What's cookin' lately...

These are lemon cupcakes with fresh (organic) raspberry icing! I started selling them with my at-home bakery "Bloom {a cupcakery}"!

Hope this makes you anticipate the spring!

Seasons

This past week, there's been a very obvious transition from Winter to Spring (thankfully the weather cooperated with the First Day of Spring memo)! It's been so encouraging to see the changes! Aside from the typical exchange in shoe attire (HELLO, FLIP FLOPS! You have been so dearly missed!) a deeper change is occuring. I've been so aware of seasons within our lives as humans; single, married, children, empty-nesters, etc. The season we are in can be described in a few different ways, but most prominently we are labeled "Quasi-young married with no kids" (we're closer to thirty, now, so I felt obligated to write quasi-young).

I must admit, I'm so grateful for this stage. The past two years and nine months (we're 3 months away from 3 years, PEOPLE!) have taught me so much about myself and about my Lord, Jesus Christ. I have finally come to terms with the fact that I'm selfish and not as amazing of a spouse and I thought I was. I have flaws, way too many that I want to admit, and I have deep sins in my life that I never wanted to 'fess up' to. I have finally come to terms with God's plan being so much better and sweeter than I could ever imagine one of my own and I've finally begun to learn what true, deep forgiveness and grace looks like.

But, one of my absolute favorite parts of this season has been realizing that Jesus truly is my best friend and ever faithful Father. It seems so obvious and I knew it was true before, but really relishing in it and LIVING it is something completely different. I've begun to learn to worship and love on Christ, even when I don't feel like it or even when I have a million thoughts going on in my head. Laying those at His feet, KNOWING and being so utterly confident that He has them under control has given me a peace that truly passes all understanding. Seeing verses come to life within your life is astounding and amazing.

Another incredible season that I'm stuck smack in the middle of, is learning to be loved. I think once you begin to creep out of the 'honeymoon' stage of marriage, you begin to really see that this person loves you and even LIKES you for who you are. You don't have to be perfect or sweet (well, it's usually appreciated to be those things), but you can truly be yourself, in your good and bad. It really has been amazing how many times I think, "Wow, I would not be surprised if Cody threw in the towel today and did not want to be married to this monster!" His love for me has been a wonderful example of Christ's love for His bride, the Church. I am beyond grateful for his grace and love, his never ending apologies and even apologies when I should be giving them! He still has not stopped pursuing me and 'dating' me, even three years in!

Even when life is hard and even when times are tough, I am reminded that Jesus is faithful and He loves us with every ounce of His being.....He DIED for me; a concept I still have a hard time wrapping my head around, but something I'm ever so grateful for each day.

So, I guess my question for you is, what season does God have you in? How are you seeing Him work in that season and using you for His glory?

Hope y'all have a great day and enjoy some sunshine :)

In Him,
LaRae