Monthly Archives: June 2012

Quite literally today, I baked!

Now, I’m a Baker, but not a baker!  So, over these last few weeks, I’ve been trying to learn a little bit about cooking and making meals.  I actually enjoy the idea – the actual thing is another thing!

My son showed me how to make apple pie when he was here a few weeks ago.  I sent for the recipe Saturday and Tim forwarded the recipe yesterday. 

I purposed today to try it out. 

Now wonder many women don’t cook pies.  The crust is the real obstacle.  I threw out the first batch when I couldn’t quite roll it right.  The second batch had problems as well, but I wasn’t about to try a third time!

Below is the result.  Haven’t tried it out yet – but by faith I’m believing that I will survive the taste test and enjoy the results!!

Just what we are looking for on June 17th.  Four hours later, I still had a mound of hail at the end of my downspout!

And to think that summer begins on June 20th, just 3 days away!

So, I’m considering this prayer for the following days:  May our summer be blest with the sun’s rays and a bit less hail!

Every once in a while (almost in a fairy tale type of way), there is a sermon I preach that is just a bit above my other sermons. 

Today I talked about my two earthly fathers, Calvin Baker and Al Cooper (my wife’s father).  Both greatly affected my life and their biblical principles of stewardship have initiated good in my life.

I listened to the sermon again after service (28 minutes long), and couldn’t turn it off.  I did notice that perhaps some of my historical facts could be wrong – maybe Dad was custom combining in the 1940’s and maybe Dad Cooper’s prayers weren’t quite as long as I might have suggested.  Nevertheless, this sermon is from my perspective, and I emphasize things about my fathers that others may not have seen. 

You might find a challenge in the sermon!  I’ve included my notes for the sermon as well, so  you can download them in WORD Doc format.  Check it out at http://www.sermoncloud.com/kindersley-alliance/my-earthly-fathers/.

I was not stunned.  Maybe I should have been.  Maybe I sensed this.

After decades of knowing my friend, I finally heard the story of his abuse as a child.  This was draining.  When he relives his life stories, he re-lives them.

I was privileged to be there.  With each slight pause or heightened inflection, I could tell this was not easy.

The part I loved?  As the story continues, over a few decades time my friend finally confronts his abuser.  The abuser admits his fault.  My friend forgives. 

In he midst of repentance and forgiveness there is new life.

How did my friend come to that point?  He talked to God.  Whether literally or in his mind – he talked.  God heard him talk of his abuse – how he was mistreated.  And then God talked to him about the abuse his Son, Jesus, also endured.  His Son forgave – could my friend forgive?

What a turning point.  My friend could not see any other alternative than to forgive.  And so he did!

I want that attitude to be in me as well.