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posted by Staddon Family on 12/25/08

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posted by Staddon Family on 11/30/08

The week of Thanksgiving was full of happy reunions. Michael, Robert, and James drove in Saturday and Esther arrived on Monday! Then on Wednesday we met the Wilkes team from VA at the ice skating rink! The two hours were packed with fun as we played the ice version of Bible runners. The game was especially adapted so that skaters of all speeds could play because it’s more fun with everyone. The climax of this outing came right before leaving when James shared the good news to another young man who was ready to receive Christ as his personal savior. James’ example was an encouragement to always be ready to share the hope that is within Christ.

We celebrated thanksgiving the next day with both sets of grandparents, while the Wilkes spent the day in Elkins with their cousins. One of the major blessings we are thankful for is our grandparents love and prayers for us! Good family relationships are not to be taken for granted and it is good to set aside a day to express our gratefulness to the Lord.

The next morning, we gathered in the living room for a good time of sharing what God is doing in our families to make us spiritual salt and light for Christ in our culture. In the afternoon, we followed Jonathan’s special treasure hunt all over the property from the dog house to the loft in the barn! It was unique how Jonathan researched facts and used Thanksgiving trivia to develop this fun game. Obviously, it was designed for a crowd because it’s more fun with everyone!

We were eager to have a game of Settlers of Catan but only had one board. It would simply not do for only half of us to play because it’s more fun with everyone. So we started thinking. Before long we came up with a quite complex rotation plan that worked splendidly! There were also about 5 different versions of ping pong invented over the weekend to expand the range from 4 to 14 players. Why? Because it’s more fun with everyone!

I see an analogy between this week and the way the church functions. Not independently or competively but in unison as the body of Christ. “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members of another.” Romans 12:5 It was a motivational week for us as we experienced this truth in the many opportunities we had for everyone to participate. We found that it is truly more fun with everyone!

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posted by Staddon Family on 08/9/08

After much soul searching preparation, people relating information, and church building reservation, the Family Encouragement Weekend was ready to begin! Many thanks to the Wilkes for organizing this event!

Between twelve and fifteen families attended totaling about 140 people. Not only did families from Virginia show their dedication to seeking God’s best, but also travelers from North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia, and Tennessee.

It was so encouraging to see fathers and sons writing out their family goals. What a sense of purpose there is when families hear from the Lord and are unified in working toward His plan for them. We were blessed to see the openness and responsiveness to God’s Word as the final authority in life. There was also much joy as we joined in singing, praying and sharing fellowship together.

How exciting to meet so many like minded families who are listening to God’s call to come out from the world and seek God’s best! For more details and pictures be sure to read the Hynes and Wilkes overviews of the weekend!

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posted by Staddon Family on 08/4/08

Our house and hearts are full right now! Donald (flying in from Taiwan), and Robert and James (flying in from Chicago) finally arrived home Thursday July 24th! It had almost been a year since we were all together. There is such a completeness about everyone joining in the wisdom searches, meal times, singing for a couple churches, and working around the homestead.

Some of the progress has included clearing trails, fixing computer problems, helping Grandpa and Grandma Brown, and assisting our friends the Elliots with their move.

Isaiah 65:22  "Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands." May this verse also be true for you as you complete today’s work for the Lord.

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posted by Staddon Family on 06/13/08

Uncle Alan did this by turning his parent’s request for a porch roof into an item on his “to do” list. So last weekend found our family in Morgantown to help him with this project. By 7:00 am Dad, Michael, Daniel, Jonathan and David were on the roof with Uncle Alan. Their goal: A roof over Grandma and Grandpa’s back porch.

Before noon, it was 90 degrees up there in the sun. They had to get off the roof for 4 hours because of the heat. We enjoyed the time with Grandpa and Grandma as well as other friends and family who had come to enjoy a hot dog roast in the shade.

The men climbed back up that evening and the next morning to continue the work. Yes, it was hot but we were grateful for the opportunity to honor Dad’s parents. “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Ex. 20:12

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