Highlights from the Trip

Praise God for the blessings of being home and for His protection all the way. We are so thankful for His guidance and the many blessings we can testify of on this wonderful trip. Although we have gotten back to a normal schedule and are enjoying home-life, we reflect on the wondrous deeds of our God and all the ways He worked in the past month. I think it's important to record them, remember them, rehearse them in our minds to remember the great and mighty things our Maker and Redeemer has done for us, that we may praise Him for His faithfulness.

I was just reading in Psalm 86 today and was so blessed by some verses.
"For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works." ~Psalm 86:5-8

The guys thought it looked like fun too! :)

There were many happy moments spent outside in the sunshine, collecting rocks, smoothing out rough sticks, playing together and a variety of other things. It was a blessing to see them have so much fun!

"For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. Teach my thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore." ~Psalm 86:10-12

Moms are such special treasures! Never take your mother for granted. I was reading in a book a while back about the importance of appreciating your Mom for the Proverbs 31 woman she is and not to look for a different role model, but to look at the GOOD things and ways you can grow by her example. Encourage her and be submissive to her; share your heart with her and work on that IMPORTANT relationship! I can't tell you how my mother is the closest confidant I've ever had, and since I've worked on this relationship, I can share my thoughts and heart with her without fear, and am so comforted that she understands me and is there for me, wants to hear what I'm going through and she so often gives me helpful advice and wisdom that helps direct me in the straight and narrow way - because my Mom is a Proverbs 31 woman! Praise God for mamas!!! Appreciate yours!

Daddy was always so faithful to make sure the sound was just right! His example of trusting God and continuing in the JOY of the LORD even through conflict or trial is a tremendous example to me. I was so blessed when my daddy shared this story at our fellowship groups:

One night, we got back to one of the RV parks quite late, and we were not told that the gates lock at 10:00pm and the lady at the front desk forgot to tell us there was a code to get back in. So as we sat there, Dad saw a couple numbers to call if there was trouble with the gate... well, both the numbers were recordings, and we could not get in! So my ingenious brother and Dad figured we should call Mom (who was IN the park; she stayed with a couple tired little girls) and she could drive to the exit gate, then quickly back up and we'd come right through - well, it all worked out splendidly! Praise God we were not locked out and that Mom was still in the park! God knew! Well, in the excitement, the next day, Dad realized he didn't have his glasses anywhere, but knew he had them the night before to drive in the dark. So we all set to looking, praying, searching EVERYWHERE! In a 31' trailer, it really doesn't take too long for 10 people to go through all the drawers, cupboards, blankets, counters, etc. Well, those glasses were NOWHERE to be found! We continued to pray and look for quite some time, searched the cars and bags (incredible where things can hide in such a cramped space!), but we couldn't find them anywhere. Dad had packed an extra pair of glasses for just such an occasion, but we really did want to find those glasses. We had to entrust the rest to the LORD because we did all we could. Well, the next day, I was doing some dishes and Daddy come to the kitchen and asked me, "do you notice anything different about me?" - His glasses were found! This is what Daddy told me. As he was getting in bed, he was praying to the LORD - he realized he was not battling with just lost glasses - this was an attack from satan to STEAL his joy over something, and he was NOT going to let him get the victory. My daddy REJECTED the devil and prayed that he would not lose his joy over a pair of glasses, but that he trusted them in God's hands and that the devil had no foothold. Well, less than 10 seconds later as he got under the covers of his sleeping bag, guess what touched his leg? HIS GLASSES!!! Now, you have to realize that my dad tore ALL the covers completely off the bed THREE TIMES! Mom had been over the blankets and covers and I checked on the bed as well - the glasses were NOT there! It was simply a deeper battle than we realized, but once we recognized the battle and Daddy prayed accordingly, God got the glory and He showed us where the missing glasses were! Glory to God great THINGS He hath done!

At every opportunity, my sisters loved to read, whether it be between programs, between songs, after set down and we were visiting in the light of a lamp outside in the dark cool night - especially Rebekah - was reading! :)

I was so completely blessed by this woman at our favorite RV park. I had the pleasure of visiting with her for over 2 hours one afternoon. We encouraged each other in the LORD, witnessing, listening for the voice of the LORD, obeying, giving glory to our Savior and our walks with the King of kings! I was so blessed and encouraged by her humble sweet heart and wisdom she shared from personal experiences. What a dear sister in the LORD! We miss our friends in Arizona.

We definitely have much to be thankful for. The LORD preserved our bodies on the WHOLE trip through! It was incredible! We should never be surprised when our God comes through for us, but it never ceases to amaze me as He works through so many circumstances to show Himself faithful to His people! I caught a little cold during the latter part of our trip, but it was very mild. Once certain program night, I had a pretty stuffy nose (which can affect your singing) and I wasn't sure what would happen with that, but I did not worry and the moment I stepped onto the stage God cleared my nose COMPLETELY! It just vanished and there was no congestion in my head at all as I sang to the glory of the LORD! How I praise Him for His perfect timing and great works He has done!

Greg is such a patient, sweet teacher. He was showing me some tips about how to play BLUEGRASS guitar as opposed to simple chords. We had a great time and I was excited to learn more about this instrument Greg has mastered.

I've seen a lot of growth in both Samuel and Rebekah because of this trip. Although Rebekah was a little timid, when she introduced Dad, her sweet, gentle spirit was evident in her voice. Everyone loved Sam's bold jolly personality as he got used to the stage, singing and introducing Rebekah "the person I've known the longest" (in his words).

Miss Hannah did a great job on her violin solos. Even in her newest business - bracelets - God has blessed her creativity!

I loved to see when the children interacted with Mr. Krell; they made excellent memories.

One of the big lessons the LORD taught me on this trip was that He desires to show Himself strong in my weakness - so that I will call out on Him and HE gets the glory due His name. When I lost something (as I've share previously), I would commit it to Him and thank Him for the circumstance, and after I had looked and prayed and couldn't do anything else, I left it to the LORD. Isn't it amazing how quickly we can come to the end of ourselves and how soon we lose heart? Why don't we run to the LORD first? He wants our complete trust and reliance on Him, but so often we will use up all our resources before we turn to HIM, but then nothing can steal the glory He deserves as He performs the impossible in our lives.

This dear man kept showering us with blessings during our stay at Saddle Mountain! Even as we were driving away, he biked all the way to the outer part of the park to wave to us. What a wonderful blessing.

The family times we spent together were priceless. Those memories we will keep forever. I have been encouraged to invest in those lives nearest and dearest to me - love those in your family for who they are today and for who God will grow them to be in the future!

Here are some ideas for better relationships from a forward Mom sent us which we girls thought were really good:

1. Spend more time with the people who matter most.
2. Let go of  grudges.
3. Do something every day for someone else.
4. Speak your truth with kindness.
5. Know when to let people make their own mistakes and learn their own lessons.

6. Don't expect perfection - from yourself or others.
7. Be a loyal friend.
8. Listen with your ears and your heart
9. Let go of the need to be right.
10. Think about what you'd miss if they weren't around - and appreciate them now. 

11. Accept that you can't change anyone but yourself.
12. Don't expect others to do what you should do for yourself.
13. Always be ready to offer a hug, a kind word, or a smile.
14. Be quick to encourage and slow to criticize.
15. Let your loved ones know you care.

Each of the children loved to play my mandolin - as we set up for every program, they would all ask if they could play it. Sam would often ask me, "Do I have callouses yet?"

This was cute - having our "homes" so close, we sometimes talked through the window to each other or do fun stuff like this! :)

A highlight of one of the last days in Arizona was spending time in the park, feeding ducks, playing tag on the play ground (Greg and I got some great exercise too), and enjoying the equipment. This was a fun day especially for the little ones.

Some even got the ducks to eat out of their hands!

 One of the most recent lessons the LORD has been impressing on my heart the last week has been on the subject of prayer... and being STILL before the LORD! Have you ever spent time just being QUIET before God, seeking to hear His voice? I was convicted by this thought. What about our prayer life? How much time do we spend at the feet of Jesus communing with Him? Or are we just too busy with "life" to talk to Him and seek His face? I am reading Sarah Bryant's book, One Thing I Desire to Know Christ More. From there, I found this incredible section:

Martin Luther once wrote, "I have so much business I cannot get on without spending three hours daily in prayer." The impact that so many preachers, theologians, and men and women of God have had throughout the history of the church is solely based on their personal time in prayer. "No man is greater than his prayer life," observed Leonard Ravenhill. This is the thermometer from which we can take the power of one's life, for it is the hidden hours spent before God's throne that produces a strong, fruit-bearing Christan walk. These private, faithful habits of devotion to the Lord establish strong foundations, bold testimonies, and rich legacies for future generations to build upon.

Yes, it snowed in Arizona this year. It was COLD!

Daily [George Mueller] prayed for several hours; once he testified, "I live in the spirit of prayer, I pray as I walk, when I lie down, when I rise; the right answers are always coming. Tens of thousands of times have my prayers been answered. When once I am persuaded a thing is right, I go on praying for it until the end comes. I never give up."
Sarah Bryant has a beautiful ministry to young ladies through a magazine called "The Kings Blooming Rose" and if any of you have missed out on her encouragement through her books or magazines, I encourage you to visit her website http://kingsbloomingrose.com/

It was so fun to visit the Miniature Museum one of the days there. Although there were some displays we skipped, it was an overall enjoyable experience!

Really cute houses and scenes. It's hard to take a good picture in some of the lighting.

On the thought of being STILL before God, we have been reading in an INCREDIBLE book, Living Water by Brother Yun (if you don't have it, I strongly encourage you to make this $10 purchase from Amazon or wherever you can find it! It has been an absolutely INCREDIBLE blessing, challenge and encouragement to SO many - a simply amazing book!) and in it, he challenges:

The Bible is full of examples of God's people hearing and following His voice. Listening is an intergral part of having a relationship with someone. Can you imagine what kind of marriage it would be if a husband and wife never heard one another's voice? So it is for a child of God who has a relationship with the Father.

I am convinced that one of the reasons many Christians struggle to hear God's voice is simply because they don't take time to be quiet and listen. Their lives are so busy with irrelevant things that they go months at a time without ever stopping and quieting their hearts before the Lord. To hear God's voice, you have to stop listening to your own heart and mind...

Brothers and sisters, God does not often shout. If the world is making a lot of noise, God does not make Himself heard by speaking even louder than it. Rather, He speaks in a whisper, and only those who are willing to get away from the roar of the world will be able to hear Him speak.

This was only a little excerpt from Brother Yun's convicting book. I would encourage you to spend some quiet time alone in your closet with the LORD. Just be silent before Him and let Him speak to your heart. If you are too busy with your life to stop and listen to the One who wants to direct our steps, how will we ever stay on the straight and narrow way? Please don't miss out on one of the most exciting journeys - INTIMACY with Jesus Christ!

It was so fun to pull together and work toward the same goal, even cleaning up sound system every evening we played.

"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." ~Acts 20:24

We were in a rush this evening, and I asked Greg if he would mind combing through Bekah's freshly washed hair. What a blessing to have many hands to make quick work... although I don't think Bekah wished for a quick comb. :)

The previous flat picking champ in our state!

This sweet couple came to many of our programs and showered our family with blessings! We are so thankful for their friendship and fellowship.

This was cute - the children watched one of our songs (Emily strums the guitar and does the fingerings for the violin, behind her, Amanda bows the violin and leans down to finger the mandolin, and I'm sitting next to Em, chording the guitar and strumming the mando.)!

Leah is learning how to crochet, and even got to teach another little girl how!

Dear friends and supporters of our family through out our years in Arizona and our music journey. What a blessing to see them again this year (these are the parents of one of our music teachers)

Another excerpt from Living Waters that blessed me:

Many churches are spiritually dead today because they keep Jesus at a "safe distance" while they control their own lives and make their own plans. Until you realize that the living Jesus Christ wants to be the major part of everything you do, you will not see revival. Until He is rightfully enthroned as King of kings and Lord of lords, your plans will continue to be frustrated and you will see little true blessing of heaven in your activities.

Hannah, diligently working at her growing business!

My friend, are you tired from years of living your Christian life in your own strength? Do you make your plans and ask God to bless them, rather than seeking out His plans and obeying them? Jesus desires to set you free. He wants you to take off your old grave clothes and exchange them for robes of righteousness.
Your faith may have grown stale and dry, but God wants streams of living water to flow from within you! He wants you to renew your first love and to walk in obedience to Him, realizing He is not only the God of the past and future, but the God of today.

These are Hannah's official cheerleaders, but a source of encouragement to our whole family. What a neat group of people we met at this park!

The other big lesson the LORD taught me on this trip was that no matter the size of the crowd, no matter who or where we were, one thing stayed the same: we are singing to the LORD! It is for HIS glory that we are doing this, so no matter the circumstance, I must give my best, because I am singing to my Savior, not for the glory of self or for the praise of man. It makes no difference the setting, just that Jesus is glorified! This is the attitude I must have for what ever I set my hand to, because I am created to GLORIFY my Maker. "Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him." ~Isaiah 43:7

On the way home, we had to split up a little and shift around a little. Em and Sam drove with Dad in the pickup and the rest of us in the van. Praise God for His perfect timing - that very day, Leah caught a terrible bug and was feeling absolutely awful. She laid on my lap all day and I could tell she did NOT feel well. Poor dear. The next day, Amanda came down with the aches and pains of the bug as well which affected her voice and it just spread (7 out of the 10 of us caught it) - BUT we didn't have to sing any more! God knew just what we could handle and when each program was, and that we had a big rest ahead of us. We praise God for His faithfulness, and although it wasn't fun, our bodies are stronger for fighting the sickness and everyone is doing well!

Glad to be heading home!

What an absolutely delightful surprise to find all this on our kitchen counter as we rolled in, tired and weary, but very thankful to the LORD for holding the rattling truck together and our sick bodies all the way home. Our Uncle and Aunt and every family from our Bible Study group had contributed to this lovely display! Balloons to cheer and welcome, FRESHLY BAKED, WARM bread, welcome home signs, produce, hot chocolate (to welcome us back to the cold!:), a gift bag, a lovely scented candle, a fully-prepared meal in the fridge and a plate of brownies... What a blessing! We know many prayers were said and much love was sent and we thank all who faithfully cared for us in those ways as we were gone. We praise God most of all for His loving care for our family. We are very grateful!

May the LORD bless you all and refresh you in His delightful Word as you commune with Him and sit at His feet, listening for His still small voice!
Blessings,
~Dani