Cups of Cold Water

HUNTING DOWN LOST DOGS

It is a joy to reach out to our neighbors, for a variety of reasons. One being that neighbors are close by and are often a wonderful source of help in an emergency.

We were living in Southern California, and our homes were situated on a relatively short street. In that climate people are often outside more than any other area of the country. We loved living there and felt very comfortable in this new area. Being newcomers, we also began learning the names of our neighbors, their children and their pets. I pray for these people on Thursdays. You may wonder if prayer makes a difference. Yes, it does, for many reasons – including remembering names.

In this little story, God was orchestrating a new adventure on behalf of our neighbors two doors down. God wanted to let them know that having a relationship with Him comes as a package of caring from others.

Being visible and available in your front yard regularly offers many open opportunities for friendship. A woman who lived a couple of houses away from us appeared at our front door one evening. After a brief hello, she asked me if I could do her a “favor.” I had no idea this might lead, but I agreed with the stipulation of “if I could help, I would.”

She began sharing her need. Since it was around Christmas time, and she and her husband had purchased a puppy for their two children. At this point of the conversation, I couldn’t imagine how I could be involved, but it didn’t take long to be included in her dilemma.

She had made arrangements to pick up the puppy the following evening, and needed a “housing arrangement” with someone who would care for this little furry critter. If you know me, you know that I love animals, and puppies are very high on my affection index. Of course, this “hotel arrangement” would only be needed for a few hours. I thought about the challenge as she was describing his size.

I didn’t see this as a problem and after all, I could enjoy this little bundle of enthusiasm for a few hours before he was to be introduced to his new family.

The following evening, I readied our kitchen ready for his rambunctious arrival. He remained in my boarding house for about two hours … just enough time for him to get accustomed to my scent and my tone of voice. Soon, the woman picked up this furry bundle of energy and took him to his new home…. just two doors down. Aaah, all was well.

This little energizer bunny seemed to enjoy his new family and often they would walk him past our home each morning and evening. Every time they went past our home, and I was visible, his entire body would shake enthusiastically. He must have remembered that my kitchen was his first “adoptive home” in the neighborhood.

One day while I was out front in my garden, this little dog scurried past me like lightning down the street all by himself. Because I love animals, I noticed that he was on his own and this was not good. He was so tiny and alone, I did not even want to think of the possible outcome.

I offered up a quick “Help me to catch this dog, Lord.” I called out his name and he remarkably came back running towards me. I drew a big breath of thanksgiving and carried him to his own home. The family had no idea of his disappearance.

This escape artist repeated his adventures frequently in our neighborhood. This wee furry ball discovered happiness in disappearing, and wouldn’t respond to his owners. However, if they were able to locate me, I could call out and he would respond and return to sound of my voice. I soon became the “fetch-that-dog lady.”

One day they asked me why the dog would come to me and not to them. The man of the house had observed that whenever I went looking for the dog and called out his name, he would respond and bound back happily in my direction. I paused, and shared with him that I had prayed and asked the Lord for His help. It took several more times of my intervening retrieval before they began to realize that God really cared as I had told them.

A few years later we were about to move to another part of the country. This couple arrived at my front door with a little gift. I thought it was appropriate to open it immediately as they were standing there and seemed excited to see my reaction. Secretly I thought this package was too small for a furry surprise, so with nervous anticipation I hurriedly opened the gift to see what was in the package. It was a Willow Tree “Angel of Prayer” figurine.

They wanted me to have this as a reminder that they remembered that prayer makes a difference, and that God wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives. For that matter God delights in every small detail of our lives.

Psalm 37:23 “The Lord directs the steps of the godly.

He delights in every detail of their lives.” nlt

I think of this family whenever I view the little figurine on my bookcase. It’s a reminder to me too, that God knows and cares about our every need.

WELCOMING OTHERS

Being with people energizes me! My personality thrives on interacting with others and maintaining relationships. One of my many areas of joy is greeting people at church on Sundays. There are about 350 people that I say “Hello, good to see you” each week. I am full and quite satisfied by the time the worship service begins.

There are a variety of reasons I personally feel that welcoming others is such an important ministry, in fact I’d even say critical.

Over the years, God has directed my husband and me to many places, and we’ve been to churches where a person can enter and exit without ever having had any personal contact – verbally or visually – with anyone

We are naturally drawn to those we know and feel comfortable with, regardless of the social setting. For me, welcoming others takes me out of my comfort zone and puts me in front of others into the “moment of relational love” on behalf of the Lord Jesus at our church’s front doors.

God often encourages me to “leave yourself in the car” and “represent Me” to every heart coming through those doors.

Each handshake can be a prayer for that person. I notice that many people will momentarily linger for a warm handshake, a smile or a hug. Our welcoming actions create a compelling environment to help people grow closer and deeper in their love and knowledge of Jesus Christ; and help them “be a tangible expression of Christ.”

By greeting individuals we experience tremendous joy, because we have an opportunity to express to each one that they are “significant to God.” If they have already been touched by God’s love and acceptance before they sit down in the sanctuary, they will be far more receptive to the message.

I’ve enjoyed and treasure this outreach in many ways over the years, but there are two incidents that are forever etched in my memory.

I woke up one Sunday morning in a not too good frame of mind. I just didn’t “feel like welcoming” that Sunday. But, thanks to the Lord for working in my heart, I went anyway. A widow arrived and as she approached me, I gave her a hug. And then, prompted by God, pulled her close again for a longer embrace. She looked at me and said: “Dianne, I needed that this morning. You are the only one who touches me all week.”

Another Sunday morning encounter was with a vivacious man who always seemed to possess a smile and infectious laugh. I saw him slowly approached the church from the parking lot. His countenance was different this day. From about fifteen feet away, another man took notice of him, and, “How are you?” It only took a moment to realize that something very hurtful had happened in this man’s life.

Though busy trying to focus on welcoming the people still arriving, I quietly asked the Lord to show me how to tenderly greet this hurting soul who was about to enter the church. Tears filled his eyes when I just asked him to tell me what was happening in his life.

His dear mother had died the previous afternoon. He was with her when she went “home to be with the Lord.” His grief overwhelmed him with sadness and tears. I want to honor the privacy of our conversation, and I was simply able to put my arms around him and let him cry.

He spoke for almost twenty-five minutes of his love for his mom, and the heart-felt grief he was experiencing. I said very little. After gaining some personal composure, he went into the sanctuary. I shared that I would be praying for him. Later that week I sent a small card with a note to let him know I cared. I also enclosed a tea bag for him to enjoy, realizing that I cared about his loss and the painful journey he was walking through.

I’ve experienced loss, and I remember only too well that there are never adequate or appropriate words for such a time as this. Instead, it’s our presence, and ability to listen that speak volumes to the grieving.

Through the coming weeks and months he began to heal and his face began showing joy again. From that time on, our bond of friendship were renewed every Sunday morning as he entered the doors. He often said that he would never forget the moments of tenderness that he experienced that memorable day. Each time we see each other, he reminds me with his infectious laugh, of the tea bag enclosed in his card. I never imagined that a tea bag would make someone laugh … but it did to him.

We never know the burdens, anxieties, cares and grief that can envelop each person we encounter daily. It may a grocery store clerk, a moody waitress, or a rude government employee on the phone, or even at church where everyone seems to be “just fine” when you ask them how they are.

These two experiences have allowed me to slow down and really listen when I meet someone and ask: “How are you?” I’ve learned to wait for a moment or two because I want to know and hear to how they “really are.”

People may forget what you teach, they will never forget how you made them feel. William Buechner

INTRODUCTION TO OUR NEIGHBORS

You might want to sit down and get really comfortable when reading this short story… and before you ask, “Yes, this is a true story.” My husband might not be keen on me admitting that, but I must.

My husband and I were only married a little over three years. We were still getting to know each other’s habits, likes and dislikes. My husband’s job took us to sunny Florida for a time.

We made this move in the wrong month. I say that because August is the HOTTEST month of the year in that area of the United States.

Humidity levels ranged from 100 down to 95%. Everything done outside at that time of year was accomplished at a pace called slow. Even if you just stood still, your body continued to perspire. It’s been said that men perspire, and women glow.

Well, in Florida, if that phrase were true, women would be glowing into a puddle!

We had survived the adjustment to the summer heat. We waited until late October since it was cooler to reappear on our neighborhood streets for evening walks, and one could wear slacks in the evenings. While I was thinking of ways we could meet our neighbors, the following is a vivid recollection of a series of events.

While strolling in evening coolness near our home, my husband realized he had picked up a passenger. He immediately began leaping and yelling and shaking in his pants. A small lizard had climbed inside his pants leg for a ride around the block, and since it was likely too confining, this little fellow wanted “out.”

My husband wasted no time in removing his belt and began lowering his slacks to provide a quick “evacuation route” for his new little friend. Though supportive of his dilemma, all I could do was laugh … but did so with great sympathy, I might add (or at least I tried).

It was getting dark outside so the neighbors never observed the unfolding drama.

Well, this was certainly one way to be remembered by our neighbors. I wondered if there might be another?

Though we don’t celebrate Halloween, I wondered how we might introduce ourselves to the neighborhood. It dawned on me that Halloween presented us a “unique opportunity” for us to dress up and meet them that way.

Here is where you’re not going to believe what happened next.

Since we were not flush with funds, I gathered a few articles of

our clothing, and began being creative. On the night in question, I

asked my husband to join me at our bathroom sink. He took a seat and I, shall I say, “re-constructed his appearance.”

I did the same for myself.

Yes, we went to visit all the neighbors as Raggedy Ann and Andy! The neighbors laughed at (and with) us. We had a hilarious time that evening going from door to door. So, if you are struggling to get to know your neighbors, might I suggest that you dress up a little and make an appearance? Believe me, they’ll remember you forever!

MAY I WASH YOUR FEET?

This story has been germinating for many years, and it always brings tears to my eyes because of its special nature.

No one is the perfect parent, except God, the Father. His first two children, Adam and Eve – who lived in a perfect environment, had a perfect parent: God Himself. They, however, blew it big time. So parents reading this, be encouraged.

My dad wasn’t well versed on “affirmation.” Since he was orphaned at eight when his mother died, he didn’t have any mentors in his family. Most parents, regardless of what they have experienced, usually try to bring up their children the best they know how. My story begins with this preface, and will, in the end, honor my dad.

My father had an outgoing personality and was a very friendly. He could parade through a grocery store (which he did about four times a week) entertaining and befriending every clerk.

One time, as we were approaching the check out, I heard him refer to the cashier as Priscilla. Then as I approached, he would introduce me as his daughter, his first Priscilla. I had no idea I had so many namesakes.

Thanks to my husband’s accrued air miles, I was able to visit my parents about four times a year. In addition to enjoying my time with them, it was an opportunity to tackle small and large cleanup projects around the home which allowed them to remain in their home.

After breakfast one morning, I took a cup of tea to my former bedroom (when I lived at home) and read my Bible. May I insert that I had been praying for my parents to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior for about 15 years at the time.

My dad had absolutely no interest in God! That included any radio or television programs that brought God into focus. It took a number of years for God’s wisdom to sink into my head and behavior to realize that my walk needed to match my talk!

In fact, there was little or no “talk” about Jesus as dad would either leave the conversation, or walk out of the room.

My father was diabetic and required insulin each day. By now my mother expertly handled this function twice every day for him. She was a very steady, strong-willed woman, and good at meeting my dad’s needs.

I had no more than closed my Bible this particular morning when my mother gave a little knock on my door and gently peeked in with a statement I shall never forget. I won’t sermonize this but there is one verse that will begin to come alive in the following paragraphs.

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another’s feet. John 13:14

My mom’s words were: “There is something your dad would like you to do for him, and I can’t do it.” What???? My Mom seemed to handle anything. Her morning injections were as smooth as ice. What was it that she couldn’t do, that dad require

I say that gingerly, because I was raised with many doubts that I could never do anything right. Even if I mowed the lawn, he would be quick to point out a blade I missed. My goodness, this had to be a BIG request.

“What is it,” I inquired? “He wants you to do his feet?” What that translates to is to clean and file down the almost 1/4 inch of fungus on his toenails. He was unable to do it himself.

He had seen a podiatrist (whom I love to refer to as a toenail doctor), and this procedure was very painful for my dad and he wasn’t about to make a return appointment.

With the background I described earlier, can you sense the stress I was beginning to feel? Shortly thereafter I approached my dad and asked him what he wanted in more detail.

I hadn’t seen my dad’s feet in years. You might think that odd, but if you think about it, we usually see people fully dressed; complete with shoes and socks.

He invited me to the living room and pulled off his socks to show me his feet, specifically, his toenails. I tried my best not to look shocked. The nails were at different heights and all filled with fungus that needed to be shaved down so they were smooth.

You might wonder how much experience I’d had in performing this podiatry skill. NONE! As I looked at his feet, my first thoughts were, I cannot do this. I don’t know how; and more accurately, I was afraid of hurting him.

Then it happened, God brought to my memory some of the verses I had just read in John 13. Words we may read in our devotional time aren’t just words to “leave on the page,” they are to be “worked out in the sneakers of our living.”

God was preparing me for this new assignment.

All our God-assignments involve serving others – to bring honor and glory to God. In other words, our actions are to “make God look good.”

The instant the reality of this verse hit home; I knew God was asking me to “attend to my dad’s feet.” This would involve not only cleaning his feet, but attending to and reducing the fungus under the nails.

Thus, my first idea that I shared with dad was that he needed to soak his feet in nice warm sudsy water. He was quite prepared as he had proper files, clippers and the works. I had prayed for over ten years for God to open up an opportunity to share Christ with him.

I had shared my story of becoming a Christian years prior, but with no positive response.

This evening was my “Divine Appointment and Divine Assignment.” It was my time to “be the Gospel … be Jesus to him.”

My “Yes, I’ll try,” was my Dad’s good news for the day. I suggested that after supper I would get a container of nice clean warm water in which to soak his feet, and then attend to his tootsies! My father’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. He was more than on board for all of this.

After this brief introduction to his “tootsies,” I went to my room to collect myself. I thought to myself, “How in the world can I do this? How can I get past the insecurity of the assignment? I wondered if this included feet.

God’s Spirit instantly reminded me of two truths found in Philippians 2:13 and Philippians 4:13:

Philippians 2:13 “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Dinner was over and the “foot event” was about to commence. But, how was I to do this? To me, this was an impossible task? The immediate answer was this: Dianne, pretend that your dad’s feet were Jesus’ feet. That was a tall order, as well as it was my marching orders.

I’m glad mom shared his request in the afternoon, as it gave God and I time to interact about all of this and get the equipment ready. You’d have thought we were having a party … as my father was “so enthusiastic.”

He was anxious to get started and had himself all propped up on the sofa in the living room. Mom wanted to get in on all this too. They both seemed so relieved and excited about the potential activity. So with my personality, I thought we might as well turn this into a “foot party.”

Prepared with warm water, soap, wash cloth, nice towels, the soaking activity began. I soaped up his feet and gently rubbed them. That must have felt good as he was all smiles about this time. Then I laid a towel on my lap and began patting dry his feet.

When I took the various files in my hand to begin, a wonderful thing happened in my heart that translated in my eyes. I began to see my dad’s feet as though they were the feet of Jesus.

With gentle, yet firm strokes, I began the procedure of filing down each toenail. To my utter amazement they began to quickly reduce in size, and an hour later, all his toenails were smooth to the touch and normal in height. Afterwards I massaged his feet with a nice cream and covered his feet with clean white socks.

He was delighted!!! I was “over the moon” with relief. The best part of all this was that I never hurt him. God is so good.

This was the first of four cleaning sessions a year lasting for a little over twenty-five years. This was the first time in my life that my dad seemed appreciative of my efforts. Every time I came for a visit, we had a “foot party.”

This foot party turned into a manicure of his hands. The party escalated so that even my mom wanted her feet and hands done too. Each party lasted about two hours. An hour for each of my “parent customers.”

This isn’t the end of the story. After praying thirty-nine years for my dad and through twenty-five of those years, attending to his feet, he finally came to give his life to Christ just eleven days before the Lord took him home to heaven to be with his new-found Savior.

God touches others through our lives. He does use our lips, but often God works through loving others by “serving them” in whatever opportunity God opens up.

Many times we’re given the privilege of telling another about Jesus, and that’s a wonderful joy. However, we also need to “show them Jesus” through loving service to them in whatever arena God brings to us. To demonstrate God’s love requires our willingness to be changed … and that is where the first miracle is initiated.

I think people would rather experience the love of God firsthand … so that their hearts become most open to hearing it!!

CHOSEN

Perhaps you have a special personal story of delight and surprise. Like any woman, my age is neither posted at the local post office nor on Facebook. In case you are curious, I am older than some and younger than others, and a physician would likely be informing me that I needn’t worry about birth control at this point. So … that’s the extent of my conversation in this delicate area.

My husband and I have been married for a good number of years. Most people, when you are first introduced, either ask “what do you do for a living,” or “do you have any children?”

With my personality, I’m tempted to respond to the first inquiry by responding, “I do lots of things while I’m living, and most of them don’t bring in an income.” And in response to the second question, I sometimes feel an emotional tear that’s anxious to express itself.

Though we don’t have any children of our own, we do have lots of other peoples’ children. People often break into a laugh, and are stuck for further conversation. I suppose most people assume that everyone has children … but that is not always true.

Every life is different and holds a different plan. Some have the “gift of singleness.” Some have the “gift of marriage and children.” Some have the “gift of loving other peoples’ children.” Whatever the plan, it’s orchestrated for God’s purposes and building His family here on earth.

One day I was prompted to attend a Bible Study. I had never been to this group before, so everyone was new to me. Upon entering the room, I noticed a woman in a wheelchair sitting alone, though there were women gathering around and sitting at various tables. That’s the table I chose, and ever-so-slowly a few women began to move to our table.

Soon all the chairs were taken, and I observed that, except for this woman in the wheelchair and me, all the other women were Asian. I love Asian women!

There was one particular young Chinese gal to whom I was inescapably drawn. She seemed quiet and gentle. After our study time together, we all left and went to our individual homes. The following week she again sat at my table. There was a spark in my heart for her. I smiled at her whenever possible. She shared that she felt her attempts at English were insufficient and she often felt awkward.

In my eyes, she was delightful and I had no problem at all understanding her pronunciations.

I continued to observe this sweet gal, and about the third week, I took the plunge and asked her if she would enjoy coming to my home for a latte one morning. To my delight, she accepted. We chose a date later that week.

I was a little nervous in having her over as I can sometimes struggle for conversation. My desire to get to know this sweetheart of a gal was greater than my apprehension.

She had short hair, tastefully designed around her face; and she had the most beautiful dark brown eyes that just seemed to sparkle when she spoke.

The morning arrived! The espresso machine all warmed up and ready for its next latte brew for my new Chinese friend-to-be. I greeted her with open arms at the front door, and it seemed that we both relaxed immediately while greeting each other.

Using the espresso machine was my first attempt at “entertaining” my guest. Soon we both ventured to our little living room, a cozy setting with the lights on and ready to host this new relationship.

I can’t remember what all we talked about, but somewhere in the conversation that morning, I asked if she was nervous at being invited to my home. She answered immediately, “Yes!” You see, she had never been invited to a Westerner’s home.

I shared my thoughts about meeting her for the first time at this Bible study and how drawn I was to her. I also encouraged her for her exceptional grasp of English. We talked non-stop for about two hours. It was time for her to return to her routine at home, but it wouldn’t be the last time in my home … or in my heart.

Before long, my new friend invited me to her place. It seemed our friendship just took off … to wonderful places.

She and her daughter had moved to Canada from China. Her husband’s employment in China prevented him from joining his family permanently for a few years. As you can only imagine, the impact of being in a new country and strange and foreign culture was huge. She had been encouraged to learn English while growing up in China, but the greater adjustment was depending on and adjusting to a new language and culture with no real support.

She and I chatted about all these changes and adjustments on a regular basis. I too had moved a few times to a different country and culture. I could understand, in many personal ways, the pain of homesickness, insecurity, and a sense of not belonging. Having to find new doctors, dentist, shopping and the process of making friendships all presented a tremendous emotions burden on her. I wanted to relate to both relate to, and encourage her in journey.

Months after our friendship was established, she and her daughter flew back to China to visit her husband and parents. It was then that she realized God had provided her friends – my husband and me – in Canada who missed her and longed for her return.

Here’s where the “delightful surprise” began to emerge. Soon after her return, and to my delight and surprise, she opened up to me about what she was feeling in her heart toward my husband and me. She shared with me that for the first time she felt as though she had family that missed her presence when she left for her trip overseas.

She then asked if I would become her Canadian Mom! Usually in adoption settings, it’s the parents who choose a child, but she wanted to “adopt” us. This “creative adoption” was in reverse, she chose us, and you cannot imagine how thrilled and honored we were.

From that day forward, she never called me by my first name, but called me “Mom.”

I melt inside each time she uses the term Mom when talking with me. Never in my wildest imagination could I have foreseen this God-directed, unique type of adoption for me; and I couldn’t be more pleased.

For those of you that are a mom or a dad to someone, never forget the tenderness in the heart of someone who addresses you with that beautiful reference of love and relationship.

Oh, and just a reminder that God is equally thrilled for you to call Him, “Father.”

OUTSIDE HOSPITALITY

“Meals on Wheels“

Do you often think that if you are going to have coffee or dine with a friend that it must be at Starbucks, or a fancy restaurant? Let me introduce you to a new location.

It won’t necessarily be fancy and the atmosphere may even leave a few things to be desired. You probably wouldn’t leave a tip: coin or folded.

The dining area is “open seating,” and the ambience is dependent upon your attitude. The sky is the limit regarding the menu selection. Can you guess where I might be describing?

First, let me introduce you to someone. I was sitting in a church one Sunday, and as I glanced around and behind me, a delightful looking woman was sitting behind me.

After my “Hello” in her direction, she smiled warmly. Then, another sweet surprise, she was from South Africa. Her accent was captivating. Our friendship began right there.

After the service we continued with our introductions, and I found her to be warm and loving. Over the years, our families would get together for dinners – whether at our dining room table, or kitchen table. Regardless of where we met, we just had fun.

I remember sharing with her that I was the type of friend who could enjoy a plain cheese sandwich just sitting on the curb with a friend. I hoped she would catch on that I didn’t feel I was a “high maintenance” type of friend.

This lady would cry with me, laugh at my jokes (and I can assure you I’m not good at jokes), but what an encourager she was to my heart and walk with the Lord.

She was going through a rough patch in her life, and I so wanted to be an encourager to her.

Our friendship was simple….it was just being together that mattered. I’m convinced that’s the best type of friendships to have.

Neither she nor I was “flushed in funds” for fine-dining at the time, so we’d often just share something at either of our kitchen tables. It was all about just being together, never mind what was being deposited in our mouths.

I recall that one day I could sense she was a bit discouraged. My mind went into gear as to how to bring a genuine chuckle and encouragement to my friend. Ah, Jesus gave me an idea.

I remember putting some sandwiches together and cutting them into tiny pieces and placing them on a small plate. I just kept grabbing things I had in the fridge…. from fruit to a piece of chocolate. The last item I grabbed was a blanket.

Knowing how we both enjoyed “tea,” I invited my tea pot and some nice china cups to come along with me. We were taking “lunch & tea” to my friend’s place.

Did you notice I didn’t say “her home?” This little “meals on wheels” excursion never made it inside her home. I knocked on her door and invited her “out to lunch.”

I was quick to advise her that we wouldn’t be going far. No, not far at all. For I had laid out the blanket and items on the blanket just yards from her front door.

My friend’s eyebrows shot up and eyes grew when she saw the layout. We must have sat there for almost two hours. We never wondered what the neighbors thought because we were together just enjoying the presence of green grass, and the trees.

Even the birds were on assignment to sing a chorus of song for our entertainment.

We both still look back at the time we just paused from our routine and simply, very simply, met together. I wanted her to know she was special to me and worth making a lunch for, adorning it on a blanket and enjoying her company.

Yes, our lives can get busy. Sometimes too busy. It’s so easy to be “activity addicted.” The pause that day still lingers in both our hearts, and continues to bring a smile when we remember the simple delights of life.

And no, it wasn’t a cheese sandwich. But it could have been, and we couldn’t have cared less.

If you share your home address with me, I might pop over with a few things from my refrigerator…just for “us” to enjoy.

“Remember to welcome strangers in your homes. There were some who did that and welcomed angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2 (GNT)

A DIVINE BAKERY

1 cup uncooked oats

1 ¼ cup boiling water

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

1 ½ cups sifted all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

¾ tsp cinnamon

Pour boiling water over oats and let set 20 minutes

Beat butter and sugar together in separate bowl.

Blend in vanilla and eggs

Stir in the oats mixture

In another bowl, sift together flour, soda, salt and cinnamon.

Add this mixture to the creamed mixture. Mix well.

Pour into a greased 8” square pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes in a 350-degree oven. Check after 25 minutes…as this may be sufficient baking time, depending on your oven.

Hello! Just about now, you may be wondering why I’ve posted a recipe. Am I right about that? Actually, this is a favorite “oatmeal cake” my grandma shared with me many years ago. When I feel a little nostalgic, I make this cake, and I make certain to invite others to join me, so I don’t consume it all in one setting.

In a funny sort of way, this recipe is what I’d refer to as an “emotional cake” because eating it brings back a variety of happy memories. Maybe you have recipes that hold emotional memories for you as well.

But this story isn’t about memories or deserts. It’s about how God works His will and plans into our lives. One theme of encouragement I often refer to is this:

Our lives are designed by God to “live out His plans and purposes” in our lives.

It’s not until we acknowledge in our life that, from birth, we came into this world as a sinner. Two-year-olds need never be taught to misbehave…it’s automatic. It’s not a large word, but most everyone finds it difficult to let it exit their mouth.

I know I did for years, until God worked in some very difficult circumstances in my early twenties which woke me up to my need of forgiveness, and the opportunity of becoming His child through His adoption by accepting what His Son, Jesus, did for me on the cross. My decision to repent (change my mind of the direction I was going and yield my life to Him) and place me in a better direction for my life here; and to prepare me for spending eternity with Him.

It all began with the first human couple, Adam and Eve. They walked with God in perfection and in a perfect garden atmosphere… that is until they disobeyed one directive given by a loving Creator. They could eat and enjoy any food in the garden, but stay away from just “one tree,” (the Knowledge of Good and Evil). Our Creator-God never wanted them to realize or be exposed to evil. It was a test for this first couple, and both of them failed the test and disobeyed God’s instructions. That was the beginning of sin and this couple passed this inborn nature down to all of us.

My goodness, they had everything one could desire all around them, but they couldn’t resist Satan’s temptation to taste of the fruit of that tree. God calls that disobedience sin.

Well, back to the title of this story…. A DIVINE BAKERY. I’m imagining you on the other side of this computer screen as I share some of what’s been going on in the life of my husband and I.

A medical challenge took place that went on for about six weeks. There’s no need for specifics, but it left me weak, frustrated, in pain, loss of sleep and fearful at times. We’ve all experienced these kinds of days, or weeks or months, haven’t we! Maybe you’re there right now.

But one particular night as I was reading a book by Dr. Tony Evans, “Pathways…From Providence to Purpose.” It’s an excellent book on the Providence and Sovereignty of God. I was only reading the book to take my mind off the inability to sleep. It wasn’t long before I was gripped with the many truths from God’s Word on how God works in and through our lives. My yellow highlighter was on high alert to all the truths and applications saturated in this book.

If you’re a follower of Jesus Christ, no doubt you’ll be aware of the Scripture in Romans, chapter 8, verse 28 for followers of Jesus.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

I’m not the brightest button on the blouse, but through the last four months, Jesus has helped “piece several components” of the events of my journey together in an astounding manner. Most all of the outcome has come as a “huge surprise.”

God seemed to work “underground” for weeks, when nothing of my circumstances made any sense; and bakery-speaking, didn’t taste good either. The Scriptures I found that kept me talking with Jesus and leaning into Him were:

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding; but in all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.”

Isaiah 64:4 declares that “God is uniquely faithful acting on behalf of those who trust in Him, in a way that is beyond human comprehension.

Isaiah 64:4 NIV “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.”

Let me park back on Romans 8, verse 28 for this “Divine Bakery” story.

There’s no need to list all the areas of His care, redirection, attentiveness, but when I came to the section in Tony Evans’ book on how God weaves all our circumstances for our good, (and His purposes for our life), God began this journey to a surprising end. And yes, He even uses our “mistakes” and weaves them together.

Here’s the focus of what I wanted to share about the cake recipe at the beginning of this story. As I stated earlier, oatmeal cake is just about my favorite cake, but when you think about consuming each of the ingredients “individually,” they have absolutely no appeal on their own. In fact, each ingredient tastes AWFUL (in my cake-opinion). I’d never wish to consume any of them on their own. But when put TOGETHER and placed in a heated oven………………AMAZINGLY, they are delicious and delightful.

Are you coming along with me on this, seeing what I began to see as the unpleasant, painful, discouraging, confusing and tiring events began to paint a picture……involving a “transition of surprise” that both myself and my husband never imagined or planned for.

This transition is beginning to unfold and we’re walking with the Lord Jesus, trusting Him to make a way that we cannot yet see. But where He guides, He also provides.

This journey brought to mind the illustration that we are in God’s Divine Bakery…. where He is using all the events He knew were coming our way (His Sovereignty and knowledge and control of all things), and using each of them (His Providence – carrying out His plan for our lives) in ways we would have never imagined.

And like the cake recipe, each event/ingredient was and is working together for our good and His glory. We’re not at the end of the story, but it’s in His “oven of care and direction” to show us the next step.

By the way, if you make that cake, let me know so I can “ooh and aah” with my taste buds.

OUTSIDE HOSPITALITY

“Meals on Wheels”