Cooking 101 With Denise

I had no clue how to cook a meal until after I got married. And even then, there was a lot of trial and error. Good old macaroni and cheese was a common staple in my kitchen, and more times than not, it became the quick substitute from an epic fail meal.

But, there was one meal I learned to cook from a friend of mine while in junior high school. I don’t even know the name of it—it was some kind of magnificent tuna stuff. I was just in awe of how my friend seemed to throw it together effortlessly.

Denise had invited me home with her after school one afternoon. She only lived a few blocks from the junior high and I was delighted to be her guest that day. After arriving, we did what most teenage girls did: listened to music in her room, shared stories of what boys we thought were most cute and discussed what we’d be wearing to school the next day.

Soon after, Denise announced that her mom was working late and she needed to start dinner for the family. I’m sure the surprised look on my face humored her. I’d never heard of such a thing. She was going to cook dinner for the family? After all, we were just junior high kids. Wasn’t that what moms did?

Curious as to what was involved in this “making of dinner” thing, I followed her into the kitchen. Like a seasoned pro, Denise flitted around the room, pulling pans and kitchen gadgets from the cabinets. She even grabbed ingredients from the refrigerator I’d never even heard of. I stood in a stupor of pure amazement as she chopped, tossed and created this incredible meal, seemingly with ease. She even let me sneak a taste during the process. It was delicious!

After my friend was finished, I said, “That thing…what you just did. Would you run that past me again? I want to take notes.” I think she giggled—or shook her head in disbelief—or both. But bless her heart, Denise took the time to slowly explain step-by-step instructions for her goofy cooking-novice friend. To this day, I still remember how, and continue to make the incredible “Tuna Stuff”. Thank you, Denise.

Wouldn’t it be great if when God did something fabulous in our lives, we would stop and say, “That thing…what You just did. Would You run that past me again? I want to take notes.” And then thank Him for it?

I think God would be delighted to have us respond that way, don’t you?

A New Path

I kind of thought I was done blogging for awhile. In each journal entry during my cancer treatment and healing period, I poured out an extremely personal season of my life. And in doing so, it left my “testimony tank” feeling empty and dry. I didn’t know what to do next, so I waited and prayed.

During this dry period, I was involved in a Bible study called Experiencing God – Knowing and Doing the Will of God. I had actually gone through the study at least 2 other times in the past, but for some reason, it really clicked with me this time. In the 12-week study, I learned to wait on God, hear His voice and be quick to obey. The study also emphasized that God speaks through prayer, Bible study, circumstances and the church (body).

Soon after I began the study, I received an email from a friend asking why I had stopped blogging. I explained I wasn't sure what I was supposed to write about and was waiting on God for direction. I didn't want to blog just to blog. I shared with her that God had given me a specific purpose in the beginning of my journey and I had been praying for that same inspiration and direction again. My friend encouraged me to keep writing, as reading my weekly posts had given her strength through some tough times in her own life. I was humbled to think that something 'plain ol me' had written could make a difference in someone's life.

A week or so later, another friend wrote and asked if she could share some of my written testimony in her ladies' church gathering. She also encouraged me by saying my words were an inspiration to her and added, please continue to write! The ladies she shared my testimony with were stirred and asked for my blog address—eager to read some of my previous posts. Once again, humbleness embraced me, and I thought, Okay God, what are you doing here?

Both of my friends had no idea how their kind words were an answer to my prayer. God was speaking through them and I was learning to listen.

So I guess I write all of this to say, I prayed, I waited, I listened and God spoke. He has given me direction once again, and it feels good. 

Thank you, not only to those mentioned above, but to others who have encouraged me to continue on with this blog. Although my life is moving forward on a new path of trusting Him, God's purpose is the same.

It's still all about the relationship.