Chocolate Zucchini Cake

It's the end of August and that can only mean one thing...

'Tis the season of the prolific giant zucchini! 

If you've ever planted zucchini in your garden you have an appreciation of how prolific this long green squash is.  Plant two plants and you're supplying the entire community with zucchini to last through winter and well into spring.

Right now you probably feel akin to the Egyptians in Exodus chapter 8 who were afflicted with the plague of frogs.  The difference is your plague is long and green and doesn't tend to hop around your garden.

Bear with me while I adlib for a moment...

The community shall swarm with zucchini that shall come up into your house and into your bedroom and on your bed and into the houses of your servants and your people, and into your kneading bowls and your ovens.  The zucchini shall come up on you and on your people and on all your servants.

If you try this recipe you'll be very happy to have the zucchini come up into your kneading bowls and your ovens!  This cake is super moist and you'd never know there was an ounce of zucchini in it.  Enjoy!

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Cream together:

½ c. soft margarine

½ c. vegetable oil

1 3/4 c. sugar

Add:

2 whole eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

½ c. sour milk (if you don't have sour milk add a bit of vinegar to the measuring cup)

Beat with a mixer.

Mix dry ingredients (below) together and add to creamed mixture.  Beat well.

2 ½ c. flour

4 tbsp. cocoa

½ tsp. baking power

1 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. cinnamon

Stir in 2 cups finely diced (not shredded) zucchini

Spoon batter into greased and floured 9 x 12 x 2 pan. Sprinkle top with ½ cup chocolate chips or more if you like (these are optional).  Bake in 325 degrees oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until done.



Psalm 100:1,2 & 5 - Finding Joy

MEMORY VERSE:

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!  Serve the Lord with gladness!  Come into His presence with singing!”  Psalm 100:1-2

“For the Lord is good:  His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.”  Psalm 100:5

I never cease to be amazed at how God always delivers the message I need at just the right moment. 

This Sunday morning I was visiting Southwood United Church, my church home when I’m working in Calgary.  As usual the people, music, and message were great!  The message was titled, “Uncork More Joy In Your Life”.

We all know how easy it is to lose sight of the good things in our lives while worrying our perceived problems to death.  I’m no different.

I came to the service filled with concerns about a condo we’re trying to rent, our fridge that died, the responsibilities of a new role I’ve taken on in my job, and the crazy travel schedule that goes along with it.  I was feeling overwhelmed and a little depressed.

But the psalmist says, “God’s steadfast love endures forever.”  God spoke through the worship team and Pastor Ed, reminding me I was investing all my energy in worrying about my “problems” instead of focusing on the abundant blessings.

The service opened with a brief presentation from some church members who recently journeyed to Africa. Even though the people of the village they visited have very little, the team was struck by the deep joy they exhibit.

I find myself reflecting on the words, “have very little”.  Our world consists of luxurious houses, leather upholstered air conditioned cars, fast food and delicacies from around the world, closets full of clothes, and overstuffed sofas. 

We look at their mud huts, dirt floors, and daily struggle to survive on one meager meal a day and say, “They have so little.”

Perhaps these people are in fact richer in some ways than we will ever be.  Their joy in the Lord is complete.  Their love and generosity overflows.

I came away from the service feeling lighter than when I went in.  None of the circumstances in my life changed, but instead of feeling tired and down, I had a smile on my face and joy in my heart. 

God showed up and met me when I needed Him most.  He reminded me to look for joy in the midst of life’s challenges.

I don’t want to go through life focusing on the negative and missing the joyful blessings.  What about you?  Do you need a joyful reminder today? 

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!  Serve the Lord with gladness!  Come into His presence with singing!”  Psalm 100:1-2

“For the Lord is good:  His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.”  Psalm 100:5

Reluctant Leader

Are you in a leadership position where you feel more like curling up in a quivering ball of tears than stepping up to lead?

Let me reassure you.  You’re not alone.  Been there...done that...got the “feeling totally inadequate” t-shirt!  And so do a lot of leaders in the Bible.

Take Moses for example...

God tells Moses he’s been chosen to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.  Does Moses get excited and rise to the challenge?  Not even close!  He stutters and stumbles over weak excuses and finally tells God, “Send someone else.” (Exodus 2 to 4)

What about Gideon...

Gideon protests profusely when God chooses him to rescue Israel from the Midianites.  He’s weak and scared and it takes three different signs from God...wet fleece, dry fleece, and an interpretation of a dream...before Gideon is convinced he can lead the people. 

Even after he receives God’s guarantee he’s so scared of impending leadership that he performs his first actions as Israel’s leader after dark so no one will know he’s the one destroying the altars of the foreign Gods. (Read Judges 6, 7, and 8)

These are just two examples, but the Bible is full of weak, reluctant leaders who eventually take the plunge and step out in faith to follow God. 

Leadership is a funny thing.  Some people are natural leaders.  They know instinctively they were built to lead.  Others (including me) don’t have a clue. 

Imagine my surprise a few years ago when my pastor told me I was viewed as one of the leaders in our church.  I reacted with typical “Moses Syndrome”. 

“No way! I’m no leader.  I’ve got nothing to offer.  I’m too shy.  I don’t know enough people.  I’m not comfortable talking to strangers.” 

But his comment was followed up with encouragement to take on leadership challenges.  Gradually the belief system I held about myself and my capabilities began to shift.

The gifts that had been buried in a casket of shyness and low self-esteem rose to the surface.  I read books and blogs on leadership and attended leadership conferences.  I spent time in prayer, relying on God for guidance. 

I was shocked one day to realize that I had, in fact, become a leader in the church community.  (Thanks Ed for giving me the nudge and encouragement I needed!)

Have you been told you have leadership ability?  Have you reluctantly taken on a leadership role even though you feel overwhelmed and inadequately prepared? 

Remember, you’re not alone.  Take encouragement from the promise God makes to Joshua as he takes over responsibility for leading the Israelite people.

“Be strong, take courage.  You will enter the land that God promised their ancestors that He’d give them.  You will make them the proud possessors of it.  God is striding ahead of you.  He’s right there with you.  He won’t let you down; He won’t leave you.  Don’t be intimidated, don’t worry.”  Deuteronomy 31:7-8 (The Message)

Are you facing a leadership challenge?  Share your struggles by clicking on “comments” below.

Isaiah 53:6 - Who's Your Saviour?

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned – every one – to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”  Isaiah 53:6

In last week’s post, “No Ordinary Super Hero” we focused on verse 5 in chapter 53 of Isaiah.  This reminds us Jesus died so we can live in the presence of God as a forgiven people.  Verse 6 reinforces this thought.

We’ve all messed up.  I’ve done things I’m not proud of, things I regret, things that hurt others along the way, but because Jesus voluntarily died on the cross, and was resurrected, the events I’m ashamed of are now in my past.  I’ve confessed them and am humbled by, and grateful for, the forgiveness I’ve been granted. 

Unlike human relationships God doesn’t keep throwing your past in your face.  You confess, repent (stop doing what you’re doing and change your way of living), and you’re forgiven.  It’s done.  It’s over.  It’s gone. 

Not convinced?  In Psalm 103:12 David says, “as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”  Think about it…how far is the east from the west? 

Do east and west ever meet?  No, at any given point, east and west always exist in opposing directions, so God forgives our mistakes, never bringing them back to haunt us. 

If Jesus is the mechanism through which our sins are forgiven, and God doesn’t keep regurgitating them, why do feelings of guilt continually plague us like the incessant throbbing of an abscessed tooth?

In his books, “The Prodigal God” and “The Reason for God…Believing in an Age of Skepticism” Timothy Keller points to the concept of “being your own Saviour”.   He states if you’re trying to earn God’s love by living the perfect life you are, in essence, trying to be your own Saviour.  You try to justify yourself in the eyes of God by your goodness and ignore the concept of grace.

Do you try to live up to an impossible standard of perfection in an attempt to earn God’s love?  Are you falling short of that standard and feeling you’re not worthy of forgiveness?  Are you trying to be your own Saviour?

Today’s scripture tells us we’re all like sheep that wander away from the flock.  Not one of us is perfect.  We all have flaws and at some point in time we’ve all made a mess of our lives or someone else’s.

The scripture reassures us though that Jesus died for each one of us.  He took the burden of your personal mistakes on Himself.  Don’t buy into the belief that you’re not good enough for forgiveness.  You don’t need to be your own Saviour.  Through His death and resurrection Jesus is your Saviour.

Are you tired of living as a slave to guilt and shame?  Maybe it’s time to get to know Jesus?  If so pray this prayer today.

Heavenly Father, I know I’ve messed up my life.  I know I’ve made mistakes and I’m carrying guilt and shame because of it.  I believe Jesus, your son, died on the cross and rose again so that I can be set free from this burden.  Please forgive me for my past mistakes and remove this heaviness as far as the east is from the west.  Help me begin to live a new life conscious of your guiding presence.  I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen

If you’ve prayed this prayer you’ve taken the first step to living a forgiven life.  If you’re looking for more resources, Insight for Living has a helpful web page to assist you in taking the next step in your journey with God.  Follow this link http://www.insight.org/library/articles/how-to-know-god/relationship-with-god.html?t=How_to_Know_God

Do you have stories of finding forgiveness in your life?  Share your thoughts by clicking on “comments” below.

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned – every one – to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”  Isaiah 53:6

Isaiah 53:5 - No Ordinary Super Hero

MEMORY VERSE: 

“But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.”  Isaiah 53:5

Isaiah 53, verses 5 and 6 are wonderful reminders of the power Jesus Christ has in our lives.  Through His suffering we find forgiveness and healing.

I think it’s important to remember the message from both verses of this chapter so I’m breaking them down into two weeks.  This week we’ll learn verse five and next week verse six.

Life has a way of breaking us down.  We start out filled with good intentions.  We plan to do the right thing and lead a good life, but eventually we run full speed into a construction zone.  Here we’re forced to navigate life’s unfinished roads; complete with pot holes left behind from rain the storms dumped along the way.

The results aren’t pretty.  We may find ourselves compromising our values, making questionable choices, and leading secret lives we never intended. 

The crashes in life test our faith, cause us to doubt God’s goodness and prevailing power, and sometimes even lead us away from Him. 

We find ourselves spiraling out of control, screaming in terror for someone to stop the ride of life so we can get off before we get sick!

I know we’ve all been there…the onset of depression, the loss of a child to addiction, the cancer diagnosis, the affair that slithered into your life, an abusive relationship.  The circumstances may vary but we’ve all been there.

We’re left with feelings of remorse, guilt, anger, and shattered self-esteem.  Complex emotions rage within and we’re at a loss to know where to turn or how to cope.  We long for the super hero in our favourite movie to swoop down and save us.

Enter Jesus…stage right.  He’s quiet and unassuming.  He doesn’t wear Lycra tights.  He doesn’t change in a phone booth or wear a cape.  He doesn’t morph into a raging, green hulk.  He doesn’t lead a double life, crawl up buildings, or have a tingly “spidey” sense. 

At first glance He’s pretty boring in the world of super heroes.  But take a second look.  Jesus defends the weak; He helps the marginalized; He accepts the unaccepted.  He loves with a love so deep it’s beyond our comprehension.

He dies on the cross for us; for our screw ups, our failures, and our guilt.  He loves us and sacrifices Himself for us.  What other super hero does that?  That’s the super hero I want in my life.  What about you? 

Please share your thoughts by clicking on “comments” below.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.”  Isaiah 53:5

Whose Responsibility Are The Poor - Part 2

On Sunday I closed out my post by asking you to consider some of the prevalent attitudes towards helping the poor.

·         “If they want food then they should get a job like the rest of us.”

·         “I work hard for my money.  Why should I give it to a bum on the street who can’t be bothered doing an honest day’s work?”

·         “Life’s short and it sucks.  The world owes me.  I deserve that new BMW.”

·         “We’ve got our own troubles.  People starving in Africa really aren’t my problem”

Where did we go wrong?  When did we start caring more about accumulating personal wealth and less about taking care of the poor and marginalized in our communities and around the world?  When did the instant gratification of getting it on credit replace our desires to make a difference in the world?

For most of us our pay cheque is already spent long before it hits our bank account.  Can you relate to paying 19% or 28% interest on your credit card for stuff you “just had to have” five years ago (with good intentions of paying it off before the interest free period ran out)?  You’re not alone, in fact these days you’re pretty much considered a “normal” consumer. 

I challenge you today to closely evaluate the state of your budget.  I’d like to offer a different way of living...perhaps even issue a challenge towards it.

What if, instead of spending frivolously on toys, expensive cars, and designer clothes we slashed our spending, worked at eliminating personal debt, and opened our eyes to the world around us?

What if we started caring about people starving in Africa, or orphans living on the street in India, or Mexicans making their homes in a garbage dump, or the homeless family in our own inner city?  If you knew your donation meant someone could eat more than one meal a day do think you’d really care that you drive a five-year-old Ford instead of a new Mercedes? 

Do you think you’d miss carrying the $800.00 Louis Vuitton hand bag when your $40.00 off-the-rack purse means you’re investing in a child by providing money so she can go to school and learn to be a future leader for change in her country? 

What about giving up one of your daily lattes and putting the money towards financing a start up business through micro-finance at www.kiva.org (it only takes $25.00 to make your first loan – just six lattes).

Isn’t it time we stopped wrapping our self-worth up in possessions and instead start investing in food, education, justice, and equality for the poor?  You can start out small, right in your own back yard.

1.       Try donating to your local food bank, or giving some of your time to pack food hampers.

2.       Volunteer at the homeless shelter, or give to your church’s outreach or benevolent fund.

3.       Pledge to sponsor a child through World Vision, Compassion, Christian Children’s Fund, or Samaritan’s Purse.  Your sponsorship will completely change their lives.

The opportunities are endless, but it’s up to us to wake up, shed our cloaks of complacency, and start sharing the wealth we’ve been given. 

This change in attitude might mean re-arranging your budget.  Personally, for my husband and me, it means addressing personal debt so we’re free to give more generously.  We’re working on this, but still find great reward in donating small amounts where we can.

Whatever the sacrifice, it’s worth it.  God promises blessing to those who give generously.

“Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do.  There will always be some in the land who are poor.  That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites (people) in need.”  Deuteronomy 15:10-11

Deuteronomy 15:10-11 - Whose Responsibility Are The Poor?

MEMORY VERSE:

“Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do.  There will always be some in the land who are poor.  That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites (people) in need.”  Deuteronomy 15:10-11

Recently I’ve been reading the book of Deuteronomy.  The Message calls this book, “the longest sermon in the Bible and maybe the longest sermon ever.”  (And you thought you’d sat through the longest sermon right in your home church! J)

This is Moses’ last sermon.  It’s his final instructions to the Israelite community before he dies.  He longs for the community to follow God, but he realizes they’re distracted from good intentions as quickly as a squirrel chases after a nut, so he speaks carefully, breaking his dissertation into three topics:

1.       He reviews the entire events of the Israelites’ journey since they left Egypt.  He focuses on “landmark” moments, highlighting God’s leadership, protection, and provision throughout the time they’ve been in the wilderness.

2.       He reminds them of the laws they are to follow so they can be a God-centered community.

3.       This is a defining moment for the community of Israel and Moses presents them with a call to action.  A call to make a choice to commit their lives to God and obey His commandments.

I know reading through the laws in the Old Testament can be the perfect cure for insomnia.  But if you stop to consider some of them you’ll see that they are designed to protect the Israelites, prevent disease, and encourage healthy community and equality among the people.

The two verses I’ve chosen as the memory verses for the week talk about caring for the poor and offer good practices for us to follow in our own lives.  I don’t think God ever intended for the disparity that exists among people and nations today.

He didn’t intend for a class system to exist.  He didn’t intend for luxury condos to be built on one side of the street while people struggle to survive in slums and garbage dumps on the other.  In fact in Deuteronomy chapters 14 and 15 He puts in place very specific laws to ensure wealth is distributed equally.

“At the end of every third year, gather the tithe from all your produce of that year and put it aside in storage. Keep it in reserve for the Levite who won't get any property or inheritance as you will, and for the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow who live in your neighborhood. That way they'll have plenty to eat and God, your God, will bless you in all your work.   Deuteronomy 14:28-29 (The Message)

“There must be no poor people among you because God is going to bless you lavishly in this land that God, your God, is giving you as an inheritance, your very own land. But only if you listen obediently to the Voice of God, your God, diligently observing every commandment that I command you today.”  Deuteronomy 15:4-5  (The Message)

Many of us truly are some of the richest people in the world.  On any given day we may throw away more food than people in a developing country will see in a week.  How can we ignore the plight of people who are marginalized and fighting for justice when God calls us to help the poor and be responsive to the needs of those around us?

I want to explore these thoughts in more detail in this week’s mid-week post, but for now I’ll leave you to consider your reactions to some statements that I believe are part of our problem...

• “If they want food then they should get a job like the rest of us.”

• “I work hard for my money.  Why should I give it to a bum on the street who can’t be bothered doing an honest day’s work?”

• “Life’s short and it sucks.  The world owes me.  I deserve that new BMW.”

• “We’ve got our own troubles.  People starving in Africa really aren’t my problem”

Come back on Thursday, August 9, when we’ll explore this topic in more detail.

If you’d like to share some your thoughts about helping the poor please do so by clicking on “comments” below.

“Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do.  There will always be some in the land who are poor.  That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites (people) in need.”  Deuteronomy 15:10-11

Leader On The Edge

A few weeks ago in a post titled “No Microwave Leadership” I referenced Galatians 6:9 as the memory verse.  It says...

“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good.  At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.” (The Message) 

This verse is encouraging in many of life’s circumstances and can be applied if you’re feeling frustrated as a leader.

This week while reading through the book of Numbers, I came across a great example of a burnt out, frustrated leader.  Moses has a lot of great moments and we can learn so much by studying his leadership skills, but in this particular incident his performance wouldn’t win the gold medal if the Olympics had a leadership category.

Moses has lead the Israelites through the wilderness for two years.   During that time there are many occasions when the Israelites haven’t followed God’s instructions and Moses has had to intervene on their behalf.

The beginning of Numbers 11 reads like other passages throughout Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers.  The Israelites are complaining about their nomadic way of life and whining about their food supplies.  Essentially they’re complaining about God’s provision.

If you’ve read any of the books of Exodus, Leviticus, or Numbers you’ll recognize the pattern.  The Israelites complain, God becomes angry, Moses intervenes on behalf of the Israelites, and God relents and forgives them.

Being familiar with this pattern I expected Moses to fall on his face before God and pray on behalf of the Israelites, but apparently our long suffering leader is fed up.  Instead of praying for mercy for the congregation Moses comes to God and vents his frustrations.

If I could put Moses’ conversation into my own words here’s how it would go...

“God, what did I ever do to you?  Why am I stuck with this bunch of whiners?!?  They’re not my problem.   I didn’t want to be their leader.  You know what...that’s it... I’m done!  Just kill me, right here, right now!”

The interesting part about this is God doesn’t get angry with Moses for his outburst.  Instead He offers a solution.  He tells Moses to select a group of men who have leadership abilities to share in the burden of leading the people of Israel.  God anoints these people with His spirit to assist Moses.

You’d think this would placate Moses, but he’s just getting warmed up.  His rant continues when God tells Moses He plans to provide quail for the whining Israelites.  Apparently Moses has the gift of sarcasm because his next conversation with God is swimming in it.

 “Meat!  MEAT!  Here in the middle of nowhere you’re going to give us meat!  Yeah right, take a look around God, where do you think it’s going to come from?”  (Read the chapter for yourself at http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=numbers%2011&version=MSG .

It seems Moses has forgotten to whom he’s speaking and God reminds Moses of his mighty power and provision.

Moses’ little melt down sounds to me like that of a burnt out, over-worked leader who’s tried to micro-manage by taking on all the responsibilities himself, instead of delegating tasks to his leadership team.

Here are a few leadership lessons we can learn from Numbers 11:

1.       It’s OK to vent our frustrations to God.  He’s got big shoulders and He’ll listen to your rant.

2.       If you’re in a leadership role you need to identify key people on your team who have leadership gifts.  Identify their strength zones and help them develop these skills.

3.       Let go of the need to control!  Don’t micro-manage!  When you have your team of key people, delegate tasks that allow people to use their unique skills.  (Don’t keep taking back the tasks once you’ve delegated them.)

4.       When you’re burnt out, fed up, and ready to quit, don’t lose sight of how powerful God is.  Ask for His help in your work and He’ll provide for you.

Have you experienced burn out as a leader?  Do you any leadership tips?  Share your thoughts by clicking on “comments” below.