The Pink House of Claremore

One way to size up our growth as a person is to observe our response when things don’t go our way. If we fall apart at the prospect of trials or trouble in our life, then we probably have a lot of spiritual growing to do.

Ever hear the story about the farmer who owned an old mule? 

One day the mule tripped and fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule braying and was unable to figure out how to bring up the old animal. It grieved him that he could not pull the animal out. He'd been a good worker around the farm.

Although the farmer sympathized with the mule, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened. He had them help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and quietly put him out of his misery.

At first, the old mule was puzzled, but as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, he had a thought: he ought to shake off the dirt and step up. And he did just that.

"Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up." Even though he took painful blows of dirt and fought panic, he just kept right on shaking it off and stepping up!

It wasn't long before the old mule stepped up and over the lip of that well. What could have buried him actually blessed him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

What about you? How have you responded to trials in your life? Have you kept a positive attitude or have you allowed yourself to be buried by the dirt?

I believe we all need to remember to have a positive outlook no matter what we’re facing. We need to learn to shake the dirt off and then step up in our faith.

Things will not always go our way…but God promises He’ll help us in our time of need. He’ll give us the courage to overcome our adversity.

Remember the old mule…shake it off and step up.

It’s a great lesson if we’ll learn it.

Ask God for wisdom and strength.

And, don’t be buried by what life shovels on you!

Margo

Have you ever wondered where all the precious moments in your life go?

I often do, and I wonder if I’ve taken life for granted or I’ve savored every good thing God has given me. Sometimes we’re in such a hurry, running around from activity to activity, that I think we fail to stop and enjoy the here and now.

Psalms says “You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath.”

And, nothing could be truer…we are all just a breath that will soon vanish. God has given us a life to fill with what we choose and just a short time to make the most of it.

Question is…how will we spend it? In busyness and stress or in deep appreciation to God for His gift of life and for giving us the love of others?

As I go through my days, I want to appreciate every moment in life and the ones who make it worth living. I encourage you to do the same.

Today, thank God for your blessings and for the gift of life. May you make the most of your days and honor Him by savoring each moment that you live.

Blessings,

Margo

It’s funny how so many us are stuck in the same daily, boring routine. We eat the same food, do the same activities…and rarely do we ever experiment with something new. No wonder so many of us get so restless and tired of our daily life.

We’re afraid to do anything different because that means we must venture into the unknown. Know anyone like that?

I believe it’s important we get out and try new things…for the sake of change if nothing else. At the worst you can say you don’t like it, but at least you tried it, and then you can move on to something new.

To tell you the truth, that’s one of the reasons I bought the Pink House restaurant and feel so passionate about our purpose. It’s so unique and different…I think it matches my spirit of adventure and trying new things. It’s also a way I can bring the spice of life to others and help them enjoy some of its simple pleasures.

As I live my life, I pray that I don’t get so bogged down in a daily routine that I just trudge through…going through the motions. I want to enjoy the good things God has given me and be able to share them with others. I want to try new food. Go to new places.

I want to keep a certain sense of adventure in my life.

I hope you will also…and remember to stay forever young in your attitude and heart.

Blessings,

Margo

Here they all come…those delightful sights and sounds of spring. If you’re like me, you can’t help but absolutely love this time of year.

Everything’s in bloom, and the incredible fragrance of flowers wafting through the air is heavenly. To me, spring is more than just a season after winter and an opening act for summer. It’s an important symbol of God’s renewing hope and grace for us all.

Believe me, if you’ve ever felt dead and lifeless, especially during the lost days of winter, now’s the time to start enjoying the renewing spirit of the season.

Here are a few of my tips for making the most of this time of year:

• Get out of the house. You’ve got to get out of your air conditioning and go smell some sweet air outside. Believe me, you don’t won’t to become a couch potato who only watches Oprah all day.
• Now, that you’re outside, go for a walk around the neighborhood. Run through your neighbor’s sprinklers. Say hello to a couple of squirrels, I don’t care. This is spring…you’re allowed to act a little crazy.
• Work in your garden. Helping things grow and look beautiful can do great things for your overall mindset. You’ll also avoid being called lazy by your neighbors.
• Do a little spring cleaning. They say it really helps us to relax to avoid the stress that comes with clutter.
• Sit on your patio, drink some ice herbal tea and take in God’s marvelous and wonderful  creation. You’ll be amazed how just resting and taking in nature will rejuvenate your mind and body.

I can’t tell you how these things have helped me. But, above all, take some time and thank God for those in your life that make it worth living. They are the true source of what brings us joy each day of our lives.

Blessings,

Margo

Ever notice how eating great food brings you closer to the ones you love?

It just naturally seems to bring people closer…and build intimacy...no matter the situation.

I remember as a child watching my mother as she cooked our evening family meals. She would be busy in the kitchen for hours, cooking up a storm, because she had a genuine instinct for what her food could do—draw us closer and reconnect us with one another. She knew it meant more than sitting and eating at the dinner table…it was about being together and building intimacy with those we care most about.

Through the years, I’ve held that same view…and believe in the power of great food and great conversation. That’s why I bought the Pink House in 2007…to create a place for friends and family to gather over terrific cuisine and a wonderful gourmet pot of tea. I want all my guests to feel free to unwind and relax as they sample the best lunch, plus some of the simple pleasures like chatting and sitting for a spell.

So, come by anytime…you’re always welcome. We’ll set your place at the dinner table just like mom used to do.

Remember, you’re with family now…just sit back, relax and connect with them in ways you haven't in years.

Blessings,

Margo

Want to know what the best part about drinking tea is? I believe it’s that you really don’t have to go anywhere exotic to enjoy it. There are no travel plans you have to arrange, no passports to pay for...or tickets to purchase.

It can mean just sitting in a nice easy chair at home in front of the fire or being with friends at your favorite restaurant. Tea is one of those rare pleasures in life that can actually teach us something about enjoying the moment no matter where we’re at.

I personally love sitting and chatting with close friends over a pot of gourmet tea such as Earl Grey. More than anything, it lifts and refreshes my mood, and allows me to slow down a little to enjoy the here and now. Can you think of anything we need more today?  It really doesn’t matter how active our daily schedule is…we need time to just unwind and be with close friends and family. 

That’s why at the Pink House it’s so important you, our guest, feel refreshed and enjoy yourself with the best in gourmet loose leaf tea.  No matter what time of day or mood you’re in, we give you over 50 tea selections to choose from, to create that perfect tea moment you crave.    

Our goal is to help you unwind and get back to the simpler pleasures that really make life worth living. So, do me a favor…come in for a visit with friends and family and stay awhile. I promise you a reviving time of enjoying the moment and creating memories you’ll love and cherish.

Blessings,

Margo