Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Simple Pleasures

We are having a great time at the beach! The weather has been beautiful and we have enjoyed lots of funning and sunning!

After a long and beautiful day at the beach, with perfect sun, mild temperatures, and just a touch of a breeze, we had a great dinner and decided to get some ice cream at the infamous Ocean Isle Creamery. It's an amazing ice cream restaurant which is very popular around here. It has more flavors of ice cream than one person could dream of! I ordered my favorite - praline in a waffle cone, the girls got birthday cake and M&M flavors, and little Michael got his one and only - chocolate.




Ever since Michael was old enough to talk and could digest normal dairy products, he has been asking for chocolate ice cream. In fact, for the past three years, his biggest thrill on his birthday is getting to eat chocolate ice cream for breakfast!


One day when he was about four, he learned that if he ate "out of the gallon", that his portion would not be limited to the few scoops that I put into his bowl. I created a monster the day I allowed him to do that, because if I had a dollar for every time that he asked me to eat "out of the gallon" for the past few years, I would be living like a queen right now!

I got to thinking about this unlimited portion desire, and decided it was a great philosophy to have regarding God's Word.

Psalm 73:26 says "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. "

What an awesome thought to think that we can always eat out of the gallon - the spiritual gallon of God's love - and that our portion of Him will never be limited or run out!

As I watched my kids enjoy their delicious ice cream tonight, it was a reminder of this truth about God's unlimited portion. I should awake every morning asking for God to be my portion for the day. I know that when I do that, He always comes through with flying colors (and flavors!).

Today was a great day, but I know there are days looming around the corner which may not be so great. Days when that unexpected storm hits, and I am tossed into a situation that requires faith and strength, that can only be found in Jesus. Days when He is the only portion that will get me through.

In the great days, and the not-so-great days, Christ will always be my portion - just enough, probably even more than I deserve, but exactly what I need.

Next time you enjoy the simple pleasure of eating chocolate ice cream - or simply your favorite flavor or favorite food - strange as it may sound - think about our Jesus! He is the only unlimited portion that we need! (and without all the calories!) Smiles.

Special note: Many years ago, I survived a major trial in my life, and am in awe at how God has used that experience to mold me into who I am today, and use that painful experience to equip me to serve Him in ministry. If you need some motivation to make it through hard times, and a reminder that all things can be used to bring glory to God, consider purchasing my book "Reinventing Your Rainbow" from the Proverbs 31 shopping site. I pray that God will use it to minister directly to your heart!

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5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! We serve an awesome God! Just before reading the Encouragement for Today and your blog, I was having a pity party. I was crying out to the Lord (whining) that I don't see how trials make us stronger, etc.. Then within a few clicks of the mouse I read your articles! I am always amazed at how the Lord is intimately aquainted with every part of me; even my weaknesses. Thank you for the encouragement to bear life's storm wiht my eyes fixed on Jesus.

Melissa said...

Tracie,

You have a beautiful family! God has richly blessed you. :-) Have a wonderful 4th of July.

Blessings,
Melissa

Dreamfinders said...

Thank you for serving the Lord with your talents. Your devotional this morning was just what I needed to hear. I've gotten out of the habit of reading them daily, but yours was right at the top of my inbox when I opened my email this morning, with a subject line I needed. Thank you so much!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for you devotion today. It really encouraged me. In John 16:33, Jesus said that in this world we'd all have troubles, but be of good cheer, because He has overcome every challenge that we face. With our eyes fixed on Him, we already have the victory. He is our Savior, our Redeemer, our ever present help in time of trouble. He promised to deliver us out of every one! Praise you, Jesus!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your devotion this morning.
I have seemingly been on back to back trials and storms for 16 years. I have kept my eyes on Jesus, but when I become so tired, a reminder can be such an encouragement. I know I can keep on trusting, when I don't know why.