Tag Archive for 'Windber Area Community Kitchen'

Where’s God in the mix?

Published on August 1, 2010 in Stir It Up!. 3 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

Yesterday, we (Windber Area Community Kitchen or “W.A.C.K.”) served its monthly “community meal” out at Calvary United Methodist Church in Windber.  The meal was provided by Faith Chapel Baptist Church (Richland), and what a grand meal!  Not only was the menu superb, but they provided wonderful musical entertainment, too.  We were elated to have a constant flow of guests throughout the day to a tune of 104 guests total!  This was an all-time high for us (Our highest meal-to-date served 78 guests back in September of 2009).  God is good!

As I was reflecting today about yesterday’s festivities and the kindness and compassion shown to our guests, I was reminded of Glenn Beck’s “Faith, Hope, and Charity” series he has been sharing on his daily show on the FOX News channel.  While I’ve been fervently blogging about the upcoming election here in PA’s 12th congressional district, I realize I haven’t blogged much about GOD and FAITH… and as a Christian, I, too, believe these are essential topics we need to discuss as we move forward — as a district, state, AND nation.

Glenn Beck regular talks about who we are (as a great nation).

He states we are…

Hope: What other country on the planet — better yet, what other country in the history of this planet — has inspired so many people to risk life and limb to get there just for the chance at a better life?   There’s not even a guarantee.   People don’t take their families on a raft, through shark-infested waters, because they are searching for a handout.

You’ve heard it a million times:  They are coming for the hope of a better life.  They know that in America all you need is a dream and anything’s possible.  Last I checked no one is floating their way just at the chance to get into Cuba.   Hope has always come from America.

How did it provide it?

Faith:  Samuel Adams felt America was put together by divine providence — all of them did.  They relied on it.  God played an instrumental role; He was the one we had to have faith in.  George Washington said: “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”

Charity: When there is an earthquake or tsunami, when there is hunger and poverty, there is no other country in history that has been more charitable than America.  Name the country more giving and more generous than America.   France?  Spain?   Germany?

Faith, hope and charity: They are the essential teachings of Christ.

We often hear spiritual leaders and other Christians testify how we ought to turn back to God (before its too late) while some politically-charged affiliations try to relinquish God and faith from our very birth and history (and now academic books), but where do YOU stand on the ideas of God and faith?  Do you know?  Do you care?

While we continue to commentate (and sometimes argue) on and about politics, and as we get closer to our November elections, we must step back and evaluate just WHO we’re putting our faith in.  Are we placing our faith in an almighty God to help us recover from this desperate and jobless economy?  Or are we, once again, putting our faith in MAN… or the GOVERNMENT?

The Bible forewarns us about wrongly placing our trust in man:

Psalm 146:3-4, 7-9 (NIV)
…3Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.  4When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.

7He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.  
The Lord sets prisoners free, 8the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, Lord loves the righteous.  9The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

We must carefully consider our candidates and their view of faith in today’s world.  If they proclaim to be Christ followers, do they behave as such?  Of course we all fall short of the glory of God and we all regularly make mistakes (Thank God for Jesus, eh?), but those who claim to live in the light and continue in darkness are deceitful! (1 John 5-6, NIV)

The above scripture reminds me of those who misuse campaign funds, those who use their power and prestige over others for selfish gain, those who ignore the needy and hungry, and those who disregard God as “the One” in control.

I repeatedly blog about the importance of integrity, honesty, and responsibility because we are, as a nation, terribly lacking in these areas — especially in the political arena.  It’s disheartening, I know, since our elected officials legislate law which now impacts so many areas of our lives.  And while we proudly exclaim that we are a nation and government of the people, by the people (Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address), we regularly hear about botched elections and voter fraud and intimidation.  Is there any hope for us?!

I say… YES.  We have hope in Christ.

As November inches closer and while the lawn signs appear in support of candidates, we must, first, look up.  With God’s help and direction, we can elect the candidates with a true, servant’s heart.  I’m not referring to candidates who promise the world and then “seemingly” deliver with the moon and stars in arm, but I’m talking about the candidates who are humble, compassionate, honest, responsible, and God-fearing.  I’m talking about those who will “first seek the Kingdom of God.” (Matthew 6:33)

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” — Reinhold Niebuhr

God be with us.

The road less traveled

Published on March 10, 2010 in Stir It Up!. Closed Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , .

The Road Less Traveled -- Robert Frost

Several weeks ago, I visited an area church to share my Windber Area Community Kitchen (W.A.C.K.) presentation [W.A.C.K. is a community mission project providing healthy, home-cooked meals to those in need.].   I stayed for the remainder of the service and the Pastor gave a wonderful sermon about how we, as Christians, ought to take the road less traveled (as so eloquently written by Robert Frost). Even weeks later, this sermon has been echoing in my mind as I wait to hear from the Lord about my future and the future of my family  (I’m presently unemployed and I am desperately looking for new work.   We live in an already economically-challenged area which seems even more desolate with the current recession, unfortunately.).

As Christians, we are warned to not conform to the world (Romans 12:2) and travel down the road the world would like us to travel down — yet it is so easy to do, isn’t it?   Yup, even the most dedicated Christians experience the flood of worry which can take us over at a moment’s notice!   I’m just so thankful the Holy Spirit rises up above the worry and feelings of defeat and lends me a hand just when I feel like I’m going under the water.   God is good!    (The really funny thing is He’s there all the time; we just have to have faith and reach up! —    Matthew 14:31).

What is the road less traveled for you?   Perhaps it’s the road of faith, humbleness, or something else?

For me, the road less traveled is about faith (completely trusting God and His perfect timing) and perhaps making unpopular decisions for myself and my family’s future (in regards to employment and relocation).   Simply put, it’s about having faith in God’s plan for me and my family and gently silencing the not-so-positive voices around me.   It’s about looking up,  staying focused, and taking baby steps to get us where we want to be.

As I continue to grow in my faith walk, I’ve come to sense and realize the importance of seasons — not just in a climatic sense — but in relation to God’s purpose for my life.   I do believe God puts us where He wants us and needs us… and just like our earthly seasons, our “assignments” must change, too.   It’s just the cycle of life (and circumstances).    For some, change is extremely difficult.    For me,  I welcome change because it ensures new opportunities for growth and understanding.   Change keeps things from getting too boring and monotonous, too!    If we cease to be challenged in our personal lives, faith, jobs, and relationships, we just stop growing and learning.   When we stop growing and learning, we lose our zest for life and become “too comfortable” and set in our ways  [which then morphs into "doing things the easy way" and allows FEAR of change to ultimately take root].   When we become too comfortable and set in our ways, we often overlook or simply ignore paths which can bring us new (and very positive) relationships and experiences.   Sadly, all of this can become a vicious cycle of disappointment, missed opportunities,  loneliness,  and unfulfilled dreams.    Add “location” to this formula and you just might need anti-depressants!  (I say this because I’m located in western Pennsylvania and the sun doesn’t shine here very often.   Yikes!)    This way of life (and thinking) can really hinder and unnecessarily delay the good things God has waiting for us, and it can negatively influence those around us, too.

On a more serious note, there are many instances in the Bible where God directed someone to go somewhere and do something they’ve never done before (i.e. Noah was asked to build an ark,  Moses was called to go and rescue God’s people out of Egypt, etc.).   It should also be noted that both of these men were afraid and resisted (and they made numerous excuses why they couldn’t do what God wanted them to do).   However,  God equipped them to complete their tasks and their obedience resulted in huge blessings for them as well as future generations!

Again, what is the road less traveled for you?   Is the road marked with FEAR?   Are YOU resisting the road less traveled and missing out on an opportunity for blessings in your life (and to bless others)?   It’s truly all about recognizing the start and end of our seasons and being at the right place at the right time.   Are you where you’re supposed to be?    Are you listening for God’s voice?   On the flip side, are you blocking the road for someone else?   Are you an encourager or discourager?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Change is inevitable.   How we respond to it determines its outcome for ourselves, as well as others.