Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The Volunteer Revolution

Since it is Christmas break and all, I have had some time to read some books. This excites me very much because I find myself adding books to a list that I will read when I have time. Right now, I am reading the book The Volunteer Revolution by Bill Hybels.




As some of you may know, I am over Planet Kidz at Foothills Community Church (Toccoa). The problem is I am lacking on volunteers. To me, the kids are the most important thing in the church because they are the ones that will keep the church growing 10-15 years down the road. These kids have the power to transform our world and make a difference. The kids that I work with are so great and I love them so much! I want other people to experience the same thing that I do. This is why I have started reading The Volunteer Revolution.

After reading the first chapter I realized where I could be going wrong.  People tend to be so busy with work, family, and lots of other things. So I have gotten into the habit of convincing myself that some people are too busy to invest the time that is needed into the kids. But after reading the first chapter I realized this mindset is wrong.  People may be going to work, being involved with their children or whatever. However, none of that will fulfill a person like serving people for the cause of Jesus Christ. I get more satisfaction in that one hour at church working with the kids then any other time of the week.

So this is where I am going wrong. People may be really busy, but that does not mean they are fulfilled. I do not need to be ashamed of asking people who are really busy with life to come and serve along side with me back in Planet Kidz. Why? Because doing something that has an effect on eternity is so much more fulfilling than being busy with "life."

Look at it like this. What is your favorite sport? Mine is softball for sure! Now imagine yourself in the bleachers watching the game. What is more fun? Being a spectator or a participant? If you are anything like me, when I am watching a softball game I would be ready to play as soon as someone asked me. Heck, I may even be yelling, "put me in coach!" My challenge to you is to get off the bleachers and join in on the game!

If working with children is your thing that is great! If serving coffee, greeting people, or making sure people find  a parking spot is what you love, then do it! But don't just sit back and be a spectator; I can assure you that will get old fast.  I can promise you this, when you find out where you fit and where God can use you best, you will find the greatest joy! But, it is up to you to jump in, put on the uniform and become a participant!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Tops Secret Recipe To Fool Your Friends

I have been struggling with something creative to bake for all of these Christmas events I have. Everyone bakes cookies, brownies, cakes...you all know that.  However, I also wanted something that was rather easy to do too. So, I began searching online and through lots of cookbooks; nothing really grabbed my attention. Then I saw truffles! Clearly I did not want to spend that much time in the kitchen, so now what? I talked to my mom later that day on the phone (like always), and she told me this recipe that my Aunt makes. Before I can tell you the recipe you must agree to two things:

1. If I bring these treats somewhere and you are there, you must not comment on how easy they are :)
2. You must promise to try these at least once before you die. I promise they are that good!


Okay, here it is. First you need a couple supplies.
Yeah, that is it (besides what the cake mix calls for). 

So here is what you do. Go to your cabinet and pull out any cake mix you want. Be creative, do something to spice up your life!  Live a little! Bake the cake and let it cool. Now, crumble that cake into little pieces in a bowl. Now, go back to your cabinet and get one of those icing containers. You know,  the ones you get when you know you will be too lazy to make your own icing. Now, mix the icing into the crumbled cake. Mix it together really good. Don't like a gooey mess? Too bad! Get your hands dirty to make sure it is mixed really well. 
That is what it will look like. 

Now, your hands need to get really messy.  Make meatball sized cake-icing balls. I cheated and used a cookie dough scoop; you should too!
Yes, nice and round.

Put them on a tray and then they will go to the freezer for let's say an hour or longer.

Wow they change colors! Ha! Just kidding :) This is from another batch I made.

Now, melt that chocolate in a sauce pan or in the microwave if you want some extra waves going through your body. Add a little shortening to your chocolate (you'll just have to stay at the gym a little longer)  so it is not as thick. Stick a tooth pick in the cake-icing balls and dip into chocolate. Put them on wax paper. Decorate them however you want. 


Then put them back into the freezer for another hour or however long you want to. That's it! You will have the most moist "truffles" ever! What's the best part? Your friends will think you slaved in the kitchen for days!

Feeling motivated? Post your favorite holiday recipe!