Remembering Memorial Day

As we celebrate Memorial Day 2012 with family, friends, food and fun, let us not forget the purpose of the day – it is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces fighting for freedom and the principles on which the Nation was founded.

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of that war; by the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. Since the beginning of this great Republic, there have been approximately 1,350,000 combat-related deaths of American Servicemen – Memorial Day is the Nation’s day to honor their ultimate sacrifice.

As President Ronald Reagan said in his Memorial Day speech at Arlington Cemetery on 31 May 1982:

"…I have no illusions about what little I can add now to the silent testimony of those who gave their lives willingly for their country. Words are even more feeble on this Memorial Day, for the sight before us is that of a strong and good nation that stands in silence and remembers those who were loved and who, in return, loved their countrymen enough to die for them."

"Greater love has no one than this, 

that someone lay down his life for his friends."

{John 15:13}

Generations Radio Interview

 "A good many daughters leave home and even abandon the concept of home.  They may come home on Christmas—or maybe every other Christmas—if they feel like it.  However, there are still a few daughters who retain the value of family life and home life. Kevin Swanson interviews Sarah Bryant, author of the book The Family Daughter.  She’s twenty years old; she is doing college at home studying theology, and she is working in her father’s home."

Click here to listen to Kevin Swanson's radio interview with Sarah Bryant on her book, The Family Daughter: Becoming Pillars of Strength In Our Father's House.

Happy Mother's Day!

"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: 

but a woman that feareth the LORD, 

she shall be praised."

We love you, Mom, and are so grateful for all you do for us in the name of Christ. Thank you for the countless sacrifices you have made and the dedicated love you pour into our lives. May the Lord continue to bless the fruit of your hands, and make you fruitful in every good work (Colossians 1:10).

"Give her of the fruit of her hands; 

and let her own works praise her in the gates."

{Proverbs 31:30-31}

~The Bryant Bees, for the

At the Zoo With Friends (Part 2)

Enjoying the wonders of God's creatures

While our friends from Alaska were in town, they visited the Kansas City zoo. We were thrilled to be able to tour it with them and enjoy their excitement at seeing the diversity of God's animals on exhibit. It certainly was a fun day to remember!

Maryanna and Hannah observing the birds

The children enjoyed their first carousel ride!

The hungry hippopotamuses were everyone's favorite animal

Little Nathanael toured the zoo from his daddy's back

It was a dream come true for Sarah to be able to visit with Sharia again,
whose friendship has been a tremendous blessing since they met in 2003.
Thank you for your godly example, Sharia!

Before the B. family headed west, we enjoyed a parting dinner with them. 
Thank you so much for your visit! We miss you all so much already and are 
praying for your safe and blessed travels on the remainder of your journey. 

"After I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, 
and love unto all the saints, 
Cease not to give thanks for you, 
making mention of you in my prayers."
{Ephesians 1:15-16}

A Visit with Dear Friends (Part 1)

The B. family has been a testimony of God's faithfulness and a blessing to our family for over sixteen years. This spring, the Lord made it possible for them to take a trip from their home in Alaska to the continental US. We have eagerly anticipated their visit here, and their stay here was a great inspiration to us all. The B.'s oldest married daughter, Sharia, visited us with her husband and children in 2008, so it was a treat for us to be able to see her growing family once again as well.

Fellowship and food

A joy to meet each of you in person

Sharing introductions, testimonies, and the Word of God

Mr. and Mrs. B. are godly examples

Praising the Lord through song and instruments

The B. family took Nathan's exercise challenges,
and were promised an ice cream celebration as their reward. Great job, everyone! 

Last fall, they told us about a fun family "sticker" game,
which quickly became a family favorite; we were excited to play it with them.
On stickers, we wrote down the names of Bible characters,
and put them on one another's head. We all had a blast asking for clues on "who we were"!

Playing capture the flag was definitely voted everyone's favorite activity
{Notice the tractor, which served as the prisoner base, laden with "prisoners"}

Extra diligent hands made work light

After the men took a turn at our windshield-washing challenge, 
the van windshield was glittering. Great job!

"Iron sharpeneth iron; 
so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
{Proverbs 27:17}

A Fun Visit...

Welcome to Kansas, friends!! We are so enjoying our visit with you! 

Wonderful cooks

Fellowship in Christ - Sharia and Sarah

More pictures coming!