Do you ever wonder why you go through certain seasons in life? Whether it is good or bad, we go through a lot.
I have been thinking a lot about this lately. Looking back, I have been through a lot of different seasons in my life. Some have been very good, just good, just okay, and some not good at all. I don’t believe God does bad things to people. I believe people sometimes make poor choices that bring them the things that happen to them. You reap what you sow. Even if you ask for forgiveness you still have to go through the reaping to get to the other side.
I believe in God, and I know if it wasn’t for Him, I would not be here today. I don’t believe God does bad things to people or punishes people. I believe we have a free will in life and we choose our path and sometimes it is not the path God has for us.
I have traveled around the same mountain several times only to think, “Why am I going through this once again?”
I know we go through things a lot. We are either at the bottom of the mountain, in the middle or at the top. Sometimes we even go through the valley.
At times, we are where we are because of the choices we make. Other times, I believe God allows us to go through things in order to teach us something and to allow us to be a minister to someone else going through the same thing. When we finally get what he is trying to tell us or teach us we reap the benefits.
Life is full of choices and we have the free will to do what we want. I am so glad I have learned to put God first and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide me through life. I don’t know how people go through life without the guidance of the Lord. Life is hard and without the guidance and prayers of others it is even harder.
I am so glad I raised my kids to love the Lord with all their hearts. The Bible does say raise to a child in the way he/she shall go and they won’t depart from it. You can raise them in a Christian home and once they become adults they have a choice to do what they will.
You will have some that will continue to walk in the Lord and some that decide to take a different path. Sometimes, they have to try to figure out life by themselves. But the Lord made us a promise and your child will come back to the Lord.
Keep praying moms and dads. God is hearing your prayer.
My prayer every day is, “Lord, meet my kids right where they are at and show them the plans and path you have for them.”
The world is a tough place. If we don’t pray over our kids who will.
Pineapple Coconut Quick Bread
INGREDIENTS
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
2/3 cup Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons coconut extract
1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple (do not drain)
1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided
*Spoon & Sweep method: Use a spoon to fill measuring cup with flour until required amount is obtained. Scooping measuring cup directly into flour bag will firmly pack flour resulting in too much flour required for recipe.
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour (or line with parchment paper) a 9-inch loaf pan. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside
In a large bowl, combine butter, cream cheese and sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add in eggs, vanilla extract and coconut extract, beat until smooth.
Add in flour mixture and beat until well combined. Fold in can of crushed pineapple and 1 cup of coconut.
Pour into prepared pan and sprinkle top with remaining coconut. Tent the pan loosely with foil and make sure to allow room for the cake to rise as it bakes. This will keep the coconut from burning.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool completely, slice and serve.
