baking

Revival and Apple Fellowship

The church I attend is holding its annual fall revival this week.

Basically, a revival is when a church holds more services than normal in order to “revive” the congregation and strengthen members’ bond with Christ and His mission for the church.

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My church usually has three services/Bible studies a week: two on Sunday and one on Wednesday. During a revival, my church holds two more services–one on Monday and Tuesday. My church’s preacher arranged for a really great evangelist from Ohio to preach each service during the revival.

During last night’s service, were studying Mark 2:1-12. Jesus was preaching to a lot of people in someone’s home, and a four men carried a paralyzed man to see Jesus. They couldn’t get in the door because people were in the way, so they lowered the paralyzed man through the roof, and Jesus forgave him of his sins and healed him.

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What the evangelist pointed out was pretty cool. The four men who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus were very persistent. They couldn’t get in the door because people were in the way, so they lowered him in through the roof.

Then he said something that really resonated with me:

“When you want to do something for God, someone or something will always stand in your way. Be persistent. When God is calling you to do something, the little things don’t matter–love finds a way.”

Just thought I would share that!

After last night’s service, we had an apple fellowship. Everyone from the congregation brought their favorite apple dish to share.

Jimmy and I made spiced cider whoopie pies!

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Remember how I said I love baking? Well, I really love baking with Jimmy.

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whoopie pies

If you’re looking for a fall themed whoopie pie recipe, definitely try these out. They were a hit!

Do you like whoopie pies?

Granola gift

I was tired of doing homework one night last week, so I decided to bake a little gift for Jimmy–no particular reason. Just because I love him and he mentioned that he wanted to try chocolate granola recently.

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Here’s the recipe!

Chocolate Granola
Ingredients:
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 Tbs creamy peanut butter
3 Tbs honey
2 Tbs butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups old fashioned oats
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, chopped
1/4 cup raisins

Directions:
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray.
2. Combine brown sugar, peanut butter, honey, butter, and vanilla in a small bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments until all ingredients are melted. Stir until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, combine the oats, almonds, and cinnamon. Add the wet mixture to the dry, and stir until combined.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, and then “stir” or “flip” the granola with a spatula. Bake 3-5 more minutes, or until browned.
5. Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely. Add chocolate chips and raisins to granola and enjoy!

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After the granola cooled, I put some in a mason jar. I made a little “I love you” note, attached it to a ribbon, and tied the ribbon around the jar. I think I enjoyed this girly touch more than Jimmy.

He loved the granola, though!

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I know I say this constantly, but I love baking! It’s just so relaxing, and makes me genuinely happy. Plus, I love showing my love for others by creating baked goods they enjoy. It’s a win-win situation!

Do you bake? What do you like to bake?
I really enjoy baking cookies and quick breads.