Nathanael

Happy 5th Birthday Nathanael!

Hey little buddy! You are growing so fast! We love your smiles, cuddles, endless questions and quips. You are such a special little brother to our crew -- and now its fun to watch you be the 'big brother' for little Charissa. We look forward to helping you learn so many things in the upcoming year -- from reading to helping the 'big boys'. May you continue most of all to grow in your love for Jesus & the desire to be a man of character!

We love you!

"Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way He should choose. His soul will abide in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant." Psalm 25:12-14

Mission Conference

"Behold I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!" John 4:35

Sometimes my world gets too small. I too easily get focused on today, tomorrow; my circle of friends and 'happenings'.

But how refreshing it has been to share a part in the Salina Bible Church Mission Conference this week -- to spend time with missionaries from Venice, Italy; Mexico; and Columbia, South America. To feel their heartcry for souls. From the primative natives who have never heard the name, "Jesus" -- to those who serve a 'religion', but lack a relationship with God Himself. The stories are exciting; the needs are great.

We are reminded once again through these testimonies........Yes, we are ordinary people -- but we serve an extraordinary God. And He can do exceedingly above what we can ask or think as we give our lives to Him!!!

"If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?"

-- David Livingstone

With the missionaries before our good-byes.

Our Growing Baby

Getting big so-o-o-o-o-o-o fast!

We are currently in central Kansas sharing at a Mission Festival -- our first trip with Charissa. Although sleeping in the bus has been slightly more adventerous than normal, we're thankful that she has adjusted very well to the traveling and changing schedule. She is such a joy!

Alaythia

Happy 7th Birthday, Alaythia!

It's hard to believe you're already 7 years old -- it seems only yesterday you were as tiny as little Charissa! But what did we ever do without your sunshine-smile and enthusiasm in our household!?! Your cheerful attitude and helpfulness have added so much to our lives and we love to watch you learn new skills every day. We pray that today is a special day for you and that you will continue to grow in your love for Jesus in the coming year!

We love you many biggers!

"You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Psalm 16:11

Friends

What does one do on a cold, drizzly Saturday!?? Why, butcher chickens with friends, of course! Although the weather was dreary today, the conversation was cheerful as we worked together on our 75 cluckers. Thank you, Ulmer family!!!

Mixing

Prayer Request:

Tomorrow we once again head to Omaha to start the mixing process for our new recording -- going over each track and adjusting volumes. Our sound engineer, Tom, has been excellent and we are looking forward helping him work on these details. We'd appreciate your prayers as step by little step we get closer to completion!

Update --- We completed 9 songs yesterday -- only 5 more to go! [smile] Many thanks for your prayers and encouragment!

"I love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications." Psalm 116:1

Home Projects

We've been enjoying family time this week -- working on projects varying from sandblasting to homemaking and all those 'someday' projects. Just for fun I scurried around with the camera this afternoon to catch some of the activity. Unfortunately I rarely make it to the milking parlor or the blasting rig, so our menfolk didn't get in the pictures. But for a glance at our day:

Of course, practicing continues -- we enjoy all the live music!

The younger girls work on their 'to do' list....

....and Bethany works away on her latest quilting project.

Banana bread, anyone? Too bad you can't scratch and sniff! Mm-m-m-m!

Ruth tackled the biggest project this week with re-upholstering our sofa.

And more kitchen smiles!

"A happy family is but an early heaven"

Thought

I was recently challenged by the following quote. How easy it is to hurry about the 'to do' list without first starting the day with what our family calls "quiet time" -- Bible reading and prayer. I need this constant reminder, for the truth is -- "without Me [Jesus] you can do nothing." (John 15:6)

"It needs time to grow into Jesus the Vine: do not expect to abide in Him unless you will give Him that time.....

.....Come, my brethren, and let us day by day set ourselves at His feet, and meditate on this Word of His, with an eye fixed on Him alone. Let us set ourselves in quiet trust before Him, waiting to hear His holy voice -- the still small voice that is mightier than the storm that rends the rocks -- breathing its quickening spirit within us, as He speaks: "Abide in Me."

---Andrew Murray

Update

And once again I've resorted to posting one big update for the week. [smile] It's been a full week for our family, filled with lots of hospitality and out-of-town guests -- with good fellowship squeezed in all the cracks. For a quick peek into some of the highlights:

We were able to enjoy a day at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo on Tuesday. Animals in all shapes and sizes -- our God is so creative!

Smiles with friends

Our growing little girl....

....but still so sweet and tiny!

On Thursday we had the opportunity to share a short program for the Nebraska Bluegrass Festival -- a secular event. We're grateful for the opportunity to share the message of Jesus Christ and were encouraged by the warm response and conversations afterwards. May the seeds planted continue to be watered and grow!

And more special moments....

"That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."

---Jesus (John 17:21)

Studio Time

Many thanks to those of you who have been keeping us in prayer this week. We've officially started the first phase of our new project -- the actual 'recording'! Between yesterday and today we have 13 tracks laid down, and we're hoping for 2 or 3 more tomorrow to complete the album.

While there are so many steps left in the process (mixing, mastering, photos, design/layout, copyright, ect...) we are encouraged to see the Lord's hand as we start down this road again. Thank you, thank you for your prayers! Our hope is to have the project completed by mid-December. Stay tuned.....

"For I know that the Lord is great,

And our Lord is above all gods."

Psalm 135:5

Pre-recording

Our family would like to ask for specific prayer over the next few days. Tomorrow through Friday we will be heading to Omaha to record our latest music project. We're excited about the songs we'll be recording, and we have endeavored to practice several times over the past week to "prepare the horse for battle" -- but also know that ultimately, "victory is from the Lord." (Prov. 21:31)

And so we request your prayers. As the Lord brings us to mind, please hold us before the throne -- for strength, skill, and musical blending, but most of all that our hearts would be united in praising the Lord. That He would get the glory and the music would point to HIM!

Thank you -- and I'll be posting updates as the week (and project) moves along!

"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, He increases strength."

Isaiah 40:29-30

Our Week

I realize I haven't updated here for awhile... It has been a full week of enjoying our little bundle of joy, spending time with company, and practicing music (more on that later). As Bethany is always faithful to have her camera on hand, here are a few moments from the past few days --

Notice those chubby cheeks already!

Grandma Wissmann was able to come and spend an afternoon getting acquainted with Charissa -- and we all enjoyed her visit, too. [smile]

There's nothing quite so wondrous as looking into a baby's eyes...

...and brother/sister moments.

Every autumn we go on 'the hunt' for monarch caterpillars -- and this year we had 3 that plumped up and made beautiful jeweled chrysalis' at our kitchen windowsill. And we've been waiting and watching for the exciting moment.

Well, yesterday it happened! Our first butterfly made its appearance with all the grace and beauty of God's handiwork. Isn't it amazing how God can change things?!

And finally -- enjoying moments with friends.

"For this reason also, we do not cease to pray for you...that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Colossians 1:10