Andrew Turns 24... Today!!

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 

Andrew is a caring, compassionate, people loving person. He's loyal and devoted. His love for reaching out to people in our community is contagious, and has inspired us to join him in avenues the rest of us may never have thought of. Teaching is one of his many talents. He is very motivated and is a hard worker; loves to keep busy, and thrives when his shop is full of engines that need fixing. He has a purpose for living; to honor the Lord and spread His love and truth to others. So much joy is brought into our home by the way he showers love on all of us in a way that is uniquely Andrew's. This expression compels us to love him all the more! 

Andrew's highlights of the past year

• Honduras

-Working at the orphanage

-My little friend, Cindy

-Meeting Oscar and continuing to build that relationship

-The water falls and other great times 

• My boy Jack-o!

-Hikes and tadpole hunting

-Making him a shop dog

• Briggs training in Kansas City!

-Time with Dad, Ty-boy, and John-boy

-learning new skills

• Trips back to Maryland

-Time on the family farm

-Time with Alex & Akeem and many other close friends

• Biking!

-Blind bike ride

-The opportunity to meet Courtney, and the privilege it was to get to know her and learn from her experiences.

-500 mile bike trip, which I rode in memory of my Aunt Sandy

(Check out the blog: Pedaling 4 Prevention)

-Time with friends

-The feeling of accomplishment at the finish line

So looking forward to next year!!

• The Grand Canyon

-Time with MomMom and the family

• Camping at Glacier

-Fellowship with friends

• Luke & Chantee's wedding

-Witnessing of a beautiful union

-The opportunity to help by organizing prelude music

-Time with friends

• Campout with Jared, Nebb boys, and my bro!

-Great talks, great memories!

• Family time!

-Projects together around the property

-A.T. Your Service & South Western Supply

-Biking with Becky

-Racquet ball; a new activity we all have really enjoyed as a family and with friends! 

-And just being at home with my family

• Learning to trust God more fully in every facet of my life.

A Dusting

"Nature and revelation alike testify of God's love. Our Father in heaven is the source of life, wisdom, and of joy. Look at the wonderful and beautiful things of nature...

Think of their marvelous adaption to the needs and happiness, not only of man, but of all living creatures. The sunshine and the rain [snow], that gladden and refresh the earth, the hills and seas and plains, all speak to us of the Creators love...

God has bound our hearts to Him by unnumbered tokens in heaven and in earth. Through the things of nature, and the deepest and tenderest earthly ties that human hearts can know...

He has sought to reveal Himself to us." Steps To Christ

Some of our favorite things to do...

Family projects!

Our poor green houses have felt a little neglected this year... 

but working together made the clean up process more bearable. :)

We were able to salvage quite a bit of produce from the plants before pulling them out... Especially from the pepper plants.

Preparing peppers to be dried

Gifts for the neighbors

rosemary and parsley

Random shots

Painting the shed. It was in desperate need of a complete make over.

Staining the house

The boys like to make every job a little more interesting. :)

Happy Birthday, Becky!

He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:3 

Rebecca turned 19 on September 9th. On the cloudiest of days, she brings sunshine to our home. We boys wouldn't know what to do without her, especially now that we are working full time. She selflessly picks up the slack in our household duties and cooks some really amazing food. It means a lot to us that she makes time for the things that really matter; such as fitting quality time with each of us into her already full schedule. But above all, we love the way her cheerful spirit and love for the Lord inspires us to be honorable young men for Him. Thank you, Becky, for being an encouragement to us... We love you! 

Rebecca's highlights of the past year

• Honduras!! new friends, serving and learning, interacting with the children at the orphanage, waterfalls, markets, and many new experiences.
• Tennessee memories- working, canoeing down the Buffalo River, swimming, laughing and just having fun. A&P class with Grandpa Dysinger.
•  Travel and time with friends- GYC, Maryland visits, OKFCM, Kentucky, and camping in Glacier National Park.
• Times spent with the neighbors- work b's, camping, lunches, music practices, ministering together at Texico Conference, and other fun memories.
• The joy of taking care of Wesley- watching him grow and learn so many new things. (I'm learning to potty train... :) )
• Hammock time
• The "kids" (Muffy, Maci, & Marv) :)
• Family time- talking, working, or just being together.
• Truly experiencing God's love and grace throughout this past year.

Pedaling 4 Prevention

The motivation behind this post is to announce and promote a more than 500 mile bike ride from Baton Rouge, LA to Natchez, MS and up the Natchez Trace National Parkway to Nashville, TN on October 1-5, 2012, that I (Andrew) and 3 others will be participating in. 

We bikers are riding in memory of loved ones who have prematurely passed away from preventable diseases and to help raise funds for medical research, care, and education. We would appreciate your prayers and support.

For more information, to make donations, and to keep up-to-date on the ride, please visit our website: Pedaling 4 Prevention

One of the Greatest Wonders...

The Grand Canyon is recognized as one of the greatest wonders of the natural world, breathtaking in its incredible splendor. Its not just an icon of beauty, however. Its a solemn witness to the mighty power of God, who is the omnipotent Creator of all things.  For the beautiful rock strata of the Grand Canyon, with the evidence of their deposition under widespread waters, speak of God's awesome power and justice.

We've been so blessed to have our grandmother visiting for the past 2 weeks. During this time, we spent a couple days at the Grand Canyon, which was a dream come true for Mom Mom. 

On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate. 

Psalm 145:5

... And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm... Psalm 40:2

We all enjoyed our one-on-one time with Mom Mom.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:5-8

Great are the works of the Lord... Splendid and majestic is His work... He has made His wonders to be remembered... Psalm 111:2-4

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

He brought forth streams also from the rock and caused to run down like rivers. Psalm 78:16

You formed the mountains by Your power and armed Yourself with mighty strength. Psalm 64:6

Ah Lord God! Behold, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee... Jeremiah 32:17 

Therefore, as we gaze in silent wonder at its unique magnificence, we are reminded of the words of the psalmist...  "Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, You inspire shouts of joy." Psalm 65:8