Fall Moments

When I look back on this autumn season, I am thankful. What do we do to deserve such a loving God and family?? Absolutely nothing!! I can't explain this paradox. Then I think of these all familiar verses that we all need to be reminded of again and again.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
There! If that doesn't explain things than nothing ever will. It is a matter of faith. Faith in a infinite God who though we can't always wrap our minds around him we can absolutely trust him. He makes no mistakes, nothing is ever random change. Whatever God sends our way we have the opportunity to embrace it as part of God's will for our lives, or we can doubt and question this incredible God.(Which will only lead to trouble). Yes, this type of faith might be mind blowing to think about. ^{Hebrews 11:6} But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 
So let's put away the doubting Thomas of our minds, and put Christ back on the throne of our hearts and minds where he belongs. Expect great things from God attempt great things for God. William 
Carey

So I had first come on this blog to share some pictures from our autumn experiences, but I guess God had some other plans :)
Ok, I suppose I will share those pictures after all, be warned their are a lot of pictures. My mother suggests I share the pictures in several different blog posts. Wise woman! The first set of pictures date all the way back to Labor Day Weekend. We took a family trip to Cooperstown Family Bible Camp. Though we were minus Matt and Rachel (and the older boys who are out on their own) I am learning that you must embrace new normal's and enjoy what God has given you. There is always something you could wish for or long after, but God has put us each in the perfect situation for us as an individual and until we are content with just that, we will never live up to the potential that God has in store for us.
 

Early morning smiles.

The food they served was fantastic, and there was always enough for seconds.

The beauty all around us just soaked into my soul and refreshed me. It encouraged me to look to the Creator of all this creation.

We had many firsts at this camp. Here mom is getting ready to zipline. When you face your fears (heights) you enjoy so many new things in life!!

Marie getting a lesson from Tyler in how to use a .22.

Caleb and Esther...We had many games of Frisbee golf.

Elizabeth and Jo canoeing. The current was very strong which made for a very zig-zag ride :)

Esther and Jo. Who can climb the fastest and the furthest? Another first for some of us...rock climbing!!

We attended a drag race for tractors. This was one souped up tractor!! The driver wore a helmet and kicked up a lot of dust.

"Be still and know that I am God"

Always wanted to walk on a suspension bridge!

Game night...Pit anyone?

A blurry picture, but this shows the zipline in use. Such a fun feeling when you are in the air. It does require you to take a step out into thin air...You must trust your suit and the cable you are attached to, to hold you up.

The Chapel...Tom  Harman was the guest speaker. He encouraged families through looking at the life of Noah, in memorization and to have  a generational vision. Well, that's enough for now! Until the next post, I remain yours truly, Elizabeth Mitton

 

 

Having such a great time here in Stowe Vt

Apples Galore!!

Twenty years ago when we moved here from Ontario there were three fruit bearing apple trees in our back yard! So thankful for the foresight of those before us who were willing to plant apple trees. Just think, they might not have even enjoyed the fruit of these trees that they had planted so many years ago. What a good picture for us. We are given the command to spread the good news of the gospel. So we faithfully hand out tracts, find creative ways to witness to co-workers, memorize scriptures that will help us have an answer when we are asked, pray for opportunities to share Christ, and then give God all the glory when we see souls saved. Yet there are many times that we don't see the fruit of our labour. Are we going to throw in the towel, and say "What's the use of all this work?". Please don't!! 
Galatians 6:9 says And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. It is God who gives the increase so leave success up to God and keep on being faithful, you will not be disappointed in the long run. We all want to hear Christ say to us, Well done thou good and faithful servant. So how to we start being faithful? It's a choice that you must make every day, and it's starts in laying aside your will and letting Christ rule in your life. Christ being Lord of your life will show itself in the small things...Having a cheerful attitude when you are sick, giving up your idea of what you want to play when with siblings, a kind word vs a unkind word, being quick to forgive, spending time in God's word and loving it (!!), ultimately having a true genuine love for Christ and others!! Your love for Jesus will compel you to share Christ with others.So how is your love life today with Jesus? Are you being a faithful spreader of the gospel? Wow!! I really needed to hear this today...maybe you read this and are discouraged because you figure you will never get witnessing down...call unto Christ and he will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you don't even know!!

Yes, I know these aren't large apples, but their flavor is phenomenal.

We used to do most of the applesauce work inside, but little by little we have been moving that work outside! Here we are cooking the apples until they are soft enough to go through the applesauce maker.

Caleb got this grand idea to put the applesauce maker on the very edge of the picnic table. Typically we put the maker in the center of the table and we only have a flat plastic container the sauce drains into, and someone has to take the sauce and transfer it into a large plastic bowl to be sweetened. As you can see with the maker on the edge of the table the sauce drains into a large plastic bowl. Yes!! one step was eliminated in our applesauce process. We are always looking for ways to save time...and yet with all the years that we have been making applesauce none of us had ever thought of this idea!!

The end result. This summer we have canned well over 100 quarts of applesauce!!

Apple wars!! Who says you can't have fun and work at the same time:):) Totally thankful for my mom and my three youngest sisters, Marie, JoAnna, and Esther for doing the bulk of the work processing applesauce this year.

 To close I have a couple verses that were a big encouragement to me this morning.

¹⁴ For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
¹⁵ And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
¹⁶ Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
¹⁷ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
¹⁸ And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
¹⁹ To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
²⁰ Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
²¹ For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.


 Signing off: EJM

Good Bye Rachel!!

Last week Rachel headed out for Oklahoma City. She will be gone for three months helping teach character classes in the public schools. In the afternoons their team will also teach Bible clubs. I am sure that she would covet your prayers!
One thing that we always enjoy doing in the fall is helping at the Country Corn Maze. Since Rachel was going to miss out on doing that this year, we were able to go the Corn Maze on opening day, and make some memories together. Then Dad, Mom, Jo and Esther brought Rachel down to the cities to hop on a plane for Oklahoma City.

Thoroughly enjoyed our time together. Would definitely recommend you attending the corn maze at least once!!

"This is the right way mom" Well...maybe...he couldn't be too specific...since he knows it like the back of his hand.  :)

Esther with Anna and Esther about to enjoy a hay ride.

Waxy Willow Trail. 
(it's worth the walk!)

The Duck Races are not only for kids!

Esther in the corn box :)

The two younger girls were glad that they could drive down with Dad and Mom to see Rachel off.

Enjoying a meal at the Panda Express.

We will miss this sweet lady, but are so thankful that God can use her in this neat way.

Psalms 96:3 - Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.

Itasca Family Music Festival, Bible Bee, Making Memories.

Summer passes so quickly, doesn't it?!! What is it that we do, that makes life meaningful, worthwhile? The Bible talks a lot about time. Ephesians 5:16 is a great one on that. "Redeeming the time because the days are evil." Redeem means to ransom or to buy...And just how do you do that with time? God gives us all kinds of opportunities in life. Do we choose to have a good attitude, to respond cheerfully, to have a slow answer to wrath, joy in the midst of sorrow, trust instead of fear...the opportunities in life are endless and numerous. I would encourage you to take that next opportunity that God sends your way and redeem that moment for Christ. One choice at a time choose Christ.
This summer for us has been a memory building one, and we would like to share just a few of the last few highlights with you!! Our family again had the privilege to be part of the Bible Bee. Across the nation hundreds of children spent at least part of their summer memorizing God's Word, and studying the first three chapters in Genesis. My Dad hosted a local  bee , and it was encouraging to get together a couple times over the summer...we also made some new friends, which was a plus :):) Our last meeting was at our house...

 There was food...

 Gifts...

Smiles...

 Singing...

 Scripture recitation...
^"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:" Colossians 1:16

 Certificates...no, nobody made it on to Nationals:(...but everyone is  a winner!!!...

 Campfire Pies...So tasty on a summer evening.

We also really enjoyed attending the Itasca Family Music Festival, especially since Ben, Emily and Cedric came up from  Sioux Falls  to meet us there!!

Enjoy a slight photo overload of our time there :)

 "Jesus I am Resting Resting"
Verse 1. Jesus I am resting in the joy of what thou art

 I am finding out of thy loving heart.

Chorus: O how great thy loving kindness!! Vaster, broader than the seas

 And the mercies thou givest to those who call on thee.

 Verse 2. Simply trusting thee Lord

 I behold thee as thou  art

 And thy love so pure satisfies my heart.

Chorus O, how great thy loving kindness! vaster broader than the seas

 And the mercy thou givest to those who call on thee.

 verse 3. Ever lift thy face upon me, as I wait and watch for thee

 Neath thy loving smile, earth's dark shadows flee.

Chorus: O how  great thy Loving kindness

 Vaster broader than the seas

 And the mercy thou givest

 to those who call on thee." This song is quickly becoming a family favorite. It is sung by and arranged by one of the family bands attending and preforming at Itasca.
 What a  blessing and a refreshing time was had by all!! 
And just in case you have not had enough of pictures, here are a couple more!! The Lord has really been laying it on our heart to work on family relationships. This takes time, but is so worth it!

 Story time...

 Evening canoe rides...

 So peaceful...

 Running a 5k...we all made it:)

 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1

 We hope that you are having wonderful summer. Keep resting in Jesus and continue faithful in this race!! Thanks for spending a little time with me catching up with what is happening in our lives!! I pray that you were blessed. Stop by again!!
Signing off: EJM