Helping Hands

Part of my family philosphy is for family to pitch in and help in times of need.  This is not just for the brothers and sisters but for extended family also.  Another area we can help and bless in is this need in the body of Messiah.  So, we find ourselves in the south of Missouri.  Our daughters are pitching in and helping in the household of John and Sarah.  They take turns for a couple of days at a time and then we spend the Sabbath all together.  Manasseh is now about 6 weeks old.  This new mother and father are getting the help they need at this crucial time.  I wish we could have been here sooner to help but that did not work out.  But we are here now.

   This is a great time to be here.  Without Sarah and John knowing, Laurie organized a baby shower where relatives donated some money to help them obtain some things which would enable them to have an easier time.

Here is what we came across on the road to John and Sarah's place.

It is at this point some of the girls are feeling pretty car sick and from here they like to get out and walk the rest of the way.  There are so many twists and turns and hills and dips to get around.  I have to slow way down just to keep them all happy.

Grandma, the first of the family to get ahold of Manasseh.  And then Grandpa gets to hold and pronounce a blessing upon him.  Followed by all the aunts.

Grandma putting together a new baby swing.  She later asked grandpa for some help.  So much fun.  As she read the directions off she realized grandpa had already accomplished that step in advance. 

Auntie Esther's gifts.  You have to understand Esther.  For more on Esther see the post "a day in the life of Esther".  http://myksheartsathome.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-day-in-life-of-esther.html

Family Philosophy

How much thought have you given in raising your children?  Sure you want them to grow up believing the way you do.  Sure you want them to be good and decent people.  But what exactly does that mean?  Are you raising your children "on purpose"?  You may even home school your children, but why?  Just to get a decent education and get ahead in life?  How about your beliefs?  Do they actually transfer into a lifestyle of doing?  Or are you just going through the actions?  What happens to your beliefs when things get tough or start to go downhill?  As I write these thoughts that are going through my head I am mostly speaking to myself and working through these thoughts as to what Laurie and I have done and taught over the years to our children.  Lifestyle is so important in our desire for our family.  How about your faith?  How much time does one devote to prayer, and Scripture reading.  Are you relying upon the teachings of others to get you through the week or do you actually approach the Scriptures with a desire to learn and allow the Scriptures to speak for themselves without the doctrinal biases within each separate denomination?  As I put aside the doctrinal biases I grew up with and started allowing the Scriptures to speak for themselves it is amazing how much Yahweh Elohim started to show me from His Word.


As I evaluate and contemplate our family philosophy and how we have raised our children "on purpose" I realize how important the Scriptures have been in developing that philosophy.  The Scriptures are not something we are to use separately from our daily lifestyles. 

Deu 6:5 "And you shall love יהוה your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your being, and with all your might.

Deu 6:6 "And these Words which I am commanding you today shall be in your heart,

Deu 6:7 and you shall impress them upon your children, and shall speak of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up,

Deu 6:8 and shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.

Deu 6:9 "And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Also we allow the Scriptures to penetrate our lives and guide us in the way we should go.

To be envied with desire is the man who does not go after the plans or counsels of the wicked nor remains in attendance with those who sin habitually, nor remains assembled with those who mock Elohim. But he takes joy in the Torah of Yahweh and nourishes his mind upon it day and night Ps. 1:1,2. M Race translation

One of the main beliefs we have held as we have raised our children is children learn through imitation.  They will watch to see the actions of the parents.  If the parents attitude is that of "do as I say and not as I do" they will see the parents as being hypocritical to the beliefs they are trying to teach which then imparts a spirit of rebellion.  Since becoming Torah Observant the book of Proverbs has become a mainstay in our home.  As the children see something in our lives that does not line up, we start to work on changing that behavior in our lives.  I often hear our 5 year old singing a song from the verses of chapter 6:16-19.  Having scripture songs play during the day is a great way to help in memorizing.  The problem then comes in applying those scriptures to our daily lives.  I am often reminded of

Pro 26:18 Like a madman who throws sparks, arrows, and death,

Pro 26:19 So is a man who deceived his neighbour, And says, "I was only joking!" 

I am finally starting to get the point that when I purposely use deceit to tease, I am doing something that Yahweh detests.  His word says specifically He hates deceitfulness.  Any kind, even in jest.  With the help of my daughters, I am getting that. Also my teasing in that way violates another Scripture

Eph 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children, but bring them up in the instruction and admonition of the Master.
If I am doing things in a way that is contrary to Scripture, that brings provocation.  As parents our children watch us very closely.  Are you open to your children bringing the Scripture's to you and listening to them?  This is something I am learning to do.  I don't want my actions to be contrary to the Word of Elohim.  So, I am learning to change my behavior to match that of the Scriptures. 
It is what I teach my children, it has been a hard lesson to learn but I am bringing all my actions and thoughts into subjection.


Another area that has been highlighted in our household is "brothers and sisters ought to be best friends".  How do you treat your brothers and sisters?  Do you treat them the same as you do your friends or better or worse?  Is this important in life?  I believe so.  Family is what you have for the rest of your life.  Friends may come and go.  It is a shame that some families have siblings who haven't spoken to each other in years.  (get right now, before it is too late.  You never know when one will be taken, {speaking from experience}. It is a shame when parents and children don't communicate too.
How do I see the importance of this working out in life?  For one thing we are down in Missouri to see our first grandchild.  Another area for family to help family.  My daughters are dividing their time to help out their older sister with her new baby so she and her husband can have the time they need to recover from the birth.  We would have liked to have been here sooner but that didn't happen.  But we are here now being a blessing to this new family.  My son-in-law is concerned that we are making our older daughters do this.  Nothing could be further from the truth as we have instilled in our children that brothers and sisters are best friends and family is there to help family.  I see this working out through the generations as not only brothers and sisters help each other but also cousins helping cousins as they are enabled by Elohim.  Family is important and exists to help family no matter how distant.  It would be extremely difficult to carry this out if we did not home school or if my wife was employed outside the home.  How many times have we been frustrated about needing help and could have had it had not both parents been employed.  The same with those in churchianity, no one is there to help the "church family" in their need as everyone is working outside the home (also speaking from experience as a pastor).


Home Schooling is so important as we teach our children to honor and esteem Yahweh Elohim.  They are not under the influence of scoffers or the wicked or those who say there is no Elohim.  Their belief system is woven throughout their whole life.  Subjects and life is not compartmentalized but Yahweh Elohim is throughout the whole as in the Hebraic mindset of living life.

So, this leads us to the next post of a family surprise baby shower with pictures.

Why Do This?

Why are we doing this?  Why travel, and live in a camper with 9 people and 4 pets?  The reasons are many.  We grew tired of the "American Dream" of owning a home.  The upkeep, the costs that keep rising, all the time that is taken away from family. 
After my older brother passed away last year and we almost lost my wife's mother during the summer we evaluated the importance of family and living 14 hours away.  Family came out on top. 
I was tired of working in the extreme cold of Minnesota winters.
I wanted more for my children in the area of worshipping Elohim and in the resting upon His care for His children.  We were feeling a call to be an encouragement to His people scattered around the states. 
My prayer for our travels is Elohim will lead us and guide us to those who He knows need encouragement and that our family would be a blessing to those we meet.  My prayer for my family is that we will grow and mature in our faith and resting upon the promises that Elohim provides and answers prayer.  That what we are doing now will make a difference down through the generations that will come in their walk with Abba El.  That this family will be a family of faith and vision in their daily spiritual lives and make a difference in this sin sick world.


Now, last Friday we arrived at the first camping place we came across and pulled in.  We decided we would spend three nights and then decide if we wanted to relocate closer to John and Sarah.  The state park, Roaring River, is about 3 miles away and has a very steep grade down to the river and camping.  As I looked at it I couldn't believe how the people were lined up along the river fishing.  I have never seen anything like that in my life.  As we rested on the Sabbath the owners left and when they came back we found out the man had been to the doctor for some shots and was not doing well.  He was close to having pneumonia.  On Sunday we noticed his wife was out on crutches.  Monday morning came and we had decided this place was a great spot to camp as it was not busy and the girls had quite a bit of space for play and getting rid of energy.  We were talking with the owners and told them we would like to stay for about a month.  We also asked if there was anything we could do to help them while we were here as we noticed they were both having some health problems.  She told us they would not be able to pay us and we said that was fine as we just wanted to be a blessing to them.  She then said they would allow us to camp for the month free as we would be working to help them.  Elohim's provision again being shown to us and also His allowing us to be a blessing to those around us. There are also a couple of elderly gentlemen here.  They arrived the same day we did and are here for about ten days.  They are a couple of friends that get together once a year for a few days.  They have enjoyed having the girls around and invited us to a campfire the other night.  They gave the girls some marshmellows to roast.  The fellowship was nice.  They tried to coax the girls into singing for them but were not able to.  I told them if they listen while the girls are doing dishes that many times they would be able to hear them singing with a cd.


We have also been able to have a couple girls at a time stay with Sarah and John working and helping take some of the load off.  Will post on that next time.


Yahweh our Elohim is showing Himself faithful to His children. 

Father's Provision

At first we didn't know how close we were to KC, that is until we heard the planes overhead.  We were camped at a beautiful place.  The Redbuds were blooming, and the ponds looked nice.  We didn't have to leave until 1 that afternoon so we were not in a hurry.  The girls talked to the RV Ladies some.  Many were of the grandmother type and they seemed to really enjoy the girls.  Knowing we would be traveling we sent the little ones down to the play area and one of them took the camera and got these beautiful photos.

Really have to watch out for the tether ball as it likes noses.

Before leaving the kids reminded me I really needed to pray today.  It seems in our haste to leave on Thursday I forgot to pray.  The goal for the day was to head for Kansas City and south through Kansas.  As we were going around KC we changed our plans and decided to head directly to John and Sarah's before the Sabbath.  It seemed to take forever to get around the city and back into Missouri.  I know it was the long way around but at least the girls have now been to Kansas.  

Some where along the line one of the cats decided it would be fun to help the driver.  It wasn't the stowaway or the monstrosity.  Marshmallow came up along the driver's side door and I stopped her by putting my hand down.  She then climbed up along the back head rest with one of her back claws digging into the back of my neck.  Decided to make an emergency stop at the next exit and place all the cats in the camper.  I think everyone was well pleased with the new arrangement as we didn't need to worry about a smelly cat box or the cats being where they were not supposed to be. 

We came across this sign to Nevada and wondered if dad took another wrong turn somewhere around KC.  Actually Laurie placed a well timed text message to a few friends saying we have seen a sign for Nevada.  With all my wrong turns and trouble on Wednesday I guess they didn't realize there was a Nevada, Missouri.  We also saw a sign for Oregon, Corn Husker Rd, Carthage, and Bob Boozer somewhere along the journey.

After our emergency stop on Thursday we realized what we were seeing taking place here along the highway as people were standing outside their vehicle and the police were taking the thing apart.  The drug enforcement officers were hard at work stopping drug traffickers.  We saw about 4 vehicles stopped in about an hour stretch of the highway.   

For those of you who love mushrooms we came across this giant mushroom going down the highway.  This is just the top of it.  

The highlight of our day came at one of those times that had to be orchestrated by Father.  It started with one of the girls (I bet you can guess it) yep, a bathroom stop.  So, we traveled about 10 miles before we found an exit to get both fuel and the emergency bathroom stop.  I had finished pumping my fuel when I noticed a car pull up from Iowa.  An elderly gentleman emerged from the car a little stiff and sore from his travels down the road.  I mentioned it looked like he had come quite a ways and so began an interesting conversation.  As the girls came out of the station, his wife got out of their car.  We learned they were on their way to Oklahoma for a reunion.  They were Mennonite.  As my wife and girls dress modestly (dresses, skirts and headcovers) they asked about us and our beliefs.  We also took the opportunity to say we were heading for where ever God would lead us to be a blessing to His people.  We must have chatted for about 20 minutes.  As we were getting ready to leave, this minister asked how I fed all those kids.  My reply was that I didn't, but God did as they were His children.  He then told me of a program of "pass it on" through their church.  He then gave me $40.  I told him as I was prompted by Abba El, I too would pass it on.

Knowing this gentleman had been asking how I fed my children we took this as a sign Abba had provided for our evening Sabbath meal through them.  We stopped at a McDonalds after turning east from Joplin.  What a blessing to not have to worry about the evening meal after we stopped for the day.  A great preparation day for our Sabbath.  We prayed for their safety as we pulled away from the pump and are continuing to ask Father to bless them as they had blessed us.

On Wednesday we started seeing these birds.  They had a large wingspan similar to an eagle but they weren't eagles.  We couldn't figure it out.  Then on Thursday as Abigail and Laurie rode with the state police officer they both took the opportunity to ask what they were.  They are a vulture.  The wind will occasionally flip them over as they float upon the winds.


The day was fast diminishing.  Dark was coming fast.  We prayed for a place to spend the weekend before visiting with John and Sarah.  I stopped at a gas station and asked about camping places.  They directed me to the state park about 12 miles away.  They said there was a steep incline and to be careful.  As it was getting dark I really didn't want to try the steep grade in the dark.  So we pulled into a place about 3 miles from the state park.  Almost 9 pm.  The sun was setting and we talked with the owners about staying for at least 3 nights.  It was a great beginning to our Sabbath rest.  There is more to the story but we wouldn't know that until Monday.  So, I guess I will try to not make you wait 3 days to hear the rest of the story.  But you will have to wait until my next post.

The Welcoming Committee

Thursday dawned bright and beautiful with barely any wind.  We had decided on Wednesday evening to spend the day recovering from the wind, hills and turns from the trip that day.  So, after getting some breakfast and taking down the laptop to connect with others, Laurie quickly became frustrated with the connection.  We were connected but no internet.  After talking some we decided to pack it up and move on.  Got everything ready to move in only 1 and a half hours as checkout was at 11.  Someone decided she had enough of my driving the previous day and volunteered to take the wheel and give me a break.

That didn't work out too well so after some pushing and shoving I finally moved this monstrosity of a cat (almost 20 pounds) and got behind the wheel.  We headed back to Iowa (again) and down the highway toward Missouri.

We no sooner arrived in Missouri (not even a half hour down the road) than someone (doesn't it always happen this way) cried out she had to use the bathroom.  The nearest exit was more than 10 miles down the road.  Well, hey there's a closed weigh station.  I pulled in and let those who needed to, use the camper.  Why else would you pull a camper down the road but for those emergency stops.  We no sooner left the weigh station behind when I heard a ping and saw something go flying from between the van and the camper.  Next thing I saw was the battery light come on and grabbed my glasses to see what the light was all about.  Next thing was the hot meter was starting into the red ( these things always happen faster than you can read about them).  I pulled over and stopped.  Some steam was coming out from the hood.  I got out and opened things up to see if I could determine what was wrong.  (did I mention I am not a mechanic?)  All I could figure out was the belt was loose.

The time was about 11:30.  Laurie started to text some people and we tried to decide if this was a worthy 911 call.  We sat for awhile and talked to some people on the phone.  Thankful for cell phones.  Finally learned we could make a *55 call to the State Police (after only an hour and a half).  It was interesting that we stopped right across from a billboard sign that said "Jesus, I trust in you".  A state police officer arrived about a half hour later.  He apparently didn't know anything about our call.  So, he asked if we had been sitting there very long and what the problem was.  He assessed the situation and we learned that we had lost our tensioner pulley.  He was not familiar with the area and called headquarters to get a hold of an officer who had grown up in the area we were broke down in, only to find out that officer was now about 2 minutes away.  He was the one who was assigned to come help us.

 As I sat with the Sargent I learned he normally didn't come up this way but was here to escape the rain.  He was on his first day back from a vacation in the Bahamas'.  He was in drug enforcement.  I was able to share with him about home schooling and how we were on a spiritual journey, that he was an answer to prayer.  While I was talking with him another officer arrived and went up to talk with Laurie.  The first question he asked her was "whose fault this was?"  Laurie naturally replied that it was mine.  After assessing our needs and how to get everybody to the next exit (3 miles away) it was determined the Corporal would take Abigail and three other girls to the truck stop and then come back and pick up Laurie and two more.  Laurie was very surprised, when she asked him about taking the car seats, that he wasn't going to worry about it.  So, Abigail sat in front with Carrie on her lap and the other two girls were doubled up in a seat belt in the back ( what are seat belt laws for anyway?).  On the second trip Laurie sat in front and the other two girls shared a seat belt in back too.  Joanna and I rode to the repair shop with the tow truck.  The Sargent insisted on staying with the camper until the tow truck driver came back with his pickup to get it.  He didn't want anyone taking the girl's bicycles from off the back of the camper.  I was told he really took off fast after the camper was picked up.  I know his partner was involved with a stopped car from earlier. 
   At the mechanics s shop the van was put in right away.  He also assessed the problem as a disintegrated tensioner wheel.  It looked like the belt was fine.  He called the parts place and they happened to have the part.  It was sent for and was able to be replaced and fixed within an hour to an hour and a half.  Laurie had the girls get lunch at the truck stop while they waited.  By the time the camper came up the van was fixed and I was off to get the girls.  We were also able to witness and talk to the tow truck driver and mechanic about the answer to prayer they were.  It was just wonderful the way everything came together to get us back on the road without a long wait.  So, after I picked everyone up and we got started again, we determined to continue rather than call it a day even though there was a camp ground just down the road from us.  
   Starting again it was about 5:30.  Just down the road the bluffs here were beautiful. 

We came across a National Wildlife Refuge.  Of course we would have to stop as we are not just out to minister but to teach our children concerning life and the world Elohim has given us.  There were all kinds of birds, mostly shore birds we were told.  It seems the Snow Geese had left for colder climates already.  (I don't know why they would want that, we left for warmer climates).

There was a ten mile road that went all around the preserve.  The Stowaway decided it was safe to ride the dash around the place.  Totally ignored the birds as it was bath time. 

By the time we finished our tour it was approaching 7:30.  We started to pray for a campground and we were approaching Kansas City.  We made a stop for gas and I asked the lady at the till if there was a place to camp nearby.  She said yes and started to give me directions.  I said I had better write it down.  Well, Abba El knew we would need some help in getting to this place and He had someone right there who volunteered to show us the way.  All we had to do was follow him.  We arrived just before 9 pm and closing.  There were two sites left but for only 1 night each as they were expecting a group of RV Ladies for the weekend.  We serve a wonderful Elohim who provided for our needs in getting us to the right place with an opening just for us.  What marvelous provision.

And so ends our journey for that day.  Stay tuned as there is more adventure to continue into Friday.

Getting Caught Up

One week ago today we left our home in Minnesota for the south and giving our oldest daughter, her husband and new baby some help.  Our first night was in S. Sioux City, Neb.  We spent the next day recuperating from all the activity of the previous two weeks.  We haven't updated since due to poor internet connections at the camp grounds we stayed at, and this weekend just relaxing some.  When you place yourself into Elohim's hands and go to bring encouragement to His people you never know what He is going to do.
Wednesday started out extremely windy.  We headed out about 1 in the afternoon hoping to make it past Nebraska City.  The lady at the camp ground told us to be very careful as we traveled.  It was a struggle the whole afternoon to keep the van and camper headed in the right direction.  As we looked at stop lights the wind was keeping them close to a 45 degree angle.  Just to let you know on Monday I made about 13 miles per gallon and on Wednesday it was down to about 5.  I was so intent on fighting the wind I missed the turn for the highway we were taking south.  I was going to stop at a scenic pull over to view a Native American grave site my daughters asked us to see.  That didn't happen as we were passed the point of no return before I realized we were on the wrong road.  Headed in the right direction but the wrong road.  We stopped to reorganize and figure out where to turn to head to Nebraska City and south 29.  Well, you know this day didn't start too good and you can guess that there were more mistakes to be made.  I saw a sign saying that 29 was to the left, so I made a fatal mistake or near fatal as it frazzled my poor wife.  We turned and head toward 29 and ended up there but after the adventure of crossing the confluence of the Missouri and Platt Rivers on an old beat up toll bridge.  What really got to Laurie was the going down into the valley with all the hills and turns.  Finally made it to 29 south back in the state of Iowa and started looking for a place to camp for the night.  We saw a sign for a camp ground and turned right off the interstate only 4 miles away.  Guess where we were?  Right, 1 mile from Nebraska city back in the state of Nebraska, on the road I was supposed to take to go to 29.  What a day.  My neck and shoulders ached from fighting the wind the whole way.

Saying Goodbye

Our adventure began months ago.  The plans were in the works to leave Minnesota last August.  There were delays and more delays.  Now when Abba El's timing for leaving took place things began to move very fast.  Two weeks ago we knew we would leave within two weeks.  We had a week of moving sale and then a week of getting everything packed and either shipped for safe keeping (thank you mom and dad) or loaded on the camper.  We woke up Sunday morning bright and early to finish things up (5:30).  Come 10 pm and we were still trying to get everything finished up.  By 7:30 Monday morning we were finally ready to go.  Most of us had not gotten any sleep at all.  After praying and asking a blessing for safe travels we headed out and down the road.  On Wednesday we ended up with 8-10 inches of snow.  This threw us off some.

 By Friday the snow was gone and we continued to get ready to go too.  We said goodbye to Danube which was a nice small town to raise our daughters in.

 I should be posting a picture here of the van and camper all loaded up and ready to go but I forgot to get that picture.  Please use your imagination.  So, with the birds singing and blue skies and wind blowing we headed south for Iowa.

 Once on the road things got interesting quite fast.  And here I will let my wife's words be posted

Today at 3:41 PM

  We were up all night Sunday packing. We left MN Monday morning at 7:30 and stopped yesterday afternoon at a campground on the MO River in South Sioux City, NE. We went from bare trees to some with green, brown grass to green and the younger girls found dandelions this morning.

It took us seven hours to make it this far as every time we went above 45 mph the camper and van would sway. (Mike here:  Sometimes I could get up to 50 and if the wind hit just right it would sway) We wanted to stop at a campground a couple hours earlier in IA, but didn't think we would make it up the very steep hill. On the steep hills on the interstate we were down to 15mph by the time we got to the top; makes for some interesting driving! We think once we leave some things with our daughter and son-in-law that will lighten our load and make traveling more efficient.  (Also I will rearrange the load and move heavier things off the end of the camper to take care of the sway).  

We are staying here until Wed morning. This campground is part of the city parks and is huge with YMCA, sports fields, trails, so we may do some exploring today. Our campsite is one of those closest to the river; we saw a family of ducks swim by last night. It's beautiful here and feels like we dropped right into spring.

Mike here again.  Someone let one of the girls take control of the camera so I will post some pictures of the trip.  This is one of the steep hills looking down.  Yes, folks that is not a straight shot of the road.  It is all downhill.

Abigail with her stowaway.  The cat found us before we left and hung/followed the girls around all night long on Sunday.



I guess with all the swaying and bumping it was safer to ride in the litter box (only clean litter) and cooler too.

Tomorrow the journey south continues as we head toward Kansas and Missouri.

I will update more later.

Pressing On

Yesterday it was cold and windy with a chance of snow/rain.  There is now room in the house to have our sale so we had it inside.  Didn't have too many come.  But that is OK as we are exhausted after last week.  Now we are at 6 days left before leaving and counting.  We are beginning to move into the camper.  There is a slight glitch.  I need to figure out what is going on with our electrical system.  The lights and heat are working intermittently.  The outlets still have their power.  So I am thinking it may have something to do with the breaker in the camper for those items.
  We had a great time visiting with friends made over the last 6 years here in Danube.  Danube has made quite an impression on our family and I also believe it has worked the other way.  We as a family have made an impression here.  There are tears in our eyes and the eyes of neighbors as we say our goodbyes.  We had a few over on Saturday evening.  One couple has told us they will look after Michaelle as though she were their own daughter.  Wow, what a blessing to have.  Michaelle spent the night with us on Saturday and will be back this evening to celebrate Passover with us.
  Please pray for strength as we diligently work this next week to be ready to leave by the end of the week.  We are looking forward to seeing Manasseh, Sarah and John soon.  Tomorrow being a high Sabbath we will not be getting much done except to celebrate the goodness of our Messiah Yahshua in His salvation for us.