All Creation

I enjoy making food look attractive. I’ve been drawn to food art for some time now and when I have the opportunity to try my hand at it, I rarely hesitate.

I’ve created penguin villages. Viking ship watermelons. Apple birds. Radish mice. Leek and scallion flowers. Chocolate covered strawberries. Bread cornucopias. And fruit bouquets.

While I was in SE Asia, I had the opportunity to watch as some real pros worked their magic with food. They created works of art from melons, pineapples and pumelos. That was a sight to see.

My Mom is visiting with me and as we were shopping for Thanksgiving items, we saw a beautiful display of food art in a local grocery store. There was a display of poached pears that really caught my eye.

So, we tried our hands at poached pears a few days ago…they were delicious and were attractive! Now that is a bonus!

The one thing I have been unsuccessful in with this art form is using it for God’s glory. Psalm 96 tells vividly of how God’s creation praises Him.

“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy, they will sing before the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth.” (Psalm 96:11-13a – NIV)

My penguin village may not come to life and start singing, but I can use this skill to bring praise to God.

All of my talent comes from God. As each one is perfected, glory to Him should be raised. All praise should be given to Him. I am nothing without Him.

But with my human faults and failures, I fail to honor God in this way all the time.

So how am I to use my talents for God? How can I bring praise to Jesus with each talent? How would my gifts exalt the Name of Jesus?

1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV) says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

Ahhh, I am to serve others. Food art may be more difficult to use in serving others than writing or teaching, but it is possible. There are opportunities where I might be able to bring joy to others through this art form. And as I create each piece, I can offer praise to the One who is the Master Creator!

How are you using your talents to glorify God? What steps do you need to take to offer thanks to God for the talents He has given you? How can you show others your gratitude to God for His gift? Are you utilizing the strength God offers as you serve others?

I am thankful for the ability to create beauty from ordinary food. I am also thankful that God creates beauty in ordinary people. “You make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.” (Psalm 92:4 – NIV)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Sidetracked...Again

Have I mentioned lately that I have a lot going on this month? I certainly do and keep adding tasks and projects to that list of on-going objectives. I woke yesterday morning quite overwhelmed and really not certain that I could possibly get it all done in time.

But I received a good bit of encouragement from some great friends yesterday. It gave me an added boost of energy to get on the projects that need to be done today and tomorrow. Once these are off my plate, then I can get back to working on my original goals. And let’s face it, it’s only November 5^th!

Sometimes we do get sidetracked by unforeseen things in our life. Whether it is good or bad, “life” has a way of getting in the way at times.

There was a couple in the New Testament who knew what being sidetracked was like. How an unforeseen incident changed their lives.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were along in years. Scripture says, “well along in years.” (Luke 1:7 – NIV) Each were descendants of Aaron and Zechariah was a priest.

I love the section of Scripture right before this statement. “Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly.” (Luke 1:6 – NIV)

I don’t know about you, but I would love to hear God say that about me. To take notice that my obedience to Him is out of my devotion and love for what He’s done in my life (yes that was a sidetrack).

So when it was Zechariah’s turn to go into the temple and burn incense, an angel appeared to him and told him of the upcoming birth of his son. Details were given on how he was to be raised, what his purpose in life would be, and then the name was given. John.

Zechariah didn’t believe it could be so, because they were “well along in years.” Now here’s my question. How could you not believe if an angel appeared to you? How could anyone possibly believe that it wasn’t going to happen? Well Zechariah didn’t believe and because of his unbelief, he was unable to speak until the baby was eight days old. That is a long time to keep silent. That, I would say, was an unforeseen incident that kept Zechariah side-tracked.

But it doesn’t stop there. Elizabeth becomes pregnant. But Elizabeth’s response to this unforeseen event was completely different than Zechariah’s. She spoke these words. “The Lord has done this for me. In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” (Luke 1:25 – NIV) Elizabeth was thrilled. Her seclusion was a treasured sidetrack.

When John was born, we are told that Elizabeth’s neighbors and relatives “heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.” (Luke 1:57 – NIV) I find it interesting that Zechariah wasn’t mentioned at this point. The priest who was unable to speak due to his unbelief perhaps was still sidetracked. But it didn’t take long for his belief to be revealed to his community.

When asked what they were going to name the child, Zechariah asked for a writing tablet. On this tablet he wrote, “His name is John.” (Luke 1:63 – NIV) Immediately, Zechariah was able to speak and he praised God.

Through this miracle, their neighbors and friends were filled with awe. It was all they could talk about. They knew that God had been in the middle of this event.

Elizabeth’s pregnancy was certainly an unforeseen event. I believe we can look at both Elizabeth’s and Zechariah’s reactions to find the best way for us to deal with something that can sidetrack us in our lives.

Zechariah was unbelieving. Elizabeth believed.

Zechariah questioned. Elizabeth accepted.

Zechariah lacked faith. Elizabeth proved to be faithful.

Zechariah asked for evidence. Elizabeth acknowledged her gift.

Do you see a pattern? Each loved God and were obedient to His ways, there’s no doubt about that. But they reacted to this announcement differently.

So I must ask the question, “How do you respond to unforeseen occurrences?” Do you lean more toward Zechariah’s reaction or Elizabeth’s? I think we need to be prepared for the inevitable. Life will throw us a curve ball. There’s no question about that. How we react is really what counts.

I will get through this week. I will get through this month. I can even say I will get through the unforeseen incidents that jump onto the path ahead of me. But after reading of Elizabeth’s determination to be faithful to God, I know it’s possible to go through it all in obedience, with grace, and by God’s strength.

Now I must get to work!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Keep on Casting...

My husband and I took his little car out for a spin yesterday. He drives it more than I ride in it (I do have my reasons). But he had been out on several errands earlier in the day, so his stereo was cranking out some tunes when he started the car. He was listening to the Imperials.

It warmed my heart.

As we continued listening to the album I realized that they were all songs that I really liked and I wondered why it was in his collection of music and not mine?

A particular song came on and it took me to my freshman year at Cincinnati Bible College (they’ve changed the name of this school, but I have such difficultly calling it that…sorry Cincinnati Christian University). I joined a group of people who performed with puppets and muppets. We traveled around the area, set up our big stage and equipment, and then proceeded to share God’s message through these inanimate objects.

The music we used was always fun and lively, had a great message to tell, but it also needed to have some different parts going on so that each muppet could do something different. You know, like backup singers.

The song that brought back these memories is “Bread Upon the Water.”[i] The lyrics are taken from Ecclesiastes 11:1 and Luke 6:38 and if you haven’t heard it in a while, just Google it and find yourself singing along to this tune.

Ecclesiastes 11:1 (NIV) says, “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.”

But another section of the song quotes Jesus from Luke 6:38 (NIV). Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Oh how I wish I had been sitting at Jesus’ feet to hear these words. He wanted this crowd to get the message…give! We know Jesus shared this message on multiple occasions, but not like this. The results of our giving are immeasurable. The blessings we receive when we give go beyond anything we could ever imagine. So much so that we are unable to keep them confined. And then we need to give yet again.

There are many ways to give. We can give of our time, our talents, our money, ourselves. Maybe you can only give in one of these areas. Maybe you’re able to give in all of these areas. Whatever the case, Jesus tells us to give.

So how are you giving? Do you volunteer in your local church? If not, you need to. Your church needs you. And regardless of your talents, if your heart is in it, God will bless it. If you don’t know where to start, start by asking around and see where there is a need. I’m certain you’ll receive plenty of ideas and invitations.

I work with a team of ladies to plan women’s events for our church and the minister’s wife heads up this team. She closes each email to us with these words. “It’s a pleasure serving Jesus with you.” Yes, it is a pleasure to serve Jesus. It is my pleasure.

God wants us, urges us to give. As Christ-followers, giving is part of our spiritual DNA. We cannot deny it. We must embrace and develop this area of our lives. And then, we simply need to wait.

Keep on casting…

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Bread Upon the Water

Well there are people who think they're not receiving

Anything from God at all

Oh they are shaken from their believin'

When they don't see results they quickly fall

But don't you waiver keep on living

In the way God wants you to

Don't get discouraged keep on giving

Soon it will come back to you

Oh keep on working seeking the kingdom

Instead of working for your needs

Just keep on sharing the love of Jesus

You know growing comes from planting seeds

Keep on casting your bread upon the water

Soon it's going to come back home on every wave

Keep on casting your bread upon the water

Soon it's going to come back home on every wave

---

[i] © Universal Music Publishing Group, Bread Upon The Water Lyrics by Gaither Vocal Band, music composed by Grein

Perfection!

Perfection. What comes to mind when you think of that word? I think there is perfection in our world. The perfect combination of flavors brings a smile to my face. I believe I’ve seen perfect sunsets. I’ve experienced perfect days.

Imperfection. What comes to mind when you think of that word? I must admit there is imperfection in our world. Computers that aren’t compatible with upgraded programs. Potholes that cause flat tires. The absence of fireflies in Colorado.

Perfection and imperfection. I believe we can look at these words through Scripture and find God’s view on them. So let’s do that. Let’s see what He has to say about perfection and imperfection.

Imperfection

We know from the Old Testament that the Hebrew nation was to provide sacrifices without blemish. They weren’t to have imperfections. (Leviticus 22:21; Numbers 19:2)

We are imperfect. If you read through all of the lists of sins we are to get rid of, you and I both know that we haven’t achieved that task yet. You’ve seen the lists. Galatians 5:19-22; Ephesians 4:22-31; Ephesians 5:3-4; Colossians 3:5-10; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; and 1 Peter 2:1. Unfortunately, some of those sins are still in my life. I am imperfect.

Perfection

Paul’s final words to in 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) were, “Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” Aim for perfection. Now that I think I can do.

Yes, we are to rid ourselves of the sins listed above, but we also have lists to show us how we are to live. Galatians 5:22-23; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:23-24; 32-5:2; Philippians 2:14-16; Philippians 4:4-8; Colossians 3:12-17; Colossians 4:2; 1 Peter 1:13-16; 1 Peter 2:4-5; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 Peter 4:8-11; 1 John 1:7; Jude 1:20-23.

“Aim for perfection.” Other versions of the Bible have translated this phrase a little differently. Maybe we can gain some insight from them.

“Keep things in good repair.” (The Message)

“…be made complete…” (New American Standard)

“Try to be complete.” (New Century Version)

“Aim for restoration.” (English Standard Version)

I love the ESV translation. “Aim for restoration.” It seems to help me understand that it is a work in progress. That it is a time-consuming project. Maybe even that it is a never-ending task. I must continue to work at living the way God wants me to live, because I know that it is only through Him that I am perfect.

I believe that as we remove a sin from our life, we must replace that void with something. Something good. Remove something from the imperfection list and replace it with something from the perfection list.

I also believe that I cannot do this without God and His Holy Spirit working in my life. My sinful nature is too strong for me to battle on my own. And God has given me the perfect tools to go into battle. Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us of the armor we are to take up and use. God’s armor.

Let’s strive today to live as godly men and women. Let’s utilize the tools (God’s armor and His Holy Spirit) as we head into battle. Let’s aim for perfection. Aim for restoration. Let others see Jesus through you that “…they may see your good deeds and glorify God…” (1 Peter 2:12 – NIV)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

And Waiting Again...

I have anticipated this day for over two weeks now. The other half of our service team to SE Asia returns home today.

I’ve missed them so much. They were inspirational. They were prayer warriors. They were cheerful. They were wonderful mentors. They led wisely. They are good friends.

Being back in America without them has been okay, but the idea of them returning, to reunite the team is more than exciting to me. It is exhilarating!

I wonder if this was how the Apostles felt after Jesus left them. Acts 1:4-5 (NIV) shares the account of Jesus’ instructions. “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’”

They were to wait. Wait for the rest of the team to arrive.

It isn’t fun to wait. I’ve had to wait quite a bit in my lifetime. Wait for pregnancies to come to term. Wait for news of an upcoming, possible job. Wait for the arrival of wonderful guests. Wait for surgery to be finished on a loved one.

Waiting. It isn’t an easy task.

The Apostles kept busy while they were waiting however. After Jesus left them, they returned to Jerusalem to wait as Jesus had requested. We see in the first chapter of Acts that they chose a replacement for Judas (Acts 1:12-26).

In Luke’s account of the time after Jesus’ ascension, we come to an understanding of other things the Apostles did while waiting.

“When he (Jesus) had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.” (Luke 24:50-53 – NIV)

The Apostles were continuously in the temple. They continuously praised God. Now that was something to do while waiting for the rest of the team to arrive. They were preparing themselves for what was to come.

Under these circumstances, I suspect the wait wasn’t as difficult as we might think.

So what should we do while we’re waiting?

Be productive. Don’t sit around with only the wait on your mind. Find something to do that will be of good. It will help take your mind off the wait period.

I believe we can also spend time with fellow believers. Just as the Apostles were always at the temple, we can find ways to be near others who believe as we do. This too will help us from becoming so focused on the wait that we miss the anticipation. The joy of something to look forward to.

And then the last thing we can learn from the Apostles is to praise God while we’re waiting. Of course we should praise God all the time, but in times of waiting, I believe praising God will again take our focus off of ourselves and place it directly on God. And let’s face it, there’s always something to praise God for.

I wish God had brought these concepts to my mind two weeks ago. I might have viewed this wait period much differently. Yes, I’ve done these three things, but I might have done a few things differently.

The good news is that now that I’ve learned a lesson, I can use it the next time I am required to wait. And that starts now.

I’m waiting for my fourth grandchild to be born. A little girl. Oh, how difficult it is to wait, but I know the importance of waiting for this baby to develop fully before birth.

So until that time, I will be productive. I will continually be in God’s house with His people. And I will not stop praising God. And so it begins.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna