Happy Almost Thanksgiving ALL!
I just want to give you a little perspective.
Here in Italy, things are difficult. Some folks I talk to say “it’s just how it is here.”, and some folks I talk to say, “they won’t be after a while, once you get used to it!” I could list a litany of things that are awkward or odd… instead I will say this:
As you know, as Christians, we are called to trust God, in good and bad – praise HIM! If you know me, you know I struggle with being perfect and being very hard on myself… and I’m quite impatient to boot.
So when little things go wrong – I may or may not throw what could only be described as a temper tantrum. Usually I am alone, but God sees. And it’s embarrassing to me. But I am human and He loves me. Thank you Father.
YES – I’m getting to the cinnamon chips. Patience dear ones.
My husband and I love people and love entertaining. And for Thanksgiving and Christmas – it’s usually my job to bring the baked goods, whilst he cooks the meat. Well, this year, we are hosting Thanksgiving. If you are in the Naples area… come on over! All are welcome.
10 am – Breakfast – Sausage, bacon, eggs, pancakes, grits… Coffee, juice, mimosas/bloody Mary’s. It will All be there.
6pm – Dinner – turkey and every trimming we can think of. Plus people are bringing things. And of course, I am baking. My zucchini bread with cinnamon chips (thank you @PreparedPantry) is a staple. People LOVE this bread.
On top of that – we made a ham, a couple sides, and baked goods for our Parish Pot luck.
Well, I nearly flipped my lid when I figured out I forgot to order cinnamon chips. Just so you know, my pantry was fully stocked in the US, but we are not allowed to ship any food items. Anyway… dejected… I went to the commissary to buy mini chocolate chips as a substitute. It was not going to be the same, but I was trying to be positive about it.
I know, it sounds silly, maybe… but it’s so true. I mean, I just knew there was NO WAY I’d find them because I’ve only ever ordered them in bulk from a specialty store. And I’m telling you, the only bag on the shelf – cinnamon chips. If that wasn’t God reaching out to me, I don’t know what is!
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| Various breads for Thanksgiving. Top of pic is the Zucchini bread. |
Moral of the story – look for God in everything. He promised to be there for you and He is. FIND HIM! PRAISE GOD IN ALL THINGS! He will reward you… maybe with cinnamon chips. Just saying.
One of today’s Readings is 1 Samuel 15:22:
Does the Lord so delight in holocausts and sacrifices as in obedience to the command of the Lord? Obedience is better than scarce, and submission than the fat of rams.
OBEDIENCE is hard for this stubborn girl. But I will keep seeking and perfecting and redirecting.
I took that WIN and thanked the Lord for it. That day, I found Him in the baking aisle in the commissary, and it was right where I needed to find Him. Where did you find God today? Don’t stop looking for Him. You will find Him!
Keep telling me to PRAISE HIM and I will tell you too.
Here are a couple verses that may help. Please share others in comments!
Jeremiah 29: 11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
Habakkuk 3: 17 – 19 Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails, and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights.
I am lonely here, and missing my family/friends terribly. We have made new friends and we have good food and wine. We will Thank God for it. We will praise Him with all we have. Because THAT is what He requires of us. We will be obedient. And I am thankful for His guidance and that of our Church.
May you all be blessed and share love this Thanksgiving.
Hugs, Love & Prayers,
Em
LadyEm ~ Under Mary's Mantle 