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Driving in the fog on the way to the conference this morning…

September 6th, 2008

The Lord Jesus blessed the Jefferson City conference last night and today — we’ll post an update next…

On the road for the Jefferson City Conference!

September 5th, 2008

It’s been a busy last few days as we prepared to leave for our first weekend conference. We were able to get most of the bus loaded last night, which was a blessing.

Jesse loading the bus.
Jesse loading the bus.
 

Joseph loading boxes last night.
Joseph loading boxes last night.

This morning, there were more last minute details to finish such as hanging the clothes bar and loading all of our miscellaneous gear. Mom and I have felt some relief knowing we’ll be home for several more days before our 5 week trip—there is still quite a bit to be done. Mom said she had a momentary thought, “We don’t have our passports!” and then she remembered we haven’t left on the “real” trip yet :-). As we pulled away from the house, Christopher made sure we all had our conference clothes, because the clothes bar was quite empty—when we leave on this next trip, it’ll be FULL!

Uriah out front this morning.

Uriah out front this morning.

Prayer time before we left.

Prayer time before we left.

We would appreciate prayer for this weekend: for our hearts as we share, and for those attending. We are looking forward to meeting some of you!

Sarah for all the rest

Pre-First Day of School

September 3rd, 2008

Tuesday night I greatly enjoyed putting out the children’s school surprises at their places at the table for them to discover when they awoke on our pre-first day of school the next day.

School Surprises

More School Surprises

During my one-on-one meeting with each of the school-age children on that pre-first day of school, we go over all they need to know and get set up for their new school year. In our new book, Managers of Their Schools, we go into much more detail about our pre-first day of school.

Anna and Mom's School Meeting

Jesse and Mom's School Meeting

As we begin our twenty fourth year of homeschooling, we are grateful that the Lord has allowed us to continue to homeschool our children. Four have graduated, and we have four more to go.

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

Trusting in Jesus,
Teri

“It’s Easy Once You Know It”

September 3rd, 2008

We now have the motor home back after having a structural issue investigated, the roof raised, and new windows installed. The old windows couldn’t open while moving, but they were a great way to get big items loaded into the motor home because they could be unlatched and swung fully open. After having the roof raised on the bus, we needed to put everything back inside so it would be ready for our upcoming trip.

Doesn’t look like “home sweet home on-the-road” yet.

Doesn’t look like “home sweet home on-the-road” yet.

All the bus “ole timers” tell us that removing and replacing the windshield is a quick and easy job. You just peel off a piece of rubber and then lift out the glass. Then the new one goes in, just as easily. Well, it’s easy once you know it.

Monday we gathered for the big event, and a friend wanted to come over to watch the “show.” With no little effort we were finally successful in getting the glass out so the loading process could begin. We were relatively pleased with the progress and anticipated a reasonable conclusion.

We need more tools. This isn’t going in like it was supposed to!

We need more tools. This isn’t going like it was supposed to!

Working on taking the windshield out.

Working on taking the windshield out.

Out comes the windshield.

Out comes the windshield.

Feeding Uriah our furniture.

Feeding Uriah our furniture.

Still hungry for more.

Still hungry for more.

We are so very grateful to have a refrigerator finally after using a cooler for so long.

We are so very grateful to have a refrigerator finally after using a cooler for so long.

Once all the large items were in, we began the process of putting the glass back in. Unfortunately, it didn’t go back in as smoothly as everyone had said it would. We tried and tried to get the glass edges to fit back into the rubber gasket we had just taken it out of. It became obvious that it needed to be slid in with a bit of force.

As the collective muscle force was applied to push a resistant glass into position, there was a loud “pop,” and we all stood there looking at a poor imitation of a windshield.

Well that was Monday and the only thing to do was begin the search for another windshield on Tuesday. We also were taking the bus in on Tuesday to a bus line that was going to do a bit of work for us, and I was hoping they would have a windshield.

Dropping Uriah off, we found out that they didn’t have a windshield, and so I began phoning other local sources. Thankfully, again, the Lord provided. A brother who owns a coach line had a windshield he would sell us, and he was only an hour away.

However, one other problem is that our family has a Honda Civic, and transporting new glass would be impossible unless I strapped it to the roof. Hmm. I wasn’t “brave” enough to try that so we needed to borrow Grandad’s older car that has a huge trunk. Off John and I went to pick up the glass and deliver it to the shop where it would be installed.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Thank You, Lord Jesus.

In Christ Jesus,
Steve

Our Upcoming Trip’s Itinerary

September 3rd, 2008

We thought you may enjoy seeing a visual representation of our upcoming trip itinerary. We’ll be traveling 8,000+ miles, and would love to see any of you that can make it to a conference! Make sure you say “Hi!”

Fall 2008 Conference Locations

Map

Date

Place

Conference

Information

B Sept. 5-6 Jefferson City, Missouri Weekend Conference View the Detailed Information
C Sept. 12-13 Oklahoma City, OK Weekend Conference View the Detailed Information
D Sept. 15 Elk City, OK Single Evening Conference View the Detailed Information
E Sept. 18 Jonesboro, AR Single Evening Conference View the Detailed Information
F Sept. 19-20 Memphis, TN Weekend Conference View the Detailed Information
G Sept. 22 Huntsville, AL Single Evening Conference View the Detailed Information
H Sept. 23 Panama City, FL Single Evening Conference View the Detailed Information
I Sept. 26-27 Charlottesville, VA Weekend Conference View the Detailed Information
J Oct.
3-4
Moncton, New Brunswick Weekend Conference View the Detailed Information
K Oct. 6 Magog, Quebec Single Evening Conference View the Detailed Information
L Oct. 10-11 Shelby, North Carolina Weekend Conference View the Detailed Information
M Oct. 13 Somerset, KY Single Evening Conference View the Detailed Information
N Oct. 14 Lowell, IN Single Evening Conference View the Detailed Information
O Oct. 15 Plain City, OH Single Evening Conference View the Detailed Information
P Oct. 16 Flint, MI Single Evening Conference View the Detailed Information
Q Oct. 17-18 Straffordville, Ontario Weekend Conference View the Detailed Information
 

Cowboy with a ChorePack

September 2nd, 2008

We received a sweet e-mail yesterday about this little guy who was so thrilled to get his first ChorePack! His mama said he’s been waiting for weeks for one. :-)

Behind the Scenes (ChorePacks)

September 1st, 2008

Trip preparations are well under way (we’ll have to post more on that later!), and one thing we needed to do was snap ChorePacks. The ChorePacks are included with the Managers of Their Chores book, and we snap each strap onto the individual ChorePack. We like to snap the ChorePacks as a family, and we have a wonderful time talking. Friday night we had guests, and we realized this would be a perfect opportunity to snap ChorePacks while we talked with our guests.


Jesse, enjoying the conversation, as he lays another ChorePack down.

 


Our guests wanted to snap too. :-) John and Mr. L. had a grand time,
and together they accomplished many ChorePacks!

 


Dad and Mom are a great team!
 


Mrs. L and Anna - another great team!
 


Mary

 


Christopher is a “fast snapper”!
 


 Joseph is another great snapper!
 


 My job is to place the ChorePacks in copy paper boxes and layer them neatly.
When we compile the ChorePack Kits, the ChorePacks
will be easy to access. I also keep everyone supplied with materials. :-)

A Moody Letter

August 28th, 2008

Sarah received this precious letter from a little five-year-old girl saying that she wanted more books in the Moody Family series. We regularly receive these kinds of requests.

Sarah was planning to write the next Moody book over the summer, but we felt the Lord’s urgency for the Managers of Their Schools book. Therefore, Sarah’s time this summer was invested in extra household tasks to allow Teri more writing time. Although we use a professional proofreader for our books, Sarah also spent many hours proofreading and formatting the book.

The next Moody’s book has been in the planning stages for quite some time with the outline completed. Now with the Schools book completed and after our trip preparations are complete, Sarah will be prepared to move into the writing phase.

Thank you, Kimia, for your note and your encouragement.

Ambassadors: The Value of a Smile

August 23rd, 2008

(This is the third in a series of posts drawing analogies between experiences that Ambassador Joseph Grew shared about in his book Ten Years in Japan and practical aspects of being an ambassador for Jesus Christ.)

Ambassador Grew wrote in his book (which is an extract from his diary) that Mrs. Woodrow Wilson visited with he and his wife Alice on October 24, 1932. The three of them spent a number of hours together. He noted that Mrs. Wilson said something important during their visit: “that a smile goes a long way in Japan.”

Ambassador Grew noted that he had also seen how important it was to smile and the impact that a smile can have. He had specifically noticed the impact his wife had when she went out for exercise and smiled at the many people she came in contact with.

I was struck by the realization that the wife of the Ambassador (who was not even the official representative) was positively representing her country while in a foreign land simply by smiling at people.

Why is a smile important for an ambassador? And what does the smile represent? I believe the smile of an ambassador represents several important things.

First, if you see someone from another country always smiling, it makes you want to learn more about the country they are from. If the country you are living in is full of depressed and angry people (yourself included), and everyone from a neighboring country that you’ve ever met are living lives overflowing with joy and peace, you will likely have a strong desire to visit (or move to) the other nation so you, too, can be joyful.

Jesus has left us with His joy and peace, and our hearts should be full!
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.”
John 15:11 “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

Second, when a person or representative from another country smiles, it projects an acceptance of you. When soldiers from two nations meet on a field of battle, they do not share smiles; you would see looks of grim determination on their faces – they are seeking to harm each other. And yet those same soldiers, if they are seeking to build relationships with the citizens of a foreign country, will smile and wave at the people they come in contact with. In such cases, the smile is a sign of good will.

Jesus specifically encouraged His followers to salute more than just friends and relatives.
Matthew 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

The Greek word translated “salute” is aspazomai, and Strong’s Greek & Hebrew Dictionary gives much greater meeting to the word: “To salute one, greet, bid welcome, wish well to; to receive joyfully. Used of those who greet one whom they meet in the way; a salutation was made not merely by a slight gesture and a few words, but generally by embracing and kissing, a journey was retarded frequently by saluting.”

Are we properly representing our heavenly kingdom by “saluting” (which would at least involve a friendly smile) those we come in contact with?

In Christ,
Christopher

RSS Blog Issues

August 18th, 2008

Ever since we upgraded to a newer version of blog software last week we have had several ongoing issues. We are working on those and will likely be upgrading the blog software today or tomorrow.

If you have subscribed to the blog’s RSS feed in the past week you may need to subscribe again once we have the blog upgraded and the RSS feed address fixed.

In Christ,
Christopher

House Work in Pictures

August 16th, 2008

We wanted to post an update on the house work. Mom’s last post was about the tiling. After the tile was laid and then grouted, we had to scrape the extra grout up.

It was a hot Saturday :-) (and the air conditioners hadn’t been installed yet).

We rented a floor buffer, and the boys took turns running it.

Dad has started the final coat of paint.

The same afternoon I was taking this picture, I wondered where John was. Dad told me to go to the window and look out, and I’d find him, and when I did, there he was, working on building a small retaining wall.

John working on a project

A big project this week was tiling the backsplash along the kitchen cabinets.

Hmmm... (Anyone notice where his pencil is?)

Hmmm... (Anyone notice where his pencil is?)

Working on that backsplash!

Working on that backsplash!

This morning, Mom and I worked on cleaning the windows in preparation for Dad painting them (and, by the way, Mom, Happy Birthday, only a few hours early (her birthday is Sunday)).

Mom cleaning a window

Mom cleaning a window

Sarah working on a window

Working on cleaning windows!

The girls organized two sets of rolling shelves in the basement.

My Sisters - Anna and Mary

My Sisters - Anna and Mary

And for a few miscellaneous photos…

Honey sometimes gets thirsty at the new house.

Honey
Joseph
Joseph
Jesse cleaning off paint brushes

Jesse cleaning off paint brushes

Joseph working with the backsplash in the bathroom

Joseph working with the backsplash in the bathroom

Thanks to Anna for picking out all the pictures :-) .

Joyfully His,
Sarah

August Dad’s and Mom’s Corners

August 16th, 2008

Tuesday we e-mailed out the August Dad’s and Mom’s Corners. To read the Mom’s Corner, on a subject Mom has had some questions on, you can go to this link.

Dad’s Corner is another in a series on deception, and this Corner is a very important one. You can click here to read it.

You can also view the full HTML version of the Corners, including our introductory note with upcoming conferences, etc., here.

If you aren’t subscribed to the Dad’s and Mom’s Corners monthly e-mail, we welcome you to sign up. The list is kept strictly confidential.

We are always delighted to be able to share with you each month! :-)

Blessings in Jesus,
Sarah

Ambassadors: Two Grave Dangers, along with the Solution

August 10th, 2008

(This is the second in a series of posts drawing analogies between experiences that Ambassador Joseph Grew shared about in his book Ten Years in Japan and practical aspects of being an ambassador for Jesus Christ.)

As Ambassador Grew was traveling via steamer toward Japan in 1932, he wrote about two dangers that face ambassadors.

The first is the danger of being prejudiced against the nation where one is being sent. “An ambassador who starts prejudiced against the country to which he is accredited might just as well pack up and go home…” Ambassador Grew pointed out that such an attitude would undermine and damage the relationship that was to be built. This underscores the importance of us, as Christians, having loving and compassionate attitudes as we interact with the lost.

Do we have a love for those we are called to be ambassadors to? I was reminded of Jesus as He interacted with the wealthy and proud young man who would not acknowledge his sin. “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him…” (Mark 10:21).

The second danger that Ambassador Grew shared about is the opposite of the first: being influenced by the foreign country! The term that he used in the book was “imbued,” which means “to permeate or influence as if by dyeing.”

I’ve thought often about how easy it is for us as Christians to be influenced by the world, but I was particularly struck to read about an ambassador being on guard against the same danger in the physical world.

While we love the people, we must be on guard against loving the things of the world. “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).

How could an Ambassador ever remain “in balance” – loving the people in the country to which he was posted while being on guard lest he become too influenced by those around him?

Ambassador Grew shared the solution: “However, I know the minds of the President, the Secretary, and the Department pretty well, and that should help to keep a straight course.”

The only way we will be able to be in the world but not of the world is to know the mind of the Lord Jesus Christ. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2).

In Christ,
Christopher

Free at Last!!!!!

August 6th, 2008

I received this delightful email a few days ago and they gave me permission to share it on the blog as it might be an encouragement for other families. Steve

“Hello! I’ve written to your family before and just wanted to let you know about a momentous event in our household. Today the tv (aka, the beast) finally went where it belonged-the curb for the garbage men to pick up today. You don’t even know how big this is, and very strangely, a little scary too!(that’s our culture’s indoctrination saying that you’re crazy if you don’t have a tv). The phrase about the “beast” going to the curb stuck with me after hearing Steve mention it at a conference we attended in Plymouth, PA some time ago. Even though we only used the tv when sick and only for videos, it always turned into watching more and more. Then the children would start to regularly ask for it, and I would give in. Not anymore! I feel freedom and am excited about this!! The children weren’t so excited when we first explained it to them, but I kindly emphasized that it wasn’t a punishment, but simply a matter of what’s best for them. They are very resilient and after about 5 min. they were fine and ready to go outside to throw the football around!” A Free Family

Are We Ambassadors for Christ?

August 5th, 2008

One word. Mentioned twice in the New Testament. And yet living that word out will impact every aspect of our life.

2 Corinthians 5:17-20
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

For years I have been fascinated with the idea of being an ambassador for Christ. Five years ago, with a goal of wanting to learn more about ambassadors, I went to the library and checked out some books written by or about ambassadors. One book, in particular, contained a number of stories that illustrated practical aspects of being an ambassador for Christ.

I recently purchased a used copy of the book (Ten Years in Japan, by Ambassador Joseph C. Grew) and am re-reading it. As I come across some of the analogies I thought about sharing them on the blog. Perhaps as the Lord challenges me and speaks to my heart others will also be encouraged. At the very least, maybe the stories and analogies could spur worthwhile discussion for families during their meal time or Bible time.

In Christ,
Christopher

 

It’s Off!

August 2nd, 2008

August 1st was a day of special significance for several in our family, namely Dad, Mom, and me. It represented the deadline of a new resource project.

I remember well the evening back in May, when I was driving back from Home Depot with Dad. We were having a wonderful time of fellowship, and our conversation drifted to a topic that Dad and Mom felt that it was time to write about. Dad mentioned that he would like to have the book done this summer to take on our fall trip, and Mom’s school time would be freed up with summer arriving.

It didn’t seem possible to accomplish, but the next day, Dad called a family meeting without telling us what it was about. He had our curiosity aroused, but he did tell us it didn’t have to do with matrimony :-).  That evening, he shared about the project the Lord had laid on his and Mom’s hearts, and asked if we children were in support and if we would be willing to pitch in and take care of Mom’s responsibilities so she could write. We all joyfully agreed, and so the project began, back in May.

The last few months have been quite busy because Dad and Mom have spent many, many hours working on the project. I became involved with it this month because I format the book and do a lot of proofreading. The last two weeks have been very intense as Mom and I have worked to wrap it up.

dsc_2338.jpg
(Mom and I Thursday afternoon, with book copies in hand.)

Yesterday afternoon, with a happy and relieved heart, the book was sent to the printer—praise the Lord! I’ll give you a peek of a bit of text from the back cover :-).

Joyfully His,
Sarah

“Have you ever wanted to sit down with an experienced homeschooling couple and ask them every question you could think of about homeschooling? Managers of Their Schools: A Practical Guide to Homeschooling is the next best thing. With eight children and twenty-three years as a homeschooling family, the Maxwells share their answers to the questions they are frequently asked.”

A Cheery Greeting

July 22nd, 2008

A cheery “great to see you girls out today” ended a brief two or three sentence interaction with a lady jogger as Mom and I walked this morning. Her spark of joy and comment brightened my morning. Later at home, it was announced that Yellow Freight had arrived. Ah—the sticky tac for the Scheduling Kits was here. I went to the door and exchanged a few words with the driver as I signed the paper. He pleasantly asked me how my morning had gone, which surprised me as most of us are used to the simple, “Hello.”

As I thought about these two situations, I was struck by the impact of something more than a simple “hello.” May each of us reflect Christ’s love to those we see daily.

Joyfully His,
Sarah

An Interesting “Event”

July 18th, 2008

What would you think if you saw a “rope” going across the sidewalk? Well, at first glance it looks like an odd sort of “rope”, but upon closer inspection, you see thousands of little “insects” sliding across the cement.

ropeofinsects1.jpg

Christopher was finishing out his exercise with some stretches, when he discovered these terrible looking insects. He came home, called the widow who lived at that house, and then came to her rescue with insect “killer” spray. From what I heard described, I thought this could possibly be a Moody adventure, so I hurried out with my camera. The lady contacted our local extension office, and they assured her that she didn’t need to be concerned. Farmers will even use these little guys for something beneficial. So although they were pretty disgusting (just be glad you weren’t the cat that stepped in them!), it was nice to know we don’t have neighborhood invaders!

closeup1.jpg
John helped get this “close up” photo.

Joyfully His,
Sarah

And the Tiling Goes On and On and On

July 16th, 2008

We are still working on the tiling. The family has discovered that tiling is tiresome, uncomfortable, and difficult work that seems to never end, especially when the whole main floor is tile. We are almost finished laying tile, and it looks great, but it still has to be grouted and sealed. Everyone will be glad when this step of the house is completed.

Trusting in Jesus,
Teri

jessetiling.jpg

josephandjohn.jpg
Countless buckets of “mud” have been mixed up.

dadtiling.jpg

theteamagain.jpg

annatiling.jpg
Extra “mud” has to be cleaned off the tiles and in between each tile. Anna, Jesse, and Mary have done a wonderful job!

marytiling.jpg

A Note From Melanie

July 10th, 2008

Dear Friends,
I know I don’t often post, but I want to let you know that I do so appreciate all of you who have supported us with prayers and encouraging blog comments over the past many months. We are so very blessed to have you all as friends – even though many of you we have never met face to face.

It seems so amazing to look back at the past year. Just a little over nine months ago we learned that God had answered our prayers for a second child. Little did we know what a journey lay ahead. Now I am writing  with Abigail beside me. What a joy it is that God has given us 7 weeks with her!

I never could have guessed what an adjustment there is to being a mother. The first few weeks were so very hard; exhaustion, physical pain, and then the added challenge of postpartum depression. I’ve never felt so low in my life.

One of the verses I had memorized while on bed rest was: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). It was hard for me to accept that this was the path God had allowed. All the heartache, trials, and pain of the last 2 years seemed rolled into one big package weighing on my heart.

• “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God” – accept what He had allowed in my life.

• “…Casting all your care upon him …” – I sure had plenty of that, for there were moments when I found myself nearly paralyzed with fears and anxiety; from concern for Abigail to worrying about the economic stability of  nation (and everything in between).

• “…for he careth for you.” – Here was the truth I needed to cling to: God cares for me. He would see me through and give me strength and hope for each new day.

It was so weird to feel so low, when I was experiencing a dream come true…
Thankfully, by God’s grace, I am feeling so much better. Now I can look down at our baby girl and with a peaceful heart, rejoice in the gift from God that she is!

I am so grateful for the faithful, loving support that Nathan is for me. He has been so patient, and so faithful to speak truth to me. So many times while I was on bed rest I would tell him, “I think the baby will come soon.” He would simply remind me that the baby needed more time, and, “No, the baby is not coming for a while yet.”  That is the kind of support I need - he is so good to keep me on track.

We are so grateful to the Lord for His mercy to us. What a blessing it is that Abigail made it to 34 weeks gestation. She had such a smoother road than if she had been born at 26 weeks (when I first was diagnosed with pre-term labor). He has sustained us and provided for us through all the bumps and turns. Now He has given us a little girl to raise and love. Praise the Lord!

I love being a mommy! What a joy it is to get to walk into the nursery in the morning and greet Abigail…to sit feeding her and get to gaze at her little face and hold her hand…to watch Nathan holding her and talking to her…to watch her Grandparents, Great-Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousin, hold her…and yes, even to be up in the middle of the night pacing the floor singing to her. What a joy it is to have a daughter!

I know that there are many people with challenges of their own right now. Some may be experiencing what we have gone through – infertility, the loss of a child, complicated pregnancy, hospital time…or many other challenges that are part of life on this earth. I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be your comfort and your strength, and that you will be able to humble yourself under His hand, throwing down your fears and worries at His feet, gaining a peaceful heart, knowing that God cares for you and lead see you safely through!
Resting in Christ,
Melanie
 

4th of July

July 5th, 2008

For our 4th of July barbecue, we had the joy of having our family together after what seemed to me to be a very long time of not being able to all get together. Our last family gathering with Nathan and Melanie and Grandad and Grandma had been our Resurrection Sunday meal. That may not seem like very long ago for those who don’t live near family, but for us living on the same block, it is a terribly long time.

Just after that last extended-family meal, we headed out for a speaking trip, and Melanie was put on bedrest. Since Abigail has been born, Nathan and Melanie have kept her at home for six weeks. Those circumstances kept us from all being together at one time and place although we have seen each other and been together in various groups during that time.

We rejoiced yesterday to have a new addition to our family at her first Maxwell-family gathering, plus a recovering Grandad who could be there too. I was so excited that I asked someone to take a picture of Nathan and Melanie as they came in the door, and Sarah wanted a whole family photo after we ate.

nma.jpg
Nathan, Melanie, and Abigail arriving
maxwellfamily.jpg
The whole family
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Anna with Abigail

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4). That is the joy I feel when our family is together.

Trusting in Jesus,
Teri

The Widow’s Mite

July 1st, 2008

“And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living” (Mark 12:43-44).

One could hardly imagine walking into a place where the residents are mostly eighty years of age or older, in very poor health, without a home or finances to see this awaiting you.

Abigail's Table

The beloved members of our nursing-home church wanted to have a baby shower for our new, little granddaughter Abigail. This picture is what greeted us, along with the residents and many of the staff, of the nursing home when we walked in Sunday morning. We were overwhelmed with emotion. After church, everyone gathered around the table as Melanie opened gifts, and Nathan held Abigail. Melanie walked around among the residents showing Abigail to them and, of course, they all thought she was so precious. The members of our church have loved and prayed with Nathan and Melanie through Susannah’s death and now Abigail’s birth. Nathan and Melanie take over church the weeks we are traveling.

babyshower8.jpg

The Shower Committee

babyshower1.jpg
With joy, Nathan and Melanie showed everyone their new little girl.

babyshower2.jpg
Abigail was very alert and content.

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Joy lit up their faces as Melanie went around to each one to show them Abigail.

babyshower3.jpg
Pure joy!

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Mary and I with a sweet couple that comes to our service.

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The shower in progress!

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Nathan showing Abigail to another sweet lady, with Anna looking on.

Trusting in Jesus,
Teri

Miss Abigail’s Due Date Has Now Passed!

June 26th, 2008

Yesterday, June 25th, was Abigail’s due date :-)! She is now a healthy 8 pounds 9 ounces and 5 ½ weeks old. The other night, I heard some excitement, and I thought maybe Grandad, who had just come home from the hospital that day, was at the window on the side of our house. No, actually, it was Nathan, Melanie, and Abigail, making their first, brief neighborhood outing. Because of Abigail being a preemie, Nathan and Melanie have been keeping her in the house except for her doctor’s appointments. We all happily hurried outside and greeted them.

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Praising the Lord for Abigail,
Sarah

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Abigail loves to have her arms up next to her head :-).

 

Sunday’s Report

June 24th, 2008

We were excited to set off for another evening at the little church in Gypsum, Kansas. This trip was different from the last time we were there in December for a few reasons: the weather was fifty degrees warmer, Nathan and Melanie weren’t with us because of Abigail, and neither were Grandad and Grandma because Grandad was in the hospital. Before we left town, the children played/sang several songs for our nursing-home church Sunday morning. Our dear friends were thrilled!

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The children played/sang for our dear friends Sunday morning. 

The Gypsum church provided a wonderful BBQ for everyone before the service. Several men barbecued, and some of the ladies and children worked on the rest of the preparations inside. We were blessed by the kind provisions.

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The pastor and his sons helped us carry all of the equipment inside.

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The Girls

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A Sweet Helper
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We began the service with about an hour of music, interspersed with testimonies from each of us. Our desire is not to entertain but to edify and lift up the Lord Jesus. Dad shared from God’s Word during the next portion, and he gave a very challenging message. After that, the children closed with a new “medley” on which they’ve been working.

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Joseph, Dad, and Anna
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Mary
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We were on the road a little before ten, and we had a good family time chatting about the evening for a while. Then most of the family decided to sleep, but Mom kept Dad awake talking since they had both had naps in the bus while the rest of us did the set up. We pulled into the driveway around 1:00 a.m.

Great news: Grandad was released from the hospital last night :-)!

Joyfully His,
Sarah

Time for an Update on Grandad

June 20th, 2008

It’s been a few days since we’ve updated you all on Grandad. He is doing very well physically, which is a blessing. The amazing part is that he has no pain from his surgery! The plan is that he’ll move into a regular room today and out of the ICU. Another praise is that his lungs look good :-).

A few prayer requests. He is struggling with some confusion, and the prayer is that whatever is causing that (maybe the previous pain medication and sedation he was on?) would go away. Second, he was diagnosed with a very slow growing form of lymphoma. Nothing even needs to be done for the lymphoma right now.

Thank you for your prayers. We have been very blessed by them! Oh, and Grandad’s great-granddaughter, Abigail, is doing extremely well :-).

Our family will be going to Gypsum, Kansas (outside of Salina) Sunday afternoon. We are doing the Sunday evening service with music and preaching; this is the same church we did a Christmas service for December 23rd (and it was also Uriah’s maiden voyage!). We’ll come home late Sunday night.

Joyfully His,
Sarah for all the rest