A visit around the campfire

I love it when I get a chance to visit with my sisters.  It doesn't happen often enough.  Even though we only live 5 hours apart, we don't see each other nearly enough.  I was so excited when my sister and her family were passing through our area!

We made a campfire and roasted hot dogs and sausages, and we even got them to try some venison sausage, too!  Of course we roasted marshmellows, as well!!

And talked, and talked, and laughed and laughed.

 And she got to meet Asa.  It was a great visit!! Love you sis!

Honoring Veterans

We had an AMAZING Veteran's Day Service!  We were so excited to have Dr. Don Chitty with us!  He is a hero veteran, a hero missionary, and a hero Man of God.  We were all blessed that he was with us!

He preached 3 wonderful messages Sunday and gave his life story.  Your testimony is powerful and God given.  Use it for Him!  Use your story to bring other people to Jesus!

We also honored all Veterans that were in our service.  I'm so thankful for the Godly men that God has placed in our church.  These are heroes as well as they've served our country and fought for our freedoms.  Some of these men have seen sights and experienced heartache that I hope I and my children will never face.   They carry burdens with them everyday.  And they did this to keep us free.  I am so thankful!

My kiddos sang, "I love this land."  I truly do!

This picture makes me so happy.  Let me tell you why.  My children love to be with preachers, missionaries, evangelists and pastors.  We have taught them that these are our heroes as well.  We want them to rub shoulders with people that are passionate about Christ.  My family has been looking forward to having Bro Chitty come for a long time.  We tried to be with him as much as possible for the few days he was here.  So, to have my grandson come along to lunch was special.  It was so neat because he seemed so taken with Bro Chitty, too.  He would watch him as he talked and even smiled some for him.  I love seeing that passion for preachers passed down to the next generation.

Little of this and a little of that

Time is flying around here.  But we are having a great time!!  Callie was excited to get her first doe.  Meat in the freezer for us! 

Our grandboys are growing a ton!  I love when we lay them down on the blanket together and they just look at each other.  I just know they are going to be best buds!

Peaches has gained her strength....and then some!  She has put her weight back on and has gotten quite thick.  She's such a good farm dog for us.

Beth has been cooking, and cleaning, and taking care of the house for me while I've recuperated from surgery.  She made an amazing mediterranean meal.  It was so delicious!!

For Pastor's Appreciation they gave me, the preacher's wife, a giftcard to get my nails done a bunch.  I have had fun getting creative manicures.  I'm spoiled now!  How can I go back to doing them myself? :o)

My sweetie and I had a fun date night out.  It was our annual Mr and Mrs Claus date where we discuss all things Christmas and decide how we will do things and what we will buy.  I sure do love this man!

 The kids and I recently went to a self defense class.  We learned so much!  Now they are practicing on each other.  I'm not so sure this is the best way to learn? :o)

It's been a great Fall.  Good memories.  Now it's on to Christmas!

1st Service at our new location!

Wow what a time these past few months has been!  Ever since getting our notice that we had 60 days to vacate, VSIBC has been working ferociously!  Especially since we didn't find a building until 28 days beforehand.  So many, many people worked and worked to make this new location our church home.  There was so much excitement in the air!

I had my surgery on Friday, and our first service was set for Sunday.  I wanted to be there so badly.  I told Patrick it didn't matter how I felt, I would be there at that first service!  I'm so thankful the Lord worked that all out for me.  It was tiring and I was in pain, but I made it!  Praise the Lord!  

We had a packed house!!  We even had to take a picture in two shots to fit everyone.  I just love my church family!

We were packed but it's a good problem to have!  I wish I could say we have tons of space in this new building, unfortunately that's not the case.  But, it is what God has provided and He truly knows best!  

The sound is great in this new location.  Everything is new and looks so great.  It's a wonderful place for us to meet!  We signed a 15 month lease.  Our prayer is that by that time our building on our property will be done and we can move right on in.

 Until then we'll just keep doing what we are supposed to as a church...  Meeting together, inviting others, telling others the greatest story ever told, and encouraging one another. 

Asa gives his approval of this new building and the new nursery, too!

Ladies Pancake Fellowship

I've said it many times before.  One of my favorite parts of being a Pastor's wife is planning ladies activities.  We really do have a great time at VSIBC!  And our ladies are so wonderful, we have such a great time together!

For the past few years we've done a pancake fellowship.  It's so fun!  I have ladies sign up to bring pancake toppings and mix-ins.  I also have a lady that will bring tons of pancake batter.  Then, they grab a cup, fill it with batter and all the mix-ins that they want.  Then, they go over to the griddle station, and make their pancake.  I love all of the creations!

This year we decided to rent the Civic Center since our ladies group has really grown.  I was glad we had all the extra room!

This year we also had a simmer pot station.  There were bowls of oranges, dried apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, and pumpkin pie spice.  The ladies then filled a bag with all the scents that they like.  They could then take home their bag of goodies, put in a pot with water, and let it simmer on the stove.  It makes your home smell so festive and homey.  

This activity actually took place 2 days after my gallbladder attack.  I wanted to be there so badly, but knew I couldn't do much.  Tabitha was out with sick kiddos.  I was so thankful Beth and Brenna were able to lead everything.  Beth did the game.  We found out who is Mrs. Fall and who needs help with a little more autumn cheer.  It was fun!

We always have such a good time together.  These are precious, godly ladies that brighten my life.  So thankful for all of them!

I also wasn't able to give the devotion that I had planned.  So I asked Brenna if she could give a devotion of whatever the Lord laid on her heart.  She did amazing!  She spoke on Cherishing the Moment.  With having baby Asa, and then having a health difficulty, she really spoke from the heart and was able to capture our attention with wise counsel.  It was so challenging and helpful.

 So thankful for a great group of ladies and the fun times that we have together.

Thanks! Now it's time to recover

 Thank you so much for the prayers for my surgery.  It has been quite painful, that's for sure.  I'm trying to take it easy and heal.  A visit from these cuties definitely brightened my day!

More prayers please?

It was a yummy meal.  One we have quite often.  I love tacos!  We sat around the table with some new members of VSIBC enjoying our time with them.  After the meal was done, it was time for their discipleship course that they had come to study with us.  It was then I felt a strange pain in my right side.  I excused myself from table and went to my room.  Within moments the pain was so strong.  I peaked out the door and asked for Patrick to come to the bedroom.  I told him with tears, "I need to go to the hospital.  Something is wrong."  He quickly explained to our guests what was going on and we got in the car.   As we left the driveway, I said, "Forget the hospital, take me to the fire department where they keep the ambulance!"  

I was in so much pain.  I couldn't breathe and then it went into my back.  When we arrived they  put me on a stretcher and attempted an IV.  It didn't work.  So we started driving.  I looked at the EMT worker in the back with me, held out my arm and said, (or screamed) "Please try again!"  Praise the Lord he was successful and able to get an IV in and give me pain meds.  Within 15 minutes the pain decreased.  I could breathe!  As we drove to the hospital I cried and cried.  

We spent the night and the next day in the ER.  The diagnosis? Gallbladder trouble.  Not fun.

I was referred to a surgeon and they got me in a couple of days later.  I've known I have gallstones for about 9 years.  But, they've never given me trouble.  The surgeon said that I have a very substantial gallstone that is 2-3 inches in size.  Because of this, my gallbladder must come out.

Surgery in scheduled for tomorrow.  I would appreciate so much your prayers!  They are hoping to be able to remove it laparoscopically, but the surgeon said he's just not sure.  He will try, but depending on the size and scar tissue, they may have to go in the old fashioned way with a large incision.  That means longer recovery and more pain.  Would you pray that they could remove it laparoscopically?

Thank you blogging friends.  I'm so thankful for you!

 

Our last Sunday at 18172

I posted not too long ago that our landlord has sold the building that VSIBC meets in.  We had 60 days to vacate.  We looked and looked for another location.  Being in a small rural community, there are not a whole lot of available places to meet.  When we had 28 days left, two plaza units opened up.  We were so excited!!  We have been working alongside most of the sweet, faithful people of VSIBC to get it ready for our first service on November 6th.  The building was divided into offices so we had to remove walls, build new ones, paint, trim, carpet....a total renovation.   

This past Sunday was our last Sunday in our building. It was 7 and a half years ago that God showed us this place to meet in.  Sooooo many memories have taken place here!  Salvations, Baptisms, Decisions made....it's been amazing to be able to watch God work!

On our last Sunday we were packed, as usual.  There was an excitement in the air, as well as some nostalgic sadness.  Some have met their spouse in this building.  Some have gotten married in this building.  Some were saved in this very place.

But, it's just that.  A place.  Church is the people, not the building.  So, even though we are moving locations, the church is still going strong and growing for the Lord!  So thankful I get to be a part of VSIBC!