Banana Love

Who knew that this
(pic borrowed from http://hobblecreekkitchen.blogspot.com)

Plus this

Would equal bliss?

The instructions call to add 3 bananas to the cake mix and follow the rest of the directions. I used a bundt pan (anyone else having Big Fat Greek Wedding flashbacks??) and was nervous that I would have a huge mess on my hands.

See where the overflow came through the hole of the bundt?
The cake was so moist, I was worried it wouldn't come out of the pan (this was a worrisome first time recipe, I guess).

It came out quite nicely, and it SMELLED awesome!

I used a basic cream cheese frosting. The picture is blurry, but all the better to hide the lumps in the frosting. This is what we call a "rustic" recipe.

Topped with crushed pecans and ready to head to work.

A close up to show how un-perfectionist I am (in case you weren't already aware of this).

To make:

1 yellow cake mix

oil/water/eggs as called for on mix box

3 very ripe bananas. You could total use 2 and still be fine.

Mix batter, make sure bananas are well blended. Bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes (if using a bundt pan). Otherwise, start with the box instructions for your type of pan and plan on checking towards the end of the baking time and adjusting as necessary.

I have made this again with a more glaze based and lighter frosting. You could even sprinkle powdered sugar over, just before serving.

You can't always get what you want

I have spent the greater part of my life learning this. And you can whine and kick and scream and manipulate and bargain...but you really CAN'T always get what you want.
However,
Philippians 4:19 "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Things are changing. Or, rather, I am in a position or experiencing the opportunity to make some decisions now that I have not been in for at least two years. If you know me personally or have read this, then you know that my life is not as stable as I would like. In fact, one of the small blessings that I have clung to during the past two years of my separation was the small amount of stability that I experienced. And as much as I clung to everything that I thought would bring or maintain stability, I am now learning the second part of "You can't always get what you want."
As I prepare to move to another state, to change jobs in a very uncertain job market, to postpone school (I KNOW!) for at least one semester, to return to my (epitome of "unstable") marriage. . . stability is what I want. A good job. Steady paycheck. Signed lease. Some kind of written commitment or sign from God that this will end the way I want it to. And so on. Those are the things I want (and also a cherry red Kitchen Aid mixer, but let's keep our priorities ok?). I, not knowing the future, not knowing the plans God has for me or the trials and struggles that lie ahead, not knowing what will be required of me, I haven't got a CLUE what I need.
I have no guarantees about anything. Except for my belief (to my very core) that MY God will supply ALL my needs. . . "
Will my paycheck be as big as I want it? I don't know, God's "glorious riches" are nothing that my tiny little mind can fathom. Will my husband remain dedicated to dealing with his illness and making the changes in his life that will allow us to heal our marriage? NO CLUE! But God's glorious (GLORIOUS!) riches will be there, every second, meeting my every need. Will I finally have some stability, something that resembles a "normal" life, one that doesn't cause awkward silences when you reveal too much "realness" even among your Christian friends? Beats the heck out of me! But you know what? If things continue to be bumpy (as they are sure to be for a while and maybe always a bit because when you're dealing with mental illness and wrecked lives there is a bit of DEBRIS), and I don't find that "stability" that I want, then I must not have needed it. Much like if I go outside tomorrow and my little old minivan hasn't turned into a zippy and stylish little whatever car. . . I must not have NEEDED the zippy little thing (though I would question this when it comes to parallel parking, of course). Does this make sense? I think it did, at one point. . . :)
Anyway, I am moving. To my husband's home town. In preparation for his parole. (awkward pause?). I feel like this is the best place for him and for us right now. His family is so loving and supportive, our church here has always been our "home church" even after years apart, and it is just a lovely small/big town in central Kansas. Pray for us, if you will. Pray that we focus more on God every day, that we are content to have our needs met through His glorious riches rather than by our own selfish wants and agendas. Pray for healing of many broken relationships, for our own broken spirits, and for the faith to fly by the seat of our pants for God rather than settle for stability, if that is what we need.