Leadership Prayer Breakfast

The Leadership Prayer Breakfast was this morning!  We were joined by Gov. Mike Pence and his wife, numerous state leaders, business leaders and other distinguished guests, including keynote speaker Hunter Smith.  It was a great morning together!  If you would like to view the entire Breakfast online, it is now available on Youtube here.  Enjoy!

My New Office

So some of you have been asking for a while that I post pictures of my new office.  You may recall that remodeling of the offices at church began last fall and were completed just before the Christmas holiday.  One reason for my choice to wait so long in posting pictures (other than being short on spare time) is that my little cozy spot has slowly come to a more perfected state over time.  A new picture here; a new clock there;  a new table to match the updated decor, etc.  Oh, and we can't forget the new step ladder to assist the occupant of the said new office in reaching the top of her new closets!

But today brought the crowning addition that, in my opinion, has nearly completed the "look" of the new room.  Rachael made me a gorgeous silk flower arrangement to grace the credenza!  That spot in particular had been looking somewhat bare and bleak, but now it is oh so beautiful!!  So this afternoon I decided today was the day to show my friends the loveliness of my new work place.

The work of art in progress...

Mom, Rachael, and I went shopping Monday afternoon to choose the flowers for the arrangement.  I showed them what I liked, so while she and Mom were busy deciding how many of each flower to buy and what filler flowers to use, I went off searching all over the store trying to find a container.  When I returned, the cart was full of flowers, and I was thinking, "How does Rachael know we need all these?"  What Rachael produced today is absolutely stunning!  Don't you agree?  I have an amazingly talented sister!

So here's the view as one enters my office.

And here's the view from my desk.

There are still a few finishing touches to be made, like hanging the bulletin board that will showcase my precious pictures and notes from some adorable nieces and nephews as well as finding a mirror to replace the one that was inadvertently hung in the pastor's new office. (We all find that rather humorous.  I think it's the girl who needs the mirror!)  But it is indeed coming together and becoming more and more an expression of myself.  I'm grateful for my pretty, quiet, and cozy place to pursue the work of the Kingdom.  You are always welcome to drop in and share a cup of tea - there is even an outlet reserved for my hot pot! ;)

Statehouse Events

The days have been flying by so quickly, and I am behind on several posts!  We are in the middle of the legislative session here in Indiana, and Matt Barnes and his team have been busy interacting with our leaders and planning for and executing several events.  It has been hard work but also a lot of fun!

We kicked off the legislative session with our annual prayer service.  What a blessed time together!  Over 500 people gathered together to pray for our state and country, and Governor Pence, Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann as well as dozens of lawmakers participated with us.  It was a wonderful time!

Just yesterday, we hosted our second Women's Statehouse Day.  I was the registration coordinator as well as one of the photographers for the day.  It was encouraging to see about 100 women gather together to pray for their leaders and learn how to effectively minister to them.

We were honored to have our Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, State Auditor, State Treasurer, and Superintendent of Public Instruction with us as well as numerous mayors and local government leaders from across the state.  

Our keynote speaker was Secretary of State Connie Lawson.  

Chick-fil-a catered a wonderful lunch for us.

I love the black and purple theme associated with this event.

Our guests were also treated to an unexpected tour of the Governor's office!  

Now we are preparing for the Leadership Prayer Breakfast on February 18 as well as the Pastors' Statehouse Day on February 23.  Pray with us that God will continue to bless the work of our hands.  We know that without his aid, our labor is vain.