Ryan's Ordination

This past Sunday my husband Ryan was officially ordained as a pastor at our church. This was a really special day for us to share with our faith family. 

Before Ryan's ordination we had a final farewell for our church's summer interns. These college students have worked so hard and each of them made such a contribution to our youth ministry this summer. They will be missed as they go back to college! Plus they are seriously some of Eva's favorite people in the world - she talks about these students all day long. Thanks to all the interns for the love and time you invested in BSM this summer!

Then some of the men of Bara were called up to the front to pray over Ryan. Ryan loves these men so much and we are grateful for the leadership in our lives as well as the church.

Pastor Joel officially anointed Ryan's head with oil from Jerusalem. I really appreciated what Joel had to say in sharing that this one moment is simply a symbolic acknowledgement of what God had already planned for Ryan to do with his life. Being ordained doesn't suddenly make his some kind of super hero or "Super Christian," rather it is a public acknowledgement and blessing for Ryan's role in the church.

The whole church prayed for Ryan. This was such a special moment. And then we surprised Ryan with a wonderful slide show of pictures of all the ministry we've been involved in over the years. Tears were flowing from both of us! Thank you to the friends that worked so hard to make the slideshow awesome!

Finally I got to join him up front as he received his gift. He got a beautiful crystal cross that was engraved with his name, the date, and his favorite Bible verse. I also received a really pretty corsage to wear.

Next we headed out to the foyer for a Dr. Pepper and cupcake reception - just what this man loves! 

If they made a blooper reel for the day this moment would definitely be on it.  Right as we were starting the toast my corsage started to fall and when I went to fix it I poured ice water all down the front of my dress. Sometimes awkward moments happen to me.

Us with our pastor's daughter,  Emily. She is such a wonderful blessing to our family! We all love Emily!!!! 

 Us with one of our youth, Beth. We are so happy that God brought Beth to Bara to serve with us!

After the reception our families and some church members were treated to lunch at the country club. We really appreciate all of our family that made time to drive out to be there. It's always nice when the whole Bradley crew is together! 

My family also took the time to come shower us with support and love. We are amazingly blessed to have two wonderful families that love us so deeply. Thank you family!!!!! 

All 4 granddaughters! I love these little people so much. I want to take them all home with me every time we are together.

 Ryan and our pastor, Joel. I'm glad that he has a boss that loves people and is great to work with!

Then at youth tonight two of our girls decided to put on a skit. They did a hilarious reenacted of what "Morning at the Bradley's" would be like. How did they know we have dance parties? They must be secretly filming us :) 

And just in case his ordination wasn't official enough, they decided to knight him with a golf club. Now I know there is no going back. Hahaha, these girls are so funny. 

I love my husband and am so proud of him. It is an honor to be called to be his wife. I hope our life in ministry is fruitful and glorifying to God and I look forward to see what God has planned in our lives!