Beauty in Burl

Our young men have taken an interest in wood. A few weeks ago they discovered a tree that had been dozed down along a fence line near the park which had an extraordinary amount of burl. Even the roots had burl.

They took some friends along when they showed their Dad the find:



Timothy sitting atop the biggest burl on the base of the fallen tree:



We're all left to wonder what the inside will look like and what could and/or will be created out of this natural blight...

Another First

Faith Mattaya and her first dolly:


A special gift from friends that may well last a lifetime - it is so cuddly soft & comes with a lifetime warranty. Amazing!

You Are Special

This was the craft idea our boys worked on to celebrate love, a gift from God. I wish the boys could make one of these for each of you ...

You Are Special ... to us & to God!

A Catchy Rhyme

Our twins are discovering rhyme - I love this season in a younster's life.

So when I noticed this rhyme in a retailers window I thought I'd like to share it with you...
It's good all year through!

Have a Fine 2009!

Our Year in Review

The year 2008 has been a banner year for us, so much has happened. We could not have even imagined all that God had in store for us - and yet:

This is the Lord's doing:
it is marvellous in our eyes."
Psalm 118:23

In 2008:

1. January: Corbyn started college
2. April: God led us to our present Manitoba farm, we put in an offer.
3. May: Corbyn's high school Graduation and Carsyn's Baptism.
4. April - July: We listed & sold our Saskatchewan acreage, land & organic farm operation.
5. June: We realized God was blessing us yet again with "Justin Other Klassen".
6. June: Started MB. cattle ranch with purchase of cattle & equipment at the auction of MB. farm vendor.
7. April - August: Many friends blessed us through prayer & practical support through our move to MB.
8. August: Ken's folks celebrated their 50th Anniversary in which we were blessed to take part & more Blessed to receive such an heritage!
9. August: THE move to Manitoba
- getting us totally out of debt.
- The fulfillment of a lifelong dream/vision/conviction.
- Living off investment income - financial freedom for Ken to work from home
- rebuilding a farming operation along with our sons
10. September: purchase of a needed "new to us" 1999 Suburban to accomodate our growing family - a perfect vehicle, God's provision in God's perfect timing.
11. September: My sister, Vonda, went to be with Jesus - to her eternal joy!
12. September - December: - academic studies continue to progress well with Dad & Mom both involved in our students lives
13. October - November: MB. orchard is prepared & cherry trees ordered for May 2009.
14. November: MB. Woodlot venture started with purchase of chainsaw and beginning logging & cutting of deadwood, then diseased wood & finally sustainable forestry (removing viable lumber to allow for increased growth of young saplings).
15. December: Completion of first woodlot management course offered through MB Forestry.

Christmas Cards

How do you display your collection of Christmas cards each year?


This is how we keep your greetings within sight ... posted on a large wall using Funtak, starting in the shape of a cross reminding us of the reason Jesus came to earth as a Babe - with the ultimate purpose of dying on the cross to take the punishment for our sins. Providing us with ALL with the glorious hope of restored fellowship with the Father in Heaven.

Notice how perfectly my new cross nativity fits as the center focus of our card display?

Once the cross is complete, we radiate more cards out from the center of the cross depicting rays of the star that proclaimed the birth of a King to the whole world.

For those of you who have sent a card, you also make it onto our rotation prayer list throughout the month of January as we continue to enjoy those cards during our daily prayer time.

Thank you for blessing our lives!

Anticipation

Waiting at the road to welcome our dear friends, the Derksens, from Saskatchewan ...



Going for a hike on one of our trails:


And what a great time was had by all - the 13th annual year in a row on October 31 that we've enjoyed fellowship at our country retreat - albeit, this time at a different retreat!

Daily Encouragement

On Sunday I mentioned that I've asked the Lord for encouragement for each day regarding our Journey to the Future. It has been interesting to watch how God is leading even in that. It causes us be alert for His action.

Sometimes the encouragement comes through the Word. Sometimes through friends - have you noticed? Sometimes through direct action as it pertains to the actual purchase & sale.

ALL cause us to be alert, watching for when, where, & how God may be working this scenario out for His glory.

Yesterday was the day we sent off the "larger" downpayment that is due April 30th. It was a blessing to see that the funds were in place when we needed it - in time to send it and get there by the 30th. And it wasn't a stretch to get those funds in place with enough left over to carry on our day to day necessities - we can see how God had it all planned long ago.

Honestly, to me, yesterday felt like there was nothing to report. Those funds had been in place for a while already...in retrospect, however, that was a major step in the process. I was a little disappointed though as I looked for further encouragement.

As each day creeps by into yesterday, we watch and wait and we're tempted to wonder how or if God's will is for this place to sell by the deadline we've been given. Yet, in my heart I believe this is God's leading and I anticipate how He will exalt Himself by making possible that which seems impossible. We've discussed as a family that God may be testing our faith. How strong is our faith? Do we believe that God can work even to the last day? He can! Will we trust Him?

As a side note, we did get a phone call yesterday from someone interested in buying only our chickens as they had heard that we were selling ... ah-h-h, no we're not selling just the chickens - it's either the whole farm/business as a package, the farm and business separately OR we stay and continue on with the business as is.

If this is where God wants us to be and He so directs, then we want to be exactly right here with contentment - "Godliness with contentment is great gain" I Timothy 6:6

Another Added Blessing

... came through a faithful friend who helped me to finally sew up some new curtains that I had started wa-a-ay back for my bedroom. And she even quickly stitched up some toss cushions to match for on my bed.

All in less than a day!!!!!

Simply amazing to this fumbling seamstress ... or is it my stubborn machine? Either way it wasn't getting done by me.

I count it a blessing!

Here's a peek: