Danielle Ayers Jones is mama to twin boys with a baby girl on the way and wife to an amazing husband. She has loved to write and illustrate for as long has she can remember, so it’s no surprise that spare time is spent writing articles and photographing. Her writing has been published in various publications including Radiant, Relevant,and she’s a regular contributor for the webzine, Ungrind. To find out more about Danielle, visit her blog, Dancing by the Light or her photography website, Danielle Jones Photography.
A few weeks ago we gathered around my mom’s table to celebrate a birthday with a family feast. We shared laughs and enjoyed our time together over homemade Shrimp Alfredo and crusty garlicky bread. My twin toddler boys were excited to be at “Nia’s” house and played with old rusty toy tractors and chased chickens. We indulged in ice cream cake.
Feasts bring us together. Conversation and food converge to bring about camaraderie. There is a connection—or oneness—that often can only be sensed when we come together for a meal. I find joy in the variety of aromas and flavors I discover at the table. I leave such gatherings utterly satisfied—well-fed with food and companionship.
Once, when I was trying to lose weight, I drank those powdery diet drinks as a meal replacement. I found the taste boring and I longed for food that actually made me want to eat it. I wanted variety. I wanted to chew on something. There was no looking forward to the next meal when I knew it was going to be another boring drink. Although it “did the job” in terms of giving me the appropriate vitamins I needed to be sustained, it was unsatisfying.
I discovered that I was not made to survive on meal replacement drinks. They are okay for a while, but they would not be healthy long term. I was made to be satisfied by food that looks good, smells good, and tastes good – all my senses working together to bring a contented sigh after the last bite has been scraped off the plate. It’s no surprise that the Bible often describes the God’s Word in terms of food.
“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts” (Jeremiah 15:16, emphasis mine).
Do I actually approach God’s Word as excitedly as I do a lovely spread at a family gathering? Do I stop to savor its taste or inhale its aroma? Do I truly approach the Bible as a spiritual feast? Or do I treat Bible reading like a meal replacement drink, just there for a quick fix to sustain me, but not to delight in?
Today, I want to discover a feast within the pages of my Bible. To enjoy connection and conversation with the God who made me. To be hungry for the one thing that can only truly satisfy.
As most of you know, I have been accepting guest post submissions this summer to lighten my load so that I could finish my manuscript. Thanks to Danielle and so many others, I turned it in last week. (Insert jig-dancing). I am thrilled to have guest posts scheduled through the month of August, as they will allow me to recover from the book writing and prepare for the first round of edits. I hope you enjoy these guests as much as I have.
I go through seasons where I am ‘snacking’ on the Word – really just a fast food drive through with a shake and a burger. Now it is good – at the time but not so much what sustains me. Only when I take the time to feast – prepare it with my own hands, ( really get down and study it) enjoying not only the feast but the work that goes into it, do I really feed my self and my ‘soul’ hunger!
Thanks for the reminder!
Stacey
stacey´s last blog ..Words To Live By
Stacey, I like how you describe concentrated study of God’s word as “preparing” the feast with your “own hands.” I’ll definitely remember that illustration!
Danielle´s last blog ..Feast Guest Post for Chatting at the Sky
I love this picture
I have been learning to feast on His word these past few months! It’s like chocolate 
Charissa Steyn´s last blog ..Routine to Romance in 30 Seconds -
what a good thought, Danielle – I had not thought of His word from this perspective before… (great to see you here, btw!)
Kelly Langner Sauer´s last blog ..you are real – you wear skin like me
I am a total foodie — salivating over that pic and hoping that my recently shellfish allergy doesn’t puff me up just from looking too closely! Your analogy between food and the Word is so full of truth. It’s one I’ll remember over and over again, I’m sure. Thank you for sharing your heart here.
Flower Patch Farmgirl´s last blog ..Our 5-hour Vacation
Sooooo true! I have to make sure that I schedule time everyday so that I can enjoy the feast of God’s Word…I am always so glad that I did….God has so much to say…I am working on being a better listener… I love your writing style…you know how to speak to our hearts! Thank you for sharing your gift with me today!
Mary Joy @Seeds of Encouragement Sewn with Grace´s last blog ..Happy Dance time!!!-Weight loss journey Wednesday
Thanks for your encouragement, Mary Joy!
Danielle´s last blog ..Feast Guest Post for Chatting at the Sky
Great post. One thing is sure. We may feast on a lot of things the world has to offer, but like the powdered drinks, those things will not satisfy, long-term. Only the Word and the One we read about there can do that.
Dayle´s last blog ..The View from Here
i do love how god’s word is a feast of the richest of fare…it’s funny because i was doing a video for my online study and just the wonder of His word caught me in my throat and i got emotional…because his word is full of awesome wonder and it is so very satisfying…
Melissa | Madabella: made beautiful´s last blog ..Guest Post- Michelle Lanksbury Wings Necklace Giveaway
I love Danielle’s writing — I’m so pleased to see her featured here. And that fettucine alfredo…all I can say is yum — I haven’t had dinner yet!
Michelle DeRusha @ Graceful´s last blog ..Gone Before We Know It
I loved Danielle’s post and I’m heading over to see her now.
I’d love to hear about your book, Emily! My first book will be in the bookstores August 31st…it’s an exciting time! I’d love to chat with you.
LauraLeeGroves at gmail dot com
Take care.
Laura´s last blog ..The Magnet Syndrome aka Sibling Rivalry- Welcome to My Book
So beautifully stated.
imoomie´s last blog ..Just Google It…
so, so good. i needed this right now. i think of God’s word as a powdered drink. i have not been approaching it daily as a FEAST.
denise jones´s last blog ..Preoccupiedpart 3
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing, Danielle!