Pizza Ranch Serves

Message from Ernie Swanson Jr. ~ Our daughter Abbie was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two. We know first hand how difficult it is to go out as a family. People with Autism can have many different sensory issues. Bright lights, loud music, large crowds can cause them to have melt downs. Some are even prone to wander and have loud outbursts. This causes families to basically isolate themselves. We know many families that have never been able to take their child out to a restaurant...

Content provided by guest writer, Jenna Finkenhoefer 10 years ago, I was dealing with some very serious health issues, and going through a period where I felt like I just couldn’t catch a break. Bad news continued to pile up on top of bad news. I was festering in a pool of sadness and negativity that I couldn’t seem to find my way out of.

We’ve all heard of the book “Don’t sweat the small stuff” by Richard Carlson. I’ll be the first to admit it’s one of my favorite books. However, sometimes I believe there IS value in sweating the small stuff.

We’ve been walking slowly through the Book of Psalms, this week looking at Psalm 28. In this passage David rejoices in answered prayers. He’s looking back and takes the opportunity to recognize and rejoice over all that God has done for him.

After a couple of days talking about how to find community and the fact that God lives in community, let’s spend a minute talking about extended community – you know, the community that is bigger than our town or neighborhood. Chances are that you have family or friends who live outside of your 5-mile radius.

Last Monday was Halloween and what better way to have fun in local communities than to participate in Trunk or Treat festivities! Several of our Pizza Ranch locations decorated cars or stands for trick or treaters.

Yesterday we talked about the importance of community in our lives and one suggestion of how to actively seek community in our neighborhoods. We know that God created us live in community and do life with other believers. But what about God? Did you know that God lives in community?

I'm in a book club with some girlfriends and we're reading "Find Your People" by Jennie Allen. We're a bunch of gals who love friends, but needed a new perspective and tips on how to find and develop close community within our physical proximity of town.

2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Jesus told a parable about a shepherd who had 100 sheep and one of them got away. Will Jesus not leave the nighty-nine on the hills and go in search of the one who wandered off?

If you ever have the opportunity to speak with Lila Bauer, the owner of the Luverne, MN Pizza Ranch, the first thing she will tell you is how much she adores her employees. She said she couldn't have done it without her amazing crew after having their best month ever.

If you're like me, you enjoy learning new things and expanding your knowledge. But I've discovered that just because I know something doesn't mean I'm wise.