Alabama: Here I Come

Bright and early tomorrow morning, I will be headed down to the state of Alabama.  With a team of multi-generational Christians, I will be serving through disaster relief.

I simply cannot wait to help the people down south and be a testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ.  God has already done great things in the orchestration of this trip and I look forward to seeing what else lies in store!  Upon my return next week, I hope to update on the trip, and until then, would be appreciative of your prayers.                                                                                  
In Christ Alone,
Joshua

Prayer Request

Friends,
Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement for our family with the goat situation.  Before I go to bed, I wanted to ask for more prayer.  Tomorrow I will be getting my wisdom teeth pulled, so pray for everything to go smoothly!

In Christ Alone,
Joshua

Alive and Well!

Hello Blog Friends!

This is Jenna, Josh's twin posting for him. Yes, he IS still alive! 

It has been on his mind to post lately, but that simply wasn't possible in his busy schedule, so I came to the rescue (sort of:). Josh asked that I post this video that I made as a recap of his summer/year 2010...

(Turn off the music on the side bar)

 

In so many ways, the Lord has been working in Josh's life these past several months - shaping and molding him to be a leader, an encourager and a godly example and I know that he could tell you much more! 

Since September, Joshua has been involved in a musical called "Meet me in St. Louis" and many of those skills that the Lord has installed in him have been put to use...This coming week is the performance, and as we head into many long and hard days of tech week I know that he would covet your prayers. His part is "Lon", the brother in the family. The LORD has blessed Joshua with AMAZING vocals and he is doing a phenomenal job with the musical...he even sings a few solo pieces which makes his twin so proud of him:)

Please pray for Josh's strength, and that he would not get sick! Above all - pray that the whole cast will glorify our Lord Jesus Christ with their performing arts. 

God Bless you all,

Jenna for Josh

p.s. Josh is on the Devotions team for the Musical and he and a few other young people will be sharing devotions each day for the next week - another pray request would be that the cast really takes to heart what is shared and that they will apply it to their own lives! Thank you!

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,

URGENT PRAYER!

Dear Friends,
I apologize for not writing sooner. Life has been incredibly busy, but I promise to update soon...

As for now, we met a really wonderful lady and her family yesterday when they stopped over to give us a meal. Today, when I visited her blog, I found this:

My oldest son was over today for a haircut and shared with us that a girl he works with is pregnant by the guy my son shares a house with. She apparently confides in him and told him that she is going to have an abortion as soon as her boyfriend and her can come up with the $650 it will take to murder this baby. She also has a three year old.
I know abortion goes on all day everyday around the world and that we should be praying unceasingly about this. I am ashamed to admit that I don't. I am asking you to pray fervently for the life of this precious baby, his/her mother and father. Pray also for my son to be bold to share the truth any opportunity he has. Pray that if the Lord had him tell us for any reason other than to pray that it would become evident and that He would provide an opportunity to minister to this young woman.
We have offered to talk with her, pray with her, provide her help, adopt her baby . . .
Please pray!!!! Thank you.
I just can't get my mind off of this, it is a BABY!!! A teeny tiny baby whose going to be murdered!

Naturally, my heart is incredibly burdened over this. May we all come together and pray for the life of this precious baby and the soul of it's mother. I pray that the parents of this unborn baby will find the saving blood of Jesus Christ and be forever changed by Him. Thank you all!

Pippi Longstocking - Take 1

At 5 a.m, I am up and doing chores. Today is our first day performing "Pippi"(the play I've been in) where we will go to schools around our area and do the show. I am definitely excited to perform today. Yesterday we had dress-rehearsal and things went so well that it really bolstered my confidence!
As I go about getting ready for the day of performances, my heart is putting on the Armor of God to keep me strong while I am away from the safety of my home. If you think about me some time today, would you just pray for me?

"Goodbye Houston....See you on the other side..."

Jim Lovell - Apollo 13

In Christ,

Early Tomorrow Morning...Update!

I would like to start out by saying thank you to all of those who prayed for Jenna and I. While we were driving to the woman's home, I prayed the whole way.

There is power in prayer, and we certainly saw this today. This morning we went to apologize and were not sure what to expect. Some were saying to me: "Don't be surprised if she tells you to 'get the %$#@ out of here' ". Well, I chose a more hopeful approach. "Perhaps the Lord will do a work in her heart!"


When we arrived, I apologized for our mistake, and she actually told us that she held "no hard feelings"!!! Can you believe that? A wave of thankfulness just washed over me as I thought of the verse in James that says:

"...The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16

Thank you all for praying. It went so well and I give the glory to the Lord! Remember there is power in prayer!

Early Tomorrow Morning...

Early tomorrow morning, Jenna, Dad and I, are going to do a hard thing. A "something" that will require an extra measure of God's grace.

My dad will be bringing Jenna and I to apologize to a woman that we offended last year. The woman was very bitter towards us and spoke very harsh words in her anger. Tomorrow, we aim to rectify the situation.
Please pray that God will soften her heart, that she will listen, and also have a spirit of forgiveness.

God can perform miracles!! Thanks for praying,

Lift Up HOPE in Your Prayers

Today, Hope had a Lumbar Puncture and the results from the testing was not what was hoped for. Here is an excerpt from the update given by Hope's momma...

I was taken to a room along with other members of my family to be told that the cancer has spread to Hope's spine. Both a recent MRI and the lumbar results confirmed this. The neurosurgeon showed us the results on the computer. This was the worst possible news. Nonetheless, the neurosurgeon is optimistic that Hope has a small chance of being cured and a significant chance of remission.

The neurosurgeon then explained what we need to do next.The first step is for Hope to have one final operation on the remaining tumour in her brain. After that, as soon as she is strong enough, radiation treatment must begin, and chemotherapy must continue. I'm feeling overwhelmed at the journey in front of us, so I can't imagine how scared Hope must be. I bet the long road seems endless right now.

Please everyone, let us bring Hope and her momma before the throne of God above. The healer and Great Physician who can heal the sick. As we pray for the Lord's will to be done, let us also pray for strength for Hope and her mom as they go through these trials.

Praying,

Josh

Tyranny Eve - URGENT!

This inspiring video and call to action was found earlier today by my Momma. Please take the time to listen to this. Dad and I were ready to go to Washington D.C tonight but there were no flights and there is not enough time to drive in a vehicle...I encourage any of you who listen to this video to go! Understandably, you may not be able to attend(like us), but the least we can do, is pray. And pray we will.
I would encourage you from the bottom of my heart to PLEASE pray tomorrow between 6-10am, that the Government Health Care bill will not be passed. Also, I have a vision of Christians all across the USA praying for our prosperity of our country and government. Can't you see Christians rising up all around and crying out to God together? Please post this video on your blog, and pass on the vision to all your followers and the people that read your blog between now and 6 am tomorrow. Please pray with me and spread the vision!




PLEASE, copy and paste this on your blog along with the YouTube video. We need to get the word out there on a short notice. We as a country need to be on our hands and knees, praying that this bill does not pass. Email it to friends, family, blog and pray!


Praying,
Josh

Hope's Cancer Diary

There is a dear, fourteen year old Christian young lady, named Hope, who is battling cancer.

At her blog: Hope's Cancer Diary, she writes:

Hi! My name is Hope. I'm 14 years old and just after my birthday I was diagnosed with Cancer. I've had two operations and now I'm having chemotherapy treatment. This is my blog/diary of my treatment, my life and my general thoughts. I hope that maybe it can be of use to someone else and that maybe it can remove some of the myths about having cancer. Please feel free to follow me and leave me comments. Sometimes it is nice to have something different to read.

While Hope is fighting cancer, she is also growing closer to her Savior every day. Please keep this sister in the Lord in your prayers, and make sure to stop by and leave an encouraging word for her.

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

Update #3

Caleb is home! He was actually able to leave the hospital last night, so he got to sleep in his own bed. The surgery went well and he has a very immpressive post-surgery cast! He seems to be doing well, however, he is sitting in a chair looking our into the early morning vs. going to wake up the little girls to start their day of playing! (Not his usual self, poor thing)
Sometimes I get caught up in the everyday peskiness of an eight year old boy, and I forget to appreciate the budding qualities in them. But, I missed Caleb alot yesterday and was so excited to see him this morning!

Thanks for praying,
Josh

Update #2

Here's a picture of the handsome young man you've all been praying for:

Mom called to let me know that Caleb has come out of surgery. Praise the Lord!!!

Josh

Update on Caleb

After going to the emergency room this morning, the doctors determined that Caleb has broken both bones in his left forearm. At first, they were going to reset the arm and send him home this afternoon. But, half an hour ago, mom called and said that the doctors now need to do surgery to reset the arm, and he will be spending the night at the hospital, and Dad will be with him.

Poor Caleb! Jenna said that he was being such a trooper when she was there.

The family that was with Caleb when he got hurt, have been such a huge help to us. They are bringing dinner over for us and then taking Grace and Abigail to a softball game, which will be good for the girls to get their minds off Caleb for a little while. Thanks "O's"



Thank you to everyone who is praying and please continue to do so.



God Bless,

Josh

Prayer Request for Caleb

Quick prayer request: Caleb, Grace, and Abigail went with some friends to play soccer at a park today and we just got a call from the mom saying Caleb fell on the playground and she thinks he has a serious injury in his wrist. So, within three minutes, the baby was up, everything was packed, the car was waiting and ready to go and mom, Laura, and Jenna where gone! I think we made our record for getting out of the house!

Mom is bringing Caleb to the doctor now, and I would really appreciate prayer for Caleb as his wrist is probably broken and he is in much pain. Let us lift Caleb up before the Great Physician who has the power to heal!

Meanwhile, I am here holding down the fort with Anna and Natalie and they are begging me to dress up in Civil War era hoop skirts! Shall I consent?...

UPDATE...I just got a call from Jenna, and she says: he's screaming, it's REALLY severe, start praying, and they're headed to emergency. I don't know what that means but it doesn't sound good. My dad is going to meet them. Thank you all for your prayers

Blessings,
Josh

Prayer Request

Here's the most recent post from Bethany, a dear friend of mine. Please keep her, Rachel and the family in your prayers.

Dear Friends,
I am coming to you with a prayer request on the behalf of our sister Rachel. She was born with a "hole" in her heart with her heart valves not working correctly. She was called a "blue baby". When we adopted her, her finger tips and lips were always blue and she was always cold. We brought her home from Ukraine (her birth place) and just 6 weeks later she was in the hospital having an open heart surgery. That was almost 9 years ago now and on her latest check up they found that the "hole" had reappeared. :( Her open heart surgery is scheduled for tomorrow 6:30 a.m. and they are at the hospital right now running tests and getting everything ready. This is not just a minor surgery as they will be taking her heart out, putting her on a "fake heart" while they are making the repairs. She will probably be at the hospital all week and the hospital is about 2 hours away so we are separated as a family right now. Please pray that everything goes well, that God will guide the doctors hands, that she has peace about it and for minimum pain. Pray for our family as we are not all together and that those here at home get along and enjoy each other. :) If you would like to post this on your blog and spread the word, I would appreciate it! God bless you all!~Bethany~

Sola Fide,
Josh

Prayer Request

I have a prayer request. Yesterday was a long and hard day. There is someone who is very upset with our family right now and was very malicious in dealing with us. This evening we will be going to see this person to try and work things out, and because we don't know if this person is a Christian, it may be really hard...
Honestly, I'm a little nervous, but I want to show the love of Jesus to this person. Please pray for God to give us the words to speak, open the heart of the person and restore the relationship.

In Christ,
Josh

p.s. I'll post on the goat show soon!

Jonathan

Here's a entry from Kevin's blog:

"This morning, around 4:25, Jonathan passed away. He went to be with Jesus. It came as a complete shock to us since he was getting so much better. In my twitter updates down and to the left, I have uploaded the last picture taken of him. Just click the link. My next post will be a tribute to him. Please pray for our family. I do not have too much time so goodbye all for now.
In Christ,
Kevin"

I would ask that you lift Kevin and his family up to the Lord in prayer, as their dear little brother went to be with Jesus earlier this morning.

Josh

Treasures in Heaven?

Today, I received an email from my friend Elliot, saying that a friend of his had died in a car crash. This ties in with my thoughts about evangelism and using our time for Gods glory.

" Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths,
and my age is nothing before You;
Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor.
Surely every man walks about like a shadow;
Surely they busy themselves in vain;
He heaps up riches, And not know who will gather them."
Ps. 39:5-6

Our life is just a vapor. In the blink of an eye we could end up in eternity. Do you ever think about that? We could die at any time. Will we be ready?
The passage in Matthew 6:19-21 says:
" Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is,
there will your heart will be also."

This passage has become very real to me lately. How will we spend our time here on earth? Are we storing up treasures on earth? And, how will we store up treasures in heaven?
Upon closing, I would like to ask a question:
If you died tonight, where will you spend eternity?

Blessings,
Josh
Note: Please pray for the family who lost Landon that Gods peace and comfort will be with them...