Summer's here!

Well, it has officially begun. Yes, summer is here -- at least in Seward -- as we kicked off our first 'waterballoon fest' of the season! There's nothing quite like getting soaked on a hot, humid, and sunny day. With our neighbor's birthday as a fitting excuse, we doused eachother with the refreshing liquid (that means 'cold water' for those of you new to the experience!).

Thank you, Lord, for sunshine, the feeling of bare feet in the grass, sparkling drops of water, and the joys of family and friends!

Eight Years Ago....

On Sunday we had the privilage of sharing again at the very first church that asked us to give a musical program -- over 8 years ago! We smiled as we remembered the hours of urgent practice in our living room beforehand and the wild, nervous butterflies that danced in our stomachs as we sang. It was truly with "fear, and in much trembling". 1 Cor. 2:3

Little did we know or expect what the Lord has brought from that one evening of getting out of our 'comfort zone'. We are so grateful for the continual stretching that walking in this path has brought -- as well as the many friendships and blessings. There is nothing like stepping out, trusting God, and seeing Him at work.

In pondering these past eight years, it makes me remember what Dad often shares -- No, God doesn't call everyone to load up and travel the country. But he does have a calling for each believer. May we all be faithful in the area where He calls!

" Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

1 Corinthians 15:58

Homegoing

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."

Psalm 116:15

Joy of memories. Tears of sorrow. It's been a weekend filled with both.

Our dear friend and 'adopted grandpa', Vern Redmond, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 19th. Over the past 22 months our family has been blessed to know and love this fun and wonderful man.

He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, but if I had the opportunity for one last visit, I'd like to say:

Thank you, Vern, for your friendship -- for the teasing, the stories, the special treats (chocolate!) when we'd visit; the 'fat' prayers together and telephone chats. Thanks for the snowball and waterballoon fun, the ice cream cones, the music, hugs, and laughing. You always made us feel so welcome and special. We miss you already, and look forward to your warm greeting and big hug in heaven someday.
With love......

Vern and our waterballoon fun last summer.

Happy Birthday

Guess who has a birthday today?!

Yes! It's our daddy -- Happy birthday!

We thank the Lord for you, Dad -- for your commitment to the Lord and His Word. You teach us almost daily things you've been studying. But more than head knowledge, you teach us to bring God's Word to life by living it.

Thank you for your commitment to family. For providing for us, for praying for us, for loving Mommy, for teaching us to work together as a team with a common goal.

We love you Dad!

Happy Mother's Day!

A mother is a treasure, and we just have to take this opportunity to publicly thank our dear Mommy for everything she does for us. Well, actually if we attempted to thank her for everything, this post would be too long for you to read, so we shall try to condense it a little! [smile]



I was reminded again this week how wonderfully our Mom pays individual attention to us 12 children -- our needs, our challenges, our giftings and our joys. As we older girls were having a typical 'before bed' chat, Mom peeked in the room with a message for Bethany:

“Good night Bethany,” she said as she gave a good night kiss. “I love you. I already told everyone else good night -- you’re the last one.”

How does a Mommy remember who she has told goodnight and who she hasn’t? ...Without a day planner or reminder list? ....With so many varied responsibilities? ...And with 12 children?

We love you, Mommy, and thank the Lord for giving each of us to you. Thank you for loving Jesus first -- with Daddy a close second. Thank you for all the hugs and kisses, the morning 'wake-up songs', the hours of working together, your smile and gentle voice, your sacrifice of time, sleep, and energy, and your many prayers. You are a treasure!!!!

WE LOVE YOU MOMMY!

Rachel, Ruth, Josiah, Bethany, Andrew, Elizabeth, Matthias, Stephen, Hannah, Susanna, Alaythia, Nathanael, and #13

Home again!

I know it's been awhile since I've updated here. The past several days we've been so-o-o enjoying 'home time' that I haven't even made time to compose blog entries to tell you about it! It's such a treat to get out in our tiny garden and 'play' in the dirt... to watch our little plants grow ... do school in our own school room...to work together in our kitchen... going on trips to the park for picnics and exercise... and the list continues! What a joy it is to live each day -- home or away -- in the wonder of our Creator's handiwork and His great love for us!

"The Lord is good to all:

and His tender mercies are over all His works.

All Thy works shall praise Thee, O Lord!"

Psalm 145:9-10

Fellowship

After the big weekend, our family enjoyed spending an afternoon with a couple families up in the foothills. The Montana terrain provided some memorable experiences for us ---

The boys enjoyed 'hunting' for a rattlesnake. Thankfully they returned safely -- and with a rattler in tow!

A picnic on the rocks -- and a big 'circle' of friends!

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handiwork."
Psalms 19:1

Revival Meetings

“These all continued with one accord with prayer and supplication…”

Acts 1:14

The Civic Center in Bridger, Montana is often rented for wild parties and amusement. But the scene that took place this past weekend was vastly different:

Teenagers weeping before the Lord, confessing sins, and praying for one another. Fathers asking forgiveness and seeking God’s direction for their families. Little children quietly sleeping due to the late hour of the service.

The Lord did a mighty work in the hearts of the Gospel Light Fellowship families – as well as many community people. We were so blessed to be a part of the services in sharing music before the preaching. And more than that, the Lord used the evangelist’s message to challenge and draw our family closer to Himself. It was a weekend we will not soon forget and we pray that the commitments made will translate into real changes in our lives – and make us more like Jesus!

The evangelist was an excellent song writer and we enjoyed his music.