Emmanuel Choir at Church

Well, last night turned into one of the most fun times I've ever had in ministry. Our choir put on a performance of Emmanuel which was absolutely a blast to be part of. I enjoyed it so much which is a large parts due to just wanting to glorify God as well as having the absolute best choir director. Brian is not only talented but can administer criticism without us even knowing we are getting it. He also makes it SO ENJOYABLE. I'll endevaor to put a couple of songs from the DVD online. I hope that some who came were attracted to our little church.

Val's 40th Birthday Surprise

I started planning a surprise birthday party with help from Paul, Val's brother about a month ago. I had no idea the amount of planning and coordinating it would take. In retrospect, I only regret not inviting a few more people despite not really being able to afford more. Other than that, everything went very well. The main goal of course was to honor Val and thus do away with the 'black' theme. I included the following note in the invitation:

To our Dear Friends,

Please avoid the black theme; at least at the party. The thought is of course to have a great time but for me, it is also one to honor a great friend that Christ has shed His light upon. I really want this occasion not to be one of jabbing for age (feel free to store that up for when I turn 50 God willing) but of love and affection.

The dinner is happily provided by Paul and me.

Thank you so much for always being there for us.

Much affection,

Andy

The party was held last Friday, December 2nd at a wonderful Chinese restaurant, Szechwan in Saint Charles. I was able to select a buffet menu that was excellent; satisfying Normal, Vegan and Spicy tastes.

The company of course was excellent and Val was delighted and honored.

I now have an appreciation of what it takes to plan a surprise party. Wow, it was a large task. The hardest part was being so dang excited about it and having to hold in all the details while in Val's presence. It's an incredibly hard task!

At the end of the evening, I asked Val if she wanted my present to which she was surprised I had one given the expense of the evening. I told her to say goodnight to the kids because Grammy and Grampy were taking them home. We then retired across the street to the Hotel Baker where we had a wonderful view of the Fox River which was lined with white lights in the trees. I should have taken a picture of it but anyway, here's a so-so picture of the room we were in.

It is an interesting feeling and desire when one wants to spend so much effort to honor another, especially one whom is loved so much. Val didn't want me to have any speeches at the party so I add my speech here:

"Thank you all for coming to honor a great friend. I know all of you here love Val very much. I of course have known her for 19 years and when I first was with her in marriage I could not believe that one so lovely in appearance would want anything to do with such an ordinary guy. 19 years later, I look at her and she is so much more beautiful now than than to my eyes. She has aged so gracefully but I have the distinct advantage of seeing the beauty of her heart blossom and bear fruitage in my Lord Jesus. I know when she looks inward; she doesn't recognize the beauties that are there. But I see them and am eternally grateful that she is my beloved, the only one whom I desire to be intimate with. Val is my best friend who cherishes my company; isn't afraid to challenge me to be better than I am. That is a rare gift as I'm beginning to see how much this lacks, even in the Christian homes. Val, I profess to you and this company that I love you and am so glad to honor you this day. May all the rest of your days be filled with joy and love until the day comes when Jesus calls you to Himself."