INSPIRASUNS

About a year ago, I set out to learn the process of making sourdough bread. Now you probably think that isn’t a big deal. Well, you don’t know my history of dealing with anything involving yeast or “rising”. It hasn’t been pretty. Well, it’s been pretty, like pretty awful. Over the years, I’ve wanted to learn how to make bread. I’ve tried and tried, and without exception, the rising step always failed. So, eventually, I accepted the fact that I was not going to be a bread maker for a living 😦 .

Well, time heals most wounds, so again, about a year ago, I set out on the sourdough trail to make it happen. And…admittedly, I learned a ton and actually made a loaf or two of sourdough bread. I was able to overcome the perception in my head that I couldn’t get it right. Now I will say that I have since found an amazing rustic bread recipe that is truly yummy and doesn’t require kneading and multiple steps of rising, but that’s for another blog.

Yesterday morning, my husband and I discussed homemade pizza for dinner. Like we’re talking even dough made from scratch. I found a simple recipe and of course the main ingredient…yeast, and…rising. In the past, I would have said no dice. Not so now, I’m like, yep, we’re going to do this, it will be fine.

We made our way to the kitchen around dinner time to get things started. I did a double check in one of my favorite cookbooks about the water temp for yeast to be active and got to work. I carefully heated the water, using my trusty thermometer, and even added an ice cube to settle the temp back down. Warmed my bowl just a little, added the ingredients, and let it proof for the time specified. On to adding the remaining ingredients and ditto the proof step. The time came to uncover and take a peek. Well, what do you know, the dough had risen nicely.

I oiled my hands and began to press the dough into the pan. It worked wonderfully. My husband took over from there and finished the masterpiece with freshly grated cheese (no store-bought pre-shredded stuff). The oven timer went off, and we slowly opened the door. Wow, it was beautiful. The dough had risen more, the cheese was perfect, yep, score!! Yes, it was a nice evening with a good meal.

Friends, I use this silly story to remind you, and me for that matter, that there is no need to fear in this life. There is also no need to assume that we are not able to do something. Sometimes I think we do a good job of talking ourselves out of things rather than taking a little time to research, learn, and understand how to get it done.

Our Lord is with us each and every day, in ALL that we do. He wants us to learn and grow, and not to fear (it’s kind of why He says it so many times in the Bible). Set aside your “I could never do that” mentality and just give it a try. I’m guessing you’ll learn something new, and you might just learn something about yourself 🙂 .

Have a good day, friends, and go ahead, try something new today, maybe something you have convinced yourself you can’t do. Ask Father to guide you, take the time to learn, and enjoy the journey.

Continued prayers this morning for the return of sweet Emily Rea.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.