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.

A few winter pictures

Wisdom's Words

God often blesses us with a "grace given" in the circle of "grace denied."  He knows best how to apportion is grace for our good and for his glory.

-John Piper-

Capitol Commission Team

I am blessed to serve with such a great team!

Back Row (from left to right): Matt Barnes, Miriam Barnes, Nathan Barnes, Pam Russell

Front Row (Left to Right): Lucas Holt, Jenny Blankenship, Ruth Salmons, Debbie Magnuson, Rachelle Myers

Wisdom's Words

Delight in divine service is a token of acceptance...Let our gladness proclaim that we serve a good Master.

-Charles Spurgeon-

Graduation Open House

Before the end of 2015, we hosted Rachael's graduation open house.  After many months of planning and shopping, it was so rewarding to see it finally come together!  Even though I had to work that day, since the open house was held at our church, I occasionally snuck down to the fellowship hall to see how things were progressing and snap a few pictures for memory's sake.

We were so humbled by our friend's love and generosity in seeking to help make this a special occasion for our family.  From a surprise floral arrangement to offers to contribute food to staying late to help us clean up, we were amazed with the kindness showered upon us and so grateful for the special people God has placed in our lives.

When Rachael arrived at the church that morning to prepare for the big party, she found a family friend in the kitchen arranging a beautiful center piece for the serving tables.  The rest of us had known about it for a couple of months but had been asked to keep it a surprise since she had wanted it to be her gift to Rachael.  It was gorgeous and matched the color scheme perfectly!

The idea behind the cascading-look of the arrangement was to represent God's overflowing blessing.  What a fitting message!

I had so much fun taking pictures of the flowers!

For the decorations, Rachael wanted something that portrayed her kid-like, fun personality, so we settled on lollipops, bright colors, and some of her favorite study food throughout her years of nursing school.  And believe me, the kids who came that night LOVED it all!

Rachael really did have some unique ideas that made this open house particularly enjoyable for our guests.  A surprise for the grandkids which she put on display that night was the newly-purchased Playmobile hospital. She literally spent hours putting it together.

Can you guess who this nurse resembles? :)

It was fun to see the grandkids reaction to this surprise when they showed up before the party began.  And now they get to look forward to playing with all of it at Grandpa and Grandma's house!

We also had the kids help us set up a puzzle which our guests could piece together throughout the evening.   The idea was a huge success!

Before the party:

After the party:

Rachael's display table also turned out looking so nice.  And, of course, Duck and Bird had to be part of it!

Before everyone arrived that evening, a friend offered to take a family picture to commemorate the event.  

Our menu that evening was sloppy joes, veggies and dip, chocolate covered pretzels, oranges, cheese and crackers, nachos and cheese, and cake.  

The highlight of the evening for us were all the friends who made an effort to come and celebrate God's work in Rachael's life.  It was truly amazing!

A few other family pictures:

What a memorable way to conclude Rachael's journey through nursing school!  We thank the Lord for his goodness and faithfulness to us.  His blessing does indeed make one rich.