Mom Stories #4 - Ivory Knife from Africa

I had been given a hand-carved ivory letter opener as a gift in college from my employer at a world missions agency.  One morning on Bob's way to work he decided to pick it up and take it to the office to use as a letter opener. 

Ten minutes later Bob pulled up in front of our inner-city church and opened his car door to get out. At the last moment he remembered the knife-like letter opener and reached in and grabbed it off the front seat with his right hand. As he stood up and closed the car door he heard someone right behind him. He turned around to see who it was and was holding the knife.

It was a young man with a stocking cap partially blocking his face.  The moment he saw Bob's knife, he turned around and ran in the other direction at full speed.  

 

Did a gift sent from half-way around the world in Africa save Bob's life? This much is sure. Out there is perhaps some would-be robber who has to wonder just what kind of pastor carries such a knife to work with him. 

"Because the Lord is my shepherd; I have everything that I need." Psalm 23:1

Dear God, Thank you for your hand of protection and watch-care.  In the name of Jesus, Amen

When has God rescued you from your enemies?

Mom Stories #3 - The Wonder of Life That I See Through My Children

The ceiling fan will never hold more than a 40-pound child…though it is definitely less expensive than taking your child to Six Flags Great America. 

The backyard swimming pool is not a bubble bath.
Salt, pepper and milk are not fish food.
Finger painting is a good hobby. Finger painting the front door is not a good hobby.
A good sense of humor will get you through most problems in life.

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting." Job 8:21

Dear God, Thank you for the wonder of life, love, and laughter I see through my children.  In Christ's name, Amen

Can I still laugh at something my kids do just for fun?

Mom Stories #2 - If God Permits

The home next door to us was going to be renovated.  It really needed an extreme makeover. Someone had purchased it at a good price and was planning an extensive rehab before selling it again.  

Construction workers started working on it one day and then did not return for months, possibly a whole year.  We found out from our Village Hall the construction company did not have the necessary building permits, so they were shut them down temporarily until they secured the correct ones.

Otherwise, haphazard work could be done which is dangerous to the occupants or neighbors.  A collapsed roof, a door that opens the wrong way or windows that can't open could occur.

"And this we will do if God permits." Hebrews 6:3

Dear God, I want to know your heart and Word, so this verse will be true in my life every day.  In Christ's name, Amen

Am I ever quiet enough to listen to the Voice speaking to me and willing to hear? 

Mom Stories #1 - Because of the Rain

My car was in the body shop on a rainy day in September.  I needed a few specific groceries to finish a recipe for dinner, but it was raining too hard to ride my bike. Trying to get something else completed on my list, I went to the garage to clean a little. Deciding to make an area in the garage for the camping equipment, I opened my husband's vintage cooler he had taken on a father-son fishing trip in June. Inside the cooler, I found a lot of canned and boxed groceries.  He had obviously not used up everything on his fishing trip.As a family, we enjoyed a great dinner as we thanked God for his provision of unexpected food I discovered because of the rain.
"And my God will meet all your needs accourding to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Dear God, In the morning, afternoon, and evening, may I often thank you and tell others all that you have done. In Jesus' name, Amen
What three things has God done lately for you, your husband, your children, your parents or your siblings that you can tell someone about today? 

Chocolate Blueberry Almond Cake - Mom Vegan Slow-Cooker Meals

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup Coconut or almond milk
2 cups Organic blueberries (if frozen, thaw first)

1 cup Maple Syrup
1/2 cup Coconut oil or vegetable oil

1/2 cup Applesauce 

1/4 slivered almonds 

Dry Ingredients:

3/4 cup Dark Hersheys Cocoa Powder

1 tsp. Salt

1 1/2 Baking powder

1 1/2 Baking soda

1 3/4 cup Flour (your choice of flour)
3 Tablespoons Flax Seed Powder

Directions:

1.  Mix wet ingredients softly.

2.  In separate bowl, mix dry ingredients.

3.  Mix contents of both bowls together.

4.  Pour into prepared pan or slow cooker.

Bake in a prepared slow cooker, covered, and on high setting.  90 minutes, then check.
OR

Bake in a prepared glass pan 9in x 9in.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Bake 40 minutes, then check.

Serve with fresh blueberries.