Loading...It’s the month of bread stories from the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John.
August 4: Jesus says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
August 11: Jesus said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.”
August 18: Jesus says, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven.”
August 25: Jesus said, “But the one who eats this bread will live forever.”
Bread is a mainstay for nearly all people around the world. That’s why Jesus uses this metaphor to help us understand the importance of God in our lives. God, he is telling us, is as integral for our survival as bread.
If you are a friend of mine on Facebook, you know I have been harvesting zucchini. It is prolific. The squash grows faster than you might expect. I mean, don’t miss checking on them for even a day or you will end up with a zucchini that is over a foot long and 5 inches thick!
We love zucchini. And this is the season for zucchini bread. Did you know that one of those foot longs can give you enough zucchini to make four loaves of yummy bread?
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable. When added to a savory or sweet quick bread batter, it becomes foundational to a meal, sneaking veggies into thousands of anti-squash eaters.
I’ve already made six loaves of pineapple zucchini bread. Even with the same base recipe, each time I put the batter together, no batch is the same as another: baking spices might change, raisins or dates or neither, chopped nuts or no nuts, maybe some coconut, and regularly, chocolate chips. My most recent batch is banana zucchini chocolate chip bread. It’s all in the freezer—I didn’t even taste it first! I’m looking forward to making a cheddar cheese and herb version soon.
You might be wondering why, in this season of bread stories, I am talking specifically about zucchini bread. It’s simple, if you have read this far, and you are one of the first five to call me and tell me you read this, I will present you with a loaf of my home-grown, home-made zucchini bread! The only requirement, besides being one of the first five to call, is that you must pick it up from the church, directly from me.
Cooking and baking for others is one of the ways I express my love. I don’t get to share this passion as broadly or as often as I used to. So, this is one of those ways I can share a little love with you.
Do you have a special way you share your love with others? I’d enjoy hearing all about your passions and about those things that fill your soul -- when you pick up your loaf of zucchini bread!
Remember, God loves you. If you forget, look at the variety of ways God provides, abundantly, the things you need. Including zucchini!
Farm fresh and loving it!
~Rev. Debbie+
