SOLOMON'S RECIPE: FINDING TRUST IN AN UNTRUSTWORTHY WORLD

By ALLAN MUSTERER

Introduction

My life has spanned eight decades. In that time, I have witnessed amazing progress and discoveries in medicine, artistry, psychology, technology, engineering, and science. Despite these advances that have made living in the world so much easier, life continues to present all of us with daunting challenges. We

• Language: English
• Publisher: Allan Edward Musterer
• Release date: Oct 2, 2019
• ISBN: 9781649456526

ALLAN MUSTERER

Allan E. Musterer served as an ordained minister for thirty-eight years in the New Apostolic Church while concurrently practicing engineering and business management in Nuclear Power and Product Design. He has a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, a master's degree in Business Management and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of California. Allan has practiced engineering and management for over fifty-three years. He drew upon both his engineering and theological experiences to craft Solomon's recipe, noting how trust in the Lord is at work wherever one plants their feet.

Book preview

Reading Solomon's Recipe, I found myself engrossed to the point that I was a part of the story . . . Amazingly, through the magic of Allan's expression based on real life experiences Solomon's Recipe provided calming proof spoken by Moses when he stated "Fear ye not, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord (Exodus 14: 13). This book reminds me that . . . . the best thing to do is place the situation at the feet of our Lord and Savior. I highly recommend and endorse this book as a truthful real read for those who profess to do the work of the Lord.

Rev. Dr. Jerry Moore Sr., Moore Ministries

Solomon's Recipe sets forth a way of living shaped by Allan's reflections on his personal experiences in light of the Book of Proverbs. Surely Allan senses the range and depth of experiences, yours and mine, which are illuminated by moments and meanings he shares from his life. Some of Allan's experiences called to mind experiences of mine so vividly, I couldn't read them fast enough!

The Rev. Fred Thayer, Rector (Ret.)

St Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, Poway, CA

Solomon's Recipe is catchy title, but so much more than that. Through insights gained over a long lifetime, the author gently guides the reader through the ongoing challenges of learning—and relearning—trust in God. The recipe, based on the biblical book of Proverbs, is creative and inspirational. Chapters contain true life stories and practical questions seen through the lens of Solomon's Recipe. This is a great book to read, and to share. It's a recipe everyone can follow.

The Rev. Dr Kathleen Long Bostrom

Author and Retired Minister (PCUSA)

Solomon's Recipe is an inspiring book that is filled with hope for men and women of all ages. The passages of scriptures used for Solomon's Recipe will challenge you and bless you beyond your wildest dreams if you follow the instructions. The true-life stories in the book are a constant reminder that with God all things are possible.

Rev. Rick Rojas Associate Pastor Shepherd's Pasture Assembly and Chaplain National City Police Department

SOLOMONS RECIPE

All Rights Reserved

ISBN: 978-1-64606-020-7

ISBN: 978-1-64945-652-6 (e-book)

Library of Congress

Published by:

Affordable Publishing

P.O. Box 7250952

San Diego, CA 92129

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any way by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior consent of the copyright holder, except as provided by USA copyright Law.

All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. Contents and/or cover may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without the express written consent of the Publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my lovely wife, Carol

and to my wonderful son, Randy.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

o HOW I FOUND SOLOMON'S RECIPE

o SOLOMON'S RECIPE EXPLAINED

o HOW TO MAKE SOLOMON'S RECIPE WORK FOR YOU

CHAPTER 1 ~ FACING BIG DECISIONS

o THE VOLUNTEER

o MAKE-A-WISH

o CLARA'S STORY

CHAPTER 2 ~ RELATIONSHIPS

o THE PERFECT GIFT

o WHAT'S THE QUESTION?

CHAPTER 3 ~ NAVIGATING LIFE-AND-DEATH SITUATIONS

o TERROR ON INTERSTATE 5

o AT DEATH'S DOOR

o LOSING JOY

CHAPTER 4 ~ PERSONAL GROWTH

o LOSING AND FINDING THE PERFECT JOB

o IT DOESN'T WORK—FIX IT

o AN UNEXPECTED MINISTRY

CHAPTER 5 ~ EDUCATION PATHS

o COLLEGE SURPRISES

o GRADUATE SCHOOL DISASTER

CHAPTER 6 ~ FINDING YOUR WAY IN BUSINESS

o CHANGING CAREER DIRECTION

o CHOOSING AN EMPLOYER

o THE DEFIANT CLIENT

o WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO IN THIS COMPANY?

CHAPTER 7 ~ THE RIPPLE EFFECT

o FATHER–SON CHALLENGE

o I REMEMBER HOW YOU PRAYED

CHAPTER 8 ~ HELPING OTHERS IN NEED

o DEPRESSION

o A DYING SOUL FINDS PEACE

o THE RICE CONSPIRACY

CHAPTER 9 ~ SOUL GROWTH AND SELF-CARE

o MOTHER'S DEBILITATING STROKE

o DEMENTIA

o THE HELICOPTER INCIDENT – THE HAND OF GOD

CHAPTER 10 ~ HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE

o WRITE YOUR EXPERIENCES DOWN WHEN THEY HAPPEN

o THREE STEPS TO ALLOW COMMUNICATION WITH GOD

o PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

o SHARE YOUR STORIES—MAYBE WRITE A BOOK?

APPENDIX

ACKNOWLEGMENTS

AUTHOR'S PAGE

With total trust in God, one is prepared for everything and surprised by nothing.

Introduction

My life has spanned eight decades. In that time, I have witnessed amazing progress and discoveries in medicine, artistry, psychology, technology, engineering, and science. Despite these advances that have made living in the world so much easier, life continues to present all of us with daunting challenges. We still struggle daily. We all face the tragic loss of loved ones, life-and-death crises, betrayals by those we trusted, lifelong hopes dashed, and catastrophic events that can change our lives profoundly—and in an instant. Many see life as difficult and turbulent. But it need not be so lonely, scary, or painful.

My experience has shown me that there are four main reasons why we struggle when we face life's greatest challenges. First, we are reluctant to trust; second, we insist on understanding; third, we ignore or dismiss the higher power as luck; and fourth, we refuse to look for guidance from the divine.

My life's work has taught me that there are a lot of people we meet who, though they presented themselves as trustworthy, turned out to be anything but. So, who do we trust? How do we find trust in an untrustworthy world?

We are set, with adamant insistence, in requiring that we understand everything we face before we find the courage to act. So, how do we find the courage of heart to act without first understanding? How do we navigate life positively while feeling blindfolded and without a compass of understanding?

We have this propensity to acknowledge luck when for some reason something randomly goes right for us. Then we are bound to the dilemma of contracting with this entity luck to shine on us more frequently or in a specifically critical moment. How do we accomplish that? How do we speak to luck? Where do we find it? Can we do something more that takes us beyond mere random chance?

We typically have thoughts like I know what I am doing better than anyone. No one understands what I am going through. How will I know guidance when it comes to me and in what form will it be? How long will I have to wait? Will it come at all? These thoughts and questions can leave us feeling paralyzed and stuck, or trapped in vehement resistance.

I have been blessed with a solution that can help anyone tackle these four obstacles to leading a life that can bring more harmony and joy. I call it Solomon's Recipe. The Recipe comes from the proverbs that are attributed to Solomon, King of Israel. This is where many of you might be feeling a rising sense of skepticism. You may have relegated anything Biblical to irrelevancy in your life. For those of you who are entertaining skepticism, I suggest you consider that something genuinely true, regardless of its source, will prove to be a benefit in navigating the storms and tides on your personal sea of life. Truth is true, regardless of where you find it.

Some may ask, Why Solomon? He was not perfect in how he lived his life. In fact, he violated some of the wisdom he himself penned for posterity. You may wonder, Why should I put any credence in anything he has written? To this I respond, Because he was able to open himself to divine guidance. In fact, he asked for it. As a young teenager, Solomon had grown up watching his father, King David, enjoy a strong relationship with God and the benefits associated with it. In his youth, Solomon was placed into the great shoes of the King of Israel. Solomon, in a state of awe, naiveté, and humbleness, encountered God in a dream, who asked Solomon, What shall I give you? Don't let the gravity of that escape you. (1 Kings 3:5-9)

We often have this fantasy of some genie who comes out of a lamp and offers us three wishes that the genie supposedly has the power to grant. Unfortunately, we must face it: this is just fantasy. But the Creator, omnipotent, asked Solomon, What shall I give you?

Solomon responded, Since I am so young and my task as king is so great, I need Your help! Give me a heart with the skill and sensitivity to listen when Your Holy Spirit comes to guide me.

God, impressed with such humbleness, gave Solomon what he asked for, plus the wisdom to act wisely.

Now, thousands of years later, the truths divinely revealed to Solomon are in the writings of his proverbs. These same truths are echoed in every ancient culture throughout the world. Every religion, every people across the globe, share these profound truths.

I have found that these verses in Proverbs offer a kind of recipe for acquiring access to the divine guidance that we all need to negotiate our unique life experience. My life is evidence for me that this Recipe works again and again with efficacy and consistency.

I hope you will walk with me and see how the truth in Solomon's Recipe can be the powerful force you have been seeking when facing both small and monumental life challenges. Be ready for miracles to open before you.

How I Found Solomon's Recipe

I was on the verge of a great adventure when I literally stumbled upon the words that would change my life. My dream was about to come true. I was leaving home to pursue my education that would launch me on a career in engineering. I had no idea what lay before me. I was young, naïve, and feeling prepared and confident. I was excited and eager to get on with it. Little did I know what was looming.

The Wednesday night before departing for college, my family and I attended church service just as we always did. I didn't think much of it, but it was the last service in our church that I would attend for almost three long months. In our church, each service began with a Bible passage. That passage became the foundation for the sermon message. On this evening, the passage was from Solomon's Proverbs, Chapter 3, verses 5 and 6.

I had always been impressed with Solomon, primarily because of his encounter with God as a teenager. I do not honestly recall how, on that evening, this passage from Proverbs impressed me or how the sermon based on it moved me. The future, however, revealed that it somehow got into me. It became a lifelong touchstone that has been a gold mine of wisdom and strength throughout my life to this day.

These words, in fact, became a life-changing recipe.

Solomon's Recipe Explained

Solomon's Recipe resides in Proverbs, chapter 3, verses 5 and 6. The King James Version of the Bible presents these verses as follows:

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5

In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:6

For decades I have applied these words as a recipe for living, while facing both trivial and more serious life challenges. Like any recipe, it takes time and experience to get the final product just right. With Solomon's Recipe, each step builds upon the previous step. The success of the Recipe depends on developing an authentic trust in God. Without that, the Recipe fails. But experiencing a solid trust in God is often not an instantaneous experience. Often, people wonder if their trust in God is justified. Know that it is perfectly normal to have such doubts.

Also know this:

Each time you put the Recipe into practice, your trust will grow deeper. Your insistence on understanding will dissipate. Acknowledging God becomes more comfortable and genuine, and most importantly, God's direction becomes more visible and real.

The more authentic and genuine the trust is, the more effective the Recipe will be in fulfilling its purpose, which is to gain guidance from the divine.

It's also important to understand that working with Solomon's Recipe takes practice, sometimes years of practice, to get it to work smoothly. As with any art, practice begins with baby steps. You start off simply and then slowly become more advanced. Eventually, what was once new and difficult is performed with ease. This truth applies to practicing Solomon's Recipe.

As you begin applying the Recipe, you may find that you run up against what I call an obstacle illusion. When you face an issue, it looks like the problem is outside of you. You become focused on the obstacle and it becomes hard to look beyond it. Now you find yourself stuck, mired in an attitude insisting that you must understand before you take another step.

The problem, however, is not the obstacle or the issue you are facing; it's you.

Your trust isn't deep enough, and you insist on understanding something that can't be understood at that particular moment.

This may preclude your ability to see God in control, and the divine guidance offered may be lost. What is at work here is that you are unwilling to turn over control of the challenging issue to an unseen God. That attitude screams, Prove it!

On the contrary, if you