StaddonFamily.com

posted by Donald on 02/28/09

We visit the surrounding Elementary Schools!

7 Comments » | posted in Family News

posted by Michael on 02/24/09

“Ye shall know them by their fruits.” For the past few years we have begun evaluating a few peach cultivars here in our orchard. A summary of our conclusions so far would simply be this, that the ‘Reliance’ cultivar (planted in 2005 on seedling stock) outperformed the other 4 varieties tested by a long  shot. After three years of fruit, Reliance has shown very little bacterial spot on fruit, and almost none on foliage, which was lush and green. The fruit has been free of brown rot while on the tree, and ripens to a very beautiful golden and orange color, sensationally fragrant when ripe, a good size and yield, and when overripe falls from the tree without hanging and rotting on the branch. The early ripening of the fruit apparently helps it avoid disease. By  contrast, the Harrow Beauty (on Baily, planted the same year and given the same treatment), has fruited

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5 Comments » | posted in Possessing the Land

posted by James on 02/22/09

Every year, come Valentines Day, the creative ingenuity of the Headquarters Staff swings into motion as they tirelessly organize an extravagant banquet for the IBLP Directors. The efforts put into the banquet this year were as meticulously detailed as ever! Without the help of many willing workers, each displaying the heart of a servant, the banquet would never have been possible!

I had the privilege of being in charge of the portrait studio. It was a daunting task: shoot 23 studio quality images, edit them, print them, frame them, and  have them ready to display in less than 5 hours! Having never directed this before, I learned very quickly that properly delegating tasks is an important aspect of being a servant. Sacrificing the enjoyment of doing it myself, I had to teach others how to do what needed to be done and let them do it, or else, the finished product would never have been possible!

Zach worked the entire time behind the scenes. When asked why everyone was able to work together so well, he answered “Everyone was willing to do whatever job they were assigned to; and they did it with their whole heart.” His words back up his own actions, “When there was a break in washing dishes, I would carry the plates or do other odd jobs; there was always something to do.” A servants hands never lack for work, and without them, the desired outcome would never have been possible!

Jordan was a joyful server. He was one of many servers bringing out the food and taking back the dirty dishes. Why were the servers so good at meeting the needs of the guests?  “Because they were cheerful and punctual” he explains. “And those who knew very little about their job listened to those who knew much. This is why everyone worked together so well.” Without joyfulness, punctuality and a listening spirit, flawless serving would never have been possible!

Congratulations HQ Staff for successfully hosting yet another incredible Valentines Banquet! “Servants, be obedient, . . . not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord . . .” (Ephesians 6:5-8)

7 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports

posted by Donald on 02/19/09

Almost a year ago was the post: The High Places of the Earth, Part I. In it I shared that as we follow God (giving Him the first part of our time each week) He leads us along the high places of the earth where we can be most useful and influencial. For me, visiting Yu Shan (Jade Mountain) National Park was a surprising way for God to apply that verse literally.

Last year we got to see Nanan Waterfall and part of the Walami Trail. Since that time interest has grown and I started looking into what it would take to climb Yu Shan Main Peak. About this time last year God slowly but completely healed my foot frown an ingrown toenail enabling me to start and maintain a jogging routine. Mountain-climbing can be more a test of endurance than strength so another prerequisite set by Dr. Chen was to climb some other peaks first. Another hurdle is the registration process. The Lord had another surprise which took care of both of these things: the invitation came from a respected teacher here at the school named Po Hau to take a practice climb at Da Wu Shan, the mountain near us which reaches about 3000 meters.

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Then two weeks ago he extended another surprise invitation: Would you like to climb Yu Shan Main Peak with some other teachers and I? Thanks to him, I was able to prepare wisely. I feel it doesn’t even matter if I make it to the top of Jade Mountain. I’ve done my best so far and will continue to do my best in all areas by God’s grace. That’s fulfillling. A lesson I’m learning that stands out is that preparation and accomplishment are reciprocal. Because of a goal set far ahead, the practice is worth it but also because of the commitment exercised in practice, the goal accomplished is sweet to the soul.

“If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it” (Isaiah 58:13-14).

8 Comments » | posted in Possessing the Land, The Bright Side

posted by Donald on 02/9/09

These are important days for Israel. And who wouldn’t agree that it’s an incredible time in history for us all! Whether for the sake of those around us or for the Lord in quiet prayer, our voice of support for Israel has the potential for great influence.

My normal “posting day” isn’t until Thursday but when I learned that this was Israel’s Election Day, Tuesday, February 10, I knew you all would want to know. Visit this site for a timetable. We should pray for every vote in the election process to be undisturbed and that the nation’s new leadership would be like “the children of Issachar”: “that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do …” (I Chronicles 12:32).

Another site worth checking for updates is Joel Rosenberg’s weblog. How grateful I am to those who are working to bring accurate reports about the things which concern God’s people.
The Lord reward all who pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Photo credit: Thank you Jeremy Maissel from israelseminars.org

3 Comments » | posted in Politics