Christmas letter

I'm sorry that I haven't posted for so long... I have been busy with multiple things. I figured that I should MAKE time tonight and post our Christmas letter. (written by Dad)
Have a blessed Christmas!
Ben for the Mittons


“The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many”…Jesus.

Greetings one and all in that precious Name above all Names. The lights are up, the tree is trimmed, the snow is falling , the fire is on, the house is quiet (that is a miracle), and my dear wife wants this Christmas letter done. I hope this letter finds you all steadfast in Jesus, unswerving in your desire to please and follow Him, and unashamedly in love with the lover of our souls. I’ve been reading Life as a Vapor by John Piper (thanks Frank for introducing him to me), based on James 4:14. “whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is you life. It is even a vapor, that appeared for a little time, and then vanisheth away We appear for such a short time on this earth, just like a mist, and then we are gone. To what end???to know Christ and make Him known. To glorify Him. To enjoy Him. To live for Him. To minister, to serve, to give…just what Jesus did and does.
Looking back on the year, we have had lots of opportunities to do just that.
As you can see from the picture, the boys are growing taller not only in stature, but hopefully in wisdom and in favour with God and man , the girls more Christlike in beauty and
Character, and my wife and I,well, more in love than when we first began this adventure. All of our nine children are such a blessing dropped down from heaven . Please pray for us as we raise them for His kingdom.
Our youngest, Esther, is walking all over now , and definitely knows what she wants, and when. Her vocabulary is growing, and if ever you see her without an apple in her hand and a smile on her face, something is wrong. Marie and Joanna are such good friends, in both mischief and serving. Linda often takes them to the nursing home to visit “Katie” our 92 year old friend. (I’m not sure if they enjoy her or the candy the most) We take the services there for the month of December, and I think they just look huggable to the old folks. Linda has many opportunities with widows and elderly, and just loves to include the children in ministering
Reuben and Elizabeth both worked this summer with CEF and enjoyed the training and being able to share the gospel in 5 day clubs, helping with VBS, and the fair ministry. A highlight this summer for Reuben was his 2 week canoe trip to the boundary waters with a friend of his. The hiking, fishing ,canoeing , exploring and goofy pictures were all enjoyed, He still works at the diner (professional dishwasher), loves to skateboard (mom, don’t look at what is going on in the garage)), read books, ride horses and enjoys building forts with his brothers. Reuben also got his driving permit this year, and is looking forward to getting his license before too long. This year found Benjamin down in Texas at Alert Academy training towards law enforcement. It was stretching, challenging and really taxing physically, but worth it. He had anticipated finishing this year in the final phase, but he was postponed till next March. In the mean time, while he was home, he found time to go to Tenn. To help La Espada, a ministry that works with Spanish speaking people. He learned a lot about printing. He helped at the CEF camp, and the door also opened for him to go north of Kenora Ontario, to help at a camp for native American children. Repelling off a 160’ cliff was thrilling…well, for him anyway. (he did his repelling near where he had helped at camp ) He is working at Marvins part time as a temporary until the end of next week. The Border Patrol has its own Academy where they train their officers, so Benjamin decided not to finish his law enforcement phase down at ALERT…he was told that there would
Be a lot of overlap between the two…and the BP is hiring now. Pray for him next year, as he has applied to be a Border Patrol officer and has his first interview next month. If he gets in, it would mean a few years on the southern border, but plans on coming back up north. I suppose we will let him go…I think I miss him already. We had a banner year picking blueberries, and were able to share the location of our “secret” patch with others..what fun...Except for Marie, who panicked when she thought she was lost in the woods .Blueberry jam, muffins, sauce, coffee cake,…wow, what a treat. The Lord also blessed the garden this year with lots of produce. Elizabeth and Rachel were such good helpers. They got to help a neighbor couple by caring for their flowers this summer, and of course making them cookies…hopefully, they will come to know our Saviour. We would also “loan” them out to grandparents, and other families in the church who were sick, or needed help around the house. Funny how one minute they are girls..the next they are young ladies….its that vapor principle at work I guess. The shot gun is all loaded…just in case those boys start a calling.
We were also able to enjoy a trip to Texas this year for a family conference. The week long camping, sermons, activities for the children were really refreshing.
One of the highlights of course was seeing Benjamin.
We also camped for a weekend at the Mississippi headwaters, where we were able to take in a bluegrass music festival. Such a little stream, that travels so far to eventually empty in the Gulf of Mexico. I pray that our little stream of a family will travel far (in Christ)blessing the lives of others for generations to come. Never think that your little stream can’t make a difference. We certainly enjoyed having Bruce’s parents come out again this year for a visit. Thanks mom and dad for taking the time.
Caleb is at the stage of loosing things..namely, teeth. He is all boy. Loves to wrestle, run, and play. but has a tender little heart. Linda and I have had a good year. Linda still works at the same “job”, I guess her “boss” really likes her. I am so blessed to have such a good wife, she continues to teach me about how to reach out and touch others. I still continue on at Marvins. Interesting how even though the housing market is devastated, we still continue to have work (could be God answering prayer?) I started a new job this year as a CNC operator, running a computerized router. I am called preacher man by some…so I think that’s a good thing. We continue to help out in the church in the children’s program ( though this year we handed off leadership to another couple), on the board, preaching occasionally, leading music (they must be desperate) and loving others. In the coming year, we hope to start a discipleship program for fathers and sons, and mothers and daughters. Still in the works though. We don’t know what the new year hold for us…but we know Who holds the new year. May the Lord bless you as you live out your vapor for Christ and others.


From all 11 of us here, MERRY CHRISTMAS
The Mittons

Marie is SIX?????

Marie's Birthday Breakfast.... Yogurt, eggs, peaches, and juice.
Marie on Grandpa's lap, blowing out candles.
Grandpa, Marie, Grandma, and JoAnna.
Marie's birthday cake.

Marie turned 6 on the 18th. She is such a treasure... We wouldn't trade her for ANYTHING!!! She is very outgoing and friendly, is learning to read, is starting to play the violin, was saved when she was 4, and is looking forward ( sometimes impatiently :) ) to being a mom.

In celebration of Marie's birthday, we had Grandma and Grandpa over for a good supper of sloppy joes, salad, chips, juice, cake, and pumpkin bars. Marie wanted to have Kree over for her birthday, and the Bakkens were able to come for dessert and opening presents.

Happy Birthday Marie!!! May God bless you as you grow to be more like Him!

School work with the Bakkens.

Jace, Caleb, Zane, and Matthew after helping to collect kindling. This group of boys may look innocent, but are actually being trained to be mighty warriors.... for our King!!!
Jace, helping to carry wood.


In the last two weeks, we have had the Bakkens, a family from our church, over to our house for a few days. We did schoolwork, and other work together, and had a generally great time!!! Our extended church family is such a blessing and encouragement to us. We would like to thank all of them for the huge impact they have had in our lives.

Skinning

Ok.... I know that shooting a fawn is not huge news, but thought it would be fun to put a slideshow of the skinning process on the blog... This just gave me an idea!!! I should show pics of us gutting our next deer!!!! Mabye not. :)

Fun fact: I was listening to the 'The Last Battle' on my mp3 player when I shot this deer! The sound was way down, and I had no problem hearing the deer crunching into the clearing.
This is Ben, signing off. Have a great day!

First day hunting... for us anyway.

Dad preparing to go hunting for the evening...with a book?????

Since Bruce and Ben both had to work on the deer hunting opener, we didn't hunt until Monday. This is Elizabeth's first year hunting.... she's not too bad of a shot.
We are hunting near a gravel pit at the top of Blueberry Hill.

Nothing was seen in the morning, but Ben got a fawn just before closing hours. He saw both the doe and her fawn, but couldn't find the doe in the scope, so just shot the fawn. Praise the Lord for a safe day hunting and meat in the freezer!

First snow!!!!!

The finished product!

Mom making donuts.

Our first snow!!!

Our first snow is sitting on the ground outside!!! We would never trade having 4 seasons! All of us love skating, sledding, snow forts, and.... homemade donuts!!!! A Mitton family tradition for 3 years now has been making donuts on the first day there is snow that stays. Mom's donuts are the best!!!! There is nothing like sitting down with a warm donut, hot chocolate, and, of course, a book! ...unless its licking the donut glaze!!!! LOL.

Did someone say pumpkins???

The children peeling pumpkins.

Just before it got colder, we decided to can some of the produce from our viny garden. In order to can the pumpkin, we first cut the pumpkin into slices, and peeled the tough skin. After all of the pumpkin was peeled, we cut it into chunks and canned it. Thank you Lord for an abundant harvest!!!

A Father's Thoughts

Roosevelt Election Stats

Linda served as an election judge for Roosevelt again this year, so we got all of the voting stats as soon as she got home. I thought it would be neat to put them here. I wish that Roosevelt was a few million times bigger and had the same voting record!!!

President and Vice-President
Republican- John McCain and Sarah Palin.........................................................................................39
Democratic- Barack Obama and Joe Biden........................................................................................25
Green-Cynthia Mckinley and Rosa Clen.............................................................................................0
Socialist Worker Party- Roger Calero and Alyson Kennedy............................................................0
Indapendant- Ralph Nader and Matt Gonzalez.................................................................................1
Libertarian- Bob Barr and Wayne Root..............................................................................................0
Constitutional- Chuck Baldwin and Darrel Cast.................................................................................3

U.S Senator
Republican- Norm Coleman...............................44
DFL- Al Franken..................................................18
Indapendant-Dean Barkley................................5
Libertarian-Charles Aldrich................................0
Constitutional-James Niemackl..........................1

Total number of votes cast
68
Total # of registered voters
70
Percentage of registered voters who cast a vote.
97.1 %

We didn't do very well on some of the other sections....In the State Representative District 1a race, Rep. candidate Steve Lillestol lost to DFL candidate Dave Olin. Overall in MN, not even one of the better judges were elected. In Roosevelt, the only good judge that won the majority of our votes was Griffith.

Well, hope you enjoyed this post! God bless the U.S.A!!!!

A Father's Thoughts

So.. we have our new president elect. For me, this was my first time voting in the country as a new American citizen. While listening to John McCain's speech last night he said something like "the people of the country have spoken"...in other words, they had chosen. I thought of it from a different perspective. Whose vote counted the most?...yours, mine? , or someone else's? I would like to suggest that God's vote carried the most weight. As much as I am saddened that we elected a pro abortion, pro sodomy, anti second ammendment, and pro distribution of wealth president elect, my heart is at peace. Here is why. Open the Word and slowly read these passages for yourselves (yes, you will have to work to get something out of this) : Daniel 2:20,21,37, 4:17,32 John 19:11, and Rom 13:1-4 A common thread is that "the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men." The mystery of the free will of man, and the soveriengty of God. Our responsibility was to get out and vote (among other things). We have a choice. But I believe with all my heart that God has a choice...if those passages mean anything. His choice is from a different perspective, and is always right. God has spoken.....may He now raise up "Daniels" to be a light for Him. Jesus is King of His universe, may we rest in Him today. For a picker upper, find' That's my King' and listen to it. And may God bless these United States of America.

Summer again????

Caleb picking carrots with mom.

Reuben, golfing with bare feet on Nov. 3rd!!!!

With a high temp of 65 today, it seemed like summer! The kids were all playing outside with bare feet. When I think of Nov., I don't think of mid 60s!!! We are definitely not complaining!!!

Ben started at Marvin as temp. help today. He was not expecting to be hired, since he applied in August and still had heard nothing. Please pray that Ben and Bruce would take the many witnessing opportunities that come their way as they work.

Quote/Poem of the week.

Only to sit and think of God, O what a joy it is! To think the thought , to breath the Name, Earth has no higher bliss. Father of Jesus, love's reward! What rapture it will be, Prostrate before thy throne to lie, And gaze and gaze on Thee!- Frederick Faber

Friction

This month, we have been studying Matt. 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. All of our schoolwork for October is related to this verse. In science we are learning about friction. One of the projects was to learn how to check and change engine oil since oil keeps the engine from having to much friction. Reuben taught the younger ones how to check the oil in the van, tiller and lawnmower. We were reminded not to let our relationship with God slip or we will have unnecessary friction with others. Being persecuted for righteousness' sake is one thing, but more often we are persecuted and annoyed because of our own faults.

A Few Family Pics

The Mitton family doll

Esther is growing up so fast! In the last 2 months she has started walking and saying words. Being a good Mitton, her first word after dad and mom was book!! Just a few days ago she started learning our names. After learning Rachel's and Elizabeth's names, we taught her her own name. Now she goes around the house patting her tummy and saying "Esto." Children are such a blessing!!! We have things so backwards in this country. We use birth control at the best and abortion at the worst to stop God from sending us His blessings, while at the same time actively seeking what God, in Deut. 8:12 and 44, labels as a curse: debt. The worst of it is that it is not only the unsaved but also the saved that are rejecting God's plan for how a family should operate... OK I should get off my soap box before I go any further and get in any more trouble!! LOL. Whatever you think about what I just said, you have to agree with me when I say Esther's a DOLL!!!!!

First duck hunting trip

Uncle Arthur took Matthew out duck hunting this morning. Matthew normally doesn't like getting up before 7 o clock, but this morning he was VERY awake. Ben drove Matthew out to meet Arthur, Ronnie and Jeshua, and the boat was in the water by around 6:55. There was some ice on swift ditch, and until they got out of the channel, the boat made a delightful crashing noise as it easily cut through the thin layer of frozen water. After rowing out about 200 yds, Arthur put out 11 decoys and then pulled the boat back into the weeds. Two 20 gauge shot guns were shared by Ronnie, Jeshua and Matthew, while Arthur and Ben each had a gun to back them up. There wasn't a whole lot of action, but Matthew and Jeshua each shot a small duck that landed among the decoys. The duck's bodies were smaller than a grouse, and Arthur wasn't sure what the duck's name was. Ben had Matthew clean the bird, and he did a pretty good job for the first time. Thanks, Uncle Arthur, for a great morning!!!

First Duck!

Painting the church.

Scraping wallpaper off of the wall in the girl's bathroom.

Rachel, Michelle Butler, and Elizabeth preparing walls for painting.

As you can see by Reuben's shoes, there was

alot of glue etc. on the floor after taking off the wallpaper.

Today, Mom, Ben, Reuben, Elizabeth, and Rachel painted and cleaned at the church. Alot of work had already been done thanks to Michelle, Misty, and the Krahns. Well we were there, we were able to finish the women's bathroom, the organ room, and the hallway. Alexis and Elizabeth did a good job looking after the kids.

Doing the job made me think of alot of christian's lives. Some people try to paint over their real selves and hide what is truly there. Before long if the paint is not constantly washed and cleaned up it starts cracking and peeling-the true self starts to show. The only way to have joy is to have a clear conscience before God and man. What you see is what you get.

While they were gone, Dad installed a garage door we bought at GF yesterday. The old one was just about ready to fall apart!

Faster internet connection

Well, now that we have a faster internet connection, we will probably start to do more on our blog. We hope you enjoy reading and are encouraged to know Him better and make Him known.