Fourth of July Celebrations

Celebrating freedom...

We are grateful to live in a nation founded on Christian principles

A picnic with friends

Reading the Declaration of Independence

Playing our favorite "sticker game"

We continued our fun tradition of watching Fort Leavenworth's firework display with friends

...and enjoying fellowship afterwards

The men talked...

...while the ladies had "tank wars"!

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, 

ye shall be free indeed."
{John 8:36}

Independence Day

Happy Independence Day! 

237 years ago, fifty-six men risked their lives and honor and signed the document that has been the core foundation of the United States of America. This was followed by years of bloodshed, as countless men fought for our freedom - and with God's blessing, went on to establish this nation. Our generation stands today on the sacrifices and untiring efforts of patriots, who throughout two centuries, have sought to defend the principles of freedom and Biblical morality upon which our nation was established. However, evil opposition has also been destroying the freedoms we enjoy as a nation throughout the past century. Do we realize this and do we see the sins that have become the norm in American culture (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)? True freedom is not found in rejecting God's laws and fulfilling our own sinful desires, but only in walking in righteousness. "For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness" (Romans 6:20). "The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2). Herein is liberty!

"In every nation he that feareth him, and
worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."

{Acts 10:35}

While we rejoice this Independence Day in the freedoms we have been given - and enjoy family celebrations and fireworks - let us not forget that our righteous God does not overlook the wickedness and perversion that has infiltrated our land (Psalm 5:6, Isaiah 11:4). While we thank the Lord for His blessings, let us, as Christians, also humbly cry out to Him in repentance for our people's sins and ask for His mercy upon our country and future generations (Daniel 9). We must remember, "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34). Our God is just, merciful, and forgiving!

"If we say that we have no sin,
we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just
to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar,
and his word is not in us."
{1 John 1:8-10}

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD;
and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance."
{Psalm 33:12}

Saturday Morning Work

This morning was beautiful and sunny! The farm was bustling with various activities...

Jonathan has diligently built an enclosed area for new blueberry bushes,
and today he planted them. We're looking forward to having farm fresh berries! 

Nathan has been baling alfalfa and hay this past week, but his square baler
has not been cooperating, so it had to go to the shop this morning

Hitching up...

Dad trimming shrubs

Rachael is a great helper!

Cleaning windows - if anyone has any suggestions for how to keep
exterior windows clean on a farm, ideas (and volunteers) are welcome!

Mom, busy in the kitchen making butter from our rich Jersey cream 

Starting a new batch of cheese

It can't be ALL work, though, and our kitty balances out the labor and play around here...

May your day be profitable and full of labor as well,
and enjoy your Lord's day of rest and worship!

"Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work."
{Exodus 20:9}

"Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening.

O LORD, how manifold are thy works!
in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches."
{Psalm 104:23-24}

Little Tait Preemie Fund - Support Life!

Tait Zimmerman, Jr. was born prematurely at 27 weeks. He is now a healthy four-year-old, but his parents, Tait and Lauren, are trying to raise $100,000 in 90 days to pay off his final hospital bills. They have less than 18 hours left to raise the remaining $9,000 needed to reach the goal! If you can donate even $10 to support this cause, please do at littletait.com.

"The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

The eyes of all wait upon thee;
and thou givest them their meat in due season."
{Psalm 145:14-15}

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

We love you so much. Thank you for your diligence in providing for and guiding our family. Thank you for your godliness and wisdom that you share with us. We love you!

"Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness:
but a faithful man who can find?

The just man walketh in his integrity:
his children are blessed after him."

{Proverbs 20:6-7}

Harvest Time...

This week, for the first time, Nathan has been busy cutting and baling our hay. He will be harvesting his alfalfa soon as well. This is an exciting time for him. Good job, Nathan!

"When he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, 

because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."
{Matthew 9:36}

"Then saith he unto his disciples, 

The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few."
{Matthew 9:37}

"Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, 

that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."
{Matthew 9:38}

"For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof."

{I Corinthians 10:26}

 The hay fields around here are so beautiful this time of year!

Teach Them Diligently Convention

We have enjoyed Grace and Truth Book's resources for many years. The owners, Mr. and Mrs. Gundersen, have also carried Sarah's published books and have been very supportive of her publishing efforts. Last week we had a wonderful visit with the Gundersens on their way to the Teach Them Diligently convention in Omaha, Nebraska.

We also enjoyed the convention and the many speakers featured that weekend.

Dr. Voddie Baucham

Grace and Truth Books booth

We were surprised to meet Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, who publish Home School Enrichment Magazine.
 Nathan, Jonathan, and Rachael have been featured in the cover photo of HE in previous years.

Meeting new friends

It's the Ward family again!

Rachael and Sarah with Mrs. Amy Roberts

 
Rachael with Mirren and Taryn Martin - sweet young women
who are joyfully serving the Lord with their family

"Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children,
and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house,
and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down,
and when thou risest up."
{Deuteronomy 6:7}

Chicken Chores with the Farmers

Let's follow Nathan and Jonathan one beautiful evening, as they head out to feed the broilers on pasture. They hop on their tractors, load the feed and water, and drive out to the field while we ride along on the trailer.

Chickens are happily enjoying fresh green grass all day long, and they love dinner time! We will be delivering fresh broilers to Leavenworth on Wednesday (June 5), and to Olathe on Saturday (June 8).

Nathan has trained our cat, Daniel, to lay around his neck as he does chores

Moving pens to new pasture

All lined up for dinner

Once chores are complete, the puddles are too hard to resist, so the boys take a turn at driving through them.

Splash!

Well, it is time to head back home and enjoy our own family dinner. There is nothing like feeling the warm wind whip past as we enjoy the ride. It's a blessing to live on the farm, enjoy the big wide country sky, and know such hard-working strong young farmers!

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest."

{Matthew 11:28}