Monday, June 25, 2007

Surprises!











Whoa!! It's fun and never a dull moment, but I think I need to sit down and have a cup of tea! This past week has been so busy!

On Wednsday we had a surprise birthday party for Bethany. For the past two weeks I've been slipping here and there trying to keep it a secret. My statment of faith was "I cannot give any information!" The Lord granted a delightful surprise party for Bethany, with our family and some friends. She has always wanted an inside dog, but I we just could'nt bring ourselves to do that. I wanted to give Bethany an extra special gift for her 18th birthday, so I asked Terry what he thought about getting her an inside dog and his input was "if you think it will be an enjoyment to her, then it's fine." Two weeks ago I found the puppy, and made arrangments to pick him up prior to her party. Like I said it was all a real surprise to her, and as she came in blindfolded, the little fellow was in a basket on the table, she was shocked, happy and very surprised! It was a very memorable event, but I don't think I want to do anymore surprise parties...it was quite challenging to keep the information from so many. So let us introduce you to our new puppy. He is a 9 week old Maltese and his name is "Sir Duffy Winslow." We call him Duffy. He is very happy and cheerful. He is being crate trained to take his naps, and at bed time to sleep in it. He is doing very well!

You have probably heard that the Russian father"s son died on Monday. His heart became weak and after many attempts at different intervals to try to resuscitate him, his heart would go no further. A father, that too fought a battle of life for his son. We have had contact with a very dear lady that has been helping Sabit. She discussed doing something for David, and as we talked she was going to present the father with the idea ofa small gathering of those that did support him for a memorial service for David. Terry was honored to lead in that service on Friday, with a message on life, and how precious it is, and that Jesus is the way the truth and the life. Caleb and Daniel played their instruments as well. Terry spoke with a translator so it was a little different. Our prayer is that the Lord would give faith and repentance to this father and he can then share with his family in Russia about the God of all comfort. As of now, he is seeking to get home as soon as all the paperwork can get done with transporting David's body. As the Lord brings him to your mind and heart lift him up to the Lord!

Our family has very exciting news to share! The Lord has had mercy upon us in blessing us with a new baby! Number 14, Lord willing is being fearfully and wonderfully made! I feel in my heart that this is a tender mercy of the Lord and we are rejoicing! I was reading a book the other day and a scripture touched my heart deeply. It is Gen. 42:52 "And the name of the second called he Ephraim: for God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. I don't know that if we have another son we'll name him Ephraim but this pregnancy can surely be called my Ephraim. God is so tender!

I read a scripture a few days ago, Ps. 84:10, "for a day in thy courts is better than a thousand...."Joel lived 1,197 days on this earth. This scripture encouraged me that one day in heaven for Joel is more desired and fulfilling than the thousand he had upon this earth. I so enjoy reading the gospels- the life of Jesus upon this earth. I'm reading in Luke now and as I read Luke 2:35 this morning, "Yea a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." Simeon was telling this to Mary. I feel some commonality of anguish of heart that Mary had to have felt. That is what my heart feels like, a sword piercing it! In verse 2:51, ..."but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart." This is where I too must stay. I must ponder the truths of God's word. Like this truth, Ps.145:9, "The Lord is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his works. Ps.115:9, "O Israel, trust thou in the Lord, he is their help and their shield." Ps.145:17, "The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works." I need to continue to hide my heart in the shadow of his wings. That this trial is for our good, for his glory, accomplishing his eternal purposes. Eyes of faith are essential to my survival. I still feel like a rollercoaster. May the Lord give my heart stability on the Rock!!

Farm updates..... Elijah recently got two steers that he will be feeding out for a late fall butcher. Provision for our freezer and hope to sell the meat of the other one. Bethany, Anna and Terry are making "goat milk soap" and we do plan on selling it. The bars will be 4oz. The molds are real cute with a mama and baby goat impression on them.Let us know if you are interested!!!!!!!

Thank you for your prayers and continued encouragement. Only the Lord can recompense the due reward. May he bless your families abundantly!!!!!!!!!! You are loved!!!!!
The pictures of Joel and Josiah were last June, they have fresh summer haircuts!!!!!!
~Cindy

~Cindy

6 comments:

Candy said...

I knew it would be coming soon the announcement of a new baby. You are so blessed.. I would love to have some of the soap let me know where to send the money and how much to send.. Congradulations on this new addition and keep us posted.. (I check this web site on a daily basis). The Lord is blessing you daily.. Bethany congrads on your "little man" (puppy). We will be waiting on pictures...

Christine said...

Congratulations! We are so excited for your family that He is forming another precious blessing within you. The soap sounds wonderful. Please give us more details so we can order some. How sweet to surprise Bethany with a dear dog. What a cutie! We ask for your prayers, as we are expecting our third blessing on July 11th. This will be our first homebirth and we are very excited. Your dear family remains in our prayers. Blessings!

Kelly @ Growing.Learning.Playing. said...

The soap sounds wonderful! Please let us know how we may order it. Congratulations on the exciting, wonderful, BLESSED news that there will be a new addition to your family. God is so good, is He not? In His Grace,
Mama Russell

LJR said...

First of all I wanted to say a late happy birthday to Bethany, I hope you enjoy that adorable little puppy.

Then of course Congratulations on your pregnancy! What a blessing #14! You will be in my prayers for a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Your family always remains in my prayers.

Lori (Emma's Mom)

Anonymous said...

I know it's late, but I would like to wish Bethany a Happy Birthday! The puppy looks so sweet...

And so many congratulations on the 14th blessing! I was so happy for you when I read about it. God is good!
Well, you're in my prayers. God bless you!

Anonymous said...

I read your blog all of the time and continue to get inspiration for my Christian and family life. Congradulations on your new addition to your family. My huband and I are expecting our second in late Sept. We live in Bentonville, AR and would like to know how to get some goat's milk soap from you. I love goat's milk soap. How do I order?