Made from Scratch (something from nothing)

 

made from scratch

made from scratch

 

 

It’s a badge of honor and glory.  When something is home made, hand made, made from scratch, it means that it’s a better product, right?

“Made from scratch” definitely makes it better to me.  Betty Crocker brownies from a box are pretty good.  Brownies that are home made, hand made, made from scratch just have that extra oomph to make them a special treat. Chocolate pudding?  Well, start with cocoa and all those scratch ingredients, cook it according to the recipe book, serve it warm…….. and Man, what you talking ’bout!   Compared to “made from scratch” chocolate, instant chocolate pudding is like eating the wet paper towels used when you spill your coffee on the computer. (There it’s cleaned up, sorry for the interruption)

Friends of mine, Jon and Liz have a farm where everything seems to be made from scratch. It’s a beautiful site.  You would agree with me.  Picture a country setting, a warming spring day, tractor plowing the fields and garden, and what looks like close to a hundred chickens, ducks, geese, guineas, and other feathered friends. These birds are canvassing over and across the just plowed corn field scratching to their hearts content.  It was a beautiful site seeing all those birds free ranging in Jon’s field. This farm will be producing lots of vegetables and fresh eggs.  But, as a fly fisherman, what was the beauty that I was most interested in? ……….Feathers!!!

It’s a badge of honor and glory to tie your own “made from scratch” flies.  Even more glory when you catch fish on the flies that you yourself have tied.  Jon and Liz gave me a bagful of feathers the next day. (I guess he could tell I was drooling over all those “feathers” walking around in his garden.)  Hey, fly fishermen don’t think exactly like everyone else.

I’ve taken those feathers, and have made a fishing fly that is home made, hand made, and made from scratch.  In a few days, this fly will be cast on the water ever so gently, with the hope of catching another trophy.

Ephesians 2:10New International Version (NIV)10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

God has made you.  You are His home made, hand made, made from scratch.  It’s a badge of honor and glory.  Yet sometimes we put ourselves down.  We think that we are no good.  I’ll never forget even though it was years ago.  A severely mentally handicapped young man came to our church and sang “Somebody bigger than you and I”.  It made me realize that I was not much more than this mentally handicapped  young man.  But there he was saying “I know I’m somebody, cause God don’t make no junk!”

Well, there you go.  In spite of your problems, your shortcomings, your not being perfect……. you are home made, hand made, and made from scratch.  And God don’t make no junk!   It’s a badge of honor and glory.  Make something from nothing!  Let your glory be for God’s Glory!

See Ya!  Dan Ainsworth wilderness preacher

 

 

 

Your choice! Fishsticks or ………. Rocky Mtn Lakes Trout

Frozen microwaved fishsticks

Fresh Rocky Mtn Trout and Bacon !!!

The Real Thing…..Fresh Rocky Mtn Trout and Bacon!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You get to choose.  Which one do you want?  If you wanted to eat fish for supper, which of the two meals would you pick?

Most people want the fresh mountain lake trout. But, sadly most people choose to settle for fish sticks.  Why?  You tell me.  More than likely we grab the frozen sticks from the freezer because it’s convenient, easy, and quick.  Bake them in the oven for a few minutes or better yet, pop ’em in the microwave and Bam!, you’ve got a fish dinner.  With enough ketchup they don’t taste that bad.  Invite a few friends over.  Better yet, make this a Valentine’s date……. one that she’ll never forget.

Really!  Treating the one you love to fish sticks?  Not happening at my house.  The love of my life deserves better than to have to settle for frozen, minced fish sticks.

So,……… on your spiritual journey are you wanting the Real Thing from God, or are you just settling for fish sticks.  Is Jesus the Love of your life spiritually?  Really, and all you are getting (and giving) from this relationship is fish sticks?  What’s up with that?

John 5:44 NIV   How can you believe since you accept glory from one another, but do not SEEK the glory that comes from the only God ?

Accepting glory from one another is like settling for fish sticks.  There is no effort required.  Seeking the Glory from God involves well,…. seeking.  It’s taking effort, putting forth some action.  It’s definitely not settling.  Seeking the Glory of God and His Will for your life involves you seeking, watching, and even moving closer to your Lord and Savior.  I’d even compare it to hiking to a mountain lake, actually catching your supper, and then cooking it.  But all this effort makes the event that much more meaningful.  Spiritually, you and the love of your life, Jesus are on the spiritual Valentine date each and every day. Each and every journey.  One that you’ll never forget……forever!

Don’t settle for fish sticks!  My prayer is that you “skin your knees”,  as you travel on your journey.  It’s definite proof that you aren’t settling for less.  The journey seeking the Glory of God involves effort, seeking from you, sometimes “skinning our knees”.  Sort of reminds me of why I like to go fishing.

We’ve got a choice of popping in frozen minced fish in a microwave, or hiking for miles, outwitting these cutthroat trout, cooking, and then eating this delicious meal.

We’ve got a choice of going through the motions of religion, or actually praying, reading God’s Word, seeking and being with God.   What’s your choice?   Here’s mine!

SEEKING both God's Will and fish

SEEKING both God’s Will and fish

 

 

What wildernesspreacher is all about, (this includes you).

Take the time to watch this video.  Through a story it reveals what this blog/website is all about.  It’s not all about me, but in the sharing of everyday stories with you.  After watching this video, leave me your comments, suggestions, and even your own stories.  Your opinion is vital.  How can WE continue to improve this website?  It belongs to you as much as to me.  See Ya!!

Hebrews 13 :16  And do not forget to do good, and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.