Archive for October, 2009

Final update on Nathan and Melanie’s Unborn Child Prayer Request

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

We needed to let you know that God has chosen to take this child home. We are left with many questions, most of which begin with “Why…” or “What if…” In time we hope to have some answers, but there are still many unknowns that we need to trust Him for – unknowns that will always be unknowns. It is amazing the hopes and dreams you can have for a little life even after just a few weeks.

Abigail is all the more precious to us, a little energetic bundle of joy. Last night we took her shopping for a new doll. We had planned on getting her one the past few weeks. Last night’s outing was the fulfillment of that unspoken promise, based on a hope that she will be a big sister some day. She was bouncing up and down in my arms as we perused the aisle selecting just the right one.

Once again, our evening Bible time closing hymn challenged us, particularly the fourth verse:

Soldiers of Christ, Arise

Leave no unguarded place, no weakness of the soul,
Take every virtue, every grace, and fortify the whole;
From strength to strength to on, Wrestle and fight and prayer
Tread all the powers of darkness down and win the well fought day.

Thank you for your loving prayer support.

Nathan

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Prayer Need Update

Monday, October 26th, 2009

I don’t have a lot of news to provide but wanted to thank everyone for their prayers. Things continue to be very rough. Melanie has begun again to have complications that usually indicate a pending miscarriage. We are seeking God’s will during these next days on what steps we should/shouldn’t take…. labs, ultra-sound, supplements, rest, waiting…. the list could go on.

Thank you.

Nathan

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed,
because his compassions fail not” (Lamentations 3:22).

Maxwell Happenings

Sunday, October 25th, 2009

This week has been full with being back to normal life again, with a few “un” normal things thrown in as well. Melanie is trying to stay down (bed rest), so we girls and Mom went over Friday morning and did a cleaning blitz of Nathan and Melanie’s house. During that hour, each of us had a turn to play with Abby.

Abby loves her grandma.

Anna is a great cleaner!

Monday was a gorgeous day, and Jesse washed the bus.

Monday was a gorgeous day, and Jesse washed the bus.

John spent some time this week trying to get the tag steering working on the bus.

John spent some time this week trying to get the tag steering working on the bus. I don't know much about it, but that it would make the bus much easier to steer!

Ill let you guess on this one. Well do a blog post on what was actually being done at some point.

I'll let you guess on this one.

Joseph

Joseph working on the back stairs. We will do a blog post on it when this project is finished.

Jesse and Joseph blessed us by stacking lots of wood to keep our basement warm this winter.

Jesse and Joseph blessed us by stacking lots of wood to keep our basement warm this winter.

John and Christopher worked on a drainage project at Christophers house today.

John and Christopher worked on a drainage project at Christopher's house today. It was a long, hard day, but they just finished the project!

Christopher

Christopher

Nathan took Abby on a tractor ride. She loves tractors and lawnmowers :-) ...

Nathan took Abby on a tractor ride. She loves tractors and lawnmowers :-) ...

May you have a blessed Sunday and beginning of your week.

Until the next blog post!

Sarah for the family

“Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust…” (Psalms 40:4).

Scrapbooking Again!

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

We have scrapbooking scheduled for us girls on Thursday afternoons from 3-4:30. Well, with the bus work and our trip, it was put off until we were back to normal life. Today was our first scrapbooking time for quite awhile. It was wonderful to be back at those pictures! We take so many on trips, and we enjoy documenting them in albums. Mom does digital scrapbooking with photo slideshows, which she enjoys displaying on a photo frame she received for a birthday gift. It’s a sweet time of fellowship with all the Maxwell girls!

Please keep praying for Melanie and the baby. Things are still very uncertain, and I know they’re extremely grateful for all your prayers.

My hope is built on nothing less
then Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Sarah

I had opened the back door, and Honey hurried over--she loves the fresh air, and she managed to squeeze in between my scrapbook things.

I had opened the back door, and Honey hurried over--she loves the fresh air, and she managed to squeeze in between my scrapbook things.

A Family Event

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009
How many vehicles does it really take to get the Maxwells somewhere?!

How many vehicles does it really take to get the Maxwells somewhere?!

Remember you can click into each picture to enlarge it!

Waiting (the girls discovered waiting in the lower area helped their hair not to blow so much!)... and the boys watching frogs...

Waiting (the girls discovered waiting in the lower area helped their hair not to blow so much!)... and the boys watching frogs...

One of the frogs (a picture from Josephs camera).

One of the frogs (a picture from Joseph's camera).

Sweet Mama

Sweet Mama

If you look closely (you can also click into the picture), you will see Christopher on the left, and Dad on the right--both are talking on their cell phones--to whom?! Guess?! Trying to scout out that perfect photo location.

If you look closely (you can also click into the picture), you will see Christopher on the left, and Dad on the right--both are talking on their cell phones--to whom?! Guess?! Trying to scout out that perfect photo location.

Our great photographer!

Our great photographer!

We took individual photos of each child, plus Dad and Mom, since we want to update the about us page.

We took "bio" photos--since we're going to update the "about us" page with new text/photos. And, here's part of the audience :-) .

Smile, Annie!

"Smile, Annie!" This was just a side photo with my camera--Christopher was taking "head" shots from another angle.

Jesses photo

Jesse asked to borrow my camera and took this photo!

Abby taking a break from pictures to pick up a ladybug

Abby taking a break from pictures to pick up a ladybug.

Uncle Christophers watch helped Abby out.

Uncle Christopher's watch helped Abby out.

Grandad and Grandma came along to be with us, plus they used the remote control to take pictures.

Grandad and Grandma came along to be with us, plus they used the remote control to take pictures.

Nathan, Melanie, and Abby were trying to get a picture, so some of the others were working to catch Abby's attention near the camera.

Nathan, Melanie, and Abby were trying to get a picture, so some of the others were working to catch Abby's attention toward the camera.

Cmon on Abby!

"C'mon Abby!"

:-)

Okay, so those are some “behind the scenes” photos. In the next week or two, we’ll post some “real” pictures from Christopher’s camera!

Rejoicing in my Savior,
Sarah

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalms 133:)

A beautiful mountain stream…

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009
I love to see the mountain streams as we drive or hike in the mountains.

Christopher took this picture when we were in Colorado; he loves to see the mountain streams as we drive or hike. The behind-the-scenes pictures will be coming soon, Lord willing!

“He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head” (Psalms 110:7).

Just Sent Out the October Dad’s & Mom’s Corners

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Every month, Dad and Mom write articles for parents, specific to whatever the Lord has laid on their hearts that month. The addresses on the list are kept completely private. If you’d like to sign up, please visit this page.

Dads

Dad's and Mom's Corners

BTW – watch for a blog post soon on the annual Maxwell Family Photo session (scheduled for tonight, with a bit of wind, so lots of hairspray is in order) :-) … I’ll do my best to capture some “behind the scenes” photos!

Sarah for the rest

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:24).

Testimonies

Monday, October 19th, 2009

I was entering in MOTH (Managers of Their Homes) registrations, and the first testimony below caught my attention. My parents had not a clue how the Lord would use this book in the lives of so many families; they were simply obedient when the Lord said to write!

It’s a sunny, gorgeous autumn Monday here in Kansas.

Sarah

What a blessing the MOTH program has been to our family already, after only 1 week! We are, of course, still refining the schedule to better meet the needs of our family at this season of life, but what a difference already. Our 6 children are ages 9 ½ to 14 months, and we are expecting #7 in early March. Trying to homeschool the older ones while keeping order (let alone fun!) with the younger ones was just not happening, and I ended up most days very discouraged. My meek & quiet spirit had usually bitten the dust soon after breakfast, and my husband and I knew we needed to do something to bring peace, joy, and order to our home—especially with a new little blessing on the way. I’ve tried so many times to develop a schedule for our family, but this is the first time ever that is has really worked. We have been accomplishing so much: Bible study, school work, house work (ChorePacks are next on my list!), fun projects, reading stories, character training, and just enjoying one another. Many behavior problems are rapidly improving especially with the little ones, who weren’t getting enough attention or supervision before. This is truly an answer to prayer. We are praying for you ministry! Michelle

Oh, and here’s one more:

I’m thankful to have such a robust resource in my hands! Thanks for sharing your years of experience. I know God will bless our family through the MOTH book and Redeeming the Time book (my husband is REALLY enjoying that!). Continued blessings on your ministry. Heidi

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time” (Colossians 4:5).

First Saturday at Home for Awhile

Saturday, October 17th, 2009

After being gone for five weekends, this is our first one home; well, home for most of us. Christopher and Joseph were away photographing a wedding in St. Louis.

After

After working on his October Dad's Corner for awhile, Dad washed the front porch.

Anna has decided to spruce up her area where she does school. This involved moving yard tools and the like into another area.

Anna has decided to spruce up her area where she does school. This involved moving yard tools and the like into another area.

Anna

Anna

Jesse--somehow I didnt get a picture of him outside helping, where he was most of the day!

Jesse--somehow I didn't get a picture of him outside helping, where he was most of the day!

I saw a bus to do list tape to the inside of a bus window. Its quite the list!

I saw a bus "to do" list tape to the inside of a bus window. It's quite the list! (We're not going to finishing converting it before the next trip, but rather, these are just items that need to be dealt with before we are gone again.)

Dad and Mom went out to lunch together--theyre smiling for Anna, who had her camera out.

Dad and Mom went out to lunch together--they're smiling for Anna, who had her camera out.

The girls and Mom cleaned up the front porch--it needed it!

The girls and Mom cleaned up the front porch--it needed it!

And we had time to chat with Melanie and Abby. Abby has only become cuter since we left on the trip!

And we had time to chat with Melanie and Abby. Abby has only become cuter since we left on the trip!

Mid-week, John worked on taking the Families for Jesus decals off of our trailer, which were getting ready to sell. We will be purchasing a smaller one to pull behind the bus.

Mid-week, John worked on taking the Families for Jesus decals off of our trailer, which we're getting ready to sell. We will be purchasing a smaller one to pull behind the bus (our current one is too big to legally pull with the bus!).

Dad, John, and Jesse, spent quite a bit of the afternoon working on the bus. Their project wasn’t going so well…

We’re looking forward to being back at our little church tomorrow morning. We’ve heard attendance has been down (several have moved to another home, and the nursing home in general doesn’t have as many), so I said to Dad we’ll need to work on that, and he agreed :-) … He said we’ll have to have a membership drive (teasing, of course!!). Seriously, we’re excited about seeing all our dear friends. We send back postcards to them each week, which is a bright spot in their week. We’re extremely grateful to Nathan, Melanie, Abby, Grandad, Grandma, and another family for taking over church while we’ve been gone.

Have a very blessed Sunday, trusting and resting in our Lord Jesus!

Sarah for the rest

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him” (2 Samuel 22:31)”.

Audio Concert Clips

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Here they are! Thank you to all my brothers and sisters who made this possible. We hope you enjoy a little sampling of the music. We had Anna’s video camera in the balcony picking up ambient sound and so it isn’t high quality audio, but you will get the idea.

Maxwell Family Music Clips

(You’ll need to click the above link, and the sample is an MP3.)

Speaking of music, today I updated our speaking schedule to show a map of our next trip. We have quite a few evenings available, plus days available for concerts. Please contact us if you’re interested in coordinating something.

Thank you for your prayers and rejoicing with us over Baby Max. :-)

Sarah for all the Maxwells

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him” (Psalms 28:7).

Someone asked in a comment who played what instrument and who sang:

Dad — Sings lead, also plays bass guitar
Mom — Guitar
Christopher — Sings bass sometimes, plays harmonica, mandolin, and occasionally bass guitar
Sarah — Plays backup banjo (and takes pictures :-) )
Joseph — Sings lead in several songs and harmony, plays mandolin and guitar
John — Banjo, sings bass in a song or two
Anna — Sings lead and harmony, plays fiddle
Jesse — Sings in a few songs, plays dobro, guitar, and hammer dulcimer
Mary — Sings harmony in a few songs, plays guitar, bass guitar, and mountain dulcimer

As you can see on the overlap of instruments, they’re traded around for different songs!

Prayer Need

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Abby

The purpose of this post is to ask for prayer. Many of you graciously inquire as to how we are doing and what we are up to. Let’s jump right in …  A number of weeks ago we learned Melanie was pregnant!! We were both very excited. She quickly started weekly lab draws to monitor hormone levels. A few weeks passed and then some warning signs. On Monday we received word regarding the last lab draw – a key indicator of the pregnancy’s viability indicated very bad news. Based on these, Melanie’s doctor asked that she have an ultra-sound, to “check viability.”  That happened yesterday. We were fully prepared for the confirmation that indeed this pregnancy wasn’t going forward. Instead, we saw a tiny baby with a beating heart! What a shock! To go from a mind-set of a pending, unavoidable miscarriage to seeing a beating heart and little baby – wow!! Thank You Lord!! It was like a miracle, being given our child back!

The technician started the ultra-sound and said, “Here’s your baby.” Both Melanie and I looked intently as we knew that would be our only chance to see him/her. Next she said, “Let’s see what that heart-rate is … 150 bpm — that’s perfect.” It got quiet for a moment, and then Melanie almost sat up and said, “Excuse me, did you say heart-beat?” The tech repeated everything, working to convince us that things looked good! Both of our eyes quickly filled with tears as the reality of what she was saying sank in.

Yes, there are still many questions. But, for today, our baby is alive, and we hope well. However, we are once again in a pregnancy with a lot of unknowns and uncertainty – yet our God is fully in control. We’ve sure been here before.

We are excited and thrilled that Melanie is still pregnant. We are asking God to sustain this little life. Should He bring us to your mind, we would be grateful if you would remember us in prayer as well.

Last night, as is customary for us, we closed our family Bible time with a hymn. We have been singing through our hymn books (yes, we skip the ones we don’t know…) and last night’s song was “Take time to be Holy.” I’ll close this post with the fourth verse:

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

Words: Will–iam D. Long–staff, 1882. Music: Ho–li–ness, George C. Stebbins

Nathan

“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb” (Psalms 139:13).

Update on the Music Clips

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

We were close to being able to put the post up with the music clips, but we would have to use an outside website to put the video clips on, and all the options weren’t good options. It would have had a clickable link to their site and we couldn’t in good conscience allow it. One was even a “Christian” video site, and it was filled with sensuality and worldliness. It was obvious we made a bad decision to offer a video.

If we were to post the video without an outside host website, it would be extremely expensive because of the amount of data it would download for each view, so that’s not an option either :-) . We’re extremely sorry for the disappointment. We would have enjoyed posting it, but it just isn’t an option. We will have to start over and do audio only and that will take a bit more time. Thank you for understanding!

Enjoying home life again…

Sarah for the rest

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:24).

Stretching Your Patience?

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

Our goal had been to upload the video today, but, sadly, our Internet connection here is having great difficulty. A technician was out, and there is a problem which probably won’t be fixed until later tomorrow! In order to work with the large file, we need to have a solid connection–not one which varies :-) .

So, I’m extremely sorry; we’ll upload it as soon as we’re able.

In the meantime, I’ll leave you with a Colorado picture that we hadn’t previously posted.

Sarah

"Now which way did he go?!"

“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you” (2 Thess. 3:1).

A Home Day

Monday, October 12th, 2009

Today has been a catch up day–it was a chilly, overcast autumn October 12th! The cool weather is a little shock to us after having been in warm weather for awhile. It was delightful this morning to be back to our gathering in our own living room reading God’s Word. It’s Daddy’s favorite time with us, and sometimes it’s hard not to over-chat!

Most things are in order to begin normal life tomorrow. We haven’t forgotten the video. We’ll be posting it sometime tomorrow, Lord willing :-) .

Mom did lots of laundry today.

Mom did lots of laundry today.

Anna distributed piles of mail.

Anna distributed piles of mail. It had all been neatly sorted when we got home!

Anna, Mom, and Mary--working in the bus.

Anna, Mom, and Mary--working in the bus.

Mary has been learning (on her own) to take pictures with my camera.

Mary has been learning to take pictures with my camera.

Joseph, John, and Jesse worked to unload the bays. I just had come around the side of the bus, and they were talking, and then kindly posed for me.

Joseph, John, and Jesse worked to unload the bays. I just had come around the side of the bus, and Joseph and John were talking.

There was some fall maintenance to be done on the yard, which Jesse did.

There was some fall maintenance to be done on the yard, which Jesse did.

Sarah for the rest

“Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered” (Psalms 40:5).

Time with Family

Monday, October 12th, 2009

Yesterday was a quiet drive, although traffic wasn’t so quiet! We noticed fall foliage in many of the maple trees–which was a bit surprising since fall isn’t usually in full swing until the end of this month. Finally, we entered “home” territory! As we were within a few hours of home, it tickled me to see people wearing heavy coats and stocking caps–we went from 90 degrees in Columbus Friday, to winter weather! After having been in areas with warmer weather, it seems strange to see people all decked out for winter.

Fall is definitely here!

Fall is definitely here! We're already discussing locations for our family picture soon.

Since Abby hadn’t seen us for several weeks, we wondered how she would do–she sweetly gave hugs, and we were surprised to see her walking with such ease! She warmed up to us quickly, and it was obvious she was enjoying the attention of so many relatives again.

Hugs...

Hugs...

Mary, smiling at Abby.

Mary

She looks tickled :-) ...

She looks tickled :-) ...

Reading with Uncle Jesse.

Reading with Uncle Jesse.

Grandma and Abby

Grandma and Abby

Abby and I

Abby and I

Nathan had picked up dinner (pizza to bake) the night before, and also brought Rice Krispy treats for dessert (one particular member of the family’s favorite). It was a sweet reunion! Then, we all gathered in the living room to read God’s Word together.

After everyone left at 8:30, we went out to unload the bus. With so many of us, we found it easier to unload from the back to the front, otherwise people were almost getting tripped over as they moved to the front! :-) It took us less than an hour to get most of our main living items out of the bus. Some things will stay for our next trip (early January).

Mary

Mary

Carrying things in...

Carrying things in...

John

John

We have so many memories from the trip–and from the e-mails we’re receiving, testimonies from those who have been to a conference and their family will never be the same again, it makes our hearts overflow for what the Lord Jesus did.

Thank you for standing behind us in prayer. Truly, we felt them, we have heard of the fruit, and we are eternally grateful.

With love from the whole family,

Sarah

“The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing” (Zeph. 3:17).

Home!

Sunday, October 11th, 2009

Yes, it’s a joy to be home. :-)

We arrived safely home to a happy Nathan, Melanie, and Abby … with Grandad and Grandma joining us shortly thereafter. More pictures from tonight will be posted tomorrow.

Good night!

Sarah for the rest

It can be a little tight, we found, to unpack with so many of us! We had to bring our bedding in, since most of used our things from home, and we all opted to sleep inside tonight!

It can be a little tight, we found, to unpack with so many of us! We had to bring our bedding in, since most of used our things from home, and we all opted to sleep inside tonight!

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? . . .” (Romans 10:15)

Your Thoughts?

Sunday, October 11th, 2009

Monday afternoon update :-) We’ll be posting a video soon, hopefully late tonight or tomorrow. Anna did an incredible job putting it together! Sarah

We’re wondering if you would like to see us post a video
with clips from our music Friday evening?

Sarah for everyone

“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation”
(Psalms 95:1).

Columbus, Georgia

Sunday, October 11th, 2009

We arrived in Columbus, Georgia early Friday afternoon. Our last set up went great, and there was time for music practice. One unusual aspect about our concert was quite a few elderly people showed up, along with the homeschool families. The elderly had heard about the music, and they wanted to come.

John, our all-around-good-natured banjo player!

John, our all-around-good-natured banjo player, practicing up!

Mary, chatting with a lady before the music.

Mary, chatting with a lady before the music.

I sometimes take pictures during a song I dont play on, but Christopher took this picture from the balcony during a song.

Christopher took this picture from the balcony during a song.

John and Anna chatting with a couple after the concert.

John and Anna talking with fellow Kansans.

Talking Friday evening...

Sarah and Anna chatting with a mom and her daughters.

More talking...

More talking...

We love talking to those who come to each conference; this one was no exception. Although this weekend was a smaller group, it was clear the Lord was working in lives. We are grateful for each family who took the time to come, and we know several families drove a distance for it (including a family from near Orlando!). Out of the families who were there, one had hosted a conference in Savannah, Georgia, earlier this year. Another family had been to a conference five years ago, and they’ve been following our family via the blog.

I grabbed this picture Saturday morning before the conference started.

Dad, sharing with the dads and sons in the last session of the day, Preparing Sons.

Dad, sharing with the dads and sons in the last session of the day, Preparing Sons.

Packing up Moms computer.

Packing up Mom's computer.

Joseph is another wonderful helper.

Joseph is another wonderful helper.

Christopher is not in many of the conference photos, because hes often the one taking them. He has an incredible eye for a good picture, and were grateful for his photography.

Christopher is not in many of the conference photos, because he's often the one taking them. He has an incredible eye for a good picture, and we're grateful for his photography.

Anna and Mary had many helpers with packing up the book tables yesterday afternoon! :-)

The Pack up Team: Anna and Mary had many helpers with packing up the book tables yesterday afternoon! :-)

Sarah for the family

“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:8-9).

Driving On!

Sunday, October 11th, 2009

It’s a cool morning, and we’re driving across Tennessee. We made it to an hour outside of Nashville last night. We just passed Nashville, and it looks to be a beautiful day. :-) A conference report will be posted later!

We would be grateful for your prayers for traveling safety.

Sarah for the rest

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Psalms 84:11)

On the Way Home

Saturday, October 10th, 2009

After a wonderful conference, we’re driving several hours to Chattanooga (or further!) to spend the night. Our hearts are full of what the Lord continues to do!

More later! :-)

Sarah

We ordered pizza for dinner, our first time on this trip! :-)

We ordered pizza for dinner, our first time on this trip! :-)

“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord”
(1 Corinthians 1:9).

Another Report

Friday, October 9th, 2009

In a way, it’s hard to believe this road trip is almost over. But, it is, and I have another conference to report on.

It was shared earlier this week in a post how each person has their own job and fulfills it—we love working as a team. Our conference in Carrollton was another blessing! The church and homeschool group provided dinner for us beforehand last night. Nothing out-of-the-ordinary happened during the evening, and hearts were again receptive. Several families stayed around and talked, and truly, every city we go to, we see a distinct purpose for being there—even if it’s just one family out of the group who is in desperate need of what is shared.

Dad and Mom

Dad and Mom

Anna talking with some girls.

Anna talking with some girls.

A group of us girls after the conference.

Our last music concert for this trip tonight was a blessing, but I won’t give you a full report until later :-)

Sarah

“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness” (Psalms 48:1).

An Oasis on the Trip

Friday, October 9th, 2009

Here is my view Wednesday and Thursday mornings for my morning personal Bible time, as I sat on one of the multiple decks of the house where we were staying.

My view from the top deck.

My view from the top deck.

In the midst of our busy travel and conference trips, the Lord often gives us an oasis providing rest for our bodies and refreshment for our hearts. That is what this house has been for an evening, two days, and a morning.

Joseph, practicing his mandolin.

Joseph, practicing his mandolin.

While we have been in Carrollton, Ga, we have been blessed to be given a beautiful home, in which to stay, situated far into the woods between two creeks. We have eaten together around a table with just our family in a home for the first time in a month. We have slept in real beds. We have showered and washed dishes without being concerned about running out of water.  We have enjoyed the beauty of God’s magnificent creation.

Christopher, working on his computer

Christopher, working on his computer

Anna doing school.

Anna doing school.

Bible time

Bible time

What an appropriate verse I read yesterday morning: “Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together” (Psalms 98:8).

Tonight and tomorrow, we’re doing a final conference on this trip in Columbus, Georgia. (more…)

Late Night “Hunt”

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

(Friday update: The fridge is hanging in there for now and working fine!!)

Tonight, we had just pulled in for the night to stay at the house, when some unknown liquid oozed from under the fridge. All the guys were soon involved in finding the cause, while we girls watched. Hmmm…. Things were picked up and moved around, trying to discern what it was (could it be the apple cider? or the eggs? or the coleslaw?)… Come to find out, our fridge/freezer is dying, and so the liquid was from defrosting items. We might have to do coolers/ice the new few days if it’s not going to make it! We’re just thankful it didn’t happen earlier in the trip. The refrigerator is actually from the old, tiny house that sat on the property our new house resides on :-) . So, it’s been around many years!

The picture was too good to not post tonight! It was a great conference, and we’ll report on that later.

Good night!

Sarah

“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

Evening Concert

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

We enjoyed our first Wednesday evening concert last night! We give Friday evening concerts, but this was our first mid-week concert for a church, and we’ve been hoping to fill in our trips with the Wednesday night concerts.

We love playing music together!

We love playing music together!

In fact, we’re working on our trip for January/February, and if we’re going to be near your area, please contact us if your church is interested in a concert for Sunday or Wednesday evenings. We also would like to fill in our open weekdays with evening conferences.

John, packing up

John, packing up

Mom and baby

Mom and baby

Okay, back to the subject at hand. The reception was wonderful for the concert. It was such a blessing, and our hearts are again filled with the goodness of the Lord. We enjoyed a quiet day at the house we’ve been staying at; we’re ready for tonight’s conference!

Blessings,
Sarah

Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands” (Psalms 66:1).

The Blessings of the Lord

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

It’s a quiet day, and the sun is trying to peek through the clouds. I can hear the rushing of a nearby creek, and the family is scattered around the house and surrounding areas. A house? Yes, a family graciously loaned us the use of their house for three nights here in Georgia. It was wonderful to sit around a table together last night and spread out in the living room for family Bible time.

We’ve had quite a few rainy days over the last week. Monday was no exception, with rain lightly falling throughout much of the day. A large crowd showed up for that night’s conference, and we’re grateful to Holly for all the work she did in publicity.

The coordinator provided a dinner of eastern North Carolina BBQ for us, and we enjoyed the different style of BBQ from the Kansas City style. Eastern BBQ has a slight vinegar taste, and Kansas City BBQ is sweet n’ tangy.

Hearts again seemed open to the message that was shared, and we pray the Lord Jesus will bring lasting fruit in the generations to come.

Dad and Mom sharing during the Hearts session.

Dad and Mom sharing during the Hearts session.

Well often do a few songs after the last session, and here are the five youngest waiting to go up front.

We'll often do a few songs after the last session, and here are the five youngest waiting to go up front.

Listening...

Listening to the music... (the children and young people come in to the back of the session from the Evangelism session for the music)

Two young ladies who enjoy the Moody books, and their mom is also a blog reader!

Two young ladies who enjoy the Moody books, and their mom is also a blog reader!

Maxwell Girls with our Conference Coordinator

Maxwell Girls with our Conference Coordinator

We’re now in an unofficial countdown until we start the journey home. Tonight, we’ll be doing a gospel bluegrass concert here in Carrollton, Georgia, and tomorrow night, we’ll be doing our normal, evening homeschool conference at the same church. Then, our last weekend conference will be in Columbus, Georgia. We plan to drive several hours Saturday night to get a head-start on Sunday’s long drive home.

Thank you for all your prayers! —- Sarah

“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established” (Proverbs 16:3).