No Oven?

Our oven has been out for several weeks. No Christmas baking at home this year. Once our oven quit working, I began preparing everything on the stove-top. Soups became my specialty!

A repairman came out and informed us that it was not the igniter. The most probable cause a circuit board issue which he didn't think was repairable. After a few baking excursions to a friend's house in order to use an oven, I realized I would really like to have one in my home that works. :-)

However, this recent life without an oven reminded me of my time in Ghana. In the pictures below I am making some food for Overcomer. I'm cooking over a fire on the back porch of the home where he lives. The dish called 'fufu' reminds me of wet play-dough, but Overcomer loves it! I'm sure I'll be making more here when he comes home.

Cooking in my oven is a daily task that I've overlooked as a simple blessing from God. A stove is a blessing as well. I'm not having to start a fire in order to cook my food. Thank you, God!

Reid started the task of price-comparison for a new gas oven/stove. When we realized most were priced over $1000+, we were in sticker-shock. With our looming travel costs ahead, we were concerned about this additional unexpected expenditure. Parting with the cash would hurt, but somehow we prayed God would replace it. Reid found one for $800, so we took a deep breath and placed the order.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Why do I not believe this verse?

And my God WILL meet ALL your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus!

Reid and I were astounded by the outpouring of love through some friends. Can I tell you that we received enough money for our new stove within 24 hours of placing the order? Incredible! We were blown away by the Lord's goodness to us! God provided miraculously through the generosity of friends living out scripture found in Acts 4. What a testimony to God's faithfulness. We praise Him!

And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.

And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.

For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales

and lay them at the apostles' feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.

Acts 4:32-34

Oh, I pray we live like that daily! Giving abundantly without hesitation. What a gift! Thank you, gracious Lord! Thank you, generous friends! We are truly blessed.