wrong direction I finally found my dad’s grave site. It’s on a wall since Dad was cremated. 

As soon as I saw my dad’s name on that grave marker I cried like a baby. My reaction surprised me since Dad’s death was quite a few years before that moment. You can’t predict grief. I was glad to see Dad’s name at the Veterans Cemetery. It’s a beautiful way to honor a family member who has served our country. 

War is hell. So many lives have been lost during war time. Every life matters and is precious to the Creator of all life, Father God. Memorial Day is about remembering and honoring those Americans who have given their lives during war time. 

Thank you to all who have lost a precious loved one while serving in the U.S. Military. May God bless and keep you. 

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Love you all,

Meghan 

Please enjoy this video from the U.S. Army of “Taps” at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

Food, mustard seed sentinel

Overnight Oats

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If you want to change up your breakfast routine try these fantastic overnight oats. They are creamy, delicious, and nutritious. Make individual servings, or make a large batch for the whole week. A few minutes of prep the night before, and you’ve got a healthy meal for the morning. 

Instead of cooking oats on the stove or in the microwave, leaving them to sit for several hours in milk softens them up as if they were cooked. It’s just a non-cooking way to make old fashioned oats. And let me assure you, they are so good. If you love oatmeal then you will love overnight oats.

The sky’s the limit as to what type of toppings you can add. Once you make the base recipe add any fruits, seeds, or nuts of your choosing. The beauty of this nutrition packed breakfast is customizing it to your liking. 

I love the addition of chia seeds since they are loaded with good stuff. Chia seeds are one of the most nutritious foods. They have plenty of fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Chia seeds are tiny but they do add some nice texture to the oats.

Overnight oats are beneficial to your health, and they taste really good too. That’s a winning combo. Have fun with this recipe.

Happy Eating!

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 

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Overnight Oats

Ingredients

½ cup old fashioned rolled oats

½ cup milk

¼ cup whole milk Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey

Directions 

  1. In a small jar add oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and maple syrup or honey. 
  2. Stir to combine the ingredients. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours up to overnight.
  4. Stir the oats before serving. Add the toppings. Enjoy!

Notes 

  • Old fashioned oats are ideal. Steel cut oats don’t soften up. Quick oats get soggy.
  • Milk. Use almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or any non-dairy milk as an alternative.
  • Yogurt. You can swap out dairy based yogurt for plant based. Or omit the yogurt.
  • Other add-ins. Add vanilla extract or almond extract. Add peanut butter, jams, dried fruits, protein powder, peanut butter powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, flax seed, or anything else you like. Be creative.
  • Add fresh fruit and toppings just before serving. The fruit and nuts will get mushy if they sit mixed in the oats overnight. 
  • Enjoy the oats cold or warm. Just heat them up for a minute or two in the microwave if you prefer warm oats. Both cold and warm are delicious.
  • Use any type of jar or glassware. Make sure to cover with plastic wrap or a lid.
  • You can make a large batch. If you don’t want to make individual servings just increase the ingredients and mix in a large bowl. Cover the bowl, refrigerate overnight, and scoop out the amount you want each morning. 
  • Overnight oats will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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Strawberry:

Fresh strawberries chopped 

2 tablespoons strawberry fruit spread

2 tablespoon cashews chopped

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Banana:

Sliced banana 

2 tablespoons peanut butter

2 tablespoons peanuts chopped

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Raspberry:

Fresh raspberries

1 tablespoon slivered almonds

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Blueberry:

Fresh blueberries

2 tablespoons pistachios chopped 

 

 

Go to the link below for this recipe and more. I write a monthly article for Mustard Seed Sentinel called Meghan’s Corner. Mustard Seed Sentinel is a faith based publication that includes recipes, book reviews, and so much more. Check it out and subscribe for great content. 

https://www.mustardseedsentinel.com/post/meghan-s-corner-overnight-oats

Prayer, Trials

God Is Answering Our Prayers

meghanewhite

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I have another praise report. I am so happy to share with you that my husband is doing much better. His catheter was removed earlier this week, after 10 weeks! He was in constant pain. Sometimes it was unbearable. No pain meds, and the few prescriptions the doctors gave him to alleviate pain did not work. So, my amazing husband endured. He is my hero.

Tom’s kidneys are slowly beginning to recover. His numbers keep improving. We are praising and thanking God. It is an answer to our prayers, and the prayers of so many friends, family, and strangers from all over the world. Countless people have been praying for Tom. We cannot thank you enough.

We are still believing for complete healing. We trust God to get Tom to the other side fully healed. We have not arrived yet, as he has another surgery soon. God has brought us this far, and He will finish what He started.

Our faith has been tried and tested. We have had some discouraging difficult days through all of this. God continues to care, comfort, carry, and provide for us. He is faithful even when we cannot see. That’s part of the faith test. Sometimes its dark, but you have to trust in what you cannot see. We trust God.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; and trust also in me.” John 14:1, NIV

Thank you so much for your many prayers! May God bless you abundantly for being a blessing to us.

If you need prayer please leave your request in the comments or send an email to meghanewhiteauthor@gmail.com

Love you all,

Meghan

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for hearing and answering our prayers. Your love and faithfulness is overwhelming. You are our perfect Father. Praise your name! Bless each person who has prayed for us. Strengthen their faith, provide for their every need, and bring blessings to their homes and lives.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Food

Balsamic Vinaigrette

meghanewhite

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A great dressing brings out the flavors of any salad. This easy vinaigrette is a winner. You can put this flavorful salad dressing together in minutes, and you don’t even need to use a bowl. Put all the ingredients in a jar, give it a shake, and your good to go. Easy, simple, and delicious. 

Happy Eating!

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Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

½ cup balsamic vinegar

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 

1 crushed clove of garlic

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

Yield: about 1 cup

Directions

1. In a small jar with a lid, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.

2. Place the lid on the jar and give it a good shake until everything is combined.

3. Taste the dressing and adjust salt, pepper, and sugar to your liking. 

Notes

  • Use honey instead of brown sugar if you prefer.
  • Store the dressing in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.