I know, I know ...

I should probably post more than every 6 months. Nothing much has been going on though that I'm willing (or able) to put on the internet for everyone to read. I did go to Martha's Vineyard though. I can post about that ...

Caitlin's graduating

from COLLEGE!!!

I'm so proud this is happening - my bestest-estest is heading into the working world with a bachelors degree in history under her belt and a dream in her heart (look at me - I'm getting all mushy).

Tomorrow's the big day - I can't wait to go to the graduation and see Caitlin walk up onto the podium and get her diploma. I'm going to cry like a baby.

I'm so proud of you Caitlin!!!! :)

Pictures from the Boucher's farewell banquet ...

Like every church-wide meeting - we started with worshipping our God.

Nicole and Leah (accompanied by Pastor Rafael) sang a song about God being in control despite the changes in our lives. It was a surprise for her parents.

The mayor came and presented the Boucher's with a pink flamingo lawn ornament and a statue of Johnny Appleseed (Leominster's claims to fame).

Pastor Dave gave a moving speech about his friend and co-worker Pastor Mark (there's an awesome picture of them hugging, but it wouldn't load).

Pastor Mark and his girls thanking the church that they have served for 15 years.

The deacons praying over the Bouchers.

"The Crew" (that's what Nicole calls us)

There are other pictures, but these capture the night really well. :)

(Thank you to Nicole for these pics)

Business Meeting Update ...

Pastor Dave did not get the 2/3 votes needed to become senior pastor of LAOG. He is however the interim pastor until a senior pastor can be found.

Because of some dissension in our church I have decided to stop mentioning what is happening (at least for now). Any other info about what is happening in the church can be found at http://www.laog.org/ (scroll to the middle/end of the home page).

Please continue to pray for our church and all of the people and families that have been affected.

Business Meeting Coming Up ...

This Sunday night is the night that us measly people decide what is next for our church. I'm praying hard that God shows each of us how He would like us to vote and what He would like us to say (if anything).

So glad He's in control. :)

so much CHANGE

My word! It feels like everything in my life is changing this year. I have never had a year so full of change in my life - and it's only April!!!

It started in January when Drance and I decided to go our seperate ways. It was probably the calmest break-up ever in the history of couples, but it was still heartbreaking.

Then 3 weeks later my dad went to be with Jesus after spending 15 days unconscious in a hospital bed.

Next Sunday is my church's senior pastor's last Sunday here. Pastor Mark has been senior pastor for 15 years and now God is calling him on to a new ministry in a new state. I'm very excited for him and his family, but I am going to miss them so very much. Pastor Mark has spoken into my life in so many powerful ways through his sermons and the way he lives his life. His wife Terry was my "Star Sponser" in Missionettes and has been like another mother to me - always concerned about how I'm doing and giving me great big hugs. I consider his daughter Nicole to be one of my closest friends. We have been friends for 12 years and have gone through so much together. I am going to miss their daily presence and the wonderful way they have led our church.

Along with the change of the senior pastor leaving comes the change of a new pastor - who will it be? Our associate pastor (Pastor Dave) is going to be presented to the church next Sunday night as the first (and hopefully only) candidate for senior pastor. I hope he gets the vote! If he doesn't we'll have an interim pastor until the board can find a new pastor to present to the people. No matter which way it goes - the church is facing a lot of change in at least the coming year. (Our visitation pastor is also retiring - his last Sunday is May 2nd. I'm going to miss him and his wife too. They are very wise, very welcoming people and I love them dearly).

My mom and I have had to sell our house so May 15th we will begin moving into our new apartment. The closing on the house will be somewhere in the last week in May/first week in June.

Those are just the big changes in my life - there have been many other small changes in my life as well as big changes in my friends lives.

All I can say is that I'm glad I serve an unchanging God, because without him I would be a mess right now.

You probably already know ...

My daddy went to be with Jesus January 26th at 12:05 in the morning. The services were Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

I miss him so much, but this morning during worship at church God gave me a wonderful joy. I pictured my dad up in Heaven worshiping God and it was such a wonderful thought to know that I can worship along with him. My mom and I have been so blessed by our Heavenly Father - He continually shows us His great mercy and love. He truly is amazing and worthy of all our praise. :)

Quick update on my dad

I'm on my break at work so I only have a few minutes, but in case there's anyone out there reading this that is wondering how my dad is doing I thought I'd fill you in:

He's still in the nursing home. He will be until at least next week (he was hoping to be home for Christmas, but that's not going to happen). He is in his own private room now so that's made it a little easier.

He had surgery on Friday to put a stunt in his head that will slowly drain the extra fluid that has been harming his balance, memory and urinary system. His balance has already improved slightly and we're looking forward to a lot more improvement.

My dad has been able to pray "the sinner's prayer", as he calls it, with 3 people at the nursing home and many more have taken an "Amazing Love" cd and/or are interested in coming to our church. God is really working in and through my dad!

Modesty Movement ...

One of the young men in church started this movement. He spoke in youth group last night and it was really, really good. Especially for a 16-year-old. Please check out the website/blog ...

www.modestymovement.org

They also have a facebook fan page and group. Search for modesty?movement in the search bar.

Lack of Computer ...

My home computer doesn't let me post on blogger for some unknown reason. That's why I haven't been posting lately. I have a bunch of posts written in my head, but I can rarely get to a computer to type them on here. Oh well ... maybe someday I'll have a computer that works right. :)