When my love of reading collided with writing book reviews, it was a blessing beyond my expectations. The wonderful books, and the lives who have written them, constantly enriches and fills my soul in the loveliest of ways.
Tammy Mashburn first crossed my path in 2018, as I discovered her blog (Redefining the Wilderness) and her book (Mornings in the Word). I’ve put the links there for your ease and delight.
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As I went through the devotional, my soul was encouraged and fed by the bread of God’s Word. Last week, Tammy shared about the teachable moments baking bread was bringing to her life:
1. Baking bread is much like our spiritual growth. It’s a process. An investment that takes time and patience.
2. Slowing down in the process soothes my ragged soul.
3. Dough is finicky but worth the effort.
(from her Facebook feed)
Her photo was mouth watering but it was her words that piqued my interest.
DM for recipe!
#DutchOvenBread
#redefiningthewilderness
#makingthemostofmydays
So I did just that – I messaged her for the recipe, which she quickly shared. And in so doing, she touched my heart.
In this time of social distancing, she came near, and through her I was drawn to bake bread, to discover the art of slowing down to make the most of my days.
“Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35, NLT)
This bread we eat here at our tables, even though the aroma that filled my kitchen was heavenly, is perishable. It will not fill me for the remainder of my days. It will fill me for but a moment and I will need to eat bread once again.
Jesus called Himself, “the bread of life”. We don’t need to gather it each morning the way the Israelites did in the wilderness.
God Himself is the One who provided for the people in the wilderness. And it is this same God who provides for us in the wilderness we find ourselves in today.
The most important journey we will ever find ourselves on is this one to find the Bread of Life, to consume His Word, and to become satisfied.
Much the way I only needed to ask Tammy for her recipe, all we need to do is come to God and ask Him to provide for us. He will not turn us away empty but will give till we are full, and fully satisfied.
“Jesus has made Himself the Bread of Life to give us life. Night and day, He is there. If you really want to grow in love, come back to the Eucharist, come back to that Adoration.” (Mother Teresa)
“Bread of Life? Jesus lived up to that title. But an unopened loaf does a person no good. Have you received the bread? Have you received God’s forgiveness?” (Max Lucado)
“On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you.Do this in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24, NLT)
Today I am joining …
Joanne,
So true that the beautiful picture of that yummy looking crusty edged loaf of bread does us no earthly good if we don’t break it open. Now, more than ever, I am taking advantage of more time to dive deeply into His Word. The more I read it, the more I realize I can’t live without it. Thanks for the encouragement here today. Hoping and praying you are doing well?!
Blessings,
Bev xx
We are doing well. God has been good and He is always faithful. Day by day. xo
Whenever I bake bread, I am ministered to in ways that go FAR beyond mere nutrition. Thanks for the update on Tammy’s life and ministry.
It is so true, Michele. The more I have been thinking on the baking of bread, the more lessons He keeps teaching me. It has been such a wonderful time baking!
I’m so glad your Dad enjoyed the bread! Thank you, Sweet Friend, for your kind words and encouragement!
We all have enjoyed it. And the spiritual lessons have been precious. So very grateful our paths crossed!
Hi Jo!!!! Just to let you know, we are truly two peas in a pod……I’ve been baking bread too 😂😂😂😂😂. And yes! We need the Daily Bread for the sustenance of our spiritual life!!! “0, taste and see that the Lord is good!” Sounds like a great book!
The devotional is wonderful. And it is amazing how we return to the baking of bread and the lessons the process delivers. xo
Joanne, I love how bread helped you and Tammy connect during this time of social distancing. What a beautiful thought that the Bread of Life will never turn us away when we ask Him for nourishment. (I’ve recently begun making bread in a Dutch oven too … so good!)
Lois, that is so funny. I love cooking in my Dutch oven but never baked in it. That is what drew me to try the bread. And the lessons it all has brought have been so precious to me.