A Jumble of Events

Just wanted to check in and let all of my readers know what's up right now. First, we began stewardship season today and I think it's going to be a great season. Everything is upbeat and our stewardship committee is creative and optimistic. What a wonderful change from a few years ago! Second, we received 4 new members this morning! Woo Hoo! That's 6 in the last 3 weeks! Next week I know we'll be receiving ANOTHER one!!! Something is happening here . . . finally! It's a lot of fun to be the pastor when things are going well. I'm not going to dwell here, but I am going to enjoy it while things are going well! Third, we hired a secretary today and I really like her! Granted, we've not worked together yet, but she's quiet, not needy, and quite competent. She already knows many in the congregation -- young and old -- because she lives in the community. She's in her 60s but appears to be in great health, is computer literate, creative, organized, etc. I hope the next 90 days are as good as I hope they will be! Fourth, my in-laws are here so I've taken off Monday and Tuesday to spend some time with a couple of Tennesseans. Today we went out for ice cream and hot dogs at the new, "great place to hang out" in Sebring -- Cones & Coneys. (Note to Sebring-ians: the sugar free ice cream is as heavenly as the "real" stuff and the Chicago hot dog is out of this world!) We also went to the mall and grandma bought the girls lots of clothes (which they needed) and we had a fun day all-around. The in-laws are staying at the Kenilworth Lodge and it really is a fun, old-fashioned place to stay. It's over 100 years old and has the lobby of the olden days -- bookshelves from which to borrow a book, tables with puzzles to share with other guests, ping pong, ballrooms, front porch rockers overlooking the lake and of course the more modern central a/c, coffee around the clock, fitness room, large screen TV rooms, and wireless internet. It's a fun place to stay if you ever come visit. It's the first time I've gone in there with "tourist" eyes.

Well, that's the news from Arbuckle Creek, where the love bugs spend their days ramming into countless windshields, the "northerners" crowd the doctors' waiting rooms, and "country radio top 40" has not been updated in at least 2 years.