Oh Chocolate. It’s so delicious. But not always…Today, Annika ventured into the baking world with very little help from me. She wanted to bake some brownies for the teacher she had last year. Living right across the street from the school has its benefits, even with homeschooling. It provides the opportunity to wave when we see the faces of people we know, and sometimes the chance for an appropriately distanced visit. Today was one such day. So Annika made a batch of brownies, with me giving her instructions on ingredients and taking it out of the oven. At one point after she mixed the butter and cocoa, before the sugar was added, she asked if she could lick the chocolate that she accidentally got on the back of her hand. Teachable moment. I told her I wouldn’t because it really wasn’t good. Then I told her she could if she wanted to, but she would regret it. Oh my. Her eyes got wide and she said how awful it was. I pointed out maybe next time she might trust what I am saying. She quickly agreed, chugged some water and proceeded to wash her hands, stir in the sugar, and tell Elijah to never make the mistake she just did.
I think we have a tendency as humans to not easily trust anyone besides ourselves. Yet, we need to remember to trust God.(that said, it doesn’t hurt to listen to others who have gained knowledge and wisdom through their experiences, either.) The Bible is a great place to look for insight, filled with so many words of wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 19:20 says “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” Psalm 32:8 says “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” Hebrews 4:12 tells us “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” What’s even more special is that God sent us Holy Spirit for all who receive Jesus as Lord, and He opens our eyes to understand what His Word says. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26
In other “news,” it has been a fun week with Daniel. He has been doing so well with his therapy, I caught a few videos of him working. You can view one of the videos here. Daniel also has molars coming in, so he has been extra spit-happy. He looks at it, plays with it, flings it around and rubs it on me.




Its incredibly important to trust God and listen to His instruction, especially when life takes you in directions you were not planning to go. It’s vital to lean in to Him. Even when you don’t see the big picture, you can know the One who does. You may have to go through things you don’t want to go through, experience harder circumstances than you ever imagined. But He never turns a deaf ear, and He always answers. Sometimes the answer is rescue, sometimes it’s Him closing the Lions mouths, and sometimes it’s going through the fire. But He never abandons or ignores you. Daniel 10:12 says “Then he said to me, ‘Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, (your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.’”
No matter what you are going through, listen for God’s voice. praying you will be filled with renewed hope and joy. Be blessed, and as always, feel free to like, comment or share.