Blessings

Hello all! I hope you're having a fantastic week! My post today isn't going to be a profound lesson, rather, it's just going to be a light reminder.

What's New

So, the first new thing this week is that I'll be moving blog posts from being strictly on Fridays. The reason? I got a promotion at work! Yay! This is the second time the position has come open, and this time I was chosen. My hours have changed, and my days may not be consistent like they were, so I will just post when I can. I wanted so badly to have a specific day, but for now that won't be the case. It'll just have to be a surprise!

I officially started the new position this week. It's been fun learning all the new stuff, and I'm still super excited! Y'all, I can't even begin to explain how God has blessed me. And that's our topic today: blessings.

Testament Talk

God blesses his people. Sometimes, we aren't even aware of the blessings, while at other times they're glaringly obvious. Sometimes, the blessings aren't what we expected, but we can still see God's hand in it. Sometimes, God's blessings even come in the form of a "No," in answer to our questions, and it's only much later that we can see that.

I want to encourage you today not to give up on your dreams, or your vision. Even if your circumstances look bleak right now, keep standing strong. Most of all, keep seeking, praising, and following God. He will never lead you astray, and His blessings are sure to follow you.

Phillipians 4:19 - And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Psalms 1:1-3 - Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither--whatever they do prospers.

What's Cookin'

Since it's getting warmer as we roll into summer, I wanted to share one of my favorite summer recipes: Strawberry Soup. I had a version of this at a special alumni event at my college several years ago, and I searched and searched until I found a great recipe. For this one, sometimes I add yogurt, and sometimes not. I always add a little sugar to mine, because cold strawberry soup is better when it's sweet. 

I love this recipe because it can either be a healthier lunch, a sweet dessert, or an appetizer. It's so versatile! 
If you have a favorite strawberry soup recipe, let us all know in the comments what variations you've tried.

Book Nook

This week's book is Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson. I'm a huge fan of the Anne of Green Gables series, so when I found there was a prequel book telling all about Anne's life before she arrived at Green Gables, I had to get it. Thankfully, my library had one copy. One! I'm almost halfway done, and it's amazing. Anne is adorable and precocious. She's very mature for her age, even though she still likes to slip into her dreamworld as often as she can.

If you enjoy the L.M. Montgomery series, I highly recommend finding out what happened to Anne before her books.

Film Watch

Speaking of Anne of Green Gables, this week that's our film recommendation too. This time, I'm recommending an old movie. The 1930s black and white Anne of Green Gables movie starring, no joke, Anne Shirley. No. Seriously. That's the actress's name. Look her up if you think I'm joking.

It's actually my favorite version of the movie, even though I really like Megan Follow's portrayal of Anne in the 1985 remake.

Weekly Reflection

Overall, this has been an amazing week. I'm so excited about my new job, and so thankful for God's many blessings, those He's already given me, and the many more He has planned. It's turning out to be a great year so far, and I'm excited for the rest of it. I know there will be bumps in the road, but God's mercies and blessings far outweigh any defeats we may experience. Keep holding on, is my advice. You'll make it.