September 19, 2006
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Trials, prayer and an apple pie!
Our family is in the midst of some heavy trials during this season of our life. As each day passes the test seems to multiply and we feel as if we are being hit from many sides. Oftentimes, I find that a feeling of despair will try to take residence in my soul and I must fight with all God’s strength to keep my mind and heart focused on heavenly things and to renewed in God’s Word.
I feel so helpless to relieve the burden I see on my husband and our son and his wife. I’m a mother …wasn’t it just yesterday that I was able to solve so many problems with just a bandaid, a hug and kiss?Yet, with adulthood comes the many trials that all must face and my son is not excluded. Nor I or my husband.
I’m so thankful I have my heavenly Father’s ear. I can continually seek His wisdom and His direction … morning, noon and night. I can pray without ceasing for my husband and son’s family knowing that He cares more for us than we can ever imagine. I remind myself often that He knows me intimately, the number of hairs on my head, my thoughts, my cares, my concerns and has promised never to leave nor forsake us. He thinks of me us so often throughout the day that His thoughts are more than the sand on the seashore. I can’t even fathom the extent of His great love for me in Christ Jesus.
But, still, on a practical plane I face the urgency of our situation daily and the longing to relieve some of the stress that I see my husband and my son’s family under. What could I do to help show love and comfort TODAY to my family? Suddenly, I remembered (was it you, Lord, reminding me?) that I had apples in the fridge!! Oh, how much my husband loves apple pie and just mentioned recently how he was hoping I would make one. I had dismissed his request with the pronouncement that we are ‘trying to lose weight’ and so there the apples sat.
So, this morning, bright and early I began my pie crust and had 2 apple pies made before 8 o’clock. One for my husband and one for my son’s family. I had some apples left over so I made homemade applesauce for my grandson… his favorite!
This has changed the whole downcast feeling of the day. I began thinking about what else I could do to minister to my family. Oh, won’t they be pleased when they see what I’ve done? I know it may sound silly but I even decided to change our sheets so the bed will be more comfortable when my husband crawls under the covers tonight. The more I think about it the more ideas I am coming up with to show my husband how much I love and care for him.
I don’t have it within my power to change our circumstance but I do believe that I can create an atmosphere in my home which will help to lighten the load of that burden. Lots of prayer, encouragement to remain faithful to God and His Word…… and an apple pie!
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, COMFORT the fainthearted, UPHOLD the weak, be PATIENT with all. 1 Thess. 5:14
Comments (16)
Beautifully said. What a blessing!! A great reminder of gentle love.
What a sweet, sweet post! I so understand that wanting to do something to relieve the pain of your loved one…and I think God’s prompting to make pies and change the sheets was great!!
Thanks for sharing sweetie!!!
Beth
God bless you ! Such an honest and encouraging post.
I made an apple pie too …. this afternoon… primarily to show my care for my children. I usually wait to make pies when My DH is home. He’s gone right now, but this afternoon I decided to make our supper a little more special.
Thanks for the inspiration. ~Irene
Thank you Georgene~
it certainly seems that more people are facing serious challenges these days.. i am so blessed to read of your solutions for the day as you set the tone for your household.
your husband and son are truly blessed.
raine
What a wonderful way to show you care. Thanks for the inspiration.
I’m praying for you and your family now and asking Him to bring strength, peace and wisdom from above to you tonight!
A few years ago while I was watching Anne of Green Gables with my daughter, a statement that Marilla Cuthbert made really impacted me…..probably because I often find myself anxious and worried about so many things. She said, “…..to despair is to turn your back on God.” I’ve tried to not let that despair of life creep into my heart again….though sometimes it’s hard. Your ideas to encourage your family are great…..where love abounds it’s impossible to despair…..He is love!
One of my favorite verses is: 2 Cor 4:8-10 We are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair; pursued, yet not forsaken; smitten down, yet not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body.
Blessings to you! Q.’
I am blessed by your post. My husband is going through some discouraging things right now, and I have purposed that I will do everything I can to let him know that I love and support him. I don’t want him to ever have a doubt of my love. It makes me very consious of my words. Blessings.
thank you for your encouragement ( and for that of your fellow readers)
What sweet encouraging words in a time of difficulty for you. We do gain strength and comfort by putting our cares in the Lord’s hands. I have added you and your family to a prayer list I keep and pray for daily. Blessings
Just last weekend I was on the receiving end of a couple Apple Pies. They were an unexpected gift at my door late saturday night. We have had some uncertain times here lately too. Those pies spoke volumes of love, comfort and support.
God Bless!
Awesome post!
I hope your week is going better by now. =) I know that it is so very hard when we want to fix something for our children. Continue to daily give it to God. He will give you the strength to come through, even, this. God bless ~E
What a sweet gesture to make them all apple pies. I’d love a piece, myself, about now. =)
Thanks for your prayers for Christa. I will be going to spend some time with her one morning next week. The family is trying to have a friend or family member with her at all times. Blessings
Hello,
Found your site off another blog. I love your post and ideas of how to do things that lighten the stess of our loved ones. It has me to thinking now of how to do that for my family. Whether big or small, stress is still stress, and anything I can do to serve could only help out. Thanks for sharing and for your wisdom and servant attitude!
I’m sorry to hear of the problems your family is having but so very well said about the pie and all…Great post!
Mary
I just visited your web site and it’s so awesome! Can’t wait to explore it.
Hugs Mary