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Cheesecake Delight





My pastor made a great point in his sermon a few weeks ago.  Are you plagued with questions, frustrations, addictions and anxieties from time to time?  The solution, of course, rests at the feet of Jesus where we can be ourselves and ask our questions.  The pastor spoke of the delight of quiet time with Jesus and compared it to dining at the Cheesecake Factory!

We relax in the beautiful setting at The Cheesecake Factory.  Oh, to eat a good meal and then walk to the front of the restaurant, stare into the dessert counter displayed behind glass and swoon at the array of every cheesecake imaginable.  How does one choose?  No matter how stuffed we are from dinner, we must leave room for the rich delicacy. 

About eight years ago, my sister and brother-in-law flew in from Chicago during the Christmas holidays.  My daughter and I picked them up at the Phoenix airport.  After we hugged them profusely and packed them into our car, we headed to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner.  The four of us sat in a big booth where we chatted, laughed, and shared our food.  Yes, we are one of those families that tastes each other’s food.

“You’ve got to try this; you’ll love it!”  We exclaim as we dish out bites of our meal on each others’ plates.

Good food, togetherness, joy, and delicious dessert await us at a beautiful table to enjoy.

It’s like that with God.  Maybe not for all, but for those of us who know the joy of His presence, His acceptance of us just as we are, and His faithfulness to enrich our lives and fill us to overflowing.  He spreads it all out for us and  invites us to come to Him and to be with Him.  An extravaganza of love awaits us as we arrive.

I find it a great delight when family comes to visit, not a chore.  Likewise, I don't find it a chore to sit with God in my ordinary days.  I never feel “I have to” but “I can’t wait to.”  His peace fills me and I’m full to the max!


Yeah, I like the Cheesecake Factory description of my special meet ups with God!


You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.

Psalm 23:5
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Comments

  1. Mevely317November 27, 2016 at 12:08 PM

    ... and all the people said, "Amen!"
    I love this parallel to my favorite restaurant.

    ReplyDelete
  2. LindaNovember 27, 2016 at 2:32 PM

    I love your Poinsettia header! I also love the parallel to the restaurant. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. CeilNovember 27, 2016 at 3:00 PM

    Hi Mary! I love Cheesecake Factory myself. So many yummy things to choose from, just as you said.
    Your pastor gave me a very clear vision of being with Jesus, at a table set and prepared just for me. What a beautiful scene...
    And what a beautiful memory you shared too. What would we be without our families?
    Blessings,
    Ceil

    ReplyDelete
  4. bettyNovember 27, 2016 at 8:43 PM

    Now I want cheesecake :) Thankfully Myra and me and hubbies will be getting together at Cheesecake Factory later next month, I may have to indulge.

    It is always a blessing to sit with the Lord and indulge in what he wants to share with us if we will just take the time to listen :)

    betty

    ReplyDelete
  5. CherylNovember 27, 2016 at 9:58 PM

    Oh, the joy that awaits us if only we will sit still long enough at His feet! My family and I were just talking today about how the most important part of our prayer time is when HE is the One who is doing the talking. We too often leave our place of communion with Him right after we finish our asking, and we miss out on the most necessary part of all. Thank you for this wonderful post, sweet friend. I have never eaten at the Cheesecake Factory, but, my, it sounds wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Pam WilliamsNovember 28, 2016 at 4:23 AM

    Good analogy. Love the "Taste and see," verse in light of sharing our faith with others so they can taste and see that the Lord is good! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  7. a joyful noiseNovember 28, 2016 at 6:57 PM

    I like what your pastor said about savoring our relationship with Jesus, like having a meal at the Cheesecake factory. Reminds me of the verse, "O taste and see that the Lord is good." Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Nancy ChanNovember 29, 2016 at 2:54 AM

    Great and practical sharing by your pastor. If only everyone gets to savor this loving intimate relationship with our Lord, Jesus!

    ReplyDelete
  9. caryjoNovember 29, 2016 at 6:34 PM

    I can't read very well, but I sure loved seeing the picture and the Word of God on it. Made me SMILE!!!! AND, when I can't read very well now, I sure have read much of the Psalms. I'll keep trying again and again. Thank you. I'm very happy re: how wonderfully you share around and about! ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. RCUBEsNovember 29, 2016 at 6:47 PM

    I have no words to describe God's everlasting kindness!!! How many times my friend asked me to eat at Cheesecake Factory and I never gave in knowing I might not leave! :)

    But with God's invitation is a different story. It's a must for weary travelers and those who stray far from Him. How refreshing! Glory be to God! Love the header photo! Love the story! Love your heart after the Lord. May you have a wonderful rest of the holiday season, always stuffed with God's spiritual blessings! He is good. All the time. Love and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousNovember 30, 2016 at 1:10 PM

    I like the parallels, Mary. I also appreciate how you cherish every one of the gifts He give you… not to mention your perspective. It is the proper one. Thanks for the reminder of all we have been given and our calling to see Him in all things.

    Love that verse. That part of it is my favorite. It's brought me much comfort in difficult times.

    ReplyDelete
  12. JulieNovember 30, 2016 at 1:32 PM

    Yes! I love Godiva cheesecake from there, it's the only gluten-free version.
    What a great connection! I'm going to remember it whenever I set foot in The Cheesecake Factory!
    #SittingAmongFriends
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lux G.December 1, 2016 at 1:10 AM

    I'm a huge cheesecake fan so I can get where pastor is driving at. :)

    Beautiful words as always. :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Creations By CindyDecember 1, 2016 at 4:33 AM

    Awe, I love this analogy of the cheesecake factory. I just went to the cheesecake factory over the Thanksgiving holidays. And yes, to feast up His Word in His presence is the best CHEESECAKE of all! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

    ReplyDelete

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