Charissa

Happy 5th Birthday Charissa!

Enthusiasm:
Expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit.

"Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.
In everything give thanks for this is the will of God concerning you."
1 Thes 5:16-18

Elizabeth

Happy 22nd Birthday Elizabeth!

Gentleness:
Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others.

Do not let your adornment be merely outward...
but rather let it be the hidden person of the heart,
with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which is very precious in the sight of God.
1 Peter 3:3-4

Family Camp

It's been another great year at our 5th Annual Family Camp. With 26 families joining us for five days in the beautiful bluffs of Iowa, the time was filled with fellowship, laughter, late night talks [and volleyball], and lots of spiritual teaching and encouragement! What a blessing it was to uplift one another as we 'see the day approaching'!

Our theme for this week was "Stand for Truth" and we memorized Ephesians 6:10-18 together. Here are a few picture highlights from the week:

Special bouquets for our ladies luncheon.

Enjoying time with friends!

Archery

Games with the younger guys

Skits for the ladies

Volleyball -- always a favorite!

And the ever-favorite game:

Mighty, Mighty, Scoop Noodle Challenge!

We're grateful for another year of ministry together and look forward to 2012!


"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord,
and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth,
and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod
with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith,
wherewith ye shall be able to quench
all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
and watching thereunto with all perseverance
and supplication for all saints;

Eph. 6:10-18

Josiah & Abi

Happy 3rd Anniversary, Josiah and Abi!

"The LORD your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."
Zeph 3:17

Sing to the Lord!

Sing to the LORD, all the earth;
Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.

Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all peoples.

For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised;
He is also to be feared above all gods.

Honor and majesty are before Him;
Strength and gladness are in His place.

Give to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
Give to the LORD glory and strength.

Give to the LORD the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come before Him.
Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness!

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
And let them say among the nations,
"The LORD reigns."

Then the trees of the woods shall rejoice before the LORD,

For He is coming to judge the earth.

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

Blessed be the LORD God of Israel
From everlasting to everlasting!

Seek the LORD and His strength;
Seek His face evermore!

Glory in His holy name;
Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD!

And all the people said, "Amen!" and praised the LORD.

verses from 1 Chron. 16
pictures from the Old Thresher's Reunion

Old Threshers

Labor Day weekend again found us in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa for a weekend filled with music, family, and lots of fun times. Here's a quick picture update:

Practicing a new song in our camp area.

The annual horse pull.

Its really incredible to see the many parallels from horse training/pulling to our Christian walk. Listening and obeying our Master. Walking in unity with our partner. We were amazed by the contrast of many of the trainers and their teams. Although some teams seemed much larger and stronger, it was ultimately those who pulled together in unity that won the day!

Andrew and Kori joined us for the weekend!

Old fashioned corn-shelling.

Horse training expo.

Ice cream!

Riding the old steam engine trains.

Squeezing in for a caboose ride.

All aboard!

Smiles!

The LORD reigns; Let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad!
Psalm 97:1