 To look at them, they're not so pretty; but baked in a cake, they sure are divine. How do I possibly say thank you to the Ladies at First Assembly of God, to the five who baked the walnut cakes, to my family, to my dear friends, to those whose hearts were set to support and serve? My grandmother would say that you absolutely out did yourselves! [This post was first blogged in 2013 after I spoke at a cake and tea reception at the church I was then attending.] Last night was an unforgettable moment in time for me. I felt so honored and blessed, perhaps like never before. As we worshiped in song, I was so teary. I knew if I really concentrated on those lyrics and sang unto the Lord, I would be done for as the tears kept threatening to flood my eyes. I glanced around the room at all the folks standing and singing to God, and suddenly I felt unworthy of such an event. Lord, is this what I should be doing? Are You sure You have me in the right place? Aren't there others who would do better? Others who know more and speak better? Others who don't trip up as much as I tend to do? Sometimes the enemy of my soul reminds me of my failures and shortcomings, and unfortunately sometimes I listen for a moment or two. It was today that I considered how black walnuts are dreadful in their rotting-hull stage. The thought ran through my mind that this was me not so many years ago. It took a sovereign, loving Lord to strip away the hull, to pound away the pride of my hardened heart in order to reach and restore the tenderness deep within. Going from ugly, rotting-hull walnuts to black walnut cake, well, we just have to call that Beauty for Ashes. Rotten hulls and hard shells do not withstand the heat of the Refiner's fire. I would do better to remember the work that God has done in my life instead of the life I did without Him. That He has so sweetly allowed me the privilege to teach, to share about revelations so dear to my heart absolutely amazes me. That He gives me an unending desire to see His Word in practical action is a ongoing mystery to me. That He leads me to overcome as I share my testimony is truly miraculous. Our family's black walnut cake symbolizes hope and perseverance, yes, but we might also add grace and mercy--the hulls notwithstanding. I am indebted to you all. Thank you for blessing me and honoring me and mostly for believing God alongside me and for putting your hope in Him. This throw back post is a sneak peak into Episode #2: Bake Your Own Birthday Cake of the Choose 2 Think podcast. Please subscribe today anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Get our family's black walnut recipe here as inspired in C2T Podcast Episode #2!
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