Ode to the SUCCESSFUL Pasta Salad and the Great Weekend

Can we all say, "Praise the LORD!"

I'm sure most of you probably have nailed making great pasta salad, but you must remember, I am a chef-in-training, and must rejoice upon accomplishing anything deemed a success. :o)

It turned out I didn't have to make sausage balls, which was perfectly O.K. with me. I did make a pasta salad, though, and by all accounts, it was very good. The funny thing is that even though I was pleased with it, I really didn't care too much for its flavor. Can you believe that? Am I wild or what? :o) I finally make something that everyone likes who has tried it, and I don't like it. I think it was the over abundance of Parmesan and feta cheeses. I feel if I had added something like artichoke hearts, and perhaps a little oregano or basil, it may have been perfect. Oh well. At the very least, I know I can do it, and will definitely be trying it again. So the final word is, it was a success, as far as I'm concerned.

Our church dinner on Saturday was really good. We had a turnout of about 3o people, and served turkey, dressing, sausage balls, cakes, pies, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, green beans, rice/bean/cheese casserole, and I'm sure I'm leaving something out. But we had quite a spread, and really good fellowship. But boy, was it cold. Yeah, yeah, I know...cold for us here in Tennessee is anything cooler that about 45 degrees. I believe it was about 28 when the sun was setting on Saturday. Not only could I see my breath, but I could feel my ears and fingers detaching themselves from my body. Brrrr!!!! And by the time I got home, I'm sure it had dropped to about 25. Again - Brrrr!!! There was a time when I could stand frigid temps. But I have noticed that every year it becomes harder to cope with. I will maintain, though, that I would much rather have cold than the horrible humidity of the summer. There's just no relief from that stuff!

Our services on Sunday were wonderful. In the morning, our pastor preached "Beware of Ravenous Wolves." The Lord placed this message on his heart many months ago, even before he came to our local church. Essentially, it was that we still need to be careful, as the ravenous wolves that the Bible talks about can still enter in, and even are in the fold right now. We should each be careful not to be one! It was one of those messages that we really need to hear, and really pricks your heart at the same time. What stood out to me the most is that the devil comes in with deception just at the moment things seems to have "settled down." So of course, that's when we should be on our guard the most. The Lord is so good to us! He really does want each of us to make it, and I know that's why he inspires our ministry with such anointed messages. Even so, Lord, prick my heart.

Our evening service was so sweet with the presence of the Lord, as we celebrated a communion and feetwashing. Personally, I have never felt such gratitude in my own heart for the sacrifice that the Lord made for us. My prayer is that I will never take His love for me for granted.

Well, it was good to fill you in on all the latest. I suppose someone will comment at some point, and at least let me know you're still alive and kicking. I'm sure most of you have other more exciting things to report than I do, but you can't say I haven't been blogging! :o)

*Shanna*