Am I that old?

Today, we had a funeral at our church. The church was packed. I sat in the sound room with two friends, one who is 28 and the other a college student, 19. The funeral director kept coming back and forth to see what part of the service was going on. During one of the songs, he asked me if my two friends were my daughters. I choked. Oh, how I couldn't believe he was serious. I was like no way these aren't my daughters. Julie, my 28 yr. old friend, spoke up and said that she is the younger sister. Then in the most ridiculous voice I could I said that Jessi the college student was my daughter then. He totally bought it and thought we were serious. He went on and on about the resemblance. I made some joke about it being my gray hair. The funeral director told me that it was being married to a pastor. It was so hilarious, but seriously, I am only 31. Do I really look soooo old that I could have a 28 year old kid. Of course, I think it is an insult to my friend's maturity stating she didn't look her age, right? At least that is what I am going to believe.

Welcome to the pastorate

Our church voted on Dan as the pastor last night. We received a 94% vote to call us as pastor. We were so excited. It has been a hard few weeks. We have been so busy doing the work of the ministry, but we haven't had the ability to do all we desire because of the limbo of waiting on the vote. Now, we are definitely here. We are all excited about the change. It has been great to already see the unity begin among our church people. Together we can build a wonderful work for Christ. Thanks to all my family and friends who have prayed so fervently for us throughout this process.

Questions and answers?

Wow, what a busy week. Last Sunday we had a question and answer time as part of our candidating process at the church. Dan began by preparing a power point of the needs and our heartbeat for the ministry. it was so funny as he explained our burdens for our church. At one point he paused and explained that he wasn't trying to sound like a presidential hopeful, but that he wanted the people to understand our heart for the ministry. It went very well, and many of the questions were satisfied with the powerpoint illustration. The church will vote on the 13th of this month. We are praying for 100%, but understand that it may not happen. We just want a very clear indicator. Other than that, we are just hanging in limbo until then. If we are the choice, then I will begin as the church secretary, and we will begin making plans to start the school year. Thankfully, our Vacation Bible school is this week. It should be a great distraction for us as we look ahead to next week. It has been a whole lot of hurry up with even more wait.

My favorite excursion in Utah was our visit to Olympic Park. Here are some pics.

Caught in the Whirlwind

This summer had been super busy for us. We took our annual vacation to the lake with my parents in early May. We then came home for a few days rest and headed out to the wonderful world of Salt Lake City, Utah with Dan's parents. Now we are home. It has been great, but we have so much to catch up on. In the midst of all of this our church pastor decided it was time for him to step down. Last Sunday, he formally resigned. Dan has been named interim pastor, and the deacons met and presented the idea to the church for Dan to be the candidate. Our church family is still in shock. Pastor Zolninger has been here for almost twelve years. He's the only pastor that some in our church have ever known. Change is never an easy process. Unfortunately it comes and goes as it pleases. For now, Dan and I are in the middle. We want what God wants for our lives and what our church people feel is best. For know, we are going round and round in the whirlwind and trying to keep the chaos from spreading.

Abby's 1st Piano Recital

Abby is so excited to be finally taking piano lessons. She began this fall, and this spring she had her first recital. I am so proud of her. She really enjoys the piano and I believe Rebekah will begin next fall. We shall see. Abby played "Lightly Row" and "Pop Goes the Weasel". She enjoyed the opportunity to be in front of everyone. I love her nod to the crowd and her curtsy.

Sarah's Spring Program

Sarah had her big debut in a spring program on Tuesday evening. She wasn't so sure she wanted to sing, but she did well after all. My niece Kaitlyn, and my nephews, Jacob and Colton, are also featured.