Steps of Progress

Dear Readers,

To be perfectly honest with you, we have gotten a little pre-occupied with just plain living life these past few months that the thoughts of updating the blog have remained at that: good intentioned thoughts! And just a little nugget of truth: at times when it looks like nothing is going on over here, that is most likely a season that "EVERYTHING" is happening all at once, providing us with just enough time to do the absolute necessities! Our intentions at those times are not to keep you in limbo for long, but allow the flurry to pass, then, in a clear train of thought, get us back on track with semi regular updates, as the Lord allows. But to those of you who have inquired about the hold up, and encouraged us to continue, I thank you! Our heart in keeping this blog going is not to have "broadcasting our life" as the center of our attention and motivation, but that God would use it as a small platform into which a part of our family life can overflow, as He keeps growing us in our walk with Him and with each other, bringing new opportunities to develop each of us into useable vessels that He can use for His glory. As we do have the opportunity to overflow from our hearts in this manner, our prayer is that this blog would be used as a tool specifically for the encouragement and edification of all those who choose to partake of what the Lord allows us to offer in this way.

Here are some of the highlights that have just happened recently.

~ The Lord allowed me to acquire a very needed vehicle through the blessing of my aunt. (Thank you Aunt Rhoda!!)

~ We have survived several minor ice storms within the past couple weeks.. Winter seems to be coming later and later these days! This is the type of weather we dream of around Christmas, but we still had fun :)

~ Josiah is now licensed as a private pilot! WooHoooo!!! And he just turned 18! It is such a joy to see him maturing rapidly into full manhood!

~ Our Church just ended our annual Missions Conference for 2015 themed "In Every House"

~ Sickness has been prevalent, but God is good and so far, we all are on the upward mend again :)

~ The Music Studio has grown up to close to 40 music students, and I have also had the opportunity of beginning a small seasonal music introductory class for children and their families which has been a blast!

~ Papa has been able to step into a more involved role in our home education through some changes at work, and we have been blessed to see him in his full awake hours at home right before he has headed off to work. His health has taken leaps and bounds in the upward mend as he was beginning to fade rather quickly due to his family and work schedules not coinciding with each other. We know we are doing the right thing as the Lord is blessing us in ways beyond what we have dreamed!

Thank you all for your prayers and support! As our family continues to grow in size as well as maturity and abilities, there are always areas that we have not encountered before, and, as Papa continues to reminded us, we are always one season away from losing what we have. But rather than running in fear of the "what-ifs", our goal and desire, with the Lord's help, is to keep our hearts focused on Him no matter where He has us or what we are doing. And a lesson that that I am personally learning right now, and I'm sure I can speak for the rest of my family on this matter, is that as long as my focus is on the Lord and drawing closer to Him, then everything else, no matter how complicated it may seem will fall in place according to His will. That is such a comfort especially in the craziness of life as we have people to see, places to be, things to do and learn, and new adventures just around the corner.

Resting in His care,
Anna for the Team

"According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take head how he buildeth thereupon."

~ 1 Corinthians 3:10 ~