Chocolate Cake

I began learning how to cook in Junior High school.  My mom always let me help in the kitchen and gradually allowed me to be in charge of certain dishes.  Believe me there was plenty of things that my family tolerated as I learned how to cook. During the summer when I had lots of time on my hands, I decided that I would bake a cake and share it with all of friends.

The chocolate cake mix was poured into the bowl then the eggs, water and oil were mixed in. After a few strokes the batter was poured into the prepared pan and then into the preheated oven to bake. Soon the house was filled with the sweet aroma of chocolate cake.  I was so proud of myself! 

After cooling, the cake was slathered carefully with chocolate frosting.  “My friends are going to be so impressed”, I thought proudly to myself. That afternoon I invited Kevin (now my husband) and several friends to enjoy the delicious cake. 

As Kevin took a big heaping bite of the cake it was clear that something was wrong. His surprised face, including puckered lips told it all so well!

The batter that I so carefully mixed together had not been stirred enough.  Throughout the cake were many chunks of dry cake mix!

My inexperience caused me not to know how to properly make a cake!

Inexperience can do that very thing to us spiritually.

• ·      The less we know about the promises of God can effect how much we trust Him. I Peter 2:1-2
• ·       The less experience we have with the presence of God can effect our worship and prayer. James 4:8
• ·       The less we have sacrificed for the kingdom of God can effect how tightly we hold onto our possessions. Psalm 24:1
• ·       The less experience we have in community with other believers can effect our sense of belonging and serving in a body. Acts 4:32

Where do you need more experience spiritually?

Father, help me to recognize where I need to grow spiritually. I do not want to be a child in regards to my faith in you. Reveal to me how you want me to grow. Thank you for stirring my faith into action.

Slip sliding away!

Early this Saturday, it was frigid cold in Michigan. The car's temperature gauge displayed -3 degrees.  That kind of cold makes everything icy and increases ones chance of ending up in a ditch! This poor unfortunate soul was one of many who lost control, when their car hit an icy patch. 

Some drivers are not as careful as others. This was evident today when in a matter of seconds after a car sped by us, that we watched in awe as it spun out of control across the road.  The old white car circled and then slid right through the fence into the field.

Sliding happens to the best of us, but there are things that wise drivers do to stay on the road.

 To drive safely on icy roads, the Weather Channel suggests:

• Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
• Keep your lights and windshield clean.
• Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
• Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
• Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads

As Christians we are faced every day with dangerous situations and temptations! We must be wise in the way that we handle these icy patches in our lives or we will also find ourselves sliding into situations that we don't want to be in!

No one falls into sin, it is a step by step slide that ends up with some hefty consequences! 

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!  No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. I Corinthians 10:12-13