6/26/15

Day 3 of our vacation included a visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards. Here we wandered in and out of shops, watched a cattle drive, and attended a rodeo. Seeing Texas longhorns in person was exciting and new. Fort Worth is certainly worth a visit if you ever venture to Dallas.

On day 4, we headed down to Austin, Texas for a beautiful wedding ceremony. The day presented off-and-on rain, but it also gave us some cooler weather, allowing for a spectacular sight-seeing pit-stop in Waco.

If you think about Waco, Texas, probably the show Fixer-Upper comes to mind. This part of Waco seemed quiet but had started to lose its once beautiful facade. For some reason, it had sunk into deep economic disrepair, which extended blocks in all directions. I love the history built into towns like Waco. There is so much still behind those closed doors and walls that are starting to turn into just remnants of what once was and what could be. It’s still there. There’s yet an opportunity to preserve and save it. For this reason, I am fascinated by the show Fixer-Upper.

I also love the Gaines’s family mentality and personalities.  Stopping at Magnolia Market, this was obvious even without the hosts of the show present. Cars were filling the church parking lot and street next door. The place was buzzing. From the exterior crowd and the size of the building, it seemed like the Gaines family had never anticipated such a take-off in business. Entering the building, we could barely move around due to the crowd, but other customers were hospitable and so was the staff.

A lady stood at the door greeting customers with a smile and thanking those that were leaving for their business. One woman rushed back and forth between the back restocking shelves as goods quickly disappeared. The younger girls working the registers greeted us like Chick-fil-a guests, with a smile, and a “my pleasure”.

Items were dispersed throughout the little store with decorative precision. Everything was beautiful and cute. The decorations available were quality and rare finds. Nelson bought me a tea towel, antique-looking butter dish, milk jar, and decorative sign as anniversary gifts. It was definitely not our cheapest stop but so much fun.

While we waited in line to check-out, a tray of delicious spice cupcakes was presented to customers, and as we exited, we noticed a cute cart of infused water available as well.

Magnolia Market certainly didn’t disappoint. It was clear how friendly the town and the Gaines family are to their guests. We were grateful for the opportunity to see first-hand what is frequently displayed on the show.

I can’t speak from personally meeting the family, but I have seen videos of Joanna Gaines speaking about her relationship with God. If the hospitality displayed by those at her store is a reflection, I think her Christian walk has had an impact on those around her and will continue to impact those that visit Waco. This is how the Christian life should work. It should be catchy. It should reflect off of us.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16