ARCHIVE GALLERY
November 2008
November 4, 2008
We are in Somerset, Pennsylvania and the other three are sleeping. I got up at 5:45 AM declaring war on the monumental job of updating our journal! My goal of weekly updates has become a thorn in my flesh as of late but my resolve to win has kept me going!
The fall has been one event after another. From concerts to retreats to weddings and funerals, we have not stopped! To report on each event is just too overwhelming to me right now, but I will say this, the Lord’s Spirit has been our strength and the power within everything we have been doing.
One of our favorite events was a family weekend retreat (October 10-11) in Indiana at a fantastic Nazarene camp. The Worldwide Church of God hosted the event and had people come from numerous states to attend. It was a great weekend and we were very encouraged and blessed ourselves. The relationships that we get to build are such an incredible part of the blessing in this ministry and for us; we know that the Lord uses those relationships to hold us accountable to building the body of Christ. Jesus invested in people, so should we.
We were attempting to complete a Christmas CD by the onset of the holiday season; however, we have had to post-pone the project for next year. Our concert schedule has been so full that time is the priceless commodity right now. It will probably turn out better anyway, if we aren’t rushing to get it done!
As you pray for us, notice our schedule for November and December! It is very full and we are very grateful. Please pray that the Lord uses every opportunity to draw others to Himself and that we are faithful with the plans He has made for us. We want the Holy Spirit to anoint us in power so that there is a purpose for all this hard work! We desperately want to see people saved, encouraged and freed from the bondage of sin. That is what is happening and it needs to continue! You can be a part of that by praying for us. Please pray also for our kids and their schooling. They are hard workers and good students, but this is such a busy time, life gets a little crazy. They, too, need an extra dose of energy and God’s grace.
Sunday night we were at a Presbyterian church in Washington, Pennsylvania and Kadison came up to me after the concert…in tears. I quickly excused myself from the conversation I was in and pulled him into my arms. He told me they were “happy tears.” Apparently, he noticed a young woman who was really struggling throughout the concert and appeared distraught. She kept covering herself with her coat and it reminded Kadison of when Adam and Eve had sinned and covered themselves with leaves. He thought she felt very guilty. Kadison really felt for this woman and decided to give her some of our CDs. He manages the product table for us (with a very watchful eye from Mom) and does an incredible job keeping track of the inventory. For a nine year old, he blows my mind. Anyway, the young woman began to cry and hugged him. She felt loved and she needed that encouragement. After realizing who he was talking about and what the situation was, it was amazing to me how the Lord used this little boy to read a situation so accurately.
I am encouraged when the Lord speaks to our kids and challenges them to reach out to others. As we prayed for the young woman, Kadison thanked the Lord for the courage to touch other people’s lives. I sat there and thought, “Yea Lord, I need more of that.” Do not underestimate how the Lord can use you or your family.
A few days ago we stopped at a KFC for lunch and I noticed a homeless looking woman sitting at a nearby booth eating her lunch. About twenty minutes later, she stood up and began to shout profanities at the top of her lungs. Everyone in the restaurant stood still and just waited it out. As she was using our Lord’s name in every way she possibly could, Kennedie and Kadison were just starring at Randy and I. They were both terrified (as was everyone else…you just do not know what is going to happen next in a situation like that) and we kept telling them to keep looking at us. We were whispering that it would be okay and to keep their eyes on us. After she finally left, Kadison immediately asked if we could pray for her. So, our family grabbed hands in KFC and asked the Lord to set her free. With all of the dumb decisions we make along the way, the kids keep us in line! I keep thinking about the unsettling times we are in and God keeps telling us to keep our eyes on Him no matter what is going on around us. “It is going to be okay if we keep our eyes on Jesus."
Your family can make a difference in the lives of people you meet. Pray, pray, pray…and vote today (pray before you vote!)
Blessings to you and thank you for praying for us and being so patient for this update! I will do my best to update more regularly!
Have a great week!
November 26, 2008
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and wow! We have so much for which we are grateful. The basic fact that our family is together and growing in the Lord is probably on the forefront of my mind. The kids bring us so much joy and laughter with their innate senses of humor along with the fantastic ways they are meeting the Lord in everyday situations. The opportunities for living out our faith on a daily basis are endless as well as unparalleled ministry moments with people we know and many that we don’t.
We have had a great November on the east coast and logged many miles. The concerts were plentiful and the people were warm and welcoming. I know that the East Coasters get the label of being a bit cool and cliquish…but that has not been our experience! They have welcomed us with open arms and with a very warm reception. Of course, the body of Christ should do that!
As we were driving from Pennsylvania to Chicago, we decided that, if at all possible, I should rent a car in Columbus, Ohio and drive back to Detroit for my uncle’s funeral, while Randy and the kids made their way to Champaign, Illinois. So, I rented a car and drove the 250 miles to my folk’s house, and I must say, very much enjoyed the hours alone. I popped in a Stephen Manley CD (an incredible evangelist) and was encouraged the entire way. Al Kuhnle (my mom’s brother-in-law) passed away and I wanted to attend his "celebration of life" service. I also really wanted to see my cousins from around the country that would, of course, be there. I am so glad that I went. First of all, the service was just amazing and not only did I get to see my family, but I really got to spend time catching up with most of them. The funeral was so encouraging, and our grief, of course, is for those of us left here! There was even a video interview with one of Al’s daughters that really made you grateful for a personal, intimate relationship with God. It really made me grateful, again, for those who have gone ahead of us and preached the gospel tirelessly. What a testimony to Uncle Al’s life in Christ.
I also was able to spend quite a bit of time with my Uncle Guy and Aunt Jeanne, who live in Atlanta, Georgia. I just love them and they have been such an encouragement to us in this ministry. They, too, have been in ministry for years (more than I have been alive, actually) and have served God faithfully. We had the chance to sit and talk about our family and my grandparents. I will remember that conversation for a very long time and I am thankful that my aunt and uncle were so willing to open up to me about my heritage. It is good to know where you come from and what has molded the generations before me. Plus, the funny stories take on a life of their own. There is such wisdom in people who have walked with God for years.
Our schedule for December is packed! We have 16 events in 28 days and we are excited! Please pray for us, that God will give us endless energy and keep us healthy and alert. We are doubling up on vitamins and sleep, so that should help as well. Most of all, we want this December to be used for His glory and honor. Please pray for us as we are learning Christmas music that will be used in December as well as learning a new concert order that will be used for our winter tour.
We are also blessed with a cozy little apartment to use for the next month. One of our monthly supporters lives in a big old farm house in Northville, Michigan and has offered the use of the upstairs apartment to us while we are here. It has been wonderful and he even lets us bring our dog! The kids are still sleeping in the same room with each other…but in all honesty, they want to!
Our prayer is that tomorrow will be used as a Sabbath…to concentrate on the things of the Lord…okay and a little turkey and a lot of football! But, to make sure that our hearts are filled with thankfulness and overflowing with adoration for the One whom we have come to know personally. May you and your family have a wonderful day together…
Many blessings to you – and Happy Thanksgiving!