UPDATE ON SUTTONS

I received an email from Sis. Annette's mom asking me to post an update on Brother Bobby and Sister Annette. They need our prayers. They left from St. Joseph's MO this morning. They broke a spring on their van. She said they said it was nothing major. She is thinking it's because they are over loaded. I'm sure they are going to have to take it slow. As we all know, their funds are limited and they're a long way from TN and yet a long way from Seattle. It's going to take the hand of God to get them there. We know that it's God sending them, so God will get them there. We know how discouragement and worry can set in. Let's continue to be prayer warriers on their behalf.

It's great to know they have a strong band of praying people there for them.

I'll keep you informed if I hear more and they don't get a chance to post.

Love you all.

The Camp decision - and mixed emotions

Well camp is cancelled. The pastors couldn't get committments from enough of the young people and we just wouldn't have the staff. I'm relieved and yet my heart is sooooo broken over it. 7 years of camp. I was the one that got it going after the re-organization. This would have been our third campground after 4 years at the Baptist campground they wouldn't let us return because we spoke in tongues. Then three years at the independent campground and it was being sold. 7 years of driving 4-5 hours to camp and this year it would have been only one hour and 15 minutes away. More importantly after close to 100 different youth coming to camp - this year, my last year in the region there won't be one. The year that our youth probably needed it the most there won't be one.

I asked the Lord to have the decision made for me and He did, the youth made it by not committing. Finances, jobs and wanting to go to the assembly were the reasons. I understand but please Lord let it not fall by the wayside again next year. Camp has been an outreach for this region. It's been a unified effort. A highlight each year. Why not this year! I don't know but God does.

The relief comes in financially for us to (we all have to pay $95, even me) considering the move. Relief because of how busy things are for us over the next couple of months. Relief because it's one less thing to stress over. The decision's been made. Tomorrow I call the campground.

We are going to use everyone's deposit and still get the t-shirts done as "Soldiers In Christ" was our year's theme as well as camp. I just won't have the "camp 2006" on them. That's kind of neat, at least they'll remember the year.

Now I can focus on the youth program for our convention on July 15th. I'm actually going to use some of my ideas that I was going to use for camp for it. I pray that in this short 1 hour time slot the Lord will change lives through the message of the cross.

Lastly, I'm greatful God has allowed me to continue being a part of the camping program as I was appointed youth camp and ladies retreat director for Alaska.

But Lord remember the youth of this region. Don't allow one to be lost. Bring back those that have fallen. Give wisdom to our leaders to gently, but firmly and lovingly guide them. I love them with my whole heart! Young people the tears I'm shedding as I write are for you. Each one has your name on it. Don't let go of the unfailing hand of our Lord.

Camp and doing what's best for everyone!

I have huge decision to make by Thursday...do we have youth camp this year? We currently have 35 campers and staff. We have to pay per cabin used, a daily campground fee, and for the food. It's looking like some of those 35 may not be able to attend. We have a real skeleton staff. I had two different evangelists scheduled and both had to back out so I will have to be the evangelist. I argued with the Lord on that at first, and then the three nights message topics and text scriptures were given to me.

I want to do what's best for our youth and keep what's easiest for me out of it. I don't even know what I want to do, let alone what God wants us to do. I spoke to our pastors (and our overseer, as he is also a pastor) last night. They know I am sitting at the edge of having to cancel. They have left it up to me (thanks a lot). I will wait to hear their results of talking to their young people after their services on Wednesday night and Thursday I will make the decision.

Finances play such a major role in everyone's going. But they've known about it for a whole year. But finances even play a big role for our family too. But finances play a role for the camp fund too. But souls are more important. But we're suppose to be good stewards of our our money (and I carry that into the church's money big time). But can we make an eternal difference on souls.

Sister Smith thank you for your words. I am now praying without ceasing as this dilemma is not far from my mind these days, no matter what I'm doing. Lord, help me make the right decision. And if any of you youth read my blog. Feel free to share your thoughts.

Tears and Feelings

It was a beautiful weekend. We got the rain (not enough) and then the sun came out again and we've been in the high 70's my kind of weather.

Yesterday was a tough day for me. Everything that was said I took personally. That's not usually like me. I really had a tough time teaching SS. I finally just had to have Brother Nowling take over before I said something I shouldn't. I went upstairs to the sanctuary and cried and prayed during the rest of Sunday School and even during worship and the message. I couldn't turn the tears off. Brother Nowling preached a wonderful message about the laver in the wilderness temple and it's comparison to the spiritual today (even through my tears I was listening). After church I said very little to anyone because I just barely had the tears at bay.

From church Brother Nowling and I went to take his mom home. I said very little the whole way. Brother Nowling's mom and I have been very close over the years but as old age creeps up on her, she has changed drastically. At the beginning of the week we really hit heads. She was wanting to help by doing another thrift sale on the weekend. She was being so persistant but I finally flat out told her "no". I couldn't get through the boxes and the basement. Brother Nowling and I had to do a lot of it together at this point and we couldn't expect the girls to do it. She went off saying what did she even come for then! The week did get better (although she was alone a lot of it, but she assured us that was ok) and she got a lot of deep cleaning done on our house. When we left her she said "see you in heaven some day". She won't believe us that we'll be back to see her before we leave (she lives an hour and half a way) and now she says she's not about to fly. Last night wasn't much better when it came to my sensitivity.

Why is it so many think we will have fallen off the earth by going to Alaska. My brother didn't come this weekend because we weren't all going to be home, and I only had a few hours I could spend with him (which he knew ahead of time but didn't realize to what extent) any way he changed it to next weekend because he doesn't know when he'll ever see us again.

Thankfully I think I woke up this morning feeling better. I hope so, tears at work aren't a good thing.

This week my goals are to help Joleesa finish the last of her school. She doesn't have to be done until July 10th but we both want it done with.

Then I need to get everything cleared off that my brother will be picking up next week.

Lastly I need to make a final decision about camp. I sent off emails to the pastors. We need committments from our people as I have to let the campground know how many on Friday. Friday is also our last day to cancel without losing our deposit. Please pray about this. I was not wanting to cancel...and yet deep in my soul I feel we will and that it's probably the best thing considering some circumstances (not just ours but our regions). But my heart aches for our youth in this region. They have had such a struggle this year and for the most part aren't doing to good. I want to be able to look beyond my own circumstances and do what's best for everyone. We have to have a certain number as to pull it off and when I talked to our IA's church youth leader it sounded like several may not be able to make it because of finances. In the past we have been able to sponsor young people but because of the different campground, not this year. Fund raisers have been available but unfortunately some get to use to it being given to them. Anyway I desire your prayers. I will be making a final decision on Thursday.

Everyone have a good week.

Rain Held Off just long enough

Well the rain held off until this evening, which was just perfect. Last weekend we needed it to hold off for our thrift sale and the Drum and Bugle Corp competition. From Wednesday through today as you've already heard through Jenna's blog and my previous posting, the Optimist Club (which raises funds for youth scholarships, and youth community projects) hosted a Million Dollar Shoot Out.The newspaper I work at was a major sponsor and I'm a board member of the Optimist Club so I worked the shoot out (Jenna helped out alot also) during company time and on my own. Any way we had a lot of time and money invested in this and we needed the rain to hold off just a little longer. We had a short storm pass over to drench about noon for about 20 minutes, but then the sun came out and it was beautiful for the rest of the shoot out. About an hour after we done it began to pour and storm. So all was good there. Except no one won any big money, although we did have two hole in ones during the qualifying round.

I have seen enough of a golf course to last me the rest of the year though. I felt like it became my first home this week. It was a good break for me though. This next week I have to get back to packing as my brother is coming next Saturday to pick up the stuff he's buying. He was going to come today but I wouldn't have time to spend with him and neither would the girls or Jody so PTL he's coming next Saturday instead. I am so thankful as I really do want to have time to spend with him.

Well I need to go pick up my husband from work. Jessa took him and I'm picking him up. All a part of the juggling of cars.

Have a great Sunday.

Anchorage Daily News Called

The Anchorage Daily News called me while on the golf course helping to run the Million Dollar Shoot Out (that's another story). Any way, he said he was given my resume and with my skills he's certain there'll be a place for me. At this time he was looking at a District Manager position (I knew it). I listened but then told him that is the one position I wouldn't be interested in. It's keeping delivery routes filled and having to do them if they're not filled. The hours would be 3 am - 10 am. I told him I'm burnt out in that part of the job after 9 years of it. That I wasn't trying to be negative but I knew I couldn't give my best in that area because my best was already given (something like that). He was nice (I wouldn't say REAL nice, but nice). He asked me to call back at the end of August and see what was open. He said he was still confident that they would be able to use me. I'm planning on calling HR too at that time to look at the advertising end of things as for the last years I've been involved in that. PTL. I know the Lord has exactly what I need!

It's been a busy week started out stressful, but now just busy. I have done a lot of things out of routine on my job which has been a nice change. Yesterday started at 5:30 am and I didn't get home until 10 pm. Long day--but it was a beautiful day (especially weather wise).

I'll write more later as I've got to get to work.

My Parents (well Moms parents) ;O)

Great Father's Day

Yesterday was a good day. No doing any work (until about 10 pm last night when I went grocery shopping). We had a good morning service. Honored our MAN, Brother Nowling is the only man and we did a good job honoring him as he was crying, although he started making jokes to cover it. His mom was there too so that made it special.

We relaxed in the afternoon. Every other weekend our one other member works and our one regular vistor never comes in the evening so we didn't have evening service. Another reason to look forward to Alaska. Anyway, once a hear the Drum and bugle corp always have a competition here in Menomonie. The newspaper where I work is title (major) sponsor so we get VIP seats and a buffet dinner for the event. They the coordinator also gave me 3 general admission seats so the girls could go. It was long but enjoyable. Brother Nowling was even looking forward to it. At the end a rep from each sponsor presents the medals. I was chosen again this year (this year because it'll be my last) and I presented a medal to a drum major in each division and was privileged to present the gold member to the 1st division Madison Scouts. Joleesa and Jenna had come down to the field and was talking with to the newspaper photographer (Jessa stayed in the stands and Brother Nowling and his mom upstairs in their VIP seats). The coordinator came by and I introduced them to the girls. She is so in awe of us going to Alaska for the Lord. Anyway, as the medals were being presented one by one she motioned over by Jenna (we thought she was motioning to the photographer when she meant Jenna). She had Jenna present a medal (I believe it was the first one of the night). Jenna was in shock and honored, and so was I. She handed her camera to me. I got a picture but I'm not sure how good it was. Anyway it put a seal on good day.

Today's another busy day. I have an employee gone this morning then I have to over to one of our sister newspapers who got a new classified advertising computer system and they need help. I'll be going there 4 of 5 days this week. Then Wed-Fri. the Optimist Club is haivng a Million Dollar Golf Shoot Out and the newspaper is a major sponsor of that so I'll be working afternoons and into the evening on that. So another busy week as then I still have things at home to do.

Have a great day

My Dad

I closed up the thrift sale after just a couple of hours because it was so dead and so hot. Jenna did sell $8 worth of stuff when somebody walked into our garage because we forgot to close it and even though things were boxed up they still looked

Jody and I then went for breakfast. I so look forward to Saturday mornings with because all week long we catch seconds on the phone with each other and that's it. We hadn't even really discussed what's happened in the church, yet alone what's happened in our family. I left him a note as to the results of the thrift sale.

From there he took me shopping for some pants. Unfortunately we had to stay local as we didn't have time but I have put on weight ~sticking bottom lip out~ and my clothes just aren't fitting any more. I hate shopping for pants but I finally found some.

Then we headed over to Joleesa's friends graduation party (we were later then what we hoped to be). From there we headed to Minnesota to see my dad for father's day (and my mom too). They're in a nursing home. And pick up Jody's mom to stay for a week. I really missed our van - we couldn't all go as there wasn't room and Jessa stayed back. I hate it when we can't all be together. But thanks Jessa, the house looked good. It was a challenge considering. The dining room is still being used as our storage - I hope to clear that out soon.

Anyway then my parents. We had a great visit with them. Both my mom and dad cry easy but they were in such good spirits. We got my dad a hat from Alaska with Alaska written on it and then eagles, the brim had mountains and eagles embroidered on it too. My mom even put the hat on for pictures. Then she even put it on backwards. Joleesa kept shaking her head. She knew she had crazy parents but she's rarely seen my parents act crazy. They then started talking about our move and they were really encouraging. Mom said she started to worry about the actual trip one day but then she remembered we were going to do God's work so she knew He would take care of us. My dad want's us to look into getting him airline tickets. It was great. As we went to leave Jenna was taking pictures of each of us with each of them and it dawned on me how long it's been since I've had my picture taken with my parents. They turned out great. I'm sure she'll be posting them. When I went to sit by dad on his bed, he put his arm around me but then insulted me about my weight. He was laughing but this is something he's done ever since I started putting weight on (after the girls were born). I told him I was going to pinch him until he said he was sorry and he was laughing and said he wouldn't say he was sorry. Men can be so insensitive...anyway we had to go and I told them we'd be back next weekend but I was coming to see mom but not him unless he told me he was sorry between now and then. We all were laughing but inside it still hurt. I don't know if he'll ever understand, after all he is a man and even my husband had a hard time understanding. All in all it was one of our best visits ever.

Everyone have a great fathers day.

Psalms 121

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shal preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming from this time forth, and even for evermore."

I woke up with this on my heart. Our God is soo good. There is a promise in here of one kind or another that pertains to everyone, no matter who you are. Actually there are several that hit home to me. Thank you Lord.

Have a great day.

Thank you, thank you, thank you -Thrift Sale Successful!

Thank you for your prayers. Thank you God for holding off the rain and bringing the people in. It's been a long day as we started putting things out at 5 am. I mean all of us were out there at 5 am and Jessa and Brother Nowling don't get home from work until after 11 pm and they were up. Our sale wasn't to start until 8 am and by 6 am we had people here. By 8 am we had already made about $200. I had to go to an ATM and then a grocery store to get change as the people weren't about to wait. I went into work at 9 am and we had been really busy.

Jenna and Joleesa really had it tough as it was 88 degrees and humid. People of course tried to talk us down in price, it was amazing how even the first thing in the morning they did that. Then you had them coming and wanting to buy but didn't have their money until they went to the bank and wanted us to hold it. Then you have the elderly man who forgot his billfold on his dresser and his wife is short $5 to pay for it with her cash so he offers to leave his wife as collateral as he goes and gets it (*great big grin*). He was joking but I took their number and she came right back with it. Then you have two people arguing over a 10' aluminan ladder that was $25. We've had lots of thrift sales over the years but it was definitely interesting and this was just during the time I was there. Read Jenna's blog about my calling the police. ~shakes head~

Oh would you like to know how much we made. Well I had a goal in mind and we made our goal!!! So PTL! Oh are you still wondering how much it was *grins* God is soooooo good.

After my brother picks up the stuff he's buying we will have made just slightly over $1000 (if he buys our gun cabinet it'll obviously be more). Oh and we still have tomorrow morning. There's not a whole lot out there right now. But we do have a couple of bigger things. A dresser, a box of 11th grade Abeka homeschooling material and a kerosene heater. Considering how hot it was, no one was remembering the cold so they weren't thinking of heaters but hopefully someone will tomorrow.

Besides reaching our goal, our sale was to end at 6 pm, we brought everything in about 5:45 pm and at 5:55 it started to sprinkle. It's suppose to storm tonight and rain tomorrow so we'll see what happens. Everything will fit in the garage now, but I don't know if people will come out in the rain. That's all right we'll just hold on to everything until our August sale.

Thanks again for your prayers. Please continue to pray for my unspoken request. I wish I could share it but the Lord knows.

Well I'm going to sink down on the couch and snooze until I have to pick Joleesa up from work at 10 pm. God bless you all. I love you.

Thrift sale tomorrow

Our thrift sale is tomorrow. Please Lord hold of the rain, our garage isn't big enough and we need everything to sale.

There is soooo much stuff. We really have made a big dent in things. The girls have worked hard on everything. Especially Jenna as she's been home. If you know Jenna once she starts something and get's it in her mind how it's going to work it's really hard to know how to help her. She did good tonight as we worked together organizing everything. But we really do need the rain to hold off.

Well we've got to be up at 5 am to get everything out there. We're on a main thoroughfare and once that garage door opens everyone thinks it's time. And I blew it once again. I forgot to get any change and the banks don't open until 8am and so does our sale. Soooo people will have to wait or just pay extra (that sounds good to me) until I get back with change. I'm glad I told them at work I probably wouldn't be in until 9 am cuz now I definitely know I wont.

Thanks for the prayers! Please pray the rain holds off, I know we really need it but it can wait until Saturday afternoon.

Love ya all.

Heavy Hearted

My heart is so burdened with an unspoken prayer request.

I'm making all kinds of stupid mistakes at work. So far people are just laughing and seem to understand but I feel it putting even more stress on me.

I haven't wanted to say anything because we've had more pressing issues with The Church (which we need to continue to pray without ceasing for) and I felt that heavy on me all day and that was part of my lack of concention. I feel selfish in even asking for prayer with all the Smith's are facing now.

But if as you are praying for them and the Church please continue to breath a prayer for me and my family. I know you are but some days are tougher then others and this has been a tough one.

Thanks, I love you all

Our House and Camp

Quite the title I know but they really do fit together. Our house is closing in on me. The garage is packed to the brim. The dining room has boxes of clothes and dishes in it that need to go in the garage but there is no more room (and the floor is filthy). The living room has two tvs sitting on the floor (they're for my brother; we had to pull them out of the garage). The basement's a mess. There is no "haven of rest", that is a place that isn't cluttered, although we have managed to keep the furniture in the living room cleared. I am not clausterphobic but man this is driving me crazy! But just 3 more days and we'll open up the garage and it will become a garage/yard sale (or as is called in Wisconsin a thrift sale). I know I won't get my house back probably ever again but it definitely will have less clutter *smile*

Now how does camp fit in? There's no room for any more things for the thrift sale so I plopped myself on the clean couch and finally got to work on camp *big smile*. Our camp is July 30-Aug 3rd and I have yet to have the staff put together. The schedule has been made for a couple of months but the staff has been a problem as there aren't that many available this year. Also, the campground we are at this year goes by the number of cabins (and then so much per person for food) instead of a flat amount per person like we've been use to. This is very new and therefore a challenge. I have to be sure we don't go in the red and the more cabins we have to open the greater chance of that. We are sitting ok right now but it's close. I need to get the t-shirt design that Jenna did up into the company so I can have a sample for our convention which is July 15th. Plus I need to get the things for the banquet so Jenna can get going on the props for that. Also, my boss for several years has helped me with any wood working I need so I need to talk to him about some ideas and see what he'd be able to do. He actually made our church sign, he's made me the coolest anchor for our camp theme"Anchored in the Truth", A world with a stand and stars for "Lights in a darkened World". It seems like there's been others but I can't think of them. Anyway it looks like I've got the staff, cabins, etc figured out. I'm just waiting to see if a Sister from MN will be able to come to help out. If she can't we'll still be able to pull it off with the Lord's help.

Besides camp I also need to work on my VLB program for the convention. It's all in my head...I just need to get the props, specials and message togther.

Life would be boring if we only had one thing to work on at a time now wouldn't it Sister Tammi.

God bless everyone, have a good nights sleep.

What A Weekend.

Wow! What a weekend. We worked hard on the thrift sale yesterday. After church today Brother Nowling brought up several pieces of furniture and then him and I went and mowed the 3 1/2 acres of church lawn. It was cool outside but sunny and it felt good to be outside. He actually said I did a good job too (amazing, he's usually hard to satisfy when it comes to mowing ~ love you honey). It's real hilly. He did the big hill which I was glad because it was hard to stay on the mower. But I did the other hill and the back of the church. Like I said it felt good...that is until I went to get off the mower. After sitting for hour and a half vibrating. I went to stand and ohhhhh I hurt! Both hips-big time. Just to take a step. And then my neck and shoulder's tonight (I'm not sure why they hurt). But all and all it was a productive weekend, I'll live with the pain, as it too shall pass *grin*

We then had prayer service at church and then one of our members went with us to Pizza Hut and she actually treated. It was a nice ending to the weekend.

Hope everyone has a good week.

We Accomplished a lot today.

We've spent the last 6 hours working on our thrift sale. I'm really proud of the girls. The ALL helped out a lot with very little arguing and only a couple of tough moments. We've already made $35 and the sale isn't until Friday. One of our friends whose an avid thrift saler (is that a word *smile*) came over as he's been bugging us for weeks wanting to know what's all for sale. Actually we're keeping a tap for him as he has to call his sons about a couple of things and bring his wife back on some things.

Tomorrow afternoon Brother Nowling will help us get some of the furniture up from downstairs. He worked today as to make up for the time and money lost on Monday. I'm not sure where we're going to put it until Friday as our garage is already full but there's no other time he'll be able to help. I tell you one thing it better not rain on Friday and Saturday or we're in trouble. If we sell all that we have out there today we should make a good amount of money, let alone what we have yet to sell in our second sale.

Any way my body aches and I'm exhausted but I feel like we've jumped a big hurdle here today.

I'm going to sit back and relax for little bit while I wait for Jenna to get out the tub (oh maybe I shouldn't have said that *giggle*) and I've also got to study for SS.

Good night all. Thanks once again for the prayers. I know they are what has kept us going.

How many times does one move in a life time?

As I was reading the comments I was suddenly reminded how many times I've moved in my life time. As a kid, I didn't go to the same school two years in a row until I got in the 8th grade and even then we moved in those last four years but just finally within the same school district. No my dad wasn't a minister. He was the father of 7 with only an 8th grade education that was always trying to find a better job to provide for his family.
You talk about hard moves...7 children, goats, dogs and I don't remember what else being moved from Utah to Minn. Actually we moved from Utah to MI, from MI to PA, from PA back to Utah and then from Utah to MN (all that took place by the time I was six). Once in MN the moving still continued.

Then after marrying, Brother Nowling and I moved 13 times in the first 11 years. Partly because of just starting out. Then because of the ministry. The funny thing is Brother Nowling had lived only a couple of places in MN and his travels consisted of MN and just across the border into WI. Oh how life changes.

Sister Tammi, it must have been something to have moved to and lived in Japan. It is amazing the roads we each travel and how those travels link us together.

When we were in Seattle waiting for our flight we kept getting bumped with another couple who had lived just 30 miles from us in Baldwin, WI and their family was still there. They were returning to home (Anchorage from Maui) where he was an associate pastor at an independent church. They have 3 girls 25, 23, and 20. ~isn't the world small~

So how many moves have each of you made? And how many states and/or countries have you been in (passing through doesn't count, you had to have spent time there to count it)? I think we'll find this interesting. Anyway I will *smile*

As you can tell my spirit is lighter tonight (thanks sisters and Jenna too *winks*). So I want to enjoy it!

Multi-tasking & Decisions

I have always been one who loves variety. Multi-tasking is what I do best. But I'm tired of never being able to finish one project without a thousand others jumping up to be done or waiting in the wings. I have to force myself to complete one without taking on another, or other wise my brain starts dropping things. Go figure.

I feel like I have 3 lives wrapped up in one. Church, home, and work. There's a thread that connects all three together but I have to switch gears for each one. Now I feel like there's a fourth gear, church is broken out to Alaska and the Great Lakes Region. I don't know if any of this is making sense...God is the thread that connects them all together in me (or through me). God is the constant for me and I'm the common denominator. As I have (and/or get) to be involved in all of these. Sometimes (like now) they seem disconnected and then there are times they blend in one with another. I am soooo glad that God never changes. When everything is changing around me, He is my solid rock.

Now decisions...oh to be a baby again when you don't have to make ANY decisions. There are days where I feel like I could scream if I have to make one more decision. I'm not talking about personal decisions but decisions that are in regards to other people, our children (in particular), a member, an employee, or a customer. Solomon was was wiser than any of us can imagine, as his request, when he could've had ANYTHING was for WISDOM. Oh Lord, give us wisdom! As parents give us wisdom. As leaders give us wisdom. As witnesses give us wisdom. And oh Lord, give the presbretery wisdom, direction and selflessness.

Silence usually drives me crazy, but I would love to be secluded away from the everyday things of life to seek His face for the Church, and for our family. I get a few minutes here and there but not true seclusion. Then again could I handle the silence.

Over the years I've had a journal that I've written on rare occasions when extreme bad or good has occurred...now it has become my blog. I hope you don't entering into that part of my world.

Good news--Joleesa is finally caught up with her homeschooling. Now if we can just get her done early so that will be behind us. Also, our first thrift sale is 6/17 & 18. We kept putting it off until I finally said let's just do it. Also, Brother Nowling and my resumes are done. So some small steps (and yet so big in a way) have been put into motion.

Thanks for putting up with my, my...I'm not sure what you would call it.

Love you all.

Great to be home

Well things are back to normal, or as normal as they can be under the circumstances. I was afraid to go into work as usually when I'm gone I have big problems to deal with...but not this time. Though I had lots waiting for me, no fires to put out and everyone genuinely welcomed me back and were interested in the details of the trip.

Then I went grocery shopping, as Jenna cleaned out the fridge and there wasn't too much in it as the girls ate out all weekend.

Then Joleesa and I spent the whole evening on her home school stuff. Getting it all together to send off. She's been way behind but I think she's seeing the end of the tunnel now. She's been really pushing herself and is looking forward to being done. If only she would've worked steady all year, she would be done. Homeschooling is tough to keep the motivation going. Over all she's done alright.

Then I made our hotel reservations for the assembly the place we have stayed for the last 4 years or so was booked (because Brother Nowling was telling everyone about it-and now we can't get a room). It was the In town suites at $24/night. Thankfully Brother Sutton told us of the Econolodge for $35/night. Actually this will save us money as a family as the other place only allowed 3 to a room so we had to get 2 rooms. Here we'll all be in one room-probably crowded but we'll survive.

From there I called one of our pastor's to see where some of their church camp applications were. They were suppose to have them to me by 6/1 (yeah right)! Anyway, tonight was a busy night but I got a lot accomplished, except our luggage still hasn't been unpacked. Hopefully tomorrow night. I still have to work with Joleesa on a couple more things.

Jenna accomplished a lot in the garage and we'll do more on Saturday while Brother Nowling works overtime to make up for the time lost while we were gone. I know it's so hard for the girls, I'm proud of them for trusting in the Lord. I know He'll bless them for it.

As you can you can see I'm becoming a night person too *smile* Actually, I did take about half hour power nap when I came home because I was following a sleep looking over Joleesa's things.

Anyway 5:30 am comes early as I have my Optimist Club meeting in the morning. So goodnight.

Kids ;o)

Moose

A Park outside of Anchorage

We're Home and God is Good

We got the direct flight out of Anchorage last night. When we first got there they were telling us it was uncertain that we would get on because of a weight and balance issue. I wasn't worried though, God had been sooo good and people were still praying. (And anyway we knew we could call the Grant's and sleep there instead of the airport *grin*) . Anyway it turned out the flight from Fairbanks was late. They waited about 15 minutes and said because of air space they couldn't wait any longer so not only did we get on but there was bunch of empty seats. We were in the exit row so lots of leg space but the chairs didn't recline. But all was good. We got to the airport in Chicago and headed home. Long night and day but I am so thankful to God for allowing us this opportunity. Brother Nowling and I were both in such awe that we in Alaska let alone in no time at all this will be home.

It was a great convention with 27 or 28 registered. Bishop JODY Nowling preached such annointed message Sunday. He preached on being "Fitly Framed Together". God has a blue print and though the ark isn't finished yet it's still the Ark. Then as he spoke on being pitched from within and without, he called 4 of the men (young and old) up and had them lock arms (and did they lock arms) and he said the locked arms was the Holy Ghost bringing about unity, and when the enemy tries to destroy if we've been united he can't do any damage. He pushed on the guys and they held each other up. He kept calling more up and the ark got bigger and the Holy Ghost came down and what a way to end the weekend. It was an awesome time together.

We love the people, and we felt the love of the people. Confirmations came from every direction for both of this that this was the right decision.

BUT we're not through here in this region. I love the people here and I need to turn my heart and efforts to our convention and camp. (Please pray for our camping program.) So I'll be switching gears to continue the plans for those things (of course will be still have to be working on the move). I thank God He places a big enough heart in us to love sooo many people. Some of you I have never met and yet your prayers have linked us together.

Jenna will be posting some more pictures on our blog and then be sure if you have ringo, to check out our ringo.

Love ya all thanks for your prayers and I know you'll continue praying for us.

Another Awesome Day

The Lord blessed another day. It was beautiful although cooler. We had a ministerial/state appointment meeting at 10 a.m. and then the afternoon off. Brother Nowling, Brother Bobby and I went for a walk around the neighborhood, while the Mojin's took the Grant shopping for thier overseer's pounding. Then when they came back we went for a drive to area that overlooked the ocean (I'll get pictures posted but I don't know if they'll do it justice). We saw a moose cow and twin calves (one of the calves still had it's umbilical cord). It was awesome they came quite close actually. Got a lot of great pictures of that. We then drove through several neighborhoods to get an idea of the housing. It seems no matter where they build in Anchorage they like to be on top of their neighbors (except mountainside).

We then had a great evening service with Bethel church leading the worship (Bro. Mojin led the singing, Sis. Connie on the piano, Micah on the guitar and Nathan on the flute). Sis. Connie then gave a great BTI boost. Sis. Grant an awe inspiring reminders to not cover over the cross with the things of the world for WMB. Brother Bobby preached on "The Abundance of Rain" and then a historical church message from Brother Bear Wilda. It was great.

From there my craving for pizza was satisfied as Matthew took us to the Moose Tooth. I actually tasted Blackened Halibut pizza (out of obedience to my overseer to be *smile*). Girls your mom actually didn't mind it, that is until I took the bite that had a lot of black pepper and started choking *fire, fire* grin. Would I order it probably not. Oh and I had dried salmon (dad says mmmm good, mom gave it dad after two bites and asked for something to drink-its not for me).

This morning Brother Nowling and I will be teaching an abbreviated SS lesson (Brother Nowling the junior boys and I everyone else...the boys are excited). And then we have the overseers annual address and then (no turning back now) the appointments. The afternoon they're grilling salmon and other things and then Brother Nowling will be on to preach and then back on the plane.

We'll need the prayers to go up that we have problems going home. Things look better by far then coming, but anything can change.

Oh by the way Brother Bobby has made a great friend of Sister Grant's mother and her cane. He got a cane whipping. He just doesn't know how to behave himself *lol*.

Well I've got to get ready for church we love you all. Please keep the prayers coming. The next we post (other then pictures) we'll be when we get home (I should say back to Wisconsin. It will not be hard to call Anchorage home in the near future).

God bless.

Once again apologies for any errors, I'm not going to take the time to preview.

Service

More Pictures

Scenery

Juneau

Here are more pictures- mom didn't add captions to any of the pictures so I dont know what these pictures are of or whats going on in them...mom will have to say when she gets home or something...Dad and mom really wanted pictures up for you all to see

Pictures via Mom and Dad

Outside Juneau Airport

DownTown Juneau

This was there hotel...they'll have to tell you about it- Im guessing it was an interesting experiance- hehe

We Made It, God is Soooo Good

After a smooth but tiring drive to Chicago, a rough flight from Chicago (I even got nauseated it was so rough), a long day going from gate to gate trying to get to Anchorage, we finally got the idea to try through Juneau (which was a good thing because the Chicago airport pulled the wrong ticket so if we would've gotten the opportunity to get on the plane, we would have been turned around because of the tickets). When I went to change the desination they caught it. Juneau was worth the wait and so was the flight. It is gorgeous. I am in awe.

In the airport as I would begin to doubt and then the Lord would reprimand me and I would repent (literally) and we got the Chicago flight. I was expecting my faith to be tested in Seattle, but when we switched to Juneau and we just barely missed getting on the first flight, the doubting started again, so did the reprimand and my repentence. Then we got the 2nd flight (it beat the first Juneau) and my heart was and is soooooo full of awe and love for my God. We never come to a place that faith is not needed. Both Brother Nowling and I agreed it was, and is worth it. He did fine on the flights. This really has helped him as to get used to flying.

We got into Anchorage about 9:30 am (Brother Bobbie got into Anchorage bout 2 pm) and we see mountains everywhere. As we stood curbside and Brother Grant pulled up, and I was talking to Jessa, I got the privilege of seeing a bear *grin* Brother Wilda was getting out the car and heard me and his eyes got real big and he asked where and I pointed to him *smiling real big* and the bear reach out and gave me a big bear hug.

We got to see earthquake park and The Sleepy Lady mountain. Once again, WOW!

Then the service last night the Lord confirmed in us that this will be our "family". Everything flowed together. Present Sister Rebekkah Doran and her 3 kids, Sister Connie Peter, Micah Peter, Josh and Jacob Grant, Tim Osborne, Larry Walloya, and his mother, the Mojin's, Cody, Brother Sutton, Brother Wilda, and Brother Nowling and myself (we got to see Matthew Peter when we went to eat. It had been a long time.)

I was on to sing and Jenna had asked me to sing "Through It All" and felt "The Blood Will never lose it's Power." Brother Bobbie worked with me and I decided to do both and they flowed well together. Brother Tim and Sis Mojin were both on before me and I knew that I was doing right by doing both as they both fit. I sang (my voice was really rough with my allergies, even up here. I think it's the cotton) I asked they close their eyes and listen to the words and the Holy Ghost swept through the place and a message and interpretation -the jest of it of it was that the Lord has things ahead for us that we are not aware of and that we must stay faithful. Brother Grant boosted CPMA about us being MARKED for the Gospel sake and then Brother Wilda preached inspiring message.

To top off the night Brother Nowling drove Josh Grant's Eclipse to the restaurant after church and then get this, he was brave enough to let me drive it to Walmart and home (Brother Nowling was too chicken to ride with us though). I did just fine driving the five speed. Right Josh and Micah? *smile-be honest*.

One last comment here. It never got dark last night. It was midnight at Walmart and it looked like about 8 pm at home and the town was busier then ever. I had to keep looking at my watch to remind me the time, otherwise I found myself wanting to stay up because I don't sleep during the day *shakes head, unreal*. I slept great as the windows were covered in the trailer house. So all is well.

I'll try to post again tonight or tomorrow. Hopefully we can Micah to post some of the pictures. I'm sure Brother Nowling will keep on him until he does *smile*.

Love ya all and thanks for the prayers.

I apologize if there are any errors I don't have time to preview. I hope it wasn't too long.

They Arrived...

I got a voicemail message left on my phone this morning and they were getting on a flight to Anchorage...PRAISE THE LORD... and I just got a call and they are there...

Dad is in awe- I guess they really really enjoyed Junuo- I think God sent them there because they needed some R&R before convention... they've taken lots and lots of pictures I guess :)

God is so very wonderful!


I think mom and dad should be able to post from here on out- not sure if they will - I'll see and if they dont I'll continue to keep you all posted...

Thank You God....

I hope my parents won't mind be posting this for them...I don't know if they'll have internet in the airport or if they'll even know how to get it- no disrespect or anything- thats just something they all ways ask Joleesa or me about...anyway ot the whole point of the post -

Well I got a call this morning from my dad and they made it on the flight to Seattle- Praise the Lord....and Joleesa just talked to mom and they are savely in Seattle and now working on getting on a flight to Anchorage...So if you all could continue to pray for them I know it would mean a lot.

Please pray an extra pray for dad - he's afraid of flying and he asked me what to do to make it better and I told him to bring a book and bring music if possible- or better yet sleep...I don't know how he did but I know the flight to Anchorage probably isnt going to be the smoothest of flights....

Love You Mom and Dad

God Be with You

Jenna