In a matter of weeks, I’ll celebrate my 37th birthday. Not sure how that’s possible, considering I just turned 27 — or so it feels. Some days I think, “I’m not adult enough for this.” And then my Gen Z nieces remind me I was born in the 1900s. Rude!
If there’s anything I’ve learned in my thirties, it’s the power of reframing situations.
I never expected to be single and without children at this point in my life. I always imagined I would follow a conventional path: go to college, get a job, marry my husband, have children, live happily ever after. Sound familiar?
The truth is, it’s taken nearly a decade to see the beauty in the story God is writing on my life.
As we celebrate mothers, graduates and end-of-school-year milestones this May, I want to speak directly to you- the one with a heavy heart because life hasn’t turned out the way you imagined. Maybe you long to become a mother and hold a baby of your own. Maybe you feel stuck when everyone else’s lives seem to be moving forward. Maybe circumstances have cast a shadow over your hopes and dreams.
Whatever your situation, please know: you are not alone.
Your pain matters. Your disappointment is real. And whatever you’re feeling — anger, sadness, numbness — it’s valid.
You have permission to acknowledge that moving forward isn’t always easy when life doesn’t go as planned. Some days are downright dismal. It’s okay to rest, to grieve, and to process. My prayer is that you feel seen, comforted, and deeply loved as you read this letter.
What I’ve learned is that disappointment is inevitable — but what you do with it changes everything.
Slowly, I’ve come to realize that the plan I had for my life, while sweet, was far less meaningful than the one God has for me. The proverbial lemons life has handed me? They’ve been turned into delicious lemon icebox bars more times than I can count. And thank God — I’ve learned to see the beauty in this story, even though it looks nothing like I imagined.
I can’t help but wonder what incredible things lie ahead for you.
I hope you’ll share them with us one day. Until then, know this: you have a sister and a friend here — cheering you on, celebrating you, and praying for you.
With love and lemon icebox bars,
-Your Sister Friend Sarah
Lemon Icebox Bars Recipe
Start with a Lemon Graham Cracker Crust
- 1-2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest (about 6 lemons)
- 1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
For the Lemon Ice Box Pie Filling
- 2 14-oz cans eagle brand sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
- Powdered sugar for garnish (optional but recommended)
- Fresh lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
For the Lemon Graham Cracker Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking pan or glass dish with parchment paper.
- Set aside.
- Combine fresh lemon zest and graham cracker crumbs in a medium mixing bowl. Mix the zest into the crumbs, pinching the two ingredients together with your fingers to release the oils in the zest.
- Add the brown sugar and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
- Press the crust mixture into the lined baking dish. Bring the crust about halfway up the sides of the pan.
For the Lemon Ice Box Pie Filling
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and fresh lemon juice. Whisk until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
For the Assembled Bars
- Once the filling is ready, set it aside and bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F, for 10 minutes. DO NOT COOL.
- Pour the filling into the hot crust and gently spread the filling with a spoon or spatula. Set aside until cool enough to handle, about 30-60 minutes.
- Place cooled bars in the refrigerator for 4-8 hours (or overnight) to chill thoroughly. Remove bars from the baking pan but gently pulling up the parchment paper. Cut into 9 squares, or desired serving size. Dust with powdered sugar and lemon wedges (optional) Serve cold.
NOTES: Lemon Ice Box Pie Bars will last about 3-4 days, covered, in the refrigerator.