It's Official

We are having a BOY!

"A little bit not"

Justin's response to me after I asked if he was good in church.

VACATION!!

Well. it is finally here. After a very hectic year and going into a very hectic season, our family is going to get away for a few days. Lord willing, (something a pastor always says before vacation, because inevitably, if something is going to happen concerning church work it will happen the day of departure) we will be leaving after service tomorrow evening to head towards Hobe Sound, Florida. We are going to visit my wife aunt and uncle, Paul and Donna Peak. I probably will not blog until we return. Not that my posts have been regular recently. So long, farewell!

Finishing Touches

There are those who were greatly concerned about the little shelf on the big wall. Well, we weren't done hanging decorations because she hadn't bought them all yet. Today, we accomplished that task. Here is final result.

Newly Remodeled Kitchen

This past week during our revival, our evangelist Rev. Stephan Cassady and I had the bright idea to remodel the kitchen. So we started and I just finished moments ago. We took out some cabinets, put in some recessed lighting, and did some painting. The only other improvement we will do is put in new counter tops. The one on the bar will be wider so we can put in some bar stools. Here are the pics.

Revival

We just closed out our fall revival with Stephen & Nicole Cassady. It was a great time. God has been helping us at the New Columbia God's Missionary Church. There was a great spirit leading into the meeting and it seemed to have continued throughout the meeting. There were seekers in 4 of the services...to God be the Glory. The Cassadys were a real treat to have in our home. We had a great time. We thank God for His help and are anticipating His continued help in the future.

Chicken Crostina

Tonight I tried something I've never done before. I cooked supper. Many of you know that Olive Garden is my favorite restaurant. The last time there I had a dish very similar to this. So tonight I set out to fix it. Believe it or not, it tasted a lot like it. Rest assured, Olive Garden has nothing to fear from Chef Matte', but I must say, mine wasn't to bad. My dream is to one day visit Italy, Venice especially.

Promoted

Justin has graduated to the next Sunday school class. He tearfully said goodbye to Teacher Vonnie and his dear friends and a half cheerful and tearful hello to his new teacher Mrs. DeStefano and friends.

Happy Birthday Justin

Yesterday was Justin's fifth birthday. Man, how time flies. We have never had a "real" party for him, because he didn't quite underdatnd it all. So it has always been with just family. This year we invited the Randy & Gwen Tolley and their crew, Eric and Jill Susan and their kids and Steve and Sarah Miller, the Hallenbecks, Laura and Jon and Alica Plank. Not everyone could come but Justin had a great time. He was surprised. Yesterday, Justin asked Vonnie to help put on his socks. Vonnie said your 5 now and a big boy, you can do it. His response was, I'm not 5 yet. People haven't come to my house and I haven't eaten my cake yet. Happy Birthday Justin. We love you and wouldn't trade you for the world!

Bad Breath

While I was away, Justin and Kayla slept in our bed with Vonnie. One morning Kayla woke up and said, "Mommy, your breath sinks". Vonnie said, "It does not. What does it smell like"? Kayla's response...."Cow poop".

Troy, Missouri

As you have probablly already read on other blogs, Revs. James Plank, Aaron McCarty, Matt Ellison and Jon Plank went to Troy, Missouri for a local IHC. We had a blast. God's presence was with us in many of the services. While we went primarily to minister to and encourage the people there, we also had a great time together. When you leave the central Pennsylavania area, you realize how fotunate we are to have so many "sister" churches around us. I believe we were a blessing to them all. Jim preached extremely well. Aaron preached a superb message and sang as good as I've ever heard him sing. Jon ripped up the piano as usual and provided us all with wonderful humor. I had never said this to anyone but my wife, but ever since I graduated my dream has aleays been to some how be able to be in a ministry team with Jim, Jon, Aaron and myself. I was overwhelmed when Jim called and proposed the idea. A dream come true. I am amazed how God keeps His promises. He said He will give you the desires of your heart I you will serve Him. It was an experience I will always cherish. Needless to say, our trip began and ended with laughter. It was great. Here are some pics, some of which are probablly duplicates you have seen elsewhere. But none-the-less, here they are.

Pastor Day

Ready for Home

Our fine dining.
Jon rippin' it up

IHC Banner
What a beautiful church


The only bear butt I will ever post
Practice.
Beautiful


Ha. Ha. Ha.

Nice.

St. Louis Arch
Jim's unique picture taking style.
St. Louis Cardinals Home Field
St. Louis Rams Arena
People at the bottom of the arch.

Checking in.
A limo picked us up.
My room
Jon blogging?

210

My weight-to-date. Recording a 5 pound loss from a week ago.

New and Improved

After two rides on my yardsale bike, I realized it wasn't sufficient. The tires would not hold air because they are cracked. Most importantly, it was a rather small bike. It's hard to imagine, but my knees practically touched the handlebars as I rode. So today I bought a new bike that will fit my riding needs. It was purchased at Dick's Sporting Goods and will play a great role in my thinning down process. Future updates will follow!

Ready! Get Set! Go!

Today is the big day. I started riding my newly aquired bike. I am on a quest to fulfill my promise to my congregation that I made January 2007. That promise was that I would be 24 pounds lighter come January 2008. Being the procrastinator that I am, I'm in a bit of a bind. My birthday is coming up, so I asked for a bike. I had one picked out and was going to purchase it until I found this beauty at the Watsontown Yardsales for $10.00. Quite a bargin. I know it's not as nice as Lance Armstrong's, but it will do the trick. So for the record, this morning I weighed in at 215. By January, I must weigh 191.

Gottcha!

What?! Is Pastor Randy Tolley a secret supporter of Michigan? I don't know. You have to decide. You know what they say, "Pictures don't lie"!

Memories

Tonight was a special night for me. As a dad, you always wander what sinks into your kid's heads. As a preacher and a dad you wander the same thing. Well tonight was Youth Emphasis at our church. We give the fourth Sunday evening to our youth department. They lead the service and our Assistant Pastor preaches. So I was enjoying the service from my seat. Testimonies were given very readily. They were spontanious. Justin was sitting in the orchastra playing his guitar as always. All of a sudden I heard a familiar voice. It was Justin's. He was testifying. It was his first time. He had leaned over to my sister Laura and said I want to do what every one else is doing. I want to testify. He told her what he wanted to say and at the next available spot he stood up and said, "I can't wait to go to Heaven because I love Jesus". I was touched. My prayer has always been, "Lord, whatever it takes, let my children grow up with a desire to serve you". Tonight was an encouraging moment along the way and a reminder of their tender spirits.

Anniversary Sunday

This past Sunday was our 60th Anniversary celebration. Our congregation started in 1947 in an old store front with just a handful of people. Today, we enjoy a a beautiful sanctuary and an average of 140 precious people. To God be the glory. Rev. John White, a former pastor, was a guest speaker.