Author: Nicole Obligacion

THURSDAY TUNE #13: To Me by Matthew West

“If you repeat a lie again and again and again, you will believe it.” -Peter Tan-Chi

For the past week, I was tempted to believe in certain lies about myself/others, my security, my purpose, my basis for joy/fulfillment, etc. and it was really discouraging. But, God continued to speak to me through His word and He reminded me of His perfect love for me. In spite of disappointing moments, I was encouraged to trust that God knew what He was doing and that He will continue to do so. :) And even in the midst of lies and negative thoughts, God allowed me to see the Truth in Him and in His promises for me.

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever. (Psalm 138:8)

This song has been such a great encouragement for me and I hope that as you listen to it, you too will be encouraged to find your security in Christ. He is definitely more than enough for us. His unfailing and everlasting love for us is enough. :)

I hope that this song encourages you today. :)

“To Me”

Well it breaks my heart
Every time I see the world break yours in two
You know those lies ain’t true
When you let ’em get to you,
Being you is hard to be, I see.

These days sticks and stones
Sound like paradise
Compared to those harsh words
They’re rather cut you down than hold you
But they don’t know you like I know you
If they did I know they’d see,
Yes they would see…

To me you are
Heaven’s finest invention by far
So much brighter than the brightest star
And what I’d give to make you see
Who you are to me

All your so called friends
Said they’d be there to the bitter end
But I won’t be just like the others
I’m gonna show you my true colors
You can’t ever make me leave
No, no, I won’t ever leave

To me you are
Heaven’s finest invention by far,
Even brighter than the brightest star
And what i’d give to make you see
Who you are to me

When you laugh it’s my favorite song
And all the gray is gone
Every single time I see you smile,
I just haven’t seen it in awhileSo go on and dream
Bigger dreams than this town’s ever seen before
There are just two kinds of people:
Ones who say you’re just not able
And the ones who change the world
And you’re gonna change the worldTo me you are
Heaven’s finest invention by far
Even brighter than the brightest star
And what I’d give to make you see
Who you are to me
…to me.
Encourage yourself one tune at a time. :)
THURSDAY TUNES: https://encouragingtreats.com/thursday-tunes/

Best Before March 4

About a month ago, I noticed two unopened, packs of cream cheese in our refrigerator.  I saw that both packs had “Best when used by March 4, 2013” printed on them. And because I didn’t want to waste cheese or risk eating spoiled cream cheese, I promised myself that I would use them immediately.

But, because I wasn’t able to prioritize it, I ended up forgetting about the cheese! I only remembered it two days ago — two days before the “best before date”!

With the limited time that I had, I decided to make two kinds of no-bake, mini cheesecake cupcakes: Oreo and Blueberry. While making them, I was getting paranoid with the quality and taste of the cream cheese because all I could think of was the possibility of it being spoiled.

“I don’t want to use expired ingredients again. :( Lord, please don’t let this cheese be bad.”

I guess I got traumatized before, when I used “expired” crushed graham crackers for a dessert. At that time, I figured that since they were crushed crackers, they wouldn’t probably taste bad even if it was already past their “Best Before Date”. However, it was so awful that it tasted like carton/cardboard.

That moment flashed back in my mind again and again as I was making the cheesecake cupcakes and I figured that since cream cheese is a more delicate ingredient, it would taste bad after “the date” too!

But, God still encouraged me to learn from that moment; use the two packs of cream cheese this time; and seek the opinions of my mom and sister while I make the desserts.

After hours of preparing and waiting for the cheesecake cupcakes to chill, I was finally able to make 24 no-bake cheesecake cupcakes without using expired ingredients! Hooray!

This cheesecake moment allowed me to experience God’s grace once again. He saved me from wasting more ingredients and motivated me to finish producing the cheesy treats, in spite of my discouraged spirit and past traumas.

In the same way, I know that God’s grace is enough for us no matter what situation we’re in. His timing and His ways are always perfect.

 

Are you going through a rough time? Tempted to worry and give up?

 

It says in Hebrews 4:16:

 “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

 

Encourage yourself one treat at a time. :)

Bakery Fair 2013

A few days ago, my officemate asked me if I wanted to have one of her extra free tickets to this year’s Bakery Fair at the World Trade Center. I immediately said “Wow! Yes! Sure!” and thanked her for her generosity.

Because I had work during the first two days of the Fair, I was only able to go during its last day (two days ago).

 

But, nonetheless, IT WAS AWESOME!

 

The place was filled with various booths and products. People were selling ready-made baked goods, ingredients, appliances, and equipments used for baking.

 

Also, in some areas of the hall, different chefs and cooks were demonstrating how to prepare certain dishes, tricks in making desserts, and other techniques and items useful in the kitchen.

 

It was very inspiring to see hardworking and determined entrepreneurs and chefs sell their products and share their ideas and techniques.

Moreover, the organizers came up with baking contests during the fair and showcased the winning items in the middle of the hall. I loved the display!

My two favorite cakes are the ff:

1. Cake with masks (which won first place); and

2. Cake with ‘floral icing’

After two hours of going around the hall, it was time for me to leave the place. But of course, before I left, I bought some baking treats and materials for myself too! Hehehe.

While I was on my way to the car, I thanked God for the interesting (and free) tour that I had at the Bakery Fair. Indeed, it was a wonderful treat! It made me appreciate things like: the art and science of baking, entrepreneurs, innovations & failures, competition in the marketplace, raw ingredients, and of course, unique dishes and recipes. :)

But, one of the things that I appreciate the most that day was God’s encouragement for me to keep on practicing, learning, and improving in the kitchen by His grace. The participants in the fair were really skilled and knowledgeable in their profession and it inspired me to nurture my passion for food and culinary.

Baking, cooking, and making food certainly are some of the things that I can see myself doing for a long time. If God would be honored and if he would want me to excel in these more, I know that He will allow me to grow in His perfect time and through His ways. :)

Its says in Isaiah 41:10: ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

 

I hope that this verse will also encourage you to grow where God has placed you right now. — to grow in character, wisdom, knowledge, and skill for His glory. Even if we make mistakes every now and then, even if we sometimes feel that we “lack the resources”, and even if we get discouraged by others around us, I hope that we will still seek His strength as we do our best for Him.

Thank You, Lord, for this year’s Bakery Fair. :)

 

Encourage yourself one treat at a time. :)

THURSDAY TUNE #12: Grateful by Julianne

A few hours ago, it started to drizzle when I stepped out of the office. But, despite the inconvenience, I found myself smiling while I was walking under the light rain. I was smiling because I had just experienced God’s faithfulness in one of my tasks at work today. He graciously allowed me to finish one task that I was struggling with for the past days. And I guess, because of this, the hassle of walking under the rain didn’t bother me at all. :)

While I was on my way home, I remembered a few lines from a song which says: “I don’t even mind walking under the rain… And I’m grateful. You showed me the way back to my beautiful. I’m grateful.”

with Julianne Tarroja

I realized that it was Julianne Tarroja’s song, “Grateful”! I then sang the song in my head and realized that it was actually a very timely reminder for me because throughout the past few days, God has been encouraging me to trust in Him and thank Him even if I was experiencing stress and struggles at work.

This song has also strengthened my heart and helped me to dwell more on the things that I can thank God for (e.g. lessons learned during my experience, character development, humility, good results, etc.) than on my complaints and negative thoughts.

“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thess. 5:18

So, for this Thursday’s tune, I would like to share with you “Grateful” by Julianne and I hope that you would also be encouraged. :)

 

I’m stronger than before
Stronger than I’ll ever be
And I raise my eyes to the One
The One who made me see
All what I thought was lost
But now is found
And I’m gratefulGrateful for the day
You called my name
Ever since You walked into the door
It’s never been the same
Mornings are brighter now
I’m not afraid
And I wake up each day
With a smile on my face

Coz I’ve been in places
Where I couldn’t even see
The light of day
And then You came

I’m grateful
You showed me the way back to my beautiful

Everything seems different now
Things are turned inside out
With a new pair of senses to go with around
It doesn’t even matter
If I’m up or down

Blues are bluer
Smiles are brighter
It draws a tear whenever
I watch the sunsets paint the sky
I don’t even mind walking under the rain
I never laughed like this before
And I’m gonna say it once more

Encourage yourself one tune at a time. :)

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About Me

My name is Nicole Obligacion and I started this blog because I was inspired by Hebrews 10:24 and Hebrews 3:13. I love to eat, cook, bake, read the Bible, and encourage. :)

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