• Dec. 15, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Warm Christmas greetings! To all of our friends and family, we would like to say hello and remind you of just how blessed we are to be able to call you our friends. 2009 has, of coarse, been another adventurous year here in our little home, and we would like to take this time to share with you a little of what God has been doing in our lives.
God has continued to bless and provide for our family through Will’s guidance and leadership as our spiritual head. He has been faithful to provide Will with work. We are thankful for a husband and daddy who desires to honor the Lord and raise our family to do the same.
I (Charity) am still blessed with the privilege of staying home with our four beautiful children. We are teaching our them at home, and seek God’s wisdom and guidance to train them to become the men and women that God desire them to be. We know and trust that He has great things in store for each of their lives.
Noah (5) is a compassionate and responsible young man. We have given our children Bible names with real meanings (Wayne is convinced that people just set around and think up cool things for names to mean and write them on the little name cards.) Noah’s name means "peaceful; provider of comfort amidst God’s love." He amazes me daily with the things he is able to do on his own. God has blessed Noah with an amazing memory for His Word, and he loves being a part of the AWANA program, which we started back up in our church this year. AWANA is a program that focuses on the memorization of scripture and includes Bible stories, trivia, involvement in missions through prayer and giving, community outreach, and games. He gave his first speech last month over our family’s new dairy cow, Ayrabell.
Anna (3)is our beautiful little red headed girl who loves to sing. She is a blessing in so many ways. God is doing something great in Anna’s life and we believe she is being molded into a young lady who, will not easily back down from her convictions and will stand for what is right regardless of the cost. Anna is a great helper with the little boys and loves to be told that she is going to be a good mommy someday. Baby dolls, makeup, lip gloss, bubble gum, phones, necklaces, and anything pink are this little girl’s favorite things. Sometimes her adoration for these things gets her into trouble. She is best friends with her brothers, but is convinced that she is going to have a baby sister soon. (No, I’m not pregnant, but we are leaving that all in God’s hands, so she may be right. She may, very well have a new baby sister in the near future.) Giggles and songs fill our day, sometimes accompanied by other girlish attitudes. We are so thankful for the beauty and femininity that this precious little girl brings into our home, and I am glad to have a shopping buddy and do all that "girly" stuff with. Being girly does not mean that she is lacking her sense of adventure, though. Noah has recently taught her to climb trees and, a few days ago, I found this three year old little girl in the top branches of our kids little climbing tree in our front yard. She was about 10 feet off the ground, and even though this may not seem like much, keep in mind that this is a 3 year old little girl. Anna Beth’s name means "gracious and wise oath of God".
Malachi (2) a.k.a. "Mally", "Kye", "KyeRay", or "Malibu" is a fun loving little boy who is "all boy". God has given this little blonde headed guy a laid back personality. He can be shy, but can also be a little clown. He is always climbing and jumping off of something and could play with 4 or 5 toy cars all day long. Malachi’s name means "trustworthy and wise messenger of the Lord". Noah has always said that Malachi will be a preacher someday. He loves to run across the house with his arms stretched backwards like a rocket and yell "Watch Mama!" as he dives onto the couch, bed, pillows, rug, or anything else soft enough to cushion his fall. He runs everywhere he goes, and falls quite a bit. He is a great helper and already helps do many chores around the house. His main job is to take out the trash, but he also helps unload the dishwasher, get things for baby Caleb, clean off the table, pick up dirty clothes, help Noah take care of the chickens, and many other things.
Caleb (8 mos.)is our newest son. What a beautiful addition this little boy has been to our family. We have already seen God use him in so many ways. Sometimes I think that our children have more of a ministry with some of the kids in the youth group than we do. They are able to minister by giving these teenagers much of the unconditional love and affection that they long for at home. He has also been a tremendous teacher for our older children. With each new one, it’s neat to watch the older one’s step in to help and take care of the baby. The older children take turns playing with Caleb and making him happy. Noah will make him bottles, while Anna and Malachi will bring him toys and help me with diapers. All of the kids love to sing to him and I already see a strong bond and friendship with him and the other children, especially Malachi. Caleb’s name means "faithful, caretaker with great spiritual potential."
We hope and pray that your year has been as wonderful and blessed as ours. Merry Christmas!
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• Aug. 14, 2009
A Quick Hello
Hello Dear Friends!
It has been SUCH A LONG TIME! I go through these spurts where I just take a break to focus on what is important, and sometimes they are much longer than I expect! I had a friend tell me last night that I need to blog and Twitter.....well, the twitter thing, I'm not so sure about....maybe someday I will venture there, but I seem to have a hard time keeping my focus, just with blogging!
Our family has been doing great! Caleb Marshall McConnell was born April 3, 2009! He weighed 9.2 and was 21 1/2 inches long. I will download pics soon to update everyone and tell the amazing story of his birth!
We are now involved in a life group with several other couples in a nearby town, and are excited about learning and serving with them this upcoming year. They ALL homeschool! How cool is that!? God is amazing! We have been trying to keep the kids around other christian home school kids their age. So this has been an answer to prayer.
Will is still the youth minister at out church as well as carrying 45-50 hours a week at work. We all love and respect him and are so thankful for the leader and provider that he is for our family.
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• Nov. 13, 2008
A Little About our Focus
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• Nov. 11, 2008
Learning about Thanksgiving!
Hello Everyone! Well, after a month of the computer being down, and a trip just for Will and I to beautiful Montana, it's been a long time since my last entry! I am having a wonderful time with my children teaching them about the pilgrims and Indians! We are leanring about how the pilgrims honored God and obeyed Him even when it was hard! We got a wonderful audio book from Family Life about the first Thanksgiving! It's wonderful!
Well, things are going well with the baby! We have an ultrasound on Thursday to find out what God is blessing us with this time!!! So exciting! I feel like this one is a boy, but who knows! My sister is having a little boy, which makes Anna, still the ONLY girl on my side! Hope to hear from many of you soon!
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• Sep. 24, 2008
Fun Times!
Hello Friends! Sorry I have been away for a while! September has been a busy month with many birthdays and showers! Things are going well with the pregnancy, I feel very blessed! I have 11 other friends who are also expecting babies, plus, both the Jeub family and the Duggars are expecting little ones! How exciting! God's timing is perfect!
I have also been busy working on blankets to sell to make a little extra money for Christmas. I was blessed to get birthday money to buy the material, so I'm hoping to make a little profit so that I can buy Will a nice gift this year. I love Christmas and have been listening to Christmas music for the past 2 months! The cooler weather is REALLY getting me in the mood! It's just in my blood! There is something about the celebration of our Savior's birth that is so amazing and exciting, I just can't celebrate only one month out of the year. Singing "Silent Night", "O Holy Night", "There's a New Kid in Town", gives me goose bumps! I know you all think I am crazy, but hey, that's just me! Hope to hear from many of you soon! I need to go, but hope to visit some of your blogs soon.
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• Sep. 1, 2008
Baby on the way!
Hello everyone! We have exciting news! Baby #4 is on the way! Yea!!! God is so good and His blessings and gifts are beyond compare! It is great to serve a God who we can fully trust with the size of our family, knowing that He knows better than we do, how many children we need and when we need them as well as the purpose He has for each precious life!
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• Aug. 18, 2008
I am honored to call them my friends.
There is a joy that is found in serving our Lord that surpasses all others. It is so wonderful, and such a privelage to serve the God of the universe and to actually be called "His". It is so amazing to see how His hand is in every little thing that we do. As you look at the following pictures, please pray for these children and their siblings and cousins. These are some of the children on the reservation we worked with that absolutely captured my heart. They are in an area that is so desperate for the gospel of Jesus. They hunger for love and affection and the opportunity to just be kids without the worries of the world. So many of them never have this chance. They have seen more in the first few short years of their life than many of us see in a life time. They need Jesus. They need hope. And Love, and someone to be there with them to show them that they care. I am reminded of Steven Curtis Chapman's song "It's all Yours". I have a Deep love in my heart for these children, and know that God has a special plan and desire for each of their lives. Just like He had a plan in us planting the seeds of the gospel there with them.
Verse 2: "I walk the streets of Uganda and see the scars that war has left behind. Hope like the sun, is fading, and they're waiting for a cure no one can find. And I hear children's voices singing, of a God who heals and rescues and restores and I'm reminded, every child in Africa, is Your's!"
Chorus: "And it's all Your's God, Your's God, Everything is Your's! From the stars in the Sky, to the depths of the ocean floor! And it's all Your's God, Your's God, Everything is Your's! You're the Maker and Keeper, Father and Ruler of everything. It's all Your's."
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• Aug. 15, 2008
Our littlest missionaries.
Alonda and Malachi
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• Aug. 14, 2008
Pics of our M.T.
We left out Sat. morning at about 10 AM central time and arrived at 4:30 AM mountain time (sort of...AZ is weird...they don't have daylight savings...at all!)...after gaining 2 hours, so 6:30 AM at home.
Noah and some of the older girls knocking on neighborhood doors to invite children to VBS.
Redneck Ingenuity~They couldn't find a hose, so.....just use a NOODLE!!! This was fun to watch!
Ministering to young hearts at Sunday nights block party at the church.
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• Aug. 13, 2008
Wordless Wednesday~Flat on the Way to AZ
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• Aug. 6, 2008
My God is Mighty to Save!
We just got back from Arizona. God really worked there. The Indian village that we worked at last year is the same one that we were supposed to work at this year. Sunday night (the day we arrived) Lane received a phone call saying that there had been some drive by shootings and a stabbing made as threats on the woman whose home we were to use there and that the pastor there didn't know if it was safe for us to come...the threats were made because of us coming again. There is a lot of heavy gang activity in the area, but the men decided that they didn't want Satan to get his way in "scaring us off" and to us, this was just a sign that we were definitely supposed to be there, so we found another location on the reservation at another woman's home. It was a blessing that we moved, and God knew exactly what He was doing! We ran about 25 kiddos each day compared to under 15 for the past 6 times we've gone at all the different reservations. This would not have been the case at the other location because of where the kids all lived.
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• Jul. 24, 2008
Adrenaline Rush
Last night, the coolest thing I have ever seen happened. My two boys were sitting on the floor playing in the office, while I was figuring some math. Noah said, "uh, Mama?" I said, "just a second, Noah" The next thing I knew, he was up screaming, crying, and running out the door of the office and into the living room. Before I could do anything else, he was back in the office still screaming like before and headed straight for his little brother, grabbed his overall straps, and was pulling him across the floor. As soon as he moved the baby, there it was.........................A scorpion! Tail curled up, ready to attack!
I grab Malachi, who Noah left setting in the door, and head for the living room. Remember this is all happening within seconds. Noah runs around the living room, still yelling, jumps up on the couch, past his little sister and behind his daddy, looking for protection. I tell Will that there is a scorpion and he is so caught up with the little ball of 4 year old behind him and trying to figure out what is wrong with his son that never acts this way, that he didn't hear me. I tell him again and he goes to make his execution (Maybe it's just a guy thing, but he likes to cut their tails off with scissors.) as I try to calm down a green faced, wide eyed little hero.
I told Noah how proud I was of him and that his actions proved that he is becoming a young man because men do things to protect others even when things are scary and dangerous.
Will took the kill to its final resting place (the toilet) and we all gathered round. Noah hovered over the toilet and little Anna stuck her chubby hand up and said, "get back, Noah! He sting You!" Will leaned over to make the flush as our children watched that scorpion get the biggest swirly he'd ever had! I start explaining to Will exactly what had happened and how proud I was of our son.
I'm not sure if it was an adrenaline rush, God given first born instinct, or that our son has an amazing capability to think straight that Noah came back to get his brother in situations where most people couldn't think at all. It's not that scorpions are so bad......I hate them, and they have a nasty sting! ( I've been stung on the forearm.)....but knowing that Noah is able and capable of protecting his siblings even when things are chaotic, dangerous, and scary. To a 4 year old, this situation was a big deal. If he hadn't come back for Malachi, he would have gotten stung, and probably me too. What a brave little hero!
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• Jul. 23, 2008
Wordless Wednesday
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• Jul. 21, 2008
VBS
Well, our first night of Bible school went very well. We had all girls 10 of them! We learned about Moses and his obedience to God and how God used him even when it was hard. We worked on blankets. My mother in law is teaching...I'm helping and my father in law is helping when he's able. Will was doing the youth class, but since he just had 2 tonight, we combined classes. He has another guy helping him. Tell you what, as we worked on the blankets, those 3 men were the best helpers I have ever had! We had a lot of fun and look forward to what God is going to do in the lives of these girls the rest of the week!
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• Jul. 21, 2008
From One Crazy Week to Another
Summers are always crazy and full around here. The rest of the summer definitely testifies to that truth! As all of you know, we had youth camp the week before last, then last week was just kind of a catch up week. This week is VBS. Thank goodness its in the evenings, gives more time with our children during the day. Then, we leave Saturday for our mission trip to AZ. Please pray that God would give our kiddos an extra amount of grace and rest, as it is going to be a long couple of weeks for them. They do it every year and God has been very good and merciful. I know that God provides the strength we need when we are working for Him, and trust that He will do no less this year. Thanks for all your prayer and encouragement. Hopefully, I can be back into a routine with housework, family, and blogging.
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• Jul. 15, 2008
Are you Truly in the Faith?
In our Keepers of the Home Group this morning I presented the ladies with some verses and some questions to ponder. I wanted to present it to all of you as well. Please take time today to search your heart. Where are you with Jesus? Is He first place in your life? Are you working for Him or just kind of coasting along? I hope the following will help you as you strive to become closer to Him.
Examine your life. Are you 100% sure that you have a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ or are you just going through the motions and hanging onto believing a prayer that you said one time but you’ve never been changed? True salvation changes you, not just for a time, but for the rest of your life. It is a surrendering of your life to Christ so that He can use your life to draw others to Himself and bring glory to His name. It’s not about knowing, saying, and doing religious things, but about a genuine relationship with and desire to serve Him.
Matt. 7:22-23
Satan will do everything he can to deceive people into believing that they are saved if they really aren’t. Be careful to truly examine your heart’s desires and the life style that you live.
John 10:10
There are ways to be sure that you are saved. The Bible gives us many evidences for us to look at to be sure that we are truly "in the faith."
You will meet much resistance. People of the world will mock the things you do and choices you make. Mk 13:13
Your desires will be different. Heb. 10:22-23, 1 Jn. 1:5-8, 1 Jn. 2:15
God’s Word will speak to you and convict you almost every time you read it. Heb. 4:12-13
Your life will encourage other Christians to do only things that will encourage their walk with Christ. Other Christians shouldn’t feel comfortable doing things around you that are dishonoring and displeasing to the Holy Spirit. You should always be careful not to put yourself in situations where there is an opportunity for your convictions to be compromised, and you should be careful to help guard other Christians from these situations as well.
Heb. 10:24-25
After going through just a few of the verses that the Bible gives on the life of a Christian and looking at your life. Is Jesus getting what He paid for?
Heb. 9:12-14
Is there something that is keeping you from God really being able to use you? Maybe in looking at these things, you realize that you truly aren’t a Christian and you feel God leading you to Himself. If that is the case, don’t let anything hinder you from coming to Jesus.
Luke 7:36-50
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• Jul. 12, 2008
Home Safely
The Lord has been very gracious to us this week! It was a wonderful week at camp where many of our youth had a wonderful time growing together in the Lord. Each of them had the opportunity to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and a chance to respond resulting in salvation. About half of our group were faithful christian kids that have a heart for the Lord. 2 of our young ladies felt the Lord's call on their life into ministry. One to missions, another to children's ministry. Another young lady, who has grown up in church and had made a previous profession of faith at a much younger age realized that her salvation had not been genuine and there had never been a real change in her life because of Jesus. Praise the Lord for His guidance to her! Others even with having the opportunity to hear the gospel, still have a calloused heart that has grown cold to the things of the Lord. Please pray for them. Pray for each of these students...please! Some of them have seen their need to do a lot of things differently. Pray that they would be strong and determined in their follow through.
It was wonderful to come home to our children's smiling faces and squeals of joy. I'm thankful that God has given us one more day with them! Thank you for your love and encouragement!
In Jesus Joy and Peace,
Charity
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• Jul. 5, 2008
Who's Da' Man!?
Will strutting after a spike on one of his best buds in volleyball....and the shirt was a gift....I know this looks like a really cocky picture, but its a fun one for our family and just wanted to share.
Will and I will be out of town this week for youth camp. His parents will be staying here with the kiddos, but I probably won't get much chance to update the blog, unless it's in the wee hours of the morning. I will try to check back in, but can't promise. Otherwise, I will see you when I get back...I will miss you all!
Charity
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• Jul. 3, 2008
The Blessing of Motherhood
Each morning I wake up to cheerful smiles and happy little feet running across our wood floor, and as the sun shines through our windows, I'm reminded of the grace that God shines on our family each day. I realize the blessing of the over abundance of clothes that we have to wear by the piles of laundry that I have such a hard time keeping up with, when so many are willing to wear whatever they can get their hands on. 
I see the strength and perseverance in the heart of my young boys and am reminded of the leader that they will one day be and how it is the responsibility of Will and I as their parents to train them to be Godly men who strive to lead in the home, community, church, nation, and possibly world. I pray that God would continue to give them strength to stand for what is right and courage to share the gospel even if times of severe persecution come, all the while doing their best to protect and lead their family.
I am well acquainted with the beauty and joy my little girl brings to our home as she sings and giggles throughout the day and am reminded of the joy that we as wives and mothers should be allowing to reign in our home as we are the ones who set the tone. It is up to us to make sure that our home is a joyful, happy, delightful, and restful place to be. It should be a place where the weary find strength and rest and the disheartened find an encouraging word. I smile to think that she will one day be a cheery and happy wife and mother who sets a wonderful and joyful spirit in her own home as she loves her husband and trains her children.
"Strength and dignity are her clothing and she smiles at the future." Proverbs 31:25
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• Jul. 2, 2008
Wordless Wednesday!
Smiles from the laundry room! This is how I found my children when I woke up the other day. 
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