A Psalm Sing and a Goodbye

 

For years our pastor has felt a calling to disciple young men who feel a calling into the ministry. In September of 2012, this dream came true. Joel Stanton and Cody Winton became a part of our church family. Last Sunday marked the end of their eight month internship.

 

Our church held a Psalm sing, for two reasons. First, so we could practice singing the more difficult Psalms from the Psalter. Secondly, to wish farewell to the interns!

After the fellowship meal, families started arriving! 

We were soon handing out Psalters.

 

Good friends and good times!

 

 Smile  

Multi-tasking while waiting for the Psalm sing to begin: knitting and looking at a book

Peter B. directing

 My Dad

 

 Warming up voices 

 The Sopranos

The Altos  

The bases

The tenors

 

Singing Unto the Lord!

 

  

 

 

  Of course, we made time for fellowshiping too.

 

The young, young men of our church 

 



Outside looking in..

 

Afterwards... great conversations were going on upstairs.

 

 Playing around on the piano was going on downstairs...

 

Resting

 Afterwards the boys started a fire, and someone pulled out a guitar for more singing. 

 ( This picture did not turn out great, but what can I say, it's pretty good considering a seven year old was behind the lense!)

 

And then the Goodbye:

 

 

Cody W. brought so much fun into our church. His humor and fun-loving personality made every Sunday a more joyful experience! Cody was always willing to lend a helping hand, no matter what the task. He brought life and enjoyment to every ordinary chore. No matter what type of a day you had, Cody could always make you smile and bring out a few laughs.  His leadership skills were demonstarted every Sunday by a wonderful sermon discussion group he led. Always bringing purpose to a conversation, Cody was a role model for everyone.

 

Joel S. had a passion for the Psalms that he shared with our church.  He started up a Mens' Choir that flourished, blessing us all. Joel had a servent's heart in a way that few people have achieved. He was always willing to serve and went out of his way to seek out opportunties to do so. He would use his influence to direct converstations to meaningful subjects. Joel was always willing to explain a concept patiently taking as long as necessary. Joel was a inspiration to us all.

 

 We are excited to see what the Lord has in store for both them in the future!

Family Economics and Discipleship Conference

We got to the hotel a day early to unpack and rev up for the conference.

Of couse, we had to hit the pool.  :)

Don't you love Sam's hair?!

Me getting ready to finish the ironing.

After swimming, we headed out for dinner.

Sam, Claire, and Nathan in the back seat

 I took a quick picture of the view from the hotel window.

 

4:15 was my wake up call each morning.  Yes, 4:15!!! It's to exciting to sleep in.

I got myself ready, had breakfast, and then helped my siblings get ready.  The first lecture was Kevin Swanson.  Our family appreciates his ministry!

We ate lunch every day in our room and then headed back downstairs.

Isaiah rode around looking dapper in his tie. I LOVE bow ties!

  

Each day ended with a family activity.  One of my favorite was the English Country Dancing Ball.

 

Me and my friend Bekah

We had a lot of fun getting together and doing her hair!

 

Here are a few photos giving a peak into our days:

 

Getting seated

Isaiah and Claire waiting for for another session to begin.

 

Mr. Geoffree Botkin sharing the importance of family vision.

 

Isaiah in suspenders  and... a  tie :)

Friends looking over the railing on the 12th floor of the hotel

 

Families going upstairs inbetween sessions

Listening and Learning 

 

 

Catching up with old friends and making new ones too!

And lastly: a fun sunglasses picture!