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

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!

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

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!!!

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!

A new Season has arrived in the Wood home! I have been waiting to share until I had the formal photos however, they seem to be taking a tad longer than I would like. Let me share a few updates with you.

1. We will be moving this weekend. Please keep us and the family we have purchased the home from in your prayers- they too are family in Christ!

2. The internet will be going to satalite so I am not sure when we will be on to share with you again. If we miss you for the Thanksgiving Holiday... please know the Wood family sends our love to each of you and will remember you at our table this year! If you have a dish you would like to share with us please send it to me or post it here before the week ends. As you all know we love having your family traditions at our table- it makes us feel like our friends are at our table!

3. The girls and I have started a new blog to share ideas of how we live out our days ministering to our family. You can join us at: www.homesteadprincess.blogspot.com

4 THE BEST NEWS OF ALL.... I am soon to have a new daughter!  My oldest son, Jedidiah, is engaged to a sweet young lady, Aubrey. I was honored to pass on my wedding ring to her as they begin their lives together. I was also given the privilege of handwriting her a letter that was given to her, with the ring, after she accepted Jedidiah as her husband to be. I have posted the typed version here for you. Perhaps it will give you ideas for welcoming a new daughter or son into your family through marriage.

Hello Friends!
We have already began our move! Yippee!!!

We all hope that this is our last move for a very long time yet ,our hearts our fixed that we will go where ever He calls us! This move has once again been both exciting and yet peaceful!  Mom and Dad are just as eager as we are to have this move finalized! Mom and I chat daily about the garden plans, animals, and farm projects already in the works!

The family we have purchased from is allowing us to move items into the barn now. They are still working on moving out of the house since they have so much to accomplish with the home they are building. This family is amazing! I thank the Lord for allowing our paths to cross and look forward to the friendship that He is developing. Being allowed to move items over to the barn now has been extreamly helpful. Joe has had the last few days off from work and has accomplished much! Most of the rental home is empty. We have already moved and stacked everything nicely in the barn. Lord willing, we will have all the remaining items moved over to our new home next weekend. The girls and I will take the next week to clean this home and make it ready for the new renters. I have already been praying for the new tenants and neighbors. It is my hope that we have been a blessing to everyone we have come in contact with and we will leave behind us a testimony of His grace! The boys enjoyed an afternoon with the neighbor boys last week playing boy games while I enjoyed the most precious tea time party prepared by our neigbors little girl. Our girls were busy with daddy and didn't realize that their friend had prepared such treats- I was quite impressed by Miss Keillors smiles, conversation and sweet hospitality! I always love my friendship chats with her mommy and treasure them since they are priceless moments inbetween ministering to our families! These days are precious dear friends!

Well, this note will have to be short. My Joe just walked in and invited me to sit with him. Have a wonderul week as you minister to your families!!

Hello Friends!
My Joe is on the road and will be returning in the wee hours of Sunday morning. I had a fun chat with him this morning, sharing our hearts, activities and singing songs together, he is such a wonderful husband- so tender and sweet to me! Joe and I treasure each moment we are together. Earlier this week, before he left for this trip, we had a virtual date.  I purchased the finest beef and prepared it to his desire. Adding twice baked potatoes, green beans and home made bread to the plate! In the midst of all the children and home noise we enjoyed five star dinning. While at the dinner table, the children gently suggested that their turkey sandwiches weren't quite the same as our steaks. However, at 10.99 a lb there was no way I could get everyone a steak. Joe informed the children that it just looked like we were sitting at the same table with them. Actually we were on a date eating at a fine restaurant and we could no longer see or hear them. :-) If we had really gone out to eat they wouldn't know what dishes we were eating and would still be at home eating turkey sandwiches (which were made on home made bread with the works.. hardly a meal to bawk at! ) The little ones looked a little puzzled and the older children just gave us "that look". Joe and I both laughed and continued on with our date. We had a delightful dinner and then went to sharing and dreaming together. Each time a child would come to interrupt our conversation Joe would inform them that we were still "out" on our date. The child would then smile, giggle or do both and then reply, "When you get home tell me okay?" What joys we have!! Those of you with many children understand the creativity we must put into practice as we minister to our husbands and many blessings! We may not always have the ability or funds to go on "real" dates however, I would like to suggest that we can make dates at home even more precious than if we were to leave the home. My mother called while we were "out" and the children informed her that we were on a virtual date. She  giggled over our creativity and wondered if it would work with Joe's employer.. he could go in and tell the guys, "I'm really not here. I am on a virtual vacation." Okay, so maybe not... we want the real thing when it comes to my Joe's vacation!

Enjoy your husbands dear friends.. take a date, virtual or not,  just enjoy the man that God has fashioned you perfectly for!!

With much love,
Mrs. Joseph Wood

Hello Friends!
The Wood family was richly blessed to join friends yesterday for a morning of picking pears. The children had a delightful time sharing with friends and eating yummy organic pears! I believe we came home with eight 10 gallon buckets full of pears that we will be processing today.  The wind made the morning air quite crisp so I enjoyed much time in the warm car, with all the babies from both families, handing out animal cookies.  After picking pears, we packed up the car and headed out to our new home for Joe to get some barn measurements and make a list of projects he wants to get started on. We stayed out there for hours enjoying a picnic as a family and sharing our thankfulness of all the Father is doing in our lives. He has done an amazing heart work in each of us- how blessed I am to be His child!

The children(yes! Joe and I included!) are excited as we look for and find the animals we need. We have our sheep picked out; we will be getting four bred Katahdin Ewes at the end of Nov. and then a Katahdin ram from another blood line come Spring. We have also found our goats. Kinder does that are bred and waiting for the results of their CAE test to come back. We hope to get the goats by  the middle of Dec. We have also found our farm dog again- Yippee! Bekah was blessed to find a Border Collie whose father is from Wales and a bloodline she had been hoping to get. We will be picking up "Bly" on the 19th of Nov. The woman selling him was in TX but has agreed to meet us half way- what a blessing!! In fact, all our animals are coming from far away places.... the sheep are the shortest drive, only an hour away however, the goats will be a five hour drive!  We will all be delighted once the animals start coming home! Oh, by the way... Timothy and I will be attending our first Bee meeting! This next monday there is a group of beekeepers meeting to share information about Winter management. Timothy is going to be floating on clouds- he loves bees and is eager to get his hives started here in KS.

I have some photos of picking pears and of our new puppy, Bly to share with you. I will post photos of the goats and sheep later. I have them on my computer but not in my photobucket, so I need to get them uploaded. 

Until our next chat dear friends....

Myself with the Roberts sweet baby

Baby Japh picking pears too!

Sarah Grace and Mr. Roberts Picking Pears

Bekah and Ezekiel (Ezekiel was fighting a cold and you can see it is in his eyes yet he would never admit it! He was having way to much fun to sit in the car with momma and the babies)

Busy picking pears

Bly (a Blue Merle Tri colored Border Collie registered with ABCA- all these details were very important to Bekah and exactly what she was looking for as well as being from Wales)

Rebekah has been pouring over her books and DVD's! She is so excited to train another dog to work the farm. She loves everything about training dogs to work!

The Lord has blessed us abundantly!!! The blessings have been better than anything we could have ever dreamed!

I have been busy with my babies and packing up the house. All of you that have walked with us through a move know that, "The Wood family CAN PACK a house!" I have never been one to have a task and put it off. It drives me bonkers. When I know what we are doing and where we are going... I want to get it done! I think my personality has made the work of patience a tad challenging for me.  However, the Father has always been more interested in my holiness than my happiness and continues to call me into situations where I have to wait on Him. I am learning.... slowly... . but I am learning- Praise God!! I really want to learn this lesson and let patience have her perfect work in my life!

With all that said, now is the time that the Lord has said..."Get moving!" So here we go! I have a few more of the utilities to call and get transferred. I will be sending out emails today with our new address and phone number- so keep an eye out for it and let me know if you don't get your update. As I was busy yesterday with moving details I saw a most wonderful picture in my mind. I shared it with my Momma and wanted to post it here for you too. If there are "giants" in your life, obstacles that seem impossible, continue to trust in Him! He will bring you back from your captivity! He will deliver you just as He has done for the Wood family- He is no respecter of persons! It is my husbands prayer, and mine, that we are a testimony of His faithfulness- may you be encouraged by what you see Him doing in our lives!

With much love dear friends,
Mrs. Joseph Wood

I have CONFIDENCE IN HIS FAITHFULNESS!!! All these blessings are better than anything I could have dreamed... I trust Him that He can do a miracle and sell our home in CA too... just look at all He has done! No matter what happens I WILL TRUST HIM! He has destroyed my enemies...the giants that came against me, they taunted me, laughed at me and took pride in their weapons; now they all lay dead! They are scattered on the battle field with no one to help them.. I hid in the cover of His shadow and saw Him defeat them... It was by His sword they were destroyed and not by any strength of my own! He alone is victorious!!!

Pslams  126
When the Lord brought again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dreamed. Then was our mouth filled with laughter and our tongue with joy: then said they among the heathen, THE LORD HATH DONE GREAT THINGS FOR THEM! The Lord hath done great things for us, wherof we rejoice. O Lord bring again our captivity as the rivers of the South. They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy. They went weeping, and carried precious seed: but they shall return with joy, and bring their sheaves.