Lisa Notes: Keep your fork

Keep your fork

He said 2012 was challenging.
Yes, I agree.

But he said it was preparing us for 2013, preparing us for a shift.
Yes, I agree with that, too.

The visiting Pastor Sean Smith continued preaching.
He told us about his grandma and her great cooking.
About the evenings she’d not only prepare a meal, but surprise him with a dessert.

As he was finishing his supper and about to put up his plate, she’d say, “Grandbaby, keep your fork.”

And he knew then . . . something good was up ahead!

So the plastic forks we each received Sunday morning walking into the sanctuary were ours to keep, to remind us, too, to keep our fork.

To remember that God’s got something good coming.

Yes, 2012 was challenging (particularly the first half).
But yes, in 2013, I’m already enjoying the fruits of the shift.

Keep holding onto your fork.

But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.
Psalm 71:14

* * *

May you remain hopeful this week—God’s got something good up ahead.

Comments (32)

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@karriescombs · 629 weeks ago

what an awesome way to look at things.....it is exactly what i needed this morning. i love your blog and i look forward to being in small group with you!! have a great monday :)

1 reply · active 629 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 629 weeks ago

Glad this hit home with you, too, Karrie. I kept my fork in my car so that I'll be reminded every time I get in to be watching for God at work wherever I go. Hope you have a great Monday, too.
My recent post Keep your fork

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@TheMaryBonner · 629 weeks ago

I agree with @karriescombs this IS a great way to look at things. I love the idea of keeping the fork! This might just change my whole outlook sometimes!
My recent post when you can see the sin...

1 reply · active 629 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 629 weeks ago

Isn't it amazing how sometimes the simplest little thing can make a big difference? I can give up hope too easily, so the fork is a great reminder to me to remember to look forward to dessert ahead. :-)
My recent post Keep your fork

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Nancy Sturm · 629 weeks ago

Lisa, I love how you've connected such a simple thing with spiritual truth. I have a friend who's currently going through some difficult times. Your blog is the perfect one to share with her and give her hope. And I think she's getting a plastic fork the next time I see her! Thanks for posting this.

1 reply · active 629 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 629 weeks ago

How cool it would be if you give your friend a plastic fork! :-) Love that. I pray she will find hope in the One who gives it in abundance.
My recent post Keep your fork

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lauraboggess 49p · 629 weeks ago

I read a story once about a woman who asked to be buried with fork in hand for this very reason, Lisa! Love this outlook, it has such a way of lightening the load. Thanks for making me smile this morning.
My recent post Playdates with God: Sunrise

1 reply · active 629 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 629 weeks ago

I've heard the casket story, too, Laura--same principle, yes. An attitude of expectancy. I'm guessing it pleases God when we smile up at him for what's to come next instead of dreading it. I'm not always there, but want to learn to stay there longer each time I am.
My recent post Keep your fork

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beezworthy 33p · 629 weeks ago

I resonate with this, Lisa. Lately God has been reminding me of the great blessings that lie ahead in eternity. But you bring up another blessing--the days ahead here on this earth. I often want to skip over them to see what God has for me on the other side, but I'm encouraged by your words to focus on His blessings today and the days ahead. They are there, aren't they? Inspiring!

1 reply · active 629 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 629 weeks ago

Exactly, Beth. It is good that we look WAY ahead to those great things, but we've got a lot of great desserts to eat here, too, in the meantime. :-) So thankful.
My recent post Keep your fork

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Lynn Severance · 629 weeks ago

Lisa, as others have said, loved this posting.
"Keep your fork." How often do we hear that phrase when eating out with others -or say it ourselves if we have guests over.
Keeping it means that we also will have to use it at some point. Thus, your spiritual connection of having eyes to see and the fork handy.

My mind also went to being aware of the "forks in the road" - being discerning that we are watchful to stay on the road to the destination where God's next "dessert" is waiting.

Refreshing post, my friend - always love reading your thoughts.

My recent post March Memories

2 replies · active 629 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 629 weeks ago

We had supper with Morgan's in-laws last Saturday night, and I knew to keep my fork because I saw pecan pie was on the way. I like what you said: keeping it means we'll have to USE it. Sometimes we see but don't take part in what we see, but if God has blessings for us, it pleases him for us to receive them.

Forks in the road--another great analogy. I want to keep following that fork to chocolate chip pie, whatever form God chooses it to take. :-) I know there's still hard things along the way too but the sweet things help us remember it's all worthwhile. Praying you have much sweetness ahead after your next doctor's appointment!
My recent post Keep your fork

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Lynn Severance · 629 weeks ago

Thank you, Lisa, for the prayers!
Maybe I should tuck a fork in my purse when I go.
My recent post March Memories

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fsamons 60p · 629 weeks ago

That is a really great analogy. That should be our perspective as Christians. So often Christians seem to act like Eyore the donkey from Winnie The Pooh. We should be rejoicing with each day the Father provides. Good one, think I'll keep a spoon with me...
My recent post AND THE DISH RAN AWAY WITH THE SPOON

1 reply · active 629 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 629 weeks ago

So maybe you're an ice cream kind of guy if you want a spoon. ha. Perhaps we should be more like Tigger instead? :-) Enthusiastic Christians--He's given us plenty of reasons to be.
My recent post Keep your fork

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miadevries 31p · 629 weeks ago

Dear Lisa
Pastor Smith's grandmother deemed like a wise old lady! I just love the metaphor of forks, dessert and the grace of our Lord!
Visiting from Laura's. XX
Mia

1 reply · active 629 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 629 weeks ago

Grace is definitely the best dessert ever. Thanks for stopping in, Mia.
My recent post Keep your fork

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panda444 30p · 629 weeks ago

Something good's coming! When my dad was a kid, he always checked to see if there was a spoon at the table setting. He knew there was dessert if there was a spoon and he loved that. My grandma always used to laugh at her Harry when he yelled "spoon today".

blessings and love,
Debbie

1 reply · active 629 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 629 weeks ago

"Spoon today" - oh, that we could have that attitude every day. Love it. Thanks for sharing that story, Debbie. Made me smile. :-)
My recent post Keep your fork

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3dlessons4life 38p · 629 weeks ago

This is a sweet post (why do I suddenly want to eat a piece of pie after reading it!)

:)
My recent post Tea Time?

1 reply · active 629 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 629 weeks ago

Maybe hot chocolate chip pie fresh out of the oven, with a dollop of whipped cream on top? :-) That's my favorite to dip a fork into.
My recent post Keep your fork

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bicroce 44p · 629 weeks ago

I am keeping mine!

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tammyatmeadowsspeak 2p · 629 weeks ago

I love this! "Grandbaby, keep your fork." I wanta keep my fork AND have a Grandma just like that. :0
My recent post to the rubber-neckers in your life

1 reply · active 629 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 629 weeks ago

My grandmother was like that with her all-homemade chocolate pies. I never learned from her how to make a pie crust from scratch or that crazy meringue, but she sure had a way with it. She never really understood a lot about accepting grace herself, but she knew how to give it to others.
My recent post Keep your fork

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Betty Draper · 629 weeks ago

I heard the"keep the fork" used years ago and since then I have used it countless times. The spiritual anology makes what ever we are going through worthwhile. I am looking forward to the heavenly pie. Great post, encouraging.

My recent post

1 reply · active 629 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 629 weeks ago

"worthwhile" - yes, Betty. Not to push the analogy too far, but it's great to know that God serves up all our dishes in just the right proportion to feed us what we need. We can rely on him with all certainty (not that I always do, but that's my fault, not his!).
My recent post Keep your fork

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julie · 629 weeks ago

very inspiring. I am getting a plastic fork out of the drawer and gotta decide the best place to put it where I will be constantly reminded of the boost of hope. I needed this. THANK YOU Lisa!!! Love you! xo
My recent post Fun With Frames...Outside the Box Ideas...

1 reply · active 629 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 629 weeks ago

I had to put some stuff in my car this afternoon (actually had to drive NOWHERE today--woot!), and saw the fork sitting in the cup holder. It reminded me anew that dessert is already around the corner. I need that reminder often. Hope you're doing well, Julie! Love you, too!
My recent post Keep your fork

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Brooke · 626 weeks ago

I loved this! Such a simple, but beautiful illustration! I can picture that sweet grandma saying "Keep your fork!" I am so excited for what God has in store for each of us. And just wait till we get to be at the wedding supper of the Lamb. Keep your fork, indeed! The best is yet to come!
My recent post Why I'm So Glad I Stepped Out Of My Comfort Zone

1 reply · active 626 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 626 weeks ago

Oh yes, the best is definitely yet to come. Love being reminded of that!

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@Jacque_Watkins · 624 weeks ago

Our pastor used that in his sermon a few weeks ago too and we all left with a fork. I loved it :) Blessings to you Lisa!

1 reply · active 624 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 624 weeks ago

I still have my fork in my car, although we almost had to use it a week ago on a trip. ha. It's a great reminder to keep a hopeful attitude, yes?

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