My in-laws brought fresh tomatoes with them this past weekend.  Fresh tomatoes plus salt makes for one happy girl.  I can't believe I spent the first eighteen years of my life unaware of their tasty goodness.  Jason feels the same way about coconut pies.  And he tells everyone.  He received thirty-something coconut pies from our sweet church family one birthday not so long ago.  So shamelessly I decided to tell the world that I love tomatoes hoping that some sweet local gardener might get the hint and share one, or ten of those red beauties with me.

Hayden shared a fun story with me last week.

Every semester, I believe Philpott Motors gives away a car to one lucky student with perfect attendance.  With all the students crowded into the auditorium, questions are asked to all students.  Those students with answers that apply are allowed to keep standing.  When those hundreds of kids standing are narrowed down, remaining students are allowed onto the stage.  Hayden got to be one of those kids. The question was asked, "Who of you have the same name as the name of a place" to which Hayden answered into the microphone "Hayden Valley, Wyoming".  I so enjoyed hearing him tell the story.  I think he had the best time making it to the stage, and then getting to speak into the microphone.

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8

Jason doesn't like tomatoes.  He's tried them.

Hayden didn't win that car.  But there's something about having been able to get on the stage. It must have been exciting to get one step closer to that car than those who had to sit on the floor seats below.  I wonder how it felt for Trevor, who won the car, to be handed those keys.

I know one thing.  As good as a room temperature salted tomato tastes to me, and as good as a cold coconut pie tastes to Jason, there is nothing compared to the goodness of the Lord.  Winning a car has to be exhilarating, but the newness will fade.

We can take a step closer to the Lord leading to ever-increasing glory in our lives, though likely there will be steps back too.  But as we proceed into His presence we will see that He is very good.

Taste and see that the Lord is good; you won't be disappointed!