Almost our entire family was involved in the preparation of the banquet or had a part in serving through music. It was an amazing amount of work but everyone jumped right in and helped out. The creativity that the staff demonstrated in this evenings theme was truly outstanding. The decoration, the serving of the meals, the music, the guys in back washing dishes was all a crucial part in making this banquet a success…and it truly was!

Thomas was one of the guys in back washing dishes. =) Nate helped in the kitchen for two days strait preparing for the banquet. Hannah played here harp for background music in addition to a key song. It was simply beautiful. Abby and Brielle helped with watching the children of some of the couples and sang as well. I had the opportunity to help out with photographing this event (which I enjoyed immensely). It was a full evening but very rewarding.

With the willing service of all who helped, God was glorified  through this event and the couples and those who came were honored.

We apologize for the great pause in our posting, but as you can imagine, we have been keeping busy =)

Much has taken place since our trip to Oklahoma. The time was very refreshing and needful for our family. Back in Chicago with a busy schedule keeps us preoccupied with things such as school, music lessons, working in the publications department, and simply being a family.It has been wonderful.

This past week, Tabitha headed up to the Northwoods of Michigan to serve on the first Journey to the Heart of the year. Over 40 young ladies went up on this week-long trip. Please keep her in your prayers.

Chad has been serving up there at the Northwoods for about a week now and is working on school while assisting with grounds maintenance, hosting the Journey teams, and just being Chad. =) Lord willing, he will be serving up there till sometime in June.

The rest of the team is here serving in Chicago at the Headquarters. Thomas and Nate are both heavily involved with the publications department. Thomas is helping the team gear up for the regional conferences for this year and is keeping very busy. The rest of the family is keeping busy with school, music lessons, and serving in various capacities. God has truly blessed us and we look forward to what the warmer seasons will hold. =)

Last weekend we enjoyed having our Grandparents come and visit us all the way from the sunny state of Florida. Our Uncle and Aunt Fletcher came with our cousin, Cindy, and her baby Hannah from Indiana. Aunt Rachel came to visit as well. It was quite the reunion and we enjoyed our time together immensley.

This weekend we also had the privilege of having the Nelson Family over. We really enjoyed our time together and the weather was simply gorgeous. I believe that it got up to around 70 yesterday! Not your typical November weather. =) We had fun though the time was short.
Today, the final Journey to the Heart group came back from the Northwoods. Nate went up to help staff this Journey but will not be coming back till later on this week. We are looking forward to hearing the testimonies of what God has done in the lives of those who have returned.

Today was another beautiful day. I am so grateful to God, for He is so GOOD to us all.  Bless His Holy Name.

“And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday” ~ Isaiah 58:10 ~

I stepped outside into the chilly morning air. The sun was beginning to rise in the distant horizon and its colors were beginning to fill the morning sky. Simply beautiful. With camera in hand I moved to a spot where I could watch the unfolding beauty that was before me. As I watched with anticipation the rising sun (in addition to my breath in the frosty air) a snow flake slowly passed by…then another…and another. It was snowing! I couldn’t believe it, the leaves were in the peak of color change…and it was snowing…it was thrilling! This was the first snow of the season and the sunrise that morning was simply breathtaking!

Besides the beauty that I saw this past week, I saw God at work in simple, yet incredibly beautiful ways in the hearts and lives of each of the guys that were on this Journey. In working with young men, I have come to realize that only God can change a heart. My job is to simply be faithful and steadfast in proclaiming His truth and to simply abide in Him and watch Him bring about the fruit in His time. I saw lives that were changed, motivated, and inspired to live more passionately for Jesus Christ. I have been challenged on this Journey in my own personal life to continue to press forward into a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him and to be faithful in the little things. God is so good…what an awesome Journey year.