Copyright 2009-2010 Trinity United Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved.
Trinity United Methodist Church * 1156 Rex Drive * Orrville, Ohio 44667 * 330-682-1806 * office@orrvilletrinity.com
Rev. Dave's Blog: Dining On The Word
Trinity United
Methodist Church
Orrville, Ohio
Open Heart. Open Minds. Open Doors.
Rev. Dave Kowaleski's Blog
Rev. Dave Kowaleski shares a monthly word of inspiration for the congregation. This is an archive of past articles. To see the most recent blog entry, CLICK HERE.
In Jesus' ministry we see times when even he found it necessary to get away for a period of rest and refreshment. Many times he would go to a place away from the crowds and distractions. If this were important for Jesus it is something we too need to do for our health and well being.
One of the places I go to get away from the crowds and distractions is the kitchen. Not to eat, but to pull out a favorite recipe. I find that when I start measuring and reading the directions I can put all else aside, concentrate on what I'm preparing and end up with a creative and fulfilling result.
In thinking about this article, I thought of taking all of this a step further. For the course of this year and into next, I will be sharing some of my favorite recipes and looking at them from a biblical perspective. The title of this series will be "Dining on the Word." I hope that this will offer something different but meaningful to our journey of faith. Remember, some of Jesus' most effective ministry was centered around a meal.
Today's recipe is my mother's Brown Sugar Frosting. Cake without frosting is not complete in taste, looks or appeal. Lent is a time for us to reflect on the taste, attractiveness and appeal of faith in our lives and its impact on others through us. Especially during Lent I marvel at the way God has demonstrated his love for us not only in words but by an active demonstration. "For God so loved the world that he gave..."
So it is with faith. We are a people of faith whose lives have been somehow touched by God's hand. During Lent we inwardly reflect on that faith to renew and deepen our relationship with God. Lent also reminds us that it doesn't end there for we too have a responsibility as to the active demonstration of that faith.
The great preacher, George Buttrick, reminds us of our responsibility. He said, "God's providence is not in baskets lowered from the sky, but through the hands and hearts of those who love him. The boy without food or shoes made the proper answer when a cruel woman asked, 'If God loved you, wouldn't he send you food and shoes?' The boy replied, 'God told someone, but they forgot.' "
By our acts of faith we never know when we might be God's instrument of answered prayer. I hope that this Lenten Season can be a time of deep personal growth for all of us along with a time to demonstrate our faith and God's love in today's world. You see, that's the real "frosting on the cake."
BROWN SUGAR FROSTING
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
Boil butter and brown sugar for 2 minutes. Add milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cool. Add confectioners sugar and beat. It will get smooth and creamy for spreading. (As a child I always loved to lick the bowl and beaters.)
Today's recipe is what I call "Hospitality Raisin Bran Muffins." I must confess at the beginning that this is really Sharon's recipe but it's one we like for several reasons. It tastes great, it lasts for weeks and it's something we normally share with others. My focus today is on the last point. Because it lasts for weeks the muffins can be made in the quantity you desire and at a time that is convenient. We like to bake a few extra muffins each time and share them with others. It is a great way to show hospitality.
Hospitality is also an important ingredient of our faith. In Genesis 18, Abraham demonstrates hospitality to three visitors that stopped at his encampment. In Deuteronomy 10:18-19, we see not only God's love for strangers but the command for us to express our love toward them also. In Romans 12:13 and Hebrews 13:2, we're called to practice hospitality and not to neglect showing it to others. The early church depended on the hospitality of it members and today no greater gift can be offered. As we would never neglect a quest in our home so should it be in the church. Each of us has an important roll and mission in making sure that as guests enter the doors of Trinity we are all prepared to extend a gracious hand of welcome and maybe even a plate of muffins.
HOSPITALITY RAISIN BRAN MUFFINS
Stir together: 4 eggs 1 cup oil
2 1/2 cups sugar 1 quart Butter milk
Add to the above: 5 cups flour
5 tsp soda
1 tsp vanilla
Mix well and add a 20 oz. box of Raisin Bran cereal.
(We add an extra 1/2 to 1 cup raisins)
Cover mixture in large bowl and place in refrigerator at least 6 hours before baking.
Fill muffin papers 2/3 full.
Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
Makes about 6 dozen muffins.
NOTE: The mixture will keep in the refrigerator up to 6 weeks. You can bake the quantity you desire at any time within that period.
