Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families! We're so thankful for the day to set aside and rejoice in all of life's blessings - God has abundantly poured them out in every life. The words of George Washington's Thanksgiving proclamation are a much-needed reminder for the reason we celebrate this day.

We're very thankful for homegrown food and a fresh turkey!

Making a list of 100 things we are thankful for

Wonderful homemade pies

Our cats aren't spoiled!

Playing a fun family game - we write someone's name down (historical, biblical, or current),
put it on another family member's head, and they they each have to guess who "they are"

hints?

Our other cat had to participate in the fun!

"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul."

{Psalm 103}

My Feet are Cold!

What's your favorite caption for this picture?

Thanksgiving Turkeys - Just a few Left!

We still have a few turkeys available for your large holiday feast, so don't miss out on serving your family a special, natural turkey this Thanksgiving! We have several larger (28 lb.) turkeys that we have no room to store; our loss is your gain. We're offering a 10% discount!

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, 

and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."

{Psalm 100:4}

Veteran's Day

Veteran’s Day, which is formerly known as Armistice Day, is born from the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I, a war which claimed 35 million casualties. That Armistice established the ceasefire that began on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Our Nation sets aside this day to proudly honor the millions of Americans who have served in our Armed Forces in both wartime and peace. The sacrifices which these brave Veterans so freely made to protect our freedom are the cornerstone of our great Nation. It is therefore fitting that all Americans pause to reflect on their service.

"Greater love hath no man than this, 

that a man lay down his life for his friends."

{John 15:13}

~Tom, for the

Farm Trade Show: 2011

In accordance with our 6-year tradition, we attended the Farm Trade Show last week and browsed the vendors and gleaned information. Other families and friends were also there so we enjoyed catching up with them. 

Soap-making demonstrations by Mrs. Bechard

The young farmers

We enjoyed getting to know the Williams family better over lunch!
Here are the Bryant, Williams, and Weinhold girls

The men

Mrs. Bryant, Williams, and Weinhold

The Kline family, KBR subscribers in Missouri, dropped in toward the end of the day - 
a great surprise ending to a wonderful trip.

NCFIC Glorious Marriages Conference

Last week, the National Center for Family Integrated Churches hosted their annual conference, this year focusing on Gospel-Centered Marriages. We were blessed to be able to attend and glean from some excellent messages by various preachers including Dan Horn, Paul Washer, Kevin Swanson, and Doug Phillips, all upholding the importance of a Christ-centered and exalting marriage.

Various topics were discussed:

• Marriage as the picture of the Gospel
• The implications of the dominion mandate
• Marriage as the foundation for society and future generations
• The roles of husbands and wives
• The roles of love, romance, and emotions
• Redeeming the time with your children
• What Christ and His Church have to do with earthly marriage
• 
  

 

Registering and fellowshipping

Peter Bradrick with his adorable sons!

Mrs. Hayden, whose sweet family we met in 2008

The Helstroms

Doug Phillips

We met the Seargeant family in Texas in 2006, and it was great to run into them again!

Seargeants

What a dynamic speaker - Kevin P. Swanson!

We were blessed to meet Tiffany Pope of KY, another attendee of the conference with her father

Paul Washer with the incredible message, "The Center of All Things: The Gospel"

Talking with Mr. Washer

Mrs. Washer and their son

Board Discussion

What a delight to meet Sarah's friend, Amy Vest, in person! She is such a blessing!

There are  never enough vans...

Healthy food at a local restaurant was enjoyed!

Enjoying dinner and fellowship with the Juartez family and friends

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

Cleaning rooms out

A spelling bee

And most fun of all, looking at old pictures and watching videos of our family from many years ago.
How everyone has grown! This is Nathan when he was about 10 years old.

We're so thankful for the opportunity to fellowship with those who love God's Word and to hear it preached.

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, 

being fruitful in every good work,

 and increasing in the knowledge of God."

{Colossians 1:10}