Happy Birthday Bekah Girl

Posted on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 at 11:14

Hello Friends! As many of you already know, today is my Bekah Girls Birthday! She is a delight to both her father and mother. We are honored to watch her grow in the Fathers Grace and become the Handmaiden He desires for her to be. Thank you for all your prayers regarding my Joe. He returned after being broke down three times and experiencing many unusual circumstances. I am blessed to have a husband who daily lays down his "self" to give to us. The children and I enjoy a peaceful home and are cared for because of his great love for us. Lord willing, my parents will arrive in KS on the 27th in the late evening. Flights are being canceled due to weather conditions so we are unsure of the Lord plan. Daddy called me today to say that as soon as he hears his flight is canceled he will be in the car and on his way to KS. He and Momma are such a treasure to us. We are eager to have them here. We are all dreaming of sitting at their feet listening to their sweet voices, feeling the touch of their kisses and hugs, and simply being in their presence! Our prayer is that the Lord would use us to bless them and encourage them as they see their lifework in their children and their children's children. May the Lord continue to work on our hearts and home and create in us a good work all for HIS GLORY! Dear friends, we pray you enjoy your Christmas Celebration as you abide in His presence! With much love, Mrs. Joseph Wood

Roll on Daddy till you get back home....

Posted on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 09:12

Hello Friends and Family! As some of you already know my Joe is on the road in blizzard conditions. Last night the hand of the Most High was guiding, providing and protecting my husband; I trust He will continue. Joe left yesterday for a run that won't return until late Monday however, now we don't expect our daddy till late Tuesday due to his truck breaking down in the cold. At one point the truck was sliding backwards on ice until it rested safely on the side of the road. I thank the Lord for His ever watchful eye and protection! Please remember to give praise to Him dear friends for He alone is worthy!!! While my husband and his partner sat waiting for emergency crews to arrive they had a few incidents. The first being that the truck was sliding on a hill (a very slight incline) and they needed to get it to stop. They learned that Frito Chips actually melt snow (now that should tell all of us they have WAY to much salt) so that they could get traction and get to a safe place in the road. The second issue was that the truck wouldn't stay running so they sat in single digit temperatures trying to stay warm. Gods grace is sufficient! Joe called to tell me that the crews had arrived, a few hours later,and they would take him to a hotel and tow the truck to a garage to be fixed in the morning (today). He said it would be too late when he got in and settled and asked me to go to bed. He prayed for God to give me peace and Hope and He did. I slept soundly and knew that my husband rested safely in the hands of our Father! It was early afternoon before I was able to hear my Joe's voice. His cell phone didn't get reception in the town they were in. It was a time for me to cast down vain imaginations and rest in the Lord that He was working on our behalf. When I did finally hear his voice my heart rejoiced as did all the children! Today, started late for my Joe after much time at the garage. They learned that an electrical part had frozen and once replaced they were ready for the road again. I just talked to Joe (9 pm) and learned he is trying hard to beat another blizzard that is coming his way- he asked for prayer- perhaps you could keep him in your prayers too. Timothy asked me to put this song that we like up on the blog. I am sure many of you have heard it. It is a country song from the 80's and while we don't agree with "thinking or expecting the worst" (Those are vain imaginations that the Lord tells us to cast down.) We also don't know Him as the "man upstairs" (Elisha actually asked me, "Who was upstairs?" :-) ). We do know Him as the One who listens to our every cry and comes running to rescue His people when they cry out to Him with humble hearts! So, with all that said enjoy the song. Perhaps it will give you a glimpse into the Wood family home. :-) With much love, Mrs. Joseph Wood By the way, I can't seem to get the blog to work right so it clumps my entire entry together with no breaks. I will have to get my Bekah girl to help me figure out what I am doing wrong. Thank you in advance for your patience!

Snow in Kansas!

Posted on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 03:44

Hello Friends! There's snow in Kansas! Snow in Kansas isn't at all like the snow we had at the cabin in California. In contrast, the snow here in Kansas is very dry where California snow use to be so wet and mushy making it difficult to work outside. The snow here in Kansas is dry and is easily blown by the wind in gusts- it is simply breath taking to watch. The children remembered testimonies of missionaries we have read in the past who had to travel in the snow to fellowship. In fear of being caught for worshiping outside the government church the people would walk backwards so that the police wouldn't know what direction they had truly went. As I walked into our library, I overheard one of my little ones talking through the window to Josiah saying, "Josiah your plan is working!! I see your footprints really are going in the wrong direction. However, the missionaries must have traveled at night because I can still see you so I know what way you are really going." I had to giggle; the children are simply precious. I so delight in being a mommy to the Kings people! I love to see them grow, explore and learn about Him through everyday life events. I thank the Father for the continued work He does in each of our hearts. I can't put my finger on it yet, I am confident that the Lord is doing something precious in our hearts and home. I can feel His presence stirring and motivating us to grow in His grace! The children and I have been busy making the home lovely for my parents arrival the day after Christmas. Children are finishing the final touches to their music lessons, as a group they continue to practice our favorite songs, and they continue memorizing their birthday proverbs. My Joe and I are also trying to get our birthday proverbs memorized before mom and dad arrive. I need to go and help Beth Joy finish a present she is making for her little sister. I have enjoyed our chat dear friends and will look forward to hearing from you soon. I love to hear what He is doing in your hearts and home as well! With much love, Mrs. Joseph Wood

Thanksgiving Tales...

Posted on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 10:41

Hello Friends!
Wow! It is already the second of December! November just flew by with all the activity of moving and our Thanksgiving celebration! On behalf of the entire Wood family we want to thank each of you that shared your favorite recipes and especially all of you that had to resend them when my emails went missing!

The day before Thanksgiving the children joined me in the kitchen and delighted in helping me with all the preparations. Each child took a dish and made it while praying for the family that had sent it to us and giggled while sharing fun stories of friendship memories. As a mommy I delighted in overseeing all the baking and cooking that was warming the home. My cup truly runneth over with blessings dear friends!

The day of Thanksgiving was peaceful and filled with laughter! Children played games with daddy as I finished up the last minute tasks. Our table was lovingly graced with delicious dishes from friends and family. Turkey, cooked in a brown paper bag, just like aunt Lori taught daddy many years ago, mashed potatoes, corn casserole (from our Trevino Friends! *One of my favorite flavors this year!!), grandmas green beans, yams (from our Bug family friends- My Joe and children loved these!), apple pie, pumpkin pie (from our Jones family friends!), and banana pudding (from our Callis Family Friends) was the menu. We had enjoyed a pumpkin role from our Beckham family friends earlier in the morning with coffee and teas.  We had many dishes submitted that we hope to enjoy as we enter the Winter Season. I think we will  have plenty of yummy dishes for each Fall that we take time to celebrate friendships! I am excited about adding new friends dishes to our November menu and remember how God has used friends throughout our journey to Him! I have some photos of the children working in the kitchen- I hope you enjoy them!

I have to share a funny moment with you from our Thanksgiving table. I love making things lovely for my family and had asked my Joe for some help getting the Turkey on my grandmothers serving plate. This plate has been glued back together after a little one dropped it one year however, because of the plates age and condition my Joe didn't want to use it and asked me to simply use a cookie sheet instead. "Okay, I will do as you ask and not be disappointed but let us carefully put it on the tray so we can have a pretty picture of the table." He agreed and we began trying to hoist the Turkey out of the pan onto the tray. I was working ever so carefully and having a challenging time. My Joe wanted to come to my rescue and simply grabbed the legs and pulled..... well, you can guess what happened! The legs pulled right off!  He had wide eyes and giggled knowing he was in the dog house now! "Dog gone it Joe!" as I slapped at his arm..." you were suppose to be gentle so we could have a pretty picture of our table!" Giggling he says... "Don't worry Sunshine, I'll fix it for you!" pretty soon he returned with black thread and started tying my turkey legs back onto the body!!! We all were laughing as daddy gave Sarah the thread with instructions on how to hold it so that the turkey looked pretty for Momma. Sarah decided to get funny and started making the turkey "dance" with the pulling of the thread! In fact, when I caught her doing it we all burst out laughing to the point of tears. It was a fun time- memories were made and my children will forever remember the year that the turkey danced on the table!~

Each of us shared of our thanks to the Father while the thought occurred to me that we have spent many Thanksgivings with very little and yet we always have abounded in blessings and hearts filled with Thanks. Being thankful has nothing to do with our circumstances does it friends? Thanksgiving is an attitude. May we each live "giving thanks continually" because we have been bought with a precious price... the price of our Sweet Savours Blood.

The next night, we enjoyed fellowship with families here. My Joe was able to attend and agreed with the children and I- these friends, that the Lord has directed us to, are just preicous!! The girls enjoyed dancing with daddy as did I. I also enjoyed the friendship visits with the women and getting to know others more. Each of the children had a delightful time! We are blessed!!! I posted photos for you to enjoy of Beth Joy and daddy.

Dear friends, this update has been long. Thank you for your patience with me! Please know that we love each of you! I will share next week, Lord willing, as we complete the arrival of all the farm animals!

With much love,
Mrs. Joseph Wood

Children in the Kitchen

Timmy with the banana pudding.. that was OH.. so Yummy!!!

Beth making pies

Sarah preparing potatoes

Beth and Daddy dancing:

Beth and daddy

Our Thanksgiving table.. please excuse the boys needing hair cuts.. they didn't get them till the day after Thanksgiving.

Daddy with an old gun from our Kennedy friends at our Thanksgiving table

Have a wonderful week dear friends!!!

Psalm 30: 11-12

Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 12:17

Thou hast turned my mourning into joy: thou hast loosed my sack, and girded me with gladness. Therefore shall my tongue praise thee and not cease: O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever!

As I awakened after a peaceful sleep.. I gave thanks. When I walked into the kitchen and found my babies and Joe greeting me with smiles... I gave thanks... as I prepared breakfast in a beautiful kitchen with electricity... I gave thanks. As we ate our meal, gathered together- all healthy.... I gave thanks. As I sat in my chair with children at my feet and read from His Word...I gave thanks! As my little one prayed and lifted up others he has never met to the Lord and prayed with confidence... I gave thanks. As we went about our chores and worked cheerfully... I gave thanks! As I walked the property with my Joe and dreamed of some day plans and Momma and Daddy being here with us.... I gave thanks!

I thank Him for all He has done and continues to do in our lives... He has filled my heart with gladness!!!

With much love,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
P.S. The move has went wonderful! Thank you for all your prayers!!! ! We are all unpacked and getting started on projects to prepare for our new farm animals arrival. We love you dear friends and thank the Lord for you continually! Have a wonderful week as you abide in Him!