Yesterday I happened to post a casual comment on a friends blog about my culinary expertise, or should I say, lack thereof. I happened to mention, that unlike her efforts of making a chocolate cake from scratch, I had purchased some strawberries to adorn a store-bought Angel Food Cake. Ok, so it wasn't home-made, but I did buy it with my family in mind.
Shortly after sending this comment I received an e-mail from this same friend. She was quick to come to my aid suggesting an easy, fast recipe to turn my meagre offering into a decadent delight. With only a few more ingredients she gave directions to change my simple dessert into a masterpiece.
Had I come right out and asked for assistance? No. Had I even hinted that I needed help? No. This friend did more than just read words. She heard the longing of my heart. She sensed my wishfulness to give more, do more, tempered with the challenge of not knowing how. Did she overwhelm me with a recipe requiring exotic spices? Did she accuse me for not listening more attentively in Home Economics class? No. She just saw a need and responded.
The Bible tells me that God knows what I need before I ask Him. He is aware of my needs. He knows when my heart is sad and needs His presence to fill me with joy. He knows when I’m fearful and need the reassurance of His voice whispering in my ear, "Don't be afraid, I am with you". He knows when doubts overwhelm me and He shows me His nail scarred hands and patiently reminds me to trust again. When exhaustion overtakes me He lifts me up on eagles wings. When my mind wanders to insecurity and self-accusations, He helps me bring every thought captive. When loneliness surrounds me He holds me in His embrace and reminds me I am His precious child. And, when joy fills my cup and overflows He dances with me.
He knows the number of hairs on my head. He is fully aware of every situation and circumstance I am facing or will face. Although these encounters approach me unexpected, they are no surprise to God. He gives strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. When my soul can't find the words to ask, He is already working on the solution. He listens with His heart, and fills mine.
Today be assured, that whatever lies before you, God is already providing. The answer, His answer is on the way!
And...now...for the unveiling....
Many of you have either commented or e-mailed me for the recipe of the cake pictured above...so here you go...thanks to my friend Kelley!
Purchase one Angel Food Cake
Strawberries
One box Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
One can crushed pineapple, drained
One cup Cool Whip
Cut 3 layers in cake. Mix together prepared vanilla pudding, pineapple and coolwhip. Put in layers and over cake. Decorate with strawberries. ENJOY!
13 comments:
Beautifully and expressively written as usual my friend! He does know what we need before we even know to ask and that's amazing!
The cake is georgeous! Can you share the recipe with us or are you going to keep it a secret??? :)
God bless....
Marilyn in MS
Joy,
And I thought I was just being bossy! I am so glad the cake worked out for you, it is one of my family's favorites. YUM! You made it look beautiful! But the important question is "how did it taste?"
Your guys are such good sports to pose with the cake. My family thinks I'm crazy cuz I'm always taking pictures for my blog....
Thanks for all of your kind words, here and in your email, you are so very sweet! I look forward to visiting again very soon.
Love,
Kelley
I love it that God is there for us and when we need human hands in the process He sends loved ones and friends!
PS - If I'd known that yummy cake was at the house last night when I picked you up I'd have walked you to the door when I dropped you off! :o) Mmmmm!! A perfect dessert to a supper of popcorn.
I'm so thankful He knows it all and well before I know. And if He sent such heavenly encouragement my way, I would be extremely THANKFUL for new ideas. After 25 years of cooking I can feel like I'm in a rut.
I enjoyed how you put into words all that God is and does!
I've been reading in 2 Chronicles, and isn't it awesome that when we praise Him, He goes before us and secures the battle? The key is to praise. I loved how you said He fills your cup. I heard a neat statement the other day, He fills our cup and others cause it to overflow. Something to ponder, but I tend to think there is a lot of truth there.
You are WISE!
Love ya,
Yolanda
OH MY GOSH! Talk about another answer before I ask. Your comment on my post may have helped me out. Ever since we built our home 7 years ago the garage door openers seem to have a mind of their own. I have changed the batteries multiple times. Now I will have to try the crazy head thing. How exciting if it actually helps. THANKS for the idea. :)
Let me tell you what's beautiful about this post...
your reception toward well-intentioned advice.
So often I close my ears to good advice because of my issues with control. "It's my way or no way" has been the self-sufficient voicing of my heart for years. God is shaping that part in me...allowing me to learn from him a better way--good advice that flows from his power of thought instead of the thoughts that I think toward myself.
You are a receptive and wonderfully teachable woman. Oh, that we could all boast a similar portion.
peace~elaine
PS: And if you don't mind...please bring some of your cake to Charlotte.
Great post!...And about that dessert...YUM!:)
Okay...I want a piece!!! That looks so so good! Do you plan to post that recipe-r at least what is required for the toppings?
In His graces~Pamela
I was just wondering....is that a tall can of pineapple or a short one? Don't want to get the frosting stuff too thick or too thin. :) It sure sounds yummy! And sounds very low and fat and cholesterol which is what I'm aiming for right now!
Thanks so much!
Marilyn
Hey! Thanks for the recipe!! I think I will try it out this Sunday. I looked up the flower you suggested but my flowers do not look like those. They have become the mystery flower!! I plan to take my camera in today to be evaluated and will shop around to try and find more of these. I just love watching them in action! I would imagine that is God's response to us when we are walking in His ways!
Blessings!
In his Graces~Pamela
Great post & yummy dessert.
I just wrote down the recipe. I am going to make this as a surprise for my husband tonight!
Thanks!
Also, thanks for all of your wonderful comments you leave on my blog. It's good to know I'm not alone on putting people on pedestals. It's so easily done. And also I always get excited when I see you post on Tuesday's...your words are always valued!
Blessings,
Lelia
It's odd, but I can't tell you how many blogs I've recently visited that talk about dealing with fear. Perhaps, it's because I'm facing some "fearful" situations in my near future. I appreciated all you had to say.
About that cake, I was about to ask what was wrong with your first one (I'm domestically challenged), but then I saw that recipe for dressing it up and it sounded so yummy that I'm adding it to my recipe file. Thanks to you and to your culinary friend!
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