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posted by Esther on 10/15/06

We recently had company and I overheard the six-year-old asking her mother, “Why do the people in this house laugh all the time?” Well, that was her perspective. It made me laugh.

It also made me think. What is the reason people laugh? People are happy when things go their way. It comes naturally. We were playing spoons the other night for example and the ones who grabbed them first were very happy. The rest of us weren’t. But why smile when things are normal? That is where joy comes in. Unlike happiness, joy is a result of what is going on inside us, not what is happening to us. It is the fellowship of our soul with the Lord during the normal routine. Over the past few weeks we have not been overly elated about the responsibilities Michael and James left, but we are so glad we can do them and make their ministry possible. It is exciting to be in the Lord’s will! We are all glad to be doing what we are doing right now!

This little girl commented on how happy we were, but it was a good reminder to me to constantly and consciously dwell in the Lord’s presence because that is where there is fullness of joy. (Ps. 16:11) This type of joy is a choice. What is your choice? (1 Thes. 5:16-17)

6 Comments » | posted in The Bright Side

posted by Robert on 10/13/06

This past weekend was the 22nd Annual Apple Butter Festival here in Salem, West Virginia. But what really made it a fun and memorable time for me was the family and friends that came to visit over the weekend. Friday evening we enjoyed having Great Aunt Evelyn, Uncle Tom, and Cousin Michael over with Grandpa and Grandma for dinner and a game of Rook.

Walking through the festival grounds with cousins Tim and Chris the next day, we stopped to chat with the old-time apple butter makers and took a turn stirring the steaming apple butter as it simmered in the big iron kettle. It takes eight long hours of cooking over an open fire before the apple butter is ready to be enjoyed. But when it finally is ready, yum, is it good!

Our afternoon entertainment centered around a couple of games of Settlers of Catan. To our surprise, our cousins already knew about this favorite family game and were old pros at it. Later in the day, the Potter family arrived from Virginia with their copy of Settlers. Needless to say, we enjoyed several fun games together.

It was the first time the Potters had come out to visit us since our move to West Virginia and we all enjoyed playing with the children, taking a hike around the property, making music together, and catching up on what the Lord’s been doing in each other’s lives. Their memorable visit brought a fitting conclusion to a wonderful West Virginia weekend.

pictures taken by Robert Staddon

1 Comment » | posted in Family News

posted by David on 10/13/06

I thought that you would enjoy these cookies that Mom and I made during my Math class. I had to double the recipe. Instead of 6 dozen we made 118 cookies!

½ c. butter
2 tsp. baking powder
1 c. brown sugar
¼ tsp. salt
1 ½ tsp. vannilla extract
nutmeg
½ tsp. almond extract
1 egg white
1 ¾ c. flour
2 tbsp. water

Cream first four ingredients. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Pack mixture into empty 1lb. butter carton. Chill. Remove from carton and slice lengthwise. Slice each section into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Brush with water and egg white beaten together. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Bake at 375° F for 12 minutes until golden brown. Makes 3 dozen.

2 Comments » | posted in Recipes

posted by Robert on 10/11/06

The chilly morning air was filled with excitement as I rounded the corner of the old Salem Post Office. It was Saturday, October 7, and I was about to witness one of the enjoyable traditions of the annual Salem Apple Butter Festival. Up ahead I could hear the cheers of the many family and friends that had gathered to watch their “younguns” attempt to catch a greased pig!

My younger brother David was in the line-up with his friend Joshua Pitcock. They waited with anticipation for the countdown to begin. “Ten, Nine, Eight…”, everybody in the crowd was joining in now, “…Five, Four, Three…”, the runners poised for action, “…Two, One, Go!” And they were off!

The pounding feet, the squealing pig, the cheering crowd all added to the mayhem. I couldn’t help but chuckle as the poor little pig dove between legs and squeezed through one pile-up after another, barely avoiding capture.

Finally they got the tired little pig cornered next to a fence. One young fellow quickly jumped on his back and wrapped his arms tight around the greasy pig. Hooray! Everyone applauded. David wasn’t the winner this time but he and Joshua had enjoyed themselves.

Our cousins from PA were visiting for the weekend and had come down to watch the excitement. Grandpa and Grandma were also there to cheer David on. Pictured to the right is Uncle Wayne, Cousin Chris, Jonathan, Daniel, and Cousin Tim.

I, for one, enjoyed watching the morning festivities. And I think we’ll all be looking forward with anticipation to another great chase next year!

pictures taken by Robert Staddon

4 Comments » | posted in Family News, The Bright Side

posted by Robert on 10/11/06

Daniel headed off to Indiana this week with our friends the Elliots. They will be attending a week-long Counseling Seminar at the Indianapolis Training Center.

With Michael and James also away at Life Focus, our house is going to seem really empty this week. But we’re excited for him as he receives practical counseling instruction from many well-known Christian leaders. Study hard, Daniel!

5 Comments » | posted in Family News