Sunday, February 22, 2009
This past week in our home...
Hello Friends!
This week has continued to be an adventure. I often wonder if I shouldn't call our blog, "The adventures of the Wood family." It seems there is never a dull moment here in our home and for that I am truly thankful! I will do a quick recap (okay, long recap) of our week~ I hope you enjoy the peak into our hearts and home.
I have recovered from the "car incident." God gave my Joe an extra measure of grace. He is such a wise and loving daddy. He walked in, saw the little ones with disappointment in their eyes, and without saying a word knelt down and gave the most tender of hugs as he whispered, "I forgive you." Those babies were so sad that they had disappointed us in their eagerness to find "treasures". I am thankful that they will always remember this event and grow. I am even more thankful for the grace that we were able to show to them as an example of His grace toward us. In a family of twelve we are always experiencing "Spiritual Growth" which can bring about some "growing pains" from time to time. Side note: Grandpa Rick says he'll clean out his own car. :-)
In a phone conversation with another Sister. I was reminded of something my Momma said to me years ago. I wanted to share her wisdom with you as well. She said, "Jeanette, any child can have a stay at home mom but blessed is the child who's mother's heart is at home." I have pondered her words many times over the years and even now I am encouraged to do well in my ministry at home. I am so thankful for my mother and the other "older" women that have invested in my life.
Tuesday, My Joe was able to be home with us after being on the road for a very long time. We enjoyed a visit with new friends who were able to fix my printer- Yippee! How blessed we are to have friends that invest in our lives both through prayer and practical measures! I was thanking the Lord today for preparing the body of Christ, here in KS, for the Wood family. As we get to know new friends we are amazed at what love they have for us! It has been such a treat to see this kind of love in action in the body of Christ!
Tuesday night, after taking my Josiah to his guitar lessons, I was taken to the ER. Without warning, I had terrible pain from an internal hernia. After much prayer and careful watching of the "kink" it came undone and I was free of pain. The doctor feels it is the same hernia reappearing from almost two years ago. Some of you may remember when the horse ran over me and caused two tears in my abdomen and a broken foot. I have an appointment this Tuesday with the surgeon to discuss how to resolve this matter. They fear that more surgery could cause other problems. We will see how the Lord leads. I am confident that the footsteps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord and He will direct the doctors and give us wisdom on how to proceed. I am so thankful that the Lord had my Joe home to be with me through this experience. In fact, Joe has been off the road since Tuesday. We have been blessed to know that the Lord allowed us so many days to be in each others company!
The rest of the week has been full of activity. I must confess however, that I have been on the sidelines watching and cheering them on with strict orders to rest. Another friend, Mr. Ribelin, came to help my Joe with the electrical for the new bathroom we are putting in the basement. What a labor of love!! I do hope the girls cinnamon rolls somehow showed our thanks for his kindness!
The baby chicks are growing fast! I just love hearing all the chirping. The variety of chicks we have is simply delightful to look at. I think I have a few of the children "hooked" on watching chickens with Momma. I just love to watch chickens; I find it peaceful and entertaining! We have more chicks coming this week. What fun! We truly do take this privilege of caring for His creatures with great honor. It is rewarding to care for these farm animals!
The goats and sheep are all doing well. We expect to have lambs and kids by the end of March. Everyone is eager to see all the blessings the Lord has in store for us! Mr. Ribelin is coming next week to trench water to the barn for us. This is going to be so nice especially since we have always carried water to the animals wherever we have lived. The barn is really a work in process. Each of us are excited with all the Lord has given us!
The ducks and bunnies have been enjoying some of our sunny KS days out grazing. We acquired some collapsible yard pens for dogs so that the children could work in the garden and have their bunnies or ducks along side them grazing. I have some movable fences we will be using for our sheep and goats grazing as well. We truly are having much fun living where the Lord has taken us!
Joe enjoyed falling some of the dead trees here on the property. Ezekiel took some wonderful pictures of the entire event. I had to tease Joe about having too much fun and falling trees just to fall trees not because they are dead. :-)
The girls and I are getting excited planning and preparing for our garden. It will be fun to see how the Lord blesses the work of our hands. We have so much to learn. I want so desperately to bring Him glory as we work here on the farm where He has led us!
I see the Lord doing a great heart work in each of my children as well as my Joe and I. We are growing dear friends! I am so thankful that He never leaves us to ourselves! Today, I sat and considered the fact that His hands were pierced for my sake. Oh, how I had this overwhelming sense of wanting to kiss His hands, to feel His hands hold my face and to rest in His presence! Hmm.... one day we will be in His presence! It is my prayer that I don't let the temporal things keep me from focusing on those things that are eternal.
That is an overview of our week here at Covenant Ranch!
Until our next chat...
With much love,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
This week has continued to be an adventure. I often wonder if I shouldn't call our blog, "The adventures of the Wood family." It seems there is never a dull moment here in our home and for that I am truly thankful! I will do a quick recap (okay, long recap) of our week~ I hope you enjoy the peak into our hearts and home.
I have recovered from the "car incident." God gave my Joe an extra measure of grace. He is such a wise and loving daddy. He walked in, saw the little ones with disappointment in their eyes, and without saying a word knelt down and gave the most tender of hugs as he whispered, "I forgive you." Those babies were so sad that they had disappointed us in their eagerness to find "treasures". I am thankful that they will always remember this event and grow. I am even more thankful for the grace that we were able to show to them as an example of His grace toward us. In a family of twelve we are always experiencing "Spiritual Growth" which can bring about some "growing pains" from time to time. Side note: Grandpa Rick says he'll clean out his own car. :-)
In a phone conversation with another Sister. I was reminded of something my Momma said to me years ago. I wanted to share her wisdom with you as well. She said, "Jeanette, any child can have a stay at home mom but blessed is the child who's mother's heart is at home." I have pondered her words many times over the years and even now I am encouraged to do well in my ministry at home. I am so thankful for my mother and the other "older" women that have invested in my life.
Tuesday, My Joe was able to be home with us after being on the road for a very long time. We enjoyed a visit with new friends who were able to fix my printer- Yippee! How blessed we are to have friends that invest in our lives both through prayer and practical measures! I was thanking the Lord today for preparing the body of Christ, here in KS, for the Wood family. As we get to know new friends we are amazed at what love they have for us! It has been such a treat to see this kind of love in action in the body of Christ!
Tuesday night, after taking my Josiah to his guitar lessons, I was taken to the ER. Without warning, I had terrible pain from an internal hernia. After much prayer and careful watching of the "kink" it came undone and I was free of pain. The doctor feels it is the same hernia reappearing from almost two years ago. Some of you may remember when the horse ran over me and caused two tears in my abdomen and a broken foot. I have an appointment this Tuesday with the surgeon to discuss how to resolve this matter. They fear that more surgery could cause other problems. We will see how the Lord leads. I am confident that the footsteps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord and He will direct the doctors and give us wisdom on how to proceed. I am so thankful that the Lord had my Joe home to be with me through this experience. In fact, Joe has been off the road since Tuesday. We have been blessed to know that the Lord allowed us so many days to be in each others company!
The rest of the week has been full of activity. I must confess however, that I have been on the sidelines watching and cheering them on with strict orders to rest. Another friend, Mr. Ribelin, came to help my Joe with the electrical for the new bathroom we are putting in the basement. What a labor of love!! I do hope the girls cinnamon rolls somehow showed our thanks for his kindness!
The baby chicks are growing fast! I just love hearing all the chirping. The variety of chicks we have is simply delightful to look at. I think I have a few of the children "hooked" on watching chickens with Momma. I just love to watch chickens; I find it peaceful and entertaining! We have more chicks coming this week. What fun! We truly do take this privilege of caring for His creatures with great honor. It is rewarding to care for these farm animals!
The goats and sheep are all doing well. We expect to have lambs and kids by the end of March. Everyone is eager to see all the blessings the Lord has in store for us! Mr. Ribelin is coming next week to trench water to the barn for us. This is going to be so nice especially since we have always carried water to the animals wherever we have lived. The barn is really a work in process. Each of us are excited with all the Lord has given us!
The ducks and bunnies have been enjoying some of our sunny KS days out grazing. We acquired some collapsible yard pens for dogs so that the children could work in the garden and have their bunnies or ducks along side them grazing. I have some movable fences we will be using for our sheep and goats grazing as well. We truly are having much fun living where the Lord has taken us!
Joe enjoyed falling some of the dead trees here on the property. Ezekiel took some wonderful pictures of the entire event. I had to tease Joe about having too much fun and falling trees just to fall trees not because they are dead. :-)
The girls and I are getting excited planning and preparing for our garden. It will be fun to see how the Lord blesses the work of our hands. We have so much to learn. I want so desperately to bring Him glory as we work here on the farm where He has led us!
I see the Lord doing a great heart work in each of my children as well as my Joe and I. We are growing dear friends! I am so thankful that He never leaves us to ourselves! Today, I sat and considered the fact that His hands were pierced for my sake. Oh, how I had this overwhelming sense of wanting to kiss His hands, to feel His hands hold my face and to rest in His presence! Hmm.... one day we will be in His presence! It is my prayer that I don't let the temporal things keep me from focusing on those things that are eternal.
That is an overview of our week here at Covenant Ranch!
Until our next chat...
With much love,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
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Monday, February 16, 2009
One of those moments!
Have you ever had one of those mommy moments where you're not sure if you should cry, scream or laugh? Well, today I found myself in a moment just like this! Here's what happened....
I asked two of my children to clean out the car. They were excited to do it in exchange for one of my "foo foo coffee's" that I make. I could hear their cheers as I went into the house and trusted that all was well with the car and the kiddos! Once inside, I got busy helping Bekah with her high school transcripts. After some time, in comes running the children, with joy, explaining how they found money in the car. They were so proud as they held out their hand to show me their treasures:
one key that goes to something but nothing I know about
three quarters
twelve pennies
one dime
and one shinny marble
"Surprise Momma! We found money!"
"Wow!" I exclaimed, "Where did you find all this?"
"Oh, it was in all the seats of the van! Can we have it?? can we??" They both replied
"Are you sure it isn't one of your brothers or sisters?" I questioned
"Oh yes! We are sure! We had to cut it out of each seat!" they both said confidently
At first I thought my ears were playing tricks on me. Once I realized that I really did hear what I thought I heard I went running outside to see how they had cut these treasures out. I sat in the car with my mouth wide open not knowing what to say. I didn't know if I felt like crying or just what I should do. The little ones were showing me how they made their cuts (aprox. 3 inches long) on the bottom edge of EACH and EVERY seat. They could see by the mere fact that I was speechless that they didn't quite surprise me like they were hoping. Oh! I was surprised alright. Just not the way they wanted to surprise me! I couldn't raise my voice at them, I couldn't fall apart. So if I knew what I couldn't do why didn't I know what to do? I knew they hadn't done it to be naughty they simply didn't think. I couldn't decide how to respond so I thought I should just stick with showing them mercy and grace! How many times have I done something without thinking first?! I have needed mercy and grace to many times to count dear friends!
Later, Josiah comes in and says, "I heard you found my money. Can I have it back?" Without thinking, I responded. "NO! You can't have it back!! It's mine now!" Some of the children hid their faces into their coats so I couldn't see their giggles at my response. Others, started saying, "She isn't going to give up that 97cents now!" I even began laughing. Why? I truly did not find this funny! Stress! It had to be the stress!
At any rate, it was a learning moment. We had to talk about thinking first. Being a voice of reason if we are with someone when they get a "wild" idea and how we NEVER EVER cut anything that belongs to someone else without asking first. When moments like this happen.. I just think.. "Someday I am going laugh about this. Maybe not today... but someday I will!"
With much love,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
I asked two of my children to clean out the car. They were excited to do it in exchange for one of my "foo foo coffee's" that I make. I could hear their cheers as I went into the house and trusted that all was well with the car and the kiddos! Once inside, I got busy helping Bekah with her high school transcripts. After some time, in comes running the children, with joy, explaining how they found money in the car. They were so proud as they held out their hand to show me their treasures:
one key that goes to something but nothing I know about
three quarters
twelve pennies
one dime
and one shinny marble
"Surprise Momma! We found money!"
"Wow!" I exclaimed, "Where did you find all this?"
"Oh, it was in all the seats of the van! Can we have it?? can we??" They both replied
"Are you sure it isn't one of your brothers or sisters?" I questioned
"Oh yes! We are sure! We had to cut it out of each seat!" they both said confidently
At first I thought my ears were playing tricks on me. Once I realized that I really did hear what I thought I heard I went running outside to see how they had cut these treasures out. I sat in the car with my mouth wide open not knowing what to say. I didn't know if I felt like crying or just what I should do. The little ones were showing me how they made their cuts (aprox. 3 inches long) on the bottom edge of EACH and EVERY seat. They could see by the mere fact that I was speechless that they didn't quite surprise me like they were hoping. Oh! I was surprised alright. Just not the way they wanted to surprise me! I couldn't raise my voice at them, I couldn't fall apart. So if I knew what I couldn't do why didn't I know what to do? I knew they hadn't done it to be naughty they simply didn't think. I couldn't decide how to respond so I thought I should just stick with showing them mercy and grace! How many times have I done something without thinking first?! I have needed mercy and grace to many times to count dear friends!
Later, Josiah comes in and says, "I heard you found my money. Can I have it back?" Without thinking, I responded. "NO! You can't have it back!! It's mine now!" Some of the children hid their faces into their coats so I couldn't see their giggles at my response. Others, started saying, "She isn't going to give up that 97cents now!" I even began laughing. Why? I truly did not find this funny! Stress! It had to be the stress!
At any rate, it was a learning moment. We had to talk about thinking first. Being a voice of reason if we are with someone when they get a "wild" idea and how we NEVER EVER cut anything that belongs to someone else without asking first. When moments like this happen.. I just think.. "Someday I am going laugh about this. Maybe not today... but someday I will!"
With much love,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
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Friday, February 6, 2009
Our Love Song
The children, especially my girls, asked me to write out the love story between my Joe and I. I know I have shared our testimony of how we met and were wed but the girls were looking for something different. They wanted to hear their mommy and daddy's heart sing the song they see lived out each day. My children often tell my Joe and I that we make marriage look so easy and yet, we always tell them of the self sacrifice, the pain we have shared that they have never known, the tears from "growing pains" and His amazing grace that continually sees us through. It is my prayer that they too will enjoy the journey with someone that loves them as my Joe has loved me. Well, at any rate, here is the short note I shared with them. Enjoy!~
To my dear children,
The love story between your daddy and I is written out each day that we awake and live for God's Glory. I could never have imagined that the Lord would take Sinners, like us, and give us a life filled with so much hope. Daily, I am greeted to your daddy's voice saying, "Good Morning Lady Sunshine" and instantly the melody begins to play. Our love song can be heard throughout the day as we work, live, dream and love together. As you know our life has been far from ordinary; God has given us ten amazing children. We have lived in the most beautiful of homes, to tents and cabins without electricity. Washing our clothes in creeks, cooking over fire and boiling water for baths. Yet, no matter where the Lord has taken us, our Love song has played sweetly as we lived for His glory! We have had our fun moments of bears, lizards, and out houses. Sad moments as we have held onto each other and our Faith in God when life storms have tried to steal everything else away. Joyous moments when God chose to give us another blessing from heaven and Victorious moments as we lived out our faith and led someone to Christ. All of these moments together have created the most amazing orchestra playing the love song that only our Savior could write. Dear children, until we take our final breath may you always hear our hearts as we live out our Love Song!
With much love,
Momma Wood
To my dear children,
The love story between your daddy and I is written out each day that we awake and live for God's Glory. I could never have imagined that the Lord would take Sinners, like us, and give us a life filled with so much hope. Daily, I am greeted to your daddy's voice saying, "Good Morning Lady Sunshine" and instantly the melody begins to play. Our love song can be heard throughout the day as we work, live, dream and love together. As you know our life has been far from ordinary; God has given us ten amazing children. We have lived in the most beautiful of homes, to tents and cabins without electricity. Washing our clothes in creeks, cooking over fire and boiling water for baths. Yet, no matter where the Lord has taken us, our Love song has played sweetly as we lived for His glory! We have had our fun moments of bears, lizards, and out houses. Sad moments as we have held onto each other and our Faith in God when life storms have tried to steal everything else away. Joyous moments when God chose to give us another blessing from heaven and Victorious moments as we lived out our faith and led someone to Christ. All of these moments together have created the most amazing orchestra playing the love song that only our Savior could write. Dear children, until we take our final breath may you always hear our hearts as we live out our Love Song!
With much love,
Momma Wood
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Thursday, February 5, 2009
I have no words...
My heart is heavy... let me simply share this verse that is refreshment for my Soul and this quote that encourages me to never grow tired of sharing His Truth.
Ezekiel 18:23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?
]
Oh! that all might be Saved!!!!
Ezekiel 18:23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?
] Oh! that all might be Saved!!!!
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Sunday, February 1, 2009
Superbowl Halftime Show
Hello Friends!
As a family, for the last several years, we have enjoyed watching football games with my father. Even if we don't live close by we will watch the game where we are and call him talking "football." When we started this tradition it was our hope that we would create good memories. I can not share how blessed I have been, getting to know my father in a very special way, even his grand babies call him and talk "football." We have had to guard our eyes and ears in some unique ways and decided to create our own commercials and half time presentations. Each year the children have worked for weeks before the Superbowl to present their creativity. It has been fun to watch and record their "commercials" and "half time presentations." This year had to be one of my favorites! Since three of the children have started taking music lessons we were treated to a Covenant Ranch Concert! Several of the little ones sang Joyful Joyful with the most adorable voices and then others gathered together to present a fun skit. I am sure years from now these clips will be treasured even more than they are today! I hope you enjoy watching these. Please let me know if they don't work for some reason. You might need to pause the music at the top of the page and turn the volume on your computer up so you can hear the children's voices better.
Have a wonderful week with your families dear friends!
OH! By the way, is anyone else going to Denny's for their FREE grand slam breakfast on Tuesday? The Wood family will be there with some other families we invited. Six am for breakfast and devotions! If you live near by and want to join us we would love to have you, so please consider yourself officially invited!! If you don't live near us you can always find the Denny's in your area and invite others to join you there for a time of fellowship, devotions and songs. It's not too often that a restaurant gives out free meals without restrictions!
With much love,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
As a family, for the last several years, we have enjoyed watching football games with my father. Even if we don't live close by we will watch the game where we are and call him talking "football." When we started this tradition it was our hope that we would create good memories. I can not share how blessed I have been, getting to know my father in a very special way, even his grand babies call him and talk "football." We have had to guard our eyes and ears in some unique ways and decided to create our own commercials and half time presentations. Each year the children have worked for weeks before the Superbowl to present their creativity. It has been fun to watch and record their "commercials" and "half time presentations." This year had to be one of my favorites! Since three of the children have started taking music lessons we were treated to a Covenant Ranch Concert! Several of the little ones sang Joyful Joyful with the most adorable voices and then others gathered together to present a fun skit. I am sure years from now these clips will be treasured even more than they are today! I hope you enjoy watching these. Please let me know if they don't work for some reason. You might need to pause the music at the top of the page and turn the volume on your computer up so you can hear the children's voices better.
Have a wonderful week with your families dear friends!
OH! By the way, is anyone else going to Denny's for their FREE grand slam breakfast on Tuesday? The Wood family will be there with some other families we invited. Six am for breakfast and devotions! If you live near by and want to join us we would love to have you, so please consider yourself officially invited!! If you don't live near us you can always find the Denny's in your area and invite others to join you there for a time of fellowship, devotions and songs. It's not too often that a restaurant gives out free meals without restrictions!
With much love,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
