In the Fullness of Time...

by Anna

 The fullness of time... What a concept! Sometimes I have wondered about the magnitude of that statement in Galatians 4:4 when Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, described the timing of Jesus' entering into this world ~ to enter into our world, and manifest Himself as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Life. Time. We often feel that there is never enough of either one. But God, in His sovereignty, has placed the universe in which we live into the fragile and limited confinements of both life and time. Not only is the conscious recognition of life and time a continual reminder that we are not as big as we think we are. They both are also amazing gifts that each and every one of us have been gifted with; to use, to invest and to develop so that we can learn, grow and equip ourselves for the purpose of glorifying God and bringing honor to His name.

Time has passed since our last post, and life has swiftly traveled right along side the passing of time. Many memories have been made, investments of time and energy into relationships as well as projects, and new roles have been given to different ones of us. 

 I know many of you have been awaiting the day that this sight was revived, and your comments have not gone unnoticed. We now feel the Lord has us in a position as a family from which to start overflowing again. Thank you for your patience as we have sought the Lord's direction for our lives in this season, asking Him to infuse our hearts with His burden for the ministry that He has for our family. I know many of you have numerous questions right off the bat, which I will seek to answer at least few questions for many of you faithful readers:

Papa and Mama are thriving in this season of life. With no little one on the way so far, they are enjoying a new season of freedom together, continuing to grow in love for each other and us children. God has opened the door for Papa to step into the pastorate of a little church and it looks like some big doors may be opening up fairly soon for broader outreach from our home into the community. We are excited to see what the Lord is doing! 

 

I (Anna - 27) am still teaching violin and piano, but the studio has been slightly altered with the recent "pandemic" and is taking off in the virtual realm alongside the local students. Last year was a year of travel for me as I spent half the year with Josiah and Joshua in OK, then the summer in AL with my grandparents. In the midst of those stays, I traveled to MI to help teach at a string camp, then spent a week in FL with my Aunt Rhoda, for a "singles getaway". Last year also provided the opportunity for me to fulfill a childhood dream of purchasing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy! I have returned home for the time being and am enjoying teaching music at home and investing into the home-front with my family. 

Elisabeth (25) and Nathan are doing well! They have one little boy now, four months older than our youngest, Priscilla.  They have totally adapted to life as a family and we enjoy watching how God has launched them off together.

 Josiah (24) is now in Bible College, pouring himself into the Word of God and using this time that he has to learn and equip himself for whatever the Lord has for him in the future. He continues to work at a small aircraft mechanics shop and still thoroughly enjoys flying and seeing the world from the air.

Laura (22) was able to take a trip to Mexico fairly recently, and has taken it upon herself to learn Spanish. She has also stepped into the opportunity of advancing her medical training with our local fire department, and she is investing her specialty of working with the little ones in the preschool realm during the school week.

Christina (20) is the secondary school teacher for the middle school grades here at home, and is a fabulous contribution to the smooth running of this "ship". She has opened up to teach advanced piano lessons and does a fantastic job as our family piano accompanist nowadays.

Charity (19) graduated last year from high school and has stepped into the 1st grade teacher position. Her heart for people has only grown and matured and she has become Papa's right hands as HR Secretary for him. She is a great singer and contributes greatly to our cozy home with her decoration and hospitality skills overflowing to anything she puts her hand to. 

We now have two private pilots in the family, as Joshua  (17) acquired his private pilot's license this past year and is currently reaching toward his IFR rating. He is a "jack-of-all-trades" as an amazing classical guitarist; a fire academy cadet who just recently earned his EMR certification along with Laura and Joanna; he works regularly on a bee farm with some friends of ours; along with ample experience as a airplane and car mechanic/technician, not to mention his carpentry and electrical remodeling experience that he has gained while helping on numerous projects across the country. His diligent work ethic is infused with delightful optimism and humorous lifts on a regular basis which makes him a joy to be around.

Joanna (16) has tagged along with Laura at the fire department and made a great medical learning teammate. She enjoys good, ol' fashioned hard work and has embraced this season of life by hitting the books with the intention of graduating this coming fall.  She has turned into a fun violin partner and has a way of keeping life easy and refreshing around her while spreading a ray of sunshine wherever she goes. She has a heart for our nation and is seeking the Lord in what direction He would have her hone in and focus on after high school.

 Caleb (14) and Joseph (13) are great brothers, flourishing in their maturity as well as their height each passing day! Their love for the Lord and desire for His Word continues to inspire any who watch their early morning devotions, and their disciplined exercise program pricks the heart of anyone who would think about being lazy for a day. They are the family's often-called-for heroes, taking care of the farm animals, keeping the house warm with a good fire in the winter and being a proactive side-kick for anyone who needs a helping hand.

Sarah (11), Carolyn (10), and Amanda (6) are fast taking their place as mainstays in the daily routine of household duties. All three are taking off in violin and have started piano lessons with Christina as well. They are learning how to invest their time wisely in school as well as how to help in the kitchen, and they enjoy helping with the farm animals along with Caleb and Joseph.

Daniel (8), Abigail (4) and Priscilla (3) are in the heat and thick on learning and discovering all about the foundations of life. Abby and Priscilla just started violin lessons, inspired by their older brothers and sisters to request lessons for themselves. Daniel loves to play church and sing his little heart to the Lord. They are growing fast and it is hard for us to believe that our youngest can speak for herself now!

As we get back into blogging, there will be more pictures coming, articles from the hearts of different ones with lessons the Lord is teaching us, simple joys of life sporadically sprinkled throughout our updates, and some new features that we will be making available as ideas and inspirations surface and shine.

 We look forward to connecting with you all about what the Lord has done, and anticipate sharing as He leads us through this facet of life here on earth. 

Stay tuned for further updates!