Jehovah Jireh: The Lord Will Provide

Our God is faithful and provides for His people. Over the course of 2017, God has provided for me in great and mighty ways! When the future seemed uncertain, when I was unsure of how it would all come together, I knew God had a plan. I just wanted to take time to reflect and post what He has done for me so far this year. 
It all started with the move into my very own house. I have lived in different towns, states, even a different country without my family--but I always had roommates. People were always milling about, sometimes living in the same room if I needed something. We shared food, supplies, rent, and conversation. 
Now, here I was, moving into a place of my very own where I was to be solely independent. I had been searching and praying for a house or apartment to move into. My plan was to get a roommate (or two) and split the cost of everything. When my mom told me about a house here in town that might be a good fit for me, I listened closely, skeptical that it could be for me. I called the realtor to get a tour, and upon walking through the house, I immediately knew: this was the place for me! The house is intended for one person or a married couple, not ideal for roommates. The rent is affordable on my own, and I can manage the inexpensive lights and utilities. Was this the house I had pictured? Was this what I had planned for myself? No, no, no! But God is good and provides! 
Now I am moved out on my own, dealing with all of these expenses, and my hourly job at the school is about to cease for the summer. I don't have enough money saved to carry me through the three months with no income: I needed a job! I began to search and pray, and I was asking others for resources and prayer. What places are hiring? Where could I work for the summer? Is there someone who would work with me having a full-time job at the school? A friend told me Wal-mart was hiring for positions in the Garden Center. I sent in an online application and got called soon after. The interview was a breeze, and I was offered the job! I was thrilled! God again was providing.
In the midst of moving and getting a new job, I was also looking into going on a mission trip. I had intended on going to Mexico in December, but that didn't work out. I love cross cultural missions, and I feel called to stay involved. I was searching for trips, contacting missionary resources, and nothing was working out! I either just missed deadlines or trips conflicted with my schedule. I finally decided to stop trying to make things work and to trust that God would open up the door if I was supposed to go somewhere. All the while, my friend Caleb had been posting about a trip to Nicaragua. At first I thought, "Oh cool, I'm happy for him! I'll pray for his trip." After some time, he announced he'd be taking a team with him and requested volunteers. One day it clicked, and it occurred to me to ask him for info about the trip. They were just about to purchase plane tickets as a group. This could have been another missed opportunity, BUT I had JUST received my income tax refund. This refund would adequately cover all the expenses for my plane tickets! 
On top of that, God provided for the other funds I needed to go. He provided through friends, family, church family, and even unexpected ways, like through a local Christian bookstore. When God calls you to do something, NO obstacles can stand in your way!
As if these situations weren't enough, He continued to provide in other ways. 
Providing young adult community when I was feeling alone and disconnected. 
Giving me adult fellowship through a Sunday school class when I had been so focused on children's and youth ministry.
Providing transportation when I had gotten into a car accident.
I could list more. These are just some really big moments that really stand out and were momentous. This isn't even going into the day to day ways that God has provided and shown His faithfulness and provision. 
God is good. We can trust Him and put our faith in Him, even when circumstances are hard. Even when we don't see how things could work out. Even when things aren't going like we think they should. He is a good, good Father and cares for His children. 

Will You Trust Me? A Reflection on Finances

I anxiously await my paycheck to get bills paid.
Life changes are occurring and my budget is getting tighter.
Expenses keep popping up, yet my paycheck only comes once a month.
I'm looking for a second job, but I haven't found one yet.
In the middle of it all, I hear God's still small voice asking me to trust Him.
He's asking, Will you trust Me?

It's moments like this, moments of insecurity and uncertainty, that our worries and doubts start to surface. We have to decide whether to live in doubt and fear or step out in faith and trust God.

Trust God to provide.

Trust that God has a plan.

Trust that God is a good Father.

Trust that God is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do.

As I was reflecting earlier, the verses in Matthew 6 came to mind,

"'Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (emphasis mine)

If God takes care of the birds and makes sure their needs are met, how much more will He take care of me! I can trust that He will meet my needs. I don't have to worry about my bills or how I will be able to afford groceries. I don't have to stress about how much money is left in my bank account. He already knows my current needs and what my needs are going to be. Just like He provided for the Israelites when they were wandering in the desert, He will provide for me. He is a good, good Father who cares for His children.

Will you trust Me? Yes, Lord! Yes, I will trust You. I will trust You in the good times and the bad. Help me to have the faith to continue moving forward. Cause my eyes to stay fixed on You, not on my earthly circumstances. Give me the strength to seek first Your Kingdom and righteousness above all else. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

Experimenting in the Kitchen: Using a New Recipe

What do you do when the weather is bad, the roads are icy, and you're spending the day at home?
Bake!
This morning I made my usual delicious skillet cornbread to be paired with ham and beans, followed by a new recipe I found: coconut flour bread. You can find the recipe here: http://blog.radiantlifecatalog.com/bid/62722/Home-Baked-Grain-Free-Organic-Coconut-Flour-Bread.
I thought, why not review this new recipe?!

Level: Easy
Ease of finding ingredients: 5 out of 5. Super easy! Had all of them at home already
Taste: 4 out of 5. The texture is like that of a quick bread. I think it tastes good but not like your typical bread. If you haven't ever had a gluten free, yeast free bread, it will take some getting used to.
Cook time: Around 25 minutes. My bread pan was a little bigger than I would have liked. If using a smaller pan, it would have taken about 40 minutes like the recipe suggests.

As you can tell, the bread pan I used was too big, or maybe I should have doubled the recipe for this size pan. Size aside, this coconut bread tastes good! I followed the recipe closely (not usually my style!). I did use extra virgin coconut oil instead of going with ghee, so mine has an extra coconut-y flavor, which I am okay with. If you aren't a fan of that, definitely go with butter or ghee. I have only eaten this plain, and I imagine it will only taste even better with a topping. I'm thinking peanut butter, honey, or jam. If it was more bread shaped, you could easily use this for a sandwich.

Would I make this recipe again? Yes!

Have you made a gluten free bread at home? I'd love to hear what recipes you've tried and which ones were successful.

Love in Christ and many blessings to you!