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Bearing Fruit With A Lemon Pie

February 15, 2014trishLeave a comment

I am enjoying a lovely vacation in sunny California with my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and neice. No snow, rain or ice, only sunshine, flowers and warmth! Our time together is winding down and we are preparing to return to the cold tundra. Shopping for citrus fruit is easy here- just step outside the condo and pick lemons, oranges and grapefruits from the trees.

With the Meyer lemons we made a delicious pie for dessert last night.

Meyer Lemon Pie

1 whole lemon – washed (use peel and all), 1 1/2 c. Sugar, 4 eggs, 1/4 c. Melted butter, 1 unbaked pie crust

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pulverize whole lemon in blender. Then add rest of ingredients and blend in blender. Pour into unbaked pie crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Cool, top with whipped cream and fresh berries. Yummy!! Thanks mom for the recipe!

Just by looking at the trees one can see the lovely fruit. God’s Word tells us that people will know what kind of person you are by your fruits (Matthew 7:16). For those of us who claim to be followers of Jesus our life should reflect Christ’s character. The Bible calls this “fruit of the Spirit” which is, to name a few, love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. ( Galatians 5:22). We should “live a life worthy of The Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of Christ.” Colossians 1:10. We can also bear fruit with our lips by giving praise and thankfulness to God (Hebrews 13:5). Are you a Debbie Downer or someone who looks for the good in a situation?

God wants a relationship with each on of us. When we decide to follow his ways and not our own, we want to be kind, good, faithful, gentle, etc. because the Holy Spirit lives in us and it’s a way to show God we love Him. We bear fruit.

What kind of fruit are you bearing? What do people see when they look at you? We represent Jesus to the world. Let’s go out and make some wonderful lemon pie!

On the journey,

Trish

New Creation

February 7, 2014trishLeave a comment

I recently took another big step. The diamond in my wedding ring had pulled away from the band and was pinching my finger. I had been wondering if and when I should get my ring reset. I took this as a sign- it was time. Having time in between appointments one day I stopped in at the jewelers. He brought out trays and trays of settings. I picked one out and left my rings with him. I got into the car and thought, “what did I do?” I suddenly got emotional realizing yet again my husband was gone. On one hand I felt like I was forgetting Neal by giving up my ring and on the other hand I knew that was not true. By leaving my rings that meant I couldn’t wear Neal’s any more. My rings were stacked on top of his to keep it on my finger. It was a tug on my heart.

The same week I ran out of bank checks and opened the first pack with just my name of them. Another change–ughhh.

i picked up my new ring last week. The jeweler was so excited to give it to me! When I put it on I knew it was the right thing to do.

Change can be so hard and uncomfortable. My attitude can be affected by my circumstances or thoughts. Scripture tells us that God does not change. He loves us no matter what. He loves so much that He sent His Son to die for us so we could have new life, eternal life. 2Corinthians 5:17 tells us we are a new creation, the old has gone, the new is here! Something new- fresh, different than before. We are not the same anymore. We should be following God’s ways not our selfish ways.

My new ring reminds me that this is a new start as a single person. It also reminds me that as a person who loves Jesus I am committed to continue putting on my new self of following God’s ways.

If you are a follower of Jesus are you committed to remaining true to the new creation He has made in you?

On the journey,

Trish