A Taste of Magnolia

A Taste of Magnolia

A week ago we returned from a six-state road trip that began and ended in Dallas, Texas.  Our first official stop on the trip was in Waco - better known as, Chip & Joanna land.  Of course, we had to check out the famed Magnolia offerings.  I'm shivering in the cold as I hold a cupcake from the Magnolia Bakery.  The large, rusty silos stand in the background, just past the small baseball diamond.

In case you're interested in knowing what it's all about, here is a brief visual visit to the Gaines grounds.

When we arrived at the Magnolia complex, we were surprised to see what looks like a village, with a lovely old church (ca 1894) and six matching buildings (three on each side of the village green).  The buildings house boutique shops and the church is a real church with pews and a peaceful, warm interior. You can see the silos in the background.  The Magnolia complex takes up an entire city block.

We continued walking past the church and arrived at the large food trucks, opposite the baseball diamond.  I imagine this area is usually mobbed with people, but the middle of the week on a cold March day is not too touristy.  We'd eaten at In'N'Out Burger, a western favorite of ours, so we did not partake of the Gaines menu.

We continued walking past several smaller food options that stood next to the big barn that contains the Magnolia store.  The 120 foot tall silos just ahead have quite a history. Built in 1950, they survived an F5 tornado that tore through Waco in May 1953. Over 1,000 homes and buildings in Waco were destroyed and 114 lives lost in that tornado. The silos escaped significant damage and have remained in their current condition ever since.  They serve as a prominent Waco landmark - and a logo for Chip and Joanna.

The store's entrance is directly across from the silos and is inside an updated barn.  It's not a large store at all.  It carries primarily housewares, tee shirts, caps and some souvenirs. There is a furniture store on the other corner of the complex - we didn't go inside there. 

These two photos show most of the area inside the store. The first picture shows about 1/3 of the floor space in the housewares section, and the second photo shows most of the other section.

Now, we come to the bakery - my favorite part of the Magnolia complex.  Bakeries and I are old friends and I like to keep in close contact with them.  This is a small bakery, especially considering the many (MANY) people who cross through its doors.  We waited in line about 10 minutes to get inside where only around a dozen customers are allowed in at a time.  I bought three small cupcakes ($3.50 each), a chocolate chip cookie and a "prized pig" biscuit (made with cheddar, bacon & chives).  It all tasted good.  Plus, we met two nice ladies who were on a bus trip from Mississippi and had a lovely chat with them in line.

The exterior of the bakery. You enter at the side of the building, (door with awning) and exit through the other door with awning. There are some tables and chairs just beyond the bakery, but it was way too cold to eat there. The car had to serve as our dining room on that day.

It is always good to personally experience places you've heard about and seen on television. Sometimes they exceed your expectations and, sometimes they don't. This was a bit less than I expected, but I still enjoyed our visit. A shout out to Mary and Frankie, the two sweet Christian gals we met in line.  Praising God for safety and meeting nice people along the way.  I hope you enjoyed your visit to Magnolia!

 

JOY

JOY

I guess you could say I'm a Joy Junkie.  I love the word, the feeling, and the knowledge that Jesus and Joy are wrapped up together.  I like the old hymn that says, "There is Joy in serving Jesus, joy that throbs within my heart; every moment, every hour, as I draw upon His power, there is joy, joy, joy that never shall depart," (by Oswald J. Smith, published in 1931).  Here are some glimpses of joy in picture and scripture.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer," Romans 12:12

I love this section of scripture in Habakkuk 3:17-18:  "Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls -- yet -- I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."

This picture comes complete with its own joyful verse -- 

and it's own coloring by yours truly (:

This JOY sports a sprinkle covered donut in its center - yum!  Joy and donuts make a great combination that could drive anyone "glazey!"  Anyone recognize which donut it advertises?

Psalm 16:11, "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."  To find joy in the journey, simply walk the path God sets before you and follow Him.  I also like this turn of phrase because it's the name of one of my books: "Joy in the Journey - a Traveler's Tale with a Twist."

JOY emblazoned in sequins across the front of a pillow given as a gift from one of my sweet daughters. The definition of Joy is a feeling of great delight or happiness; keen pleasure; be glad; rejoice. 

The Holy Bible is full of joy.  Here are some of the Joyful verses:

"Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy, 

how awesome is the Lord Most High," Psalm 47:1 NIV

"Ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full,"

John 16:24

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit,"

Romans 15:13

Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy

may remain in you and that your joy may be full,"

John 15:11

 

God Bless Ukraine

 

GOD BLESS UKRAINE

My heart has been heavy for the country of Ukraine and for it's people.  I'm sure we all feel the horror of an evil entity viciously attacking a peaceful people.  I have been praying for God to send a miracle to rescue Ukraine from being ruthlessly overtaken by a power-hungry enemy.  One thing that does bring me comfort is to know that indeed God is in control - no matter the outcome.

The Jewish prophet Daniel had to deal with power-hungry leaders all his life, but he knew Who held the real power and he wrote, "Praise be to the name of God...wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning...and light dwells with Him," 2:20-22.

The leader of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a good illustration of the picture of the warrior above.  Certainly, he was not considered "qualified" for such a role as he has been thrust into these past few weeks.  As leader, he had been criticized for various mistakes in the nearly three years of his presidency, but in the past few weeks, he has risen to the occasion and God has qualified him for the role he has been called to do -- rally and defend his besieged and beleaguered country. He has become a hero.

I love this picture of Zelenskyy with his family in happier times.  Notice the Superman mask painted over his eyes. No one could have known how close to reality that mask would become as Zelenskyy leads his people and his country in stark courage against a wicked giant.  Let us pray for this man, his beautiful wife Olena, and dear children Aleksandra and Kiril, as well as the many other men, women and children in harm's way at this very hour.  By the way, Zelenskyy is Jewish and grandson of holocaust survivors.

In 1776, during America's fight for freedom against the British, Thomas Paine wrote, "These are the times that try men's souls..."  We are living in trying times indeed!  All through history, men and women have lived in trying times and always, the greatest comfort, strength and help comes from the Lord.  God tells us, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand," Isaiah 41:10.

I will continue to pray for a miracle for these brave Ukrainians, and pray too that their hearts will be turned to Almighty God in their greatest hour of need. God bless the people and country of Ukraine!!