A Picture from Life on the Road

I won’t say who it is, but someone was having a little bit of exercise while waking up! Some of the boys like to do a few push-ups to try while on the road, but usually they try to keep proper form. There’s an open Bible on the right (some choose to have their Bible time in their bunk) and at the top you’ll see someone’s hand pointing out what was going on. The blue tape that’s on the floor was from the floor plan mockup that we did while designing the bus conversion. A towel is drying on Dad and Mom’s bed (we haven’t yet come up with a good solution for drying towels).

You just never know when your camera will come in handy!

“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things…”
(1 Timothy 4:8)

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).

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! 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...

Mary

She looks tickled ...

Reading with Uncle Jesse.

Grandma and Abby

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

Carrying things in...

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).

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!

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

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).

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, practicing up!

Mary, chatting with a lady before the music.

Christopher took this picture from the balcony during a song.

John and Anna talking with fellow Kansans.

Sarah and Anna chatting with a mom and her daughters.

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.

Packing up Mom's computer.

Joseph is another wonderful helper.

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.

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).

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)

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! :-)

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

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

Anna talking with some girls.

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).

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.

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.

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

Anna doing school.

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…)

(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).

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.

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

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!

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).

You can probably tell from the photos: I really enjoy the rivers, streams, and lakes as we drive! Our conference last night went really well, and I’m sure there will be a report before too much longer. Today is a gray, but pleasant, travel day as we head to Carrollton, Georgia to share Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

“As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.” (Proverbs 27:19)

Each day on the road involves a lot of team work! Below you will find a glimpse into the jobs that each person has as we set up/arrive at the conference. There are also many things that also go unmentioned, like the countless things that Mom does to keep the bus tidy!

Joseph packing up!

Joseph’s job is to set up the audio! He works through each room (during the first time block there is four sessions going on at once) and figures out if they need speakers, how to hook into the church’s sound system. He then sets up the needed equipment and makes sure that they are working okay.

Christopher taking one of the half "bus" photos

Christopher is kind of the all-around-guy! He helps make sure all the rooms are set up with the proper amount of chairs in them and that they are facing the correct direction.

Mom packing up her notes after the session!

Mom is very sweet to help with the pack up of her things! Her back bothers her a lot, and so it makes it difficult for her to help us, because she saves her back energy for the sessions that she gives most evenings! After the sessions, she talks with different ladies who have counseling questions.

Mary setting up the book tables.

Mary helps with the “top” table setup. She always works very hard to get the books in their proper order and right sequence. She also is available to people if they have question regarding different products at the book tables!

Jesse packing up the PowerPoint.

Jesse is head of “trucking” - as in the hand truck! He brings all of the books in and then back out. He sets up the visual part of the evening, and that involves setting up the power point, figuring out what to project on, and then tearing it down again. Jesse is also cash register “certified”!

Here Jesse is unloading!

Anna helping during setup.

Anna is “head” of the book tables. She was given that job so that Sarah would be able to focus on other things and not have to worry about the book tables on top of it. Her “job” involves helping with the set up, tear down, making decisions as to where they are placed, and making sure everything is set up and running properly. She also is lead cashier.

Dad helping with unloading!

Dad is our main bus driver!! He does a great job at getting into parking lots and places that were really not meant for the bus. He, of course, is the main “person” making decisions during the setup. He is always busy with his many responsibilities as he gets ready for his sessions.

Sarah with the cash register.

Sarah is the backbone for a lot of the conferences! She works hard to help the coordinators with their publicity and then all of the correspondence that is involved with the ministry. She applies for sales tax licenses and files the forms after a conference. She works hard also to keep the blog updated!! She also helps with the set up and tear down - not to mention she runs the cash register when needed.

John unloading.

John is our crew-chief! He helps with parking the bus, keeping it running, and all of the other issues that go on with those kind of logistics. He also unloads and then carefully repacks the bus each conference, which is a big job getting it all to fit in and not be damaged while we drive. John usually has some little helpers from families that attend the conference that chatter as they put things where he tells them.

John - our crew chief!!

The boys are quick to jump out of the bus and make sure that there are no branches in the way or for example here Joseph is watching to make sure the bus does not high center on the railroad tracks!

“And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Eccl 4:1)

Come on in — be a little careful, though, on the steps, because it is a tall step up. First, you see Dad’s driver’s seat right in front of you, where he spends many hours each trip (for this 7,000+ mile trip it means 115+ hours). Often, someone will sit in the jump seat right above the stairs to keep him company.

Dad's spot

This is where we spend most of our time. The recliner chair on the left (with the pillow) is Mom’s spot. Right behind her, Mary sits on the love-seat, and sometimes John will sit there too. Christopher’s area is the recliner right behind them. Parallel to Mom, I sit in a side-ways facing small chair, that was given to us when we purchased the bus. Anna sits to my right, on the couch, with Jesse, sitting in the middle, and Joseph on his right.

Here’s Mom’s kitchen, which she carefully designed, and Joseph built! The storage space in the cabinets has been wonderful. To the left of the sink, the tall cabinet houses the pantry.

As you pass the kitchen, you are entering the bunk area. The first set of bunks is the girls’. The next set is the boys’, with one more boy on the right, underneath the clothes area.

Oh wait, before you go further, don’t forget to check in this room, directly to your right. It’s the shower room, and it also doubles as a changing room. We also have a small, toilet room on board.

We’re glad to have the bus functional, even though it’s just roughed in.

As you continue down the small hall (watch for anyone wanting to pass, you’ll probably need to step aside to allow the person to squeeze through), you’ll see our clothes storage right above the bunk on the right. You might want to watch for someone de-bunking from the top bunk (thankfully, there’s normally a warning before they come down).

You’ve come to the end of the bus. This back room, Dad and Mom’s room, is a cozy little room, just big enough for their bed. Joseph built the cabinets under their bed, and it makes great storage.

Thanks for stopping by our “home away from home.”

Sarah for the rest

“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? . . .” (Romans 10:1)

Our hearts are again full of gratefulness to the Lord Jesus for the work He did through this weekend’s conference outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. We arrived around lunchtime, and we had the afternoon to set up, practice music, and have family Bible time.

The Lord so blessed the conference. Many parents shared with Dad and Mom struggles with rebellious children and tough family situations: we pray the Lord will use what was shared this weekend to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the children to their fathers.

Our conference coordinator made dinner for us Friday evening, and also they provided lunch Saturday.

Dad and Mom listening, Friday night, while the children sing a song together.

Little children are cute to watch at each conference.

Parents of 10 with their newest little one

Several girls with Mary. This family had come to our Memphis conference last fall, and they were able to come Friday evening!

Saturday morning, I had my camera as I was coming up from a session, and I grabbed a few pictures as families walked to the next session. (Dad is off to the left, talking with another dad as he walked.)

I'm sure they are wearing shirts with their initials, but it tickled us that it spells "Me" when they stand next to each other.

Rachel

Christopher with his new friend, Jed.

A mom browsing at the book table.

Mom and daughter

The children enjoyed a video chat with Nathan, Melanie, and Abigail during one of the sessions (they were out near the book tables). We're all missing little Abby! (of course, Nathan, Melanie, and G&G too!)

Anna with Tabitha

Maxwell Girls with a little girl named Sarah (who also happens to watch the blog!)

This dad was a "test" dad for Redeeming the Time, and we met the parents in Somerset, Kentucky.

Sarah for all the rest

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

Gadsden was a small, cute town, nestled among the hills of Alabama. We had a scenic (and twisty!) drive from the Huntsville area to Gadsden Thursday afternoon. I didn’t realize Alabama could be so pretty!

The coordinator and several other ladies made dinner for us before the conference. One of the ladies’ father made quite a few pies for dessert; he owns a bakery. It was a delicious taste of hometown Alabama!

The Lord brought a nice-sized group of people to the conference. My group of girls was on the younger side, but the Lord always gives ways to tailor each’s night talk to that specific group. Christopher also had a younger group.

We also met a family who plays gospel bluegrass, and several family members enjoyed chatting with them.

Sarah

Several of the ladies, with a daughter, who made dinner (and thanks to the others who helped).

Dad and Mom

Daddy and another dad talking.

“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).

The sun is shining, and we have beautiful blue sky as we're driving across North Carolina today. We're headed for Wilmington for the conference tomorrow evening.

Pisgah National Forest was beautiful. The road was mostly tree-lined, but there was a break or two between the trees when we were able to get a photo.

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree:
he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon” (Psalms 92:12).

at “Home Sweet Wal-Mart” in the foothills of Asheville, North Carolina. We stopped an hour and a half ago in a small town in Tennessee for the night, but we observed quite a bit of activity in the parking lot, and it was obvious it was quite the hangout for teenagers. So, after Bible time, we opted to move on. We would all sleep better without lots of outside noise.

Dad did great driving through the curvy, smoky mountains, and the moon stood out brightly in the dark sky. We enjoyed a night view of the thickly wooded mountains. It’s a crisp, autumn evening, and some are heading for bed, several are in shopping, and I can hear John out chatting with a “neighbor.” This Wal-Mart has quite a few RVs parked for the night.

John talking

I know we’re overdue on some blogging, but in the next day or two, we’ll be posting conferences reports for Alabama and Tennessee, plus a long-awaited bus tour . We are SO very grateful for all your prayers. We’re on the homeward stretch–one week to go until we’re Kansas-bound.

Sarah for the rest

Uriah

“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler” (Psalms 91:3-4).

As we're driving to Knoxville the temperatures are pleasant, and that is likely due to the gray skies. I kept trying to get photos of the fog, trees, and hills, but it was hard due to the trees that lined the road!

We’re looking forward to the Knoxville area conference tonight and tomorrow. Hope to see some of you there!

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).

This trip, we have had several opportunities to spend a bit of time with some friends. As time and our route allows, we enjoy these sweet times of fellowship.

TIme with Mom’s Aunt and Uncle in Colorado

Uncle Roy, Aunt Phyllis, and Mom and Dad

Friends in Colorado

Helping with clean up

Bible time together

Friends in Ohio

Mrs. R and Mom

Walking...

Saying good-bye as Uriah pulls away...

A family from southern Florida drove up to see us for a few hours Sunday afternoon

Christopher and Jesse with Joel.

Sisters -- in Christ

The moms

The dads

Another family from Florida

The family singing a blessing to us.

Bible time

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

The weather has cooled off, and we’re enjoying a beautiful, sunny day, with the wind whistling through several open windows.

We finished the Tampa area conference last night, and we began our drive to Alabama this morning, after a good night’s rest. We are currently driving just past Atlanta. Our conference coordinator and her friend provided dinner beforehand last night. The Lord’s blessing was again evident throughout the evening!

The little girl is looking at the tracts Christopher gave out.

Anna helping at the book tables

Talking...

Two children who enjoy the Moody books. The little girl purchased the newest Moody book with her birthday money.

Watch for another post or two soon!

Blessings,
Sarah for the rest

“The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined” (Psalms 50:1-2).

We had a restful day Monday, catching up on computer work and school for the younger three. Set up went quite smoothly, and we were ready when people began arriving.

Jesse, all on his own, decided to go pass out tracts before our conference started.

Uriah

Boys moving chairs around for the combination youth session...

Often, moms with babies will be in the back listening to the sessions. I thought this was a cute picture.

We like to do several songs after Keeping Hearts and Evangelism. Last night, was unusual, because after the final song, "encore" was heard. So, the family went ahead and played another one. :-)

Talking...

Again, hearts were open and very receptive to what was shared through the evening! We just finished the Tampa area conference. We will be driving all day tomorrow to Alabama!

Sarah

“The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22).

Following the worship service last Sunday morning I had a few moments to visit with a lady and her mother. The lady walked with great difficulty (even with the help of a walker), and yet she was full of joy and expressed tremendous gratitude for our sharing that morning.

As I visited with them, I found out what had happened: 15 years ago she was in a terrible auto accident. The doctors didn’t think she would live. She was in a coma for 5 months. The doctors then said that if she ever did wake up she would be “a vegetable”. Yet, God worked a miracle.

While she was in the hospital her unbelieving father visited her. He was gloriously saved. And the next day he stepped into eternity. “God used my accident to save him before he died!” she said.

We were praising God for what He has done, and I told her what a blessing it was to see her willingness to be used of God, for we know that God uses people. She again said that it was God who had done the miracle!

Talking with the lady who almost died in a car accident 15 years ago, and who, even now, can only walk with great difficulty. Yet she is a living testimony that God still works miracles.

As I was thinking back to our conversation, I realized that there are many people who want God to work a miracle in their life, but I think we often have different ideas of what a miracle would look like. How many of us would be excited to go through “the miracle” that this lady has gone through? And would come through bearing the physical limitations and continuing day-by-day suffering, yet still rejoicing in what God has done?
 

“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, ‘With men this is impossible;
but with God all things are possible.’”(Matthew 19:26)

Anna sharing her testimony

The conference was held at a beautiful, old church.

Another weekend conference is completed, and our hearts are again full of what the Lord Jesus has done. Remember how I said in a recent blog post about sometimes seeing families we haven’t seen for awhile suddenly appear at a conference? Well, Friday, before the conference, Dad was walking down the hallway and a dear family we had met in North Carolina was just stepping out of the fellowship hall! Dad was very surprised and delighted!

We are grateful to the Burke County Homeschool Care Group and Hebron Baptist church for hosting the conference and all they did for it. They provided a meal before the conference Friday evening as well.

Hearts seemed open and receptive to what was shared, and we pray the Lord will bring lasting fruit in the lives of those who attended.

Another first for Uriah--we parked in a funeral home parking lot Friday evening. Someone at the conference owned the home, and let us park there.

Mom, sharing Saturday

Mom talking with several ladies after a session.

This little girl is only 4, and she can read the Moody books herself! Pretty amazing!

Anna with Maddie (btw - happy birthday, Maddie!)

Mr. Layne and Dad (brothers in the Lord!)

A family who had come to our Shelby, North Carolina conference last year.

“The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it”
(Proverbs 10:22).

We’re looking forward to the Melbourne area conference Monday night, and then on to Wesley Chapel (Tampa area) Tuesday night!

Sarah

(PS - Remember you can click into each picture to view a larger image. We’re not doing full-size pictures due to how long this blog page would take to load if we did!)