Baby Zahn Update

Most of you know that Kourtney and I are expecting a baby this fall. I am about 6 weeks along. This past weekend I started bleeding on and off and yesterday I passed out at work and went to the Emergency Room. I waited in the ER for over 6 hours and never saw a doctor. After being told I was still at the bottom of the list and realizing that I wouldn't see a doctor until at least the middle of the night, I decided to try another ER. That was no success either. I ended up at an urgent care center at about 5:30 pm. They weren't set up for helping with pregnancy complications, so I left with no answers and no help all day. Kourtney and I were very frustrated, but I was able to get an appointment at my family care doctor's office today. They were extremely helpful and did some examinations and talked to me about my symptoms. They decided it was necessary to give me an ultrasound. During the ultrasound they saw 1 or 2 liquid sacs. They didn't really see anything in them, but said that doesn't mean that i'm not still pregnant and growing. They said there might even be twins! Because I'm not very developed they will have to wait until tomorrow to see the results of my blood test to see if the pregnancy growth hormone has gone up since Monday. If it has, then I should still be developing and they will do another ultrasound next week. If the levels have stayed the same or gone down, I probably have miscarried. Please pray that we will find something out very soon and God will give us peace whatever the outcome may be.

Thank you all for your prayers!

Things are about to change!

It's been a crazy season for us. It's funny how you know and anticipate things that are coming up, but it still hits you like a ton of bricks when it happens! In other words, the things you prepare for are nothing like what you expected them to be. That has happened repeatedly with several major events in our lives lately.

The first one is our church plant. You really try to keep the fact that God is always in control and sometimes he has different plans than you, but if something actually does happen that's out of your hands, you pretty much flip out. The past three weeks we have been put through the ringer and God has defintely changed our plans! This is when you are tested and realize that you can only put your hope and trust in the Lord and not man. Man will let you down. Things like this really make you (or at least me) question if you're strong enough to handle the ministry. I know in my own strength I am not. There are too many hurt feelings, feelings of betrayal, things that don't go even slightly like you had hoped and feelings of major inadequacy. This time can seem like the bleakest time, but it's the time when you can surrender your life and let God take control and know that he knew all of this before it happened and he's made a way for you to get through it. With that said and through all of the turmoil, God is still really working in Vintage and it's amazing to see new people that weekly e-mail or call to see about being a part of Vintage. We know He's holding this whole thing together and is working despite the odds against us. In the end we can praise God for the work that He is doing, all the while remembering that we need to get out of His way a little more each day and let HIM do the work!

Another HUGE change for us is finding out that we are going to be adding a little person to our family! It really came at an interesting time. During the emotional and spiritual heartache we've been experiencing God decided that it was the perfect time to give us a baby! What a blessing! We are so excited and there are times when I'm petrified about the news, but just like I said before, He knows everything before we do and He's going to be faithful through it all.

Even though our impending move has much to do with the church plant, it's still a huge change within itself! We'll be leaving sunny, dry days and trading them in for the rainy, but beautiful Spring ones. Thinking about moving home reminds me of how refreshing Spring is and how I feel such a sense of newness and rejuvination in the Lord. It's a cool thing to experience drastic season changes because it really does remind you of how God makes all things new and can take something cold and dead (like those Indiana winters) and turn them into beautiful, flowering, fragrant Spring! I am so excited for the thunderstorms, the birds chirping and the buds blooming. Not to mention fresh cut grass! Ah!

A few Broad Ripple Pics

Enjoy a few pics of Broad Ripple....more to come....and more on my facebook. If you would like me to e-mail you a link to our online picture gallery let me know.

A Quick Update from the Monon Coffee Company

Kourtney and I are taking a breather from the past 3 days of non-stop action. This trip has brought about so many emotions and overwhelming realities. I think most of the reason it's been a mix of emotions is because for the past 3 days we've been driving back and forth from Waveland, Indiana - about a hour drive each way to and from Indy. Kourtney's youngest sister, Jennifer, and her son Peyton were able to join us for the past few days. We've literally been in the car for the most part of each day driving around and scoping out the area! I'm working on uploading some pics I have taken in Downtown Indy and some surrounding areas. I haven't gotten the chance (well, I think I mostly just forgot) to take many pics from Broad Ripple. Keep tuned in for those in the next day or two. I've been putting off getting an iphone, but it would have come in very handy these past two days. I steal Kourtney's whenever I get the chance. Everyday has been cloudy and dreary....I forgot how much of a toll this weather takes on me. That's one harsh reality. We've been looking at apartment communities and houses for rent. There are tons of homes for rent in the area, but not many actual apartment communities right near downtown BR (Broad Ripple). Last night we met a guy who showed us an apartment and he told us that he real specialty was sound engineering. After we told him why we were moving to Indy he told us that he'd love to help us out even if we didn't end up renting an apartment there! That was nice little blessing. BR is such a cute area with so many amazing homes. I can't wait to take some pics and post them for you. Driving around has opened our eyes to all of the amazing areas around BR. It's nice being here, but to be honest, I'm feeling somewhat overwhelmed at what's up ahead. I think we're crazy to be starting a church! I'm so glad that the Lord doesn't count on our abilities and that this whole thing is in His hands. This whole time I've been thinking about how we've done a pretty great job at planning this church plant, but coming here and getting a taste of reality makes me realize how much more work, planning and prayer needs to be done. If you've been lifting this trip up in prayer, please continue to do so (and Thank You!), but if not, please pray for us. Satan can fill our minds will all kinds of doubts and fears and I'm feeling the weight of that right now. I'm sorry I've not been better about keeping up to date with the whole trip, so thanks for being patient! Call me if you need some more details! Love, Faith

I'm a little country....

Today I was listening to one of my new CD's, Rascall Flatts. I used to hate country music until my hubby introduced me to it in one of his weird phases. Ever since then, I flip on the country music station every now and then. I'm not too hardcore country because I don't really like the twangy stuff, but mostly the "pop" country. I also have come to realize that my favorite pair of shoes in my closet are most definitely my cowboy boots. It's interesting how you change over your life.

Just so you know....

We're truly nerds at heart. I had to add this picture just so you know that the previous photos are just a cover up for our true selves. My mom had to gently remind me of this (by e-mailing the above photograph to me). Also, in the words of my dear friend, Rachel: "If I only knew you from these pictures I wouldn't want to be your friend because you guys are too good-looking. As it is, we know you're really dorks, so we feel alright hanging out with you. :)." I'm glad I have family and friends who are close enough to know that this is who we really are. Honestly Rachel, I don't know if I would want to be friends with us if it was just based on those pics! Thank the Lord for a sense of humor and down-to-earth people!

A Photoshoot - Just for the heck of it!

Nesting

I'm probably supremo nester of the century and I'm getting very impatient for my next abode to release my creativity into. One thing I am super stoked about is moving back to the land of cute little brick bungalows and asthetically pleasing Arts and Crafts homes. I'm not gonna lie, I've already been searching the real estate market in Indy and have come up with quite a lovely selection of properties. This is probably all too premature, but who cares. It works out quite nicely that we are planting a church in the Broad Ripple area, which happens to be one of the cutest little neighborhoods in the whole city. Broad Ripple is complete with it's own artsy downtown area with plenty of tasty restaurants, quaint stores and delish coffeeshops. Not to mention the White River and Monon Trail that offers plenty for the active person. I have found a charmer of a house (note the picture) and hope to see it while visiting in January. This might not be the best idea because I'm sure I will fall in love and, as mentioned before, it's probably too soon. Even if this one is not "the one," there are plenty more to pick from at a later time. Until then, instead of dreaming of sugar plums and white Christmases, I will keep dreaming of wall colors and fabric for curtains.

A Zahn/Vintage Update

I wrote several posts back about what was going on with us and the church plant. I figured since it's been a couple of months I could talk about it again. We had Church Plant Meeting number two a couple of weeks ago and it went well. I, of course, made way too much food, but the members of our household never complain about that. This time I made an ensamble of appetizers ranging from meatballs to my wounderful little ham and swiss sandwiches to queso to a rasberry-vinegarette salad. It was so yummy. I'm beginning to think that might be the only thing that draws people....? I guess if that's what it takes, I'm up for it. :) This time we had a whole new set of faces (plus a few old ones). It was nice to see a few people from Calvary's School of Ministry (where my brother Matt and my sis-in-law, Bethany go to school).

Kourtney spoke about Gideon (Judges 6 & 7) and how he was only faithful to the one true God while the rest of the Israelites had turned their back on Him. Because Gideon went to the land of the enemy and tore down their false gods, they were ready to attack. Gideon prepared an army, but the Lord told him they were too large in number. God told him to tell those who were fearful and afraid to go home. So twenty-two thousand went home. God told Gideon that there were still too many men. So all but 300 went home. Those three hundred mighty men were able to conquer a huge army. Kourtney talked about how we are in the same situation. We need a few strong people who are not afraid to step out in faith and see the vision that God has given us for the Indianapolis area. The Lord has been answering people's prayers about coming with us. Some to go, some to stay. I must admit, it's always hard hearing the no's. I can totally relate with the missionaries that think everyone must be called to the mission field! It's hard to understand why some are not.

In other things, I had a conference call with our church accountant in Indy. It was awesome and he told me that he wasn't going to charge us anything to get us up and running. Now we have to write our articles of incorporation, establish our board and work on becoming a 501(c)3 non-profit organization (which is the hardest part). He has helped many churches in the Indy area, so he knows exactly what he's doing. We will be having a meeting with him in January when we come home to scout things out. (He even said he would take us out to lunch!!!) What a wonderful blessing from the Lord!

We will be in Indy January 1st through the 7th. We want to put together a night of worship and fellowship with all of our friends out there. It would be a great time to reconnect and also share about what God is doing with us. Keep your eyes open for a invitation coming soon! (There will be food involved!)

On our trip we hope to secure a couple locations to meet. Recently, we've been throwing around the idea of meeting in older churches (such as methodist, lutheran, etc) at night. We've always wanted our services to be in the evening and this would work out perfectly with a congregation that only meets on Sunday morning. Pray for us that the pastor's that we speak to about this would be open to sharing their building with us.

Thank you to all who take the time to read this blog. I honestly have no idea who reads it (if anyone). We would love to hear from you and keep in touch. My e-mail address is kfzahn@yahoo.com if you ever feel like writing! If you are interested in hearing more about our vision and getting involved, please write or call! We would love it if you would check out our website at http://www.vintageindy.org/ and give us your feedback!

Where's the Balance?

Lately, I've been pondering the balance between living by faith and being a responsible Christian steward. There is such a fine line (I think) between the two. The Bible speaks very clearly about both aspects of our life. Faith is essential to our Christian lives, but being practical and responsible are spoken of very matter-of-factly as well. I guess I'm the kind who usually does everything I can to make sure I am being that responsible person and then when it gets to a point where things are out of my control, I release them over to the Lord. I wonder how good that really is. There a few things in my life right now that weigh heavily on this question. Deciding to go either way would change the outcomes of these decisions drastically. I do know that one solution is prayer, of which I do not do enough of. I would welcome any comments and prayer for this. For some reason, I have always gone round and round on this same subject and it's wearing me out! :)

Fun Times with the Sanderlins

Since Kourtney and I are living in New Mexico right now we try to make it up to Denver as much as possible to visit our nearest family, the Sanderlins. The Sanderlins have blessed us in so many ways it's hard to think of all of them! Bruce and Terri (my great Aunt who is younger than my mom - don't ask - it's too complicated!) are an amazing example of godly parents, committed spouses and devoted Christians. Kourtney and I agree that if we can get half-way to where they are in life, we will have done well. They have three super-cool kids who sometimes I have to question if they are perfect! :) Both Bruce and Terri's parents love the Lord as well. It makes me realize how teaching your children the ways of the Lord will influence generations well beyond your lifetime! It's so rare that you can find a family like theirs. I can honestly say that, looking in, I cannot find one major problem area that sticks out. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying they ARE perfect, but they are truely examples of well-rounded Christians. Thank you, Bruce, Terri, Colleen, Kara and Connor for being who you are and such a great blessing to Kourtney and I!

Ten Things I Love About My Husband

I was checking out a few blogs today came across an amazing, colorful one. I'm realizing blogging is one of those things that stay at home mom's use to connect with the outside world. Although I am not one of those yet, I try my hardest to inform people about random things in my world. You are probably wondering why I titled my blog "Ten things I love about my husband." I'm getting to that part now.

10. He's clean (okay, the guy takes about 3 showers a day on average and even when he looks like a bearded mountain man, he's still spanking clean!)
9. He rides his bike to work (being a one car couple can be rough, but my guy is not afraid to ride his bike all over town!)
8. He randomly tells me I don't have to cook and we are going to a scrumptious place to eat (for instance last night - Bravo it was!)
7. He's the perfect balance between technology and outdoors (so the technology thing has taken some time to learn, but he's not afraid to do it and not giving up when it doesn't make sense! oh, and he still can get down and dirty (outdoors, that is *wink*) and cut some killer trees down or mulch and entire yard in one day. basically, my husband is a man's man, not a sissy)

6. He graceously welcomes guests at all times (when you live in the Zahn household - or Storer and Bailey for that matter, you can expect that people will be flying in from all parts of the country at any given time of the month. Kourtney, even with his hecktic, busy life always makes time to spend quality time with each visitor. Of course, a trip to the Sandia Crest is always on the agenda! )
5. He makes a mean breakfast (southwest style, of course. he's mastered the a.m. culinary arts and it has become somewhat of a Saturday morning ritual in our house - bring on the breakfast burritos!)
4. He's so dang good-lookin'! (i've known my husband for about 10 years now and, let me tell ya', i've been through some rough style experiments with him. i've come to realize that if i just smile and pray, "God get me through this," we'll be back on the road to style success in no time at all!)
3. He's a pastor (okay, so technically we don't have an official church yet, but close enough. i knew growing up that i wanted to marry a pastor. don't ask me why. i guess i didn't know that i wanted someone who worked rediculously, crazy, weird, long hours or made close to nothing or was relied upon by people with all sorts of problems or had the highest responsibility to God for shepherding his church or had to spend all sorts of time reading and preparing for a teaching while i just sat there staring at him in anxious expectation of it's completion. but, nonetheless, it's the most amazing, honoring thing to see God use him in the lives of others and to see how much he cares about them)
2. He loves ME (this little in-depth explanation of reason #2, could go on and on, but i'll keep it short for your sake. just knowing he loves me and me alone is a wonderful feeling. i don't have trust issues or fears that he's going to find someone better, although he probably could! in the past 6 years of marriage i have seen him openly and honestly make a purposeful effort to improve areas that we have struggled in. that's something he could only do for me! he has sacrificed his life's calling {ministry} to put priority on our marriage until i was ready and supporting him to continue back in that calling. i've got an excellent man!)
1. He loves Jesus (so this has nothing to do with him being a teacher, youth pastor, mentor, or senior pastor. he just plain loves jesus. he loved jesus when he worked at Einsteins bagels, he loved Jesus when he worked for Light's Lawncare, he loved Jesus when he worked on the kill floor of Moody Meats, he loved Jesus while driving a tow truck and he still loves Jesus now more than ever. He's been my greatest example of someone who has struggled in his early days in his walk with the Lord, but has pursued and stayed steadfast. Because of that the Lord is giving him amazing gifts and talents and he is turning right around and giving them back to the Lord.)

I can tend to be one of those people who's glass is half-empty. When you make a conscious effort to see God's blessings, you are blown away. That's how I feel after writing this blog. The Lord has blessed me in so many more ways than I even realize. I am so undeserving.

What to write about...

I wish I was one of those people who could write about every little thing that went on in their lives, but so far I haven't become one. I'm not even sure if anyone cares what my daily happenings are, but I enjoy reading about theirs. I guess I could give you details about what's going on with our church plant progress and ask for your prayers for it. Okay, that's what I'll do.
We had our first official church plant meeting last Friday night and it was a success. I made lasagna, fettuchine alfredo and even bought a pizza (I thought I wasn't going to have enough). Maybe that's why people came? Who knows, but the fellowship was great and I think everyone got along with each other nicely. Kourtney shared about the calling on his life to be a pastor and the journey that we've taken to get to where we are. We gave everyone some facts about Indy and a few ideas we have about setting up shop. We even had our very own videographer so that we could share the meeting with those in Indiana who weren't able to come and so that in a few years we can look back and see how the Lord has moved. We had a time for questions and answers for people who are considering moving, but need some more info. There are about 10-12 people who are praying about joining us, so if you remember, lift them up in prayer that the Lord would give them clear direction if they are to go or stay. One thing we've been addimant about is if the Lord has called you to come, then come, but if you don't have a peace about it, don't. We tell everyone, you are going to miserable if you're not called and so are we! We just want people to know that there's no pressure, but we'd LOVE to see the Lord bring some people out with us!
Right now we are in the process of becoming a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. It seems like it might be a lengthy process and lots of legal mumbo jumbo. We also have to form a board to oversee our church. We are in the process of becoming a Calvary Chapel affliate. We have to submit all kinds of intentions and information to our regional pastor to begin the process.
Anothing thing we are working on is a big crusade or festival to kick things off this Spring. Calvary ABQ has agreed to bring out half of the School of Ministry students (about 20 people) to help us prepare for this. They will come out at the end of May and help us get the word out about the crusade. This will be around the time we officially start meeting as a church. We are hoping to get a great band and have an evangelist/pastor come and share.

Specific Prayer Requests:
-Diligence in getting all of the legalities squared away (and understanding!)
-the people who are praying about coming would have clear direction from the Lord
-for the hearts of the people who we will minister to
-for revival in Indianapolis
-that Kourtney would grow in his gifts and callings as the Pastor and that he would not take his eyes of Jesus during this crazy process!

Thank you!

Shootin' Up

Yes, folks, that's what I've been up to lately! I have become a friend to needles of all varieties. I appreciate the luxury of having insurance because if I did not, I would have shelled out over 3 to 4k the last few weeks. I had 4 cavities filled and of course had to deal with the wonderful mouth shots, had a flu shot, had my blood drawn, and got a tetnis shot! Oh, not to mention the anesthetic to numb my leg before they put the scalpel to it! I'm thankful for doctors, but I will be glad when this string of visits ends!!!!!

Longing for a simpler life

My world seems like it spins around constantly and as hard as I try, I can never keep up. There is never a free weekend and although I love my family, they are always visiting! I work 40 hours a week and it seems like every other waking hour is planned out weeks in advance. I feel like an idiot when I have to schedule weird hours just to see some of my friends! I have been praying that the Lord will make it possible for me to cut back to part time in the VERY near future. This life of running around like crazy is taking it's toll on me. I admire those who seem like they never skip a beat and can accomplish so much and do everything with excellence. I don't know if that's just the way God made me or if I need to ask Him to work on those areas in my life. I want to be a super-wife and someday super-mom, but I need God's strength to help me. The life He has called Kourtney and I to is a life that will be lived devoted to others and not ourselves. The hard thing is that I want to do everything well at home and in ministry. Doing both is hard. If you read this could you please lift up a prayer for me? Specifically that I would put my priorities in order and learn how to say no to things that will take my focus off the Lord (that may even be ministry sometimes!) and that the Lord will teach me to be faithful to Him. Thanks!

What is Kourtney doing now?

That's a question I've been getting a lot lately since he's officially graduated from Shepherd's School. Well, he resigned from the Skate Park, but is still working 30 hours a week for Calvary's Mid-high youth group, Velocity. He's taken a little break since the end of August, but he'll start working the first week of October for Fed-Ex. A guy that graduated from School of Ministry here at Calvary owns two Fed-Ex routes and needs a driver. Kourtney takes driving school in a couple of weeks and will then start driving part to full time for him. We are hoping that this job proves to be good for him and that he will be able to do the same thing when we move back to Indy. There is even the opportunity to buy your own routes and then hire someone else to drive for you. You know Kourtney and I, and that our minds never stop thinking about the possibilities with new businesses. During his "down" time he's been picking up a few yard work jobs here and there and teaching a School of Ministry class at Calvary. He's teaching Personal Discipline. This class teaches on more of the basics to your relationship with the Lord. Such as: Prayer, Fasting, etc. He's using the book, "Celebration of Discipline." He's learning so much by just teaching and has gotten lots of positive feedback from his students. This time has been so good for him to do a lot of praying and working on the upcoming church plant. He's been contacting many pastors from all types of churches and backgrounds and asking their advice from when the first started out in the ministry. It's been neat to see how the Lord is fashioning His church by using many different people to speak into Kourtney's life. Kourtney is not so convinced that he wants to just follow the norm so-to-speak, but wants to really evaluate things and allow the Lord to be the real pastor of this church. He's stepping back and trying to clear the agenda and let God pave the way. I'm so excited to see the Lord shaping him into an amazing man of God who has such a passion for Him and His people. We'll try to keep you all updated with the process.

Getting Up Early

I've been asking the Lord for a long time to help me get up early and spend time with Him before my day starts. It's been such a struggle for me for a long time. It's just been in the last few weeks that I've been getting up between 5 and 5:30 and with hardly any problems! I'm so grateful that the Lord is faithful to answer prayers and help me to conquer hurdles in my life. I feel so refreshed and good when I seek Him early in the morning. Kourtney and I have been spending a lot of time in prayer together seeking the Lord about our church plant and praying specifically for people who are interested in joining us. It's so amazing to see how He's working so many things out and preparing us for this next step in our lives. Sometimes you wonder why things don't happen spontaneously when you ask for them, but God has a reason and it's always for the best.

Fall Part 2

Fall is also the time of year when you get sick. My mom stayed with us for a week and she was sick, Kourtney was sick this weekend and now my throat hurts like crazy! I still like fall.

Speaking of You've Got Mail...

I have to share this wonderful story.

I think it was my Senior year in high school that You've Got Mail came out. I never saw it in the theater, I think I rented it from the Waveland Public Library. I had always been a Meg Ryan fan, but this movie was magical. If you know me at all, I am not a fan of movies. I generally think they are a complete waste of time. In fact, I rarely stay awake during the entire show. Anyway, I fell in love with it. I've watched it so many times, I know it by heart. I think it's one of the two movies I own. (Clifford is the other one and I'll have to do a separate blog on that hysterical film another day)

Kourtney and I were dating. I was still in school finishing up and he had just graduated the year before. I'm embarrassed to say, I don't remember if this most amazing moment happened on my birthday or Valentine's Day. That really doesn't matter. I got a note that said to come to the school office and that I had a delivery. A million things ran through my head, but nothing could prepare me for what I was about to receive. As I walked in the office, the secretary was giving me a strange look. She said, "Are you Faith Storer?" I said yes and handed her my slip. She then proceeded to hand me a bouquet. This was no ordinary bouquet. It was nothing ordinary like roses or daisies. This was a bouquet of "freshly sharpened pencils." I was in heaven! I walked out of that office so proud and amazed that my boyfriend had thought of such a thing! People stared at me and were bewildered at my gift. I knew as soon as I told them the story behind it their hearts would melt.

When Joe Fox and Kathleen Kelley are chatting online in You've Got Mail, they are talking about fall and how they love that time of year. Joe tells Kathleen that he'd send her a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils if he knew her name and address. It's one of the many wonderfully, quotable lines in the movie that makes any girl's heart sink. Kourtney knew how much I loved that movie, that he went out and bought 50 unsharpened pencils. He and his best friend Steven sharpened each one with little pencil sharpeners. Kourtney found a glass jar and put some of that green foam down in it. He stuck all of the pencils, sharpened end down into that foam. Then he wrapped the outside of the jar with green wrapping paper. It was incredible. I think that's when I really knew this was the guy I wanted to marry!

It just goes to show that it's not about how much someone spends on you that matters, it's how much thought they put into it. I still find it hard to believe that my husband thought of such a thing!

Fall, I miss you.

Living in New Mexico has it's perks, believe me, but there's nothing like a good Indiana fall. I've been craving it lately because I know what's taking place about 1200 miles away from me. Here is my top ten (well, i might expand into twenty) list of the reasons I love fall in Indiana.

10. The humidity is gone.
9. The bugs are gone.
8. The leaves are spectacular colors of red, orange and yellow. And there are lots of them!
7. There is nothing like a good fall campfire with good friends.
6. A Chai Tea or Pumpkin Spice Latte hits the spot.
5. The nights are cool and the days are warm.
4. There is freshness in the air.
3. It's a perfect time to wear a cute little scarf and a long sleeve T, but not a parka!
2. You can sense others appreciation for the season.
1. It's the perfect time to watch my favorite move: You've Got Mail.

Ahhhh.....I can just feel it.