A Picnic With the Grands!

A few weekends ago, while our guys were at their father-son retreat, we girls packed a lunch and headed out to our beautiful field for a picnic. We had five of the precious nieces and nephews; which made it all the more exciting! We had a delightful time of yummy sandwiches and hand spun ice cream! We did have to call an and to the fun when the poor kiddos began to fall apart...nap time was in order! :)

We're so thankful for our beautiful view of the Lord's creation!

Noah boy enjoying "some" chips

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the ice cream!..

Even though it has nothing to do with our picnic, I had to include this picture of our precious Philip!

We've been staying extremely busy the past few weeks with the garden, and we're so excited to see it coming together beautifully! I can't wait to post pictures- we're so proud! One of the newest endeavors we've taken on is doing the Maker's Diet 40 day experience as a family. When daddy suggested we all do it together, we jumped at the opportunity- excited to see every ones health improve. It's been two weeks now and we're heading into phase two. Who would have ever thought we'd all be rejoicing over increasing our daily portions of almond butter/honey cookies?!

We're so looking forward to this next week; one of the highlights being a visit from Christie and her little ones. Although we don't like for Christie and Isaac to have to be separated- we do enjoy visiting with our dear Christie while he's out of town!

I hope you are all blessed and well! I really appreciate your comments and emails of encouragement- despite how "out-of-touch" I can many times seem.

God bless you all!

"Let your work be shown to your servants, and your
glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon
us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the
work of our hands!"

Psalm 90:16-17

Blessed Affliction

Since my post in February about my journey towards physical and spiritual health, the Lord has taught me many lessons and has been so faithful! His hesed faithfulness and steadfast love has continually surrounded me- even during the sleepless nights of itching and weeks of seclusion when it was tempting to ask if His love for me had altered. In those moments it was so important to focus on the testimonies of His faithfulness documented in His Word.

I can honestly say that I wouldn't change a moment of the last three months! I am in awe of this amazing God, who sovereignly brings clouds and sunshine to conform His children into His image- so that we may better reflect His glory.

"You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word...It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces...I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant."

Psalm 119:65, 71-72, 75-76

As a twenty-three year old single young lady, the Lord knew exactly what affliction to bring in order that my focus may be directed towards Himself- that I would understand what it truly means to find my satisfaction and happiness in Him alone. He has taught me the importance of seeking an imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. It's easy as young ladies to become confident in who we are physically, and in how people perceive us. I cannot thank the Lord enough for the starring people- which drew my attention to the hidden sins of my pride and vanity. When my physical comfort and youthful grace were gone, I stood bare- realizing the lack of inward beauty and fruit. You don't realize how much emphasis you place on physical appearance until it's gone. And it's in those times that the inward heart is revealed- be it beautiful or selfish. I'm so thankful for my Lord's grace in showing me the selfishness and vanity of my heart!

These pictures were taken back in February when my face had begun to improve, but was still not completely healed

I cannot even begin to praise my dear mother for her compassionate heart and kindness towards me during the past months! She truly has a tender heart and is such a wonderful care-taker! Thank you, mother dear, for your precious kindness in serving me! I love you so much!

The Lord has graciously shown me that He is the sole reason for my every breath! I have grown to love my Jesus as the Bridegroom whom I am actively waiting for. With every day that I wait for my love to return, I have the opportunity to serve and share the good news about His saving grace. Who can understand this love that gives His only Son to make a wretch His treasure, and makes an end of all my sin?

I am so thankful for the Lord's healing in my life! He has completely healed me, and I'm thankful that I can wake each morning and carry out my daily tasks as a service to Him. I am thankful for my blessed family and the Lord's obvious work in sanctifying us individually and as a whole. The list of wondrous works the Lord has done continues forever, and for those works we praise Him!

May He continue to bless us through rain and shine!

We've had such a blessed week with Christie and her little ones visiting! During nap time one day, we girls snuck out to the porch to enjoy the beautiful weather with a cup of coffee. Matt was our wonderful photographer! Thanks, Matt!

When You lead me to the valley of vision

I can see You in the heights

And though my humbling wouldn’t be my decision

It’s here Your glory shines so bright

So let me learn that the cross precedes the crown

To be low is to be high

That the valley’s where You make me more like Christ

Let me find Your grace in the valley

Let me find Your life in my death

Let me find Your joy in my sorrow

Your wealth in my need

That You’re near with every breath

In the valley

In the daytime there are stars in the heavens

But they only shine at night

And the deeper that I go into darkness

The more I see their radiant light

So let me learn that my losses are my gain

To be broken is to heal

That the valley’s where Your power is revealed

(Based on The Valley of Vision prayer)

“The Valley of Vision” Words and Music by Bob Kauflin

March Memories

March has been a very busy and blessed month for our family! We've been so busy making memories that I've neglected blogging for quite a while. Bear with me as I share, yet another, catch up post.

Davina and Rosie helping make uncle Matt's birthday cake

17! Wow!!!

Working on some projects around the house...

The finished product!

Mercy Jael

Jo-Jo and Noah boy

Dad and baby Anna

Our little pioneer girls!

...and their handsome cowboy!

Noah boy and his hero

Hannah and Carrie working on candle making

When you're in knead of a mixer! :)

We spent last weekend with our new and dear friends, the Morton's. We can't thank you all enough for opening your home to us and blessing us with your encouraging fellowship! Between the warm atmosphere, delicious food, edifying conversation, and joyful laughter- our hearts left full and blessed! We've had so much fun reminiscing about all the memories made over the weekend, and will always cherish the time spent in your home and the friendships we're now so blessed to have.

gathered for encouraging fellowship

...and laughter

Gleaning wisdom on gardening

Jo-Jo and Essie's dreams come true!

Late night laughter and coffee with friends...Can't think of a better combination!

Yeah, there's no telling what time it is...we're definitely at the giddy stage! :)

The guys, a bit more serious than us girls, playing Catan

Josiah, Esther, and Paul playing a game of Slap Jack

And to conclude the night- a round of Dutch Blitz!

Matt signing his first Dutch Blitz card! I just happened to have been on his team when he won.

The newest additions to our family...

Lee and Virginia. Aren't they adorable!

Ice skating

Hannah, Kristin, and Lydia

The Looper family visits

We girls thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful weather and decided on a walk. Thanks to my camera timer and our flip-flops, we got some pictures. It was easy to get us smiling because of the humorous sight of the camera set-up!

Amy and Esther enjoying our dear pups

The guys enjoyed some skeet shooting

...and were kind enough to let us girls join in

Concluding the day with one of Matt and David's awesome campfires! Thanks guys!

A day in the garden...

Our precious Mema helped all day and made things so enjoyable with her sweet presence

Sunday Memories

Alan before and after church. What happened?! :)

gathering after church to worship together

I love this picture! It's such a wonderful example of Titus 2: wise women mentoring young ladies.

Matthew and Andrew vs. Matthew and Andrew

After church, Isaac and Christie graciously had their families over for dinner. We only know how to do things in large numbers!

While the adults played games, Josiah and Esther had a tea party for their neices and nephew

Hmmm...I wonder what they're talking about! :)

Everyone says, "thanks Banister's" for teaching us the hand game. Can't say we've mastered it yet; but we'll at least be practiced up!

"When you really weigh the two options"...

I'm so thankful for the Lord's goodness and mercy to us!

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.
The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.