What's Going on With Me

We went to a couples retreat in Branson this past weekend. Took one young couple with us from church. It was a great time. Saw lots of people we haven't seen for awhile.

My son is getting married in three weeks on March 16th. And my daughter just got engaged yesterday on February 24th.
I know she will be getting married this summer. She doesn't want a long engagement. My son didn't have a long engagement either. My kids were four years apart in school so when my daughter graduated college, my son graduated high school 2 weeks later. Now they are both getting married the same year. At least Jenny lives in Missouri. We will be driving to Texas for my son's wedding!

I've been babysitting my niece, Amelia, to gain extra money and I'm trying to get a photography business going. Just gathering props for now and learning my new camera.

I got a new to me car. 2003 Taurus. It is pretty and had been well taken care of by the previous owners. My old 99 mini van was getting some pretty high mileage. We donated it to a lady at church who has been without a vehicle for three years. She is raising her granddaughter on SS and hasn't been able to do her home health care as a nurse since she didn't have a vehicle. Now we hope this will help her out for awhile.

Welp, I think that's all for now.

Walking in Newness & Obedience!

Two Baptisms this morning! Yay! They were both excited to follow the Lord in obedience.

Mexican Meatloaf

Ingredients:
2 lbs. Hamburger
1/4 c. Diced Bell Peppers (any color)
1 Egg
1/2 c. Frozen Corn
1/2 can Rotel or Diced Tomatoes
1/2 c. Parmesan Cheese
1/2 to 1 c. Shredded Colby Jack Cheese
1/4 c. Dehydrated Onions or 1/2 c. Chopped Onions
1 T. Chili Powder
1 T. Garlic Powder
1 t. Cumin

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients in bowl and then form into a loaf. Place in 9 X 13 baker and bake 40-60 min or until done. Serve with Salsa!

Being Like a Good Waitress

In a sermon this morning, Bob preached from the Book of Jude about How to Make a Difference. It made me think of all those who have impacted and influenced my life...those who made a positive difference for me. Next to the verse Jude 22 I long ago wrote in my Bible "One of my life's goals". I want to make a difference to those around me.. a difference of good. Most often that comes through having compassion as the verse says. Anyhoo, it made me think of the illustration of being a good waitress. A good waitress pays attention! Those who get the best T.I.P.S. are the ones who have done a good job catering to the needs of their customers. That only happens by keeping their eyes up and scanning their area for opportunities to serve! If I always have to flag down the waitress, then I do not feel they have earned the best tip. A good waitress doesn't allow themselves to get overwhelmed by a busy restaurant or duty station. They keep up with drink refills, check back often enough to allow the customer to feel attended to without overly interrupting conversation and making sure the needs are met. The needs could be that there is a condiment needed, extra napkins, or cups with lids for toddlers or even disposable bibs or wet wipes and to go bags or just the bill so the customer can leave. This all happens through observing and evaluating the situations and seeing the need. As Christians especially, and even as just compassionate people, we should be paying attention to the needs of others. Sometimes, it is just a kind word or smile that is needed and sometimes it is a listening ear, but it could be that a meal is needed, or a ride to somewhere, or help cleaning a child, home or office. At any rate, the point is to pay attention and get your eyes off self and SEE the needs. Be like a good waitress and God will reward you not with a tip but  a reward in heaven that will not fade away or burn like stubble in the fire at the judgement seat of Christ.  Hope this post motivates someone to become a good waitress in life's walk for the needs of others.