What Would Jesus Eat?

On Sunday September 27th we had a "What Would Jesus Eat?" dinner at church. The idea was Mary Kay's (the Youth Director). She found the website Cooking With the Bible. There are various meals based on Biblical accounts as well as the history behind the meals and ingredients. We chose to do the meal "Esther Saves Her People". The meal has many elements of a traditional Jewish Purim meal. Purim is the Jewish festival held in honor of Esther.

Here are some pictures of the pretty professionally done dishes from the website.

This artichoke soup. Surprisingly good and we are not fans of artichokes.

This sweet and sour sea bass. We used a different fish, due to a lack of sea bass. It was again surprisingly good.

This a vegetable cholent. Basically, it is a vegetable stew. Stefani is not a bean person, so this wasn't at the top of her list of favorites, but Joshua enjoyed it.

These are the popular Hamentaschen. They are a sugar cookie with fruit preserves in the middle. Everyone raved about these little cookies.

Everyone enjoyed the food and fellowship!

God's Blessings,

Joshua and Stefani

Labor Day 2009

Stefani's parents came to visit for the first time. We made sure to show them all the sights. Saturday was spent at Mackinac Island. We toured the Fort this time around. We learned a great deal and had a beautiful view from one of the highest points on the island. On Sunday we visited Ocqueoc Falls, Rogers City, and Cheboygan. All in all we had a great time.

Fort Mackinac

The view of Lake Huron from the Fort.

A building in the fort.

The view of the Mackinac Bridge from the Fort.

Another bridge view. The yellow umbrellas are a restaurant.

The long hill we walked up to the fort.

A metal sculpture of Lady Liberty's torch. Metal sculptures are made every year by an iron works company in Onaway. They are unveiled at the Fourth of July parade.

Stefani's parents walking across the beach in Rogers City.

The only stoplight in all of the county. It is located in Rogers City.

A shipwreck!

Stefani has wanted to do this since she moved to Onaway.

God's Blessings,

Joshua and Stefani

Ocqueoc Falls Video

The beauty and serenity of Ocqueoc Falls gets us every time! This video was taken after an all night rain.

God's Blessings,

Joshua and Stefani

The Ketelsens Explore Michigan

Joshua's mom and sister, Sarah, came for a visit. They were our first guests! We did some exploring around town and even took a day trip to Mackinac Island. We really enjoyed spending time with the family and showing them around.

The park we visited between Cheboygan and Rogers City. Notice the last name...eerie.

Lake Huron up close and personal. It has a very rocky shore at this point.

A ship in the distance on Lake Huron.

A lighthouse near Rogers City.

The lighthouse. Apparently there was a shipwreck near the lighthouse. How ironic.

The next few shots are Ocqueoc Falls after a major rainstorm. No one was swimming that day.
Look at those rapids!

A far cry from the gentle falls we saw before.

The water level was so high there was a mini waterfall.

The infamous Mackinac Bridge. We were in Mackinaw City in the Lower Pennisula. (All pronounced with the naw at the end.)
The Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Joshua's mom bought Stefani some socks with the lighthouse on them. =)

Here we are with the Bridge behind us.

This is the ferry company we took to get to Mackinac Island. There are three companies, but this was one had the best price and the best reviews.

A view of the island. Stefani really fell in love with the place. She can't wait to explore it more.

We can't believe Mackinac City is only 45 minutes from where we live! And the ferry ride to the island is only 16 minutes. We hope you enjoyed the pictures. All are welcome to come visit!

God's Blessings,

Joshua and Stefani

Our new "nephew"

Since we do not have siblings with children we (mostly Stefani) adopt our friends' (mostly Stefani's friends before we met) children as our nieces and nephews. Stefani recently went to St. Louis to visit the latest addition. Noah Alexander Stringfellow was born on July 22nd to Carolyn and Jason Stringfellow. Carolyn and Stefani have been friends since junior high. Needless to say this was a huge milestone! Noah is just perfect! Check out the little man:

Aunt Stefie holding Noah.

He's awake! This is rare.

He is just hanging out in his pack n play. And he is wearing Winnie the Pooh for his Aunt.

Momma Carolyn feeding the little one. Precious!

God's Blessings,

Joshua and Stefani

Installation

Joshua was installed as sole pastor at Holy Cross in Onaway, MI on Sunday July 26, 2009. Stefani took a few pictures of the day.

The pastors from Circuit 1 and 2 that participated in the service. (Circuits are a way to break up the larger districts and provide local support systems for pastors.)

Joshua with the pastor who conducted the service and the Interim pastor of Holy Cross.

The new pastor of Holy Cross and his better half. =)

God's Blessings,

Pastor Joshua and Stefani

Ocqueoc Falls

We decided to explore our new surroundings. One of the first "tourist" places we went was Ocqueoc Falls. They are only about 15 minutes from our house. The rushing water was so peaceful. We will definitely be taking visitors there. Enjoy our pictures from our adventure.







God's Blessings,

Joshua and Stefani