Puppy Love

Here is a recent picture of the pups! They just turned 2 on the 25th! We love our puppies and they bring us so much happiness. Aren't they so cute?

Decisions, Decisions...

So, just an update regarding the merger decision for our church...

Well, it didn't go as well as we would have hoped, to say the least. The other church we were thinking of merging with voted 73% in favor of the merge. Our church had a majority vote in favor for the vote, but it was not enough of a majority for it to pass. So, we figured out from that vote that there are some people who are not happy with how things are in the church. It has been such an extremely hard week and a half for our pastor and Joel has been trying to be there as a support and encouragement to him, but sometimes to hear all the negative comments from people is very trying. If you think of it, please continue to pray and know that we continue to covet and appreciate those prayers. I know a lot of you are in ministry and I continue to realize how much strength God gives to those in ministry. He doesn't promise it will be easy, I know that, but I know He won't leave us either-what an encouragement. Thanks for your continue support!
Be STRONG and COURAGEOUS. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord OUR God is with you wherever you go! Joshua 1:9! AMEN!

Family Ties

A couple of weeks ago I was able to go up to the Twin Cities to see some of my extended family! It was so fun to see them-some I hadn't see in almost 4 years! We couldn't have planned it any better. There were about 20 of us that got together at an Italian resturant (used to be a mob hang out!). We had so much fun and it was so great to be able to catch up with family that I don't get to see very often. It was fun to see my nephew Cody get to spend time with his cousin who he hasn't seen in a lot of years! I think everyone had a great time! So-here's to family! I love and miss you all!

Please Pray

I just wanted to send a shout out to you all to ask for prayer for today...well, almost today. On Sunday our church is going to be voting on merging with another church. As many of you know who are working or have worked among the intricate parts of the church, you can just imagine that this would be the cause of much concern. There are concerns for people no matter which way the vote goes. There are some who will say they will leave the church if the vote goes one way, some if it goes the other. There are some saying those who vote one way are not obeying the will of God...etc, etc, etc. This decision has weighed SO heavy on us this week. Our most important prayer is for unity-regardless of how the vote turns out. I will keep you all posted. However, if you think about us on Sunday, please pray. The vote it at 6:30PM. We appreciate and covet your prayers...

Church

Church is...?
This is an interesting statement. Sometimes I wish I was a kid again. To have such an innocent and pure view of everything. You never realilze at the time-only when you start 'growing' up how much you should look at life like a little child. It is no different with the church. In Sunday school as a child you sing songs praising Jesus-you don't care about who is watching-you just dance, lift your hands, jump up and down-it doesn't matter. It's interesting how church changes as you grow up. It's interesting how it changes when you start getting more involved in the inter-workings of the church. How obvious it is that the church is run by sinners. I like that. I like knowing that I don't have to be perfect to come to church. I'm as much of a sinner as anyone there.
Church is hard though. Because it is full of sinners-it's hard.
Why a post about church?
We had a meeting at our church this week. Our final meeting before we will make a congretional vote to merge with a neighboring church. It's interesting what comes out during these meetings-things that are said. THings that can hurtful. Things that make you think and that make your heart heavy.
I am praying so hard this week for all of us to realize that church is not about us!!!!
Church is not about our preferences...it's not about our likes and dislikes. Church is about our worship to our God.
One final thought...
Sometimes in the business of life, I forget about heaven,I'll be honest. I don't think about what it will be like or when I will go. I just sometimes get too busy...I'm human. However 2 weeks ago in a service, we were talking about Acts 2-when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost. What an awesome chapter! Anyway during this discussion, there were probably 10 people who got up and said in different languages the Lord's Prayer. I couldn't help letting the tears flow. To imagine that that is just a small glimpse of what heaven could be like! WOW! We serve such a powerful and mighty God! Praise HIm in this day!

Newest purchase

Since I graduated from nursing school (over 2 years ago now) I have wanted to get a pair of these 'perfect' shoes! They are expensive, plus there were MANY other things that were mor important to spend our money on than these shoes. Actually, there still is and my apologies for even blogging about something so vain-however, I truly think these are the perfect shoes!
Not only are they extremely fashionable, but they are SOOOO comfy. I also found a great deal on them and that is the sole reason that I got them. Pathetic thing to blog about-but my feet are so excited to be in them and so I just had to share.