Chris' Think Tank
Greetings,
Happy New Year has been said by me and to me a bunch lately. As I think about that statement, I would have to say that it could be viewed as a completely unrealistic statement. It is so easy to get caught up in the “American Dream” and the pursuit of happiness. The desire to be happy is a powerful fuel that motivates us to do and try more and more things. It can become the goal or standard we all attempt to achieve. I see it in myself and in my kids. Our “wants” tend to dictate what will bring us happiness, but the funny thing is that “true happiness” is not something “wants” can give or at least sustain. Even someone like me, the eternal optimist, who thinks two drops of water makes the glass way over half full, knows being happy all the time is realistically impossible. I know the Bible tells us that with God all things are possible, but being happy all the time? I don’t think that is how God made us.
How about ‘have a Joyous New Year’ for a completely different approach? Happiness is an emotion, but joy is like a state of being. It is like the wake behind a ski boat where the water is calm all the while waves are crashing all around. Jesus tells us that in this world we are going to encounter lots of struggles/troubles, but he also says emphatically that we are to be of good cheer because he has overcome the world.
No matter if I am happy or sad, rich or poor, healthy or sick, alone or with friends, I can still have Joy. Joy doesn’t hinge on my circumstances or what I have or how I feel like happiness does. It hinges on God’s promises. It hinges on His faithfulness and His promise to never leave me or forsake me. Joy stems from God’s love for me. Joy stems from my trusting in God. It is joy that gives me peace no matter what things are happening around me. Joy is everlasting. Joy is that spring of Jesus’ goodness that bursts forth from deep within us and is a refreshing fountain to everyone we meet.
I hope and pray for you a JOYOUS new year! I pray that the fountain within you be a gusher in 2012! It is our goal for 2012 that we can bring joy to you and your family. We pray that everything we do would be a blessing to you and bring refreshment to the communities we serve.
Blessings,
Chris
What's New
Valentine’s Dinner Theater – South County Love Your Neighborhood is sponsoring a Night of Love & Laughter dinner theatre on Tuesday, February 14, 2012. The dinner that evening will be provided by Birky Family Farms Country Gourmet and will consist of Boneless America’s cut pork loin, baked potato with the fixings, chicken noodle soup, strawberry spinach salad, homemade dinner rolls, punch, crackers and cheese spreads, and your choice of homemade pie or cheesecake.
The entertainment, provided by Cornball Productions, will feature Kevin Birky, pastor and comedian, and the goofy Birky gang. The event will be held at the Porter County Expo center. Doors open at 6 pm and the show/dinner begin at 6:30 pm.
The event will benefit HealthLinc (formerly Hilltop) of Valparaiso and NW Indiana. Proceeds will be used to provide free breast cancer screening and exams for women that cannot afford it. Tickets are $30 each and are are available at Birky’s Country Market (219) 462-4150, Birky’s Bakery & Coffee Shop (219) 766-3851 and at the Porter County Expo Center (219) 464-0133. Save $1/ticket by purchasing a full table of 8. Come have a great time, with great food and great laughs for a great cause!
Birky’s Bakery & Coffee Shop Grand Opening – Stop by 205 South Main Street, Kouts, IN 46347, Friday, February 17 or Saturday, February 18, for free coffee, yummy samples, great sales and even new products. Hours for the Bakery are Mon-Saturday 5 am – 2 pm. Breakfast and lunch entrées are available everyday along with fresh baked breads, doughnuts and pastries and awesome Equal Exchange gourmet coffee! You never know…you might just see Sweet “B” the pig!
April 14 – Springfest at Birky’s Country Market – Mark your calendars for brats and vintage sodas for only a buck each. Huge Spring kickoff with sales and samples and more! 10 am – 3 pm.
April 21 – St. Mary’s Catholic Church Spring Pork Chop dinner. 5 pm. Tickets soon available at Birky’s Market and Birky’s Bakery.
Coming soon – We’re bringing Birky’s Piggies & Cream to the Point in North Judson. We can’t wait to share our yummy treats with you!
New products – We have found anew Sweet Basil Vinaigrette that is awesome! Pick some up today. We’ll soon be adding roast turkey to our Birky’s Heat and Eat product line.
Birky Pies – For your convenience, Birky’s Pies are now available at Tysen’s Country Market in DeMotte. Thanks Tysens!
Market Hours – This is the first year we are staying open with our normal summer hours. Tuesday – Friday 10 – 6, Saturday 10-3. Thank you for helping us grow!
Birky News
The phone, the phone is ringing! (Yes, I watch “Wonder Pets.”) – We are beginning to get several calls to book events for this year. If you considering using Birky’s this year for your special event, please give Julie a shout at 219-766-3851 and get it on the calendar so we make sure we’re able to serve you!
Good News – South County Love Thy Neighborhood hosted a Christmas dinner theater and 91 people attended. We raised $500 for Sheree Gudeman School of Vocal Performance. They will be hosting a free big band recital with their students at the Memorial Opera House on January 17.
We also gave $50 to help assist with Noah Gudeman’s recovery. South County will also be hosting an Easter dinner theater. Date April 27.
E-Club specials
Receive 15% off Rosebud farm-raised turkeys. Also, get 15% off grain-fed and grass-fed ground beef. We will start to have other grain-fed beef products available early February. The steers are growing fast. Looks like late March, early April for grass-feds from Millers and Yoders.
