VBS! (Recipe: Zucchini Chocolate Cake) VBS week!! If you don’t know what VBS stands for, it is Vacation Bible School. Our church is expecting over 600 kids to attend this coming week. We also offer a class for mom’s, and I have had the privilege of teaching this class for the last couple of years. Both moms and kids are hungry to learn more about the Bible, what Jesus has to say, and how they can grow in their walk with Him. With our theme being “Radically Pursuing Jesus”, I dare say these goals should be met. As I was reflecting on VBS, the though came to me. It could also stand for “Victory Because of the Savior”. This is what I want to emphasize this coming week. How moms can have victory in their lives as they yield to the teaching and control of the Savior. Our studies include: Learning how to have a Radical Love for Jesus, being Radically Committed to walking with and living for Jesus. Knowing we have been Radically Transformed – becoming more and more like Jesus. Living and serving with a Radical Perseverance, even during the midst of obstacles and trials. Finally, looking forward to being Radically Rewarded! How do we do this? Radically Pursue Jesus. Let me share some simple Bible verses with you to get you started. Love: Mark 12:30 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Out of your extreme love for Jesus, pursue him with all that is in you. Commitment: 1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be men (women) of courage; be strong.” Stay true to your faith, let nothing move you, and stand up for all you believe in. Transformation: Romans 8:9 – “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.” The Holy Spirit lives in you, transformed you the day you gave your heart to Jesus. The day you trusted him, and him alone, for your eternal salvation. Perseverance: Romans 5:3 – “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Even as a believer, we will still face hardships. Do we face them with an attitude of persevering through, or do we simply give up? Rewards: 2 Peter 1:3 – “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” The greatest reward we can receive is knowing for certain we will spend all of eternity in heaven with Jesus. Do you have this assurance? If not, go to www.godlife.com to find out how you can know. Are you excited about VBS – Victory Because of the Savior!! I know I am, and I am looking forward to teaching a class full of moms who desire to learn more. That more is wrapped up in Jesus!

Zucchini Chocolate Cake Preheat oven to 350 Grease and flour a 13 x 9 pan ½ cup soft butter 1 egg ½ cup sour milk ½ cup vegetable oil 1 tsp. vanilla Mix well together in a large bowl. Add: 2-1/2 cup flour 1-1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 tsp. baking soda 4 T. cocoa powder Shred: Zucchini to make 2 cups. Divide a 12 oz. bag of chocolate bits. After the dry ingredients have been mixed, add the zucchini and ½ of the chocolate bits, mix well. Spread batter into pan, sprinkle rest of chocolate bits over the top. Bake 30-40 minutes. Serve unfrosted.