Crossroads

Which way do I go? It's like an X or T in my path but which way is the right way to go? Someone says left, another says right but I thought I should go straight. I have found myself in this position quite a few times in my life. But right now, this time, it is different.

I have God in my life and He is directing my path. You will see that I did not say it was easier but that it is different. I do not have a crystal ball that shows me the correct path. But I can take comfort in knowing that the God of the universe will make good out of every situation His children are in.

Over the past 2 years of my Christian life I have learned a lot. One of the valuable things I have learned is that God has placed several people in my life of whom are great spiritual leaders, in my life and others. Those that I share life with daily and those that are only a phone call away. I have learned that not only is it okay to ask for help but it is a necessity. I cannot go through this life on my own. Only God can enable me to do so and God has many hands and feet on this earth He created. (1 Corinthians 12:27) I have prayed many prayers of "Lord, help me through this situation" but only to keep my eyes and ears closed to those He sent to help me.

My situation reminded me if a story I once heard. A man is drowning and calling out to God for help. A boat comes to the man and the sailor offers help but the man refuses saying God will help him. This happens several times. God then cries out "I am helping you! Didn't you see the boats come to your aid?". It reminds me to listen and look for God because He always answers our prayers, though sometimes it is not in the way we wanted. I have to continually remind myself that God's plan is much better than anything I can dream up.

Three Sundays ago I attended Grace church in McKean, PA. Pastor Derek was starting a new sermon series titled "Finding Forward" (sermon link at the bottom). This was one of those moments where God was speaking to me through His children on earth.

Derek talked about having to listen for God's direction. In order to do that we have to pray waiting prayers. Like the apostles we need to devote ourselves to prayer (Acts 1:14) and listen for God. This is really hard for me because I am so used to the instaneousness of our culture where everything is just a mouse click or card ride away. 

Lord I will wait for your guidance for You are good and all knowing. I will listen for Your direction! I will pray bold prayers for You are The Almighty God! You will direct me at the crossroads!

Sermon link:

http://whoisgrace.com/resources/sermons/finding-forward-listen-for-gods-direction/

Homemade PSL

Fall is my favorite season by far. Are there any other fellow pumpkin enthusiasts out there? Pumpkin cupcakes, pumpkin pie, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin soup, and the list goes on until you reach … the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Shout out to Starbucks for making this drink a cultural phenomenon in our society. The amazing little drink that costs a whopping $4-5 but oh it tastes delicious but I want to save money! What do I do? Make it at home!

There are various recipes out there if you ask the Google. But here is what I recently tried this week after having some leftover homemade whipped cream in the fridge from our 2nd Annual Thanksgiving-in-October party … and now I think it will become a regular in this house!

Ingredients:

Homemade whipped cream (recipe below)

1 1/2 cups coffee (brewed however you like it)

1-2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 cup milk (I use 1 or 2%)

Pumpkin pie spice (or a combo of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and if you have it add cloves and allspice)

Making the whipped cream:

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

If you have an electric mixer this is super easy, if not you get a free workout! Place bowl (glass or metal bowl works best) and whisk of electric mixer in freeze for 10 minutes. Once the bowl and whisk are chilled add all the ingredients together in the bowl and whisk away! Come back in a few minutes and check the texture. You want it to form soft to firm peaks. Don't know what those are? Check this great visual resource.

Making the latte:

When your coffee is done brewing, spoon out a heaping spoon of whipped cream into your to-go mug. Add some pumpkin spice in and pour your coffee over top. Sweeten the coffee to your liking (I normally put about 1-2 teaspoons of sugar in mine). Stir the mixture quickly to dissolve the sugar. Then pour in the milk to fill the large cup. Place in microwave for 1 minute. Remove the cup and give it a good stir and top with a sprinkle of pumpkin spice and you are good to go! The combination of the whipped cream and milk makes the drink frothy and delicious!

Craving more pumpkin flavor? Add 1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin puree when you add the sugar. 

Enjoy the fabulous foods of Fall!

UPDATE: Pumpkin Whipped Cream!!
Wow! Adding pumpkin to the whipped cream is fabulous! You must try! Follow the whipped cream recipe and mix in 1/3-1/2 cup of pumpkin puree once the cream is finished. Then add a big scoop to your coffee! Enjoy!!