In HiS time...

Well, it's about time for another 'bus post' ! We are so very grateful for the Lord's direction as it has become more clear just recently. Last week Dad and Josiah flew to San Antonio to look at a very promising option, but came home empty-handed.

We have been looking online and via friends for other buses on the market, but nothing has been both economical or practical. Until this weekend. Our friends -- the Todd Allen family -- have recently decided to upgrade their bus -- offering us their current 'home'. While it will take a few adjustments to make it fit our needs (i.e. -- adding a few more bunks!!!), it is already beautifully converted, family-style, and is mechanically in great shape.

Our current plans are for Dad, our uncle Lyle, and Hannah to fly to northern Florida tomorrow to check out the bus in person -- and drive it home!

We are so grateful for the Lord's provision and timing on all of this! We'll have the bus for about two weeks before heading to the West Coast. Thank you for your prayers!!!

"But my God shall supply all your need
according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Phil. 4:19

Our Expedition

Every great once in awhile (usually with the turning of the seasons) Daddy comes to us girls with a request. We can usually guess his mission before he says a word -- it's time for new 'singing outfits'!

And thus we embark on a lengthy -- but often fairly successful -- search. Today was "the day", and this time we were in hopes of finding two sets, as we haven't added anything new since last summer. So with our list of favorite Lincoln stores (and the prayers of a few friends -- thanks Abi!), we headed out.

It's always an 'exciting' challenge to find colors and styles we like in the variety of sizes......Men's department; ladies petite; woman's section; size 8-16 boys; little boys; size 8-16 girls; baby department........and you get the picture. Before long we end up with our arms full of bags and receipts, mentally calculating that we do indeed have something for everyone!!!

And today we came home especially rejoicing -- the Lord helped us find two 'sets'! After visiting about 20 stores (and some of them twice!!!), we were so grateful that in only 8 hours of shopping everything came together as we hardly dared hope!!!

I know this may seem a real tiny detail in the big scheme of things, but I'm so thankful that God does answer prayer and that He cares about the small things in life. Even down to placing 'J.C. Penny' next door to 'Christopher & Banks'. [smile]

My wonderful 'shopping pal' (who rarely gets on that side of the camera). Love ya!!

Little Helper

Our little lady keeps growing and growing. She's begun to roll over and sit up -- much to the delight of her cheering brothers and sisters!!! Yesterday Elizabeth decided it was time she started helping in the kitchen. Ah, the joys of babyhood!

Daily Harmony

"Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him.”

--Hudson Taylor

"Make me understand the way of Your precepts;

So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works."

Psalm 119:27

Bus Update

"For the Lord gives wisdom;

from His mouth come knowledge and understanding;"
Proverbs 2:6

Well, the flight has been booked with our favorite pilot -- yeah, Josiah! -- to check out another bus possibility. Tonight Josiah, Dad, and I will be flying to San Antonio, to look seriously at a 45ft Silver Eagle.

Please pray for safe travels -- and for the Lord's guidance. If this all checks out as planned, we may have new bus pictures to show you soon!

Stay tuned...........

Music & Ministry

This weekend our family had a special treat -- our dear friends, the Marlin Bontrager family, ministered in a local church. This was the first time we've been able to hear them 'in person', and their message was a great encouragement, bringing both tears and smiles to my heart. And we got the extra blessing of spending Monday together. How good it is to "exhort one another...as [we] see the Day approaching!" (Heb10:25)

We are greatly looking forward to ministering together with the Bontragers this summer. If you're looking for some great family-time, please join us at the Lake Itasca Family Music Festival, or Village Creek Family Camp!

Home!

Ahhhh!!! After a driving marathon of 24 hours -- stopping to look at a couple bus options along the way -- we pulled up to our driveway Saturday afternoon. It's good to be home.

And on a side note -- please do pray for wisdom concerning a future bus. It looks like there are some possible options, but we really want God's best!!! [smile]

"Come, behold the works of the Lord...."

Psalm 46:8

Susanna

Happy 10th Birthday, Susanna!

"Oh, Susanna, won't you cry for ME??!..." Do you remember how we older siblings would sing that to you, eagerly wanting to hold you and make you laugh. You were such a sparkle-eyed, curly haired baby!! But now you're quickly becoming a beautiful young lady! We love watching you learn new things -- and all the energy and effort you put forth to conquering everything from climbing a tree to a difficult handwork project. May the coming year be one of continuing in your love for Jesus, and setting your energies to serve Him! We love you lots!!!

"The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him."

Lamentations 3:25

Little known facts about Susanna --

• She was the largest Wissmann baby at birth -- 8lb, 13oz.
• She was born 25 days after her due date
• She loves to crochet and has mastered several stitches
• Her favorite place to sing is Orlando, Florida
• As a baby, she was our earliest 'giggler'! [smile]
• Has cute freckles in the summertime.
• She's our horse enthusiast -- invite her for a ride anytime!!!

Week in Pictures

Good afternoon from northern Florida! It has been a full week for our family -- and as I haven't been keeping up with short updates, here's a post of recent "happening" pictures. (Many thanks to our photographer!!!)

I was encouraged by Psalm 111 this morning, and thought it was so fitting for the events of this week. So, on with the pictures...... [smile]

"Praise the Lord!"

"I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,

In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation." (vs. 1)

We experienced the Lord's grace through several services this week. While a few of us were fighting the coughs, every time we stepped up to the mic, our voices would 'clear' to sing. And although it was stretching (especially the service Dad had to skip due to sickness!!!), each time we saw the Lord's strength extended. After all -- it's not about us, but about HIM!

"The works of the Lord are great,

Studied by all who have pleasure in them." (vs. 2)

What a special treat it was to spend last Tues/Wed near the Gulf Coast in Sarasota. With water as clear as glass and seashells aplenty, the hours passed quickly -- but not fast enough to escape our share of sunburns!!

"His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever." (vs. 3)

"He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion." (vs. 4)

Has it already been a month since those miraculous 15 seconds in Mississippi?! We continue to marvel at the Lord's protection -- and now His provision as the story continues. Besides providing a 'bus-on-loan' to finish this trip, we've been invited for lodging in beautiful guest homes along the way. And it looks like a new bus may be in the works soon. Stay tuned......

"He has given food to those who fear Him;

He will ever be mindful of His covenant." (vs. 5)

Oh, the joys of fellowship! This past week we were able to spend several days with our good friends in Orlando -- including friends who just returned from missions in South Korea. In spite of their 'jet-lag', they graciously spent an evening of fun and fellowship with us. We miss ya'll!!

"He has declared to His people the power of His works,

In giving them the heritage of the nations." (vs. 6)

The inseparable group!

"The works of His hands are verity and justice; All His precepts are sure." (vs. 7)

"They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness." (vs. 8)

"He has sent redemption to His people;

He has commanded His covenant forever:

Holy and awesome is His name." (vs. 9)

One of our favorite stopping places in northern Florida -- the Covenant Home. We are staying in this lake house until Thursday as we share a family seminar in nearby Blountstown. We were encouraged by the opening session last night, and look forward to the coming evenings.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;

A good understanding have all those who do His commandments." (vs.10)

And school continues on!!! This week we've been able to settle down to somewhat of a routine and pull out the bookwork once again. Some good time to 'catch-up'!

"His praise endures forever!" (vs. 10)

Many, many thanks once again for your prayers and encouragement to our family. This trip has had many unforeseen challenges -- but at the same time we've seen the Lord at work and felt your prayers upholding us in the 'tired' moments. Truly, "His praise endures forever!!!"