Its that time of year again!

Branson preparations shifted into high-gear a couple weeks ago, but since we've arrived in the city filled with Christmas lights and action, life has been especially full! Practice and preparations have filled the hours and we've already seen so many answers to prayer.

For example -- although we've been battling sickness in our house for the past two weeks, as soon as we arrived in Branson on Sunday everyone has healed up and we've had no new 'cases'. Ah, the blessing of all being healthy!

We've also seen the Lord's hand in finalizing the songs and program for the show. We'd been praying about new songs for this year, new arrangements, new dialog. And day by day we've seen the Lord's faithfulness. Although we have a few big days of practice ahead, things are starting to take shape and we're really excited about the message for this year!

Next Monday starts our first show. As we think ahead to the opportunities, we're often reminded of God's mighty work last year. People are still marveling at the number of people who came to that first-year show. It is really unexplainable except that people were praying and I know that includes many of you. We heard numerous times from you blog readers who prayed for us every morning and we cannot adequately express our gratefulness.

And as we're starting a new year, we're again requesting your prayers! There are so many open doors here and so many people who are open to hearing about Jesus Christ during this season. May our lives truly be 'salty' as we share the message of why He came! May His joy radiate from our faces and conversations. May HE be exalted and many hearts touched during this special season. That is our prayer!

We look forward to keeping you posted on what God does in the coming weeks. What JOY we have to share!!

"to be ready for every good work,

to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle,

showing all humility to all men.

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,

not by works of righteousness which we have done,

but according to His mercy He saved us."

Titus 3:1,2 &5

Nathanael

Nathanael Loren

“God has given” :: “ Laurel ”

One who is diligent, trusting God for the victory.

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:56-57

Happy 8th Birthday Nathanael!

Sewing Days

If you've wondered what else our days have been filled with recently...its been mostly spent behind the sewing machines! With both Branson and a wedding to sew for, we calculated that in the past two weeks we've sewn 21 dresses and 10 skirts!

I'm so grateful for grandmothers who patiently took time to teach us the art of making clothing. If you've ever tried to coordinate a family with our range of sizes, you'll know that's its nearly impossible to find formal outfits [in decent price range] without spending quite a bit of time behind the machine! So to any of you who are patiently teaching a life-skill to a child -- be encouraged -- it could greatly bless their life someday! [And many thanks to our patient grandmas!!]

We're also grateful for friends who lent us extra machines for the week!

With both wedding and Christmas -- red is the 'in' color! [smile]

And once again, our dear friend, Anna, came to our rescue with her sewing skills! Thanks, Anna -- and her sister, Esther, too!

The stack of dresses needing hems and zippers are gradually shrinking as the 'done' rack grows!

So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:12&17

View from our Window...

I looked out a couple days ago and saw some grinning faces race across our lawn as the guys took an afternoon break and spent some time with the younger kids -- giving rides with our sound equipment carts behind the lawnmower! Wheeeeeee!!

Okay, so they had to try the thrill, too!

Such great times together making homemade fun!

Bridal Showers

Last weekend was such a blessing! In preparation for Bethany's new home, she had three bridal showers -- each unique and special with dear local friends and family. Hannah and Abi's sister, Anna, did a great job capturing the moments to share with you...

The first was our church shower in Omaha, hosted by Abi's mom and sister...

Charissa loved helping open the gifts.

We're so thrilled that both grandmas could join us for the weekend (and Grandpa, too!)

Our church ladies made sure Bethany was 'well attired' with a hillarious game of questions.

Dan's mom, a gifted songwriter, shared a special song she'd written as a young lady just before marrying Phil Beasley

For those of you who know Bethany -- chocolate is a favorite gift! I'm sure Dan will enjoy these chocolate chips, too!!

Anna, Dan's sister, also hosted a shower for the Beasley side of the family. Complete with a gourmet brunch and creative games, it was such a special morning!

Opening gifts

Packing gifts

And finally, we had a Pampered Chef shower in our home with local friends. As Bethany prepares to set up a new kitchen, it was such fun to have our friend, Mandi, share cooking tips, tools, and demonstrations.

Bethany getting in on the action

And the wedding preparations continue! Many thanks to each of you who have been keeping that specifically in your prayers. Our greatest desire is that the Lord be glorified and honored by everything that takes place on December 19th and the preparations leading up to that day!

Oh! And we'd welcome you to get in on the fun of the bridal showers! As Dan and Bethany embark into this new season of life, they'll be learning and growing in so many ways. Do you have marriage advice for this young couple?!! Just for fun, leave them a comment!

Alaythia

Alaythia Gloria

“truth” :: “glory”

One who abides in God’s word and in doing so brings glory to the Lord.

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32

Happy 10th Birthday Alaythia!

Home!

The countdown is over and we've officially arrived home! We were greeted with freezing temps and a dusting of early snow -- which made the boys promptly fire up our wood stove. So cozy!

And now we're preparing for our time in Branson with tons of sewing, practicing, and preparing. It seems overwhelming when we look at the coming week -- but we're excited, too, as we rejoice that the Lord's mercies are new every morning. Great is HIS faithfulness!! We'd greatly appreciate your prayers! We'll be heading to Branson in 10 days...so stay tuned! [smile]

"Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed,

Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.

The LORD is my portion," says my soul,

"Therefore I hope in Him!"

Lam. 3:22-24

Creation Museum

On our return trip from the east coast, we were thrilled to make a visit to the Creation Museum in Petersburg, KY -- thank you, dear friends! We went with high expectations and were not disappointed.

At the entrance

Discovery!

We started by stopping by the planetarium -- and incredible journey through our solar system, galaxy, and beyond. Mom was concerned that it would be a bit dark and overwhelming to Charissa, but when we finished she pipped up, "That was fun! Can we do that again?!" [smile]

Andrew found a friend!

And yes -- some of you have noticed that he's back on the road with us! He's grateful for the opportunities and growth through his time at the boys camp, and is now seeking the Lord for continued direction in the coming year. We're thrilled to have him back -- and that he's committed to traveling with us through the our time in Branson!

So much to see! The displays are very well done with the museum following the Biblical timeline. Even the youngest ones found lots to look at and keep them interested!

Smiles!

Looking at the overview of the Museum.

Another highlight was getting to hear Buddy Davis' concert in the theater -- and getting to visit with him afterwards. He has a captivating style that made us all laugh, ponder, smile, and be challenged all at the same time! It was certainly a treat!

We thank the Lord for such a museum that gives testimony of His handiwork! If you're ever in the Cincinnati, OH area, it'd be well worth your time!

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen,

being understood by the things that are made,

even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,"

Romans 1:20

*Photos compliments of Hannah due to Bethany spending a few extra days in Virginia!

Practice, practice!

In less than a month, we'll be embarking on our second year of Christmas ministry in the holiday destination of Branson, Missouri. During our current tour we've been cramming in as much practice time as we can in between services, fellowship, and taking care of other necessities! With a handful of new songs, arrangements, and dialog still in the brainstorming stage, we're requesting prayer!

It honestly seems a bit overwhelming with all that needs done in the coming 29 days. But we serve a God of miracles! We're encouraged to hear that several bus tours have made reservations at our show -- and once again we're praying that the Lord will enable us to be faithful with this opportunity. We're excited with the message that He is laying on our heart for this season!

May His message go forth! Again, we covet your prayers!

"That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works."

Psalm 26:6