Fearless Dependence - a lesson from lilies

"Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!  And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried.  For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.  Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.  Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:27-32

This teaching of Christ's is far from promoting laziness ("neither toil nor spin" applies to the lily, but I am still commanded to work responsibly) or teaching a prosperity gospel (Christ does not promise material luxury on earth).  Rather, considering the relationship between the lily and its Creator leads to a right consideration of my needs and my Creator's provision.  Is my heart striving or grasping or worrying after my needs? 'Your Father knows that you need them.'  Do I doubt my Father's goodness?  Do I doubt his ability to provide what I need?  Do I doubt the truth of my promised inheritance in his eternal kingdom?  'Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.'

"Uh-oh" Banana Oatmeal Cookies

      Banana Bread seems to be kind of an "uh-oh" dessert, at least in my kitchen.  I don't usually buy bananas with the intention of making banana bread.  I want to eat them for breakfast, but they tend to ripen faster than I expect.  The chain of events leading up to me making banana bread usually starts that morning.  I  fix my coffee, then reach for a banana and realize -- uh-oh -- they are too ripe to really eat by themselves.  Time to make bread.  Today's recipe is even more of an "uh-oh" recipe.  In addition to not wanting to waste the bananas, I wanted to make healthy bread -- no white flour, no white sugar.  Unfortunately, when I got the wheat flour out of the freezer, I realized that it had freezer burn.  Wheat flour, no go.  The only other flour-type options left in the pantry were buckwheat pancake mix and cooking oats.

So, I used the Whole Wheat Oatmeal Cookie Recipe that I found online, but with a few alterations:

1/2 cup Crisco
1 cup mashed very ripe bananas
1/4 cup honey
1 egg
-- Mix these together, then stir in --
1 1/4 cup oats
1 cup buckwheat pancake mix
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt

(Note: you can adjust the amount of flour until you get the desired consistency).
Place by heaping spoonfuls on a cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 F for about 10 minutes (or until the cookies are no longer shiny on top).  Let them cool a bit and then serve warm.  Makes about 14 cookies.

Starting Out

I've been meaning to start a blog for a while now.  In fact, I think I started one 4 or 5 years ago, but I don't remember the username for it.  At any rate, since I have just graduated and don't have work for the summer, now seemed like the ideal time to pick up blogging.  I don't have a specific category for the content of this blog, hence the title "thoughts 'n' such".  I like to dabble in writing out thoughts on scripture, news articles, and books that I've been reading.  Photography and crafts/decorating/cooking projects are hobbies of mine, so I will be posting some pictures and projects... with the hope of getting some feedback on them. :)

The theme that I hope surfaces throughout these posts is that I'm a sinner saved by grace and who dearly loves the Savior who first loved her. So, if you come across this blog and are amused, cheered, challenged, or encouraged -- especially as a result of being pointed to Christ -- then this little blog's purpose will be fulfilled.