Stevens Family

Only a Picture...

2012-01-24T14:25:00.000-08:00

...but worth a thousand words! :-)

"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate."
(Psalm 127:3-5)

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T16:41:00.000-08:00

The Christmas season was very busy and full for us this past month with lots of company and family times. We've also been doing some yard work, garden planning, and gopher chasing (rather, digging up). :-) One big item of note is that Kyle passed his final exam and is now an airplane mechanic! :-)

Timmy in the dog house with Tundra... I wonder what he could have possibly done to deserve such treatment?! ;-)

The boys digging holes in the backyard for the fruit trees that we're going to be planting soon.

Philip and his dog. :-)

Timmy digging in the mud. We have to soak the rock hard dirt in order to dig the holes.

The boys doing some woodworking in the garage.

Jonathan and Ally were able to be with us for a couple of hours on Christmas Eve before they went to Ally's family's house. The guys spent some time playing "baseball catch" in the backyard.

Jonathan hitting the ball...

...while the guys wait to see who can catch it.

We had our annual Christmas Eve hot dog roast that evening. Family times like that are very special.

Opening Christmas presents...

We spent Christmas day with Grandpa and Grandma Harrison. We even got to watch some videos of Grandpa when he was a tiny tot in the 20's. That was really fun! :-)

On Thursday, the Munteanu family and Emily Weston came for a visit. Lois M. and Emily got to stay the rest of the weekend with us. We had a really fun time with them! :-) The Townsend family was visiting Jonathan and Ally for the weekend, so they stopped by on Thursday evening.

Playing "Traveling Pictionary".

Crowding around afterwards to laugh at the sequences that we came up with. We got from "The First Lady" to "an angel that needs to comb his hair", and so forth. It can get pretty far-fetched at times, which only makes it funnier.

Lois brought her family's volleyball net, so we spent some time playing volleyball on Friday with the Townsend girls.

That night we had another hot dog roast, and this time the Johnsons were well enough to join us! :-)

It was a very fun weekend--hiking, talking, going for a walk to "the rocks", visiting with Alaska friends who were in the area, and staying up way too late. Yesterday we went over to the Pau's house to celebrate the end of the year, and came home in time to welcome the new year.

It is so hard to believe that we're already in 2012! Looking back over this past year, we can see the Lord's hand in so many ways--leading, guiding, and providing for us. He is such a wonderful, loving, kind Heavenly Father, and He always does what is best.

"To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (Revelation 1:5b-6)

Christmas Celebrations

2011-12-19T22:38:00.000-08:00

Life has been pretty busy lately--Christmas time really brings it on. But it's also such a special time when we remember what Jesus Christ has done for us by humbling Himself to come to earth to be born as a baby.

Talk about a bad hair day! ;-) All Julie had to do was to rub her head on the couch, and she'd come out looking like this. She thought that it was pretty funny.

Michael and Bethany came over to do school with Grandma one afternoon.

Singing "This Little Light of Mine" with the children during evening devotions.

Rebecca sewing surprise matching aprons for all the girls in our family.

Philip and Timmy doing their school in the living room.

This is where Andrew is during most of the week. He works long hours.

Last Monday night was our family Christmas celebration with Jonathan and Ally and the Johnsons. (They'll be with their other relatives on Christmas.) Becca surprised the boys by making each of them a cookie plate. I think she should win a "Best Sister of the Month" award. ;-)

Timmy and Julie communicating via telephone. ;-)

Andrew looking at a picture book with Julie and Daniel.

Kyle and the girls waiting for the game to begin.

We played "Pin the Star on the Christmas Tree". (Notice Paul's arm in the sling. He dislocated his shoulder a a week ago.)

The girls' reaction to the placement of Ruthie's star. A wee bit off. :)

Is that really where I put it?

The littlest participant had it slightly easier. ;-)

Singing Christmas carols together before opening Becca's surprise gifts.

We're all matching! (And no, Jonathan did not get an apron.) ;-)

Moving on to this last Saturday...

We had the Johnsons, Jonathan and Ally, Grandpa and Grandma Harrison, Uncle Mark and Aunt Raynell, Ryan, and the Ormans (Aaron, Marcia, Carolyn and Joel) over to celebrate Grandpa's 85th birthday. It was such a fun day!

Going through the food line at lunch.

The children certainly had plenty of stuffed toys to play with! :-)

The guys playing "Settlers of Catan".

The ladies talking in the living room.

The children acted out the Christmas story while Jonathan read Luke 2. Above are the two adorable little angels.

The grandmas had to do some prompting.

And the mothers helped with the set-up. :-)

The whole cast. :-)

Happy birthday, dear Grandpa! We love you!

The Johnson family

The Harrison/Orman family

Grandpa and Grandma Harrison

We are so thankful for our dear loved ones, and the times that the Lord gives us to be with each other.

"'And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.'

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us.'" (Matthew 2:21-23)

Happy Birthday, Ally!

2011-12-07T17:02:00.000-08:00

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." (I Thess. 5:23-24)

We love you!!

Thanksgiving and More

2011-11-29T20:41:00.000-08:00

We've been busy getting into a good routine these past weeks. Tuesday night is "babysitting night", when Tom and Katie go on a date, and we watch the children for the evening, and Friday night is "Family Fun Night", when both the Johnsons and Jonathan and Ally come over for the evening.

Timmy ready to take the kiddos on a ride.

The boys installed the garage shelving system this last week, which is already serving its purpose well.

Sami (Ally's sister) came out for a visit to Jonathan and Ally, and we were able to have her over during that time, which was very fun as always. :-) We all had a fun evening out in the backyard.

The guys enjoyed playing baseball in the back corner. The dogs livened it up by trying to catch the balls. :-)

"Bread, please?" The children bring their plates to this little window in between the kitchen and dining room and we pop the food onto their plates. They love it! :-)

Things are always lively when the nieces and nephews are over. :-)

And now for a couple of pictures of our new home:

This is the family room.

And this is the dining room. I'm sorry there are only two pictures, but they will have to suffice for now until the other rooms of the house are finished. :-)

The boys and Bethany making a puzzle in the family room.

Mama reading a Bible story to Julie and Bethie. (Bethie is dressed up to play "doctor"--one of the children's favorite activities at "Grandma's house".)

~Thanksgiving~

We were able to celebrate Thanksgiving with Grandpa and Grandma Harrison, Grandma Stevens, and the Johnsons. (Jonathan and Ally spent it with her family.)

Daniel wanted to give Grandpa all the little toy trains and cars. :-)

The girls had plenty of dolls to admire. :-)

The well-behaved little Indians and Pilgrims...

...until the one little Indian just couldn't take any more of it. ;-)

Rebecca, Timmy, and I were the "turkey carvers".

Mama and Grandma busy at work in the kitchen. Can't you see what good mess makers we are? ;-)

But the guys helped clean it up. :-)

The boys watching football with Grandpa.

Later on in the day, we made the apple pies. The little girls helped Mama cut the strips for the lattice-top, and then had fun with making things from the extra pie dough.

Ruthie and I looking at a book together.

Uncle Mark, Aunt Raynell, and Ryan stopped by in the evening, and we had a lot of fun chatting with them.

Timmy and Michael playing with Grandpa's remote-controlled fire engine.

The house was very lively. :-)

That evening, we served the pumpkin and apple pies for dinner.

It was a very special day. We have so much to be thankful for! Most of all, we are so thankful for our heavenly Father. He has planned out each one of our lives, and His will is always perfect and best.

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." (I Corinthians 8:9)

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (I Corinthians 9:15)

Relaxing in the evening...

Tonight we had the Johnson children over again. This time the toy of choice was the big building blocks.

This was just down Daniel's alley.

The doggies are a source of fun, amusement, and fear for the children. But little by little, they all are getting more accustomed to them. So far, Bethany and Ruthie are the bravest.

This doggie is so "meanie-monie"! ("Meanie-monie" is Ruthie's pet phrase for anything that is soft or cute or cuddly or sweet or lovable. What a little ham! What will she think of next?) ;-)

Daniel petting Timber.

Timmy and Michael building a big block castle. It was quite a work of art when they were finished!

Julie setting the table for dinner.

The sunset this evening was so beautiful! We're all very thankful for our new home out in the "country". :-)

"So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him." (I Corinthians 5:6-9)

Jonathan and Ally's Wedding

2011-11-14T18:26:00.000-08:00

August 27, 2011--what a wonderful day! The wedding was beautiful, and very glorifying to the Lord. It was so special to be a part of it!

The photographer took the family portraits before the wedding ceremony.

Jonathan and Ally with Mama.

Our whole family. :-)

The bridesmaids with Ally.

The groomsmen with Jonathan.

The whole wedding party. All of the bridesmaids and groomsmen are Jonathan and Ally's brothers and sisters. :-)

Jonathan and Pastor Tom Chesko (the Townsend's pastor) praying together before the wedding.

The mothers lighting the candles.

Waiting... :-)

Here comes the bride!

Giving of the rings...

With this ring I thee wed...

Praying together...

Lighting the unity candle.

Just after their first kiss.

The new Mrs. Stevens. :-D

Walking back up the aisle.

Ruthie (at the reception) showing her grandpa Johnson her pretty headband.

Jonathan shared a short gospel message at the reception.

Kyle (the best man) wrote a song, "Growing Up with Jonathan", which he, Andrew, Justin Orman, and Jonathan McIntire sang and played at the reception.

Samantha (the maid of honor) also sang and played a song she had written for Jonathan and Ally.

Cutting the beautiful cake which Aimee (Weston) Brownell made.

Ally and her family did a splendid job with all of the details. It turned out so beautifully!

The rings...

Bethany talking to her new Aunt Ally. :-)

Ruthie spilled her bubbles down the front of her dress. ;-)

Time to leave!

Getting into the car...

Goodbye!

The very happy bride and groom. :-)

My personal favorite. :-)

We love you very much, Jonathan and Ally!!

"But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mark 10:6-9)

We've Moved!

2011-10-20T17:37:00.000-07:00

Last week was intensely busy as we finished up the packing and prepared to transport everything to our new house.

Mama took Philip, Timmy, me, the pets, and all the luggage we could cram into the car on Friday to our new house. It was quite a ride. The boys had the dogs in the back seat, and I had the bunny in a box on my lap. Though the whole trip was rather hilarious, I would rather not repeat the procedure any time soon. (Rebecca was at the Johnson's for most of the week, and Kyle, Andrew, and Paul stayed behind to finish up the packing, and then load up the truck on Saturday.)

We gave Ruthie her birthday present rather late. Now all three girls have dollies from Grandma. :-)

Daniel watching the puppies from behind the safety of the glass. ;-)

Becca and the dogs. They're growing so quickly. Timber (the blonde male) is already quite a bit bigger than Tundra.

Michael lost a tooth! (Actually, both Michael and Bethany lost the exact same tooth that day.) "Grandma" had the honors of pulling it out.

The sunset on Friday evening, as viewed from the front of our house. It was so beautiful!

Doesn't that look comfortable?

Saturday afternoon--the truck arrives!

And the unloading begins. So many of our friends and family willingly gave of their time and strength to help us. We felt very blessed and very thankful!

Getting the refrigerator out of the truck and into the house was not easy...

...but the guys managed to do it!

The men worked all morning to load up the truck at our old house, and then unload it at our new home. They were such a blessing!

Mr. Townsend "unloading" Michael. ;-)

Ally and her sisters prepared the meal. That was such a tremendous help!

We ate our lunch on the Johnson's back porch.

That evening, almost all of us siblings sat around in Kyle and Andrew's new room and had a very fun time telling and laughing at old stories. It was a very happy way to end such an exciting day.

On Sunday afternoon, after the morning church service, Kyle, Andrew, and Paul went back to our old house and loaded up the rest of our things. Then when they got to our new home, they had some more helpers to give a hand to the unloading. :-)

Somebody looks like his daddy!

Monday morning we began the monumental task of unpacking everything. Surprisingly enough, it was Paul, Philip, and Timmy's room which was completed first.

Rebecca unpacking and sorting through kitchen items.

The boys found a great use for the wagon on our slanted driveway. ;-) Now they're putting the same principle to use on the Johnson's hill in the backyard.

Kyle and Mama sorting the boxes in the garage.

Rebecca and I doing our room.

Kyle holding a gopher snake that we found on the driveway. It was a very large one.

Paul with an armload of zucchini from the Johnson's garden. Mama estimated that we have harvested about 1000 pounds of squash from that prolific garden.

Bethany in front of the bookshelves in our family room.

Timmy taking Bethie for a wheelbarrow ride.

It's been such an exciting and busy time for us. I'll post pictures of our house after we have completed the unpacking and setting up. It's coming along quite well, but there are still a lot of things to do, especially on the yards.

We are so thankful for this special blessing to be able to live so close to the rest of our family. We're glad that the Lord led us out here! :-)

“For this is God,

Our God forever and ever;

He will be our guide

Even to death." (Psalm 48:14)

In Two Weeks...

2011-10-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

...we're moving! Our new house is located just two doors down from the Johnson's house and around the corner from Jonathan and Ally's (less than a mile away). It's been very exciting how the Lord has led, and we're all looking forward to living so close to the rest of our family! :-D

We're in the middle of full blast packing. We've lived in this little house for 25 years, and collected enough stuff to prove it. It's quite a project sorting through, throwing away, and packing up all of our things.

Our new house is somewhat larger, and located on an acre of property. Presently it's quite bare, but we're looking forward to planting lots of trees and putting in a lawn and gardens. We really like the house, and are looking forward to making it "home". :-)

Here are a few pictures to show what we've been up to lately.

Kyle changing the radiator in Mama's car. By the way, he has only two more weeks of Airplane Mechanic school!

Our puppies, who have been growing like weeds. Tundra is the black and tan female and Timber is the blonde male. He's already quite a bit bigger than she is. Rebecca's and my rabbit is in the cage behind them. They all really like each other.

Mama sorting through boys' clothes. That ridiculous lobster fabric is really an old pair of glow-in-the-dark homemade pajama shorts that the boys used to wear. ;-)

Very true. Timmy drinks a lot of milk. ;-)

Kyle and Andrew moving a bookshelf from out of the family room into the garage.

This is what the family room looks like right now... stacks upon stacks of boxes.

The scene right behind me this evening. Andrew was trying to decide whether or not to get a scope for his Winchester.

You can be sure that these next two weeks will be filled to the brim with more packing. We've gotten far, but there is still so much more to be done!

"So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work." (Nehemiah 4:6)

Jonathan and Ally's Wedding Rehearsal

2011-09-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since a real update. It's about time I posted the pictures from Jonathan and Ally's wedding rehearsal. We still don't have all the wedding pictures yet, so that post will have to wait a while.

The tables at the rehearsal.

The rehearsal in session. :-)

It was so hard to believe that they were getting married the next day! It was such a special, fun evening.

Jonathan and Ally talking to their littlest flower girl, Ruthie. She was so thrilled about being a flower girl in the wedding and getting to wear a "married" dress (her word for a fancy dress). :-)

Uncle Mark reading to Michael before bedtime. Most of us stayed at Uncle Mark and Aunt Raynell's house, which was such a blessing. They are always so welcoming to us.

Julie (with her hair in curlers) :-) and Bethie ready to go to sleep. Tomorrow was the big day!

More pictures to follow...

Happy 3rd Birthday, Ruthie!

2011-09-19T18:08:00.000-07:00

We love you!!

Jonathan and Ally's Slideshow

2011-09-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

This is the slideshow that Jonathan and Ally played at their wedding. We still haven't received the photographers' pictures, so the long wedding post will have to wait. :-)

Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Stevens!

2011-08-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!! :-D

(There will be many more pictures to follow.) :-)

Happy 30th Birthday, Jonathan!

2011-08-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

We love you!!

Village Work

2011-08-05T23:37:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday night, Kyle, Stephen, Ashley, Rebecca, and I went to a village for the week. Andrew had to stay back at Kako to work, and everyone else went to another village.

We went to the evening service at the village church on Sunday, which lasted for around 3 1/2 hours. It was the once-a-month sing, and a lot of it was sung or spoken in Yu'pik. But the Wednesday night service was only 15 minutes, because there were only 4 other people there besides us!

We had a very good week with the children. Kyle led the Vacation Bible School, in which we learned verses, sang songs, and listened to stories. Most of the day we spent outside with the children, playing "British Bulldog" and "Mother-May-I" and basketball, etc. Tuesday was so warm that a bunch of the kids and Kyle and Stephen went swimming, but the rest of the week was mainly chilly and misty.

Rebecca and me in front of our hostess's house.

Two of the little boys having a "chicken fight" on top of Kyle and Stephen.

Singing "I'm in the Lord's Army".

Kyle leading the VBS.

We spent most of our time with the kids at the basketball court, playing games with them.

We had so much fun with all the children! We gave trillions of piggyback rides (or "backpacks", as the kids call them).

We had intended to stay through Thursday, but the weather was so bad that we had to stay another night. Since we had already told our host/hostess that we were leaving, we had to stay the night at the church. We were able to get back to Kako this afternoon.

Some of the puppies looking through the kitchen window. Our puppies are the two on the left. :-)

The rest of the Kako team. From left to right: Hannah, Joleen, Ashley, Rebecca, Rachel, Kyle, Andrew, Stephen, Byron, and Jimmy.

We'll be home in only 4 days! :-)

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (I Corinthians 15:57-58)

Happy 4th Birthday, Julie!

2011-08-05T21:17:00.001-07:00

(One day late)

We love you!!

The Last Week of Camp...

2011-07-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

...is over! And what a week it was! There were 49 Junior Highers. Andrew had 7 guys--and the craziest, hardest cabin of all. Rebecca and I had 7 girls. We both got the stomach flu this past week, so Ashley took over for one night. Most everyone was pretty tired and drained. But there were several kids who asked Jesus into their hearts, which was very exciting. The whole purpose of Kako is to tell the campers about Jesus--that He gave His life for them so that they could be saved from their sin and have the hope and assurance of an eternity in heaven.

Two of Becca's and my girls out rafting.

Kyle helping Jimmy's team do the "Magic Squares" on Wednesday during the "Olympic Games".

Kyle and three campers jumping out of a canoe into the pond.

Some of the guy counselors tipping.

We had a water fight on Thursday, the last day of camp. Above: one of the campers dousing Kyle with a water bucket.

Everyone got pretty sopping.

Some of the water fight participants.

Roasting hot dogs on Wednesday night...

Two of the girls rappelling down the tower while several of us belay for them.

One of the campers receiving his utensil on Thursday night.

Kyle deciding what utensils Rebecca and I were going to use to eat our spaghetti.

Kyle with the infamous big spoon.

Andrew with his campers and his helper, Cody, a pilot's son.

Most of the group up on the mountain.

During the next two weeks, we'll be doing village work, Lord willing. That is going to be exciting.

Today marks one year since Daddy went to be with the Lord. We miss him so much! The Lord has poured out His grace and strength on us, and been with us every step of the way and will always be in the future. He is so good to us, and we are so, so thankful to know that we will see our daddy/husband again in heaven someday!

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." (II Corinthians 2:14-15)

Elementary Week

2011-07-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

What a week! There were "marker wars", pranks, lice, meltdowns, piggybacks, underdogs, energetic singing, and serious talks. We were supposed to fly all of the children in on Monday, but because of the bad weather, the pilots were only able to fly about 16 kids in that evening. On Tuesday, the weather cleared enough for us to fly the rest of the kids in. In all, there were 50 children--the most in all of Kako history.

It was such a full, fun, and exhausting week. Andrew and Jason Pau co-counseled. They had five boys. Rebecca and I had a cabin of 7 girls. It was an especially thrilling week for Rebecca and I, because 6 of our girls asked Jesus into their hearts! That was incredible!

One of our girls making her name tag after she was checked in.

Kyle leading one of the Bible times.

Rebecca with a couple of our girls during Bible time.

There were so many kids--19 boys and 31 girls!

Kyle teaching the children a Bible verse: "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." II Corinthians 5:21

Morning smiles... :-) Because of the rainy, muddy, and cold weather, we had to line up inside for mealtimes several times. This particular morning, breakfast was very late, so we were waiting upstairs for the breakfast bell.

This little boy was so cute. He called Becca and I both "mommy".

Two of our girls during Awana games.

Rebecca giving one of our girls an underdog.

Me with four of our girls walking towards the playground.

The one and only dog here at Kako had puppies--6 adorable little balls of fur. Lord willing, Kyle is going to be taking one or two home with us. :-)

Kyle with one of the puppies. He was trying to "socialize" them in his spare moments--few and far between though they were.

One of the girls rappelling. She was in Joleen's cabin--all of whom had lice. Joleen had to deal with that all week. Thankfully, it looks like she and all the rest of us are lice-free. The little girl in the above picture was especially precious to me. She loved to be held or piggybacked, and she would wrap her arms and legs around the one holding her and put her face to theirs.

One of Becca's and my girls receiving her utensil on Spaghetti Night.

Anyone want to volunteer for the counselor skit?

The 5 camper volunteers had to go out of the room and then come in one by one and see how fast they could identify the items under the pots. The middle pot held a surprise.

AAH! ;-)

They were definitely surprised. :-)

Our cabin doing a skit.

Andrew had identical twins in his cabin, so he took advantage of that fact to make his skit more lively. He told the kids which boy was which, and then he had volunteers come up and try to guess who was who after the twins had twirled and jumped around for a little while. It was funny and very confusing.

Kyle and Andrew doing the "Cowboy Bob" skit, which has gone over very well for all the camp weeks.

This sweet girl was in Becca's and my cabin. She really seemed to mean it when she asked Jesus to come into her heart. She liked to call Becca "mommy", and me "auntie". :-)

This adorable little guy all dressed up in Kyle's clothes. He was such a button!

Our cabin--Forget-Me-Not! :-)

Andrew and Jason's group.

The whole group in front of the cross on top of Kako mountain.

It was quite a week. We were all so exhausted by the time the weekend rolled around. One little girl stayed overnight, but all the rest were out by around 9:30 p.m. on Friday night. We had our full quota of tackling and piggybacks this past week. But it was so rewarding and fun. :-)

It was rainy and muddy for almost the whole week, but it finally cleared up last night, and we saw the moon for the first time! It's been beautiful today. Hopefully this next week will be clear.

Paul made a wedding website for Jonathan and Ally. Here is the link: http://jonathanalexandra2011.com. The rest of the family is working on the "Mariposa House" (Jonathan and Ally's new house) with the Townsend family this weekend.

"The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7)

High School Week #2

2011-07-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we finished the second week of high school camp. Because of the bad weather, the pilots were only able to fly 18 kids in. It was a very rainy, muddy week.

Andrew helping one of his guys with his craft project.

Me with the three girls in Ashley's and my cabin while waiting for archery to begin.

Archery...

Rappelling...

The view from the rappelling tower of one of the planes landing.

Ashley's and my cabin at mealtime.

Jimmy giving Andrew an under-dog. :-)

John and Becky leading Bible time on Thursday. They are getting married in October, and they were able to share with the kids about purity and marriage.

Thursday evening is skit night. Each of the cabins acts out a skit, and the counselors put on a few as well.

John being the "baby" in the "enlarging box" skit.

We had a "hair contest" for our skit. Veronica helped us out.

Welcome to the "Kako Mud War of 2011"!

The rain provided plenty of ooey, gooey mud for our war. No one who participated was left unscathed.

Beware! He's armed and ready.

It looks like both Joleen and Andrew are about to get plastered.

Then we ran down to the pond and waded or swam in the very cold water to try to get some of the mud off. Brr!

Kyle, Andrew, and Stephen went out in a canoe so that they could tip. We couldn't wash all the mud off, so they turned the power on for us so that we could take showers.

Andrew and Byron's team up on the mountain.

Most of the group up on Kako Mountain. It was incredibly windy out!

It was a different sort of a week. The rain and mud kept us indoors a lot of the time, so it was a lot more laid back than usual. Some of the campers had to stay overnight on Friday because of the weather, but they went home this morning. They were a lot of fun!

It was a good week. We were able to have some in-depth talks with our campers, and listen to really special, helpful Bible times.

Rebecca had not been able to come up to Alaska with me because she came down with the chicken pox. We thought that she wouldn't be able to come up at all, but the Lord worked it out so that she could! She arrived on Thursday night--a very welcome sight. :-) We've had so much fun catching up.

About the chicken pox--Timmy succumbed when Becca did, and Paul and Philip came down with it on the next round. All the Johnson kiddos got it, too. Of everyone who got it, poor Philip had it the worst. It's wonderful to have it in the past now!

Next week is elementary camp. Kyle wasn't feeling well today, and some of the rest of us have colds. We're expecting over 50 kids, so we're going to need lots of energy!

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

High School Week #1

2011-07-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday night, several of us went down to the lake on fourwheelers. Kyle and I went out canoeing, and Kyle caught a couple of pike. Then on the way back to camp, we saw a bear on the road ahead of us. That was a very exciting adventure. :-)

This past week was different than I had been anticipating. First of all, only about 25 campers came, and only 10 of them were girls. We wanted the girls that were leaving this weekend to have a chance to counsel, so I did other things this week instead of counseling. Andrew divided his time between computer programming and spending time with the campers, and Kyle was kept very busy with his usual camp director duties.

We hiked up to the cross on the top of Kako Mountain on Tuesday night. No need for flashlights even at 11:00 p.m. :-)

Playing "Keep Away" with the highschoolers.

Me with Erica and a couple of the campers.

Kyle and Andrew...

Tackle him! Poor Kyle was absolutely squished.

On Wednesday, the guys went down to the lake for paintballing and rafting while the girls stayed back at camp for their own activities.

Since I didn't have a cabin, I helped out with the activities.

Veronica leading a Bible Study on the life of Moses.

Balloon popping! The Blue Team tried to pop all the Orange Team's balloons before the Orange team could obliterate theirs. It was absolutely hilarious to watch!

A human "zipper".

Andrew helping out at "riflery" on Thursday.

Kyle helping one of the campers down the rappelling tower.

Water fight! I love the look on Andrew's face. ;-)

Some people got pretty sopping.

We all know what Thursday night means...

Think he can fit that all in one bite?

Overall, we had a very good week of camp. We didn't experience most of the problems that previous high school camps have had, which was very nice. A lot of the campers seem so young, but they have already "been there, done that" for a lot of things. I am so thankful for the opportunity for them to come to camp to hear about Christ. May God work in their hearts and turn them to Himself!

Last night, after all the campers had been flown home, a large group of us went down to the lake. Some of the group went out rafting and canoeing...

...while the rest of us sat around the campfire and roasted marshmallows. We had a fun evening (even if we didn't see any bears), ;-) and stayed up way too late talking in the kitchen after we got back. But despite their lack of sleep from last night, almost everyone is out hiking, either to the mountain or through the swamps to a beaver pond. Tomorrow four of the counselors leave, so they wanted one more chance for a hike.

Next week is the second High School camp. Thank you very much to those of you who are praying for us! We really, really appreciate it.

"Look to Me, and be saved,

All you ends of the earth!
For I am God, and there is no other."

(Isaiah 45:22)

"Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.

'For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways,' says the LORD.

'For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts.'"

(Isaiah 55:6-9)

Junior High Week

2011-06-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

We've had a busy week. There were 46 campers, and 9 cabins (5 girl cabins, and 4 guy cabins). Andrew counseled by himself, and Joleen Waltman and I co-counseled.

Some of the kids taking canoe rides out on the pond.

My girls at Bible time.

On Monday night we did Awana games with both guys and girls. All the rest of the evenings we did them separately. Above: Blue Team!

Kyle and Davis acting out a skit during Bible time.

Leading "Peace Like a River"...

All the teams lining up for meal time.

Me with some of my girls, waiting for Kyle to ring the bell for mealtime.

Andrew's team going through the food line.

On Wednesday we hiked up Kako Mountain to the cross at the top.

Andrew's cabin at the top of the mountain.

Joleen's and my cabin.

The whole group in front of the cross. You can see the Kako runway in the right hand corner.

We played "Keep Away" with a frisbee on the tundra. The guy counselors were in the middle.

Come on, get it, boys!

Wednesday afternoon was the Olympic Games. We started it off with a big game of tug-of-war. We had the girls pull separately, then the guys.

Then everyone jumped in. And yes, the above team won. ;-)

Andrew's team during one of the games. Every team would go to various activities such as "javelin" throwing, balance beam, crazy ball, raft races, long jump, and more.

One of my girls on a raft.

Another of my girls playing "Carpet Ball", in which you try to knock the opponent's 5 balls out before they knock yours out. ;-)

The guys played flag football one evening.

One of my girls climbing the rock wall.

Thursday night is "Spaghetti Night". Everyone has to eat their food with some sort of crazy kitchen utensil. Above, Kyle is handing Andrew his tool--a spatula.

But really, I do believe Jimmy's utensil is worse. Kyle would ask the campers which one the counselor should receive, and they would always pick the worst of the choices--a toothpick, a big ol' beater, etc.

But then Kyle got stuck with the longest-handled spoon you've ever seen. ;-) Try eating your spaghetti with something like that! :-)

Overall, it was a very good, fun week, despite some rather challenging little boys. :-) Several of the children asked the Lord into their hearts. None in my cabin or Andrew's did, but they've heard the gospel, and the seed has been sown in their hearts. Now we're going to pray that God would work in their hearts and turn them to Christ. We're hoping to keep in contact with them.

We've been resting and recuperating this weekend. We would greatly appreciate prayer for this coming week. It's the first of two weeks of High School, and that is a lot more emotionally intense. I feel very inadequate, but am going to be praying that God would give me the words to say and use me as His channel. Kyle will be very busy, as he's the camp director, and Andrew will be dividing his time between counseling and working (for Jonathan's business).

"When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, 'Who then can be saved?' But Jesus looked at them and said to them, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" (Matthew 19:25-27)

"This also comes from the LORD of hosts, Who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance." (Isaiah 28:29)

Hello from Alaska!

2011-06-19T20:28:00.000-07:00

Kyle and Andrew have been in Alaska since June 1st. The first week of camp was elementary week, and this last week was Junior High.

Kyle and Andrew on top of Kako Mountain.

They even tried log rolling. As the picture evidences, the log wouldn't stay up.

Kyle leading Bible Time on top of Kako Mountain one morning.

The Junior Highers and counselors last week.

I flew up to Alaska on Friday. It was my first time flying alone, but everything went very well, and the Lord gave me peace. It was surreal. I could hardly believe that I was actually in Alaska--at Kako! Above: flying into Kako. You can't see me, but I was in that plane. :-) It was very exciting, and the area is so beautiful!

Today after church a large group of us went down to the lake. We all piled onto the truck bed, and Kyle drove us. (The black mosquito net covered person in the corner is me.) ;-)

We could only take the truck so far, and then we hiked the last two miles to the lake.

Veronica getting the canoe ready.

And Kyle and Jimmy took the canoe out on the lake.

Erica shooting Jason's gun.

Tomorrow the kids come for the second Junior High week. We really appreciate everyone praying for us! We are praying that the Lord will work in the children's hearts and lives, and our own. May He be glorified!

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah." (Psalm 46:10-11)

Happy Birthday, Mama!

2011-06-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." (I John 5:14-15)

These verses describe our precious mother very well:

"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. ... Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.' Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised." (Proverbs 31:10, 28-30)

We love you, Mama!!

A Change of Plans

2011-06-09T17:49:00.000-07:00

"There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the LORD's counsel--that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21)

And that is exactly what the Lord has been showing us these past couple of weeks. One never knows what the next day will bring forth. But the Lord's plans are perfect, and we can trust that He always knows best.

We celebrated Andrew's birthday in May. Yes, it was late--but better late than never.

This is a familiar sight on weekdays. The older boys make their own lunches for work and school.

We celebrated Philip's birthday late as well, because his birthday landed on a Sunday, which was also the day before we left on vacation.

On the 26th, Mama, Kyle, Becca, Paul, Philip, Timmy and I went out to the Johnson's house so that we could work on fixing up Jonathan and Ally's future house (which is only 8/10 of a mile from the Johnson's).

Mama and Beck working in the gardens. Someone invested a lot of time in the gardens previously, and there is a lot of potential. Now they just need some tender, loving care.

Michael being a helpful big brother and putting Daniel's shoe back on.

The charming little playhouse in the corner of the backyard.

Paul attacking the weeds with the weed-wacker.

Katie sweeping away the cobwebs, with a little "helper" clinging to her.

Poor baby. Life is tough at his age. ;-)

Now onto our project--peeling wallpaper. We started in the dining room--and learned what to do and what not to do.

Becca and Paul chipping away.

Peeling the film of glue off was the best part. :-)

Sometimes you could get a whole strip! That felt extremely rewarding. After we got the wallpaper off, there was still a sticky glue residue that we had to scrub off before painting.

Paul and Philip literally "chipped away" at the wallpaper border in the master bathroom. It was not an easy job, and their poor fingernails attest to that fact.

Jonathan and Andrew arrived on Friday night, and immediately got to work helping prep for painting on Saturday.

Kyle put in the new baseboards.

The Townsends arrived on Saturday for the big workday. Several of us had the job of washing the wallpaper glue residue off the walls. We finished around lunchtime, and the walls were ready for the primer. We even got to see Uncle Martin and Aunt Cheryl, who dropped by with a wedding gift for Jonathan and Ally. It sure is fun to have relatives in the area. :-)

During the morning, I began to feel achy and sick. Andrew took me back to the Johnson's so that I could rest. We had been exposed to chicken pox, and I was afraid of catching it. After all, we were leaving for Alaska in three days!

Everyone else painted for the rest of the day, and accomplished a lot! It was definitely a successful workday. We went home that evening, and I awoke the next morning with chicken pox.

Well, that was also the day for Jonathan and Ally's church wedding shower. But since Rebecca, Paul, Philip and Timmy had never had chicken pox, we decided that they should stay home. We didn't know when they would break out with it.

Jonathan and Ally at the shower.

They received many wonderful gifts.

The very cute couple. :-)

And Monday was Memorial Day. The three older boys were able to attend our annual church ball game and picnic.

The food line at the picnic. (The photo credits go to the Sebos.)

Aaron with his little "helper" as he set up the volleyball net.

The three older guys. :-)

Playing "Speed Volleyball", a favorite activity with the people at our church. :-)

We had thought Beck was coming down with the chicken pox on Memorial Day, so Kevin O. and Kyle had changed our tickets for the 17th. It turned out that Becca hadn't been getting it after all. She and the boys will probably be coming down with it this weekend. (The incubation period for chicken pox can be anywhere from 10 to 21 days.) The Johnsons and Townsends have been exposed as well. :-( I'm doing much better now, though I still look rather unsightly. Thank you so much to everyone who has been praying for us! We really appreciate it.

Kyle and Andrew left on the 31st as planned, and are now nearing the end of the first week of camp with the elementary age children. We're looking forward to hearing how it went!

We're not sure yet what is going to happen in regards to us going to Alaska. But we do know that "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose". (Rom. 8:28)

"As for God, His way is perfect; the work of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him." (Psalm 18:30)

Vacation with the Townsends 2011

2011-05-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

Our original vacation plan had been to camp for four days in the Palomar Mountains, as we've done the past couple of years. We arrived on Monday, set up camp, took a hike, bundled up against the cold, and sang and talked and read a story around the campfire. It was a wonderful day. The next morning, we awoke to a rainy world. Those of us who had air mattresses were fine, but those on the ground were not so fortunate. We were "rained out", so to speak. Everything, except the girls' tent, was soaking.

We all gathered in there to eat breakfast and play games.

Then an executive decision was made to relocate to the Townsend's house for the duration of the vacation. We all packed up, and Mr. Townsend, Mrs. Townsend, Mama, and Ally left. The rest of us went fishing. :-)

Ella and Rebecca. Notice how foggy it is. You couldn't even see clearly across the pond.

Everyone who fished caught two trout. But it was very cold, so we only stayed for a couple of hours.

A group snapshot before we left.

Some of us played a football version of "Monopoly". I think Kyle or Paul would have won, but we lost interest in the game before we even finished.

Jonathan and Ally...

Ella, Timmy, and Philip playing a game.

We went to the beach on Wednesday...

Our adorable mother... :-)

We had a fun time, despite the wind and cold. :-)

The cute couple again... you'll see even more pictures later. ;-)

On Thursday, we went to the "Yogurt Mill" and ate our frozen yogurt at a park.

Mr. Townsend took a picture of our whole group.

Philip and Timmy

Ella and Becca chatting...

Hmm... who's taller? ;-)

The younger boys and Maddie running around afterwards.

Jonathan and Ally watching the "Bocce" game.

Rebecca and Ella playing "Bocce".

Jonathan and Kyle

We played a huge game of "Keep Away" and then "Ultimate Frisbee" before we went home.

That evening we sat around the fire pit in the Townsend's backyard, roasted hot dogs, told "continuing stories", and sang a few songs. It was a fun ending to a very happy vacation.

We left early Friday morning, and brought Ally, Sami, and Ella home with us. Ella, Rebecca, and I made dinner that evening...

....and Samantha addressed invitation envelopes in her beautiful calligraphy.

Kyle helping Timmy build a lego castle.

That evening, Jonathan took us down to a beautiful beach where Samantha took pictures of Jonathan and Ally.

The sunset was beautiful.

And they are a very cute couple. :-)

It was a different "camping trip" than we had anticipated, but the Lord's plans are always best, and we had a wonderful vacation. :-)

In eight days, Kyle, Andrew, Rebecca and I (Rachel) will be leaving for a 10-week stay in Alaska. Kyle is the camp director this year, and Andrew, Becca and I will be counselors. This is Kyle's fifth year going up to Kako, Andrew's third, and Becca's and my first. We are praying that the Lord will be working in the children's hearts and lives--and our own--and that many children will turn to Christ. Lord willing, I'll continue to update this blog from up there.

"A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)

"In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge." (Proverbs 14:26)

Rebecca's Graduation

2011-05-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

Rebecca's high school graduation was 1 week ago, on the 14th. There were 3 other girls graduating with her from our church's home-school group.

It's almost time for the program to begin...

And here comes Rebecca. :-)

All four graduates.

Pastor Steve Orman

Rebecca did a great job giving her speech.

Receiving her diploma. :-)

Officially graduated!

Amy McIntire, Ashley Sebo, Rebecca Stevens, and Joanna Pau--2011 graduates! :-)

Daniel at the reception. He is now really and truly walking on his own. He is a very charming baby.

Our family. :-)

A lot of people stayed afterwards and played volleyball.

There are many varying levels of skill involved in our games. ;-)

Andrew and Becca ready for anything that comes their way.

Paul spiking a ball over the net while playing "Speed Volleyball".

The photo credits in this post go to Sarah McIntire, Caytlin Sebo, and Timmy Stevens. And thank you for hosting the party, Sebo family! It was a very fun afternoon/evening. :-)

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Happy 14th Birthday, Philip!

2011-05-15T21:38:00.000-07:00

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD." (Jeremiah 17:7)

We love you, Philip!!

Looking Back on April

2011-05-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

It's about time I updated! ;-)

On Timmy's birthday, we went to the Sebo's house for the evening.

After dinner, we watched "The Runner from Ravenshead". We really enjoyed it! (And notice all the "soldiers" in the front row.) :-)

Then we all went to the park and ran around playing "Secret Tag".

It was a very fun evening. Thanks again so much, Sebo family!

Timmy opening presents at his birthday party. Rebecca gave him peanut butter cookies. He didn't complain. ;-)

A couple of weeks ago, we had Ashley Sebo over for a few days of intensive sewing. Of course, we had to take a few breaks, as the picture above evidences. :-) All in all, we had a very fun and productive time.

The three of us girls all ready for church on Sunday morning.

The Johnsons came over to our house on Good Friday. The girls helped Mama make cookies in the morning.

Daniel fell asleep during a walk. He had quite a bed! ;-)

Mama/Grandma telling the story of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Julie listening intently.

Daniel astride the "leopard". He loved it, and Julie and Ruthie were terrified of it.

Jonathan and Andrew played with the little ones out on the front lawn after they got home from work.

Daniel loved it! :-)

Life is all about "married dresses" (fancy dresses) and "flowers" for little Ru at this age. The garden received a lot of attention that evening. :-)

We wanted to have a family vacation before Jonathan gets married this summer, and Katie came up with a very good idea: spend a week at their house.

First off: a homemade slip-and-slide on the hill in their backyard.

Ruthie taking a turn. The little ones took the slide very cautiously. ;-)

We made a fire pit one of the evenings. Andrew was the master designer. The rest of us were dirt shovelers and weed pickers. ;-)

It turned out very well, and we enjoyed two different evenings around it.

This is inside the tent where several of us slept most of the nights. Julie only lasted a short while that first night, but Michael and Bethie braved all of the nights with us.

We had a little tea party with the girls on Thursday. Julie didn't want it to be over. :-)

Mama gave Bethie a doll for her birthday. It was love at first sight. :-)

We enjoyed watching several videos together--mainly a fascinating series on the ocean that the BBC put out.

Kyle and Andrew working on one of Tom and Katie's new puzzles.

Jonathan coaching Bethie during a croquet game.

The boys were adept at making very difficult courses. It's no easy matter when the hoop is part-way down the hill, and the slightest nudge could send your ball rolling all the way down the hill and past the goal.

Katie making Daniel smile during his swing ride.

Grandma time. :-)

Bethie with her Maddie. That baby doll has a very devoted mother.

Eating homemade ice cream around the fire. Afterwards we serenaded the neighbors with our singing. :-)

On Friday, we took a beautiful hike in the mountains.

We ate lunch beside a small waterfall. It was very peaceful and beautiful.

Ruthie doing what she loves to do. :-)

"One man's junk is another man's treasure". ;-)

One very cute daddy and mommy.

The whole group, minus Tom, the photographer, and Jonathan, who had to work.

Ally came over on Saturday, and we got to spend the day with her. It made our family complete. :-) We are thankful for the special vacation that the Lord gave our family. He is the One who draws families together and to Himself.

"Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." (Psalm 62:8)

Happy Birthday, Tom!

2011-04-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (II Cor. 3:18)

We love you, Tom!!

Happy 22nd Birthday, Andrew!

2011-04-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.'" (Psalm 91:1-2)

We love you, Andrew!!

Happy 5th Birthday, Bethany!

2011-04-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

(Holding Grandma H.'s dolls on Christmas Day)

We love you!!

Happy 1st Birthday, Daniel!

2011-04-09T21:06:00.001-07:00

We love you!!

Catching Up...

2011-04-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

March was a very busy month for us. The family that was staying with us in February came back to stay with us during the month of March. During that time, Mama, the girls, and the younger boys went to stay at the Johnson's house for a few days to put in a garden for them, and while there Paul turned 16. :-) A few days later, Michael came down with a bad flu. Then Jonathan and Andrew went on a fishing trip, and the rest of the family helped our guests move to their new apartment. But now, life is pretty much back to normal.

Jonathan and Andrew on their fishing trip. To read more about it, visit Andrew's blog.

Several years ago, we cut down our big ficus tree in order that our vegetable gardens could receive more sunlight. Well, the big stump has been a future project for a long time. Last month, the boys were finally able to oust it from its resting place by sheer muscle, hard work, and determination. :-) Well, actually, I guess it took brains as well. ;-) In order to get that huge stump out of its hole, the boys moved the stump from side to side while putting dirt under it, and thus gradually brought the stump up to level ground.

A job well done. :-)

The Lord has blessed us with so much rain over the winter and our fruit trees are just bursting with beautiful buds and fruit.

Our bunny has been in his element recently--digging tunnels. The most recent tunnel is so long that when Philip stuck his arm in, he couldn't even feel the end.

We had a late birthday party for me this past Monday.

And a late birthday party for Paul last night.

The on-lookers...

Timmy must have been pretty excited about turning 12... ;-)

Paul computer programming.

The decorating crew was very busy last night. Mama and Andrew used their creative minds and came up with a birthday theme that was sure to please Timmy: Legos! The finished result was very cute.

We had Grandpa, Grandma, and Grampy over for a birthday breakfast this morning. Beside each plate there was a bowl filled with an odd assortment of Legos. After breakfast, we all tried to build something with our bowl-full.

Andrew with his "Time Machine", Philip with his amazing helicopter (he even used Lego people legs to hold the propellers up), and Paul with his revolving airplane. ;-)

Timmy with his airplane (that has massive wheels) ;-). Other results: a playground ride-on toy(?), a Pizzeria shop, a little car (without wheels) with a couple of Lego people heads and a snake in the back seat (ahem, Rebecca...), another airplane, an airplane with a very long tusk, a vehicle with an octopus delivering flowers, and a house layout. Very interesting results when you have to make do with what you have. It brought lots of laughs.

We had such a fun time. :-)

"Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in you in the presence of the sons of men!" (Psalm 31:19)

Happy 12th Birthday, Timmy!

2011-04-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

This is the verse that Timmy picked:

"Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest." (Proverbs 6:6-8)

We love you, Timmy!!

Happy 6th Birthday, Michael!

2011-04-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

We love you!!

Happy 16th Birthday, Paul!

2011-03-23T20:26:00.000-07:00

"Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?" (Matt. 6:27)

Apparently, Paul did not worry last year. ;-)

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matt. 11:28-30)

We love you, Paul!!

Happy 20th Birthday, Rachel!

2011-03-13T07:03:00.000-07:00

"Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness." (Psalm 107:8-9)

We love you, Rachel!!

February 2011

2011-02-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

Our life this past month has been somewhat unusual and somewhat usual. For a couple of weeks, we had a family from our church staying with us part-time while they waited for their house to be de-molded. The rest of the time has been spent doing school, music practice, working, at the Johnson's, etc.

The little boys dug a 7-foot hole in our backyard, with a tunnel branching off of it. It was quite impressive!

Can any of you guess what Jonathan is holding? ;-) Yep, it's his boa constrictor's shed skin. The snake is quite long now.

Rebecca opening presents at her birthday party.

And now jump ahead to President's Day--last Monday. Our whole family, plus Grandpa and Grandma Harrison and Ally, went to the Johnson's house for the day.

The boys spiffied up the yard before Grandpa and Grandma arrived.

We enjoyed sitting around the living room and talking.

Grandpa with a couple of his great-granddaughters.

Ruthie is such an affectionate little girl. We all love her hugs. :-)

There were plenty of people to "perform" in front of. ;-)

Jonathan and Kyle playing "horses" with the girls.

It's time for some TTT (Terrible Tickle Torture--Daddy's name for the process). ;-)

The ladies chatting in the master bedroom...

...And also talking while lunch was being finalized.

We took family pictures in the afternoon...

~Our Family~ :-)

~Our family with Grandpa and Grandma Harrison~

Ally was able to spend the first and last part of last week with us. We had such a fun time with our soon-to-be sister. :-)

The boys gave Kyle "Ticket to Ride--Europe" for his birthday, and they all enjoyed playing it together in the family room while it rained outside. :-)

Last Saturday, Kyle, Andrew, Rebecca, Paul, Philip, Timmy, and I went on a 25 mile (round trip) bike ride. It was so much fun! We went towards the mountains this time (instead of to the beach), and we loved it! The scenery was much prettier, and kind of felt like the country. :-) On the way home, Andrew's tire popped, so he and Kyle alternated walking/running it back. The ride home was very tiring, since we had to ride against the wind (which wasn't light). But we all finally arrived back home and plopped around in the family room and compared whose legs hurt the worst. ;-)

"Behold, the Lord GOD shall come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young." (Isaiah 40:11)

"You, O LORD, are our Father; our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name." (Isaiah 63:16b)

Happy 27th Birthday, Katie!

2011-02-27T18:29:00.000-08:00

(At Christmas, trying on their new aprons)

"No king is saved by the multitude of an army; a mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain hope for safety; neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name." (Psalm 33:16-21)

We love you, Katie!!

Happy 25th Birthday, Kyle!

2011-02-23T17:55:00.000-08:00

We love you, Kyle!!

Happy 18th Birthday, Rebecca!

2011-02-02T08:10:00.000-08:00

"For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

We love you, Rebecca!!

January Activities

2011-01-25T19:08:00.000-08:00

We had a family get-together on the 15th with Grandma Stevens, the Johnsons, and Uncle Martin's family. There were a lot of really good conversations throughout the afternoon. It was fun to hear Uncle Martin reminiscing about Daddy. It brought back a lot of memories of Daddy because Uncle Martin looks so much like him! We really enjoyed this special time with them. :-)

Talking in the living room.

The Johnson girls enjoyed playing with their cousin, Addie. :-)

And they all had fun playing upstairs.

Uncle Martin, Aunt Cheryl, and Andrew talking in the dining room. Uncle Martin and Aunt Cheryl are always so hospitable.

We were able to enjoy a snowy, happy vacation in Big Bear for a few days with some of our church family (thanks to the Munteanu's generosity, who lent us their timeshare).

We enjoyed some makeshift "sledding". :-)

The Ouatus had brought their innertube, which was a definite favorite with the guys.

And we girls enjoyed the sleds.

The guys pushing the Ouatu's van out of the ice.

Lois, Rebecca, me, and Emily on the balcony outside the apartment we shared with Mama and Timmy.

We played a "Charades" type of game one of the evenings. In the above picture, Andrew is trying to act out the word "retaliate". It was a very challenging game.

Friday morning discussion time. :-)

Having a good conversation about salvation.

Mr. Ouatu led the devotions both mornings. It was a blessing!

Watch out! Here comes Timmy with a very nasty-looking ice chunk.

Snow ball fights! They were quite frequent. :-) It was often boys against girls, but the odds were quite against us, as there were 11 guys and only 5 girls. But sometimes we had help. :-)

The guys held their ground and threw fast and furiously.

And we did, too. :-)

Lois and I watching to see if the desired effect resulted from our throws. It was always a thing of rejoicing when we hit our marks. What fun to see our powdery balls disintegrating over some poor person's head. ;-) However...we were duly repaid!

We stopped by the Big Bear Discovery Center on Friday morning.

Lois, me, Emily, and Rebecca. :-)

Rebecca and Emily inside the Ouatu's trailer.

We went on a group walk down to the lake. It was beautiful out, and of course we had some good rousing snowball fights in between walking--and while walking, too.

A group photo.

It was such a refreshing vacation. We really, really enjoyed getting out into the fresh mountain air, playing in the snow, and enjoying times of fellowship together. The Lord was so good to give us this time to get away and relax. :-)

This last Saturday, we all went down to the Townsend's house and enjoyed a very happy day with them and the Niednagels (Jeremy, Danielle, Kalea, and Keoni).

The girls reading a book to Kalea, and the boys and Maddie discussing something.

Danielle and Ally talking in the living room.

Ella and Kalea talking about one of the girls' old dolls.

Everyone chatting together shortly before the Niednagels left.

Jeremy, Mr. Townsend, Kyle, Andrew and Jonathan played basketball in the afternoon while the rest of us talked or played with the children. We had such a wonderful day. :-)

Our Shelton's meat order arrived today, so Mama and I spent the greater part of the day turning 60 lbs. of raw ground turkey into sausage, meat balls, meat patties for lunches, and so on. This picture shows only a third of the meat. We feel very blessed. :-)

"Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage...For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You!" (Psalm 84:5, 11-12)

Happy New Year!

2011-01-11T18:22:00.000-08:00

On New Year's Day, Jonathan took Ally, Samantha, Rebecca, and I on a hike in the San Gabriel mountains. Remember last New Year's Day? We wanted to celebrate the anniversary of Jonathan taking us last year. It was a memorable day for Jonathan. :-)

A group picture.

Jonathan and Ally :-)

The next day, after church, we had the Harrison family Christmas celebration.

It was fun to catch up on everyone's news.

We enjoyed looking at family wedding albums (Grandpa and Grandma's, Uncle Art and Aunt Paula's, Daddy and Mama's, Uncle Mark and Aunt Raynell's, and Uncle Dean and Aunt Jill's).

Mama and Aunt Raynell during lunch time.

Katie showing the pictures of their new house to Grandma, Grandpa, and Grampy.

Grandpa dug up some family videos that we had never seen before, and we really enjoyed watching them (and laughing at ourselves!). :-D

The Harrison/Orman family picture. (Brent was unable to come).

The Stevens/Johnson family picture.

Last weekend was spent at the Johnson's house. And what fun we had! :-)

How many boys can we squeeze into one room?

Ruthie "helping" Andrew work. :-)

Andrew washing the dirt out of the duck pond (there aren't any ducks, but that's what we call it). :-)

Rebecca and I took all the concrete and fake grass (!) out of the ditches. Who knows what the previous owners' project was supposed to be?

And then the boys filled the ditches in and leveled the yard.

And Kyle (with the other guys helping) installed the knobs and handles on all the cabinet drawers and doors. Katie and Mama were able to do some decorating, and Rebecca made a bunch of freezer meals. We had a very fun and profitable time with them all. :-) And we even had a special visit from Lyle Marvin and a pilot friend of his who talked to Kyle about flying. :-)

"For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!" (Job 19:25-27)

Amen!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-30T16:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve. was a quiet, happy day at home. We missed Jonathan, but we knew that he was having a very happy day as well. ;-)

In the evening, we made gingerbread cookies together. Everyone shaped their own cookies, with varying levels of uniqueness. Some were very standard, and some were very original. ;-)

We had fun playing Christmas songs together that evening as well.

On Christmas Day, we all (including the Johnsons) went over to Grandpa and Grandma Harrison's house, bringing Grandma Stevens with us. Our great-grandfather (Grandma H.'s step-dad) is staying with Grandpa and Grandma for several weeks, so he was there, too. :-)

Grampy and Paul with little Daniel; who, incidentally, was successfully charming everyone. :-)

"Why, hello there."

Uncle Andrew playing with the children.

Tom and Michael playing their guitars together. (12 years ago, Grandpa and Grandma Harrison had given us each a guitar for Christmas. We used to play them for people at rest homes or for extended family members. The guitar that Michael is playing was Rebecca's when she was his age.) We received new guitar strings for Christmas, so Kyle was busy re-stringing our guitars on Christmas Eve. The family has already enjoyed playing together. I think it would certainly classify as a "joyful noise" at this point in time. ;-)

Mama helping Ruthie eat her Christmas dinner.

Playing with Lincoln Logs afterwards.

Auntie Becca with a wide-awake Daniel.

And Auntie Rachel with a sleeping Daniel.

Part of the group around this table.

Grandpa and Paul on the other side.

Julie and Ruthie playing together.

Grandma Harrison working away in the kitchen.

In the evening, we had the annual Christmas pageant. This year, there was one additional participant--the cutest shepherd ever. :-)

"Mary and Joseph"

The angels descended upon the shepherds. They didn't stick strictly with the true happenings, I'm afraid.

The shepherds visiting the stable.

After the pageant, we had an impromptu Christmas carol "concert". It was a very fun way to end a very fun day. :-)

And to make the end of the day even more exciting, it rained. And Grandma Stevens was the only one with an umbrella! :-)

It was a special Christmas, despite missing Daddy. The Lord is so good to us, and has given us such wonderful family and friends who have showered us with their love. We are truly very blessed. And praise the Lord that we know that Daddy is with our heavenly Father! Christ has taken away the sting of death!

"So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory. Oh death, where is your sting? Oh Hades, where is your victory?' The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (I Corinthians 15:54-58)

100th Blog Post!

2010-12-27T21:04:00.000-08:00

And a very, very special and exciting announcement! :-)

Jonathan and Ally are engaged!

At the Townsend's house on Christmas Eve.

At their table on the boat. Jonathan proposed after dinner. :-)

Back at the Townsend's house, looking at the ring.

"Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things! And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen." (Psalm 72:18-19)

Christmas Music

2010-12-24T21:20:00.000-08:00

This is for you, Lyle and Christa. Merry Christmas! :-)

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T18:31:00.000-08:00

Rain, rain, rain.... We love it! The Lord has been so good to send us so much this past month, and mainly this past week.

Philip and Timmy during their school next to the open window, listening to the rain.

Rebecca cutting out nightgowns for the Johnson girls.

Mama and the three younger boys listening to a sermon by Dr. David Jeremiah. We're currently going through his series on Revelation that Grandma had suggested for Daddy to hear when he was sick. Daddy was so blessed by it that he told us to listen to it after he was in heaven.

Sunday night through Wednesday night Mama, Becca, the 3 younger boys, and I were at the Johnson's house. Kyle and Andrew were in Texas for a friend's wedding, so Jonathan had to brave the evenings alone. Thankfully, he had the phone nearby. ;-)

And now, the result of Rebecca's labor! The girls were very pleased. :-)

The kiddos on their "hop-balls". There's often a train of children bouncing through the house.

The Johnson children had received a train set from their Johnson grandparents for Christmas. It was certainly a big hit, with big kids and little. ;-)

Daniel with his present from Grandma (Mama).

Auntie Becca cooking in the kitchen, complete with an audience.

Ruthie crawling through the play tent tunnel.

Timmy and Michael peeking through the tent into the tunnel.

All 5 kiddos with their presents--Bible coloring books.

Julie and I had fun playing Christmas carols on the keyboard together. :-)

The 3 girls in their new pink "lambie jammies" (the fabric has little white lambs on it, which is all the children's favorite animal). The boys have matching blue pajamas, with glow-in-the-dark lambs.

We had a "photo shoot" with the children. It was very difficult trying to get all the children to smile. I believe the "entertainers" helped though, as evidenced by Bethie's and Julie's laughing faces. ;-)

Little Miss Ruthie was being a pickle. Here are a few of her many and varied face expressions. She makes us laugh. :-)

Brothers... :-) Doesn't Daniel look HUGE?!

It rained almost continuously. The duck pond on the top of the hill filled up with water, and the run-off water ran down the man-made stream through the middle of their property and cascaded down into a "pool" that the boys dammed up. We had so much fun bundling up and going outside in the rain.

On Tuesday night we made cut-out cookies.

Mama helping Michael.

There were all sorts of shapes and sizes of cookies--fat bears, skinny giraffes, tiny bells...trucks, trains, Christmas trees, churches, stars, lions...

Sometimes Daniel's sheer cuteness makes us laugh. He's just so... charming and adorable and fluffy and roly-poly.

Timmy woke me up on Wednesday morning with the news that the backyard had flooded. And had it ever! There had been a flash flood, and the water came all the way up to the doorstep.

It was a helpless feeling, knowing that the water could seep up into the house anytime.

The yard was flooded, with rivers flowing down the hill and around the house.

When Paul opened the gate at the side of the house, the river rushed through. It was impressive.

There was a lot of water!

We had an exciting morning--building dams with bricks and old railroad ties, clearing out drains, stepping in gopher holes... The results were very muddy.

There are many times in life when we feel helpless to do anything--just as we felt when the water came all the way up to the doorstep and we couldn't control it. And we are helpless. God is the only sure and solid rock foundation. He is in complete control of our lives. We shouldn't fear or worry, because nothing happens by accident or by chance. He has already planned the future, and we know that we can trust His perfect plan.

"Blessed be the LORD, because He has heard the voice of my supplications! The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him." (Psalm 28:6-7)

"And the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

May you all have a wonderful Christmas, rejoicing in our Savior's love and mercy. He "became flesh" so that He could die in our place and pay the penalty for our sins. Praise Him for His unfathomable love!

The Pau's Christmas Party

2010-12-13T20:12:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday the Pau family hosted a Christmas party for our church. We had a wonderful afternoon/evening.

The boys started off the afternoon with flag football.

The party commenced with the "snowman game", in which an individual tries to draw a snowman with his or her eyes closed. The results were hilarious. Some of the snowmen's hats were flying in space, some had faces beside the head, some had buttons suspended in mid-air, and some were completely dismembered. There were a very few that looked decent. As a general rule, the mothers' snowmen were the best. But Sarah McIntire was declared the winner. We never found out who lost. ;-)

Some of the girls talking in the living room... and tickling little Josiah. ;-)

Some of the guys talking in the kitchen.

Balloons soon outnumbered the crowd upstairs--preparations for the "Balloon Game".

But meanwhile, several of the guys tried to find a picture from the "Magic Eye II" book, which to me looked looked like a maze of triangles and tiny squares and what not.

Pastor tried it, also; and I believe he was successful.

Then came the "Balloon Game"...

...in which the girls tried to outdo the guys in how many balloons they could stack onto Sarah, versus how many the guys tried to stack on Paul.

At first, the guys "cheated" by using tape. Tsk, tsk...

Still the girls looked like they were winning...

...until the guys stopped using tape and found other more legal ways to win. And how they won!

Thank you so much, Pau family, for the fun day! :-)

Moving Day

2010-11-29T17:52:00.000-08:00

November 20th, a week ago last Saturday, was moving day for the Johnsons. Our whole family was there to help. The morning was filled with last-minute packing, disassembling beds, and moving things onto the truck. It was a rainy day, which certainly added to the excitement of things. :-)

Muscles at work. ;-)

Moving or not, Daniel only knew and cared that he was hungry. :-)

Because of the rain, we had to wrap a lot of the furniture in plastic.

Getting the refrigerator through the kitchen door was quite a difficult task. But the guys managed somehow.

Paul and Timmy moving a desk through the front door.

The older boys rolling the refrigerator out to the truck.

Around noon, we all headed for the new house to unload and eat lunch.

The truck parked in the driveway. Tom drove it, and the younger boys enjoyed riding along. :-)

Food! Hot dogs! Everyone was quite hungry at lunchtime.

Everyone had to keep a close eye on those hot dogs. Don't anyone dare knock them to the ground. ;-)

Watch out--that's my foot!

And when dinnertime rolled around, Daniel was sure to let us know it. ;-)

And now they are moved in at their new house. There is still a lot of unpacking and remodeling to do, but it's getting there. This week the older boys will be left alone to "bach" it while the rest of us go out to the Johnson's house for part of the week to help. We're looking forward to it.

"Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things!" (Psalm 72:18)

"Known to God from eternity are all His works." (Acts 15:18)

Of the "Swing House" and More

2010-11-08T21:37:00.000-08:00

Lately, we've been bringing dinner to Grandma Stevens' house on Tuesdays, and to Grandpa and Grandma Harrison's on Thursdays. After we eat, we just sit around and talk or sing. We've really been enjoying these times with our dear grandparents.

Singing at Grandpa and Grandma Harrison's house.

A couple weeks ago, when Kyle had a day off of school, we took breakfast to the park and went on the nature walk.

Mama took a group snapshot. (Jonathan wasn't able to come.)

~Painting Day at the "Swing House"~

The "Swing House" is the Johnson's new home in the country. It was a fix-er-upper, as we call it. ;-) In other words, it needed remodeling. They have a contractor working on the house, but the garage (which is where Katie will be spending a lot of time doing laundry) was in a lamentable state...

So we took rollers and paint brushes and got to work.

The younger ones had fun on the swing (for which the children named the house). ;-)

Becca was in charge of babysitting. She gave lots of swing rides to little ones.

Lunchtime was a welcome break. We were all ravenous.

The younger boys worked really hard on the yard. Timmy got rid of a big pile of gravel.

It's a really, really fun swing! :-)

Even Daniel got a turn. As usual, he was placid and calm...until the end. ;-)

And Ruthie was her very charming self, as usual. :-)

Auntie Becca with Mr. Cuteness Personified. And fluffiness, too. ;-)

And another swing ride. :-)

Our adorable, sweet mother...

Mama and Katie washing out paint brushes/rags at the garage sink. They did most of the washing and sweeping and so forth--the unexciting and gross jobs. :-) Mama even picked up a disintegrating mouse by accident.

Philip, Timmy, and Michael tore out the chain link fence that had formerly divided this fenced-in part of the yard, and even took out the posts! Though not pictured, Paul worked on the sprinklers throughout the yard, while Tom took care of countless jobs.

Mama painting the door to the staircase.

Kyle, Andrew, and I were the main painters. Andrew and I did the rolling, while Kyle (plus Mama and Paul) did the cutting-in. We had a lot of fun, especially since I had never rolled before, and because I was bedecked in the most outrageous headgear in order to save my hair from falling paint drops. The boys had to take advantage of this wonderful teasing opportunity. ;-) They made the day a lot of fun.

Kyle doing the cut-in work, the hardest part.

At this point in the evening, we were almost finished; so Andrew helped with the cut-in while I finished the rolling.

Me with my roller. And believe me, I looked much worse with the safety goggles and dust mask when I helped paint the ceiling. ;-)

By the end of the day, we were all exhausted, but triumphant. The garage was finished--painted! :-) It feels so much cleaner and much more pleasant than it did before.

In a way, it's hard to believe that November is already here. This year has just flown by. I am so thankful that the Lord leads us so gently. It's amazing to think back to Daddy's death, and see how much grace He poured out on us (and still is!). But it is beginning to sink in more than ever that Daddy is really and truly gone forever. We miss him so much! But he is with Jesus. Forever.

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'Assuredly, I say to you that is it hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.' When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, 'Who then can be saved?' But Jesus looked at them and said to them, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" (Matthew 19:23-26)

"Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, 'Write: "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on."' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.'" (Revelation 14:13)

Peter Cartwright, Circuit Riding Preacher...

2010-10-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

...is our great-grandfather's grandmother's grandfather, through Mama's side of the family. In other words, he is our great-great-great-great-great grandfather. ;-) He used to be quite famous. He was a minister of the gospel for 65 years (many of those years spent as a circuit riding preacher in Illinois and Kentucky). Though we don't agree with all of his theology, yet he was a godly man who loved the Lord and ministered to thousands throughout his long lifetime.

He and his wife, Frances, had 9 children. They set a very good precedent. ;-)

At the time of his wife's death (four years after his own in 1872), she had 53 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Jonathan's Trip to Wisconsin...

2010-10-15T17:08:00.001-07:00

...to see Ally! :-) He left last Thursday, and came home this Wednesday.

Friday evening was a formal event.

Afterwards, they went out for coffee.

They went hiking on Sunday evening, taking a friend along who acted as photographer for them.

It was such a blessing that he was able to fly out and visit her. I know they both really enjoyed getting to see each other again! :-)

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)