Carol Pinson
Proofreader

What She Does

About a month before CCF's very first newsletter was sent out, God graciously put it on Carol's heart to volunteer her services as a proofreader and/or copy editor. In addition to checking the monthly newsletter for correct spelling, grammar and punctuation, Carol also helps in making sure that everything is understood in the way it was meant. She shares a major part in almost all additions and revisions of the website. Carol also takes part in many of the discussions in producing new and exciting content in our newsletter and on the website.

About the Person

Greetings from the Ozarks! I'm blessed to live here on the farm amidst all the animals -- an emu, goat, sheep, chickens (plain and exotic), quail, hundreds of birds, dogs and cats, puppies and kittens. In the past, we've had cows, horses, turkeys, pigs and rheas, a skunk, a boa constrictor and at one time, even a cougar! (But when the cougar became old enough to begin to "stalk" young children, it was time for that thing to find a new home!) I've been married to the same man for 35 years (oh my -- it seems like only 5, surely I'm not THAT old!) and have 3 sons -- 2 of them married and a 16-year-old still at home. We moved to this little town in the Ozarks 20 years ago. Our dream was to learn how to be self-sufficient and live a simpler life than what we were experiencing in the metropolis of Austin, TX. At that time, we only had two boys, ages 10 and 13 - - - and they thought they'd moved to heaven! From the city to the country...from traffic jams to little country roads...from neighbors being a stone's throw away to no other houses in sight, an abundance of fresh country air and woods to walk in with lots of deer and an occasional bear! I must say that we've learned SO much -- and are STILL learning.

Believe it or not, there ARE professional cooks in "them thar hills"! We live in the country, 7 miles from the nearest small town (population under 500), but we have a bustling business (sometimes people standing outside waiting to get in) in the small town cafe where I work. I'm responsible for the specialized Mexican food that we serve one night a week and also one weekday as a luncheon special. I've been co-owner of the cafe two different times, but when my partner wanted to sell, we did but I stayed on as an employee. In the past, I've experienced being chief cook, learned the responsibility of inventory control and buying, kept the books and currently waitress part-time, too, so I'm familiar with ALL aspects of the restaurant business. I've loved to cook since I was a little girl (YOU can do the dishes, though!). All our sons like to cook and do most of the cooking in their families, but our 16-year-old seems to have inherited my talent and love of cooking and enjoys experimenting with his OWN original recipes! I've also enjoyed success as a professional cake decorator.

When I'm not cooking, I enjoy computing, proofreading and copy editing, sewing, quilting, reading, crafting, gardening, occasional acting in our small town theater, and being a grandma to our 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. We were homeschooling our youngest son (16) and were involved in a countywide homeschool support group of about 70-80 people until this school year. We made the decision to allow him to "try" Public School this year with the understanding that if for ANY reason we thought it wasn't working out, we'd pull him out and resume homeschooling. He LOVES school, (actually thinks it's a privilege to be able to get to go!), maintains a 3.9 grade point average and is on the basketball team. (They had an exciting year -- and won their district tournament!) I currently sing (and used to play the Omnichord as well until we got a new screamin' keyboard!) on our Praise & Worship Team at our full gospel, non-denominational church and am involved in the Children's Church ministry as well. My husband serves in our church's tape ministry, making sure all services are taped and copies are made available for those who want them.

My lifelong heart's desire (since I got married) was to have a family who serves, worships and honors God and makes a difference in our community because of our relationship to Jesus Christ. And I've seen that coming to fruition just in the past months. I've seen God at work in MIRACULOUS ways in our whole family - in exciting ways that I would be happy to share with anyone who asks! I've walked with God since I was 12 and I KNOW that He is Truth and Life and that He is faithful and loving. His tender mercies are new every morning! He's never failed me -- no, not once! My life's verse is: "My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise." Psalm 57:7 I CHOOSE to serve the Living God! His Word is the ultimate authority in my life.

Be blessed!
Carol Pinson
christianchefs@aol.com