Sugar-Broiled Grapefruit just like life,"Bitter-Sweet"

Sometimes life is bitter sweet, isn't it?  Sometimes we have to go through hard times (pain and affliction) for God to accomplish His purposes in our lives.  It can seem so bitter for a season but God is faithful.  I have seen His faithfulness to me time and time again. It has been during those dreaded times that I have especially seen the sweetness of my God.  Sometimes the situation doesn't change to become what I had hoped for but none the less I have been changed. I am not the same.  He is conforming me more and more into the likeness of His Son for which I am eternally grateful. Although I am grateful, if there were an easier way I would most definitely choose that.  I am in such a season right now.  Life is hard,it's full of disappointment, yet His love and kindness toward me is sweet. I am learning to more fully trust Him and His purposes. Disappointment becomes His appointment.  I think this poem from an unknown author sums up what I am trying to say.

"Disappointment- His Appointment"
change one letter, Then I see
that the thwarting of my purpose
is God's better choice for me.
His appointment must be blessing
though it may come in disguise;
for the end, from the beginning
open to His vision lies.
"Disappointment- His Appointment";
Whose? The Lord who loves me best,
understands and knows me fully,
who my faith and love would test.
For like loving earthly parents
He rejoices when He knows
that His child accepts unquestioned
all that from His wisdom flows.
"Disappointment- His Appointment";
no good things will He withhold.
From denials oft we gather
treasures of His love untold.
Well He knows each broken purpose
leads to a fuller, deeper trust,
and the end of His dealings
proves our God is wise and just.
"Disappointment-His Appointment";
Lord I take it then as such,
like clay in the hands of the potter
yielding wholly to His touch.
My life's plan is all His molding;
not one single choice be mine.
Let me answer unrepining,
  "Father, not my will, but Thine." 


Finally, Psalm 28: 7  The Lord is my strength and my shield; 
My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart exults,
And with my song I shall thank
Him.

May you find strength and help in your time of need by the ever faithful One too.  Words cannot even begin to describe how grateful I am that my God has sustained me.  

Now, this recipe is so easy and just a fun and sophisticated way of eating grapefruit.  Try it some week-end for part of a fanciful breakfast.  

Sugar-Broiled Grapefruit

Method:
Preheat oven to “broil”, with the rack on the top shelf (so that the grapefruit will be about 1.5 – 2 inches from the heat).
Arrange grapefruit halves, cut side up, in a broil-safe pan.  (You may need to use a knife to slice a small part off the bottom of each half to make sure they are sitting level in the pan.)  Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar.
Broil for 5-10 minutes, or until the sugar is melted and the edges begin to brown.  Remove and then use a knife to segment the grapefruit slices.  Serve at room temperature.

{pictures credited to my daughter- Elizabeth}