It Is Finished!

"Unless there is a Good Friday in your life,

there can be no Easter Sunday."

"But He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities;

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

And by His stripes we are healed."

Isaiah 53:3

Random Snapshots

We've had about 2 weeks now with most all of us at home. Our busy work season is just about to get started so we are enjoying a bit of calm before the storm. The whether is finally feeling a bit like spring and it is wonderful!!

The guys aren't putting in huge work days yet and so we enjoy the extra time in the evenings to play games together. We've always enjoyed history as a family. So recently, we watched a couple of movies on World War ll that has been so good and yet so sobering! The sacrifice that people made for freedom is something that not many face. So if you see a veteran or someone that is currently serving, make sure to thank them!

Speaking of history, school is in full swing! Alaythia will graduate this year and Nathanael and Charissa are working hard to get their books done.

Flying is a fun way to travel and we are so grateful that it makes the trip up to Grandma's house so much faster.

And there have been a few evenings where we will pull the instruments out. If work holds off due to the weather we are hoping to get into the recording studio soon for a new cd! We'll keep you posted.

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting!

And all the people said, "Amen!" and praised the Lord."

1 Chronicles 16:36

Over The River and Through The Woods...

Shortly after we arrived home Susanna and I (Hannah) were able to go up to Iowa to spend a week with Grandma. 

We are so grateful for the impact Grandpa and Grandma have had on our lives and are blessed to be able to say that they are more than our grandparents, they are some of our very best friends. It was different without Grandpa being there. We miss him a ton and it was hard going through some of his things. But at the same time, it just made us grateful for the wonderful memories that we do have of him! Never underestimate the impact you can have on the lives of those around you. A godly legacy is one to treasure and worth striving for!

Grandma and Susanna making cinnamon rolls and coffee cake. 

A bunch of snow came just before we arrived and so we enjoyed the beauty of it while we sipped our hot chocolate. Then we went out to shovel the sidewalk.

Celebrating Susanna's birthday, hearing stories about Grandpa, eating so.much.food, playing games, working around the farm, laughing, singing, doing dishes, and all of the other activities. It was a wonderful week. Thank you Grandma! We love you BIGGER!!

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul..."

Psalms 23:1, 2

Go Reach The World

Don't let me pray for wealth or fame

But a spark that sets the world aflame

Just help me reach the lost and alone

To tell of joy and hope where hope is gone

Go Reach the world, touch one lost soul

Bring one more lamb, back to the fold

Each soul another flag unfold 

Each voice another chance to reach the world

What is your prayer today?

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, 

that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting LIFE."

John 3:16

A Quick Trip To Kansas

While we were on our last trip we found out that Alan and Rachel bought a house! But as is the trend right now, it's a fixer upper! So a few days after we arrived home we packed up and hit the road again. This time to Kansas!

They took out a wall, took down the ceiling panels, tore up the carpet and looked at paint colors! Working on a big projects together has had a immense impact on our family relationships over the years. Teamwork is a beautiful thing and can make any job, no matter how dirty or hard, a lot more enjoyable!

Stephen found a friend in the house! Unfortunately, we had to leave him down there. 

There aren't any pictures of hanging out with Kendrick and Autumn, but that was a favorite pastime in between working! I guess we will just have to make another trip down to help finish the house and get more pictures. *wink wink* For now we are unpacking at home and getting ready for our busywork season to start.

"But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!"

2 Choronicles 15:7

Florida

Although we did have free time in Florida, we greatly enjoyed the places we sang as well. We had the opportunity to sing for a school chapel one morning and were so blessed by their smiles and energy.

The First Academy is the school where Kori attended growing up,  so it was delightful to be at a place that had a big part in her life.

This year it was truly the "sunshine state". Time to break out the sunglasses!

Not only do we greatly enjoy the time with Andrew and Kori, but we treasure the friendships that God has given us with the entire Knuth family and the Johnstons. One evening we played a big group game of Pictionary... If you've never played it before I highly recommend it! The less artistic you are the more laughter is heard throughout the game.

"I will be glad and rejoice in You;

I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High."

Psalms 9:2

Susanna

 

Happy 21st Birthday Susanna!

 

 

If I had to describe Susanna in 3 words they would have to be, loyal, athletic and fun. She enjoys when she can have a consistent schedule and yet is always up for adventure! She works installing underground irrigation systems for Wissmann Enterprise and plays banjo for our family.

 

This past year one of her highlights has been the trips to visit Grandpa and Grandma. Some of us made it up almost every month last year and it was such a special treat!

 

She enjoys working outdoors and spent a lot of time planting, weeding and picking the produce from our garden last year. She tends to be pretty organized and breaks down her goals to make them happen. Some of her favorite activities include sports, working out and reading.

 

Since graduating from high school she has spent a lot of time studying animal training and taking care of our Australian Shepherd, Ace. Unfortunately, Ace was hit by a car in January and didn't make it. Her most recent time investment has been sewing. She has always done embroidery work and recently bought a sewing machine to start bigger projects.

 

Family has always been important, so she enjoys making trips to visit the married siblings and their families when she can.

 

 

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God,

a worker who does not need to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth."

2 Timothy 2:15

A Day on the Lake

Once we arrived in Orlando our schedule wasn't packed quite as full so that we could spend more time with Andrew and Kori. God gave us the most beautiful weather. We are so thankful!!

 Two of the days we spent out on the lake paddle boarding, swimming, laughing and getting as much sun as we could.

The guys came over and joined us in between job sites that they were working on. Just for fun we had a relay race with the two paddle boards. Guys vs. girls... I'll let you guess who won! 

We spent about 10 days in the Orlando area and I have quite a few pictures of our adventures. So I hope you don't mind getting a taste of Florida the next few posts.

"For so the Lord said to me, "I will take My rest, and I will look from My dwelling place

Like clear heat in sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest."

Isaiah 18:14