Jordan
Saucy Apples and an Emerging Tradition
Last Friday we had a major project day! Mom, Victoria, and Susanna worked on some of our fall sewing, Amanda and Titus tackled our ever-growing pile in the magazine basket, Jessi, Lauren, Bethany, Hannah, and I processed 5 1/2 bushels of apples, and Herman bounced between us and some jobs outside Dad had given him to do. God’s blessing on it all was evident… we had the best time of laughter, fun, and incredible production!
Then…
Well, before I tell you what it is, let me say that we have a steadily growing tradition in our house.
It is a ton of fun.
We all really like it.
It might sound a little unusual…
Here goes: After we make applesauce, we sleep outside! Normally it is on the front porch, in freezing — or below — weather (I’m not kidding!), but we did our applesauce early so our sleep outside was delightfully cool, not frigid. 
After a day in the steamy kitchen working with hot apples in boiling water over blue-hot flame… I think you get the picture. We all feel ever-so-slightly warm!!!! So, a night in the wonderful fall outdoors is just perfect to cool us down and, of course, make great memories! This year, though, instead of using the front porch, we tried out our 12-man tent that we’ve had for three years and never used. What a blast!
So, the moral of the story is this:
Enjoy the projects you do together! Make them fun and memorable!
Laugh over little mistakes and bumps in the production – – everything will be fine.
Keep a positive outlook even when you’re tired. Help each other finish strong!
And… after you make applesauce, sleep outside!
Cox / Erickson Wedding!
We arrived home from Maryland in time for three days at home, and then we were off to Virginia for our cousin’s wedding. Marshall was the first “Conn Cousin” to be married – and out of 26 cousins, 24 were present for the special occasion! What a joy to be all together again!!
Rehearsal dinner:
Wedding!!!
After the wedding, the family met at Fuddruckers for dinner and more time together. 
Wilkes/Butler Wedding!
Just 2 1/2 weeks ago…
We were on our way to Maryland to witness the glorious union of our dear friends Joshua and Lisa!
Here are a few pictures to give you the story……
They’ll do a better job than words….
On the road again….
Well, once again we have hit the road, and life just never seems to stop. We praise the Lord for the safety He has given as we “wear out” the highways. From home, to Maryland, to Virginia, back home, back to Virginia, to South Carolina, and finally home…. all of this in twelve days, the Lord’s mercy has been evident. But, it is not over yet. We have more places to go, more people to see, more things to do. The Lord has prepared the way before us, and has given us many wonderful hours of road time to catch up on sleep, to do some reading, and just to enjoy being close together as a family (literally
).
After being in the van for several hours, we find it necessary to release some energy and get some exercise. Frisbee and football are great ways to get these two things accomplished. We love traveling, and look forward to the next trip… which happens to be real soon.
“The horse is prepared against the day of battle, but safety is of the Lord.”
Butterfly Tea Party
In all of the busyness life has been bringing us for the past several months, it becomes easy to perpetually live in what we Neely’s term “survival mode” – just doing the necessities and leaving out all the “extras.” Tea parties usually, at least for us, fall into the category of “extra.” But we’ve discovered that everyone has time for a tea party! Just have one instead of dinner some evening… and you are bound to love it! We have found them great for teaching manners, quieting our lively bunch, 
pulling out the silver and china that are normally tucked away unused, making delightful memories together, and taking time to rejoice in the blessings of the Lord.
“Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts… Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord…” Psalm 96
Remembering 9-11
As our country remembers the events of September 11, 2001, we as a nation have forgotten the foundations on which our country was founded. As we remember the heroics of people who sacrificed for others, we have forgotten the God who gives us grace to remain a great nation. As we contemplate our desire for peace in the world, we have forgotten the God of peace.
In 1897, as a commemoration to Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, Rudyard Kipling wrote “Recessional” (“God of Our Fathers”) not only as a tribute to the might and power of the British Empire, but as a stark reminder that we had best heed the warnings of Scripture or suffer the fate of all nations who fall victim to their own success and fail to walk in humility before Almighty God.
Deuteronomy 8:11-14 gives another warning to the perils of prosperity: “Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God.”
As the blessings of God lead to repentance, once again we cry out, “God bless America!”
Click here to hear samples of other songs from our patriotic recording.
VA FEW Conference
If there is one need that all families have in this day and age, it is encouragement. All around us we see attacks on the family. Questions run through our minds: “Is there anyone headed the same direction?” “How do we pass the baton to the next generation?” “Is the battle really worth it?” “What should our response be?” “How do we equip our sons and daughters to fight?”
The purpose of the Family Encouragement Weekends is to encourage and exhort, and to bring families together in an atmosphere of fellowship. We had the joy of serving along-side the Wilkes and Staddon families last month and hosting the 4th Annual VA FEW Conference. What a blessing we received as we fellowshipped with other like-minded people, sought the Lord through prayer, and were exhorted to pass the baton to coming generations!!
An Empty Cup??
We had the privilege of having a friend of ours for dinner last night. Jennifer always brings lots of fun and laughter, and this visit was no different. After supper, we gathered around the table for a rousing time of playing with… empty cups???
We enjoyed this game particularly because it included all ages, encouraged attentiveness between players, and required teamwork to run smoothly. Thank you, Jennifer, for “filling our cups” with your joy and love once again!
One More Mile
The Lord has called each of us to serve. But many times along the road we become exhausted, feeling as if we can’t move another inch. Have you ever felt this way before? Do you ever wake up in the morning with the thought that you simply can’t do one more extra thing? Have you lost your strength for the race of life?
Recently struggling with some similar thoughts, the Lord brought me Isaiah 61 to get my focus right again. I would highly encourage you to take some a moment next time you are feeling weak and empty to ponder this beautiful passage. The Lord reminded me that part of my purpose in life is service – to both Him and others. But if that is truly part of why I am alive, why is it so hard sometimes?
God has a way of putting us all through these “servant-hood tests” to see where our hearts really are. In His mercy He reminds us that He has laid up the rewards of joy, peace, strength, and contentment for those who are faithful and daily give Him their all.
So today… trust God’s sovereignty in asking you to go another mile with Him, rejoice in His presence as you journey, and rest in His promise of strength as the road becomes rocky and difficult.
Press on – for one more mile!
