Andrew

Happy Birthday Andrew!

[Year highlights coming soon!!]

"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro
throughout the whole earth,
to show Himself strong on behalf
of those whose heart is loyal to Him."
2 Chron 16:9

Joanna

Happy 2nd Birthday Joanna!

Personal highlights from the past year:

• Getting a baby brother
• Airplane ride to visit great-Grandpa and Grandma's house
• Being on Grandpa & Grandma farm with all the animals
• Doing anything with Daddy or "Papa" (Grandpa Wissmann)
• Bouncing on the trampoline with aunts and uncles
• Learning how to 'draw' with her markers
• Helping Mommy bake goodies.

"But grow in the grace and knowledge
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory both now and forever."
2 Peter 3:18

Josiah

Happy Birthday Josiah!

Personal highlights from the last year:

• Having a son
• Getting second place out of 9 competitors in his first aerobatic competition
  
• Having his ACL repaired in his knee
• Going to Florida and standing up for Andrew at his wedding
• His boss buying an airplane
• Teaching Stephen how to fly
• Celebrating three years of wedded bliss
• All the family being home for Christmas
• Enjoying being settled and living life as a family

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."
Eph 6:10

Remembering Back...

Five years ago at this time our family was sitting along the roadside gazing at the crunched remains of our accident-torn bus. Bewildered. Shocked. Grateful. We were surrounded by ambulances, fire trucks, and medical personnel. But thankfully -- mercifully -- we didn't need their services.

We stood in the damp, morning air, hugging each other and checking to make sure we didn't have any injuries to report. Trying to grasp the fact that the crazy mess of household items strewn all over the interstate were indeed, ours.

Now, five years later, we still look around us with utmost gratitude. Life has continued to march forward with many changes and transitions. But some events in life seem to freeze in time. And for our family, that February morning is a monument of God's merciful, gracious protection.

"He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
The LORD is gracious and full of compassion."
Psalm 111:4

Days on the Road

It's been a full week in the south. With opportunities to minister together -- and also plenty of time to keep up with the regular hum of school, bus work, and practice.

Speaking of practice -- yes, we've been spending allot of time on that recently. And I (Rachel) have been sitting back and enjoying the progress of the younger ones. Yes, its true. They are working on new music without me. The changing of seasons calls for a changing of roles, so instead of spending my time at the microphone, I now simply encourage them onward! Its exciting to hear the new music and message the Lord is bringing out of this transition!

Of course, some chores are never done. And laundry on the road is one of them. Hurray for laundromats which make quick work of the mountains of clothes!

And, of course, fresh air and sunshine is the perfect afternoon refreshment! We're always eager to find places to exercise and work-out during our times on the road.

Blessed be the LORD God of Israel
From everlasting to everlasting!
And let all the people say, "Amen!"
Praise the LORD!
Psalm 1-6:48

The Marshalls Music

Have you ever been really blessed by someone, having never met them? ...And then wondered what it would be like to actually visit with them in person?!

This delightful surprise was ours this past weekend when Jessica and Monica Marshall showed up in the front row of our concert. For the past 15 years, their family [The John Marshall Family] has been regular 'guests' in our home through the many musical recordings they have produced. Their melodious music and sweet spirit has been such an inspiration to our family, although we'd never had the opportunity to visit with them personally.

Until this weekend. It's wonderful how the Lord ordains surprises, isn't it?!

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
Heb 10:24