Will You Graduate Or Flunk Out From God’s University? Chapt. 5 Purpose Driven Life

Previous chapters can be found on the Purpose Driven Life page.

“Blessed are those who endure when they are tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

God tests us all through our lives, but he also trusts us. The way we see ourselves and our lives affects how we pass these tests and how we use the God-given gifts He has entrusted us with. How do you view your life? Are your metaphors positive or are they negative?

Rick Warren tells us that these ideas and “temporary assignment” discussed in the next chapter are the foundation of the purpose driven life and that he will use them to help us learn about God’s view on life.

Warren counted more than 200 tests described in the bible like Abraham with Isaiac, Jacob with Rachel or even His own son in the desert and in the Garden of Gethemene. We are tested all the time in small ways, but from time to time we get a midterm and we can feel it. How have you felt God testing you over the years? Or recently?

God also trusts us. We are given gifts. Like the tests, some are small, but some are very important. We need to use these gifts for God’s purpose and be good stewards of what he has entrusted us with. We need to be good and faithful servants. As we pass our tests and use our gifts, the bible tells us God will entrust us with more gifts and more responsibilities and we will eventually be called to celebrate and share our Master’s happiness.

Think about your gifts and talents and how you are using them for good. Ask yourself whether you have gifts you are neglecting or gifts you are struggling with and unwilling to use for God.

Warren quotes from the bible: “Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones. If you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven.” Luke 16:10-11.

Tomorrow we will look at the third aspect, “temporary assignment,” when we look at Chapt. 6. Wishing peace to all.

Fast, Easy Valentine Hearts For Breakfast or Anytime

This Valentine’s Day falls on a weekday so a special breakfast for your family might seem impossible, but not if you follow these quick and easy tips. Armed with my heart shaped cookie cutters of varying sizes I can show my heartfelt sentiments with morning canapes which are some of the easiest and fastest things you can possibly make.

These ideas can also be easily adapted into sandwiches for the lunch boxes (children LOVE them) or appetizers for your romantic dinner for two or even include all your children to celebrate your family’s love.

Here’s just a sampling of the variations you can make in little more time than it takes for your toaster to pop up.

Cut your favorite brand of store-bought waffles, English muffins or sliced bread with your heart-shaped cookie cutters. Toast, and add your favorite savory or sweet toppings. If your topping is not spreadable, use your cookie cutters again!

• Sweet:
• Jelly/Jam especially red ones to keep with the Valentine theme such as strawberry, cherry, or plum;
• Sugar and cinnamon;
• Lemon curd;
• Peanut butter or peanut butter and jelly;
• Butter;
• Apple sauce or apple butter;
• Cream cheese;
• Whipped cream and red sugar sprinkles;
• Nuttela (chocolate and hazelnut spread);
• Or to be totally decadent, an ice cream Sunday with a heart waffle or two on the side.

• Savory:
• Pate or braunschweiger;
• Canadian bacon;
• Ham;
• Shredded or sliced cheese; (shredded will melt faster in your toaster over)
• Minced sun-dried tomatoes;
• Turkey;
• Pastrami or any other deli meats;
• Egg (such as scrambled or over easy, etc.)
• Roasted bell peppers (they come right out of a jar these days);
• Herb cheese spread such as Rondele or Alouette;
• Lox (smoked salmon);
• Marinated mushrooms;
• Marinated artichoke hearts.

I’m sure I missed lots of great toppings, so let us know your great ideas too.

And for the scraps left over from those heart cutouts, some very lucky dogs will love you, or you can save them for your next turkey stuffing.