Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.
This weekend trip was just what the doctor ordered. No rush. No fuss. Only quality time with my husband. Along the way, so far I have met three Christian authors and made one author, who is not a Christian … well, does not write Christian … realize that we all start from somewhere.
We came to Frankenmuth, MI to check out the Bonners Christmas store. What we did not realize, or I did not realize, was how unique this town is in its own way. Across the street from our hotel is a mini Markplatz. (strip mall of German décor). In this little Markplatz, we found a very nice Irishman. In this meeting, we discussed America versus Ireland. We joked about the weather there and here. We discussed food, and he had never tried gator nuggets. Just so happens that in this Markplatz was a diner that served them. We, ourselves, have not had good nuggets in a long time and sought them out. First, making sure they were a good representation, we took a sample back to our new Irish friend. He loved them. He then shared the Irish candy that he brought. It was a foodie revelation. But that was only the beginning. We had decided to buy one of his sweaters; after seeing a picture of our daughter, he disagreed with the color I picked out. So to settle the issue, I called her at work, handed the phone to the Irishman, who kept calling the sweater a jacket, and that confused her. Long story short, he got his way, and we got the other color, and my daughter smiled with another crazy story to tell about her parents.
One of the authors that I met is staying just a few doors down, but the other two were in the Markplatz at an event at the Book Nook store. With it being Valentine's Day, they had a romance book signing. We discussed their books and processes. I exchanged business cards and made some new connections.
The young woman whom I made blush was quite polite and businesslike. She was straightforward and told me that she wrote smut. I asked her about a particular author who also wrote ‘smut’. She looked confused that I would know such a name and not talk down about said author. I told her, I did not always walk right, I have a past. Her eyes softened at the thought that I was not judging but accepting her for who she was and was willing to talk to her anyway.
At dinner, I challenged the waitress that her schnitzel was getting a chance to measure up to my daughter in laws, because the one I had across the street did not even come close and was a great disappointment. I smiled and said, “No pressure,” and we laughed. When she brought the meal, the plate was already more appetizing than the other restaurants. Told her she was off to a good start. Later, when she returned, I told her that on a five-star rating, my daughter-in-law was a definite 10 stars; however, what she served was a solid 5 stars. We laughed. She told me that she was happy that they did so well.
This trip has been about smiles and connections. Every place we put our feet in; we have attempted to change someone’s day…too much seriousness is permeating the world. From making fun of my husband’s age every time a price is said ($10.32. Isn't that the year you were born?) to comparing food to my daughter-in-law to calling my daughter for an Irishman. Smiles were the game and were well played.
Today, as we honor God, let us do so in a manner of helping others. Whether it is a smile. (joking about this or that) Planting a seed (the young author). Or feeding a stranger gator nuggets. Whatever the need, be that’ servant today. You may never know what lives you impact.
Be blessed.
**God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth. – John 4:24
Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.
This weekend trip was just what the doctor ordered. No rush. No fuss. Only quality time with my husband. Along the way, so far I have met three Christian authors and made one author, who is not a Christian … well, does not write Christian … realize that we all start from somewhere.
We came to Frankenmuth, MI to check out the Bonners Christmas store. What we did not realize, or I did not realize, was how unique this town is in its own way. Across the street from our hotel is a mini Markplatz. (strip mall of German décor). In this little Markplatz, we found a very nice Irishman. In this meeting, we discussed America versus Ireland. We joked about the weather there and here. We discussed food, and he had never tried gator nuggets. Just so happens that in this Markplatz was a diner that served them. We, ourselves, have not had good nuggets in a long time and sought them out. First, making sure they were a good representation, we took a sample back to our new Irish friend. He loved them. He then shared the Irish candy that he brought. It was a foodie revelation. But that was only the beginning. We had decided to buy one of his sweaters; after seeing a picture of our daughter, he disagreed with the color I picked out. So to settle the issue, I called her at work, handed the phone to the Irishman, who kept calling the sweater a jacket, and that confused her. Long story short, he got his way, and we got the other color, and my daughter smiled with another crazy story to tell about her parents.
One of the authors that I met is staying just a few doors down, but the other two were in the Markplatz at an event at the Book Nook store. With it being Valentine's Day, they had a romance book signing. We discussed their books and processes. I exchanged business cards and made some new connections.
The young woman whom I made blush was quite polite and businesslike. She was straightforward and told me that she wrote smut. I asked her about a particular author who also wrote ‘smut’. She looked confused that I would know such a name and not talk down about said author. I told her, I did not always walk right, I have a past. Her eyes softened at the thought that I was not judging but accepting her for who she was and was willing to talk to her anyway.
At dinner, I challenged the waitress that her schnitzel was getting a chance to measure up to my daughter in laws, because the one I had across the street did not even come close and was a great disappointment. I smiled and said, “No pressure,” and we laughed. When she brought the meal, the plate was already more appetizing than the other restaurants. Told her she was off to a good start. Later, when she returned, I told her that on a five-star rating, my daughter-in-law was a definite 10 stars; however, what she served was a solid 5 stars. We laughed. She told me that she was happy that they did so well.
This trip has been about smiles and connections. Every place we put our feet in; we have attempted to change someone’s day…too much seriousness is permeating the world. From making fun of my husband’s age every time a price is said ($10.32. Isn't that the year you were born?) to comparing food to my daughter-in-law to calling my daughter for an Irishman. Smiles were the game and were well played.
Today, as we honor God, let us do so in a manner of helping others. Whether it is a smile. (joking about this or that) Planting a seed (the young author). Or feeding a stranger gator nuggets. Whatever the need, be that’ servant today. You may never know what lives you impact.
Be blessed.
**God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth. – John 4:24
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