January 4, 2009 2AM
Happy New Year!
What is it we are leaving behind in the New Year and what will we pick up? That’s our standing question right now for each of our family members.
I hope to leave worry behind and pick up joy. Haven’t added one hair to my head yet with the worrying I do. But God’s working. He’s teaching me that He is sovereign and I’m relieved. Let’s labor to enter into that rest.
If I can only keep that in my mind when I’m in the middle of the muddle.
David III goes back to college on Tuesday. This may be his last time here for an extended stay. He is considering a few different internship programs. Please pray for his success and God’s guidance.
Our dear Great Grandpa Starling is in the hospital. He is 96 and still has all of his mental faculties. His condition is not too promising. He has been a Christian since he knelt at his father’s knee at age five. Praise God for him. He has given us an eternal heritage. How did we get to be so blessed?
May God help us all to look into the faces of those we love and treasure them. Life is changing every day. Today is grand.
Blessings,
Kaitlyn
December 27, 2008 – 3:40PM
Ah–What a glorious Christmas we had. Praise God that during the Christmas season we hear hymns and carols about our Lord at the malls and at Walmart. We have every opportunity to let people know first hand the REASON for the season – Christ came once and He is coming again. Are we all ready for that great and terrible day? May we be granted the gift of repentance from sin and believe in the only true sacrifice for sin.
We are gearing up to resume school with passion. The Fall was much too busy. How do we keep our schedules from being overbooked while not stunting ourselves socially? Wisdom please!
Please be in prayer for Karen Barkman. She is making a trip to Liberia and other African countries on January 8. She iwll be bringing back photos and video clips of our Be Still boys! I can hardly wait.
Blessings,
Kaitlyn
December 18, 2008 – 8:45AM
A misty morning, and a little quiet too. We are so thankful that Eden is recovering well after her surgery. All of the kids who had surgery in the last three weeks are doing well. Will had knee surgery. Josiah, Theo and True had some tummy surgery and finally Eden got her tonsils out. We’re thankful for good health insurance. Nothing like reaching your deductible. We’ve now completed our end-of-year healthcare blitz.
Pastor Nightingale of Wordsower International and I spoke about the plans for the New Year with the boys of Be Still. Most will receive a $25 monthly stipend until April. They are working for various employers without pay for on-the-job training. At the end of April they will receive their certificates of completion of our program. Then they will be able to go out and get their own jobs! Their rent is paid up through July, so this ought to give them plenty of time to establish themselves.
The boys will be submitting a time sheet weekly and going to church at Pastor Jimmie’s church. This will secure their $25 each month.
There are a few boys that are going to school at academic high schools. They will continue to receive money, but will be expected to work when school is out. These guys went out and got their own situations. Pretty impressive seeing that in a recent article out of Great Britian, Liberians were noted for asking, “White man, give me a dollar.”
Liberia cannot seem to get its legs under itself again, That’s only when you don’t look at the heart of the people. They’ve lost hope for the future because today is so hard. But when I look at our boys, I see the future. When we reach out with Christ’s love and provide practical help, the people of Liberia will turn things around.
Here is the Way. Walk ye in it! Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Jesus Christ, the WAY, the Truth and the Life!
December 14, 2008 – 1PM
Great Day for us here at home. We’ve already had a big adventure with a mystery mouse in the chimney. It roused the whole house, except for the sleeping giant, David 3. He’s a college student and remains comatose while at home.
Bible Bowlers are out the door for their monthly match at Gardenside Christian Church.
The recovering kids and mom are going for a walk.
Blessings,
Kaitlyn
