Be Careful What You Promise...

...Never tell a 4 year old that you'll eat a worm if she does...

Goat Show And Modesty

Hopefully the title wasn't too deceptive. In this case, I wanted to update on a couple different things, but the two topics aren't really related.

First of all, Memorial weekend, part of our family went to our first goat show of the year! You can read a run-down Here, but I will say that all of us children won 2nd in our showmanship division along with a few other wanted placings such as 3x1st, and then a kid of mine won Junior Rec. Grade Reserved Champion.(That was fun!)  We enjoyed a good time together and with our friends. Though definitely not the point of the trip, my highlight was challenging and talking with a few other "teens". We talked about dating, some theological points, and growing up under the law vs. under grace etc....

Secondly, a couple of weeks ago I did an interview with fellow blogger  Casey Herringshaw on the subject of modesty. I am posting it here also:

  Why do you as a young man, value modesty?


As a young man committed to physical and emotional purity for my future wife, a woman dressing modestly is a help to me. It keeps me from having to look away from the immodesty and promiscuity making life just a little easier! My future wife will thank the ladies who dressed modestly so as not to cause a stumbling block. A woman who dresses modestly shows not only that she is aware and cares for the heart of men, but also she cares about her husband and is staying faithful to him by not revealing herself to others. Thank you to each woman out there who dresses with propriety and modesty.

So many young women like to flaunt their bodies for attention. How do you avoid it when we are surrounded by it everywhere?

It is very difficult to avoid all the immodesty when it is simply everywhere. However, daily prayer regarding the matter and asking God to protect my eyes and heart as I go out is key. Gratefully, I have a momma and six sisters who are aware of ladies who are dressed immodestly and immediately let me know “Don’t look over to you left!” or something similar. Because of my passion for keeping my heart, mind, and soul pure before God and for my future wife (if the Lord wills), when I see a woman dressed immodestly, I divert my eyes and look else where. If I find myself in a situation where I am in a group with an immodestly dressed woman, I may excuse myself discreetly. Another option: dismissing myself was not appropriate at a wedding I recently attended, so I strategically placed myself so I was not face to face with immodesty.

Can modesty be taken too far, become an obsession in your opinion?

Modesty is an issue of the heart. In our family, we have traveled the journey of being more focused on the outward appearance of modesty and overlooking the heart of modesty. I don’t know if modesty was an “obsession”, but it did seem to become it’s own law: an idol in itself.

“But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.” Romans 7:6

We as Christians, should be living in the Holy Spirit and following His leading. The focus of modesty is to please the Lord through our dress, it is not about the law.

What does it mean to you when you see young women modestly clothed?

When I see women, young and old alike, who are dressing modestly, I want to go right up and thank them. First, they are following what they find in scripture and seeking to be obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

“In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation…” 1 Timothy 2:9

Second, by dressing modestly, they are protecting the young men who might otherwise fall into lust and sin. By not being a stumbling block to young men, they are protecting them, as well as saving themselves for their future husband.

If you could talk with the lost young women of today’s society, what would you want them to know? Besides salvation or the need for Christ, what would you tell them about how they dress and what it communicates?

Men are wired visually. God made us that way. When a woman is dressed immodestly and flaunting her body, this causes a huge problem for a man. Men are drawn to the figure of a woman’s body, and when ladies are showing everything, this is prime opportunity to lust. Lust is no small issue. Matthew 5:28 says:

”But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Adultery! That is what lust is. Whether or not women admit to this, they know when they are dressing to attract attention and at a minimum, visually seduce a man. It hurts my heart because they are causing big trouble for men. Men are being defiled because of the way women are dressing. Most guys like the “easy girls”, but for a young man who is saving himself for his future wife and striving to lead a life of purity, this is damaging and unappreciated… For a married man who is living faithfully to his wife and guarding his heart against the seductions of the world, having immodest women all over is potentially damaging and unappreciated!

On a note to the women: dressing to attract male attention is not what your heart really yearns for. Dressing for men to admire you is shallow and will leave you empty. You are attracting the wrong attention. Men who are attracted to you or pretend to “love” you based on your ability to visually seduce them are not men worth having. Their “love” is not true love and is cheaper than the penny tucked inside your pocket. These men are not worth a dime per dozen. Their love has nothing to do with who you are as a person, but about pleasing themselves. Seek modesty! Clothe yourself modestly! Love is not based on looks, but on the person beneath the looks.

Being pure plays a HUGE role in modesty, but not everyone is committed, why are you?

God created the relationship between a man and a woman to be sacred. The world has turned sex into cheap fulfillment and temporary pleasure. Genesis 2:24 says:

“Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Becoming one flesh isn’t something to take lightly. It is between ONE man and ONE woman! If God brings me a wife in the future, I certainly don’t want her to be one flesh with another man. And likewise, what woman wants a man who has been joined to another woman?

“..but be an example to the believers in the word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity…” 1 Timothy 4:12

“Do not commit adultery” Exodus 20:14

In 1 Corinthians 6:18, Paul says: “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.”

Read the last half of 1 Corinthians chapter 6. Also, read 1 Corinthians chapter 7 and Matthew 5:27-32. Do a study on purity and sexual immorality in your Bible. Read what it has to say in God’s Word.

Cheap relationships, unfaithfulness, and broken hearts are an epidemic in our culture today. I see the damage that it causes. I see the emptiness as a result. I don’t want that for me or my future wife. I want a wife who has saved herself for her husband alone, who has protected her innocence, her heart, and her purity. Likewise, I am determined to give no less. By God’s grace, I am blessed to have parents who support and encourage living in purity. They have guided me and taught me in the way of the Lord, and been my earthly counselors.

I think of myself as a knight in a world full of evil: battling to keep myself from being corrupted and overcome by the sin of the world, pressing on to save a lady who is waiting patiently to be rescued. She has kept herself dutifully from being swayed by the forces of sin, and I want to be worthy of her.

You are obviously not just mouthing the words, you honestly believe them. Why are you so passionate on this topic?

The answer to this question lies in all the other answers shared. Basically, God is passionate about purity and modesty and so am I. The words “modesty” and “purity” ought not be confused with contemporary, youth-group buzz words like “virginity” and “abstinence”. Virginity is not the same thing as purity. Young men and women today can use those words, but they merely reflect something on the outside. Modesty and purity however, reflect the heart. It is real to me and needs to be real for all of us…we need to encourage one another because it is a lie to think that you can be pure while dressing immodestly. A lady who says she is pure, yet does not dress herself modestly and with propriety cannot be taken seriously or respected. What is on the outside is merely a reflection of the inside. Immodesty is greatly impacting our culture today. Each day, God presses deeper in my heart the need for modesty in our world, and the passion grows as a result. Consider God’s holy Word. Take a stand to dress modestly for the sake of honoring the Lord Jesus, and practice “…doing good (to your husband) all the days of your life”…starting now! (Proverbs 31:12)


Thanks again Casey for the chance to do this interview!

God Bless,

On Busy Days

Each and every one of us has our busy days, but today is nearly crazy for me!  Caleb is going to a doctor appointment, my doe Jill was due yesterday, and is now contracting and our buck kid from California is coming in today around noon.

In the last couple months, I really haven't done many farm updates with the exception of the Goat Birth Post   and my Hog Post . Well, today, it is all happening. Poor Jill is just a moose, and when I woke up this morning I went out to the barn to check her and she was contracting. We will have a baby(s) real soon so I should go out and check on her again.

I will post pictures of the buck kid when we get him. He has been in a plane all night long and will be glad to be done with the journey. As for me, I am thankful to finally have him safe at the farm...

In closing I wanted to share a few of the pictures I took with Caleb, Abigail, and Laura the other day.

God Bless,

Happy Birthday Caleb!

Yesterday, we celebrated Caleb's 9th Birthday! Now, instead of being 2 weeks late like I was with my momma, I am only one day late with Caleb. I suppose I am making progress...:)

Happy Birthday Caleb!

Until I was 7 years old, I was the only boy amidst a flurry of female siblings. As a young boy myself, I always prayed that someday, God would give me a brother to grow up with. 9 years ago, God answered my prayers, by bringing you to our family!

I still remember the day you were born. I was 7 years old and staying at a friend's home waiting in agony to find out what momma would have. Would I have a baby brother soon? Needless to say, I hardly slept 3 hours that night, and woke up early to the news that "Your momma had a little boy". My mouth just hung open as I blinked. It was hard to believe that it was true.

Dad came to pick me up in the next couple of hours and I played my first little league game ever. Depite the organized chaos of little boys playing their first game of the season, and the fact that my head was in the clouds, and my heart was already with you at the hospital, we somehow managed to win the game.

After that game that seemed to never end, we gathered all the children and drove to the hospital to visit you...It WAS true... 10 pounds and 14 ounces of real baby boy who was perfect in my eyes. (Of course, I was clueless when I asked momma how she felt, and she replied faintly "My back is a bit sore and I am tired..") Who would have guessed?! Haha!

Now, at 9 years old, you are active, smart, and enthusiastic. From helping with barn chores, to playing both Baseball and Soccer, you find ways to stay busy and have fun! You are a helper, WW2 enthusiast, the up and coming goat show er on the farm, history lover, adventurer(You could easily rival Indiana Jones) and guitar master(almost). As far as school goes, reading is coming along great, and you practically think in math terms.
Even though we have our bad days were we don't get along, God is doing great things in our relationship, and I am excited to watch it keep growing. I am praying that He will also do great things in your heart, and you will recognize your weakness without Christ, and be saved by the blood of Jesus!

Love you little Brother,

Happy Birthday to My Momma!

April 14 was my precious Momma's Birthday. After many terrible delays, I have finally sat down to write...

Happy Birthday Momma!

From the time I was a baby, we have always been buddies...The best of friends... Remember when I was going to marry you? You were perfect to me(and still are) :)

Talking, laughing, and playing, you always encourage me to learn, grow and explore. Anything from destroying the living room to build a fort, an early morning hands-on-science project dissecting the rabbit laid at the stairs, to of course, the memorable egg salad experiments, you have supported my endeavours.

Now, you selflessly help with the farm, schooling, and day to day training. Thanks for loving me unchanging, faithfully being there when I need you, and being my resident counselor, encourager, and best friend. You always have the right answer to the most perplexing question, or the perfect punch line for the situation. I have always thought you are "practically perfect in every way.", and time doesn't begin to change that! Each and every day, I become increasingly thankful for what blessing you are in my life...

Above all of your other perfections, your goal is raising up me, as well as the other children in the way of the Lord, that even when we are old, we will not depart from it. For that I am forever thankful.

I don't know why, but somehow, it feels sad to write this. It only seems to accentuate how quickly the time flys, very much like going into old picture files and seeing how much everything changes. It seems like just yesterday I was three years old, and already, I am sixteen...

I would never change a thing, and of course, everyday with you just gets better!

I love you forever and ever,

What More Do I Say?

I snapped these adorable pictures of Natalie yesterday morning as she was talking and making faces at Grandpa who stopped over with doughnuts....She is brimming with personality and never ceases to make me smile! Oh, to be three again....What more can I say?

Smile and be blessed!

P.S. Is it just me, or is she way too cute?!

Shadowing a PT, Baby Calf etc....

I am back! My apologies for not writing sooner, but I had a very busy last week and am still working on getting myself put back together. As I mentioned in my last post, Sunday evening, our family met with some great friends and had a wonderful time of worship together, and I am so looking forward to this coming worship evening!

Directly after the worship and meal, my cousin Zac and I drove down to where my Momma's side of the family lives. Zac had come to visit us, and he was kind enough to bring me back down with him seeing that I had plans... Our plan was for me to go and job shadow my uncle (Brandon) who is a Physical Therapist for a day(Monday). Because of my interest in science and medicine- not to mention the fact that I am in high school- we decided it would be good for me to explore one of the many options out there, pertaining to this particular field.

The trip went well, I arrived at Emily and Brandon's home in safety, and everything seemed to be going great until....

Do you want to know?...okay, I will tell you! Right around bed time, Beef and Cheese (An inside joke and affectionate term for Brandon) got sick =) Later, Emily got sick too(poor thing)...Naturally, they were both taking vacation from work, and naturally, I fled the premise. I ended up at my Grandpa and Grandma's house, thankfully they were merciful and allowed me to stay with them, with the understanding I would be put to good use... I was kidding. They welcomed me warmly, but we did get to work in the upstairs bedroom. They have been in the process of giving the room a face-lift, and it just so happened that I was there and willing to help! Getting right to work, we had the trim and ceiling painted in only a few hours!

After spending the night there, Brandon called me up the next morning informing me that I could shadow his boss Kevin. Jumping at the opportunity, seeking to make the most out of my time and trip, I eagerly consented and spent Tuesday at the Therapy Clinic. From being introduced and receiving hands-on examples of the stim. equipment, observing treatments on a myriad of different cases, and listening to an evaluation, I was given a taste of what it is like to be a Physical Therapist.

From my first hours at the clinic, an interest was sparked for this kind of job. Upon going back to my grandparents home, Grandma and I worked more on the bedroom applying primer to all the walls, while I mulled over the events of the day. Momma and I chatted on the phone for a while during the evening and we decided together, because of my interest, that as long as I was there, I could see if I could go for another day with Brandon.

Wednesday, I went to work with Brandon and shadowed him for the day. Right from the get-go, he explained to me the many details of what he was treating, and how he was treating it etc. Along with a running commentary from Brandon, he also outfitted me with this simply amazing book filled with graphic, in-depth diagrams of the human anatomy. So, while he was busy treating a patient, I would be next to him quietly observing and looking in the book at a diagram of the ligaments or muscles that he was working on. It was really great being able to ask questions, and receive visuals on all the different treatments. On the whole, it was a great experience, and I had a simply amazing time as I learned. Although, there was so much info thrown my direction during a short amount of time, that I am sure much of it went in one ear and out the other!

Also, Wednesday morning brought more news to the farm. Early, Lucy gave birth to a healthy bull calf. Jenna was the one who happened to go down to the barn just in time to see the birth, and being that I wasn't home, needless to say, I missed it but got to hear all about it on the phone...After waiting half the day to see the little guy, Momma came to get me and after three and a half days away form my family, I came home! I was thrilled to be back home with the family. Work started up again immediately, when, at 10 pm, I had to go and convince the little buddy to drink from a bottle. Now, at nearly a week old, even though he had a tough time getting started, the calf has really taken to that bottle of his and looks forward to the three feedings that he gets every day....

My week was a great one for the most part! Everyday, I am faced with struggles; opportunity to grow and be strengthened, and I am encouraged by the verse:

"Being confident in this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;" Ephesians 1:6

Have a wonderful night!

In Christ,

My Weekend

Saturday, was a busy day! To start the day off, Momma and Dad were out of the house by 8 am going to a Home school conference that is in our area. By a quarter after nine, Uncle Brandon and Aunt Emily arrived after a long trip up to visit with us. Cousin Zac also came up and spend the night.

At 10 am I was immersed in my play practice. We are moving right along with the production and yesterday was no exception. We went over some new scenes, which provided ample laughing supply as we explored the unfamiliar lines. (I suppose the choreographed fight scene was quite entertaining also!)

I came home to these amazing farm-fresh, home-made Cinnamon Rolls which we all thoroughly enjoyed...

After Dinner, I was able to take some pictures of Emily and Brandon. They are expecting their first baby and we are all so excited over here. Now that Emily is showing, I decided to take some photos...

This afternoon, we will be meeting with some dear friends the M's, L's and the Z's for a time of worship and fellowship together. Over the past month, I have worked on a colorful array of different songs to play, and today, Amanda and I will lead the worship. After about an hour of singing, we will all share a meal and fellowship with games etc. We are all looking forward to it and can't wait to see the friends again!

Now I must go get ready for church!

Have a wonderful Sunday chums...

Christmas Festivities and Randomness

Being that we are battling some "bug", we have been laying pretty low. In effort to pass time and comfort the sick children, I have spent hours reading out loud to them. Recently, some old Hardy Boy books were dug out of obscurity and the recesses of Dad's childhood. Because they were deemed "shallow" during my childhood, I never read them, but the younger kids love them! They sit there absolutely captivated by my dramatic performance of the mysteries! I do feel that I'm getting a bit hoarse!

Here is a project that I'm working on:

It is also for Abigail. Several years ago, our family started drawing names to select a certain sibling to give a gift to. In a large family, it becomes increasingly difficult (not to mention expensive) to purchase gifts for multiple family members. So, this year, I drew Abigail's name and that is why I am preparing gifts for her!

Today, last minute Christmas prep is being completed and we are doing lots of Christmas baking! Cookies, Peppermint bark, Chocolate-covered pretzels, and all manner of delectable, festive treats!!!

Anyone want to come over and help us eat all these?!

Merry Christmas!

Josh

An Early Morning Adventure...

I watched North and South. I know, can you believe it?

Even though North and South doesn't have much to do with it, I thought I would mention it because, well...It is a "dark" movie. You may say: "It's a romance. How could it be dark? Mr. Thornton and Margaret fall in love!" Well yes, they do fall in love, but they fall in love at the very end of the depressing, 6 hour movie.

The reason I say it is "dark", is just because of the gloomy, sad, poverty-stricken, struggling, tension-laden feel the movie possesses. Personally, I struggle with being to easily emotionally swayed. My typical personality is one of happiness and enthusiasm, but if I hear or see something gloomy, sad, poverty-stricken, struggling, tension-laden, such as North and South, my emotions tend to easily influenced. Which, if you don't know, is BAD.

Anyway, I was somewhat struggling with feeling gloomy after watching the movie, and Momma, dad and I had a very good conversation about keeping your eyes focused on Jesus. Keeping the focus on our savior, gives us strength. Trusting in His sovereignty in our lives also gives us strength.

As the culmination of our discussion, I got out my Bible and found two verses in the book of Isaiah that were a great encouragement to me.

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

" Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10

After I went to bed, momma came up to check on everyone (did I mention we are under the weather?) She came to my room and told me how important I am to this family and how much she loves me. Then she told me to count my blessings and thank the Lord for everything the Lord has given...As I prayed to the Lord, thanking Him for salvation, my home, and my family, I drifted off in to sweet sleep...Until...4 am!

Good Morning! I hear heaving in the room next to mine and Caleb's, sheets and blankets go flying and I jump out of the bunk bed, my head narrowly missing the top bunk. Dashing around the corner, I find poor little Natalie sitting on the bed (the sweetest picture of sickness. Really!) dry heaving ( thank heavens nothing much came out!)...Poor thing. I sat there on the bed trying to make her as comfortable as possible despite the desperate predicament. After about two minutes:

Me: "Okay Babe, you doin' better?"

Natalie: *nod's head*

*prop up her pillow and lay her back down* " Just relax and lay back here."

I think to myself: Phew, we're good! Let me just try to get another hour of sleep at least.

Not so!!!! 45 minutes later, I was back in the room repeating the unfortunate little episode.

Seeing that you don't know, I'll tell you that mom and dad's bedroom is downstairs, while all the kids sleep upstairs. Anyway, mom and dad really need more sleep so I helped Natalie so they wouldn't be interrupted and woken up.

As I was helping Natalie early this morning, I remembered what momma said to me just a few hours before. Thank the Lord for the blessings that he has given to us. Thank Him for the family...

It was really a blessing that I could help Natalie. Simply, I thanked Jesus that I have siblings and that I had the opportunity to serve them and helped mom and dad in the process. That I can be an example to the younger kids and serve them like Jesus would.

It is the little things in life that can be such big teaching moments. Even being with a sibling that is throwing up!!!

Sorry for rambling on and on. I do hope that my run-on sentences are understandable and not completely resembling a cryptic message! But hey, I was up at 4 am!

God Bless,

Josh

Thankfulness - 6

I am thankful for my Dad. Although I posted about my thankfulness for my family, today I felt like being more specific and posting especially about him, and letting him know just how thankful I am for him.
Dad works for hours and hours upon end in a tanking economy all for the love of his family. Nearly everyday he wakes up to go and work, ready to deal with all manner of battles and troubles that he encounters daily. I continually marvel at his diligence, and his devotion to us all. The reason he works so hard, is for his family and because he loves us so much.
I thank the Lord for Dad and pray that God will bless him richly.

Thanks for all your hard work and your love for us Daddy,
Josh

Thankfulness - 3

Our Garden

Natalie looking at Buck

Lucy, our naughty yet lovable Jersey heifer (due in January!)

I am thankful for the farm I live on. The farm has provided many wonderful opportunities for me to grow, learn, and mature. Learning about animal husbandry, managing finances, building character through hard work, exploring my world and interests, and growing in the Lord are just a few of the things that the farm has provided me with.

At 10, our family moved to a civil war era, farmhouse with an old post-and-beam barn, built in the 1860's to begin our own farm. Starting with a puppy and 6 chickens, we started our journey toward farm life.

Now, nearly six years later, our old post-and-beam barn is bulging at the seams with animals including a horse, cow, a herd of goats, hogs during the summer, a dog, a few sweet cats and kittens and a large flock of laying hens.

During the winter, we heat most of the house with a wood stove on the original hearth, and busy ourselves with 4-H projects and gardening in the summer.

For those that don't know, I am posting one thing that I am thankful for everyday until Thanksgiving...Please feel free to join me!

What are you thankful for???

Thankfulness - 2

Me

My twin Jenna

Grace

Abigail

Caleb

Natalie and Anna

Laura

For day two, I am thankful for my wonderful family that God has blessed me with. I believe that a family is such a blessing from God. The family should be a place you can go for protection, a place to learn life skills, a place to love and be loved, and a place that you can grow in the Lord.

I love my family and am so thankful to God for the blessing they are to me...

Happy Birthday Natalie!

Happy Birthday to my precious little Natalie!

Today Natalie turns three whole years old! From the day she was born until now, she has always been my little sunshine. I have to admit it: She is the most beautiful three year old sister I have! Natalie has been blessed with a kind and caring personality sprinkled with an awesome sense of humor and laughter! She is so sensitive to a sibling that's hurting or upset and will immediately offer what comfort she can when she senses a problem. She also possess a wonderful sense of humor and has the has the ability to laugh at herself when she falls. ( I wish I learned that valuable trait at her age!)

Since the day she was born and we first time saw her, we've known that Natalie is a gorgeous little girl, (our completely unbiased belief, but we know you agree!) and we have always jokingly wondered if you can idolize a baby!

Natalie, I remember when you were about five months old and I tied you to me with a receiving blanket(homemade baby sling) so my hands were free to play the piano with you. How many times have you fallen asleep on my lap when we play and sing together? I love when you sing voice warm ups with me! I appreciate all the times you come out to help me with barn chores( little farm girl) and when we laugh and act out a scene from a favorite movie... I treasure all the times that you say: "Joshie, I love you." (She still talks about marrying me one day)...

I pray that you will grow up to be a beautiful young lady outside and inside and love Jesus with all your heart.

Joshie loves you too...

After 44 Whole Hours Of Study...

My heart rate rose rapidly; My hands turned clammy and cold as I desperately tried to control my shaky breathing. I sat in a hard plastic chair along side of an old creaky metal desk, waiting in utter agony to hear "You passed". The pulsing of my heart...In vain I tried to suppress a slight shudder as I waited to hear my score; the culmination of the entire month.

My drivers training test! After all that drama, the plain and simple point is that: I passed! Praise the Lord! I passed my test and received my permit!

Okay, if you can't tell, I'm so blessed to have passed! Yay:)

Josh

Family Photo Shoot

Two days ago, our family decided to take advantage of the BEAUTIFUL fall weather and leaves and take pictures outside!

Here's some of the shots captured

Sola Deo Gloria!

Josh

Happy Birthday Jenna!

After a week of overcast weather, I am blessed to have a BEAUTIFUL day on which to celebrate my 16th Birthday! And there is no one I'd rather celebrate it with, than my twin Jenna!

Happy Birthday Jenna! Since in utero, we've played, learned and laughed together. Can you imagine growing up without each other? All the times we stay up late talking, all the times we crack up over something and can't stop, all the times we sing and shave goats, and all the times we "fight" over what movie to watch, I wouldn't trade for anything. Pride and Prejudice or National Treasure?

I love working on 4-H projects, pooling info together, and fixing up our goats for a show together...Or washing hogs! Bring back memories??? Don't you love how we can look at each other and know exactly what the person is thinking? It is so fun being a twin!

You are often inspiring to me. Thank you for standing strong in your convictions, and not swaying from peer pressure. I appreciate your hard work ethic and your organizational skills. When there's work to be done, you're one of the first to be there and ready to do it! It encourages me to see you growing up in God's word and striving to serve Him, obeying his leading in your life.

Love you

Happy Birthday Laura!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful little baby sister Laura! Today Laura turns one! It seems like just yesterday mom and dad came home from the hospital with a gorgeous, brand new baby girl, and now, she is learning to crawl and will soon be walking...Time goes by so fast.

I am so blessed to have this adorable, strawberry-blond, chunky, smiley baby to play and share my life with. Laura and I love to play and sing on the piano together and I cherish all the sweet memories that life brings my way as she grows up.

I love you sweet Laura.

Josh

Fair Preparation

I never told you about the fair! Our family participates in a fair, and it's a great hobby for all for us! Last year was the first time doing it, and such a wonderful time was had by all, we decided to do it again.
Anyway, our fair is this coming week and needless to say, we are BUSY! We work on our projects the whole summer but as the time of the fair is nearing, we go in to overdrive busily completing projects, finalizing plans, finishing animals, packing, and more!
This week, I have: Walked and bathed hogs, the goats shaved, the trailer secured, notebooks completed, organized left and right, polished showmanship skills, planned my wardrobe, etc. And there's still more!!!
Today, among other numerous jobs, I will be shaving Jill, my showmanship doe. All the other does are shaved and she is the last one! Tonight, mom will bring us children to the fair, for our interviews on our still exhibits. We will also bring the trailer that we will be using to spend the nights along. (I think) We have a busy day(week) ahead!

My goal is to take pictures and update on what we are doing for the next several days...

In Christ Alone,
Josh

Another Prayer Request!

This Morning our Family is going to visit our dear friends at Asher Acres ! We will be spending the day there and we are all really excited. I'll be bringing my camera and perhaps have some pictures when I come back!

Also, There is a young man that is very lost right now. He is searching for hope. He has admitted his sin and is feeling scared, alone, and hopeless. He is broken inside and God wants to heal his hurting heart and make him a new man. I had the opportunity to share a little bit with this young man and he seems open. God has also given me a real care and concern for this guy, and I would just ask that you pray for him as he searches for hope and the Lord. That someone will be able to come along side him and lift him up and walk the road with him, and that the seeds planted, will grow. He is such a rich and fertile ground for the sowing of the gospel!

Thankfully,
Josh