French Toast, An Experiment...

Breakfast menu for today... french toast. This was an experiment really, as I have never attempted to make french toast before. I accessed the archives of my childhood memory banks and recalled my Mom making this for me and my brothers long ago. In my mind I pressed play on the recorded video and watched as she moved about the kitchen, from the refrigerator to the counter. I could see her as she reached for her electric griddle (the plug of which was always in a different kitchen drawer). The bread box was rather large due to having four active and growing boys... bread was a good filler for what must have seemed like four always hungry sons. From this video in my brain I put together the makings of french toast.
Once finished with the experiment (I mean... breakfast) I called to my oldest (and the only one besides myself that was awake) to take part in the inaugural serving. I watched as he ate... waiting anxiously for his verdict of what I had so proudly placed before him. I watched as he took big bites (I'm always telling him to take small bites, rather than simulating a squirrel trying to fit in one more nut).  But I didn't make the complaint this morning. Instead I made the assumption that my creation must have been pretty good as he shovel it in. Feeling confidently successful I shared my observation with him, "Must be pretty good, huh?... I mean the way you're eating it up with such big bites!" He responded, "Yeah..." with a brief pause as he chewed. "Or it could be that I just want to get it over with." Smartaleck kid!
My devotional this morning had nothing to do with french toast. But rather it dealt with the certainty that this life will end, yet an eternity awaits us. With this fact comes the sobering thought of having to stand before God to give an account for my life. Although I have messed up plenty in my life, this is not a fearful thought as I stand justified by the blood of Jesus Christ. My devotional ended with this statement, "Only those who have placed their faith in Christ are prepared to meet their Maker." Focusing on this stark reality makes me realize though, just how much my life matters. Not for my selfish desires... but rather how I am to make my life a benefit for others by loving and serving.

Choosing A Better Effect...

So much of life is a result of simple cause and effect. Take for instance how I've been dragging out of bed the past two mornings... a direct effect caused by my staying up later at night. Oh, and did you know that if you allow pancake batter to sit, it will become really thick? This was my discovery for this morning. The pancakes I made toward the end are a lot thicker (and not so light) than the ones I made at the very beginning.
Now why is it that so many times I can anticipate the effects that my actions will have, but even with that knowledge of the 'cause' something within me believes the effect won't be that bad; or, "I can handle it." (the famous last words of a fool)
There is this battle that rages with in me at times, not so much the battle of right or wrong, but the battle between what is good and what is best. Don't get me wrong... the struggle of sinful temptation continually rears it's head within me. Yet no matter the struggle I believe ultimately the battle ground lies within the wills... our will or God's will. With issues of sin it is an obvious departure from God's will in favor of my own, and the two are in direct conflict with each other. But even with issues between what is good (or okay) for my life verses what is best, the lines of battle are still drawn within the will. I believe God wants not only what is right for my life, but also what is best.
It should not be surprising to me to see how cause and effect works this way in my life. When I continually choose what's "okay/good" in life over what is "best" the effects can be a gradual deterioration until I find myself struggling between what is "right" or "wrong."
My devotional this morning was timely and a couple statements have really made me think. In regards to the renewing of our minds (that aligns our thinking, emotions, and behavior to that of God's Spirit) we need the help of the Holy Spirit. But yet there is a work for us do by "speaking the truth in our thoughts... to submit to the Spirit’s work within." The more I allow the Word of God to dwell in my heart and mind, the more I choose not only what is right, but also what is best for my life. This too is a matter of cause and effect.

The Calm in the Storm...

Sometime early this morning I awoke to the sound of rain drops pelting the bedroom window... It was like tiny rocks being thrown against the window pane. Although at first I was startled, once I realized what it was I lay there in the comfort of my bed just listening. The low roll of thunder could be heard in the distance as well. I had no problem returning to my slumber as the steady hit of rain drops played what seemed to be a lullaby.
I recall the song from my childhood by Eddie Rabbit, "I love a rainy night. I love a rainy night. I love to hear the thunder; watch the lighting as it lights-up-the-sky. You know it makes me feel good." Wow... I meant to only put the title, but I got lost in the moment! At least you didn't have to hear me singing, snapping my fingers and bobbing my head. Inevitably the DJ would play that song anytime it rained.
I have a lot of wonderful childhood memories involving storms... thunder storms, snow storms, rain showers. Even the ones that seemed scary at the time are now looked upon with a certain nostalgia.
I realize that other storms of life are not looked upon with fond memories. Very often emotional storms carry right over into adulthood... storms that never seem to cease, brought about by experiences one could only hope had never happened. Some have experienced horrendous crimes against them as children. But for most the storms they may continue to weather started much more subtle and came in the form of angry words, lack of affection, and other emotional whirlwinds.
My devotional this morning dealt with giving children a firm foundation of God's love and the salvation of Christ. Modeling this before them is essential. By doing so the memories of storms will be more of how to weather them by God's mighty hand. After all, Jesus is the one who "rebuked the winds and the waves" (Matthew 8:26) and He brings calmness into people's lives. Jesus is the calm in the midst of the storm.