Thanksgiving

Wishing you a very blessed Thanksgiving!

Oh, how much we have to be grateful for!

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above..." James 1:17

New Experiences

And who can tell what a day may bring forth?! Yesterday and today our guys had the opportunity to work with Grandpa pouring a cement drive for their small-town cemetary. While it was quite a work project, there were many smiles and laughs exchanged in the process!

We love you bigger!!

A Grin

Eight weeks old already -- and happy as can be!

Friends

We just completed nine wonderful days with our friends in Michigan. The hours have been full of rich fellowship in God's Word, animated competition over games, and many 'little people' giggles and laughs sprinkled throughout.

Thank you, dear friends!

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." Phil. 1:3-6

To Every Generation

From my earliest memories, the delight of climbing into a car (back when the Wissmanns all fit in a car!!!) to visit an elderly friend or relative will always bring a smile to my heart. Often we would go with Grandma, or bake bread with Mom to leave them a 'we-care' package. Their eyes would sparkle and laugh as we’d visit or sing (our first little 'concerts)'. When we’d say good bye they’d always wave and welcome us back 'anytime'.

Looking back, I'm sure there were many other activities that could have crowded into Mom and Grandma's schedule (there were 5 of us children under the age of 7). The ‘to do’ list would be endless!! But I am so grateful they made time to honor and care. They taught us by example that it is more blessed to give that to receive -- and that joy is multiplied when shared with others!

And so it brought back these special memories as we were able to share at a couple retirement homes this past week. Bethany caught the following moments on film……er, digital file:

"One generation will praise Thy works to another,
And shall declare Your mighty acts."
Psalm 145:4

Audience of One

It's been a full weekend for our family -- sharing several services within relativly few hours. Today Bethany so fittingly posted the following on her blog...and as it was a blessing to me, she gave me permission to repost it here....

"Whoever offers praise

glorifies Me."

Psalms 50:23

God's glory is not dependant upon how many people are listening.

It is not dependant on others attitudes.

It is not dependant on how well I sing or play.

Rather, it is my heart attitude.

If I praise Him, then He is glorified.

I sing for an audience of One.

Smiles from Michigan

Greetings from the Flint, Michigan area! It seems autumn has been on 'fast-forward' the past couple days as we've arrived in the land of chilly breezes and barren trees. But in contrast to the landscape, we've been enjoying the warm hospitality and fellowship of the believers here.

For a quick glimpse of our week in pictures......

The boys were delighted by a quick stop to a large instrument store in Lansing.

There is something special about singing for retirement homes. The joy on their faces when they see all the little children is priceless.

"How precious is Your lovingkindess, Oh God...

for with You is the fountain of life.

In Your light we see light."

Psalm 36:7&9

Look who's 6 weeks old today!

Eating...

smiling...

cooing...

stretching...

sleeping...

This is how our baby grows!

Newsletters

Ahhhh, the joys of teamwork. The camaraderie of working together to make an endless project somewhat....um.... less endless?!?! At any rate, such is the story of our "every-so-often" ministry newsletter production. With the added deadline of our departure for Michigan tomorrow, we've lately taken our efforts into the wee morning hours. But the end is in sight with only 10% to complete tonight!!! The final letter is always greeted with many cheers --- but after several months pass, we'll again be looking forward to the hours of talk, music, -- and teamwork. [smile]

Carpet

Guess what we've been up to this week?! Admidst other things, we've started back into the bus project! It is wonderfully fun to see the wheels of progress turning again, adding the 'comforts of home' -- carpet. With many thanks to our friend, Fred, for his skill and time (and patience as he works with us 'carpenter-wanna-be's), it is exciting to see the steady progress. Only 4 more days until we leave for our next big trip, so the clock ticks on as we scurry to reach our goal!