Enjoy this new devotional from author and baker, Janice Thompson.
I'll start this post with a quick confession: I've never been a very good baker. If we could jump back in time, say, twenty years. . .I would happily show you some of my biggest baking flops.
My cookies? Well, they were slice-and-bake.
My cakes? Usually boxed mixes (undoctored) in a 9x13-inch pan. But, if I'm being honest, most of my cakes came from the bakery at Walmart.
Don't believe me? Ask my daughters! (I invested a lot of money into Italian cream cake, trust me!)
And then, life interrupted!
The first "big" baking job came in 2004 when my daughter #2 asked me to make her wedding cake. It was a labor of love.
After that, I made daughter #3's wedding cake.
Then, a year later, daughter #4 got married.
And in every case, I baked cakes simply to bless them, (and to save a few bucks, if we're being honest). They forgave their mama inabilities and smiled with delight with each cake.
From that time (2008) until now, I've baked hundreds and hundreds of cakes, cookies, pies, scones, and cupcakes.
And I'm here to tell you--the primary purpose behind every bake is the same: to bless the one on the receiving end.
The Why Behind the What
If we need a cake for the inner city ministry? I'm here for it.
Need cookies or cupcakes for a Vacation Bible School? Sure! I'd love to.
A surprise birthday cake for a church worker? Yup. Sounds great.
Birthday goodies for a niece who always comes up with creative ideas? You bet!
I don't know how to explain it, truly, but I bake to bless. Sure, the recipes often end up here, on this blog, but the primary reason for my bakes is usually the same--to bring a smile to the face of the one receiving it.
Tonight I delivered a chocolate cake to my granddaughters. Afterwards, I texted to get their thoughts.
What about you? What brings you joy? How do you use your gifts to bless others? Leave a comment to let me know! And in the meantime, have a blessed time stirring up the gifts God has put inside of you!
For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
2 Timothy 1:6-7 NASB