Who Are You?

I am a young woman who strives to be wise.

A wife, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and someday, God-willing, a mother.

A creator in home making, decorating, and cleaning. 

A public school science/history teacher and coach
. . .intriqued with the idea of homeschooling!

A dance, baton twirling, and certified aerobics instructor.

A runner, reader, artist, and singer (in the car and shower).

A homesteader, gardener, coop keeper, baker . . .
    sewer, cook, and candle stick maker
(I don't really make candle sticks, but I have made soap, and other natural cleaning and health products!)

A passionate, spunky, leader, free-spirited, sanguine.

A compassionate, loving, caring, people pleaser.

A messed up, complex, sinful girl . . .  living in this fallen world!

But Behold!  The former things have passed away!  Christ made all things new!
I am A NEW CREATION . . . I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. ~ Galatians 2:20
 

Who are you?  I've realized that this blogging world, and the world in general can lead us to look at others in search of our identity.  I have found myself trying to conform to look more like those I admire.  Although, it is wonderful when we encourage one another to grow, we must never try to be something we aren't!  It isn't healthy emotionally, physically, or spiritually, and it isn't what God wants.  He created us each with a specific purpose.  When we try to be someone we aren't we are not able to fulfill the plan and purpose God created us for!

So I ask this question again . . . Who are you?  What are your strengths?  What do you love doing?  What brings you joy?  What gifts has God given you so that you may fulfill His calling to love Him, love others, and go into your world and make disciples?

 

Homestead Blessings

The West Family is "a busy homesteading, home schooling, home keeping family who live on a 90 acre working farm and delight in living off the land the Lord has blessed us with. [They] want to provide a line of homespun products and information to inspire you in the Art of Homesteading where ever you may dwell. [They] hope to be a blessing to you and your homestead and to encourage you in the Lord !"

I came across the West Ladies and their DVD's several months ago, so as a Christmas present to myself (ya know with the money I received from grandparents etc.)I bought a the Art of Sewing, Gardening, and Bread Baking! They are so great! It has been fun to get ideas from these ladies and see their homestead in action! They have several more DVD's, and I would highly recommend you check 'em out! Just go to http://www.homestead-blessings.com/ and you can see a list of all their products!

Photo Credit:  http://www.homestead-blessings.com/

Finally, they have a lovely quote on the front page of their site . . . I thought you might all enjoy it!

The Home -- taken from The Royal Path of Life (1879)

"Our very nature demands home. It is the first essential element of our social being. This cannot be complete without home relations. There would be no proper equilibrium of life and character without the home influence. The heart bereaved and disappointed, naturally turns for refuge to home life. No spot is so attractive to the wary one: it is the heart's moral oasis. There is a mother's watchful love and a father's sustaining influence. There is a husband's protection and a wife's tender sympathy. There is a circle of loving brothers and sisters happy in each other's love. Oh what is life without these!"

Have you seen any of the Homestead Blessings DVD's?  Which ones were your favorite?!!

Dirty Eggs

Alright, everyone out there with hens . . . I got a question for you!???  How do you #1 clean your dirty eggs, and #2 stop them from getting dirty to begin with.

 
I just read a nice article by Jill over at The Praire Homestead, and she talked about this very thing!  I thought it was the perfect topic, because just last night my husband began washing off our eggs with a wet rag.  I had heard this ruins the protective coating on the eggs, so I have generally avoided it (except once when the egg was so dirty it reaked!).  So far the dirty eggs haven't seemed like a big deal . . . we haven't sold any so I have just been careful to not get any egg shell in my cooking! 

Now that we are getting more eggs, we are planning to sell some to a few friends.  Of course we want those eggs looking nice, so washing them with a rag was really the only thing we knew to do!?  After looking into it, I noticed that alot of people dip there eggs in a sink filled with water and bleach (I don't really want to do this . . . ), and some people take the gunk off with sand paper.  The best solution seemed to be washing the eggs with water that is about 20 degrees warmer than the egg itself.  Apparantly this doesn't harm the protective coating as much, which means bacteria won't seep in through the pores like they would if you just washed them off with cold water.

I don't know . . . I will probably try that last method I mentioned, but it would be really nice to just get clean eggs!  We clean the coop out about once a week or so, but our little ladies don't seem to mind if they relieve themselves in the same box where they lay their eggs!  I know, I know, gross! Right?  I bet we lose some of those friends who were thinking of buying eggs from us now! Haha, just kidding . . . I realize it is just part of farm life, but does any one out there have any good solutions to these problems!?  I would love to hear your advice! 

Sunday Sweetness For Your Soul

Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks to you, making mention of you in my prayers:  that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

~ Ephesians 1:15-21

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saits what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled will all the fullness of God.  Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generation, forever and ever.  Amen.

 ~ Ephesians 3:14-21



These prayers that Paul prayed for the Church (specifically to the Ephesians, but really to all of us who are believers) is my prayer for my husband and I, our family, as well as our friends.  Because my readers are dear to me, this is my prayer for you as well!  I challenge you to pray this prayer for yourself  - inserting "me" wherever you see "you".  Then say the same prayer for your husband, family, and friends.  Do this at least once per day, if not more!  I guarantee God will begin to show you things you would have never imagined, and He will begin to work in your life (and the lives of those around you) in powerful ways!

Much love to you and your families on this beautiful Sunday! 

Utilizing the Cold Frame

I feel so blessed to have such a handy husband!  He got to work last week making this set of cold frames for our garden!  They look so great! Still in need of a paint job (I will be getting to that a little later) . . . . but nevertheless, Skyler did a great job on his part!  Fortunately for us his parents are putting in new windows!  We had our choice of the old ones they would not be using anymore! 

If you are not familiar with the purpose of a cold frame, allow be to back up a bit!  The cold frame is a small, easily built structure  used to extend the growing season.  It becomes a small greenhouse of sorts, letting solar energy pass through to warm the soil, then trapping the heat that radiates back.  This wonderful contraption can be used to grow cool-season crops such as lettuce into the winter.  We plan to use our cold frame this spring by starting some seeds here, and then transplating them later in the season to the garden.  We do not have an unlimited amount of space to work with inside so . . . we were thinking this could work!?

Have any of you gardeners out there ever started your seed in a cold frame?  If so, did you have any success?  Do you think this could be a good idea?  I am interested to hear what you think!

Grain Mills and Baking Bread

A big thank you goes out to my wonderful husband, and parents (Mom and Dad, and Cindy and Tim!).  They all went in together and purchased this Country Living Grain Mill for me as a Christmas gift!!  I am sooo thankful!!   I have wanted a grain mill for awhile.  Back in the summer I did some research to decide which one I would want to get eventually (there are several good choices on the market).  After much deliberation, I decided this one would be best for our family!  The Country Living Grain Mill is one of the highest quality mills!  It is very durable, and something I hope to pass on from generation to generation!  This mill is meant to be hand-cranked; a feature I enjoy in case we were to lose electricity at some point!  However my husband, being the handy man that he is, hooked it up to a motor!  If you purchase the motor with the mill it is very expensive - almost as much as the mill itself!  I would recommend looking for a motor on your own.  My husband found a quarter horse motor from a local appliance store for $20!!  Just ask around . . . I'm sure you could find a great deal!

Before you purchase a grain mill, make sure to consider which one would be right for your family.  As I mentioned, there many great ones out there!  There is a wonderful website called Everthing Kitchens that presents a wonderful article on "What You Need to Know Before Purchasing a Grain Mill or Flour Mill"!  It walks you through a few considerations, and gives you descriptions of the best mills out there!  If you are interested, check it out!  Be sure to let me know what you decide!  I would love to hear more about the other grain mills and how they have worked for you!

If you will be purchasing a grain mill, you will also want to purchase your grain!  I recently bought 45lbs of hard white wheat berries (for bread) and soft wheat berries (for pastries) from Pleasant Hill Grain.  They have a wonderful selection, and their delivery is top notch!  The grain comes in six-gallon buckets, but I went ahead and purchased the two gamma lids as they are supposed to be great at keeping varmins out, and make it easy to open and close!  Pleasant Hill Grain also sells a variety of mills as well as many other fine kitchen accessories!  Check them out!!  You'll be glad you did!

There is nothing quite like the aroma of homemade bread lingering in your kitchen and throughout your home!  The added pleasure of knowing it's made from scratch (and healthy) makes baking bread a delight!

Even if you don't own any land or have a desire to raise animals, this is one homesteading adventure every family can enjoy!!!

Do you bake bread?  Do you utilize a grain mill?  We would love to hear your insight!!!

Soap Making with Michelle

Over Christmas break I got a chance to meet up with a fellow blogger who lives in the area.  She was sweet enough to invite me into her home, and teach me about making soap.  It was very informative and fun!  I am excited to begin getting creative with making my own soap!  Michelle @ Body and Soul wrote up a nice tutorial with pictures!  Hop on over to her place and check it out!

This book shown in the picture above was one Michelle had.  It was very nice and included some history of soap making etc.  It is on my list of books to purchase!

Another friend of mine recommended The Handmade Soap Book by Melinda Coss.  I am also very excited about this book as it gives many creative recipes for making soap!  I am looking forward to trying the honey/oat recipe!
















If you are interested in making your own soap!  I would highly recommend these books!  If you currently make your own soap I would love to hear your favorite recipes, tips, etc!

Sunday Sweetness for Your Soul

Surprise us with love at daybreak; then we'll skip and dance all the day long . . . Let your servants see what you're best at - the ways you rule and bless your children.  And let the lovliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, confirming the work that we do.  Oh, yes.  Affirm the work that we do!

~ Psalm 90:14,16-17 The Message

The Parable of the Garden

Gardening season is about to "spring" up on us! 

Yikes!  I know this is what I have been so excited about . . . but now that it is here . . .

ummmmm I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M DOING!!???



Photo Credit: michaelaw of stock.xchng 

My husband and I were talking the other day, and we decided that gardening (or homesteading in general, really) is alot like our Christian walk.  It's inspiring . . . so we read about it, talk about it, plan for it, but when it comes to actually getting the work done . . . well that requires action!  We can't just read about it, and talk about it . . . if we want a beautiful and delicious garden we have to prepare and then get a move on!  This is the only way we will reap a fine harvest!  The same goes for our Christian walk, we can't just stop at being inspired by great books, and great speakers.  We have to take what we learn and apply it in our lives! 

"The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.  Therefore pray the Lord of the Harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

~ Jesus Christ

If you are planning to start a garden this spring and aren't sure where to begin (like myself!). . . each month I will post a "to do" list so to speak.  Hopefully this will help us to be fruitful! :)

These tips came from a great book my sister-in-law found for us at an antique/thrift store!  What a find!

Garden Work for January:

1)  Make Plans.  January is generally considered the month of garden planning.  With the Holiday season behind us and more weeks of winter still ahead, it is nice to begin thinking about that nice spring weather!  However, realize that you are not limited to planning alone!  Spring will come with a rush, no matter how delayed it may seem, so here are a few more things you can get done.

2) Order Seeds for Starting Early.  Go ahead and order the seeds for those plants your plan to start indoors.  Here is a great link to Amy @ Homestead Revival who has ever so nicely posted on where to buy seeds!  Thanks Amy! :)

3) Prepare for Seed Sowing.  Next month you will want to start your seeds indoors.  Make sure you have decided a place (bay windows work best, but if you don't have one any window will do!).  Try to maintain a minimum nighttime temperature of  50 degree Fahrenheit.  Five to Eight weeks after sewing the plants can usually be transplanted to a cold frame or some other location.  Check out Life on the Balcony for some helpful tips!

4) Go Over Bulbs and Roots in Storage.  I personally don't have these yet . . . but if you have been keeping bulbs for spring planting make sure to check on them!  The two great causes of spoilage in keeping roots or bulbs over the winter are too much moisture (which supplies the perfect conditions for molds and rots), and drying out. 

5) Take a Look Around.  Now, this might not be all that practical . . . but as a girl I like things to look pretty.  Check out your landscaping now that it is winter, and decide if it would be nice to have more evergreens and berried shrubs.  This is NOT the season for planting evergreens, but it is the season for planning! :)

6)  Transplanting.  There is a methold of moving trees or shrubs which you may like to move about your place.  This consists of  taking them up with a solidly frozen ball  of soil around the roots.  It is much easier to move this frozen ball over the ground via sled as opposed to a wagon with wheels.  Also, the tree is dormant now!

What Garden tips do you have to offer those of us just starting out?  If you are like me, what questions do you still have about getting started?

Into the Word

So I haven't fallen of the face of the planet after all!  Come on . . . it's only been a week!  Seriously though, I realize I haven't written for few days, and I would like to apologize to those of you who have stopped by to read a new blog post only to find the same old one about Raising Animals.  :)  It's not that I haven't had time . . . in fact we are going on our 3rd day off of school with a slight possibility of no school tomorrow thanks to falling snow and icy roads!  (teaching does have its perks, especially when you work at the same school with your husband!)  It's not that nothing has been going on around the AFG Homestead either . . . in fact we have; set up my new grain mill with a 1/3 horse motor only to discover we are going to need 1/2 horse for it to actually work, we have had to put our new chickens in the coop every night because they insist on roosting in the barn,  we have built tomato cages and read up on gardening to prepare for the Spring,  we watched the Homestead Blessings DVD I got for Christmas on gardening, we have been reading the book The Naturally Clean Home and bought some essential oils to begin making homemade cleaners, we found about 10 eggs in a random pile behind our barn . . . anyway, as you can see the adventures have been numerous!  The main reason for my absence in writing is because . . . I have been diving into the Word!!

Now, before you think I am trying to "toot my own horn," realize that there is obviously a reason I have been writing posts since September consistently and not had this problem.  Oh, I have been reading my Bible most days, and sure I research what others have to say about certain topics that come up in my reading, but I haven't really been "into the Word."  This week the Word has consumed me!  Every spare moment I get I want to be reading it!  If I'm not reading the Word, I'm looking at verses or reading this book I started called A Woman's Guide to Spiritual Warfare, or watching sermons with my husband, or talking to friends about what God is doing in our lives, or talking to my husband about what God has for our lives.  To be completely honest, I just haven't really been inspired to write about Homesteading!  I enjoy homesteading don't get me wrong, and it's what this blog is all about, but my passion in life is God!

Often times we fill up our lives with a bunch of jobs or hobbies.  For me its homesteading, giving baton lessons, teaching school, working out, and blogging.  Each of us has a different list, but we enjoy these things, and we find satisfaction in doing them for the Lord.  This is great!  However, let us not "forget our first love."  This week I have been getting into the Word.  I just can't get enough.  I want to know what it says . . . not just know it, but know it so well that I believe it!  Believing it changes my life!  Believing means I want more, I need more, I've got to have more in order to survive!  The Word is my power source!

Remember when I told you our 2011 is the year of "exousia"?  I noted that this word is referring to the "power" or spiritual "authority" that God has given us (believers) through the gift of his Holy Spirit.  The only way to tap into this gift is by getting into the Word and into God!  We have to know the Scripture if we are to defend against the enemy and the lies he tries to decieve us with!  If your marriage is falling apart, if you are struggleing with complacency, if you are wondering why you don't see miracles, if you're sick and prayers don't seem to be working, if your having a hard time paying the bills, if your doubting your faith . . . the list could go on and on.  If any of these things . . . the answer is . . . GET INTO THE WORD!!!!

This is my challenge to all of us!  Get passionate, get excited, prepare to see God work in your life!  Be sure to come back and let everyone know how getting into the Word is changing your life! What are you learning, discovering, believing, seeing?

"Man does not live on bread alone,

but on every word that comes from the mouth of God"

~Jesus (using Scripture to respond to a lie from Satan)

Which Animals to Raise?

As my husband and I started our homestead we had big plans to add as much as possible, and try to do everything.  We knew it would take time, but eventually we hoped to have a cow, sheep, ducks, rabbits?, and goats?, to go along with our chickens.  Through our research we have discovered there are many considerations to be made before deciding to raise any particular animal. 

Raising Chickens

Advantages:  Great to have around, very therapeutic!  You can get eggs and meat for very little work.
Disadvantages:  There are hardly any!  They can get smelly if you keep them in the same spot for too long.
Special Needs:  A coop that has a place for them to roost.  This also provides protection from foxes and other varmints, as well as shelter from extreme weather.
Labor Required:  Egg collections, closing their coop at night, and cleaning it about once per week.  You will also need to feed them daily unless allowing them to free range (in this case, you can put a buffet of corn, soybean, and oats - the birds will eat what they need).
Farming Skills Required:  Butchering chickens (if being used for food), clipping wings to discourage flying or put up high fencing if you do not clip wings.
Possible Diseases:  Worms can be a problem if the chickens remain in the same place for a long period of time.  Lice and mites should be controlled.  Also, chickens can get colds - their combs will change color, and there eyes puff up, along with wheezing sounds.
Making Money:  Eggs can be sold from your home.  Free-Range Chickens are especially in demand; if you can raise enough for yourself and have extra to sell go for it!

Raising Ducks/Geese

Advantages:  They have less of a chance to get infections than chickens.  A duck has a longer laying period than a chicken.  Geese are good for removing weeds from pastures as they graze.
Disadvantages:  You must have a pond or some other area of water.  Both geese and ducks can be noisy.
Special Needs:  Shelter at night for protection from extreme weather (hot and cold), and varmints.
Labor Required:  Confining at night, collecting eggs, cleaning shelter.
Farming Skills Required:  Much the same as for chickens.
Possible Diseases:  Few problem here.  Ducks and Geese are much hardier than chickens.
Making Money:  Both can provide meat and eggs.  Goose eggs are large and difficult to sell, but the meat from a goose is very valuable.

Raising Rabbits

Photo Credit:  jpockele @ stockxchng.com

 Advantages:  Inexpensive, quiet, easy to handle.
Disadvantages:  Seems to be difficult to make much money off of them.  Their meat is not considered kosher.
Special Needs:  Dry, draft-free location where they will be protected from weather and varmints.
Labor Required:  Feeding, regular inspection.
Farming Skills Required:  Be able to recognize the health of your rabbits, trimming their claws, and possibly butchering your own.
Diseases:  Generally healthy animals, but you will need to check their ears regularly for mites.  Also, rabbits can get colds.

Raising Sheep

 Advantages:  Wonderful grazers!  Will provide lambs, wool, and possibly milk.  Some breads fatten well on small amounts of food.
Disadvantages:  They require regular attention, they are prone to many diseases, and they are known for escaping.
Special Needs:  A good shepherd, and good fencing.
Labor Required:  Careful, continual watching, especially for attacks.  Very careful observation during lambing season.
Farming Skills Required:  Shearing, foot trimming, and lambing.  Also be able to understand the subtle ways.
Possible Diseases:  Blowfly strike, foot rot, and many other diseases that often end in death.
Making Money:  Depends on the market in your area.  Could make cheese from sheep's milk.

Raising Goats

 Advantages:  This animal is suited for most climates.  They provide meat and milk, and some even have a valuable fleece.
Disadvantages:  It not well confined they can easily destroy many things . . . including your vegetable garden.
Special Needs:  Goats prefer weeds to good grass, so nice pasture is not necessary.  Protection will be needed from extreme weather.
Labor Required:  Milking twice per day.  Much like keeping sheep.
Farming Skills Required:  Milking, shearing, foot trimming, and kidding.
Possible Diseases:  Goats needs a high level of minerals, otherwise they can acquire deficiencies that can cause major problems.  Internal parasites must be controlled.
Making Money:  Milk, cheese, and yogurt can be valuable if made well.

Raising Pigs

Photo Credit:  gloriaheid @ stockxchng.com

 Advantages:  Inexpensive to feed.  Will eat and get fat on what other animals waste.  Provides pork, ham, sausages, and bacon.
Disadvantages:  Can wreck good grass, and they are not considered kosher.
Special Needs:  Shelter at farrowing, but other than that they can withstand much.
Labor Required:  Daily feeding, if kept in the sty it must be cleaned regularly.
Farming Skills Required:  You must be quick if you even hope to catch a stubborn pig.
Possible Diseases:  If well fed, pigs are relatively healthy.  May want to watch for mastitis after farrowing.
Making Money:  Home-cured hams and bacon so good, and well sough after! 

Raising Cows

 Advantages:  Very gentle animals,and can feed on the grass for most of the year.  They provide calves, and milk for you to drink or turn into butter, cheese, yogurt, or ice cream.
Disadvantages: Large animals, and a certain amount of strength is required when they have to be caught and handled.
Special Needs:  Good grass during the nice weather months, and shelter during the cold weather months.
Labor Required:  Milking twice per day (if milking).  Careful watching when planning to put cows to the bull.  You may want to rotate you cows daily to guarantee fresh grass.
Farming Skills Required:  Milking, being able to handle cattle, helping with calving.
Possible Diseases:  Mastitis when milking, mineral deficiencies when feeding calves, and foot problems if too heavy.
Making Money:  Great returns from dairy products!  A person can also profit from selling calves, or processing and selling beef.

Obviously there are many other animals you could raise:  turkeys, llamas/alpacas, bees, etc.  Those listed above are simply some common ones I've noticed.  Also, keep in mind that a big concern with raising animals is what to do with them when you are gone.  My husband and I stay pretty busy, and my family lives about 3 hours away.  When we visit them, or travel for vacation we must find someone to take care of our animals.  Having friendly neighbors who also homestead is great!  They are usually willing to take care of your animals when you are away.  Make sure to offer the favor in return! :)

I hope this helps!  My husband and I have done quite a bit of research, but most of this information comes from the book The Practical Homestead by Paul Heiney.  It is a great read!  You should check it out!

If you have experience with any or all of these animals, we would love to hear your insight!  Please leave your comment below!

The African Children's Choir

We walk in, and immediately we are overwhelmed with hugs from African children ages 8-11.  They are so excited to see new aunties and uncles.  It is time for devotionals.  This is what they always do before a performance.  John Paul, a former member of the African Childrens Choir, rounds the little guys and ladies up with what seems to me a whisper!  The children come 'round him, and the group which will be leading tonight is instructed to pick a certain number (I can't remember the exact number . . . ) of praise songs and worship songs.  At this point we have all formed a circle, with the children leaders in the center.  They start off with praise songs!  Wow!  These kids are singing and dancing with all their hearts!  Jumping and dancing around praising Jesus!  I stand there in awe, desperately wanting to join in, but conscious of the fact I am a newcomer . . . and white.  I just stand in awe!  After several praise songs, we begin to sing worship songs.  The children are so sweet and passionate.  They give their hearts, minds, and bodies to the Lord.  At one point John Paul tells them it is prayer time.  Half of the children fall to their knees and pray to their Father out loud, verbally.  The rest do the same standing with hands lifted high.  I begin to cry harder.  I am not even praying, but listening to the sound of these little voices praising God for the visitors (us!), praying for a safe trip home, thanking Him for a chance to come to American and be in the choir, to have such nice clothes (their performance outfits), and for Him being SO good!  I wipe the tears, not wanting them to see me cry, they might not understand and be concerned.  I am crying because this is how we should all worship! This is how grateful all of us should be, and I know that God is beaming in this moment!

My friend and sister-in-law is touring with the African Children Choir as a chaperone for at least the next 10 months.  I am so thankful that we were able to see them perform on New Year's Day!  What a way to ring in the New Year!  Here are some pictures:

  

They are precious in His sight, and in ours!  I love these kids, and I only spent a few moments with them! I know what some of you must be thinking, and as the children mention in their performance; no, they are not up for adoption, they want our support so they can go back to Africa and make a difference there!  How beautiful!

If you live around SW MO, I am excited to tell you that I think Fairview Christian Church may try to book them for a performance!  Yea!  I can't wait to see them again!  More details later, but get excited - they are amazing!

If you don't live around here, and you would like to invite them to your area.  Here is the website:  http://africanchildrenschoir.com/see_the_choir.php .  You will find lots of helpful information, and learn more about this organization here!

Also, my sister has just started a blog about her adventures with the choir!  Hop on over and check it out at:  http://songsofredemption.wordpress.com/2010/12/27/new-birth/

Remember these children next time you are praising and worshiping God!  What an inspiration!

Another Year to Thee

Another Year For Thee

Another year is dawning!

Dear Master, let it be,

In working or in waiting,

Another year with thee!

Another year of leaning

Upon thy loving breast,

Of even deeper trusting,

Of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of mercies,

Of faithfulness and grace;

Another year of gladness,

In the shining of Thy face.

Another year of progress,

Another year of praise;

Another year of proving,

Thy presence "all the days."

Another year of service,

Of witness to Thy love;

Another year of training

For holier work above.

Another year is dawning!

Dear Master, let it be.

On earth, or else in heaven,

Another year to thee!

~ From Heart Blessings Compiled by Dale Crowley~

***

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away; behold all things have been made new.

~2 Corinthians 5:17~