The Dream is Realized and in View!

Greetings from Sunny Florida!
The Dream is realized and finally in view! I'm still in shock and awe to think that we have actually made it here to Florida after many years of patiently waiting on God's timing, yet here I stand...happy and content. I love the weather right now with the cool breeze and temperatures in the upper 70s to mid 80s. Its still warm enough to wear shorts and go swimming if you wish, but not so hot that I need the air conditioner in the car (since our air compressor died).
My hopes to get outside and enjoy the fresh air with the kids is completely fulfilled as we get outside daily for hours at a time. There are so many wonderful local parks and free or inexpensive activities ...we just love it! As a homeschool mom, almost all of my time is spent searching for ideas to help educate my children in fun and creative ways. We take field trips, frequent the library, attend festivals and arts and crafts shows, surf the web and just explore the outdoors. Our bookwork is still required and lesson time usually takes place during lunch or in the evenings after my toddler is in bed. We haven't had too much trouble keeping our son ahead of pace as his personal desire to learn is so great and motivates him to enjoy his own research projects and discoveries. Educational dvds from the library system have been invaluable as there are so many to choose from and we have found them to be most helpful with our studies on the inventors and scientists. My son is going to begin a column in our blog about all his educational viewings of dvds and vhs or tv shows and give them a brief review and rating from his personal viewpoint. Hope you enjoy them!
Life in the deep south is very different yet very rewarding at the same time. We are thankful for so many things God has provided for us and continues to lead us towards the ultimate plan for our lives in His service. Right now we are pleasantly acquainted with many members of our new church family and have started to really get involved with teaching in Awanas and helping out with other forms of ministry. My husband enjoyed recently doing some drama/service by playing the part of Joseph, 2nd in command of all of Egypt from the Bible times as the Awana program celebrated a special event for the kids called Joseph's Egyptian Storehouse. It was a fun event and all the clubbers seemed to get a kick out of seeing him in costume and handing out baked goodies to all the students. Our son had fun seeing Dad in costume and I'm sure it was good for him to see the example of a father serving in ministry with a happy heart. Lead by example is what my Dad used to tell me...be the Eagle not the duck...anyone can follow...it takes someone with heart and determination to be a leader...these great encouraging words of advice were a true blessing to a once shy, quiet, yet bright and optimistic young lady....if Dad could only see me and my family of dramatic outspoken leaders now! He would probably think we were silly, happy and a little bit nuts, but I think he would proudly share in our ministry opportunities if he could. He always liked seeing us helping out with ministry opportunities for kids and I think that both my parent's own example of serving in the church with a happy heart led me to a life of service for our King too. Thanks mom (and dad)...I love you both very much and I praise God for you!
Our dream to live a fuller life for Jesus with more family time with the kids, more exercise and healthy eating, more fresh air and sunshine, more emphasis on family devotions and family ministry or community service together, and less time worrying about tomorrow...knowing God promises tomorrow will take care of itself. This dream is coming true piece by piece and I'm so grateful to our Lord and King for all He has done for us. May your personal goals and dreams as a family be within view and ready for you to reach out and grab them with both hands as I believe God wants us to "live the dream" as long as it begins with HIM. :)

KIDS CORNER: School Jokes

What did Noah study?
Answer: Ark-itecture

Why do electric eels go to college?
Answer: Because they're so bright

Why did the leopard wear a disguise to class?
Answer: He didn't want to be spotted.

Why did the crows join the school cleanup drive?
Answer: It was a good caws.

Why did the cow go to school?
Answer: To study moo-sic.

What is a wise bird's favorite subject?
Answer: Owl-gebra.

Why did the math teacher give his student a pair of glasses?
Answer: He heard she was having trouble with division.

Why do elves excel in arithmetic?
Answer: They like putting things in gnome-erical order.

What is the ocean's best subject?
Answer: Current events.

*If you enjoyed these funny jokes about school, try going to your local library and checking out the book: Too Cool Jokes for School by Victoria Hartman.

KIDS CORNER: Ancient Greek Civilizations by JH

Many years ago, the ancient Greeks made a columned, half-circle shaped structure which became the center of their source of entertainment. The ancient Greeks made a semi-circle theater built into the side of a mountain that was around 139 feet to 250 feet in length. The theater was in a pit, so the theater was also tall and seemed to have natural acoustics. The theater was constructed in a way that sound reached the bottom and the top at the same time. Back then the theater was the Greek's only source of entertainment and you would only hear singing, nothing else. I can't believe the theater was built so long a go and still used today!

Redemption Bible Card Game Tournament Champ!

Congratulations to JH for winning 1st place in one of the toughest categories at the Redemption tournament! Way to go! This is JH's first time winning at an adult level. Usually he plays in the kids level tournaments, but he tried the adult level and did great! Keep up the super job JH! We're very proud of you! JH received a special champion promo card and 4 booster packs as his prize. Wow! How cool!

For anyone interested in more info on the Redemption Bible Card Game, feel free to check out this website for info about Redemption and other unique Biblical, family friendly games available. www.cactusgamedesign.com

Missionary Focus: Our Friends, The Nielsen Family - Serving God in Papua New Guinea

My dearest friends and family,
It is my great pleasure and honor to introduce to you, our friends, the Nielsen family. They have begun an amazing journey in their lives together this past year when they accepted the calling to serve the Lord as Missionaries through the organization New Tribes Mission (NTM.org) and were sent to serve God among the tribes of Papua New Guinea. Karl and Kristen are bright, talented, Godly individuals willing to serve the Lord in Papua New Guinea along with their two beautiful daughters who have surely been a delight to the people in that country. The Nielsen family members all work hard to quickly learn the new language there and to share the love of Jesus in many ways with the tribes in PNG. Karl and Kristen have the opportunity to do everything from present the Gospel to the people, give their personal testimony, teach Math and Bible at the Numonohi Christian Academy, assist with duties at the busy local missionary center where they reside, and all the while continue to try and represent God's hands and feet to these villagers as they help them with daily needs. I'd like to ask you to join with me in a wonderful opportunity to pray and support this kind and loving Missionary family in Papua New Guinea (PNG) as God begins to work miracles through them in the lives of many. Please take a moment to visit their website and view gorgeous photos of the color and life within these tribal villages and to learn more about our friends, the Nielsens, and their great desire to serve God and reach the unsaved peoples in Papua New Guinea. Thank you in advance for any prayers or financial support you can give to the Nielsens. Opportunity to learn more about the mission center they work with or to donate and support them in their missionary field is also located on their website. God will truly bless you for your kindness and generosity. It's not very often I get to actually know the missionaries I am praying for and trying to help support, but it is a rare gift to have our lives touched by such unselfish people before God calls them into the field. I feel very honored to know them and to be able to support them in prayer and through this website and other means. They are a super family. I will continue to update you on what God is doing in their ministry in PNG, so feel free to check back often or go directly to their website to see more details. Blessings to all of you! http://www.ntm.org/karl_nielsen