The Everlasting Light

Looking forward to that blessed day when we will worship our King and Creator, the maker of the stars and the moon, the earth and the heavens, with one voice: "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing" (Revelation 5:12).

"The sun shall be no more thy light by day;

neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: 

but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory."

{Isaiah 60:19}

Years Gone By...

Last week, we were surprised by a visit from friends we have not seen in a decade! We have many fond memories together of years past when the children were little. Great to see you, Miriam, Hannah, and Timothy!

We Will Not Forget

Ten years ago today, the United States was attacked by Muslim terrorists, killing over 3000 people in an event that irrevocably changed America.

Since that tragic attack, U.S. Military personnel have been in a continuing war between principles of right and wrong to defeat those who would destroy us and our way of life.  Those brave Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Sailors have fought in conditions that most cannot imagine, made sacrifices that most cannot understand, and have families that have been forced to endure repeated separations.  Many have made the ultimate sacrifice: approximately 4800 in Iraq and approximately 2700 in Afghanistan.  Thousands more have been wounded, many severely, and their lives will also be forever changed.

Our enemies will stop at nothing to destroy the way of life and freedoms that we enjoy and the faith of our fathers – they hate us for what we are; not, as some would say, because of something we did. President George W. Bush summed it up succinctly: 

"The battles waged by our troops are part of a broader struggle between two dramatically different systems. Under one, a small band of fanatics demands total obedience to an oppressive ideology, condemns women to subservience and marks unbelievers for murder.
The other system is based on the conviction that freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God and that liberty and justice light the path to peace." 

The fight must go on. To quote former President George W. Bush again from a speech given on the 7th of October 2001, after the beginning of the U.S. military strikes on targets in Afghanistan: "We will not waver, we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail."

Please take a moment today to pray for the families of those we have lost, for those who continue to fight for our Nation and our freedom, for our president, and for our military leaders. May the Lord bless those who daily fight for our country's freedom, and may the name of Jesus Christ be exalted freely in every tribe and nation.

"The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens." {Psalm 113:4}

May God bless America.


~Tom, for the

Labor Day

On Labor Day, we checked our cattle on our land 

Checking fence lines

Rachael, talking to Leah, who is taking the fall quest!

It was a beautiful day, and the girls took advantage of it with the camera

Lunchtime

Before heading home, we met a neighboring family, which was a blessing!

Sarah and Krista

Sisters

Bird Hunting

What is your favorite caption?

Girl kitty earned the name "Dynamite" here...and she certainly lives up to her name. She is very curious and loves to hunt any moving creature - even cows in the field!

Pursuing the Lord

This summer, Loving the Lord Ministries hosted a summer pursuit which involved reading the Bible for 15 minutes each day, memorizing one verse a week, and calling an accountability partner every 2 weeks. Rachael and I decided to take the challenge, and didn't want to leave our brothers out of the fun, so they all joined us. Yesterday, the pursuit "ended," and as a reward we made Nathan, Jonathan, and Samuel a special dinner for their wonderful achievement.

I was so excited to see how diligent all my siblings were in reading the Bible each day; even if they were tired at night they would take the time to read. They each took initiative to not only meet the challenge, but also to exceed it. Samuel would wake up each morning and read for 15 minutes, and before going to sleep would read an extra 5. Jonathan read the Bible through in 200 days and Rachael read her Bible through this summer, in 90 days. Nathan undertook the memorization aspect with fervor and memorized many verses each week. He said that though he had never really memorized many verses before, he found it is not hard and he enjoys it. He and I memorized a few of the same chapters in the Bible!

Rachael and I with the tee-shirts LTLM gave as a prize

All of us children wanted to continue the challenge, so Rachael and I created a "fall quest" chart for September 1-November 31. The reading time is 18 minutes a day, and we are looking forward to another season of seeking God together. We welcome you to join us - here is a link to the chart. The rewards are untold as God's people seek His precious Word. Take the challenge with all your siblings - the more the merrier!

Congratulations!

"Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it."

{Psalm 81:10}

~Sarah for the 

Happy Birthday Dad

Happy birthday Dad! We love you and are so thankful for you. 

Thank you for all your hard work to provide for us and teach us God's ways. 

Happy birthday!

"Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, 

that delighteth greatly in his commandments."

{Psalm 112:1}

Turkeys

Jonathan's turkeys were put out to pasture this week! We are taking orders for Thanksgiving turkeys so place yours soon.

Rays of Light

The weather has been beautiful lately - perfect for outdoor devotion time! Psalm 25

The Lord has been so merciful to us and we've seen His answered prayers in several different situations lately. We praise Him for healing and protection - for the privilege of asking for His provision and witnessing His answer.

Much-needed rain arrived which we were thankful for!

God's faithfulness and promises are new every day...

The haze on this early morning was so beautiful!

 

A 'Grand' Gift

Last week, some friends blessed us tremendously with their grandmother's grand piano. Our pianists are thrilled to have a grand piano and can't wait to have it tuned, so we can play it. They have always dreamed of having a grand piano and can't believe it's ... a dream come true! Thank you so much, M. family!

The girls figuring out how it works

Looking forward to harp and piano duets!

"Praise the LORD with harp: 
sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings."

{Psalm 33:2}

Catch the Mouse

{Part Two}

After smart cat proofed the paper,

fluffy brother decided it was his turn to catch the mouse 

which was editing the picture of a cat editing the paper....

Did you follow that?

So what's your favorite caption for this shot?

Cat Ate My Homework

A smart cat proofing Sarah's papers...

{Part One}

What's your favorite caption?