Paid for Cooking

I love how the Lord has allowed me to do something that I really enjoy in a setting that I would never have
thought or even wanted with the added bonus of getting paid for it!  As I have mentioned, I work in an
elementary school kitchen.  This year I have also been working in a Middle School kitchen three days a week for a couple of hours before going to the elementary kitchen.  At the Middle School I get to
do a larger variety of things.  A few months ago I was making pumpkin cake, and recently I have made
instant potatoes.  I find myself thinking, how cool it is that I am getting paid to bake and cook! 

Last week I was cutting up stir fry vegetables and panning them to send to the elementary kitchen's.  My boss came by and said, that looks beautiful.  I am so thankful when she comments on how well I have done a task, even one that seems like a small thing, not just because I appreciate hearing that I am doing a good job, but because I believe it is honoring and pleasing to the Lord.  I want to be a light for Him at
my work and in my work.  It says in Colossians 3, Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

One more thing.  The Bible says that we will have work to do in heaven, and the work we do here is preparing us for that.  I have to tell you that that has got me thru several hum drum days of washing dishes.  The thought that this job may be preparing me for getting to cook and bake in heaven is very exciting.  Now, I know some people that think having to cook in heaven would seem more like hell.  But I get very excited because every thing will come out perfectly!!  I can't wait!  So, if you are one of those that do
not like the idea of having to cook in heaven, I will be happy to cook for you and you can wash the dishes.
Deal? :)
 

Carmella

I am blessed to be the mother of Carmella.  Scott and I had been married for about 8 years when we were told that we would probably never be able to have children.  This broke my heart because since I can remember I have loved babies and looked forward to having my own. But, in July of 1995 the Lord blessed us with our beautiful baby girl.  Since Carmella's birth it has been my desire to be here for her.  I am so thankful that I was blessed to be a Stay at Home Mom.  I never planned to go back to work after her birth, but God had other plans.  When Scott lost his job as an Architect in 2009, the Lord provided a part-time job for me working in an elementary school kitchen.  When I did a pros and cons list before accepting the job, the only con I could come up with was that I had to do it!  The Lord had taken care of all my concerns.  Although I did not want to do it, after four years I can say I like my job.  It really is the best job for a Mom because I am still able to be here for Carmella, because when there is no school I don't work!  God is so good! 

I am the second in the kitchen, so I don't do the cooking but I have purposed to serve the girl I work with.  I have thought about being a lead, but that would mean more hours and Carmella is a Senior in high school and graduating in June.  Three short months!  However, a couple of weeks ago I was asked to train for a lead position.  I should have said no but I did tell them it's very important to me to continue to take Carmella to school these last few months.  They understood and were willing to work with me, so I said I would try it.  It was one of the most stressful weeks of my life!  I was anxious and had knots in my stomach all week until I told them I didn't want to continue.  When they said I could return to my normal schedule, all my anxiousness went away.  I didn't really understand why it was so hard for me, but in talking to a friend she said I had discovered that I am more comfortable in a supportive role and that is okay! What a relief that was.  Also, I believe all those nerves were God's way of telling me that was not the job for me.  Why do I say that?  Because all week I was praying, begging that He would take away my anxiousness and not until I was told I could return to my original job did it go away. 

I want to be able to enjoy these last few months of Carmella's Senior year with her and not be all stressed out.  I will have a lot of years to possibly work more hours, but I will never get this time with Carmella back.
It says in 2Corinthians that we walk by faith and not by sight.  God has been faithful to meet our needs and I know that He will continue.

Below is one of Carmella's favorite treats. 

I love you Carmella and am so thankful to the Lord for allowing me to be your Mom.


Welcome Home Bars

1/2C Butter (one cube)
1 1/2C Graham Cracker Crumbs
14oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk (not evaporated milk)
1C or more of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1C or more of Reese's Peanut Butter Chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In a 9x13 baking pan, melt butter in oven.  Sprinkle crumbs evenly over butter, pour Sweetened Condensed Milk evenly over crumbs.  Then sprinkle with the chocolate chips and peanut butter chips; press down firmly.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.  Be careful not to over bake!  Cool.  Cut into bars.

I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!