Abigail poses for the camera with her friend Hannah.

Recently our new friends, the Hammitts and Smiths paid us a visit. 

Getting ready for a meal.

Receiving meal instructions from the hostess.

We had so many children that some had to eat in the laundry room.

Our dog was penned up in the garage for the afternoon and evening.  She did not like that very much, but she consoled herself by poking her head out of the cat door.

One of the highlights of the visit was seeing the two week old Smith baby, named Matthew.

The younger ones gather around to see little Matthew.

The children enjoyed some evening activities.

Matthew is being held by his big brother, Ethan.

Finally worn out.

It was good to spend a few days away from home with my son, Matthew, interacting with other like-minded men, and sitting under some great teaching from Marcus Serven and Scott Brown.

One of the themes of the Men’s Advance was God’s Sovereignty.  Understanding the providential working of God is essential for us.

Many times I hear the question, “If God is so loving, why do people suffer?”  Scott Brown answered that question with these points from Romans 8.

Reasons for suffering:

1. To demonstrate hope.
2. To demonstrate eagerness for adoption.
3. To demonstrate eager, persevering hope.
4. To demonstrate the help of the Holy Spirit in weaknesses.
5. To demonstrate that all things work together for good.
6. To conform us to the image of His Son.
7. To demonstrate His faithfulness in our glorification.

Matthew (age 12) asked some good questions based on the meetings on our drive back home.  Hopefully, seeds have been planted that will sprout and grow in both of us.

Matthew is getting some exercise during one of the breaks.

Panoramic view from the back porch of the meeting center.  Click the picture for a high resolution picture.

Another panoramic view of one of the meetings led by Pastor Serven (click the picture for high resolution).

On the Lord’s Day I was privileged to worship at Covenant Family Church, where my hosts attend.   Pastor Marcus Serven led us in a worshipful and reverent service as we brought our worship and praise to God.

I’m not sure who all these young men are, but Matthew enjoyed getting to meet them.

It’s a joy to see young ladies preparing for motherhood.

Back at my host’s home (Bringe family) I was privileged to hear some budding young musicians practice their craft.

Click here for a short video of some fife playing.

The Serven family will be and have been posting some details (see Men’s Advance 2008 entries) on the backroom activities that made the conference a great success.

I’m looking forward to a return visit to all these folks who made my time a blessed one.

Recently we extended hospitality to some friends and spent an evening together around a meal, we encouraged each other with our words, and we spent some time looking at God’s Word and praising Him through song.  Joining us were the Van Surksum and Silveira families as well as two young men interning at a local business, Jordan and Christopher.

Karen showing little Rachel her picture on a digital camera. 

Matthew helps Rachel build a giant train layout. 

Gathering for our meal. 

Little Elijah pushing around a stroller. 

These times come to an end too quickly.  Rachel reaches out to give a kiss goodbye. 

Recently we visited with the Wennker (the younger) family.  They have two very young children that, for some strange reason, are a major attraction with my family, especially the youngest Wenneker.  Why is that?

Visiting on the front porch.

Karen and Kathy with little Zadok.

Karen holding Zadok.

Hope holding Zadok.

Kathy and Zadok.

There are special moments in life that stay with you, sometimes for awhile, sometimes forever.  For me some of those moments include my wedding day, the birth of my children, and the homegoing of my grandmother. 

While those events are particular noteworthy, there are others that, while lesser in importance, are just as endearing.  The first tooth, the first ride on a bike, and the completion of an important memory verse are some of those moments.    It seems like the more children with which I have been blessed, the more those moments happen.

They also happen outside the home, with others we love and hold dear.  Here is one of those moments, from a Mom’s Point of View.

Our good friends, the Wennekers, paid us a recent visit.  As you can see from the picture, dinner was quite interesting, to say the least.

Read here.