Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, Job 38:22

We have SNOW and PTL the trailer is gone. SOLD! and the timing couldn't be better as we have about 3-4 inches of snow. We would have had to figure a place to move it for them to plow...yeah right plow, I don't think Anchorage knows what it means to plow! We haven't seen a plow yet. Anyway at least the trailer is gone, so it's not a problem. I also got a car...yeah a car, a Ford Taurus. Not the Outback, Jacyln, we couldn't get the payments we needed so I got a 2005 Ford Taurus. Josh and Micah (Micah in particular) have had to bite their tongues due to it being a Ford. But the Lord gave us a great interest rate, that got the payments down, along with that I get brand new STUDDED tires as the tires that were on it were bald so they're throwing in the new tires...but they aren't on yet. They'll pick it up from my work tomorrow and put them on so it'll be sloooooow going on these roads.

The snow is beautiful...but Sister Becki snow means Christmas songs to me but they won't let me start singing them yet. Go figure. We'll just skip Halloween and join Thanksgiving and Christmas together. We can go caroling because Jenna loves to do Christmas caroling--NOT! She's already declaring she's not going if we do. Scrooge!
The snow is beautiful and I'm looking forward to seeing Joleesa get into snowboarding and Jessa and Jenna get into...I'm not sure what but I'm sure they'll do something. I wish I was younger, I loved snow tubing, I've done some cross country but that was a long time as was ice skating. Ice skating, Anchorage has a rink in middle of the Dimond mall, how cool is that! Literally out in the open. You can skate without freezing...but we need the snow to to be falling.

Anyway it looks like winter is here and I'm determined to make sure we enjoy it seeing it lasts so long.

Trailer Sale Not Finalized

We were not able to meet with the man to finalize the trailer sale. Brother Nowling had to work late. Please pray for Brother Nowling. He's suppose to be working the Palmer area for Fed Ex. Palmer is a small town, lot of driving less deliverying. Instead they had him work Anchorage because the regular driver hurt his back. This means big truck (which isn't a real big deal except for the tight places he has to get it in and out of), big and heavy boxes and lots of stops. He strained a muscle in his back and was hurting pretty bad. He's not that young any more and this is tough for him. Top that off with the fact that technically he works for Kelly Services (long story, and wierd set up) and he has worked 3 weeks and hasn't gotten a pay check. He has never actually personally had anything to do with Kelly Service it's all been done through Fed Ex so they are the ones that need to follow up and he's not having a lot of success.

In regards to the trailer the guy is still interested and has planned to meet Saturday morning. We have a couple of complications that we would like your prayers in. One, if you remember we had had trouble with the one brake on the way up and they took it off, well Brother Nowling didn't tell him about it thinking he could get it back on...NOT. So he has to tell him about that which we really don't think will be a problem as we've already come down considerably in price. More importantly the bank says it could take 3 months to get the title...so we've got to figure out to do this sale without a title. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Please pray that nothing goes awry in this sale.

Yes Jaclyn it is an Outback that I would LIKE but probably won't happen as I don't think we can afford even a used one. I'm too the place I just want my own vehicle and my only request are that I don't need a step ladder to get in in, nor a crane to pull me out of it (Jessa's Nissan is like sitting on the ground), that it'll handle well on winter roads and it's in our price range. I hope that's not too much to ask Lord~wink. I think you get the idea.

My work is going, ummmmm...good I guess. I feel like I just get on top of things and things get thrown at me and I get behind again. Actually I guess I haven't been totally caught up yet and that might be the key. Yesterday I did sale a full page, color ad worth almost $9,000. I don't work commission, but because this was a totally new account, I do think I get some kind of bonus. Even if I don't, it felt like quite the accomplishment!

Everyone is working in our house now so we haven't gotten into a routine yet of chores. Everyone get's home at different hours which you would think makes it easier but not really.

Any way life is good but please continue to remember us in your prayers, especially Brother Nowling today. We appreciate everyone of them.

We Sold Our Trailer! PTL!

Have I said the Lord is good lately! Today we sold our trailer. It's a military man that is moving to Missouri. He's got ATV's and bikes he's going to barge to Haines and then pull the rest of the way. Monday he will wire the money to our bank from his bank and the title will be released on the trailer. Then I can start looking for a car.

PTL for He is good!

It's A Good Thing

It's a really good thing...everyone is finally got jobs. Even in the local church. Brother Nowling and Jenna finally got work. Brother Grant is driving school bus (it's funny to listen to his stories, this is truly a new experience for him~grin), Larry got a good second job.Matthew got a job at the Alaska Club and now is headed to the Slope (the pipeline) as to do security (2 weeks on and 2 weeks off). I guess the Alaska Club is even going to work with him so that he can still work for them on his 2 weeks off. Although Jessa and Tim both need better jobs, everyone is finally working. God has provided once again and sometimes we forget to thank Him.

We now need God to provide vehicles. I desperately need one (but our trailer needs to sell first), Matthew and Micah need one. But I know God is able to provide. Also, my whole family needs to take the Alaska driving test (written) as to switch our drivers license and/or permits over (yuck, I hate tests). Before we know it it'll seem like we lived here forever (that may be stretching it a little)...we've never lived in this big of city before but Alaska itself is feeling like home. No snow yet (Menomonie has), temps in the 40's (Menomonie in the 30's). We can handle this. It isn't getting daylight though until between 8 am and 9 am. That's strange and is going to get stranger. So far this week I haven't seen daylight, unless I happen to peek out the windows as I walk by one at work.

Work was a nightmare at work on Tuesday and I had a meltdown, but I have really prayed each day and asked God just to keep me calm and help me to make myself stay with a project until it's finished as much as possible. So far the rest of the week has been good. I have really felt the peace of God in the busyness of each day.

Let Me Explain

Let me explain my camp boost. I only was suppose to have 5 minutes and I needed to deal with the camp deficit from previous years as well as generate excitement for coming camp. I wanted to share different aspects of camp fun being one of them...thus Brother Nowling and the marshmallow gun. The pigs have been the dirtiest cabin mascot for many camps that I directed. These dancing pigs were my going away gift from the Great Lakes Region. The counselors of the messiest cabin had to carry a stuffed pig around...although Sis. Tammi, you gave me an idea. I think I'll let the cleanest cabins babysit the stuffed dancing pigs and the messiest cabins have to act like them~tee hee! What do you think?

So I had this all going on as I was making announcements. I did have to stop Brother Nowling a couple of times as I obviously lost severals attention. But it definitely woke everyone up and got them to think camp. It also means we have to make some more marshmallow guns so everyone can have one at camp~grin.

Have a great day.

Good Convention

We had a good convention. It was great seeing the Bethel folks. Unfortunately this time, we didn't get to spend time with Suttons. They had the great challenge of trying to get all their winter supplies in just the few hours between services. We'll be looking forward to spending time with them in Bethel in March for the youth convention.

As you saw from Jenna's blog Isaiah was here and it was great having him around.

I had to boost youth camp and I only had a few minutes so I had several things going on at the same time...Brother Nowling was shooting marshmellows through Brother Jimmy William's marshmallow gun invention, dancing pigs were going on the floor as I was making announcements. I am really excited about camp. There was $300 deficit in the camp fund and by the end of the boost we had only $90 left.











Then I boosted ladies retreat. How could I not be excited about ladies retreat, Sister Connie Wilson is going to be our evangelist. The men outnumbered the women and I told the ladies this is the time for us to balance this out and get more women...the guys were liking that idea too~shaking head~ By the way Brother Nowling made it known how much he was enjoying having some manly support around him for a change.

Then last night we had our youth service. I really felt the burning of the Spirit within me. We "pretended" to be different things and then I preached on "whited sepulchres" and Achan. The Lord really moved. We had a great altar service and following that I paired the young people with an older person to pray and Holy Ghost was powerfully in that place. I pray the young people had a real life changing time with the Lord.

I then had to work today and I was exhausted. I got there turned on my computer and just got a white screen. My computer some how crashed over the weekend. Go figure, it was fine on Friday and no one used it during the weekend. After about three hours they were able to retrieve my archived items and files...but I'm behind again.

God is still good though.

Minister's Convention This Weekend

Well tonight begins our minister's convention. We'll get to see the Bethel folks. Suttons were suppose to stay with us, but they changed their minds. I'm really disappointed as I was looking forward to visiting with them, but they're getting in late tonight and then have to get supplies tomorrow so they felt it would be better to get a hotel. Oh well, I'll still get to see them and fellowship after the services. Here in Alaska the conventions are Friday and Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Saturday morning there's a state staff meeting and then the rest of the day is open for the Bethel folks to get supplies. This will be the first convention in years that I don't have to plan a program. I'll be doing a short Youth Camp boost and Ladies Retreat boost, but that's it. It's good because I don't have to prepare but I actually enjoyed (despite the nerves) putting it all together and watching God pull it off.

The bummer of it all is Brother Nowling has to work as he is taking his tests from his Fed Ex training. Because Monday was Columbus Day they didn't train so now they have to finish Saturday. We don't know yet if it'll be a full day or not. So any way tonight will be hectic and I will be carless tomorrow so Jessa has to share with me...

Young People Today

Did you know if you take laptops and cell phones away from our young people they wouldn't be able to exist. Let's see if any of them would disagree with me. The youth around here have one, or the other or both going at all times. They are texting, or msn'g each other even while sitting in the same room. ~shaking head~ A couple of weeks ago during youth activity (Mind you not chuch or devotions, they are always good about turning them off for those) I asked them to give me the next 45 minutes of game time that no one used their cell. THEY DID IT, but I think some were having withdrawls ~lol

I saw a moose today right in the median. It was a mama and she was eating the grass.

The Spirit really came down in service last night. But there was one corner of the church where a couple of youth weren't responding. I believe they were trying to ignor His prompting. They think they succeeded but God will not forget them. Please help me pray.

I REALLY did see my moose now

Sis. Tammi, I agree Joleesa was cuter than any other moose. I did finally see one yesterday in the woods. I didn't get a clear look but I saw one. I think it made Brother Nowling happier than me ~big grin~

I actually drove Brother Nowling to work and home today. It was quite the accomplishement as we work on opposite sides of town through thick traffic, and in the dark. It was actually good for me. Unfortunately it means he had to wait an hour of half for me. But he's in training and it gave him an opportunity to study. I need to plan my day so I am out the door right at 5:30 p.m. so he won't have to wait quite as long. I so do want to get me a Subaru Outback. It's not a truck, its not a van, it's not a station wagon it's kind of a combination. But if it's the Lord's will, it will happen, I just have to be patient ~something I'm not good at.

Work is going better. I'm actually feeling like I'm getting on top of things. I'm also getting to know some of the people. Even actually shared some laughter.

Once again God is good!

I Saw My First moose

Bro. Nowling and the girls have seen several Moose since being here but I haven't... Until tonight!

An Albino one at that!

We went out to eat after service at Applebees and the young people were doing all kinds of silly things for Jenna to capture on her new camera and Joleesa was the leader of the pack (or should I say herd).

We had great services. I'm really enjoying teaching the youth SS class and they must be enjoying it to as they all really get into it. Worship services have beenawesome. Brother Nowling has been stepping on toes in his messages, but that's what we need as to go on to perfection. Jenna traded services with Jessa as she had to work and she had everyone captivated as she spoke on Hebrews 12:1, 2. Hopefully she'll show you some of the pictures. The Lord is good.

I do hope we see some sunshine soon. Its been several cloudy days with rain off and on.

BUT the Lord is Good.

Together In The Good and the Bad

It's amazing how God brings His family together from far and near as they share in good times and bad. We share from each others experiences and I am so greatful for that.
-Sis. Tammy - no matter how muddled your brain gets due to weariness (physically or emotionally) you exuberate His love.
-Sis. Smith - I'll gladly resend this post IF that day comes. We know the hand of God is on us. We can feel His tenderness and love...but it's reminders like this that help us when we are feeling weak.
-Sis. Annette - our journey holds so many purposes behind it. In everything we do for the Lord we glean so much for ourselves. I love you Sis and look forward to spending some time with you.

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST: Please pray for the girls. Each one has special needs that they desperately need God to intervene on their behalf.

I Feel The Shoe Falling

Well today I felt the shoe falling. My job has been sooooooooooooo stressful. The girl that I replaced has made LOTS of mistakes. Around every corner I was being given another mistake to resolve, grrrrrrr. I worked 4 hours Saturday to get caught up and I'm so behind again. My desk looks like it threw up paper!!!

Then I come home and there's 27 boxes of books sitting through out the house. Brother Nowling's office books that a friend in Menomonie sent up sporadically all arrived today! Poor Brother Nowling is trying to figure out where in the small "cold storage" room that is being turned into his office, is he going to put all these books, old White Wings, Old Happy Harvestors, etc.

Then if you remember I said Brother Nowling got a job at Fed Ex, he still hasn't started. He had his drug test Friday and was suppose to start training this week when the drug test results came back...he hasn't heard anything. Tomorrow he has an interview with Pepsi---Sister Becki he will actually be a traitor to Coke (he is a Diet Coke enthusiast, it's nothing for him to have several a day), but if the pay and hours are right; yes he'll be traitor and work Pepsi, but I'm confident he'll still drink his Diet Coke.

You've read about Jenna's not getting a job yet. Well Jessa has one and is greatful that she does, but she's begging to quit because she hates it.

Then there's Joleesa she's been literally crying "I want to go home" to Menomonie. She's having a rough time; she's missing her friends in Menomonie. To say the least tears were shed today!!!

We've been here almost a month and I haven't even seen all of Anchorage. I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever feel comfortable in this big city. I have to have maps drawn for every place I go. Going from population of 14,000 to 265,00, I feel like an ant. I've only driven to work and the grocery store (by myself). I drove with Josh and Micah to Dimond area last Sunday but that's it. Saturday I've asked to go for a drive to Wassila, Girdwood, or somewhere not to far but will allow me to see some of the sights.

I guess a month really isn't that long but I want to feel at home in Anchorage, and it's hard to feel at home where don't know where anything is. By the way grocery shopping is the pits here. I don't know what brands to buy and I'm finding I need to be careful as to the quantity as things spoil really fast. Milk was spoiled just after a week. A block of cheese had mold on it and buns molded just a few days after I brought them home. And we're not even talking about how expensive everything is.

All and all though I felt the shoe falling, it really didn't hit bottom as in service, out of stress and fatique as I was trying to lead song service singing "Never Alone" and "Count Your Blessings" I couldn't get the tears to abate. The people were precious as I tried to explain and the spirit was so loving. So though I felt like the other shoe was dropping (by the way if you don't know what I'm talking about, read my previous post "Ever Wonder" and read the comments) my God was good once again and kept it from hitting bottom!

Busy Weekend

It's been a busy weekend. It started with me going into work for 4 hours on Saturday to get the pile of filing done, which I did and does that feel good. Brother Nowling went fishing on the Kenai River with Micah and Matthew. It was 2 1/2 hour drive and they fished for about 2 hours and caught two fish, a pink salmon and a silver salmon, only to throw them back in because they were sickly (by the way it was Brother Nowling that caught them, the boys didn't get anything). He really had a good time.

I then went grocery shopping,came back and cleaned house with the girls for the youth activity. I really wonder why we bothered, by the time we got all those bodies in no one could see anything any ways, and it obviosly didn't look as good when they left :0P Jenna told you about the pizza and the games. It also was an organization meeting. We planned a fund raiser, our next couple of activities and talked about finding a way to volunteer in the committee. There were 10 young people and Brother Nowling and myself.

Sunday then we broke out a youth SS class which I taught and it was great to see everyone get involved. They have a tendency to keep silent when the JOY group is present. Of course I don't always wait for them to volunteer *grin* although they did a lot of that. There was a great Presence in service too. I believe we had 23 in service. We had only 3 empty seats and were missing 4 people.

As Jenna said the Cabeles' joined us for dinner. I enjoyed having them because it was the first I'd really met them. They're a precious young couple.

Then Josh, Micah and Joleesa and I went to look at cars at this weekend sale Brother Nowling waited for someone to come look at the trailer. This guy was so close to buying it. He said he had the cash in his pocket as he was moving on th 5th but he went and looked at another trailer and decided to buy it. Please pray we sale it. I need a car and we really can't get me one until the trailer sales. I found an Outback that I really liked. This one had 123,000 miles on it and cost way to much, but at least I know what kind of vehicle I WANT.

Last night was another good service. I PTL for the Spirit that has been in every service. I'm really praying for a great altar service, speaking of which it would be great to have an actual altar...I think that's something we'll work on next weekend.