StaddonFamily.com

posted by Michael on 06/22/10

Today was a day our a family will never forget. We carried Grandpa Brown’s casket to it’s final resting place at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens. He died early last Saturday, June 19th. But for Grandpa it is a temporary resting place. According to the promise of God, Grandpa owns the promise of the resurrection at the last day: “This is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40). When we think about how much we will miss Grandpa, we are sad; but when we think about him and the bliss he is experiencing, we are full of joy.

Robert, James, and Daniel were able to come in for a brief visit to attend the services with us. At the funeral service, John Altizer (our cousin’s  husband) told of the time when Grandpa had asked him to do his  funeral. John took the opportunity to ask him of his relationship with Christ. Grandpa affirmed his faith in Christ at that time. When Grandpa was in poor health the mention of the Lord brought him great joy and comfort.

Esther put together picture displays of Grandpa with his family, and Donald, Robert and I were honored to be pall bearers along with our cousins. The graveside military honors were, as always, very touching. Following the ceremonies, Sabraton Baptist Church served a very nice dinner at the church. We showed a video that Jonathan had put together of our interview with Grandpa where he told of his experiences in WW II. We thank the Lord for all the memories we have with Grandpa Brown.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”

8 Comments » | posted in Family News

posted by Robert on 06/18/10

The Wilkes family is moving! We’re all very excited for them! But we have so many great memories of good times spent together at their beautiful little home in Fairfax.Wouldn’t it be nice to see it one last time, all nicely remodeled? Alas, we’re miles and miles away . . .

But wait! Thanks to a webcam and Skype, this is no problem at all. So the other evening we had a wonderful “virtual visit” with the Wilkes family. But this presented a new problem . . . how could the Chicago contingent of Staddons connect in through video simultaneously with the group in West Virginia?

Enter Mebeam.com. This free website allowed us to connect multiple webcams together in one location. Perfect for a little “family reunion” online! We didn’t get the audio to work right, but using Skype for the conference call and Mebeam for the video, we had a free videoconferencing solution!

The digital experience wasn’t quite like being there, but it was sure a lot of fun. We all prayed together about the potential of an upcoming FEW Conference and enjoyed some good discussion and fellowship, as well as a great virtual tour.

I wonder, does this qualify as a fulfillment of Hebrews 10:25? “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

3 Comments » | posted in Family News

posted by Esther on 06/17/10

   What a joyous occasion! Grandma and Grandpa Brannon came to celebrate with Rhubarb pie on Friday night. Matthew 19:6 says “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Thank you Dad and Mom for keeping your vows and being faithful to each other. May God bless you with many more happy years together.

5 Comments » | posted in Family News

posted by Robert on 06/14/10

Pray for James this week as he leads a team of young men on a Journey to the Heart!

3 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports

posted by Donald on 06/10/10

Believe it or not there is certainly life after death, and there is also life after allergies! We are each specially-configured and I should make the famous disclaimer that this post does not constitute “medical advice” “professional counsel” etc. but I must say that the following three tips have been the most helpful preventatives I’ve found to overcome allergic reactions, particularly reactions to pollen in spring and summer. 

Almost as far back as I can remember, I dreaded having itchy eyes and inflamed sinuses with every outdoor experience. Cool wet wash cloths and eye drops brought some relief but I began to think allergies were something I would have to live with. Amazingly, the Lord turned what I would have considered a curse into a great blessing. Through my allergies the Lord began motivating me to practice preventative medicine in regular ways and gave me the determination I needed to fast. . . .

Tip #1  Fast once or twice a week
    Fasting is giving your digestive system a rest. Fasting gives your “built-in janitor” the time to do a thorough house-cleaning, selecting and removing impurities of every kind. Drink lots of water during a fast. Expect weakness, achiness, and lack of energy. It is all worth it. Grow into it if you need to but aim for twenty-four hours. (Fasting begins twelve hours after eating). I find it works very well to skip a supper, breakfast and lunch, then eat a light but adequate supper on that evening. It’s also a big help to eat less meat and more vegetables/fruit the meal before entering a fast. Fasting can also be a valuable spiritual discipline and a time of reprioritizing. Do it as unto the Lord (Matthew 6:17-18).

Tip #2  Wear your bandanna while you’re weed-whacking!

Tip #3  Incorporate locally-harvested honey into your meals
   This worked wonders for James I remember. Figs and dates also loosen pollen grains that may be in the esophagus. And in general your body will appreciate it if you make the decision to eat what you know is healthy. (Everything tastes better after you’ve fasted anyway!)

Tip #4  Trace surface problems to root causes
   Often serious physical allergies such as asthma come from a root “spiritual” problem such as fear—the fear of being abandoned or left behind. When the root cause is taken care of the problem clears up.

So whether you suffer from allergies or know others who do, be encouraged. Allergies can be reversed. The Lord desires for us each to be ready and able to carry out what He designed us for. May He bring each of us to the point where what we thought was a curse becomes a testimony to His power and blessing in our life.

2 Comments » | posted in Family News