Lessons From a Berry

I love making this Blueberry Pound Cake! It is quick, easy, and the whole family loves it. They practically devour the whole cake in one night.

As I stirred in the blueberries I couldn't help but notice how quickly the cream colored mixture turned purple. I learned something from my berries that day. Is that crazy?

Here is the thought that went through my mind. What if I was a blueberry, and the Gospel was my purple juice. Would it affect people everywhere I went? "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

When I work with blueberries I am always extra cautious. I know that if they leap off my spoon to an unwanted place, they will make a mess and stain things quite easily. It is always nice when my blueberries do their job (as delicious fruits) and stay where they are supposed to be.

Our lives are a testimony for Christ every day. Our actions will either point others to Christ or draw them away from Him. If we disobey God, our influence will actually have a negative affect on others. As my pastor always says, "The center of God's will is the best place for you to be." If our lives deny Jesus, then our words are irrelevant.

The world should see a discernible difference between us. When people ask us why we are so different, we should be able to tell them that the greatest thing in our lives is knowing, loving, and serving Jesus.

I hope that this post was somewhat coherent. The recipe for the Blueberry Pound Cake is listed below if anybody wants to try it!

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter at room temperature

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 cup flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup of milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups of frozen or fresh blueberries

• Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl and mix them together.
• Mix the butter and sugar until evenly combined, then add eggs one at a time.
• In a measuring cup combine the milk and vanilla.
• Add a little of the milk/vanilla, mix, add a little flour, mix. Alternate them until both are out.
• Now is the time to add your blueberries into the mix! I add 2 cups but you can add them to your liking. Before this step take them out of the freezer to let them thaw, or microwave them and drain the juice.
•  I usually spray the sides of our bundt pan with a little cooking spray. 
• Bake at 350° F for 30 minutes or longer (our oven usually takes longer to fully bake it - I keep an eye on it until it is golden brown)