Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Funny (10/04/12)
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TITLE: The Power of Vinegar! | Previous Challenge Entry
By Janice Wappel
10/06/12 -
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Saturday morning dawned bright and clear so after my early morning hike, I decided to read the first chapter about the different uses for the wonderful product vinegar. I learned all about how cooking and cleaning would make my life easier and so much cleaner if I did things like let my shower head soak overnight in vinegar and water, or get my dishwasher or washing machine clean by running vinegar through the rinse cycle. That was all well and good but moving on in the chapter, I soon learned that when I boil my eggs I should add a little vinegar and salt to keep my eggs from cracking and cause them to peel easier. So, I placed two eggs in a pan of water added the right amount vinegar and salt then headed out the door to water my plants.
I love the early crisp fall mornings in Arizona and I soon lost track of time as I trimmed and watered my roses and flowers. About 35-40 minutes went by when I noticed my dog acting strange with her head and tail down looking at me with a strange question in her face. I walked toward the front door and saw white smoke billowing from the kitchen stove. I tore into the house grabbed the pot with the smoldering blackened eggs stuck to the bottom, took the pan outdoors and sat it on the cement to cool off. Suddenly, I caught myself laughing out loud at the irony of it all. So much for the vinegar experiment, now all I had were two over cooked eggs, a scorched pot, and an awful smell in my house.
Wandering back into the kitchen, I remembered reading that I could vanquish the smoky scent of burnt eggs by simply boiling a cup of vinegar and two cups of water in a pan. I was promised the smell would be gone and all would be back to normal in about 15 minutes. I took out a clean pan, added the vinegar and water and stood to watch as the water boiled away. ( I decided not leave the room this time around!) Then, I got the bright idea that while the water and vinegar boiled to remove the smell, I might as well add two more eggs in the pot for my breakfast.
Sure enough, the smoky, burnt smell was gone in approximately 15 minutes, my eggs peeled nicely and there were no cracks in the shell. I ended up having a great breakfast of boiled eggs, coffee and toast, but the best part was the burnt pot was sitting in the sink with vinegar and water self-cleaning! As I sat thinking and smiling about my silly burnt eggs and how vinegar had come to my rescue helping to clean up my mess, I heard The Lord whisper so softly in my ear that He had done the same thing for my dirty smelly sins. I felt so humbled as I thought back to the many times I had sinned through the years, but God in His mercy had forgiven me, cleaned me up with His precious blood, and made my sins as white as snow.
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Isaiah 1:18 NIV
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I think if I were to suggest anything it might be the opening paragraph. I know you were setting up the back story but I'm not sure if that first paragraph is really needed.I'd hate to have anyone skip over this delightful devotion. Perhaps if you started with more of a grabber like I looked to the house and saw smoke billowing out the window. Then maybe back track a bit and explain how and why the house was full of smoke.
I do like how you share a personal experience and then take the reader into a Biblical lesson. You do that like a pro with smooth transitions and the message doesn't come off as preachy. I also think you did a nice job of showing instead of telling. Overall you presented an interesting devotion that was a pleasure to read. Nice job.
God bless!
I use vinegar for many things in my house. It cleans well, it is a disinfectant and it is cheaper than the fancy cleaners advertisers rave about. You can make a paste of vinegar and salt for scrubbing.
I like the content of the article and the message. Thanks for sharing.