In this journey of life, I’m reminded how vital it is to get up and press on when the weight of the world seems as if it is going to crush me. Although it is far more convenient and easy to just accept circumstances as truth, I know deep within me the real truth within me (which guides me daily) will not allow me to succumb to circumstances which are only temporary.
For months I’ve been struggling with several issues with have left me cynical, exhausted, and have robbed me of much joy. And this is the sad part, when joy leaves you; it takes her companions with her too. Crushing and cruel, simultaneously.
But my hope never diminished because my hope has never been in people or things. Instead, my hope has always been in God. And He alone propels me to get up and press on and finish the race before me.
God is good, even when life is hard. His grace is not only sufficient, it is more than enough to sustain me having to deal with difficult people, hard circumstances, and illuminates the darkness with a sweet presence which can never be taken from me.
I know for many people Lent is a season for giving up things that perhaps hinder their walk with God. Although I did not give up anything for Lent this year, I decided today I want to actively work on addressing the issue of unforgiveness so I can be set free from this festering blanket of anger and resentment I have found myself wrapped in lately. Confessing this publicly feels good.
Unrelated to everything I just wrote, I also wanted to direct you to this wonderful Irish Soda Bread I made today. With just a touch of sweetness, this bread can be summed up as comfort-food therapy. Nothing beats the first couple bites into a slice of warm sweet bread straight out of the oven. Even when people disappoint me, it is good to know I can always bake and impart a little bit of joy right back into my soul.
The full recipe can be found on my PBS Parents column today. Enjoy.
- all-purpose flour
- whole-wheat flour
- brown sugar
- baking powder
- baking soda
- kosher salt
- raisins
- buttermilk
- butter
- egg
- For the complete recipe and instructions, you can find the recipe on my PBS Parents column here-Irish Soda Bread Recipe.
Thanks for the feedback. It’s helpful to know how others bake bread.
Great recipe Alice.
Although Irish soda bread for me should look a little more rustic. Any time I make it I just form it roughly into a round shape without any kneading at all and score a cross on the top and then place on a pizza stone and straight into the oven. The resulting bread is much more homely looking and how I remember my mother in law makes.
This has to be the best recipe post ever. And it has nothing to do with the recipe. (Which I’m sure is delicious because Irish Soda Bread can’t help but be delicious in my experience!)
I’m sorry for whatever it is you’ve been going through and I pray that God will continue to supply the grace you need to forgive. I understand your struggle so well. Forgiveness is possibly the hardest thing to do. Harder even than asking for forgiveness.
Grace and Peace.
Just when people disappoint you someone else is there to surprise you. The hard part is that it is easier to see the disappointment than the surprise. Better to keep your eyes wide open and always bake bread. My grandma used to say just feed her bread and skip the cake. I think life is kind of like that, too!
Goodness. Just give me that, straight from the oven, a big tray of butter, and a full pot of tea! 🙂
Great recipe. Thanks for bringing it to our attention!
Thanks Amanda,
I always appreciate prayer.
Thank you Shirley. Will read those verses tonight before bed.
Thank you for the encouragement!
I just lovelovelove when you share your soul here Alice. You are so eloquent with your words and thoughts… even when they are portraying a struggle or trial. Praying with/for you!
Hey you, sorry to hear you’ve been down. It is always hard to get back up. The fact you can stand back and look at the issues and verbalize means you’ll be OK. Keep up the wonderful cooking and blogging, we are here listening
Hi Alice,
I pray that the joy of the Lord be your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) In my hardest struggles, I have found that I must choose to stay joyful. You already have what you need because He is with you and working in you and for you. I pray you will feel especially loved during these challenging times. Thanks for being brave enough to be honest. 🙂
Hi Alice:
I had been checking daily to see if you had any updates. I am so thrill to see your recent postings again. Made your cream scones on Tuesday and again they never disappoint. Love the 15 minute Mac and Cheese. Will have to make it soon.
You are absolutely right on, God is good. Thinking of Proverbs 10:28 and Romans 15:13.
Mmm mmm this looks lovely!