My RB loves lemon pie. Lemon Meringue pie just calls his name. A few years ago he found a rival for his love. Our friend, Lorna, makes a two-crust lemon pie. Can we say, "deliciously taste-bud-pleasing in a sweetish-tart kind of way? All in a flaky crust.
I'm not sure what all Lorna puts in her pie, but I am certain it includes sugar. Putting whole lemons between the crusts just wouldn't work. But when she puts in the sugar---we all want a [huge] piece. In the same way, our bitter trials can be turned into something those around us would like to taste.
We are cautioned against this bitterness in Hebrews 12:15. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you. The last part of this verse tells us why bitterness needs some sugar. Two words: corrupting others.
Our bitter spirits will corrupt others, and instead of drawing our loved ones and associates to our Jesus, we will turn them away from the One they need.
So what is this sugar we put into the trials of our lives? It's thankfulness--I believe it is verbal praise to our God. When we are thanking God there isn't room for bitterness.
If you are struggling with bitterness from life's heartaches, I challenge you to search out praise verses in God's Word. Begin in the Psalms and highlight every verse that praises God. Begin praying the verses in your quiet time. You'll be amazed what happens in your heart.
Like making something sweet out of lemons, make something sweet out of your trials. Praise the Lord in song, for he has done excellent things (Isaiah 12:5).
Like making something sweet out of lemons, make something sweet out of your trials. Praise the Lord in song, for he has done excellent things (Isaiah 12:5).
Praise the Lord by Russ Taff
When you're up against a struggle
That's shattered all your dreams
And your hopes been cruelly crushed
By Satan's manifested schemes.
And you feel the urge within you
To submit to earthly fears,
Don't let the faith your standing in
Seem to disappear --
CHORUS:
Praise the Lord. He will work for those who praise Him.
Praise the Lord. For our God inhabits praise.
Praise the Lord...And those chains that seem to bind you
Serve only to remind you,
As they fall powerless behind you --
When you praise Him.
* * * * *
Sweet Lemon Gift
I have a friend going through some trials. I had fun filling this basket for her.
Book: God Makes Lemonade (Amazon: $6.00)
Lemon Bar Candle (TJ Maxx)
Chex Lemon Buddies (recipe below)
Recipe Card: Creature Comforts Blog
Tag: Eat Drink Chic
Lemonhead Candy
Lemon Whoopie Pie Mix (Hobby Lobby)
9 cups Rice Chex® cereal
1 1/4 cups white vanilla baking chips
1/4 cup butter or margarine
4 teaspoons grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cups powdered sugar
Directions:
1. Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
2. In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chips, butter, lemon peel and juice uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
3. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; gently shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool. Store in airtight container.
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18 comments:
Oh I so need this reminder! Beautiful analogy, I just love this post!
Really an inspiring post both for the souland the body:)
What a lovely lemony gift for your friend.
I can't imagine feeling down after receiving a basket as cheerful as your gift. It makes me happy just seeing it :)
What a great idea! I know just the person to share it with!
What an absolutely perfect gift for someone who is struggling to "make lemons into lemonade".
Delicious food, and nourishing food for thought!
Thanks for sharing this, Pamela.
I was just talking to someone the other day about all the health benefits of lemons. I'm sure that God allows some "tartness" into our lives, too - all to work long-range spiritual benefit in our hearts.
GOD BLESS!
This post is full of good-for-the-soul food . . . and the recipe sounds delicious, one that I want to try!
Love your gift basket, which I'm sure will be so uplifting to your friend.
Love the idea of a "lemon basket" for those going through hard times!
Fantastic gift idea! And that song will probably lodge in my mind for a week. It is one of my favorites, and with good reason!
oh, I've struggled with bitterness. It is a nasty, nasty concoction, I tell you that!
BTW, did you get my SDG small group email?
I just love how you show us how to turn our lemons into something beautiful. Love the gift basket idea. I thin I have a dear friend that would truly be blessed by a gift of something like this. Thank you
Blessings
Mmmm....you're making me hungry! Lemon meringue pie is one of my very favorites! Love the gift you made up for your friend going through a hard time -- so appropriate!
I'm so glad for life's sweetnesses among the sour. You're right thankfulness is the key to avoiding bitterness. And we have so much to be thankful for starting with our Savior, Jesus. I like the creative gifts you prepare for your friends. I'm sure she appreciated it. Blessings.
"Our bitter spirits will corrupt others, and instead of drawing our loved ones and associates to our Jesus, we will turn them away from the One they need."
Oh, this is so true.
(And I LOVE Lemon Chex Buddies!) :)
Ooh, beautiful words! I would love to be the friend getting this lovely gift. Such joy you had picking these treasures out for your friend. :)
WoW! What a lovely gift idea (and the reason behind it). I loved your post... thank you for sharing. It was a timely post for me today.
Great post and a wonderful analogy that you have used. Gifts to the ones we love are a visible manifestation of what they mean to us.
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