Summer

I had been planning to cook at camp again this summer, I'd even asked for a leave of absence. This did not work out though, so I will be in Winnipeg. It wasn't the way I had worked things out in my head. I had already expected to go to camp because I thought that was where God wanted me. Then again what do I know about the will of God.

At first I took it pretty hard, but I soon found peace in knowing it was above me. Knowing that the things of this life are passing away, to sulk on this would prove my faith shallow. I don't know the plans he holds for me, but I trust and obey.

From one sheep to another

Hello fellow sheep! We are all sheep following one Chief Shepard.

2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:2-3

We are all sheep, whether we believe or we do not. Some sheep are lost and need to be brought back into the fold. Be examples to the flock because you never know who's watching your every step. Yet do not lord yourself over those entrusted to you. In other words do not see yourself as higher than anyone but see them as equal. And do it all with the hope of eternal glory. It's just a good verse, check it out.

Resolution

In Self seeking blindness I couldn't see the impact I was having on other people. I went to work and talked to my Sous Chef today. He assured me that I was doing well in my position and that he would be disappointed to see me leave before I was finished. God showed me that I was having an impact on the people around me. That was reassurance enough to know that this is where God wants me. It's all about Him and not about me.

Step out on the Water

I've been having some doubts lately about continuing in the cooking industry. It's probably been bothering me for about 2 months now. Originally, when I started schooling my mind was not where it should have been. When I decided to go to college my original intention was to run away from God. Only by God's grace did was I returned into his fellowship.

While at school I decided that I would use my cooking to serve the Lord. I found school interesting and I liked learning about cooking, but that's changed now in this apprenticeship. I have had no desire to continue learning, the food industry seems hollow to me, only glorifying the temporary things of this world. So basically it feels like I should be doing something else.

Studying the bible takes up more of my time than studying food so logically I made the decision that bible college would be the next step for me. I'm just putting this out there I have made no decisions yet. Is it ignorant to step out to nothing on what feels like faith? Don't most people change career paths a few times? If you ask me how I got into cooking I can't honestly tell you. Please pray for me and give me some of your insight, especially those who have life experience.

Cast it all

You know what it's like, your job is stressing you out or God's vision for you isn't clear. I know I've been feeling it. The truth of the matter is that christ came and died to take those burdens.

1 Peter 5:6-8 (New International Version)

6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

When you find humility you'll find anxiety that will comes with it. Humility is essential to any successful christian walk. In your anxiety is where your character is tested, it's tested for patience and for perseverance. It will take patience to wait on God's direction but it will take perseverance to remain steadfast in the Lord. It means looking to God in his Word, in your prayers and in fasting.

In your time of anxiety it's important to keep alert because in your selfish anguish doubt will come and the devil is always waiting to confirm your doubts. Hold on he's strong.

Written

My ways are not your ways Lord
My thought are not your thoughts
The life I live is not my own, but when

My vision is blurred at best
My motives are shot
Laid dead like bodies that rot

When can I see again?
When will the light shine through the cloud
Soon, I hope

Joy is hope in the Lord
Joy comes in the morning
It's been a long night

Can I tell them about you Lord?

Too often I find myself imagining situations where I get enough courage to approach people I don't know. It's the strangest thing, because as brave as I am in my mind I'm not that outgoing most of the time.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”- Psalm 139:23-24

I can't tell if my anxious thoughts are pleasing to God or not, is it pride? It feels like I hold back because I don't want to do anything to hurt the name of Jesus. Yet by keeping silent I ultimately do damage to the anyone that was looking for God and I deprive them of that.