My husband I just returned from a week’s cruise in the Caribbean. It was a celebration of our 40^th anniversary. Our first stop was St. Thomas where we began our married life together and taught for the government schools for two years. We had had an opportunity to visit other islands when we lived there, but we chose this cruise because the itinerary included St. Thomas and some of the islands that we had never seen. Our second stop was Dominica—an island known for its rainforest. Rainforest it was! We hiked to an area where we saw beautiful falls, an array of colorful flowers and plants, and at one point a huge rock inscribed with today’s verse. Our tour guide told us that it was placed in the center of the island.

My disappointment during that excursion was a comment from one of the tourists who huffed and puffed as she walked up the incline to see the falls. “Why couldn’t someone put a tram here?” she groaned. Later, as my husband and I reflected on her comment, we thought about perspective. Surrounded by natural beauty and God’s creation, this woman wanted something convenient, man-made, and artificial. In Jonah 2:8 we read, “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” How often do we forfeit God’s free gifts to us and cling to things that fade away? How often do we fail to appreciate all that God has given us?

Each of the islands we visited was unique in its geography and culture. We were in awe of God’s created beauty--the white sand beaches, flowing palm trees, gorgeous sunsets, the peaks in St Lucia and the simplicity of St. Kitts. The Message expresses Psalm 66:5 in this way: “Take a look at God’s wonders. They’ll take your breath away.” Yes, enjoying our surroundings did take our breath away, not because we didn’t have a tram, but because it was simply spectacular.

Reflection: Think about the tourist’s comment. We may not hike in a rainforest, but how often are we tempted to trade the gifts of God for things that fade away? Make a list of gifts God has given you that are not “store bought” or man-made. Do they take your breath away?

Pineapple Cake

Pineapple, coconut and bananas are typical Caribbean fruits. This dessert contains two of them. It is easy to prepare and can serve a crowd because the cake is baked in a cookie sheet.

1 yellow or white cake mix

2 packages instant vanilla pudding

2 cups milk

1 8 oz package cream cheese

1 can crushed pineapple, drained

Coconut for garnish

Prepare 1 yellow or white cake mix as directed. Pour into a cookie sheet with sides. Bake at 350 until done, about 20 minutes. Let cool.

Prepare topping:

Mix 2 packages vanilla instant pudding with 2 cups milk. When half-way thickened add 1 8 oz package softened cream cheese. Blend thoroughly. There should be no lumps. Add crushed pineapple and stir. Spread on top of cake. Refrigerate.

When ready to serve, spread cool whip on top and sprinkle with coconut. Cut in squares. If preferred, you may use whipped cream and spoon on individual servings.