Late Update

 We were so blessed to attend the Shepherd's Conference in October. We were asked to share some music during the weekend and were able to help out in other areas. It was such a pleasure to stay with the B. family - what wonderful fellowship and meals, a neat and refreshing time.

 Mr. Telfer was one of the main speakers - the producer of "Captivated" which I highly recommend! Each of his messages were challenging. He spoke about the role of a shepherd and all the responsibilities each parent has in tending to their children. Shepherding is not only caring for, but LIVING WITH, loving and leading your flock; coming alongside those God has put under your charge and teaching them in the ways of God, not just managing their time and telling them what to do. This wisdom I am storing up for my future family (Lord-willing) and as a daughter in my father's home, I desire to learn all I can in this period of my life.

 A darling little daughter of a friend that we got to meet at the conference.

 Leah loves babies! Any opportunity she can get to hold them is a delight. All us girls had to take turns watching this little one as his mommy sang during part of the conference. What a sweet little one.

 Hannah was overjoyed to watch little D. who loved all the dolls. :)

A few weeks ago, I was challenged by a message I heard. Why are we created? To bring glory to God. If we don't fulfill this purpose and live for the One who died for us... what will be the end result? What did we do that was lasting? Only the things done for God are the things that will count.What is the fruit we will harvest at the end of our lives? We reap what we sow- what will my account be to the LORD?

Brothers are such treasures... I was blessed to spend some time with both my brothers on special occasions - this was such a treat. I encourage you ladies to make the most of your time with your siblings. You never know how much time the LORD will give us with them... what will be our last words and feelings toward them? Live today as if it were your last day. It is a sobering thought, but a good way to keep a right perspective.

We were blessed to spend some time as a family, enjoying a peaceful family lunch by this stream of water on our way home from the conference.

Precious friends at Bible study; Children truly are a blessing from the LORD. May we never take them for granted!

SMILE!!! We have all the reasons in the world to keep a cheerful countenance because we have JESUS CHRIST! Why do we get discouraged and disheartened? Why do we lose our joy over such small things? We are commanded to give thanks TIME after TIME after TIME!! If we would all practice thanking the LORD for ALL things (as it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.), we might view life in a completely different perspective. Instead of complaining that you stepped in a puddle of water on the floor, thank God you have a clean pair of socks in the drawer; instead of grumbling about the pile of dishes to wash, thank God that you are ABLE to use your arms and legs to serve your family. Instead of murmuring about the sibling you are having a hard time agreeing with, thank God that you have a sibling(s) and that He has placed them in your life for molding and shaping of character (among many other reasons as well!). Turn your complaints into thanks and see what the LORD can do with a grateful child!

The LORD has been impressing on my heart of late to INVEST in my siblings. This has been my heart for years - since I've been old enough to take seriously my position as oldest daughter and sister in my home, but it is easy to get distracted and busy with many things in life - all the duties that call attention and things that may seem important ... but there is surely a balance. When the little ones in my family are grown up and married (Lord-willing), will they remember their oldest sister as one who spent time with them, listened to their concerns and joys, was excited about what excited them... or was she just too busy with cleaning, food, laundry, activities that didn't allow her to really get to know each of them personally? What will they remember me by? In 20 years, we may still have a messy drawer or room, but the siblings will be grown up - don't miss out on RELATIONSHIP for trivial things in life that will not matter in the scheme of life. Get excited about the things that thrill the little ones in your life - encourage them by your attentive, loving ear (and eye! They can tell when you are not paying attention by looking at your eyes!).

What a blessing - the LORD has been opening so many doors for us to share our music with so many people. What a great joy to work toward a common goal - to glorify God, spread the message of the Gospel of Christ and to reach out to bless others with our music. I know my daddy, who is SO supportive of us all and is our biggest encouragement, takes great delight in hearing his children/family work together. I truly want to embrace this season in my life and make the most of the moments. They pass and fade so quickly... I encourage you ladies not to waste your time dreaming about the future, wishing for things that the LORD has not allowed yet - Keep your eyes on the Source of Life who ALONE can satisfy. Only Jesus can give you all you desire (not marriage or people or exciting circumstances or events), yet so often we look to temporal to satisfy our longings. Delight in the LORD, bloom right where you are planted, ask the LORD to make you a beautiful strong pillar in the house of your daddy, INVEST in your family; THIS is our ministry. God will supply the rest!

Sam is a wonderful helper in the kitchen. His servant's heart and diligent spirit bless me incredibly. He is such a joy to work alongside. Ladies, boost your siblings with a word of praise and encouragement - they need to have our approval, not always our corrections. It's easy to see the failures and point them out in our siblings, especially those younger than ourselves, but first look to yourself. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. (Matthew 7:3-5) We want to be sisters who lovingly come alongside our brothers and sisters and pray together, work on our weaknesses together instead of condescending. Don't forget the hugs!

A while back, the little girls were looking through their clothes, and didn't realize they both had matching dresses, both from the thrift store at different times I suppose! They were thrilled and I couldn't help but get a picture! :)

Greg is so good with little ones. He keeps every one smiling and always has a new story to tell. :)

We hosted a special game night with our Bible study group, and were blessed by the fellowship and enjoyed the games. The little ones got their own special activity.

Amanda with a dear sweet friend. God has placed such wonderful families in our lives. Don't forget to thank the LORD for His blessings in friends today.

 

What a powerful speaker! Mr. Swanson shared some excellent messages with our group that weekend. What an incredible blessing.

The Telfer family was so much fun to meet, interact and spend the weekend with; we became fast friends and thoroughly enjoyed all the challenges, fellowship and encouragement. 

Don't forget to pray for your sister and brothers. It is so essential to intercede for those around you and lift them up in prayer. You never know when they are dealing with a spiritual struggle that only they can work out with the LORD. If your siblings don't know the LORD, faithfully pray for their salvation every day. Don't give up - God doesn't always answer our prayers in an evident way right away - continue to call out to the LORD and He will answer. He wants to hear our voices though! We have not because we ask not.

Yes, the dear friends we are surrounded by bring great sources of encouragement in our own walks with the LORD, daily life at home and so many other things. Am I being an encouragement to others, or am I just seeking to find that for myself? Don't forget to GIVE as you receive! :)

My sisters and I were talking tonight about investing in the lives of younger children. It's easy when in a group to talk to those your own age, but we have such an influence on those younger than us - they look up to us and are watching us. I have experienced the fruitful benefits of those who poured themselves out when I was a young girl and what special memories I have of those who acted as older sisters to me. I will never forget those acts of love toward one who was much younger than them. INVEST, ladies! Make a difference in the lives of the young ladies in your life. Ask them where they are reading in the Word, if they are memorizing any Scripture, how they enjoy helping mom in the kitchen - be creative! I have made some very precious friendships in little ladies.

A longer post is to come, but our dear friend and SISTER is leaving for her real home several hours away. She has been our Grandma's caregiver for 2 years now and what a HUGE blessing she was to us all. We befriended her and is part of OUR family. We will miss her tremendously, but God has new plans for her. Please keep her in your prayers.

 

What sweet fellowship we have had with these dear ladies. Thank you for your friendship! We love you!

Dad and Mom went out to dinner for their anniversary, and before they drove away, the little ones who were playing outside all crowded around the window to say goodbye! I couldn't help but get a picture! :)

One night, we had a sibling game - that was special. Don't be too busy in life to make those memories! Our life is but a vapor. Set aside your own desires to serve and spend time with those you love best.

Leah's solo is precious - it is neat to see how the LORD has given each one in our family a special place in our music ministry.

It was fun to see Dad and Sam work together on the car! My sisters and I were just talking about how we can encourage the men in our family and build them up; how we can do our part to bless them. In my family, my little brother is surrounded by girls, but what a great opportunity for us to encourage him in his position - continue to support them in their endeavors (even if there is not complete success, look to what they did well and PRAISE that, overlook the rest).

May the LORD be your strength and your song this week as you SEEK Him DILIGENTLY in His Word. It is alive and powerful - don't forget to spend much time in secret with the LORD. He will speak if you listen. We must: 

Ask

 Seek

  Knock

He will be faithful to answer and speak. You must be faithful to communicate too - share your heart with your Savior! He knows everything about you, but wants to have a personal intimate relationship with you!

Through Christ Alone and for His Glory,

~Dani