What If We Lived Each Day...

like we'd just been diagnosed with Terminal Cancer? Knowing that each day might be our last... How would this change the way we lived each day> How would it change our interactions with family, friends, neighbours and strangers?

I'd like to write these thoughts in light of several friends and a couple family members receiving the cancer diagnosis.

Would we say we are too busy to get together with friends and family? Would we say harsh, impatient or unkind words to others?

Would we turn away the little ones requesting that we snuggle or read a book together?

Would we fritter away the hours looking at a computer or television screen?

Would we be focused on acquiring as many material possessions as we can?

Would we be complaining about the weather?

I honestly believe that the answer to all the questions above would be be answered with a definite NO.

We would want to spend our time making memories with our loved ones. Treating each day as a gift from God.

So, why not live like we've received that cancer diagnosis? What's to stop us from living like we don't have many days left?

I'd like to end this with a praise. One family has received encouraging news from the doctor. A couple weeks of radiation and she will be good to go. There are several people that we know who have come through cancer free. I hope they see that each day is still a gift. Time is something that we can never get back. Personally, I pray that the Lord would help me to be a wiser steward of the time He gives me than I have been in the past.

Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”


Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee

-C.T. Studd

Missionary Focus For April 23rd-29th

I'd like to pick one of our Missionary Families each week to focus on and pray for. I realize that all of our missionaries need prayer every day and that is our desire. However, I think it would be a good reminder for our family and others to have a weekly focus. First on the Missionary Family and Second on the Mission Field(Country) that they are called to. There are some that we cannot write about, due to the religious restrictions in those countries. This week I want to focus on the Wonser Family.


The Wonser Family surrendered to go to the Philippines. They spent several years raising support and the Lord allowed them to move over there in 2011. It has not been an easy place to work, but I'm sure that they would agree that it's worth every sacrifice in order to see souls saved and lives changed for eternity! The Wonsers have 3 children and it's been a blessing to see the Lord giving them a burden to reach the people there. Recently, Victoria and the 2 girls were able to lead 3 young ladies to the Lord. Praise the Lord!!! The work with families that live in the cemetery! Can you imagine holding church services in a cemetery? Well, I think it would actually make for a very eye opening service. To remind us that we don't live forever. To remind us that we all, rich and poor, end up in the grave at some point. Can you imagine standing in the cemetery and hearing:

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: To hear that "the wages of sin are death" and then the good news that "the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23

There's no denying it when you're surrounded by graves.

We are so thankful for individuals and families that are willing to answer the call to serve the Lord. We are thankful for their faithfulness. They are human and many times wish that they could spend more time with their family. Yet, for the Lord's sake, they are willing to leave all and go. To lands far away to tell the lost how to be saved. To share how they can be 100% sure that they are going to Heaven when their life on earth is ended. Many times they go to places that don't even want them to be there. They share the Gospel with people who don't want to hear it. They pray many hours, walk many miles, give many tracts, hear many rejections, then repeat it all, praying that just one will come to accept the Lord as their personal Saviour.

One of the many wonderful things that the Lord has helped them to accomplish is the Philippine Dream Center. A place where families have moved out of the cemetery, learned important life skills and been discipled as new Believers. They are families that can now go and witness to others of how God can change a life from the inside out! Praise the Lord!

They go into the prisons and witness to them. How many of us would be willing to go into the prisons? Wherever the Lord opens the door, they seek to enter and share how to be saved. Please keep this family in your prayers. Please pray for wisdom in reaching the lost, their health, safety, family unity, financial needs and anything else that the Lord lays on your heart.

This prayer card is a couple years old, but gives you some faces to put with the family name.

Another Blessing!

Our family was pleasantly surprised last night by the announcement that Saskatchewan Libraries will be getting their full funding. There was a decision made to drastically cut the funding, in order to help balance the budget. We are thankful for a government that seeks to do so and respect their right to make hard decisions like that. It was going to reduce the available reading material, but we left it in the Lord's hands. The kids said they were thankful for all the books they'd already had the opportunity to read through the interlibrary loan system. We thanked the Lord for all the money we've saved over the years with homeschool supplements, etc... We left it in the Lord's hands and continued on as before. So, the reversal by the Government is yet another unexpected blessing! We thank the Lord for a provincial government that still listens to the concerns of the citizens. It is a rare thing these days...

It's blooming again!

Addie's flower is blooming again. She asked for a "flower" for Christmas. Grandad and Nana brought her one. They taught her how to water it and it was an exercise in patience in waiting for it to grow. At one point we thought it had died. No, just not enough sunshine. We moved it to a place where the sun could shine on it and it just seemed to thrive. It bloomed once and there is a picture in another post. I need to take some pictures of this second "blooming". The first flower is all the way open, but the second one is just starting. Will try to get a picture with Addie holding it tomorrow... Blessings are everywhere!

The Crying Usher?

The Sunday before last we a bit of a humorous/embarrassing situation. I, as the mother, should have foreseen this happening, but did not... Caleb woke up that Sunday morning, got dressed and said that he wanted to be the usher. I'm not sure if it was because family was going to be at church, or what, but it was a bit unusual. He's usually more than happy to have Samuel be the usher. Samuel has gotten used to it and was not prepared for "losing" his job:(. I had gone downstairs with Lillian, who was having a bit of a rough go of it, and neglected to bring Samuel down with me. He was sitting with Kirk and Darlene and seemed quite happy about it. I could hear things going on upstairs over the speaker in the nursery and all seemed well... Then the second song ended. Scott starts to pray and all of the sudden I hear Samuel start to cry, none to quietly... "I'm the usher, I want to be the usher..." I'm still chuckling over it, but still wishing I had brought him down and avoided the scene. I went upstairs and helped with a "not so quick exit". So, live and learn. Thankful our little guy loves ushering, but realizing he's got a ways to go in the "taking turns business".

Samuel's Prayers

Recently, Samuel(3) has been asking to pray at church, at home and sometimes at bedtime. Sometimes he wants us to pray for him, but lately he's been wanting to talk to God. His first couple times praying he wanted us to tell him what to say. The last time he just started praying, "Dear God, please help my baby(Lillian) get saved and me get saved, Amen" This is not him getting saved, but it is a blessing to know that he wants God to know that he and Lillian need to do so when they understand:).

Tonight he prayed, "Dear God, please help the chicken to get better, Amen". It is very nice of him to pray for the chicken. It was limping and the two older boys decided to put it in our chicken "hospital" to see if it can get better with more rest and a break from the other chickens. We'll see. It's a blessing to see that someone loves the chickens for something other than the meat and eggs they provide:))).

Big Red

Big Red

has been a wonderful blessing from the Lord! Over the years we have had very few issues to deal with. Recently during a bad windstorm, the front passenger side door hinge was damaged. Big Red is in the Auto body shop. It seems a little strange not to see it parked in the driveway, but we are very thankful that our insurance company is going to cover the costs to repair it. We never want to take these provisions for granted. The blessings of the Lord are abundant when we are looking for them:).

We look forward to getting Big Red back in a couple days.

Busy Bees!

Scott went to preach in Prince Albert, SK recently. The family that he stayed overnight with, gave us a juicer they didn't use anymore. There are two things about it that are extra special> First, I have wanted to get one for a couple years, but never set aside the money to buy one. Second, it is the same kind of juicer my parents had when I was growing up. We made apple juice first, then we added some carrots. I remember drinking fresh carrot juice when I was younger and it was pretty good! Nothing like the stuff they sell in the store. The kids LOVED the apple juice and thought the mixed one was okay.


Fresh Apple Juice and Homemade Banana Bread must be a good snack before the big Semester II History Test!

Sourdough Bread Rising! Forgot to take a picture after they baked. God made 3 of them rise especially high this time. The fourth one didn't get it's fair share of dough:)>

Then came the Farmer Friend Cookies for dessert!

The Grand Finale was the Pioneer Cinnamon Buns that we personalized. A sticky bun topping to replace the usual icing! Breakfast was especially enjoyable the next day:).

Pictures from the weekend!

Thanks to my wonderful mother in law, I have pictures to share!

Happy Resurrection Day!

Yes, I know it's traditional to say, "Happy Easter". It's really lost it's meaning over the years though. It's such a wonderful day of celebration for us, as Christians! We are so thankful that we serve a Risen Saviour! We were thankful to have time with our family, church family, friends at Heritage Manor, but most importantly with the Lord! He is once again, our Reason for Living. The Reason we have Hope for the future. The Reason we have Victory! The Reason we know that our Reservation in Heaven is secure. We serve a God who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by Him. Once we are saved, we are secure. No man can pluck us out of God's hands!

He Lives

Lyrics ~ Alfred H. Ackley, 1887 - 1960

Music ~ Alfred H. Ackley, 1887 - 1960



I serve a risen Saviour; He's in the world today.

I know that He is living, whatever men may say.

I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him He's always near.



Chorus:

He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.

He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.



In all the world around me I see His loving care,

And though my heart grows weary I never will despair.

I know that He is leading, thro' all the stormy blast;

The day of His appearing will come at last.



Stanza 3:

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian! Lift up your voice and sing

Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King!

The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find,

None other is so loving, so good and kind.

Family Gathering

I seem to take less and less pictures as the years go by. We had a wonderful time with family this Easter weekend! It was extremely windy for the first couple days. So much so, that our Yukon door was damaged when the wind pushed the hinge too far before we could catch it. It's okay though. We have some slightly humorous stories to share with future generations about riding to church with the door held closed by a ratchet strap and bungee cord. Feeling the wind a bit more than usual and thankful that there was only a wee bit of snow and that the temps were only a few degrees below zero:).

One unexpected blessing: Taking 4 of the kids in to get shots, only to find that they're already caught up. The oldest 2 only need boosters next year and the younger 3 won't need any for several years:).

Scott had the opportunity to travel to Prince Albert to preach and enjoy some fellowship! The Lord watched over the rest of us while he was away.

Delicious meals, board games, crafts, reading books, Friday night movie, nerf battles, a sleepover for 2 of the kids, etc...

The children waved as the last one headed back home this afternoon. Thankful for the blessings of Family!

The watched goat...

never delivers? Something like the old saying, "the watched pot never boils." This has definitely been our story with the goats this year. Checking frequently. Nothing... nothing... nothing... MAAAAA!!! That was actually like music to Scott's ears last night. He'd gone to check one last time before heading to bed. He quickly came to wake up a few helpers. The first little one was doing well. The second should arrive soon. Or so we thought... An hour later we were still waiting. The 3 of us took a turn reaching in to see if we could feel the little hoofs. Not so easy and not a delightful experience. Sadly, the second one appeared to be coming out breach. It's water sack must have broken ahead of time and it was stillborn. There was unexpectedly a 3rd little one that came barreling out in it's sac! Thank you Lord! 2 Healthy little bucklings! Here are a couple pictures of the children enjoying the newest arrivals:

Praying that Mocha starts to perk up soon. Thankful for Garrison taking extra special care of her. He has made dozens of trips to the barn to check on her, give her treats or boosters.

Lots of Helpers!

Many hands really do make light work! We had lots of pie dough left over and a craving for Banana Cream Pie. I only needed to make the cream filling and meringue. My excellent assistants were happy to cut and arrange the bananas and "help" pipe the meringue on top. Below are the yummy results:

Where Are Your Treasures?

We really are thankful for the many ways that the Lord has blessed over the years. Sunday afternoon was another challenge emotionally, but the Lord was faithful. First, we found out that someone we care for very much is not winning the war against cancer. We are determined to keep praying for the Lord to give him complete healing. Our desire is to see God's will accomplished in all of our lives though and will continue to serve the Lord, no matter the final answer to these prayers. It is not our prayers that save, but rather the healing hand of the Great Physician. We are thankful that no matter what comes in the days ahead, we have the assurance that we will be reunited again with this friend in Heaven.

We came home Sunday after church and sent Elyssia to check on the goats. She ran back sobbing, "Star is dead". This came as a complete surprise. Star was doing well when we left that morning. She had nursed well and seemed happy. This parting is one that holds sorrow, but not to the same depth as the loss of an unsaved relative or friend. We are thankful for the short time that we had with this little goat and trust that the Lord has something better to fill the void left by the loss.

There is a verse that comes to mind with many of the challenges that we've gone through lately.

Matthew 6:19-21

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

And a hymn that also has special meaning:

NOR SILVER NOR GOLD

Nor silver nor gold hath obtained my redemption,
Nor riches of earth could have saved my poor soul;
The blood of the cross is my only foundation,
The death of my Savior now maketh me whole.


I am redeemed, but not with silver,
I am bought, but not with gold;
Bought with a price, the blood of Jesus,
Precious price of love untold.

Nor silver nor gold hath obtained my redemption,
The guilt on my conscience too heavy had grown;
The blood of the cross is my only foundation,
The death of my Savior could only atone.


Nor silver nor gold hath obtained my redemption,
The holy commandment forbade me draw near;
The blood of the cross is my only foundation,
The death of my Savior removeth my fear.


Nor silver nor gold hath obtained my redemption,
The way into Heaven could not thus be bought;
The blood of the cross is my only foundation,
The death of my Savior redemption hath wrought.

Look what we found in the barn!

Those who headed out to do the morning chores were greeted by an extra special surprise!

Mocha decided to give birth without letting anyone know... She delivered triplets sometime this morning and the two little bucks didn't survive. Thankfully, the little doe pictured above survived and seems to be enjoying life on the outside! The children named her, Star.

Thankful for the blessings of a new little life on the farm.