a new Pope

As Pope Benedict XVI resigned and the cardinals starting gathering in Rome to elect a new Pope, the entire world followed and watched with anticipation and excitement.

I grew up in the Catholic church and went to Catholic schools through high school, but I would have to say that it was our trip to Rome this past October that has really sparked for me an appreciation and understanding of this historical event.

TV's were turned on this afternoon as news was spreading that white smoke was coming from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and a new Pope had been elected.



The newly elected Pope has chosen the name Francis which is a special name. The name symbolizes poverty and humility and also rebuilder of the church. The name Francis also happened to be my Grandpa's middle name and is also my Mom's middle name- so this gives the name a little more special meaning to our family. And it is a favorite prayer.

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
*******

This has also brought back memories from childhood, when Pope John Paul II visited my hometown of Des Moines, Iowa. It was October, 1979 and I was not quite 11 years old. I can't remember a lot of the details, but I do remember waking up very early and waiting on a big farm field for many hours. I remember everyone being very excited when the Pope finally arrived via helicopter and I remember him speaking to the crowd. I remember knowing what a special opportunity that this was and being very excited.

These are a couple of pictures that I took that day with my little Kodak camera. :)





A video that gives more of the story of that day.



"Farmer's everywhere provide bread for all humanity, but it is Christ alone who is the bread of life. He alone satisfies the deepest hunger of humanity. " Pope John Paul II

Drew's Confirmation

On Saturday, Drew made his Confirmation.

There were close to 300 students in our church that have spent the past 3 years preparing for this very special day.

Starting in 6th grade they are placed in a small group called a Pak, which consists of about 10 boys or girls and a couple of Pak adults that lead the group. This group stays together for the 3 years; worshiping together, praying together and learning together. This makes for a very special and close group.

The church service was so good with great worship and a heartfelt and touching Message.

The Youth Ministries Pastor's message was a great analogy of a relay race with a runner being handed the batan. He compared that to the student taking that baton and now is their turn to run with their faith. I really loved this message and I think the kids could really relate to it.

After the Message, each Pak was called up for a blessing which included a scripture and a prayer. Parents, Godparents and Grandparents came up with their child and laid a hand on them as this blessing was said,

Drew's Pak's Scripture was Psalm 91:1-2

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.

All of the students were givne a baton to remember the day. I thought this was so touching and a perfect keepsake to remember the Message and the very special day.

We were so happy to celebrate with Drew!

And to have some of our family with to celebrate.

Drew and his Grandpa.

Drew and his Grandma.

Brothers

And we were also so happy to have an aunt and some cousins to help celebrate.

We hosted a brunch after the service, which seemed the perfect way to round out the celebration.

Conrgratulations Drew!

We can't wait to see where this next step in your journey of faith and leadership takes you!

wrodless Wednesday

{New Women's Bible Study started this morning at my church-- and  it has been such an amazing feeling of knowing I am right where I am suppose to be at this moment! So many "God-incidences" led me to this study. Love when things happen like that.}

Kay Arthur

This past Friday, two dear friends and I headed down to Rochester, MN

for a "Devoted Hearts Conference" that was being held at a church there.

We were there to hear Kay Arthur teach. We have done numerous Kay Arthur Precept bible studies and have been fortunate enough to go down to Chattanooga, TN to hear her teach two times before.

She is an amazing teacher of the bible, giving powerful messages and claiming the truth, with no sugarcoating! I always learn so much from her and we felt so fortunate that she was in our state and we could just make a little car trip to see her!

This was a two day conference, so we stayed in a hotel in Rochester which was a great idea because it was a late night Friday and an early morning Saturday. My friend, Deb, brought some sweet treats for us!

Kay's message was "For Such a Time as This".
The scriptures that we went through were
Luke 12:29-57; Luke 19: 11-44; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 1:1-9;
 Jeremiah 25:1-15, 26-33; Jeremiah 42:1-22; Ezekiel 22:1-31; Ezekiel 13: 1-14
The message that we studied is that God is charge of the times.

My friend Deb having her bible signed by Kay.

And I had my bible signed, too!

This is what Kay wrote in my bible!

These two friends, Heidi and Deb, are so special to me. We met in an Alpha class over 8 years ago and have been friends ever since! We have been in small groups; we have done many, many bible studies together; and we are prayer warriors for each other. We have been through so much together in each of our personal lives and I feel so very blessed that these two beautiful ladies are part of my life!!

prayer for peace

Last night we were watching a movie on DVD when I received a text from Tyler.

I couldn't believe it- Osama Bin Laden was killed?

And this morning, after looking at the front page of the newspaper, reality set in.

So today as I fly the American flag in front of our house, I pray for peace.

I pray for peace for our nation.

I pray for peace for the families of the victims of 9/11.

I pray for the leaders of our government, that they might lead with peace.

I pray for peace for our fearless military that defend our country.

I pray for peace....

And I am thinking after all that has happened in the past week with the tornadoes, the flooding, and the killing of Bin Ladin....

that this week is the perfect time for National Day of Prayer! I know I will be there!

You will keep in perfect peace

All who trust in You,

All whose thoughts are fixed on You!

Isaiah 26:3

Confirmation Celebration

The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

We had a beautiful day! The weather was wonderful, the sun was shining~ it was a perfect day for Jake's Confirmation!


It was so nice to be able to celebrate this special day with Jake~


A nice picture with Grandpa and Grandma~


And a sweet picture of the cousins~


After the service we came home to have a celebration lunch. Jake opened some cards and gifts. We got him this ship with a saying written on the sail that I just love.

The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.


When the cousins are all together the day would not be complete with out a big game of Hide and Seek! They even got Tyler to play this time!!!


Congratulations Jake! Thank you for letting us celebrate this special day with you! We love you!