January 16, 2012

[freaking out]

why.......

      do I always freak out?

      do I act as though I do not know my Maker is in perfect control over my life?

      do the things that I spend time worrying about turn out to be completely fine?

COOL, Laura, real cool. Maybe because I'm a girl.. maybe because I'm human.. most likely because I want to be in control.. because I think that I have better plans for my life than my Creator.

so obviously that's a lie, right? Yes. How can one even possibly think that they know themselves and their life goals better than THE omniscient, omnipresent, sovereign, powerful, beautiful, King of Kings, LORD of Lords who put themselves (along with the whole world, of course.. I mean we're talking sunsets, mountains, oceans, continental divides, galaxies, sounds, thought, tornadoes, earthquakes) into creation?

Probably because I'm sort of ignorant at times. Okay, REALLY ignorant.

So, today I was completely convicted over not trusting in the Lord's plans. I'm not going to go into the situation, but if you feel like you have been convicted of distrust before, feel free to read on.

"Come to me, and rest in My loving Presence. You know that this day will bring difficulties, and you are trying to think your way through those trials. As you anticipate what is ahead of you, you forget that I am with you - now and always. Rehearsing your troubles results in experiencing them many times, whereas you are meant to go through them only when they actually occur. Do not multiply your suffering in this way! Instead, come to Me, and relax in My Peace. I will strengthen you and prepare you for this day, transforming your fear into confident trust."

THAT was my devotional this morning from Sarah Young's Jesus Calling. And somehow it went PERFECTLY with my morning - funny how that works out sometimes..

As if that was not enough, the suggested reading was from Joshua 1:5, 8-9

No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Solid.

Time and time again humankind ( --> ME <-- ) turns away from God and His plans in false belief that we know better than Him.. a bit conceited, right? BUT He loves us.. doesn't make sense, right? We don't feel worth it. We don't feel adequate. We don't feel enough for a perfect, loving Savior. But He thinks we are.. and that, my friend, is what matters.

When Jerusalem was unfaithful (much like the human race nowadays) and engaged in detestable practices even when they had been clearly taught what to do and who to follow, God had righteous anger. Jerusalem was seeking out alliances with pagan nations and adopting their customs. If you're a mother or a father and your child knowingly disobeys, you have the right to discipline and be upset. God goes about his righteous anger by destroying the city for turning from the one, true God. To make an impact, sometimes one must go to extremes, right? Even though God saw Jerusalem as "more depraved than they [Sodom]" (P.S. - that's a lot of depravement, if you will), THIS is what the Lord says.

Ezekiel 16:59-60

"I will deal with you as you deserve, because you have despised my oath by breaking the covenant. Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you." ..... aka JESUS

Now that's comforting. Just a little food for thought.

Tomorrow is the first day of my last semester of college. Crazy how time goes by. I am excited/scared/trying so hard to sit still and TRUST. There are a few things that are different this semester (sucks that I suck at change), but that doesn't mean it can't be good, right?

It's not going to be easy, it's not going to be boring, it's not going to be completely blue skies and butterflies.. but wouldn't it be boring if it was? And after all, these situations bring us closer to Him. Hellooooooooo Spring 2012!

January 10, 2012

[rainy but yummy]

Today in the Fort, it is cold and rainy outside. This type of weather makes me want to eat, sleep and watch movies - all of which I do not have time for today.

This morning I tried out Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Muffins - they are healthy AND delicious. Perfect for breakfast or a late morning snack - however, I am no knowledgeable chef, so you can plan to eat them whenever you want.

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Muffins
Yields: 18 muffins

1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 large bananas)
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
6 tbsp peanut butter (use Bee's Knees.. it's THE best)
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
2 large eggs
3/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tbsp applesauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup whole wheat oats
Canola Oil Cooking Spray/some type of cooking spray/muffin liners

(Obviously, my family is down with Wal-Mart's Great Value brand..)


Directions: Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners or spray with Canola Oil. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir together with a fork to blend. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, brown sugar, eggs, banana, peanut butter and buttermilk until smooth. Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated and fully blended. Divide the batter between the prepared muffin cups. Bake 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After cooled, decorate with peanut butter "icing" and a banana slice.





Listen to this on repeat while you bake - I promise it will make it better.


"Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person's ultimate good as far as it can be obtained." - C.S. Lewis