When you think of pie, what comes to your mind? Perhaps it is a big piece of Mom’s chocolate cream pie, right out of the oven. Or maybe, when you were a child, the smell of baked apples sometimes filled the house when you came home from school. There’s nothing more American than apple pie, right? So because of the memories I held, I wasn’t quite prepared for a few of the odd pies I found on the Web.
For starters, try honey vinegar pie with spiced whipped cream. One article claims that master chef Larissa Takchi discovered that she could use vinegar in lieu of lemons in her pies. She sounds a bit like the pioneers, who were able to work cooking magic with almost nothing.
Many people claim that Larissa’s pie is delicious. In fact, an alternate name for this dessert is “Good Lord, I Need Pie”. But I think the wrong name was chosen. I would call it, “Good Lord, I Don’t Need Pie”.
While thinking about this, I imagined the following scenario. There’s a new girl at your office. She is cute, and she has gotten your attention. You’ve been trying to ask her out, but your tongue is tied at the sight of her.
Finally, you get up the nerve and invite her out for dinner. Reluctantly, she stalls, “I’m sorry … This isn’t a good time.”
But a few weeks later, you try again. You think, “I’ll invite her for something more casual, like pie and coffee after work. I can say I just want to get to know her.”
To your surprise she responds in a favorable tone. “That sounds nice, as long as we can just be friends. I’m not looking for anything more than that.”
So the next day, the two of you go to a little coffee shop, where you pretend to peruse the menu. The conversation is awkward until she suddenly lets out a squeal. You are concerned, but she assures you that everything is great–and squeals again.
“Wow! How did you know?”
“Know what?”
“Why, they have my favorite kind of pie! It reminds me of home.”
The waitress comes to your table, all smiles, and the girl orders a big piece of honey vinegar, asking for a generous topping of spiced whipped cream.
After that, you start to ask yourself how you got into this mess in the first place. Realizing that you should have done a background check, you try to keep up a polite facade, but in truth you can’t wait to get home.
Once on the road, you chastise yourself for not being more careful. Then, when you step into your apartment, you decide to put in for a transfer.
But let’s leave off right there and examine a third alternative when it comes to thinking about pie. We can use the letter P for “pie” as a device to remember God’s recipe for the abundant life which Jesus spoke about.
Have you ever thought of the Lord in terms of having a delicious flavor? If you find the flavor shelf is bare, though, don’t worry. Instead of going to the store, go out to the garden of blessings. Then, as you look over it, think of all of the seemingly impossible things God has brought you through, and you will have a new attitude in the kitchen of life.
In order to make the pie crust, mix in two cups of priority, while thinking about what it means to give God first place in your life. The Bible says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33, NIV)
Stir until the mixture has a paste-like consistency, and let sit in your fridge, as there is no baking required. You will need to open it periodically, however, and sprinkle in a generous amount of prayer throughout the day. Paul told us to “pray continually”. (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NIV)
Still another P is persistence, which you will save to sprinkle on as desired. As you do this, you might want to read Luke 18, where a loving God’s persistence is contrasted with that of an unjust judge.
Finally, once the crust is firm, we’re ready to get to the main body of the pie. Add in two cups of identification, and stir well. As you do this, grab the container of peace which you have saved for this step. While sprinkling it in, think on the words of Jesus.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9, NIV)
Now, look at the most important characteristic of God’s peace with me. It can be found in Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
But what exactly does that mean? It means that God’s peace is more than a feeling, or the mere absence of conflict. So when your life seems to be falling apart, as a Christian you can have this assurance, because you know the One who holds it together. God’s peace brings about a lasting change, and all of your friends and family will be astonished as they see the transformation He brings about in your life.
So if you want a dessert that has the extra-special quality which I am speaking about, top it all off with a mixture of empathy and the persistence which you saved. Serve large slices, and eat often. The good news is that you can relax and enjoy a slice anytime, as this pie contains no calories!
If you need any prayer, or you would like to know more about this God of peace, don’t hesitate to contact me. My name is Chaplain Tim, and you can reach me at 507.369.6861. Or you can listen to inspiring podcasts and read more great blogs like this one by going to www.mynvm.com.
Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 101 S Kraemer BLVD, Suite 123A, Placentia, CA 92870.
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If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 507-369-6861.