God's blessing!

We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather for our anniversary. I didn't get out of work as early as I was suppose to, but it was ok, because I won $50 cash for making the first sale of the day, and decided that since I was already late, I might as well stay round and collect it. God is good. When I got home, Jody and I headed first to the church as we picked up the American Flag and the poles, stands and toppers today. The Church flag came Thursday so he took it to the flag pole place to get it put on correctly, etc.

I need to back up, we had originally received the flag that was part of the flag program, but it was an outdoor flag and it wouldn't work for us. I emailed Brother Werkheiser and asked him to go ahead and send us the 3x5 indoor flag with fringe and express mail it so we could have it for the Adam's baby's dedication. We figured we pay for it and take up an offering later as to cover whatever we could get. Every church we have ever pastored, we have never had an indoor flag (outside one in Menomonie). This represents who we are and we have been so excited about getting it. Any way, Brother Nowling found a flag pole place here in town so he went and ordered the American flag and the pole, etc for the Church flag. We were literally shocked at the price (Tammy K. they are VERY expensive), but this was the finishing, and BEST touch for this space that God has provided in making it into His Sanctuary. Brother Werkheiser had emailed and said they hoped it would be there Friday or Saturday as that's what they were told. Fortunately it came Thursday, but it came certified mail and Brother Nowling was sleeping so they didn't leave it so he had to go down to the post office to get it. Fortunately it was at the airport one that stays open until midnight so he just went on his way to work. Oh, but I need to back up again...(sorry~grin) as I was leaving for work Thursday morning, my cell phone rang from a number I didn't recognize, I answered as I was going out the door and this woman's voice says "Sister Nowling, I just wanted to tell you somebody paid for your church flag. You'll receive a bill in with flag, but just ignore it as it's been paid." I was in shock and fighting tears. I had to ask who I was speaking to and then thanked Sister Wendy. God is so good. And so is the precious person that paid for this special gift. So back to our Friday; I didn't want to leave town without seeing them. They looked awesome, although our ceiling was too low to fit the cross topper on so we had to saw the poles down.

Back to our anniversary trip now. We decided to eat the Double Muskie. It is famous for their steak and is in Girdwood. About an hour away. They don't take reservations but they said there were tables open and no waiting list at that time. By the time we got there an hour later, the 40 minute wait they told us turned into 1 hour and 45 minutes (and we had to stand the WHOLE time ~ ugh). We were standing by the men's restroom and a lady and kept joking with Jody that he needed to charge for the guys to go in and that way our supper would be paid for, or he should hold the door knob when they were coming out. He was too chicken and wouldn't do it. It was a long wait, and usually we absolutely wouldn't wait, but we were there and it was our anniversary. This restaurant was weird. It wasn't very big and the tables were jammed in to fit as many people as possible. But their decor was everything and anything plastered on every inch of space on the walls AND the ceiling. It kind of was a Louisiana flavor...with other strange things missed in. When we did finally eat we ordered their Peppered steak (it was huge, I think 16 oz), baked potato, salad and jalapeno bread. It was worth the wait. We then went on to Cooper Landing to The Hutch B&B (which is really a 3 story lodge). It was a beautiful, clear sky night so the drive was great. We got their about about 10 pm and just wanted a comfortable bed. The man was really friendly. When Jody asked what floor we were on and he said 2nd, I groaned. Remember we stood for almost two hours. I've been having a lot of problem with my back and hips and Jody twisted his knee the other day, so we really didn't want stairs. The groan was enough, the man says, "oh it's late, and out of season, take this room" and opened the door right next to the lobby. It was a roomy room (smile) with two double beds (I had reserved a queen bed). It was very nice. As we got ready for bed, I used the bathroom and upon flushing the toilet it over flowed. Jody wouldn't let me get the guy as we weren't dressed, so he took the plunger to it and we had plenty of towels so we cleaned it up. Though the bed wasn't a queen it was a VERY comfortable bed. We got up at about 6:30 am, had coffee and muffin, visited with the owner's wife and a couple that were guests and then started on our way. Temperature was 35 degrees but the sky looked promising to warm up. We ran into some hard rain along the way but not for long. It was a beautiful, clear day that required only a sweatshirt (I don't know what the temperature got to). We stopped at a couple of shops along the way and then headed to "the spit". A finger of land that protruded out into the bay. The bummer of it was almost, all the shops and restaurants on the spit were closed for the season. BUT Land's End Resort was open. We had an awesome lunch of fish (halibut) and chips with a window view of the bay. We saw the volcanoes and beautiful colors. I'll post pictures later. We saw the fairy loading so I pulled out my magazine and saw that it goes to this small island called Solvia (?). It leaves at 11 am on Saturday and comes back at 5:15 pm. I so wanted to go. Jody's response, we didn't plan it. So!!!! And he just drove on. I started with an ugly attitude until he said if you really want to go I guess we can, but I could see his ugly attitude starting so I said it would be no fun if he wasn't wanting to go and we left it at that. Later he said we would have to plan on it some time when we weren't having to be back early. Ugh! Why didn't he just say that. We had to get back to do some things to get things ready for church because of the dedication and baby shower(Sister Twana convinced Heather to let us give her shower, so it'll be following the morning service). AND it dawned us that we had to give ourselves plenty of time to get in case we ran into any problems we'd have time to deal with them and still get back, as we were the only ones that have keys for the church. Like I said, why didn't he just say that in the first place. Anyway, we drove around Homer a little more and then about 2:30 pm headed back.

God blessed us with such beautiful weather after days of rain. We felt like we in a golden state as the yellows were so vibrant (we don't get the reds and oranges here like we did in Menomonie). The rivers had the blue/green glacier color, the mountains had the greens and golds. It was all just majestic.

It was a good weekend and now I need to get to bed as to get up early enough to get the rest of the stuff together for the shower tomorrow. I am so looking forward to the wonderful service we're going to have. We will be blessed to have both the Adams and the Macks as well as Lillian. Most our church people haven't even seen her. I just saw her for a few moments myself. And then of course it'll be good to have her parents Jeremy and Heather there as it's been several weeks since they've been out. Most importantly I am confident our Lord is going to pour His blessings out in a wonderful day with Him.

Looking Forward to Friday.

Friday is Brother Nowling and mine 27th anniversary. (Would I really have had to clarify "Brother Nowling and mine" ~ smile ~ I would hope if I said it is my 27th anniversary, everyone would know what I meant). After much searching, and many phone calls we were finally able to find a hotel (actually Hutch's Bed & Breakfast lodge) that wasn't closed for the year or booked as we make our way to Homer. We haven't been to Homer yet, but it's about a 5 hour drive and by the time I get off work at 3 pm (I'll go in at 7 am and work through lunch ~which I always do any way) it would be late by the time we got there. But we also want to enjoy the beauty of an area we haven't travelled before. Brother Nowling suggested that we get the hotel in Soldotna/Kenai area. So we'll be staying in Cooper Landing. We've been in this area before and it's beautiful. The B&B looks nice from what we can tell and serves a "full" continental breakfast. We'll then get up in the morning and enjoy the drive to Homer. We'll just bumm around town. Hopefully I'll remember to take my camera since I don't have the photographer of the family with me, and we'll enjoy the beauty of another part of Alaska, stop in at the souvenior shops, and eat at one of the finer restraunts (which I don't know what that is yet), but most importantly, I'll spend time with my best friend on earth and the love of my life for 27+ years. AND Micah is helping me surprise him with a specail gift.

We'll be coming back Saturday night as to be in church Sunday. I really look forward to Church. This Sunday will be extra special as we'll have some special people there.

Battle of the Tears

Ugh! This weekend has been the battle of the tears. Friday night I left work and almost walked out without signing off on my Sat, Sun and Monday ads. Although I had clocked out something told me I needed to do it. Thank you Lord, I had missed scheduling a $6,000+ ad for AT&T for Sunday. It would've been no body's fault but mine. That would've been not only a loss of $6000 of revenue but according to their contract if WE make a mistake we have to run the ad at n/c. Anyway, God was looking out for me and the sweet lady in the lay out department worked feverishly with our editorial department to get it in. I was fighting the tears the whole. Tears of frustration at me for making the mistake in the first place. Tears of thankfulness that God helped me to catch it. And tears of thankfulness to Robin and Michael for the extra work I put them through because of my mistake and yet they were so nice about it.

Then on Saturday, I sat at the breakfast table with my husband and just wanted to cry. No reason, just wanted to cry. He was so sweet as we separated for him to go home and sleep and me to go and get my hair done as he told me to smile, gave me a kiss and told me to have fun. That really made want to cry. Then I sat in the hairdressers chair and my hairdresser wasn't talking so I was left my own thoughts, and the sounds of the young lady next to me who recently turned 30, was a Florida but was here in Alaska because her husband asked to be stationed here and didn't ask her about it. She was having her hair colored. She was blond but wanted a sun bleached blond look as she had been use to her hair being bleached by the sun. Her hairdresser tried to convince not to go so light, but she was determined. When it was all done, I understood why. Her hair was a white blond, she said it would taking getting use to but she liked it. In between her conversations I sat there fighting the tears. Tears for NO reason. It's been a long time since I've had one of "these" emotional battles.

Saturday night I then battled more tears as several of our youth couldn't make it out to our youth activity due to jobs (please pray, I know they need their jobs, but more and more of them are having to miss church activities due to their jobs. I KNOW God can work it out. I've seen Him do it before). I had to change some of my plans. But I think they enjoyed decorating pumpkins, gourds and fall leaves (which I will use for tonight's youth service), and then carved two pumpkins to say "Victory Leaders". Then tears came again, but this time through laughter as I was sitting in the rocking chair Jenna suggested Joleesa climb in my lap and be my baby again...well Joleesa didn't but Jackie did and then we reversed it. I won't go into the details but I laughed so hard I was crying. It was great. I will post the picture of Jackie in my lap once Jenna sends it to me...but you'll never see the one of me in Jackie's lap! Anyway, the decorated autumn ornaments turned out great. Tim Osborne really surprised us in his creativity.

This morning during worship I had us focus on "the blood" and once again the tears were there...but this time I didn't battle them. I let them flow as I rejoiced in the power, strength and comfort I receive because of the blood my Lord shed for me. Brother Nowling then preached on challenging us to reach a level with the Lord as we haven't experience before . Finding a joy within the Church that only comes from a close relationship with the groom. All that after a great Sunday School lesson that was pretty straight forward to the youth on Rebekah and Isaac; reminding us that we must have God present in ALL relationships. It was a great morning.

This evening is youth service. For some time the Lord has placed on my heart "He Prepareth a table before us, in the presence of our enemies...." so that is our theme for our youth service. Please pray that Lord has His way. Once again there has been several ways my mind has gone with this. I'm anxious to see how God takes it.

I Love You Lord....

I had a day yesterday when I was feeling lonely. Longing for a "best" friend" beyond my husband. For some reason over the years I've never received that privilege. As a child we moved around so much that I didn't go to the same school two years in a row until 10th grade and we jumped from church to church for years. Then when I did find the Church and married, we continued the pattern of moving. Any way, my husband is my best friend but some times I long for that lady friend to hang out with, shop with and laugh with . His idea of shopping is sitting on a bench in the mall, or in the car and waiting for me. He wants to go target shooting with his gun, and he wants me to go too, I'll try it but it's just not me.

Don't get me wrong, there are those that have come into my life that are "special" to me and when I am with them we have the greatest time, but those people are few and not nearby. There's been many times I've realize it's my own fault as I don't allow myself to get close because I don't want to get hurt, or they'll just be taken out of my life some way, some how. Any way, last night was one of those times I was longing for someone to call and just say, "let's go shopping and have lunch", and there's no one to do that. Some of the youth have "put up" with me being around them and I love them all the more for it as I truly enjoy it, but where is that person my age, that has similar likes as me...any way last night, it really hit me hard. Then today, God showed me once again who my best friend is, HIM. He is so good to me. He laughs with me, cries with me, is there with me wherever I go. Just the time I need to feel "special" He makes it happen. Not in the way, I maybe thought it should be, or wanted it to be...but He does and I love Him all the more for it.

Well sorry for the...I'm not sure what you'd call it! It probably has a lot to do with the weather. I don't know when the last time we saw the sun. Rain, rain, and more rain is what we've had. The good thing about blogs, if you don't want to hear it, just stop reading ~smile.

PFDs

Jessa, Joleesa and I didn't get our dividend (PFD) but Jenna and Brother Nowling did. But Joleesa and I finally got a letter explaining the status. Mine said they couldn't find my direct deposit account at Alaska Pacific Bank so they'll be mailing me a check. That's fine, but I didn't put Alaska Pacific Bank as my bank (and actually there isn't any such bank), so that's why my account number didn't match up. UGH! Joleesa's had something to do with her direct deposit and they said she too, would be receiving a check. That to is fine, but we don't even know what that problem was. But with Jessa, she didn't receive anything and when we checked the website it said "not found". She was feeling really discouraged and thought for sure she wouldn't get it. I assured we'd find the paper work and get it worked out. Find the paper work Brother Nowling did. He handed it to me and the minute I looked at it I knew the problem. Her last had changed, she had a typo, Jessalynn Nowlind. Sure enough I go into the website under Jessalynn Nowlind and it says "pending" assigne to case worker....So Brother Nowling and her will be going in tomorrow morning and wait in what should be a very long line and get it cleared up. At least we all know what's happend.

Josh Grant is going to be holding Brother Nowling's hand as he buys himself a hand gun. A dream he has had for some time. It's actually been fun watching him with these young men (and ladies~Jackie) discussing which gun he should get. I asked Josh if I should go with so he doesn't spend "too much". His response, tell me how much he's allowed to spend and I'll make sure he doesn't go over it. We sat visiting with several of them Wednesday night and the discussion centered around "guns" and what he should get. They looked to me...my words, he knows what bills we have, what we want to put in savings and what he has left. If he can live with his concious and feels like God approves with how much he spent, who am I to stand in the way. Ohhhh...pretty clever. But you know I really meant it. He wants me to go with him target shooting some time. I probably will borrow a gun some time to see if it's something I'd enjoy, but I don't forsee me getting one.

What I did get is a small antique "looking' stand to sit where the piano was, along with a tricyle planter. I needed something to put my state books, and youth things in as Brother Nowling has the small office. I really love it and I got it for next to nothing. I'm going to get new glasses (but those I would've gotten any way, but we just don't have to budget for it this way).

Well, gotta run. We've got to go pick up Brother Mack from the airport as he preached in Bethel as Grants went to Seattle to celebrate their anniversary and Heather is in labor.

By the way, this morning attendance was small due to those working, some being out of town and other's in or at the hospital so we had a two hour long Sunday School on "Restoring Abraham's Wells" I so enjoyed it and I think others did too.

2 Years Today

At 6:30 pm Alaska time, 2 years ago to day we arrived in Alaska at this place we call home. We wondered if it would ever really be "home". I am still in awe at the beauty of Alaska. I still get "lost" in town, but it wouldn't matter where I lived that would happen. I am considered one of the "veterans" at the office (only two other reps have been there longer than I and only by 2 and 3 months). I have had a good 2 years on the job with much growth, and having won many prizes and bonuses.

But the reason we came is for the work of the Lord and pastoring the Anchorage church. This last year was definitely full of ups and downs for this church. But it has been awesome seeing these young adults exercise their faith. The relationships I've built with several of them are so very precious to me. These last few weeks in our new building have been exciting. The new year holds so much anticipation for me. I believe our young people are going to really grab hold and work for the Lord in ways they never have before. Every year I think maybe I should let go of working with the youth, but God will not release me. The last few weeks my body has been feeling it's age (and weight of course) and I wonder can I really do another year. But my heart is still 100% in there with them. I just pray they aren't tired of this "old lady" attempting to lead them. I can only pray, that with God's help, I can help them to reach for greater faith and produce fruit from their labors. I love them as if they're all my own. I share their heartaches and their joys (and some of them don't even realize it). But I try to allow them to be youth and just be their when they want me, or when they need me.

The last words my mother said to me when I spoke to her the Tuesday she passed away, was "I love you, and I'm praying for you but I'm not worrying about you because I know you're doing God's work". Alaska is definitely where He's placed us beyond a shadow of a doubt. One of my greatest joys was hearing Joleesa say that she really loved Alaska (she really didn't want to move). Alaska is definitely home. I have no idea for how long, and I know their be more frustrations and sorrow, but I'm where the Lord wants me for however long He wants us here.

God has been good to us in this beautiful state of Alaska and He has sooooo much ahead for us in this next year.

A Relaxing Weekend

After a hectic, waring week on the job, I've had a relaxing weekend. With our governor becoming VP running mate for McCain, the newspaper has been busier than ever. This is a superbowl experience for our Newspaper and ADN.com. The nation is hungry for news on our governor and with The Anchorage Daily News and ADN.com being Alaska's major newspaper, we have had to have the news. ADN.com usually gets 300-500,000 page views each day (less on the weekend) and since the announcement of Palin; in 7 days we got 11.7 million page views. It's been unreal.

Anyway, I was very much needing to relax. I slept in until 9 am on Saturday. Then I worked on our bulletin. When we first came to Anchorage we did bulletins, but after months of them sitting on church chairs, we stopped. Such a waste of money and time. We (meaning "me") are doing them again but Brother Nowling made the announcement to use them for their purpose and take them home. Refer to them as reminders, please don't leave them behind!!! Cheers from me!

At about 3 pm I got Brother Nowling up (he works Friday nights) we went out to eat then he dropped me off to go grocery shopping while he vacuumed out my car. A fair trade in my mind. Then I headed off for our monthly youth Bible study. We've been studying Brother Covey's "Delving into the Depths". This is an awesome book and has proven to be a great youth study and last night was not exception. We have such a great group of youth. They really participate and we were on chapter 4 "Consider your ways...." on examining yourself. It was a great study. Then Jackie and Josh met me at the church with the cross that they and Jacob made. It looks great. We've bought stain on three different occasions for different projects and it has turned out that they're all different shades with the cross being the darkest but you know what, it needs to stand out and it really looks good. So we have our cross (I'll post a picture soon~my camera batteries are dead). Now we're waiting on our flags.

Then this morning we had a wonderful Sunday School, worship and service. There is such excitement in the air. In the past it wasn't unusual that people would be late. But not now. We are scampering to be there early enough to beat our people, who are now early, as we are only allowed two keys. Then we also have a pass key to get into the building, so no one can even get into the building until we get there. We have always hated being late and strive to be early, but now we not only have to strive to be early but to be earlier than everyone else, which is turning into a challenge and its great. It's great to fellowship before and not be "waiting" to start because several have gotten there yet.

Fall is here and came quickly. I looked out the window in the morning and our tree outside our window was full of leaves with just a little gold, and then by evening the leaves were falling and gold was the main color. The air is very crisp and fresh. Autumn is so my favorite time of the year if I can keep my husband from reminding what's shortly behind it. We all took naps this afternoon, so maybe we'll actually get a fire going in our fire pit and enjoy a fall evening.

The Piano and the Altar

Click on the picture to get a better view!

Little by little our space is becoming a sanctuary. I have so longed for an altar. Monday we searched and searched for something that would work. Even trying to figure out how to make one. Josh and Jackie came over that evening and Jackie said that Fred Meyer was having a huge 60% off furniture sale. So at 8 pm we headed out and we found what was to become our altar. They are benches for farm tables. They were a lighter wood then what I would have preferred, but Brother Nowling had wanted a small cross on the pulpit and we found one at Michaels, a craft, that he stained a contrasting light stain. We (Jenna and I, Jenna more than I) didn't think it would work, but it actually looked good. I then got a vase with "grass" in that blended well. Then the material on the piano also had some light tan, so we took the chance and got them. It started out costing more than I really had planned on spending and then with Jackie's discount and an additional 10% coupon that she got out of their sales flier, gave 25% off (it wasn't part of the 60% off sale, bummer), whicht 25% made it where I could afford it (and get this, my bonus check for taking second place in sales in June, will cover what we spent this weekend). We took them right to the church and Josh, Jackie and Joleesa put them together and they look awesome. I am so please with them and the material on the piano. I can't thank God enough for making it come together. Now I can't wait to see lives being changed at the altar.

We're awaiting the cross for the wall and then the Church and American flags. I will be sooooo excited once we get our flags up. Does anyone know where to get reasonably price flag poles and stands? I don't think the Church flag will come with one. I've been looking around town and I haven't seen any as of yet. I did a quick search online and groaned at the price. So any suggestions would be welcome.

Well now you have the process thus far (Jenna's blog has some additional pictures). God has been good. We had a wonderful Wednesday night service. A spirit of worship prevailed and that is what Brother Nowling preached on as well. God is just good. My heart is overflowing with what He's done. Oh Satan tries to bring us down...but you know what God is God and He is blessing us so and I really praise Him.

A Great Sunday!

Yesterday was a great Sunday. Our building is really beginning to look like a church. Jenna bought all the stuff to make auxiliary banners and her and Megan worked Saturday and Sunday to get them done. They look great. The two of them (Jenna especially) kept picking them a part finding their errors, though they're not "perfect", they're awesome and they look great on the wall. Brother Nowling asked the church about purchasing an attendance board when the Grants said we already have. Cool!

Oh, I need to back up to my shopping trip on Saturday. I need to get material to cover the back of the piano. I was going to get felt. The first felt we found was $17.99/yard, don't think so. Then down a little further we found some for $4.99 (and it didn't look any different then the $17.99). I was going to get shades of brown. When I went to get it cut, I saw on their cutting table some classy brown with embroidered flowers of shades of brown. It was heavier and gorgeous. It would be perfect. So I asked how much it was, $20.99. Ouch, I want it. She proceeded to say its now remnant because it was the end of the bolt, so I could get it for 50% off. I needed about 1 1/2 yards, so I thought I'd do it. Then as we're talking about needing to cover the piano bench as well, she said if I bought the WHOLE remnant, I could get 70% off. YES! So I got it for $17.99 and I have enough to cover the piano, it's bench and cover a small table. I was so thankful, God knew how much I wanted this. The thing is, sewing is NOT my forte. I'm not set with the tools for it. Jenna bought a sewing machine a couple months back, but just trying to cut it correctly had me petrified. Why didn't I just have JoAnne Fabrics cut for me right there. So, instead of taking a chance of not cutting this costly material right, I'm taking it back to JoAnne's today and have them cut. I can press, pin and hem it no problem. Cutting it was what I was freaking out about. I didn't want to mess it up. So as soon as I'm done blogging. I'm going to shower, head to Value Village, Joanne's and hopefully seeing as Brother Nowling will be with me, head to Home Depot. We're going to try to make an altar by buying a plank and table legs. Jenna was searching Craigs list for picnic tables and she saw someone made something like that, so we're going to try it.

We so need an altar. Last night I had my first youth service in the building and it was great to have space to work with. I had everyone bring a pair of their shoes. This program started out one way, then changed several times over, with even a different end to it, but that's all right, I felt God in it. I had footprints laid out on a street, ending at the cross. I had the shoes lined up across the front. I spoke about those shoes represented lives. Where did those shoes carry their owners? Sometime we look at others and make judgement on them, and then shared a poem and then an Elvis Presley song about Walking A Mile in My Shoes. Then I turned everyone to the shoes out there of the lost...the footsteps leading up to the cross had the scriptures on it for the Roman Road to Salvation which is the goal of Sister Griffen for the youth in winning souls. I was going to turn it into a basic witness training...I had found journals for all the youth at Michaels for .50 each with their initial on it. I want them to use these as their witness journal. I had them take that first page of their witness journal, and write their testimony on it. This was really difficult for some, and some just had fun being difficult, but all and all as they shared them one by one, a message came forth. I forgot to say we had 3 visitors, all youth. One is a faithful Baptist, the other two I have no idea of their background. The young Baptist girl shared her testimony too. My idea is for them to work on these testimonies to the place that is clear, direct, and inviting. That will be in the future. Anyway from there I went into sharing the salvation scriptures. This is where everything began to change, and I put the witness plan into practice kind of in a message. I then so wanted an altar, but because we still didn't have one, I invited everyone to the foot of the cross that I had the footprints leading to. All and all, it turned out very different then what I had planned but I felt the Lord's leading.

Afterwards, Brother Nowling made appointments. Due to the visitors, he used the banners to explain the auxiliaries. There were some changes that may have been surprising but I know he really prayed over them. ABM will be Tim Osborne and Jeremy Adams (he still needs to set up the bands), CPMA - Jenna, Sunday School Supt - Megan Peter, VLB-me (some days I think I'm just too old for this but God won't take the burden in my heart away), WMB-Jessa, Free Literature-Micah Peter, Evangelism-Tim Osborne, Local Website -Jackie Grant. He still has to appoint BTI and clerk/treasurer.

Oh and backing up, Brother Mack preached Sunday morning. Sister Mack sang beautifully too.

All and all it was a great day with the Lord. Watch Jenna's blog for pictures of the banner AND when I get the piano done, I'll post them as I'm really excited to that beautiful material on the piano. The next thing we're anxiously waiting for is the Church flag.

Well off to get this day rolling.