A Day of Rest

We woke up this morning to to a true winter wonderland with big flakes coming down. Brother and Sister Byers have been saying all weekend that it hasn't been as cold as they thought it would be but now they've got a taste of the snow. I fixed Moose/Beef stew and biscuits and the Byers, Sister Connie Peter, Micah, Megan, Nathan, Isaiah, Ernie and the girls came to eat with us. I sent Brother Byers and Brother Nowling out for pie as several said they were wanting some. With stomachs full, the young people a very spirited came of "I Buy" where Joleesa won (which is VERY rare) and Megan lost. While Brother Nowling, Brother Byers, Sister Connie and Ernie all fell asleep.
To get a true picture of our "day of rest" I'll leave nothing to your imagination. Enjoy ~smile.

Minister's Convention & Revival

Tonight starts minister's convention that will go through Sunday morning and then we go into Revival starting the Sunday evening service. Brother Byers is our guest and we're so looking forward to what the Lord has for us.

It's been another stressful week at work and then trying to get ready for this weekend.

First work...the changes continue and this time it hits me. My boss who has been with the newspaper for 31 years has been basically de-moted. He will no longer be a manager (therefore he won't be my boss any more) but will go back to being a sales rep. In so doing he will be taking the national accounts that I handle. These are the largest dollar accounts that I enjoy the most working with. They are also the ones that make the biggest difference in my commissions....BUT at least we both have a job. The morale at the office is the worst of any place I've ever worked. I need God's help that I keep the right spirit. It's been tough, but I'm trying.

Then for convention. I just found out Sunday night that I will be the state ABM coordinator. Along with that I am to boost VLB's as the Rusty Cabelas (?) who is to be the new leader has a wedding and won't be there until Sunday. Then I was asked to teach the adult SS class. That along with the state books, the camp and retreat reports and boost. You know I want to work for the Lord, and I enjoy it all, but I usually like to have more than 4 days notice. Along with that we needed to get out sandwich boards done for outside the building, and the Mission wall letters laminated for Jessa to put up, and fliers done for revival. Well at this moment I have everything but the revival fliers done. Jackie helped with the sandwich board (we did only get one side of one board done), Jenna made the letters and I cut them out, laminated them and cut them out again, and then I got the other stuff done. I'm excited about what the Lord gave me for the ABM boost and even VLB, and SS (although I teach usually teach the youth SS so I was kind of prepared for that already-but I love teaching SS). I did finally say no to something. The Nowling sisters are on to sing tonight. Brother Grant said it could be all of us, one of us, two or three what ever "sisters" wanted to sing. We were all going to sing but it's really hard getting us all together to practice....so I made the "mother" decision and seeing as Joleesa and Jessa both have today off, they'll be able to practice this afternoon.

Tomorrow I have an eye exam, after our leadership meeting. Then the Byers will be spending the afternoon with us (so I'll have to be up early in the morning to clean).

Though life has been busy I am sooooo looking forward to REVIVAL

Pray for us.

It's Snowing!!!!

I know there are those that are rejoicing...but it's only October. Not even halloween. No snow, no snow not yet. I can't even say it's pretty because it's tooooooooo early!

My week and weekend

The week was very stressful at work. When 47 people get laid off that means more work for those that remain. I feel I'll never be on top of things, but I am so grateful that I still have a job.

We were able to purchase a Kirby vacuum cleaner and shampooer. With all the money we've put into carpet cleaning and cheap vacuums we decided this was an investment that we needed to make. We had owned a re-built one years ago that served us well and with all the traffic that we get here on a light colored carpeting we really needed. So Saturday was cleaning day. It was the first Saturday that Brother Nowling was at home and not sleeping. In the past our bedroom has been very neglected. Working opposite shifts means someone is almost always in the bed. So being he didn't have to sleep we planned a thorough cleaning in our room. We cleaned out closet, shoe bins, draws, stripped the bed and took our vacuum to the actual mattress (recommended by the Kirby salesperson-as he puts it, it's place with the most dust mites because of the dead skin and no one thinks to vacuum it). It almost seemed like we had a new mattress. We vacuumed the drapes, the pictures the corners, the bookshelves, my stuffed animals, my porcelain dolls, anything that had collected dust got vacuumed. I was sneezing like crazy. We brought out the flannel sheets and our winter comforter and we sorted and put away laundry. The only thing we didn't do that I really wanted to, was re-arrange our bedroom. Brother Nowling said he like it as it was, but I don't think he'd have admitted it if he didn't because he doesn't like to move furniture around. But that was ok, we really accomplished a lot in our room.

From there we headed out run errands. We stopped for lunch and then headed over to the Ulu Factory. We had bought an Ulu for them when they were here and they used ours, and were so sold on them that they bought several as souvenirs. Now they are wanting more for Christmas gifts so they called in an order of I think 13 Ulus and asked if we could pick them up and mail them to them as the factory wanted to charge $8/Ulu for shipping...rip off. Of course we would, and I just remembered it at about 3 pm yesterday and I didn't know when they closed. So we booked it from the restaurant and they had them all ready for us. We too got another "bigger" Ulu per Brother Nowling's request and a beautiful metal state of Alaska key rack. We then headed home for me to study some more for our youth Bible study. I just love Brother Covey's "Delving into the Depths". If yo haven't read, you really need to. About 40 minutes before the study, my youngest brother called just sobbing. I tried to stay calm, trying to pull out of him what was wrong...he as quickly as he could told me dad was ok, so then I was just patient to let him get his composure and then talk. He really needs our prayers. He is the one that is really trying to be there for dad. He lives about 3 hours from the nursing home, but since my mom passed away he goes to see dad every Sunday and calls him every night. Dad does fine during the day but has a difficult time in the evenings and weekends as there's nothing for him to do and he's pretty much stuck in his room. Bottom line, between all the hours Kelly's been working and his feeling the loss of our mom, coupled with his trying to be there for dad, he was overwhelmed and rightfully so. He is not married, and though has come back to the Lord doesn't have a close church family either, so he has no one to share the burden with. So he needs our prayers as does dad. I sent the Jenna, Joleesa, Jackie and Josh on to Micah's and told them to start eating and I would be there as quickly as I could for the study. I felt like I had to be there for my brother, and I wanted to be. I still had to cut him off about 7:30 pm but by that time hopefully he had felt some relief. I then went to the study, came home and continued getting ready for church.

Then of course we had church today. It was good to have Jeremy, Heather, and Lillian out. This next week will be preparing for minister's convention and revival with Brother Byers. We still haven't to finish the sandwich boards that will be our signs outside and then we want to get our mission wall done.

So that was my life this past week. Everyone have a great week.

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.