Lord keep us watchful in all seasons

“If you will tell me when God permits a Christian to lay aside his armor, I will tell you when Satan has left off temptation. Like the old knights in war time, we must sleep with helmet and breastplate buckled on, for the arch-deceiver will seize our first unguarded hour to make us his prey. The Lord keep us watchful in all seasons, and give us a final escape from the jaw of the lion and the paw of the bear.” ― Charles H. Spurgeon

Happy for Clint!

Clint was given a promotion and a very nice raise today. He will be the maintenance supervisor where he works. I am very thankful for the Lord's provision and blessing, and I am also proud of Clint. This also mean no more 24/7 call ins which he has been doing for nearly 20 years. 

What's happening with us?

Our family has been in a transition of sorts for the last several months. 

We've been enlisted to help neighbors who fell on hard times claim back their independence and quality of life. There are changes to this situation coming this week, and we will see how things develop.

Three of our children have graduated or will soon! Yes, three! Joshua graduated, but Caleb (16) and Bethany (14) are not far behind him. 

Our farm has changed too. We have stopped keeping some animals and are increasing others because of our time limits and ease of care.

I am not working in the more commonly understood sense, but I have something I am doing a few hours a day that involves writing and is very well compensated. Initially, it was just something I was offered and would try, but I rose through the ranks quickly. I am now offered so much to do that I have to turn quite a bit down. It is blessing my family and a few other people which keeps me motivated. God dropped this in my lap, and I am very thankful!

Brandon still has the house he bought and works for the same company, but he was given a series of raises and has earned some big bonuses.

Amanda is living in her own space on our place and has moved up in her job with another opportunity to move forward this week. She works nights so I try to plan family events around her schedule. 

Joshua has graduated, purchased a car, and is looking forward to his college classes starting. 

Caleb is learning to drive, but that has been held up by time constraints. He will graduate this week or next depending on how hard he pushes himself to finish the last few tests. (He finished his work the day after I wrote this post and is waiting on his diploma.)

Bethany reminds me so much of her paternal grandmother with some of the things she says and does. Clint and I wish she had had the chance to know her. She is half way through with her high school course and has a goal to finish by Christmas. (Her course had some changes that will take her around another year to finish.)

Emily and Hannah are doing well in their homeschool course work. Hannah is thriving in language arts while Emily enjoys math and science. 

Clint stays busy between family, work, and home. He just got a car he plans to fix and resell for profit when he gets time to do it.

I'll have other news to share soon.

We're planning another camping trip before the holidays. Our last one was nice  but had to be cut short by two days due to the weather. 

That's us! If you're reading, send us an update about you and yours. 

This is not how the story ends...

Sarah, Rebecca, Josiah, Angel Noel, Abigail, Benjamin, Mary, Isaac, and Jonathan

Faith is not a magic pill that removes our pain. Faith is what helps us bear it. Today, I choose to be thankful for the babies God made known to me and my family but took away before we got to know them better. I choose to rejoice as a person who truly believes God's promises will come to fruition. Choosing to honor God with my attitude, thoughts, and words does not mean I have stopped loving my miscarried and stillborn babies or that I love them less. It means I've taken God at His Word. I believe He has a plan and what He allows is for my good and His glory. I believe there is life and a future for my babies. It means He has given me, and I have readily grasped a hold of, some of His strength so I can keep doing the job He has called me to do in being a wife to a wonderful man and a mother to my other seven. 

Today, in recognition of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, is the day I remember my precious nine, celebrate their short lives, and thank my Father that this is not how the story ends.

Psalm 30:11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

Coal Road 4x4 Jeep Road

I have added some pictures to the 4x4 Jeep Trail off of Coal Road album for those who plan to make the trip.