Little Things I Took for Granted

Dear Brides, Baking can be intimidating, but don’t let it stop you from trying. And the truth is, we are not alone, our Beloved is with us to guide us step by step through the process. Cooking or baking doesn’t have to be out of necessity, but something you can actually enjoy doing because you know Who you are doing it with. I pray that you’ll enjoy making the recipes here and may it become an activity that brings your family closer together.  

Before my RJ, I did all things on my own strength. What an eye-opener to finally learn the truth that He is always with me in everything I do, even while I bake! 

I have a fondness for dessert and anything sweet. I remember watching those cooking shows and my desire to try and make them too. But because of fear and thinking mine would just be a failure, I passed up on many desserts that I would have wanted to try. I also remember the times I struggled when I attempted to bake more complicated sweets. I would be all over the place and the kitchen would be a mess after. I love the cooking tips given in this lesson Chapter 13 Making the Most of Your Oven Part 2.

I smile now because knowing my Beloved is with me in everything I do, it’s like having your best friend over to cook and bake together. My outlook has changed. Baking or cooking is not just chore, but really something I love to do, more so now that it is one more thing I can be sharing with the Lord. I am no longer afraid to try out new recipes. I know I will not be doing them on my strength. He is directing and guiding me and making sure what I make, whether simple or more complex recipes, comes out as good as I hope it would be. I am looking forward to trying the recipes here!

I also never thought that cooking is something we can pass on to our children, that they follow by our example. I always thought that they either want to cook, enjoy cooking or it’s a necessity that needs to be learned. It's so obvious, but I failed to realize how it brings families closer when we cook or eat together. These little things I took for granted that it’s just the “norm”, its what people “do”. But there is actually a deeper meaning behind them. The life we live, the example we set for our children and family, they see it all and will influence them in their own lives and their future marriages/family. I’m thankful to be learning all these truths that I can apply and pass on in my own family.

I am so thankful to know that He is always with me. That my eyes were opened to the truth that He is not just a distant and far-away God I call on to, but actually Someone who loves me and cares about every little detail of my life. To know that He is ever-present, never leaving or forsaking me, changed my life so much. I am thankful to be always reminded and made aware of His presence because it is reminding me to cast my cares on Him, to depend on Him, to look to Him instead of what I used to do before; struggling in my own strength, looking and relying on other people. 

I learned that I don’t have to be afraid nor let intimidation stop me from trying, from doing something I want to do just because of fear of failure. I don’t have to be afraid. I can do it through Him. 

I can do all things through Christ[a] who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NKJV

This rings so true for me when it comes to baking. I used to be so intimidated with baking. Watching from cooking shows and seeing the results, I would tell myself, I can never make it look as good as what I saw. It made me shy away from even trying. But this verse reminded me that I can do all things through Him!

I will seek God and ask Him to guide and direct my steps in what I do. I will not let fear stop me from doing something but remember that I can do all things through Him.

My dear Lord, thank You for the truths You are showing me to rebuild Our home on Your rock. Thank You that You are always with me, for being my strength that enables me to face my fears and push them back knowing You are so much greater. Thank You that through You I can do all things. I’m excited to try out new recipes and do new things with You. Help me to remember that We do everything together, that I am not alone. Thank You for the truths You have sown in my heart. Help me to live by them every day and carry it with me to pass on to Our family. Thank You for guiding me and holding me up when I fail. I would not be where I am without You, Beloved. Thank You Lord for everything You have done and continue to do in my life. I love You Lord. Dear Lord, I confess the times I let fear and intimidation stop me from doing things I wanted and things You called me to do. For all the times I didn’t obey Your Word because of fear. I confess the times I didn’t seek You first and did things on my own strength. I’m sorry for thinking I can do it without You, that I didn’t need You. I’m sorry Lord. 

This book workers@home is filled with practical guides to keep your home life organized and in order. It opened my eyes to things I would love to apply in my own life, where before I didn’t think it mattered, like planning meals, decluttering… etc. I love that Erin applied and lived it in her own life and it works!

~ Joyce in Singapore