I had Bible study today in which we wrapped up the book of Ecclesiastes. An excellent study and it was not anything that I had anticipated it would be. The first time I read Ecclesiastes I saw it as being depressing but now I see it as one of the best Bible books on hope! For me there is just nothing more reassuring to know that there is nothing new under the sun. What I've struggled with are basically the same struggles everyone has dealt with since sin entered the world. It stinks to know that others are hurting, but there is also that comfort in knowing that I'm not alone.
Right now I'm going through a rough patch. The kids are all going through various struggles, hubby is stressed out over his job, my own health issues... blah. It is just hard feeling for me to get over the funk this time. When we were kids we often used the term "Indian Giver" when ever someone took back something that they had given you. I'm very much like that with God. I'm an "Indian Giver." I give God my struggles and then take them right back (because I want to control things.... yeah people, I'm a control freak) Trust is a hard to have when His ways aren't always the ways that my eyes see best. I know the truth. His ways are not are ways and sometimes its just best for me if the answer is No or wait. I don't think there are certain things that I can do and yes, I am bold enough to tell God that! I can think of several areas in my life, past and present, where I can say that I was not the right person for the job God gave me. There was something I read in this week's study:
God doesn't want our ability He wants our availability.
It is when I struggle, feel at my weakest and uncertain that I cling to God. The situations I'm going through cause me to cling (eventually!) to God. He isn't looking for me to know all the answers, He knows the right answers. It doesn't matter if I don't know what I'm doing as He knows what He's doing. He just wants me to be available to Him.
There is no quick fix or witty wording that I give that will tell you how to conquer this issue. I will continue to Trust in God (even if it takes me time to get there) and continue to move forward. What do you do when the going gets tough? Is there a favorite comfort food you seek out? A hobby you dive in to? Song or artist you listen to? I would love to hear about it.
As I mentioned, I find baking very comforting and its a blessing to be able to turn around and give the baked items away to someone. Here is a recipe I like to whip up when I'm feeling down:
It took me several attempts at these cookies before realizing that the centers, of the cookie, were designed to be soft, with a fudge brownie type consistency. At first I thought that they were not being cooked long enough but getting the centers to be less soft caused the outer edges to be well over done. The texture in the center is so different from the outer edges that it isn't uncommon for me to have to explain that these cookies are not under-cooked They are quite addictive and once people get used to the texture, it is hard to keep them away from them.
Mud Puddle Cookies
1/4 cup butter
2 cups milk chocolate chips
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
4 teaspoons milk
Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Melt butter and chocolate chips in a 2-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat.
Add condensed milk and stir until smooth. Add flour and mix well. The dough will be soft like brownie batter would be.
Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into 1-inch balls. Place dough 1-inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. I like to use my silicon baking sheets to prevent sticking. Bake for 8 minutes.
Cool completely
Meanwhile combine powered sugar and vanilla in small bowl. Gradually stir in enough milk for desired glazing consistency. Drizzle over cookies
This recipe yields 3 1/2 dozen cookies.
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