Archive for March, 2010

Spring Is On the Way

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Although on our first day of spring, we had a storm which brought eight inches of snow. Thankfully it didn’t last, and we had warmer temperatures this past week. Life continues along as we keep busy with Titus2 ministry things, school, house projects, and helping Nathan and Melanie. Thank you for praying for Baby Max. Melanie’s pre-term labor issues have settled down for the time being, and she’s feeling Baby Max being an active little guy/gal. She continues to stay mostly down, as the greatly reduced activity level keeps the pre-term labor down.

The last “unposted pictures” blog post will be in the next day or two.

Blessings,
Sarah

This is what can be seen this week...

But last Saturday and Sunday, we had snow!

Freshly mown grass.

The girls took Abby on a walk Friday afternoon, and Grandad, Grandma, and Aunt Tami (visiting from Alabama), also went.

The girls received some things to decorate their room for Christmas, and we've had some time to figure out exactly how we wanted to arrange things.

A blog reader made this beautiful, hand-stitched sunflower for us. We wanted to hang it right away! Thank you, Mrs. Patty.

“Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 7:12).

Posted in Family News | 6 Comments »

Three Years Ago Today

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

We walked “through the valley of the shadow of death,” as Susannah, Nathan and Melanie’s first born, three day old little girl, slipped into the arms of Jesus. As our hearts ached and tears flowed like never before, Dad encouraged us with the words, God is good ALL the time.

She was such a beautiful, precious baby. We had nicknamed her "Thumper" before she was born: she was so active!

“. . . I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalms 23:4).

Through that trying time, the Lord gave peace and grace. I saw my brother and sister-in-law resting in their Savior, grieving, yes, but not despairing. A little over a year later, the Lord filled their empty arms with the arrival of Abigail. Now two years later, they are in the midst of a difficult pregnancy. We continue to trust our Savior who knows what is best for our lives.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11).

If you’d like to view a slideshow surrounding the days that Susannah lived, here’s the link, http://www.titus2.com/Susannah/. But, be forewarned, if you are at all emotional, you’ll need some Kleenex!

The blessed assurance, for those of us who have trusted in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, is we’ll be seeing Susannah again. At this very moment, Susannah is delighting in the presence of Jesus, and she is free from all pain and sorrow that this troubled world has. Oh, what glory! Truly.

Sarah for the rest

“… the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).

Posted in Family News, Ministry News | 21 Comments »

Week #5: Unposted Pictures

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

We’re on our next-to-last post on the unposted pictures. I marvel as I look back over the pictures and all the Lord brought us through. Several things that I want to praise the Lord for:

  • The Lord’s protection over the bus. We have to get into some very tight, tight areas, and never has the bus become stuck or Daddy not been able to get the bus out of an area.
  • The “small” answered prayers. We were supposed to park the bus at a family’s home near Federal Way, but as we approached the driveway, we could see there was no way the bus could manage the driveway with the low tree branches. We had been looking forward to spending time at this family’s home, and one small detail was going to be catching up on laundry! The gracious family also offered us their Suburban to use if we needed it. It ended up that we drove back to the church to park (with the church’s permission), and then the next morning, Dad dropped part of the family off at a laundromat, and the rest of us went to run a needed errand.
  • We made it semi-uneventfully through the border! It had been a busy week, and I was still working on our border paperwork as we drove to the border late that Thursday evening. Jesse put on a head lamp and very kindly helped work through it, and with the curvy roads and the late night, my stomach wasn’t feeling well, so it was such a blessing to have his help! Even though the bus was given a thorough search (sorry, no pictures of that!), my paperwork went through great, and we were on our way around 3 a.m.–one tired bunch of Maxwells!
  • Our time in Canada was so blessed. Hearts were very open and receptive to what was shared, and from what we’ve heard, lives will never be the same again. Praise the Lord! We felt very welcome there!
  • Mary became sick with the flu that Sunday, and our minds drifted to what would happen if we all came down with it. Truly, it was a miracle, and thank YOU all for praying–no one else got it! And, you know in the small, enclosed space we’re in, that REALLY was a miracle.
  • A family in Canada let us park our bus at their house, and it was delightful to have internet access, laundry, and a beautiful view!
  • As a special treat, the Lord allowed us to see the dolphins on our ferry ride back. Yes, our Lord cares about even the small details.

We've gone down some steep grades, but we were shocked to see a grade that said 15% right near the church we spoke at in Port Orchard. We thought about driving down the hill, but we decided not to.

Beautiful.

Transferring boxes from the Suburban to the bus. We had boxes shipped ahead to the family's house we ended up not being able to park at.

We generally can go about three days between water fill ups. Here's how the water process work. John hooks up a hose to a faucet.

And hooks the other end into the tank!

We see lots of moms with their little ones in front packs or strollers...

Jesse does a wonderful job at the door, directing people where to go!

Late-night work on border papers...

The church where our conference was held in Abbotsford, BC.

Jesse and Anna doing the book tables.

On the island...

At the church we sang at that Sunday evening, they had some of the names of God on their stage; it was beautiful.

Half of the family went hiking Monday morning in Sydney, and from the pictures and their descriptions, it was gorgeous!

Pondering?

Mom was always our great navigator on the trip!

The fairgrounds, where our Monday evening conference was held.

This was a picture from the ferry the morning we left to cross back to the mainland.

“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (Psalms 8:3-4).

Posted in Family News, Travel | 2 Comments »

Thank You and a Request

Friday, March 19th, 2010

The response to the courtship survey has been a blessing. Thank you and please keep them coming. I’m very grateful to all who have submitted your comments and experiences. This isn’t just for young adults.

If you haven’t completed the survey yet or passed it on to others, please do. Share your examples with us, happy ones and even the sad ones. One reason God gave us the Old Testament was to learn from other’s experiences, won’t you please help others?  We’ll be grateful!!

Here is the link to the survey: http://www.titus2.com/polls/6/  and, again, please email the survey link to those you know who have gone through a successful or failed coursthip.

“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11

 

Steve

Posted in Ministry News, Misc. | 1 Comment »

It’s Been a Journey

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

One year ago, exactly today, we moved from our house of almost 20 years to a house built with much hard work and prayer. It was about four years ago, when it was clear the Titus2 ministry had outgrown our home, and Joseph and John said, “We’ll build you a house, Dad!”

It took two and a half years of hard work building the house. Christopher bought our previous house.  We took that money, lots of sweat equity and some more funds that the Lord provided to build it.

We took thousands of pictures, so for the sake of time, I wasn’t able to pick as many as I would have liked to, but here’s a chronicle of the journey of building it. Remember, you can click into any picture to make it bigger.

The Lord protected us every step of the way! There were many times throughout the process, Dad was seeking the Lord when things looked impossible. Jesus always gave the direction Daddy needed.

“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalms 127:1).

It all started with tearing down the old, small house, whose foundation was falling apart.

“Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste” (Isaiah 28:16).

Watching the demolition...

“Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am” (Psalms 39:4).

The cement work begins!

“In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury” (Proverbs 14:23).

“A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast…”  (Proverbs 12:10)

“And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers…” (Malachi 4:6).

Truly, many times of sweet fellowship were had!

Pourin' the basement!


“Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate” (Psalms 127:4-5).

In the middle of the process, we discovered tons of "rubble" that had been buried underneath the top layer of dirt in the backyard. I guess an old house had been torn down and "buried." It was an interesting experience to haul it all away!


Tons of caulking...

“And there ye shall eat before the Lord your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the Lord thy God hath blessed thee” (Deuteronomy 12:7).

Electricity to the house!

Seeding was definitely a job!

“Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:38)

The whole goal of the house was to allow the ministry to have the room it needed so we could be used of the Lord to equip, exhort, and encourage families in our Savior! Truly, we’ve seen Him do that over and over again. This was just a tool in His Hands! We sometimes wonder how the ministry fit in our old house. The Lord must have multiplied our space like the widow’s mite.

It was a big day when the sheetrock arrived!

Some days, the guys worked late.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalms 133:1).

This was taken on Anna's birthday!

Dad did tons and TONS of painting!

Tiling was another HUGE job!

Many doors to paint and then hang!

Joseph spent many hours on the fireplace...


It passed inspection!

“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme” (1 Peter 2:13).

Putting together shelving before move-in!

And the move began one year ago today...

If you want to read a few blog posts on our move, please see the posts from March 2009.

Sarah for all the family

“Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest” (John 4:35).

Posted in Misc. | 7 Comments »

We Need Your Help!

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

There have been several times we have asked those on our Corners list and those who read our Titus2 blog for help on a project. We are conducting a survey on courtship/betrothal relationships and would again be grateful for your help.

The primary goal of this survey is to understand why some relationships headed for marriage succeed while others fail and what might be done to enable more to succeed. Certainly some fail because God would not have them continue, but others fail because of issues that could be avoided.

Titus2 has been known for providing Biblical and practical resources, and your experiences will greatly facilitate us as we help others. Any feedback, whether brief or detailed, will be beneficial and appreciated.

Stories and accounts will all be used anonymously and details changed, as needed to assure privacy should we use what you share in print or speaking. If you or your child has been in more than one relationship, please complete the survey separately for each one.

Please click on the picture box below to go to the survey.

Courtship Survey

Thank you ever so much.

Steve and Teri

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).

Posted in Ministry News | 10 Comments »

Week #4: Unposted Pictures

Monday, March 15th, 2010

Another week has flown by, and it’s time for Week #4 of unposted pictures. I hope you enjoy by the fuller glimpse into it. I want to share several specific ways the Lord guided us.

  • We made it back over the mountain pass from Carson City to California safely. The guys “chained up” for the first time, and the truck driver who pulled in next to us drove that route every day, and he gave the boys some tips on the process.
  • While we were in White City, we were able to share at a men’s home. Dad and Mom were out for a walk when they saw the home, and after talking to the administrator, music was set up for late that afternoon!
  • We saw the Lord soften hearts at conference after conference. I remember specifically one city on this trip: I came into the girls’ room and my heart sunk. You would have thought I was about to give a funeral, not a girls’ talk! But, as I shared, hearts softened! What a blessing that is.

Mount Shasta

Lake Shasta

We had quite a few rainy days on this trip, so the sunny ones were a treat!

Sheep grazing in a pasture.

A view from the balcony (of the men's home, that is). For some reason people don't like to sit up front.

Dad chatting with two of the men.

Daddy talking.

We often parked at churches, and it became our "home sweet home."

Jesse helping to load up after the Friday evening sessions.

Here's how to set up a speaker, step-by-step from Christopher.

Mary helping with the balloons.

Usually Jesse loads up, but that weekend, Joseph did quite a bit.

Christopher enjoying a little one.

Although we've been in some very tight spots (I'm serious!) wtih the bus, we've never become stuck. Here Joseph is holding tree branches out of the way as the bus exits an extremely tight church parking lot.

It was in this same town, that we had to stop at an auto parts store. We pulled into the parking lot, dropped John off, and then parked off to the side on the street (remember, Uriah doesn’t just go anywhere in a parking lot, and in a small lot, we’d take almost all the spots). Not realizing John was related to the bus, John heard some interesting conversation. They wondered if the bus was going to park in the street overnight (figured it probably would! you know how people are these days), wondered if the driver had a CDL to drive that thing (you actually don’t since it’s an RV), among other items.

Do you remember the picture I posted on our trip of two children listening to music? Well, you'll see them again here.

People enjoy hearing Christopher play the harmonica!

“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).

Posted in Family News, Misc. | 3 Comments »

Pictures!

Friday, March 12th, 2010

Fridays are cleaning days for us, and today we cleaned two houses — ours and Nathan & Melanie’s. Abigail has learned to be a great help so in the photos below you will notice that she is helping to dust. Tomorrow we clean Grandma’s house.

Life has been very busy here! With Melanie being on bedrest, we’re over there a lot. Grandad and Grandma’s health isn’t doing very well so we help them! Not to mention all the other things that are going on.

With the reassurance of hearing the baby’s heartbeat, there is a new spark of joy that has reappeared in everyone’s countenances. There is renewed hope in looking forward to this new little one!

Melanie and Abi!

Dusting!

Sarah vacuuming.

Spring is here so Mom changed the flannel sheets on the bed back to the normal ones!

Miss Abigail is full of energy and life. It is such a joy to be able to spend time with her!

Abigail and Aunt Mary have matching pigtails!

Abigail helped Me-Ma fill the water purifier.

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
(Romans 15:13)

Posted in Misc. | 6 Comments »

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Nathan and Melanie had a doctor’s appointment this afternoon, and as you know from Nathan’s last blog post, they have been concerned about this pregnancy and some of the warning signs. They went in to the visit expecting bad news, but our hearts are so full of joy and thankfulness: they heard Baby Max’s heartbeat! What a thrill. They’ve heard it several times before but over the last week or two, they’ve been concerned the pregnancy was in trouble. For now, little Baby Max is alive and kicking! Such a thrill :-) . Melanie will continue to stay down, and we’re involved quite a bit with helping them while Melanie is on bed rest.

Thank you for praying, and we would greatly appreciate your continued prayers!

Sarah for all the rest

“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts” (Psalms 145:3-4).

Posted in Family News, Ministry News | 37 Comments »

A Request for Prayer

Monday, March 8th, 2010

I’ve needed to write a blog post for a few weeks now and update everyone on where we’re at. First, and most importantly, Melanie is pregnant. That’s the good news! She’s 15 weeks along, and we’ve heard the baby’s heartbeat a couple times now. I feel like I should put something in right here along the lines of a reason for not posting sooner. I could blame busyness, work pressures/deadlines and the like … but instead I’ll just apologize for being late with this.

The challenging news is that we suspect she’s having complications again. She’s on bedrest, and we’re taking things day by day. Tonight in our family Bible time we read Ephesians 3 — we are desiring that He would do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think. What we’re seeing may turn out to be nothing, but based on Melanie’s history we’re concerned and watching.

We would be so grateful for your prayers.

Nathan

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us”
(Ephesians 3:20).

Posted in Family News | 39 Comments »

Week #3: Some Unposted Pictures

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Sundays come fast, and thus it’s time for week #3 in unposted pictures.

Several blessings from that week:

  • Although we were in the midst of heavy, heavy rain, we had no major leaks. The bays where all the books were stayed dry, and the inside of the bus, except for a door leak, also stayed dry. We didn’t experience the high winds that had been forecasted, which was a blessing.
  • We did our first Wednesday evening service, with only a day’s notice, and it was incredible. What a joy to share that way!
  • We were able to make it to Sacramento over the Grapevine! I remember standing at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and hearing from Mom that the pass was closed. How we were going to make it, was the question? The Lord has proven Himself faithful time and time again, so it was only a matter of “how” not “if”. Sure enough, we were able to make it over the pass that evening, and shortly after that, it was closed again.
  • We crossed another mountain range going to Carson City with no problems through the famous Donner Pass. Even though up to 3 inches of snow had been predicted for Carson City Monday night, there was no measurable amount, and people came despite the predictions. Another “praise the Lord”!

Dad, on that Wednesday evening service.

Our great banjo player!

This picture doesn't do the view justice, as we drove up to the library, but even with the rain, the lush green valleys were gorgeous.

One interesting thing: as we drove up the winding road to the library, on each side of the road, were these signs about each different president, along with the years they served.

At one point, we looked outside of the library, and we could see Uriah. You'll want to click into the picture to see it bigger, but can you spot him?

We all enjoyed the tour of Air Force One.

Three of my brothers.

Mary and I

Talking...

Young ladies who enjoy the Moody books.

Chatting...

I saw this truck when we were leaving the place we parked after coming out of the Grapevinew. Must be a ton of carrots!

"Jesse, my boy, do you need some help bringing things in?"

"Okay, Jesse, I'll help. You can ride."

Setting up for the Sacramento conference.

Singing Friday evening.

Anna, Jesse, and Mary do a great job running the book tables. Sometimes it can get hectic, but they are wonderful at keeping up.

Christopher sharing with the young people and children.

Mom sharing with the ladies.

Driving to Carson City.

Going to tune up!

This is actually a unique shot. We are facing reflective glass, which looked like a mirror, at the back of the sanctuary. This time, I was able to be in the photo!

Mom

“For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me” (Psalms 31:3).

Posted in Family News, Travel | 1 Comment »

Bus Cleaning and Birthday Celebration #2

Monday, March 8th, 2010

It’s been another busy week at the Maxwells. We love our Sundays: a day to worship the Lord and a day of resting to recharge for the coming week. Yesterday morning, we girls and Mom tackled cleaning the bus. We hadn’t had the time to tackle it since we’ve been back, and although we’d cleaned it many times on the road, it still needed a thorough one plus all of the bedding needed to be washed. There was much to be done, but in about two hours, the bus was back to being “road worthy.”

The next trip will be here before we know it! We will be doing three homeschool conventions in May, and we would love to do some single-evening conferences and church services in between. If you’re interested, please see our Speaking Schedule.

This past Friday, we also officially celebrated John’s birthday. When you have a birthday on the road, you get a bonus: you really end up with two birthdays, but only have to turn one year older! :-) I figured out that this year, over half of us will have birthdays while we’re away.

One of our friends at the nursing home appears to be dying. For two years now, Christopher has gone to pray with him each week that he’s able. It’s been a special time for both of them. As a side note, Mr. M. had prayed for several years for a church to do services at the home, and we were the answer to prayer. We know dear Mr. M. is trusting in the Lord Jesus for his salvation!

Noticed what happened to the numbers on his cake?!

The boys have started an exercise routine early in the morning, from 5-5:30 to wake them up for their Bible time right after that. One thing John received was a pull-up bar.

Mary

Mom

Vacuuming!

Yes, this is another new guinea pig! Jesse noticed his first pig wasn't doing very well, and after some research, he found they do better if they have a buddy. So, another one was acquired, and the guinea pigs are as happy as ever. Names have been discussed, and for now the lighter one is "Butter" and the darker "Peanut."

Cute!

“But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city” (Hebrews 11:16).

Posted in Family News, Misc. | 2 Comments »

Mount Rainier

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Seeing Mount Rainier brought back many memories from the time we lived in the Seattle area. I really loved looking at the mountain, well, at least when you could see it. I remember when I was told that the locals could even forecast the weather by looking at Rainier. If you could see it, that meant it was going to rain. If you couldn’t see the mountain, it was raining. I wonder if that is why it’s spelled “Rain”ier? It truly is a very beautiful place to live.

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God”
(Psalms 90:2).

Steve

Posted in Misc. | 4 Comments »

Life at the Maxwells

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Things have been busy as we continue on with normal life–at least as normal as life is when we’re at home! Last week, Dad took two days to visit Gram (his mom) who is in the final stages of Alzheimer’s. It was very hard for him to see her doing so poorly physically. It’s amazing how frail our bodies are.

We’ve been busy with school, working, ministry things, and family time. Grandad had minor hand surgery yesterday, which went well, so Mom was with Grandad and Grandma in Kansas City for a good portion of the day. On Monday, John installed a stove in the basement, and we’ve been enjoying the warmth–it’s not quite spring here in Kansas. Our other wood stove was not heating the basement enough, so it’s a blessing to have it warmer!

May Jesus give you grace to rest in Him, joy in Him, and delight in Him!

Sarah

John positioning where the pipe will go.

We had a spur-of-the moment visit Tuesday night: a fiddler and a mandolin player! Several months ago, Dad had met the mandolin player at a convenience store.  As they walked out, Dad made a friendly comment to him striking up a conversation.  The man mentioned he comes to Leavenworth sometimes to visit a friend, who is a fiddler. They enjoy playing their instruments together. This man played the mandolin. Dad invited them to come over sometime! Tuesday evening, they called and wondered if they could come over, and we assured them they could. The fiddler had been playing for about 50 years! We were thrilled to listen, and several in our family brought out their instruments to join in. It was a special time. Grandad and Grandma were also with us, and we had a wonderful time in God’s Word after music.

Fiddlin'

Pickin'!

Jesse’s guinea pig had died right before Christmas, and Mary had surprised Jesse with a replacement one the same day! Sadly, the new one died right after Christmas. It wasn’t a good time to get another one right before we left on our trip, so we waited until we arrived home and settled back in.

Pretty cute!

Even Abby likes him.

“A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day” (Deuteronomy 11:27).

Posted in Misc. | 5 Comments »

A Taste Away from Home: Gramma Mistake Bars

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Gramma Mistake Bars
Christina M., Washington

1 cup butter
1  1/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups oatmeal
1/4 tsp. baking soda

Mix into a crumble. Pat 3/4 of it into a greased 9×13, saving the remaining 1/4 for top.

Melt: 1/2 cup margarine
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cup chocolate chips

Pour over bottom crust, then sprinkle remaining crumbs on top of the chocolate mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

——-

A family gave us a platter of these delicious bars on the trip–yummy; we thought ya’ll might enjoy them too.

Sarah

“My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste” (Proverbs 24:13).

Posted in Recipes, Travel | 6 Comments »