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posted by Michael on 01/20/10

This morning part of our regular Bible reading was Daniel 4, in which God deals with the pride of king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who then acknowledges the power and supremacy of the Almighty.

“At the end of twelve months… there fell a voice from heaven, saying, ‘O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee…’

“And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honored Him that liveth forever, Whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation: and all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, ‘What doest Thou?’

“Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all Whose works are truth, and His ways judgment: and those that walk in pride He is able to abase.”

4 Comments » | posted in Historical Glimpses, Politics

posted by Robert on 01/16/10

Robert joins David Waller in sending greetings from the Northwoods!
http://www.staddonfamily.com/files/videos/memorize.flv

8 Comments » | posted in Tidbits

posted by Donald on 01/15/10

As time goes by, the web site has grown into a kind of album. Since there were so many pictures from our trip that still didn’t make it into our posts we decided to devote one more post to pictures! We hope you will share in our joy both for what the Lord has done in our families and for the promise of what He has yet to do this year developing the character of Jesus Christ in us.

5 Comments » | posted in The Bright Side

posted by Michael on 01/11/10

Returning home on the last leg of our Florida journey, we made one last stop at our grandparents’ house in Salem, West Virginia. After all, there’s no place like home – except Grandma’s. Robert, Esther, James, and Daniel especially relished the visit before heading off to the mid west once again. The thick blanket of snow outside made our supper and conversation in the warm house all the more delightful.

Finally we bundled up and re-entered the white night for the short drive home, two miles down Buffalo Calf Road. As we made our way over the packed snow, we were all thinking about the last obstacle to overcome: “the hill”. Our van was not four wheel drive, and this hill, with  its sharp curve at the bottom to prevent a running start, was just steep and long enough to make it a major obstacle at certain times of the year. It had been the scene of a couple hair-raising events in the past.

We were all praying as we approached the hill. Dad got as much speed up as he could at the base of the hill, and we spun and slid just a tad at the curve, causing us to fishtail as we started the ascent. We could tell we were losing momentum. Now we were really praying. Our tires started spinning and we were about to come to a stop. “Jump out and push!” Dad yelled. I was buried in baggage, but Donald and Robert, who were by the doors, bailed out. “O no!” I thought, “What if we start sliding with them back there!” I burst out of the bundles and climbed to the door to warn them. But we were still going forward! Dad said later that he looked down and when he looked up we were cresting the hill. Donald said he hadn’t really even pushed the van because the van was going forward while they were slipping in the snow. We all cheered in relief and amazement as we stopped at the top of the hill to let Donald and Robert back in.

But we were not home yet. We came to our driveway to find that someone had plowed it for us! What a blessing!

How fitting to conclude our journey with one more reminder that God is the One Who preserves our going out and our coming in “from this time forth and even forevermore.”

7 Comments » | posted in Family News

posted by Donald on 01/7/10

One of the greatest evidences of the Lord’s blessing on our family vacation was the way he timed each stop. In North Carolina, the day of our arrival providentially coincided with the day our cousin needed help packing for a move; in Savannah, Georgia, the one day we passed through was the day after school had finished for a friend we hadn’t seen in seven years; in Florida we found that winter was the right time to find the famous Florida manatees; our day in Lakeland was the only day open in our hosts’ busy schedule there; and now, in Tennessee, at the home of Gil and Kelly Bates we landed on the day of a birthday celebration! (I guess the chances of that happening are higher when you have 19 in your family!)

Being my first visit, I was impressed right away with the joyfulness displayed by everyone. At the same time, it was easy to tell that Mr. and Mrs. Bates had unquestioned but loving authority over all. Mr. Bates welcomed us in to the front room where a glowing wood stove added to their warm greetings. Mrs. Bates gave us a grand tour of their house-in-progress which is now completely enclosed and beginning to acquire the look of home. The children were good story-tellers.

That evening flew by. After a wonderful dinner with brownies and ice cream for dessert, everyone (except Nathan and I) sat down to listen as Nathan gave an exhortation from the Bible about walking in the light.  The Lord helped me to come up with a brightly-colored accompanying chalk  talk thanks to the easel that Mr. Bates had on hand. Then a caving trip was arranged. Even though we tried to go early, it was after 1:00am by the time we returned. Games followed and finally a good night’s rest.

By the way though I must admit that not much time had expired after our arrival before I ended up, along with a couple others, in the “jail”. It was a perfect hideout, made for the children, designed to utilize the space above a staircase. Perfectly remarkable.

The next morning we did manage to get away for the final trip home around 11:00. It had been a wonderful time. The Bates Bed and Breakfast was more than another wonderful stop. It was a reminder that when the important things, such as Scripture and family harmony, are put first, our joy will be full. Thank you again Bates family.

6 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports