Probably the most frequent phrase I heard in my childhood was “Finish your food, Adele”. I had next to no appetite, except for tiny amounts of chocolate, peanut butter, waffles….that sort of thing. Nevertheless, I was more active and lively than my brother and sister combined and showed no signs of malnutrition; however, I was very, very skinny. I grew out of that particular problem and am totally grateful for and enjoy the food our Lord provides. He is ever-faithful.
During our early years of marriage, money was scarce. It wasn’t unusual to find a note on the bananas, “Hands off. These are for your lunch bags”, or in the refrigerator a note on little plastic dishes, “Nope! Stay away. This is for supper.” They soon learned to ask first.
Through the years our finances became less strained, but I never lost my appreciation and gratitude for our Lord’s generous supply for all our needs. I rarely fail to thank Him out loud for all the food we carry into the house after a visit to the grocery store. I’m truly grateful and know He is the One and Only provider.
“Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.
He did the same with the fish.” ___John 6:11
I remember how touched I was when I first comprehended that verse. The Lord and creator of the universe, (Colossians 1:15-16) was giving thanks to His Father for their food at that amazing picnic. What a rich blessing to know that grace and humility are natural characteristics of our Lord Jesus Christ and He never changes. He is so worthy of our praise, and gratitude. If He feels the need to give thanks for His food, I will thank Him for my food, before I eat, wherever I am….at a picnic for 5000, standing by a food truck, enjoying afternoon tea and a cookie, or waiting in line at McDonalds. I even thank the Lord for providing fast-food restaurants, with inexpensive food. It comforts me to know someone short on money can still buy lunch.
I thank Him more than ever as the years go by. He has blessed us so far above our hopes. I’m grateful and praise Him for who He is, for what He has done, and for all He has in store for us.
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”___Ephesians 3:20-21
‘Til He Shouts!
Letters From Adele 
This reminds me of a plaque our daughter made for me, Adele. “Start Each Day with a Grateful Heart” (A familiar saying)
On Thu, Jun 20, 2019 at 8:38 AM Letters From Adele wrote:
> Adele Bower posted: ” Probably the most frequent phrase I heard in my > childhood was “Finish your food, Adele”. I had next to no appetite, except > for tiny amounts of chocolate, peanut butter, waffles….that sort of > thing. Nevertheless, I was more active and lively than my br” >
And very good advice, Gloria. Thanks for reading.
Living in the country, food was not scarce with huge garden, fish, wild game and lots chickens, cows, pigs, & even turkeys. While we were blessed, getting it to the table took a lot of hard hot work. I am so thankful that God gave them the energy and health to provide for us. We had to work also. I often think about this when go to grocery and grab something off the shelf. Also …….not sure I ever remember being ask to finish my food. 🙂
Ha, ha, Kathy. I should have someone telling me when to quit eating now. Yes, we had a garden, also….plus cows and chickens. We children had our chores, but then it was easy when I was so young and energetic…all in a days work and play. Mama worked really hard, however. I’m happy those days are behind us, too.
I join in your well written thoughts about how grateful and thankful we are. Immeasurable Blessings! ❤️
Thanks, Melanie. I appreciate that you take the time to read my blogs and comment. We are daily blessed with His benefits.
I remember a time, when I was in school in Ft. Worth, we lived in a very small garage apartment. We had very little money for food and unfortunately our little apartment was located a short distance from Mrs. Baird’s Bakery in one direction, and Walter Jetton’s Barbecue Restaurant in the other. When our apartment wasn’t filled with the odor of fresh baking bread it was filled with the odor of barbecue; not a happy combination when you’re hungry.
Oh yes, I remember those days, also. We bought day-old bread and loved it.
Day-old bread was one of the perks for living close to the bakery; sometimes they even had desert pastries at low cost.
Good memories.
So true; beautiful reminder of all of the amazing qualities of our Lord. I am always so grateful when I walk into the grocery store that God had blessed me with this bounty; it is by his grace.
Amen.
We didn’t have a lot of money growing up but God always provided. Mom said she ate a lot of beans and cornbread when she was pregnant with me. I guess that’s why I love them to this day. LOL When I was very young, my dad worked 7 days a week to provide for us. He had a faithful Christian mother who prayed for him to get a better job and God was faithful and answered that prayer. My dad didn’t come to know the Lord until 1989 and he tells me all the time how he knows that the Lord provided in those days when he wasn’t a Christian and barely had money to make ends meet. It is a blessing to me to hear my Dad pray over our meals whenever we are all together. Thank you, Adele for the reminder of how our Lord provides for us daily!
Sheila, Thank you for the wonderful testimony of our Lord’s faithfulness.