Prayer, Petition, Praise and Poppyseed Dressing

Everyone seems to be asking, "what is it you miss from America?" And I don't often have an answer...but there is one thing I miss that I can never get in the grocery store here and, for many of you who know me, it is a favorite of yours too thanks to my ruining for you all other of its kind: Brianna's Poppyseed Dressing. Funniest part? The first time we tasted it was here in Ireland many years ago. Which leads me to believe that one day I will be able to find it again here somewhere. The dressing choices here are: Honey Mustard, Italian (creamy), & Caeser-all tasting much different than you'd hope or think. Out of my desperation, I've attempted a few recipes and have come down to this one that I've adapted as my own. It brings me back to where I once called 'home' and inspires me to hope for what will be my future home. 

On another note...Do you ever find that when something is on your heart it starts leaping off the pages at you? Or maybe I go looking for it. Whatever it is, I've been reading a lot about the Lord granting us the desires of our hearts, knowing full well that He is actually the one who put those desires there in the first place. When I'm delighting in Him and he's the one my heart is set on, then the desires that are bubbling up inside me are a direct result of that affection.  This fact gives me much more confidence in praying for the fruition of these desires. 

                          Psalm 102:5 says that he's the one who satisfies our desires with good things. 

Psalm 20:4 may he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
Matt 6:33  seek his kingdom first and all the needs you have will be met.

Psalm 37:4 delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desire of your heart. 

     Psalm 37:7 it tells me to be still before him and wait patiently. (two very easy words for my to apply in my life. not. And note: Psalm 37 is a.ma.zing & is speaking directly to my life right now.) 

Then, seven more times throughout that chapter it talks about inheriting the land, inheritance, dwelling in the land...so, He knows my desire to have a home and establish in this land, and He sent us here, so according to these scriptures, He is the one who will satisfy it. 

        That's a little snapshot of my present heart ;)

So for you, know this: the dreams and desires in your heart are there for a reason. Do not let go of them. It's important to define what makes you feel most alive and find ways to pursue that. Let your desires be made known to the Father and I'd challenge you to make this your mantra: "I will not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, I'll present my requests to God." (Phil. 4:6) 

The Message says it this way: "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down."

Waiting, Trusting, Believing, Praying...and most importantly, Thanking. Why? Because he cares and wants to know. And because he loves me. Isn't he great?

Creamy Poppyseed Dressing - Yum.
1/2 cup mayonnaise
4 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1 T. sweet white onion, minced (unless you're using a food processor) Green onions can be used also,
just use the white part of the green onion for best texture and color.
2 tsp. apple cider or white vinegar- or a mixture of the two
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. ground mustard
1/2 tsp. poppy seeds

In a small bowl or food processor, blend mayo, sugar, onion, vinegars, lemon juice, and ground mustard. When well combined, stir in poppy seeds. Thin with milk or water if desired. I usually double the recipe for my family. enjoy!