A Reason Not to Fear

Do you need a reason not to fear? I did recently. I start college tomorrow, and was nervous about starting something so new. Then I read Joshua 1:1-9.

Verses 8 & 9 seemed especially illuminating for me.


"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

What do I need to do? Meditate on God's Word, so I can follow it. Then I will be prosperous and have sucess in the Lord's eyes.

Another command. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed." I am not to fear, and why? "because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

That is my reason not to be afraid.

High 5 for Friday

Here are a few great things about my week {there were a lot - it was a full week!)
1. I have been reading the book of Ephesians, just into the first few chapters.  It is really wonderful and I am noticing God's scandalous grace more & more!

2. This morning I finished this book - The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I have read it through twice, and thoroughly enjoyed it both times. It is a great read, full of good character development and historical content. Book review coming soon!

 3. I made that chocolate cake again. It was delicious, as always. The recipe can be found here.
4. I also had the opportunity to teach Outfitters (our kids bible study) at church. This is something I have been doing since probably my junior year of high school. It was bittersweet thinking that it is one of the last times I might teach for a while! While prepping the lesson I felt pretty nervous and unsettled. But then I was encouraged by Isaiah 55 - "my word shall not return to me empty, but shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it". Even when I might fail, God's Word will always succeed!

 

{image via}

5. Last but not least, I successfully put in my contacts (with help) for the first time! If you were wondering what I look like sans spectacles, see below.

 

And that's that. Thanks for reading! What's been good about your week?

(linking up with Lauren at High 5 For Friday)

Are You a Fan of Delicious (Chocolate) Flavor?

The best chocolate cake.
Ever.










via
I enjoy chocolate cake, and I also have a few recipes that I have tried and liked. However, this is definitely the best.  What makes it stand out from the crowd is cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor, coffee to bring that flavor out, and buttermilk to make it moist. The directions are quick and easy to follow, and can be found here. In short, it's wonderful. In fact, even one of my friends who doesn't like chocolate or cake asked for the recipe). I have made it twice and it has been quickly consumed both times. You should go and make some too.

  

"my power is made perfect in weakness."

//

Recently I have had the opportunity to teach at church more. During the school year I taught quite frequently, at Good News Clubs or in children's bible study, but then I had a break. Now I have resumed, and God has been reminding me to rely on Him. I have been reminded of the truth that no insightful teaching, no truth would come from me, but from the Word of God. I was reading 1 Corinthians 3, and Paul is telling about how he spoke his message.

1 Corinthians 2:3-5

"And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

And then again in  chapter 3 verse 7:

"So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth."

wow. light bulb moment. 

This was not something that I hadn't heard before, but it was much-needed wisdom for my specific situation. God gives me the opportunity and the ability to plant and water, but that's where my job ends.It isn't anything. God gives growth - that's what's important. He brings conviction and change. I cannot. 

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Cor. 12:9-11

So now I am remembering that I do not have to rely on my wisdom, but in the power of God. That grace is enough. That His power is perfected in my weakness. That I can boast in my weaknesses, so I can receive His strength. That weakness is better than strength.

Manifesto:: a written statement declaring the intentions of the issuer

Becuase this is the very first post on my blog, I wasn't sure what to write. I settled on a manifesto. A purpose.

to encourage - I want to share what God is teaching me, and how.

to inform - namely, to write about life happenings.

to educate - I like to learn, and want to share what I am learning at the moment. This might take the form of recipes, projects, reading recommendations or personal writing.

Obviously this will probably change as time goes on, but as I look to a beginning, it seems like a good place to start. Happy reading!