Zucchini Bread

I will abundantly bless her provision:
I will satisfy her poor with bread.
Psalm 132:15

Not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration,
and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ
our Saviour.
Titus 3:5,6

One summer, I had the brilliant idea to plant a garden in our back yard. Brian prepared the soil for us and put some railroad ties around the garden plot. We planted the usual things that grow quickly such as radishes, but also planted two or three other things. At one end I fixed some mounds in which I planted zucchini seeds. Our garden came along pretty well. We had to be gone on vacation for one week and when we arrived home, we were sick to find that some neighborhood boys had pulled up our green bean plants.

The boys had left the zucchini plants in place. I often looked back wishing they had done something with those instead of the green beans. I was such a beginner and didn't realize I had planted monster plants. We had zucchini growing...and growing...and GROWING...to the point of being almost frightening. For one thing, we weren't big zucchini eaters and we had these vegetables growing not just in quantity, but the longer they were on the vine, the larger each zucchini grew. Those things got to be huge.

Recently, a dear friend in my church brought me some lovely vegetables from her garden. She brought tomatoes, yellow squash and a large zucchini squash. I smiled when I saw it because it struck a memory chord in my mind. However, when I saw it, I knew immediately what I was going to do with it. I did what we did so many years ago.

Those many years ago, our girls were at least around junior high age and our son not that far behind. A dear lady had given me a recipe for Zucchini Bread. We had a nice freezer in the garage...aha...zucchini bread. Each of us had an assigned thing to do in this process. A high school girl was visiting with us so we put her to work as well. I think we ended up with about 25 loaves of zucchini bread in our freezer. Some of them I gave to friends at holiday times, but as a family, we have never tired of zucchini bread.

I often wonder when my children are in a grocery store and pass by zucchini in the produce section if it conjures up memories of those torturous days of grinding, stirring and baking on very warm summer days. But, at the same time, do they still remember the sweet smell in the house of those days gone by.

As much as we had an abundance of zucchini back then, I'm often reminded of the abundance of things God pours into our lives. He doesn't just give us small dribbles of blessings. Everything we are and have are from Him. So often we don't count the blessings God gives us day after day that we just take for granted. It seems there are some days, God's blessings come in such abundance that I almost want to ask Him so slow down a little as I'm feeling overwhelmed with His goodness. Just as the zucchini kept coming, I was reminded that the goodness of God keeps coming as well. It seems those blessings get bigger and bigger to the point I don't know what to do with it all.

I look back and am grateful for what I learned from the zucchini crop in our garden. It all kept coming and coming just as God's goodness does in other ways as well. On our worst day, God's love keeps coming even when we don't deserve it. It comes in any number of ways and we need to track those blessings and not jam them in a storage place of the mind to be enjoyed later. We are to count our blessings not just at Thanksgiving, but on a daily basis. Like my zucchini that seemed like it would never run out, God's goodness to us will never run out.

In case you happen to have an abundance of zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes or even rhubarb, here's our family recipe to help with that abundance if you are in to baking. Enjoy!

ZUCCHINI BREAD
Heat oven – 350
Grease & flour 2 loaf pans
Bake 1 hour 15 minutes

In large bowl, mix:
3 eggs
2 C sugar
2 tsp soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp nutmeg
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp allspice (can omit)
½ tsp almond extract (important)
1 C salad oil

To mixture, alternate adding flour and zucchini:
Grate 3 cups unpeeled zucchini
3 C flour

When complete add:
1 C raisins
1 C chopped pecans

Bake and enjoy. As well as enjoying the bread, remember our Bread of Life who gives all things to us in abundance.

Thank You Father for Your goodness in my life. Forgive my ingratitude that I will appreciate everything you grow in me with Your abundant touch. I give You all the glory for who You are in my life. In Jesus precious name...Amen

Rest Awhile

And the apostles gathered themselves
together unto Jesus, and told him all
things, both what they had done, and
what they had taught.
And he said unto them,
Come ye yourselves apart into a
desert place, and rest awhile:
for there were many coming and going,
and they had no leisure so much
as to eat.
Mark 6:30,31

For many years, I have served the Lord in any number of capacities. Having been on the staff of a very large church, I knew what it was to be responsible in many areas of service. Some of those areas were comfortable for me as they fit my abilities and gifts. Some things I was called on to do were almost more than I could handle. After some special events and conferences, I was beyond exhaustion and really at a very spiritual low. I was told from various sources that it was better to burn out than rust out.

For years, I have seen common folks doing great things in the churches they attend. Many of those folks are handling responsibilities that many years ago would be done by those only in the ministry. It is mind boggling the wonderful talents and abilities found in common laypersons who simply love the Lord and want to serve Him. Along the way, I learned some hard lessons, some I'm still working on.

As I do on occasion, I have again been in the Gospels, reading only the red letter words. These are those things spoken by Jesus. I don't do this all the time but love doing it occasionally. It blocks out the scenery, individuals, harassment by the religious entities of the day and even locations. There are so many times when the everyday human side of Jesus comes out in a strong way in His words and concern. Our opening verses do just that.

The disciples had been busy men. They had been out teaching and ministering. Jesus called them together and reviewed with them what they had been doing. He recognized how busy in ministry His men had been. He recognized their weariness even if they didn't see it in themselves. His suggestions are wise and very thoughtful of them. He suggested three thing to them:

*Come apart (get away from the familiar and congestion)
*Get off to a desert place (referring to a place away from people), and
*Rest awhile (The meaning of rest: “rest.” It isn't a foreign word or hard to understand.)

I believe we feel guilty if we do any one of these three things let alone doing all three. Jesus knew the urgency of the work, but He also valued each of those men and what was best for them at the time. He cared about their health both mentally and physically. He didn't want martyrs. He wanted strong, healthy men to carry on the work.

There are times when we are called upon to do the over and above, but serving God in shot gun fashion isn't wise. By that I mean doing all sorts of things all over the place, being busy for God and receiving lots of praise, but ending up of no worth to God, family or friends. Scripture tells us that whatever we do for God to do it with all we are giving glory to Him. The weary, bedraggled, worn out and perhaps even ill worker for God will receive lots of glory for themselves and not for God. I've been there and done that and have known many other than me who wear the same martyrdom badges. In all we do, Jesus calls to us to “rest awhile” but even in that, many workers by their actions don't believe Jesus knows what He's talking about.

May I give some practical suggestions:
*Are the things you are doing what God has called you to do. For instance, I know folks who can't carry a tune in a basket singing in the church choir. They are basically there to have the best seat in the house. They need to take a good look at their talents and gifts and implement them
*Know your God-given gifts and abilities. There's no more frustration than taking on jobs in a church you aren't equipped to do. There may be gifts in one that need to be developed that will come through learning, work and prayer
*Maintain a healthy body. Take care of the “temple of the Holy Spirit” through eating, rest and healthy living.
*Protect those things you are called to do. Don't take on more than what you are called to do. Learn to say NO. We can't do everything and Jesus doesn't expect us to.
*Whatever you are called to do must be done in God's strength and not your own. Whatever our responsibilities, they should be bathed in prayer, giving God all glory.

As old as I am, I do wish I had learned the things above years ago. I have learned a little about setting boundaries. At this point in my life, with God's leading, there are three things I am doing for Him right now. I will take on no other heavy responsibility unless God tells me to do something different. I have a peace with these things that have me working in the area of my God-given gifts and am at peace with that. In it all, I also have rest. Jesus also said elsewhere:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and
are heavy laden, and, and I will
give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn
of me; for I am meek and lowly in
heart: and ye shall find rest unto
your souls.
Matthew 11:28,29

Thank You Father, that I can come close to You and find peace and rest through the rigors of life. Thank You too for Your personal concern for me, as You desire Your best for my life. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

Focus or Distraction

Brethren, I count not myself to have
apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting
those things which are behind, and reaching
forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the
high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13,14

Maybe in the month of August, you paid some attention to the Olympic games just as we did at our house. We always love watching the swimming events that comes from having a grand-daughter who is an exceptional competitive swimmer at her young age. However, through the years, my husband and I have loved watching all of the track and field events. They have held such a fascination for us, but at the same time, we have found ourselves frustrated at times with some of the goings on.

For instance, our US relay teams have never been known for being able to hold on to a passed baton. We keep hoping trainers will do some concentrated training on that event, but so often, but not always, there is failure to perform in that area. The hurdle races always cause us concern as well. The women tend to clear their hurdles while the men seem to kick all of theirs over. I hold my breath, hoping runners won't be hurt in these races.

The ONE big frustration for us is with all distance racers. It's another snag I'm afraid coaches don't address nearly enough. No matter how far ahead a leader is, one thing can almost be counted on. A runner , toward the end of a race, will usually do one of two things or both. He will turn his head to see how near the next runner is to him. This causes a slowing and distraction from the race at hand. With that mistake, a leading runner tends to lose an established pace. Even when far ahead, many apparent winners, slow down the last few yards prior to the finish line. Sometimes, there is a record on the line and such slowing removes the possibility of breaking a record. Winning is great, but without the slowing process, so much more could be realized.

Athletes in any field of endeavor can be distracted. They might be distracted by the loud voices of coaches calling out to them. Crowd noise can be a real distraction if a team or individual hasn't been exposed to it in the past. There are other things that can distract and affect the performance of an athlete.

I don't know if I have ever known a time that is so difficult in avoiding distractions as in our lives today. A huge distraction is the media, be it by the airwaves or publications. Satan is using every trick in the book to undermine the long established principles and standards of our country. In the foundation of our country are the guiding standards of the Word of God. People may argue all they want that our country wasn't founded on the things of God. I'm grateful our forefathers are not here to hear such ridiculous bantering, especially from Christians. That's another attack of Satan in our day to cause us to question our spiritual heritage as a country. The way our culture is whittling away at our Christian beliefs is great cause for concern and yes, causes distraction....distraction that can lead to great fear.

For so long, I have stressed with ladies the fact that for good spiritual health, we must stay spiritually focused. Right now, we have all we can do to manage our homes, jobs, children, church responsibilities and taking care of our own health and sanity. Advertisements shout at us from the TV, computers, newspapers and cell phones. We are told vitamins we should be taking, cosmetics we should be applying, foods (minus who knows what) we should or shouldn't be eating, soaps we should wash our faces with or use in our washing machines... and the list could go on endlessly. We are bombarded with these and other things that cause us to glance back or around, taking up our undivided attention.

Paul stated in Philippians that he was in a spiritual race. He spoke of “this one thing I do” which means he had a focus in his life. Did he have distractions? He certainly did. He was persecuted, imprisoned and under almost constant harassment. He had a life, not quite like ours but full of distraction. Above it all, there was one predominate thing in his life and that was THE race. His was a spiritual race, reaching for the line...not slowing down or looking around. The calling of God on Paul's life was everything to him. He still had life to live and circumstances to deal with, but he kept focused.

I believe we can be that focused as well. I know that I choose to think about what I want to think about. Distractions don't force themselves on me. I choose those distractions to think or worry about. I have control over what outside forces try to push themselves upon me.

It's easy to focus on things of this world...the latest in entertainment, social responsibilities, church activities, family concerns, gardening, shopping...and the list could go on. Very often, Jesus gets pushed to the background with Him generally having to settle for our leftovers.

Perhaps, like Paul, our personal goal should be those few words of Paul, “This one thing I do” and make Jesus the priority in our lives. God knows we have responsibilities, cares and things to be done on an everyday basis. To say we don't have time for God, is a way of lying to ours selves. We usually make time for those things that are important to us. Focusing on God isn't some kind of activity. Focusing on God is a matter of the heart, of our spiritual love life. Another phrase of determination found in the above verses is: “I press...” This focusing is going to require some effort on our part. Satan will distract in every way to keep us from sweet times with Jesus.

So, we must be determined....”This one thing I do...” “I press toward the mark....” You see, if spiritually we have no goals, aim at nothing, we will hit it every time.

Father, forgive my negligence, not putting you at the top of my priority list. Help me to focus on You and Your will for my life every minute of every day. I love you and want in every way to please You. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

Bloom Where Planted

I am the rose of Sharon, and the
lily of the valleys. As the lily among the thorns
is my love among thy daughters.
Song of Solomon 2:1,2

For years I've heard the term “Bloom where you are planted.” I think there are books and articles by that title, but in our spiritual culture especially, it's become a very familiar cliché. There's a great deal of spiritual truth associated with those words.

Recently Brian and I were driving through our favorite mountain cove where I saw something very interesting. Having been in that place so often, there are times when something different stands out. We passed by a small stream. In a part of that stream, the top of a tree had fallen some time back. It's branches through time turned bare and gray and many of the branches had become entwined and enmeshed, looking like the forces of the wind and stream had woven them tightly together. As we approached, there was something different that was quite obvious. I didn't think it was anything but a weed of some sort because weeds in that place are usually as beautiful as any rare flower of any type. The stalk of the weed was thick about looked to be at least two feet above it's unusual grounding. Perched on top of that tall stalk was a most beautiful bright red flower. The flower had the look of a lily.

There in that matted and very unlovely setting rose that green stalk with a gorgeous red flower perched on top. It was such an unlikely setting for something so beautiful and I have to wonder how many other passers by saw that flower that was blooming beautifully where God had planted it.




I thought of some Scripture heroes who found themselves planted in unusual settings and were asked to bloom where they were planted. I think of Moses...raised in a palace. He had everything possible available to him. He was the promised future ruler. The world bowed at his feet. Through some circumstances though, Moses found himself tending flocks of sheep in a wilderness area. I'm sure there were times he looked back and wondered how such a perfect life could come so unglued. He must have also wondered if that wilderness was all there would ever be to his life. He might wonder, that is, until he had an encounter with a burning bush and the great I AM who spoke through it. He found he would be something else for God, but for those many years, he was put in an unlovely place to bloom where God had planted him.


Young David was the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd boy which was a job that usually fell to the youngest of brothers. Samuel came to him when he was very young, anointing David to be the next king. When that was finished, though, David returned to his flocks for a time. He must have wondered in confusion what was going on. There he was in a desert area with smelly sheep. He had no idea what life would bring, but did whatever job he was asked to do, even when called to the palace to encourage King Saul who was in the depths of depression. David bloomed wherever he was called to be.


We read of apostles in the New Testament, whether on trial, being abused and even imprisoned, but who bloomed in the most difficult of circumstances. Even in prison, God's men sang praises to God. I wonder if most of us could do that.


We have seen others more in our own time who have bloomed where they were planted. I think of the ten Boom family, rescuing Jews from the Nazi's. They were such a blessing in that process but even when the sisters were sent to a concentration camp, the bloomed there through their Bible studies and the spiritual encouragement they showered on other prisoners. Who would have thought such beauty could burst forth in a horrible place like a German concentration camp.


There are Christians across the eastern part of our world who are suffering and dying for their faith. We have seen pictures of people being led to their deaths for their faith. In comparison to them, we Christians in our own country so often fail to stand for spiritual principles when we have the opportunity. We don't want to be embarrassed or make anyone angry. We are more than aware of political correctness and offending others. We've been planted where we are for purpose. We may be the only flower showing forth Christ in a messed up world, but in His reasoning and purpose for our lives, we are where we are...so blossom we must.

More than any of the above, I think of that precious Rose of Sharon Who came from the glory of Heaven. He knew nothing but sweet fellowship with His Father, the angelic choir's anthems ringing in His ears along with all of the perfection of that place. But the day came when Jesus' Father indicated that it was time for Jesus' to leave. He came to earth, sin soaked with evil in every place to save people from their sins. Jesus bloomed in this most unusual place. He was planted on a cross. It was an odd place for one to blossom, but He did. There was never another blossom like that one. That blessed blossom came to even greater fruition and beauty the day He rose from the grave for you and me. No matter our circumstances...good or bad...may we bloom to our fullest where God has planted us for His honor and glory.

Dear Father, I must admit I have questioned at times why You put me in places I didn't understand at the time. Looking back, your purposes are now clear. Every time You have planted me, You've nurtured me in my growth in You and I'm grateful for Your teaching. Thank You for how You continue to work in my life. In Jesus' precious name....Amen