"It's either the beginning or the end."

This weekend has been monumental in the life of the Rays.  Last night we shared a covered-dish meal with the folks at Arbor Baptist Church and then had a Q&A where we told them our stories and invited them to ask any questions they wanted to about us.  The food was unbelievable, and in great abundance! 

This morning, Keith preached on Psalm 23.  We all think we know this passage, but there is so much more there than we can even imagine!  I'm not sure I've ever heard him preach like that.  God's word opened and explained brought tears to my eyes and made me breathless at times.  I am so thankful to know the Good Shepherd... so thankful that He not only cares for me but calls me His!  I was also blessed by having Jonathan in worship with us this morning.  The children come in for the beginning of the service and leave for Children's Worship after the Children's Moment.  This was his first time in "big church" and he did a really great job!  I loved watching him sit, spellbound, as he listed to the music.  And I cried when he walked right up to Bro. Norris during the message and nodded to all that he was saying about God's love for us, pointed to himself when asked "Who wants to pray this morning."  Oh what a blessing! 

After the service, the three of us went back to the office to await the results of the church vote.  As we sat down, Keith looked at me and said, "Well, this is either the beginning or the end."  Thankfully, it is the beginning!  Arbor voted to call Keith as their pastor!  We are so humbled, excited, thankful, overjoyed... there aren't word to describe how we feel right now!  Keith will spend this week moving into and setting up his office.  We felt it best to allow their Interim Pastor the chance to have his last moment with them without us there this evening, but we will be there as pastor and family beginning next Sunday.  This is a blessing beyond our imagination.  I just want to laugh and cry all at once!  Thank-you Lord!