Famous for Pies

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

A devotional by Debra E. Marvin
(and yes, we're on a pie kick here at the Inkwell!) If eating pie can be done to the Glory of God, cut me another slice!


My grandparents lived with us when I was growing up. I was an only child, and their only granddaughter. I learned how to bake at Gramma’s side. My mother never cared to learn, seeing no reason to work in the woman’s shadow, but for me it was a love I’ll never lose.

We had desserts at every meal, banana bread was a constant, and quite often fresh pies.

Lemon meringue, apricot, apple, custard. The whole gamut. Gramma didn’t need a recipe. She just knew. I recall a trip to a relative’s house in Pennsylvania when my grandmother made at least 30 pies for their freezer. She was famous for her pies.

Is there any thing like fresh pie? When I get pie at a restaurant, there’s a chance it’s going to be commercially made pie or maybe a homemade style pie. At the grocery store? Forget it. Nothing is as good as homemade.

As my grandmother aged, and began to lose her stamina and her memories, I became the designated pie person. I’ll never come close to ‘famous for pies’ and now I only make them for special occasions. The days of having fresh pie for dessert every weekend are long gone.

I don’t recall my grandmother ever showing boredom or resentment at her gift. She enjoyed giving her time and effort to see someone else's enjoyment. I have to say that when I am baking those last minute pies for a holiday, I sometimes wish I didn’t have to—and I don’t have to. I can go out and buy a store pie and forego the backache. But I’d never be happy with it and neither would Gramma.

We each have gifts that start out as an interest to which we show some affinity. Being a good cook is great, because we all have to eat. But baking is different, because as much as I hate to say it, baked desserts are not essential--just pleasurable. For me, baking is relaxing and an act of love. But don’t ask me to make thirty pies for your freezer!

Pie will always remind me of my grandmother. I never bake without thinking of her; I don’t even eat pie without thinking of her. She was a feisty, fun, hardworking woman before Alzheimer’s took her away, just as it’s taken my mother away now. I have one small bowl that Gramma always used for meringue. It’s an old stoneware bowl, marked with years of use. I hope my granddaughter shows an interest in baking. It will tie her to a great, great grandmother she never knew, and to me. I hope to pass on not only that bowl, but also a love of baking and these intergenerational memories.

What do you do that you’re good at and people turn to you for? Fix a hem, comfort a friend, bake a casserole, intercessory prayer? In Niki Turner's post this past Friday, she exhorted us to use our strengths. It doesn't have to mean we are being proud, or bragging. It just makes sense, and really, we're being ungracious to deny our Father's gifts.

For most of us, it’s not easy to name our talents or gifts. But you have at least one, I’m sure of it. Something you do well and enjoy. Acknowledge that gift today. Ask a friend. They'll know what it is!

Your gifts, your ‘talents’ were not given to you to hide away but to use to invest in others. Don't waste that gift. Be faithful to use it!

Dear Father, Help us to humbly acknowledge the strengths and gifts you've given us. Give us the wisdom to use them for Your purposes. You've fit us for marvelous things Lord God and we thank You for making each one of us unique and qualified to be a blessing to others!

Romans 12:5-7
So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach.

You may not be famous for anything now, but the faithful use of your talents will bring you commendation from the one who gave it, and will bless others in ways you may never know.

Have a blessed week, friends! I'd love to sit and enjoy a piece of pie with you. What's your favorite flavor?