This has been a week of joy-filled experiences and rich, soul-strengthening conversations with dear friends, here in MN and in D.C. where we traveled for a World Vision board meeting.
Today I am overwhelmed at the wonder of God and His sustaining presence even when the world is in a bad way. I’ve been doing a study of Job using the First 5 app which I highly recommend. (You can do any of their previous studies too.) Maybe my tiny dose of optimism is partially the result of this verse:
“I know that You can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.” Job 42:1-3
And few other things to share this week:
Made me laugh…
A creative idea from my friend Kathy Burleson who leads Community Bible Study leaders…
She filled this to-go cup with tea, hot chocolate, and other goodies for under $2 a piece. Such a fun, visual reminder of the importance of soul care. I don’t want to just look at this as a gimmick, but truly sit at Jesus’ feet before anything else.
A quote I like…
What I’m reading…
My friends and I went to hear Brené last week when she was in town at the beginning of her book tour on Braving the Wilderness, and I have been thinking about her words ever since. It was a powerful evening – what an effective communicator! She addresses how “sorted” and divisive our culture has become. Although some reviewers dislike some of the political overtones, I thought it was particularly timely and convicting.
I feel there are really valuable insights in this book. My only note to those who are considering reading this is that it is not a “Christian” book and I took issue with Brown where she seems to orient everything in reference to self, not God.
“Stop walking through the world looking for confirmation that you don’t belong. You will always find it because you made that your mission. Stop scouring people’s faces for evidence that you’re not enough. You will always find it because you’ve made that your goal. True belonging and self-worth are not goods; we don’t negotiate their value with the world.” Brené Brown
Lastly, one of my go-to Fall recipes…
Carrot Bars
4 eggs well beaten
2 cups sugar
2 ts. soda
2 ts. cinnamon
1 ts. salt
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil (I know, I know…and yes, you can try cutting it down, but I can’t guarantee results)
2 1/2 cups flour
3 small (4 1/2 oz. jars of baby food carrots
I spray pam on a jelly roll pan and pour the batter in. Bake @350 for 20-30 minutes.
You can frost with canned frosting, but scratch is easy and so much better:
1/2 cup butter, softened
8 oz. cream cheese
2 ts. vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar
