The Fourth Of July

I think the Fourth of July can be summed up in a few simple words... Singing, family, friends, fun. We ended up singing 3 times over the course of two days. Since some were trying to recover from sore throats, it was a blessing to have Matthias and Michelle join us!

The evening of the third our friends, the Stangl family shared a concert with our hometown. They have been some longtime family friends of ours and were such a blessing to listen too.

Alan was busy on the farm, but it was so special to have Rachel and the kids join us for the two days.

During the morning of the Fourth we did a lot of walking around town and enjoying all of the festivities.

Then it was off to get ready to sing!

Michelle picked things up with the Orange Blossom Special.

About 18 years ago at this location, on July 4th we did one of our very first concerts! And it's been a tradition to come back and sing here every year since.

Love the small-town feel!

Then we headed out to sing before the big fireworks display. It ended up being quite eventful! About halfway through the concert it looked like a storm was coming and so they decided to start the fireworks show early so that they wouldn't have to fight the weather as much. As soon as that call was made, the wind picked up and knocked our bass down. It was a mad scramble to pack everything else up before the wind knocked something else down. A short time later we were all loaded up and laying in the grass enjoying fireworks.

We are so grateful to be able to call this beautiful land our HOME.

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

2 Chronicles 7:14

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Matthias

I just realized that at the beginning of the year I was posting updates about each of the siblings on their birthdays. Since I didn't miss very many I'll try to post them now and get caught up.

As you probably know, Matthias got married on December 30th. So happy 6th month Anniversary Mr & Mrs Matthias Wissmann!

The last couple of months he and Michelle have been setting up house in Seward, Nebraska! If they have a free weekend they usually spend it working on some home projects. It is really fun to see the changes that they've made to the place. Michelle enjoys cooking and trying new recipes, which is really good, because Matthias really enjoys eating! It is always fun to see pictures of the beautiful dishes she creates.

They try to stay involved with both families as much as they can, which means trips up to visit her family in Minnesota and some evenings spent at our house. They usually don't travel with us, but they joined us for the trip to Wyoming, and they sing with us if we are local. They both love music, and they are willing to pitch in and play wherever needed. If they come over in the evening you can be pretty sure there will be some jamming going on. Matthias still has his recording studio and He has done several projects for other families. His latest project is recording our new cd!

Matthias is part manager of Wissmann Enterprises, so we see him very often. Michelle helps install the irrigation systems in the spring and fall.

It will be exciting to see where God leads Matthias and Michelle in the future.

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen."
2 Peter 3:18

Wyoming

Two weeks ago we got to spend about 4 days in Cody, Wyoming. It used to be an annual trip for us, and we have tons of memories out there. But since Charissa doesn't remember any of our stories, more years must have passed than we realized. I guess that just made it more special to go out there this summer!

Each evening we would share a concert along with two other groups that we work with in the South Carolina prisons. But during the day our friends would take us out to explore the beautiful countryside. It was amazing!!

They took us hiking and caving...

We played volleyball and rode four-wheelers and dirt bikes...

We got to catch up with old friends and meet new ones...

It was so special! 

Thank you Atnips for the incredible hospitality.

"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world,

Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God."

Psalms 90:2

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Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Oh soul are you weary and troubled

No light in the darkness to see

There's light when you look at the Savior

And life more abundant and free

His Word shall not fail you He promised

Believe Him and all will be well

Then go to a world that is dying

His perfect salvation to tell

Turn your eyes upon Jesus look full in His wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace

Canada

I'm a bit behind in posting what we've been up to recently. I guess that is what happens when life goes faster than I can blog! The beginning of June we headed to Canada for a weekend family camp. The sponsoring church is one we've enjoyed being with many times through the years. They had planned their family camp to have set meal times and an evening service. The rest of the time is for activities, fellowship with other families, or personal time!

Each day we got to enjoy the beautiful Canadian outdoors, getting to know new friends and catching up with old ones. Walks in the woods with other campers provided time to share testimonies, burdens, and prayers, and to marvel at God's amazing creation.

  A few years ago for our birthdays most of us received a hammock as a gift, and now those are a staple to bring on the road. This was a perfect trip to set them all up! It was so relaxing to sit in them and talk or read during the day and then sleep in them at night. Nathanael brought a few bikes up as well which was perfect for the trails in that area!  There was also a big soccer game one afternoon that we enjoyed; some of us were playing, and some just watching!!

One afternoon we looked out the window to see Dad and Mom trying to walk on stilts. I think they did better than most of us kids when we went out to try it with them!

Each evening we sang, and then Dad would share Scriptures and testimonies of God's plan, purpose and promises for the family. Afterwards there was fellowship time around campfires. It was such a refreshing week!  A huge thank you to everyone there! We treasure your fellowship, friendship, and faithful walk with the Lord.

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

Hebrews 10:24-15

Wyatt Andrew

He is here!! 

Welcome to the world little 

Wyatt Andrew Wissmann

Born: June 25, 2018

7lbs

20.5 inches long

Congratulations Andrew and Kori! 

We cannot wait to come down and give you all hugs.

"I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,

And I will glorify Your name forever."

Psalms 86:12

Faith

"Unless there is risk, there is no need for faith." 

God calls us to do beyond what we are comfortable with or what we are capable of. But as you trust the Lord and step out to do what He has called you to, then you get to see God's faithfulness proved over, and over again. And that is exciting!!

"Trust in the Lord, and do good;

Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness."

Psalms 37:3

Courthouse Rock

The job that we finished on Tuesday morning was close to two big "rocks" that you could hike up. One was Courthouse Rock and the other was Jailhouse Rock. Since we were able to get the job down pretty early that morning we decided to celebrate by climbing to the top. We didn't have time to go up both but we did make it up Courthouse.

I didn't get a picture of everyone, but Elizabeth, Matthias, Michelle, Stephen, Susanna, Alaythia and Nathanael and I all went up.

Some of us at the top.

The view from was gorgeous!

 It wasn't like hiking the Colorado mountains, but we had fun!

Then it was back in the trucks and time to head HOME!!

"He is the Rock, His work is perfect;

For all His ways are justice,

A God of truth and without injustice;

Righteous and upright is He."

Deuteronomy 32:4

Western Nebraska

The last week we have been working on a couple of jobs out in western Nebraska, about 6 hours away. Between commitments at home, some work in Colorado and the weekend it has made for some full days with lots of traveling!

We are finishing up the last of the irrigation season and I think everyone is ready for this busy season to be done for awhile. We pulled into the field on Tuesday and started laying out and putting together all of the pipe.

After the trencher comes through the guys come along and clear out the space around each drip tape so that we can hook it up to the pipe. I don't know how much we've shared before about the installation process. Long story short, it is a lot of good hard work. 

Having to take the four wheeler somewhere is one of the funnest parts of the job. It was super hot out there and all of us got a pretty good tan/sunburn! 

We finished Tuesday morning, hiked a big rock to celebrate (more pics coming later) and then drove home just in time to unpack and repack for a trip to Canada! We are so grateful for the opportunity to work hard in the fields and how God has blessed the business as well as being able to travel and share the most important message through music. It isn't always easy, but God is so faithful!

"But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak,  

for your work shall be rewarded!"

2 Coronicles 15:7

Ginger

Look who is growing up on us! 

Ginger isn't quite the little puppy anymore. She is learning new tricks and growing out of the chewing stage. (At least we hope she is!) 

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

2 Peter 3:18