The Closing of 2007

Yesterday we received a newsletter from Vision Forum that really inspired Daniel and I. The whole newsletter can be read here.

In the newsletter, Doug Philips challenges families to do 3 important things before the end of the year:

· Outline and Chronicle the Many Providences of God
· Say ‘Thank You’ to Those Who Have Invested in Your Life
· Forgive Those Who Have Wronged You

In the first part, Doug calls us to chronicle the past year. He gives a list of 20 questions for the family to answer and record in a journal, so that future generations can see the hand of God working in your family:

· Where did I/we travel?
· What were the titles and key texts of sermons I preached?
· What books/articles did I write?
· What significant household projects did we accomplish in 2007?
· What were the most important meetings of the year?
· What special friendships were made this year?
· Which children lost teeth, and how many?
· Who grew in physical stature, and how much did they grow?
· Who learned to read this year?
· What diet and physical exercise regimen did I maintain to honor “my temple”?
· What books did I read? Did we read as a family? Did my children read?
· What Scriptures did my family memorize?
· What loved ones died this year?
· What were the great personal/ministry/national tragedies and losses of the year?
· What were the great personal/ministry/national blessings of the year?
· What were my most significant failures/sins for the year 2007?
· What unresolved conflicts/issues am I bringing into 2008?
· What significant spiritual and practical victories did I experience?
· In what tangible ways did I communicate gratitude to those who have blessed me and invested in my life?
· What are the top ten themes of 2007 for my family?

The second thing he challenges families to do is to say “thank you” to those who have invested in your life. Sometimes this can be very difficult for people to do. It exposes our inner feelings and can make us very vulnerable. However, I do believe that this part will be a blessing to everyone. It will also show to the children that we, as parents, are also grateful. A powerful lesson for our children to learn.

[I] cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. (Eph. 1:16)

The third thing we are challenged to do is to make a list of those whom you have offended and those whom have offended you. Pray through that list and seek forgiveness. This is probably the hardest one of all. It is hard to admit that we have wronged others. We don’t like to look that deeply into ourselves. It’s easy though to think of all the things people have done against us. But…can you forgive these wrong doings? Here is a excerpt from the newsletter:

“Before 2008 begins, adopt a spirit of forgiveness towards your insensitive friends as well as your hateful enemies. Forgive your imperfect father for whatever it is you need to forgive him for (and pray to the Lord that your own children someday forgive you for your failures). Quit devoting untold precious hours to commiseration, mental replay of the wrongs done, and thoughts about just how badly you were wronged. Stop blaming everybody but you for your problems. Look to yourself. Once you start chronicling your own sinful attitudes and crimes against God and man, you simply won’t have time to worry about the wrongs done to you. You will stop being bitter, and you will start being thankful.”

May each of you have a blessed New Year

32 week checkup

Today I went for my 32 week checkup. For the most part everything is going well. Our dear daughter is head down and will hopefully stay that way for the next 8 or so weeks. She is growing well and kicking alot. If you haven't voted on her statistics, please take some time to do so! We enjoy watching the numbers change!

The dr was able to give me some digestive enzymes that will hopefully combat the nausea I feel, expecially after eating. This should also help me get rid of the general "not feeling well" that I have been experiencing.

My 3 hour glucose test came back with good numbers. I am thankful that I do not have to worry about this. Hopefully failing the 1 hour won't become routine with future children the Lord may bless us with.

My blood pressure was back up to the normal range today. However, the swelling in my legs is not any better. So I need to keep drinking plenty of water and putting my feet up whenever I can. That will be easier said than done in this household, but it will give my a reason to take a few breaks throughout the day.

The end is coming near! I now have visits every 2 weeks instead of every 4! After a couple more visits we will be down to weekly visits. Then the end will be very close! We are all looking forward with great anticipation to the day when we get to hold her in our arms.

“The Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols”

On Christmas Eve we usually attend a candle light service. This year we decided to do things a bit different. We stayed home and went through "The Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols" as a family. The Children that are able to read took turns reading the scripture. Daniel then closed in prayer.

To make it more memorable for the younger children (those who can't read yet), we did some substituting on the carols, and sang the ones the children knew the first verse of by memory.

"The Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols"

First Lesson: Genesis 3:1-15
The Fall of Man, and the First Promise of the Gospel
Hymn - "Hark the Herald Angels Sing"

Second Lesson: Genesis 22:15-18
God's Promises Concerning the Seed of Abraham
Hymn - "Of the Father's Love Begotten"

Third Lesson: Isaiah 7:10-14; 9:2, 6-7
Christ's Birth and Kingdom are Foretold
Hymn - "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"

Fourth Lesson: Micah 5:2-5
The Glory of Little Bethlehem
Hymn - O Little Town of Bethlehem"

Fifth Lesson: Luke 1:26-38, 46-56
The Angel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary
Hymn - "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent"

Sixth Lesson: Matt 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7
The Birth of Jesus
Hymn - "What Child Is This?"

Seventh Lesson: Luke 2:8-16
The Shepherds Told the Joyous News
Hymn - "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks"

Eighth Lesson: Matthew 2:1-11
The Wise Men Are Led by the Star to Jesus
Hymn – "Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates!"

Ninth Lesson: John 1:1-14
The Great Mystery of the Incarnation
Hymn - "O Come All Ye Faithful"

Sweet Fellowship and Last Minute Hospitality

HOSPITALITY, The act or practice of receiving and entertaining strangers or guests without reward, or with kind and generous liberality.

FELLOWSHIP, Companionship; society; consort; mutual association of persons on equal and friendly terms; familiar intercourse.

Last night we had the blessing of hosting the Crawford family in our home. I know Trish only in the Internet world. We both belong to a Yahoo group called "Patriarch's Wives". This isn't the first family we've met from this group. Every time we have met a "PW" family, we have been so blessed. Last night was no exception.

The Crawford's are traveling from CO to NY to be with family over the holidays. Trish and I had communicated through email about having them possibly stay a night with us. Their plans didn't go exactly as planned. Something about snow and rain! Anyways, they ended up calling us around 8:30 last night looking for a place to stop for the night. We were celebrating Christmas with Daniel's family, so we weren't home when they called. Thankfully they still had a bit of driving before they came to our place. So we were able to return their call and let them know our door was open for them.

They pulled in at about 11pm. Remember, we had never met in real life. However, it felt as though we were welcoming old friends into our home. It was such a blessing to our family to have them (and Rosie and Kokoi, their dog and fish) here and have time (albeit short) to fellowship with them.

So many people these days are so afraid to have people into their homes let alone host them overnight. They think the meal had to be perfect and the house spotless. Or they think that their house is too small or the family seeking hospitality to large! However, that is not true. We have been hosted in homes where the meal was simple and the accommodations small. But the fellowship was oh so sweet. That is what will be remembered.

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love,
in honor giving preference to one another;
not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." ~ Romans 12:10-13

For more articles and audio recordings on hospitality, click here.

Mary, a Spirit-Filled Woman

When an angel visited Mary and told her she would carry God's Son, she responded, "How can this be?" God had chosen her for a task that was humanly impossible.

Do you ever feel that way? I know I often feel totally inadequate for the things God has called me to do. That's why I love the angel's response to Mary. He said, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you" (Luke 1:35).

That's the power we need. You can't raise that child, love that husband, care for that elderly parent, submit to that boss, or lead that Bible study apart from the power of God's Spirit working through you.

Have you been called to do something and you just don't know how to pull it off? When we're willing to acknowledge our weakness, get out of the way, and let God take over, our lives will be overshadowed with the power of the Most High.

This devotional and others like it can be found at Seeking Him with Nancy Leigh DeMoss

John 3:16

I took down the story that was here. if you would like to read about "The Christmas Truce" click here.

John 3:16
I don't understand it, but In the city of Chicago, one cold, dark night, a blizzard was setting in. A little boy was selling newspapers on the corner; the people were in and out of the cold.

The little boy was so cold that he wasn't trying to sell many papers. He walked up to a policeman and said, "Mister, you wouldn't happen to know where a poor boy could find a warm place to sleep tonight would you? You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and it's awful cold in there, of a night. Sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay."

The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, "You go down the street to that big white house and you knock on the door. When they come out the door you just say John 3:16 and they will let you in."

Then he did; he walked up the steps to the door, and knocked on the door and a lady answered.

He looked up and said, "John 3:16."

The lady said "Come on in, Son." She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottom rocker in front of a great big old fireplace and she went off.

He sat there for awhile, and thought to himself "John 3:16. I don't understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm."

Later she came back and asked him "Are you hungry?"

He said, "Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days and I guess I could stand a little bit of food." The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat anymore. Then he thought to himself "John 3:16 ... Boy, I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a hungry boy full."

She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub filled with warm water and he sat there and soaked for awhile. As he soaked, he thought to himself, "John 3:16 ... I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy clean. You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my whole life. The only bath I ever had was when I stood in front of that big old fire hydrant as they flushed it out."

The lady came in and got him, and took him to a room and tucked him into a big old feather bed and pulled the covers up around his neck and kissed him goodnight and turned out the lights. As he laid in the darkness and looked out the window at the snow coming down on that cold night he thought to himself, "John 3:16 ... I don't understand it, but it sure makes a tired boy rested."

The next morning she came back up and took him down again to that same big table full of food. After he ate she took him back to that same big old split bottom rocker in front of the fire place. She took a big old Bible and sat down in front of him and she looked up at and she asked, "Do you understand John 3:16?"

He said, "No, Ma'am, I don't. The first time I ever heard it was last night when the policeman told me to use it." She opened the Bible to John 3:16, and she began to explain to him about Jesus. Right there in front of that big old fireplace he gave his heart and life to Jesus.
He sat there and thought, "John 3:16. I don't understand it, but it sure makes a lost boy feel safe."

You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either, how God would be willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree to do such a thing. I don't understand it either, but it sure does make life worth living. ~Author Unknown

John 3:16 - 18 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;

but that the world through him might be saved.

He that believeth on him is not condemned:

but he that believeth not is condemned already,

because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

Christmas letter 2007

Dear friends and family,

2007 was a difficult year for us. Therefore, we have decided to post our annual Christmas letter on our blog, instead of sending it our snail mail. Hopefully next year we will be able to get something sent out.

Here is a recap of our year. In April, Sheri spent 3 days in the hospital for migraines. Then, Labor Day week, she was admitted for another 3 days due to kidney stones. Treatment was difficult because the usual tests could not be done. The reason is the one bright spot in our year! We are expecting our 7th blessing in February, 2008. We are so thankful to God for answering our prayers and adding to our quiver. Morning sickness was not fun and lasted 24/7 for 15 weeks. We are also planning our first home birth. The children are very excited at the prospect of not having Mom at the hospital and some of them may even be present during the birth.

In August, we attended Family Camp in Glorieta, NM. We had such a lovely time and were able to renew old friendships and make some new friends. The children enjoyed all the camping down there and back, and having a bear walk up to the camp site was quite exciting. We were also able to stay a few nights with friends along the way. These friends each live on a couple acres and have goats and chickens. This is something that we have talked about doing with our family and were glad to have the opportunity to see first hand how families handle the chores.

At the beginning of November, Daniel resigned from his Eldership at our church. This was the result of a very long and hard decision making process. However, due to issues of conscience, he felt that this was a step that needed to be taken. We believe that God is using these circumstances to lead us on the next step of our journey ~ a move to the Peoria, IL area and possibly having our own farmette. Land down there is a lot less expensive than Northern IL, IT jobs seem to be available for Daniel, and we have been visiting a church that supports our vision for the family and is more inline with our beliefs doctrinally. We’re anticipating moving this spring or when God shows us His timing. So if anyone is looking for a 4 bedroom, 3 ½ bath home in the Sugar Grove area, please let us know!

The children continue to grow and be a blessing in our lives. While Sheri was hospitalized and had morning sickness, the older children also took on all the housework, including the cooking. This enabled Daniel to stay with Sheri in the hospital and Sheri to rest as needed. We continue to home educate and feel blessed to have the freedom to have our children home all day long.


Justin is 14 and as tall as Daniel. If we kept track fo the grade the children are in he would be about a 9th grader. He’s further ahead in some subjects and not in others. Daniel has taken over most of his teaching and class accountability. That has been a learning experience for both of them, because the review has to happen before 6:30 am or in the evening after family worship. This summer we painted the trim on our house. Having an older son was very helpful! Justin is also looking forward to turning 15 next June and the possible opportunity of Drivers Ed.


Jesica will be turning 13 in February. In September she started playing the violin and loves it so much she practices several times a day. Her favorite hobbies are still crocheting and sewing. She has crochet ponchos, shawls, and angel ornaments. She has also sewn dolls and doll clothes. Someday she would like to set up a business doing these projects. When we were in New Mexico for family camp, Jesica was once again able to take on the High Rope Challenge Course. She struggled in 1 challenge, but persevered to the end!

Ashly is 11 and loves to help in the kitchen. The younger children also like to have her play house with them. She is still enjoying learning the piano. Her practice time starts at 7 am. So she is our alarm clock. What better way is there to wake up in the morning than to piano music played by your own daughter! Ashly is also one of our artists. She loves to draw and make pictures for people. Her heart is very tender to how people are feeling and loves to help those who are feeling down. She is also learning to sew and made herself a layered peasant skirt.

Josiah will be 8 in February – 2 days before our due date. He’s praying that his new sister will be born on his birthday. He is now in 2nd grade and doing wonderfully. His reading has just taking off exponentially in the last year and enjoys reading books on nature and animals. Not only does he enjoy reading about nature, but he loves to experience it. At the Garden of the Gods in Colorado, he was able to do lots of climbing. One of his other favorite things is to play knights with Mathias. They both have armor and run around fighting the “bad guys” and protecting the women in the home.

Cara is 6 and loves to draw. She’s very good at it also and makes pictures for everyone. Her favorite things to draw are anything in nature and princesses on horses. A week doesn’t go by where Dad doesn’t have a new picture to take to work to hang on his wall! This year she has made several new friends. The best part about these friends is they either have the first or middle name of Grace. Since that is also her middle name, she feels a special connection to these girls. Can you guess what her favorite hymn is?......”Amazing Grace”!

Mathias turned 3 this past summer and isn’t quite as mischievous as he was at 2. He still is very curious at how things work, but he hasn’t unscrewed any door hinges, or mixed any special concoctions lately. His best friends are Cara and Josiah. When they are busy with school, he finds it hard to be playing by himself. So he usually finds a spot at the table or on Sheri’s lap. There he does his own “school” which is coloring or his sticker book. His favorite things to do with Cara and Josiah are playing knights, Legos and pretend. Cara can get him to also be the Daddy when playing house. When Dad gets home he is the first one out the door. If it’s raining he will stand at the garage door. Otherwise he is busy getting Dad’s lunchbox out of the back seat and making sure it gets put away!


May the LORD give you increase more and more, you and your children.
May you be blessed by the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. ~Psalm 115:14-15

Sola Deo,
Daniel and Sheri Ryken
Justin, Jesica, Ashly, Josiah, Cara, Mathias, & Blessing #7

~family-with-vision@sbcglobal.net ~

~ http://www.rykenclan.blogspot.com/ ~

Our Upcoming Move and Family Vision

In the past couple weeks; we have been quietly informing people of a possible move for our family to Central Illinois. We haven't told everyone and we are sorry if you fall into that group. It has been very hard for us to tell people, because we know that several, if not most, will be very disappointed and many won't understand. We have made lots of close relationships over the last 9 ½ years, and it isn't easy to tell people your family is moving away. We are confident that God's hand is in this decision and we are looking to Him to guide us through all the hurdles.

As we have started to spread the word of our possible move, we have found that many people don't really understand why we desire to make a change. They understand that we can't accomplish all of our dreams here, but why would we want to leave? We have a nice life here. Our dream and desire as a family, beyond raising godly seed for God's glory, is to own some land in the country, be totally debt free, have a few animals and a large garden, continue having children (if that is the Lord's will), have Daniel around the home more, while attending a church that supports our vision and doctrinal beliefs. Unfortunately we can't accomplish all of this where we are right now. Land here is very expensive. We have a garden, but not as large as we want. We also live in a subdivision, so animals are out of the question. Currently Daniel also has a 30 miles commute to work. On a day without any traffic or construction, he can make the drive in about 35 minutes. Otherwise it takes anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour. That, in itself, is just not conducive to quality family time. He comes home tired and struggles to put the day behind him. We are hoping that a move to Central Illinois will provide us with the opportunity to be together more as a family, accomplish our dreams, and provide a solid, biblical, reformed church that will support us as we grow as a family and individuals.

We also want to take this opportunity to post on our blog a bit of what we believe and why we believe it. The convictions we are going to share may seem foreign and contrary to what you have been taught. Some may even be offended by what is written. However, after studying scripture, reading books, and listening to sermons by men more studied than we are, we have come to the conclusion that these convictions are in line with scripture. We also hope that this will clear up some of the questions that people have asked about our family vision. Before you dismiss our views as crazy and out in left field, please listen to the powerful sermon Dr. Voddie Baucham gave to the Southern Baptist Convention on "The Centrality of the Home". It may just change the way you think.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children,

and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.

You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. "

Discipling our Children

DISCIPLE, v.t. 1. To teach; to train, or bring up. 2. To make disciples of; to convert to doctrines or principles

DISCIPLE, n. [L., to learn.] 1. A learner; a scholar; one who receives or professes to receive instruction from another; as the disciples of Plato. 2. A follower; an adherent to the doctrines of another. Hence the constant attendants of Christ were called his disciples; and hence all Christians are called his disciples, as they profess to learn and receive his doctrines and precepts.

Luke 6:40 "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher."

This is one of the core reasons of why we do everything we do as a family. Our desire is to disciple our children in the way of the Lord, so they will become godly young men and women and for them to pass it to their children. Nothing else we can or will accomplish as parents is as important as this. 3 John 4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. "

God gave us this job. He did not give this job to the public or Christian school teacher. He did not give it to the Sunday school teacher or youth minister. He did not give it to the peers of our children. God gave the job of training and discipling Justin, Jesica, Ashly, Josiah, Cara, Mathias, Blessing #7, and any other children we may be blessed with, to Daniel and Sheri Ryken. That is an awesome responsibility that we do not take lightly. We believe that having a regular time of daily family worship, home educating our children, and being involved in a church that supports this responsibility, serves as the catalyst that enables us to the best job that we are able. This can not be accomplished on our own. We need God's hand guiding us on a daily basis.

Family size

6 children and another on the way… Better us than you, right? Doug Phillips comments on the view that society has in regards to children. He says it so well in this quote:

"The Bible calls debt a curse and children a blessing. But in our culture, we apply for a curse and reject blessings. Something is wrong with this picture."

Why is this? Why are Christian families rejecting the blessings that God desires to give us?

In our family, we view children as a blessing and gift from God. We desire to add to our family as many blessings as God desires to give to us. Many people don't understand how we can keep adding more and more children. The final number is not our decision. We leave that up to God and trust Him in the planning of our family. As Christians we claim to trust God to provide all our basic needs. When we are sick we trust His will to be accomplished in regards to our healing. We trust Him with our finances. We even trust Him with our salvation. If we have placed our trust in God in all these areas, why don't we trust him with something as simple as determining our family size? Our society teaches us to take control of our fertility by pushing birth control, having tubes tied, or vasectomies, after just a couple children. This is wrong. It is not Biblical. It is taking control over something that God did not give us control over.

Psalm 127:3-5 "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,

The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth.

Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate."

We also get lots of questions on how we handle so many children. We will be the first to admit that it isn't easy and there are days when we want to pull our hair out. We will also be the first to admit that we aren't the perfect family. The children bicker and tease each other; they disobey, or don't always do what they are asked the first time. They complain and whine. However, we also have more days when we just sit back and are amazed that God has blessed us so richly. Our children love to be with their parents, love to play with their siblings and miss one if they are away for the day, and desire to be blessings to their parents by helping out extra, without being asked, when a parent or sibling is sick or having a rough day.

When we look into the future, we look at the possible number of descendants we have the possibility of having. It is astounding. If each of our 7 children has 5 children (nice round number for doing math), we will have 35 grandchildren. If each of those grandchildren has 5 children, that will be 175 great-grandchildren. If that continues, we will have 875 great-great-grandchildren. If each of our children passes the vision to their children and they pass it to their children, imagine the Christian heritage that will be passed from generation to generation. What a legacy!

Family-Worship

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lYxV6be_1I

We have been practicing family worship in our home for several years now. Some of you may ask, "What is the difference between family worship and devotions after dinner?" Basically there is not much difference. In devotions after dinner, the father will typically read a passage of scripture, a short devotional, and then pray. Our family worship incorporates all those aspects, but more and on a deeper level. A typical night has us gathering in the family room, with our Bibles, around 7:45. This time of worship can easily last 30-45 minutes. Currently we are reading through Psalms and we also read the Proverb of the day. Those who can read each read 2 verses and we continue until the whole passage is read. The children then have the opportunity to talk about their favorite verse(s) and what they think the passage is saying. Daniel may also give some additional teaching he may have picked up in his own devotions or some sermon he listened to during his commute. We then go through the memory verse/passage that we are learning. Some families also sing, but we are not the best singers, so this doesn't happen on a regular basis in our home. The time is concluded with one of the children closing in prayer. We encourage our children (even our 3 year old Mathias) during meals and family worship to pray aloud. Praying in front of people, even your own family, is not an easy task. By encouraging them at a young age to participate in leading the family in prayer, we are hopefully making it easier for them to lead their own families in prayer.

So why do we gather nightly, as a family, in this manner? A lot of it goes back to the Deuteronomy 6:4-9 passage. Our desire is to disciple our children. We want our sons to be able to lead their family and teach them the things of God. Watching their father lead worship on a nightly basis will encourage them. We also have the opportunity to sit and discuss with our children what Scripture is teaching and how to apply it to their lives. Short 5 or 10 minutes devotions just can't accomplish this in the same manner. If we have somewhere to go or other activities, we do have shorter devotions. However, this is not the norm.

We have also instituted a family night on Wednesday night and bible trivia on Friday night. During our family night, Daniel reads from a variety of different books: Daughters of Destiny, God's Mighty Hand, Poems for Patriarchs, Verses of Virtue, Character Sketches, biographies, other books related character building, or books on the martyrs. Afterwards we have a time of fun and end the night with a special dessert – usually ice cream! Bible Trivia Friday is a great way to end our week. Sometimes Daniel quizzes the children and other times the children will make up questions from their Bible reading during the week. This is a great way to learn some of the lesser known facts in the Bible.

Education

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHAb5Eqk60Q

In the Daniel Ryken family, home education is our only option. As Dr. Baucham said, you become like your master. We want our children to be like us and have our morals and vision - not teachers or other adults - ours. We want our sons to grow up and have the desire to be Godly, family orientated men, who have the desire to be with and LEAD their families. We want our daughters to grow up to have the desire to be Proverbs 31 women who desire to be keepers at home, mothers, and helpmeets to their husbands. These goals can not be accomplished while our children are away at school – even a Christian school – for 8 hours a day. These goals can not be accomplished if our children are surrounded by their peers all day long. These goals can only be accomplished if our children are around people who will be models for them. Home educating them gives us, as parents, the opportunities to not only teach them book knowledge, but also the opportunity to model for them the roles the Lord created for them.

People ask us what our children's plans are when they finish high school. Our desire is that they will continue their education, but we are not going to push them off to college. For our sons, we are going to encourage the local community college and distance learning. If they are able to find a Christian man who will apprentice them that would be preferred. Our daughters will not necessarily be encouraged to go to college either. We do want them to be prepared to run a home, be a helpmeet to their husband, and teach their own children. Our daughters may someday have their own home-based business or their husbands may own their own business. They will need to know how to keep books and accurate records. Taking some distance learning classes could be helpful in accomplishing this. This way of thinking is against the norm of what most people desire for their children. The higher the education and the bigger the paycheck is what society views as successful. To our family, that isn't successful. Having a father and mother who are striving to live out the biblical roles (Titus 2) and can manage their households well, while passing on that vision to their children, that is success.

Family-Integrated Church

About 18 months ago, we left a church we had been attending, to help plant a family-integrated, home-discipleship church. Family and friends questioned why we would leave a Bible believing church with strong biblical preaching, to help start this church. One of the main reasons was so that we could attend a church that would support our vision for the family. Over the years we really struggled with the fact that parents would teach their children doctrine, yet there would be no evident fruit. Some of the children would act, talk, and dress no differently than those in the world. On Sunday we would have to protect our sons from the immodestly dressed young ladies and women.

Another reason we joined a family integrated church was so that we could be in a church that encouraged worshipping together as a family. Our church does not have a nursery. The children are taught from infancy to sit in church and as they get older, to participate in the service. It is hard work teaching a young child to sit in church quietly. In a family-integrated church, encouragement is given weekly, because we've all been there.

Conclusion

As you have read through some of our vision and why we do what we do, we hope you can understand bit of why we are moving. God has placed this vision and these dreams on our heart and we feel that God is using this vision and other circumstances in our lives to accomplish His will for our family. Finding employment, housing and selling our home will not be easy tasks, especially with a newborn. Please pray for us as we continue to make decisions in regards to this move.

Too Funny!

Pregnancy update

Yesterday I had my 29 week check up. The weeks are continuing the go by quickly. With the holidays coming, there are sure to go by even more quickly!

The appointment went well. I had to do the glucose testing for gestational diabetes. The drink is aweful and I felt a bit icky the rest of the day. The results will be back in a few days, but they will call only if I have to go for the 3-hour test. I had to do that test with Mathias and it was not pleasant. So we are praying for no phone call later this week!

My blood pressure was on the low side (112/60) so we'll watch that. It's pretty standard for me to have a lower BP. I have also had more swelling in my legs and feet and and increased number of Braxton Hicks. So I will continue to drink lots of water and keep my feet up.

Our daughter is doing well. She is becoming quite the little gymnast. Thankfully she is also very well behaved and doesn't keep me up at night. She loves chocolate, orange juice, and when I play the piano. The dr thinks that she will fall in the weight range of the other children (8lb3oz and 9lb9oz). I have added 3 polls to the side bar of this blog - 1 vote per computer. The voting is open until February 1. When our daughter arrives I will fill in the correct details!

The only disappointing news we recieved is that we won't be able to travel to the ICHE Leadership Conference Feb 1-2. The dr is not comfortable with us traveling 4 hours away 2 weeks before my due date. We are going away as a family a couple weeks before that as one last relaxing weekend before we get busy focusing on the coming of our daughter.

Psalm 139:13-16

"For you created my inmost being;you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

Candy, Tree, Games, and Castles

This past weekend we were busy. We made our usual pretzel/hugs/M&M candies. The children says it feels like Christmas when we make them!

We also went to Larson's Family Farm and cur down our Christmas tree. This is the second year we have bought from them and have been very pleased.

Here is the before picture

Here is the after picture

On Sunday afternoon I played the piano while the rest of the family played a very rousing game of UNO. No, there are no picture of me playing the piano....

Lately Josiah has been very interested in Knights and Castles. Last year for Christmas he received a Playmobile castle. This week the younger children have been busy playing with it. They have all sorts of people, horses, and dinosaurs helping to inspire their imagination.

SNOW DAY!

Yes, Homeschoolers have snow days. We also do school on snow days, but we are not all about books. We also love fun and my children love snow! Here are some pictures from the fun!

Mathias wasn't so sure of the cold and snow. He must be alot like Mom. 15 minutes after putting on all his snow clothes, he was back in.

Here is Justin using the snow blower he worked on this summer. It's still not running perfectly, but he worked hard and is seeing some fruit from his labor.

Time of Thanksgiving during trials

This past year has been a very difficult year for our family. We have had many difficult situations to walk through and hard decisions to make. I was hospitalized 2 times, had a difficult first trimester of nausea, and the long decision making process has taken an emotional and mental toll on all of us.

"And we know that all things work together for good to

those who love God, to those who are the called

according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew,

He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,

that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Moreover whom He predestined, these he also called;

whom He called, these he also justified;

and whom he justifies, these he also glorified."

Romans 8:28-30

It isn't always an easy process to be conformed to the image of His Son. It can be a very painful process. However, we are promised to be glorified if we love God and work according to His purpose.

In spite of all these trials, God has also blessed us more than we deserve. We are expecting a new daughter early next year after 2+ years of prayer, have the opportunity to have our first home birth, the children have learned new skills and taken on new responsibilities during my health struggles, Daniel and I have learned to listen in greater detail to each other, and learned to appreciate the roles God created us for, we have grown closer together as a family, and our family has had several opportunities to visit with friends for refreshment and encouragement.

It isn't easy to be thankful for our trials, but looking back there is evidence that God has used them to grow us and to grow others. For instance, when I was in the hospital in September, we had several opportunities to talk with the nurse on duty. We found out that her and her husband were thinking of homeschooling. Weeks later we find out that they have decided to start homeschooling their oldest next year. We are continuing to see other evidence and are seeing that God does use all things for good.

Thought for the day

“The terms and conditions of a relationship determine the nature of the relationship.”

~ Dr. Norm Wakefield of Elijah Ministries

Hymns

Today I had my 25 week check up. It's hard to believe it's already 25 weeks! This pregnancy is going by so fast! The office is about a half hour drive away. This gives me an opportunity to listen to music, radio programs, or messages that I don't normally get to. On my way home this morning, Family Life with Dennis Rainey was on. Joni Eareckson Tada and Bobbie Wolgemuth were the guests. For those of reading who do not know these women, they have put out a series of books called "Hymns for a Kid's Heart" (there is also a series for adults called "Great Hymns of the Faith" ) In these books there is scripture, prayers, music and all the verses for the hymns, and the story behind the hymn. There is also a cd which is wonderful to listen to. To hear the interviews: part 1 and part 2.

I love hymns. Not just like singing them, but really love them. I love listening to them. They lift me up and encourge me when I am discouraged. Playing them on the piano is very relaxing and inspiring to me. It doesn't matter if they are straight from the hymnal or arrangements. Hymns are deep and filled with so much doctrine - you can't just sing one verse either. All the verses need to be sung in order to get the true meaning behind the song. They touch my soul in a way that modern praise songs and choruses can't.

It is so hard to pick my favorite hymn. So here is a list of some of my top favorites - in no particular order. If you click on them, you will be brought to CyberHymnal, where you can view the words and hear the tune.

• Abide With Me
• Amazing Grace
• Are you Washed in the Blood
• At the Cross (with the Hudson Midi)
• Great is Thy Faithfulness
• Hallelujah Praise Jehovah (Kirkpatrick or Psalter)
• He Hideth My Soul
• How Firm a Foundation
• How Great Thou Art (under copywrite)
• Near to the Heart of God
• No Night There
• Not What My Hands Have Done
• O Jesus I Have Promised
• O Master Let Me Walk with Thee
• O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
• Our God our Help in Ages Past
• Trust and Obey (I can still hear my Grandma singing this song)
• When We all Get to Heaven
• We're Marching to Zion

Now, go get out your favorite hymnal or find one online, and find your favorite hymn!

Pregnancy Ticker

If you are interested in following the development of "Baby Ryken", there is a new pregnancy ticker at the very bottom of the page.

As of this writing I am 25+ weeks. "Baby Ryken" can now respond to noises. We have found this to be true. She loves to hear me play the piano and wiggles to the music. Her other awake times are also very predictable. Without fail, at 10 pm, she is awake. It doesn't last long, but is such a nice way to end the day. She also starts the day around 7 am. It will be interesting to see what her schedule is like once she is born.

With her birth we will be charting new territory for our family. We are planning our first home birth. A physician from HomeFirst will be attending the birth. The care I have received so far has been the best I've had and I love the low intervention approach they have. Everyone here is very excited for me to be at home for the birth and I am looking forward to not having to make the trip to the hospital and spend a night or two alone. I'd much rather be surrounded by my family at home. To some people that may sound crazy - especially while giving birth. A night or two away from the children may even sound wonderful. However, we love to have our children around us, and hate to be separated from them. Birth is a family affair and while they may not be in the room during the delivery, they will be able to see their new sibling immediately after she is born.

Finally, here is the answer to the question I'm sure some of you are dying to ask, but may be afraid to.....No, this is not our last, unless God's plan is for her to be our last. We will continue raising an army for God. Whether that be 7 or 20 children, we seek God's design for our family ~ not our own.

Psalm 127

"Unless the LORD builds the house,They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early,To sit up late,To eat the bread of sorrows;For so He gives His beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate."

Reformation Day Faire ~ Peoria, IL

This past weekend we left the "city" and headed to Southern Illinois - or more specifically Peoria. Neither Daniel or I can remember ever being in this part of Illinois. The drive was absolutely beautiful. The sun was starting to break through the clouds, trees were all adorned in the fall colors and the small towns were quaint. I wish I had thought to take some pictures. Here is a photo album of our day.

When we arrived at the park, we were welcomed by several young ladies dressed in medieval costume. Thankfully they knew where the bathrooms were. After coffee, cappuccino, and water on the trip, we were in desperate need. The outhouses fit really well into the whole theme!

The park was set up as the town of Wittenburg in the 1500s. There were booths set up by different families from Providence Church. The boys made boffers for the Boffer War after lunch. Here they are practicing and then participating in the War. Mathias's boffer was a bit big for him, but that didn't stop him from having fun!
The Evans family taught the girls how to spin wool into yarn using a drop spindle.
The Price family showed Ashly and Cara how tedious printing was. Now-a-days we have it so easy with computer run printing presses.
In additional to these booths, families were also demonstrating beading, sketching, candle making, and soap making.

On the outskirts of Wittenburg there were games and archery contests. Justin was top scorer in the spear throw for a while. Daniel threw the shot put quite far. The children also challenged each other in checkers. I don't know who won all the games, but Cara and I tied!

Finally it was time for the Feast! The day before a pig had been roasted. MMMMmmmmm All the dishes were wonderful, as were the desserts!

After the Feast we gathered together for some hymn singing, a skit, and narration by Martin Luther. This service was to remind us of the what the Reformers did for us. It was a very moving service.

After Chapel, the Boffer War began! Boys young and old were out on the battlefield. There were a few casualties, but most just came away tired.

To close the Faire, the young ladies hosted a dance. It was a lot of fun watching the young people.

Thank you McDonalds, and the members of Providence Church for hosting the Faire! The day was wonderful ~ the weather was cool and sunny, the fellowship was sweet, and new friendships were formed among the adults and children.

A Day of Fun and Relaxation at the Zoo

Today we had a nice relaxing day at the Zoo.

Daniel has been in California since Sunday, and things were lonely around here. So we headed out to Brookfield Zoo. It was free day, so we only had to pay for parking. The weather was sunny and in the upper 50's - just beautiful weather for a walk around the zoo. Mathias has looked forward to this day. He doesn't really remember the zoo, because it has been over a year since we last went! The thought of seeing bears unnerved him a bit (Daniel takes him on scary "Bear hunts"), but he loved them!

The zoo was quite empty, so we were able to see the animals without having to fight the crowds. Most of the animals were out for the public, but seemed to be laying around. The polar bears were the exception. They were in and out of the water, putting on a show for everyone.

Mathias enjoyed seeing all the animals, but he really disliked the smell! He reaction EWWWW!

In the penguin house, there is a waterfall that looks like it is going to come right on top of you. The older children thought is would be really funny to see Mathias's reaction. Here is a picture of that reaction:

Whenever we go to the zoo, we have to get a picture taken with the gorilla statue. Along with calling himself a "bear", Daniel also calls himself a "gorilla". So the children have affectionately named this gorilla, "Dad". Being pregnant and going to the zoo was also interesting. The children think that we should be marsupials, so that I can carry them around in a pouch. Thankfully we only have one child at a time. Otherwise this is what I may look like!:Overall, we had a great day. Everyone had a day of no school work and was able to relax, enjoy the animals and enjoy the weather. Mathias now has memories of the animals at the zoo. He also was able to spend the day shadowing some of his favorite people.

If you'd like to see the rest of our day, here is the photo album.

Hiking at Starved Rock

Psalm 8
O LORD, our Lord,how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.

From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise

because of your enemies,to silence the foe and the avenger.

When I consider your heavens,the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars,which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him,the son of man that you care for him?

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings

and crowned him with glory and honor.

You made him ruler over the works of your hands;

you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds,and the beasts of the field,

the birds of the air,and the fish of the sea,all that swim the paths of the seas.

O LORD, our Lord,how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Saturday we went hiking at Starved Rock. For those of you who are not familiar with this state park, it is a wonderful place fullof God's creation. There are trails for hiking, canyons for exploring, beautiful autumn colors on the leaves, and waterfalls. My pictures do not do any justice to the majesty of the creation seen here. (To view the photo albumn, click here)