Tuesday, September 18, 2011 * Oatmeal

September 18, 2011

Beloved:

     I just finished my oatmeal; a very precise concoction I invented myself.  I put one cup skim milk, half a cup old fashioned oats and 1/4 tsp salt on to cook.  While it simmers I prepare my mix-ins; one packet of splenda, half an apple cut up, two tablespoons of dried cranberries and 14 dark chocolate chips.  When the cereal is done, I stir it all together and sit in my chair to look out the window and eat.   Simple, healthy and so yummy!

       But it wasn’t always so.  Until about two years ago, “I don’t like oatmeal,” was a standard I kept.  Then, in a conversation about all its benefits, I thought to myself, “When did I get to be someone who never has to do anything I don’t like?”  So I decided to make myself like oatmeal.  Once I added dark chocolate, I was hooked.  Now I can eat it any number of ways, although plain oatmeal is still a bit of challenge.   The McDonald’s version is really good too.

       This fall, I hope to coax UBC to imagine doing all kinds of things; things we believe we won’t like, things that seem too difficult, even things that seem impossible.  I intend us to put God’s to the test (Malachi 3) and discover that all things really are possible for those who believe (Mark 9:23).

     For now, I plead with you to pray for hearts and minds that are wide open, totally receptive, without resistance or defense against what God might want to say through you.  Now is the time to imagine that God can do anything within and among those who truly desire to know and to do his will.

      peace & prayers, ~ pastor annette