Ella's new reenacting dress....

 Well one of them! She adores it! For some reason she calls it her 'hoop dress'! Daddy didn't want her wearing it at dinner as he wanted to keep it clean. I didn't quite understand that since she will be living in the dirt in it in a couple of day! Well....maybe we will save it for the church service this weekend instead!



This is her other one. I couldnt get her to
be still long enough to get a pic with her
in it!




Sammy said he had to take a picture WITH Ella
because she looked "Sooo beautiful!"



Lamplighter Theatre

Lamplighter Theatre is a thrill for the whole family. Using their character building books, Lamplighter has collaborated with some of the most brilliant creative minds to turn these classic stories into adventure-filled audio dramas that impart spiritual and life-lessons to the hearer. With over 1,000 radio stations in over 20 countries in just under two years, these dramas have impacted millions of people. And good news! Lamplighter Theatre embarks on new adventures with season 3! Coming September 17th,  ‘Teddy’s Button’ is based on Lamplighter’s best selling book. Teddy, Nancy, and a host of other fine characters will bring you fun, excitement, and laughter! Then, on October 22^nd , embark on an exhilarating tale that follows Sir Constant on an epic journey in ‘Sir Knight of the Splendid Way.’ To get just a taste for these upcoming dramas, visit www.lamplightertheatre.com. You will never forget the life lessons learned and the memories made while the family is gathered around the radio. So get ready, inform your friends, and settle down around the radio September 17^th  to take the journey of a lifetime into the thrilling world of ‘Teddy’s Button’ and begin a new season of Lamplighter Theatre! (Thank you Beecher!)

NEWS FLASH....

I KNOW I'm going to get in trouble for this but I GOTTA post it! Anyone who knows Abby know that she claims to 'Like snakes'...Billy even got her a plastic one for Christmas! (Which makes me scream everytime I see it on her dresser thank you very much....)
Anyways, for biology 101 today, Daddy brought in a headless copperhead to show the kids what it looked like and boy did Abby SCREAM when she saw it! LOLOLOLOL! What say ye now Abby? :) Love, mom

Lamplighter Guild in New York, 2011

Mohonk Mountain House. Beautiful!



Did you or anyone you know go to the Lamplighter Guild?

Mr. Mark Hamby speaking at the opening session.

Mohonk Lake



World renown Mohonk Gardens. Is there any wonder?

 Thank you Beecher for these amazing photos!

A Day With The Bugs!

Noni bugs that is! Here is the littlest one! I didn't see the other one much, he was outside playing with Uncle Sam and Aunt Ella all day! ( No not you Uncle Sam Saffa!)

Lamplighter Publishing Cont....

A voice from 'within'! Thank you Beecher Proch!
  Dear Adams family,

 

As you know, this Fall, I have been blessed to have the opportunity to intern with Lamplighter Publishing, specifically in the Lamplighter Guild development division. Lamplighter Publishing's mission is “to make ready a people prepared for the Lord, by building Christ-like character one story at a time.” Lamplighter does this by re-publishing 17th, 18th, and 19th century literature that is unlike anything you will find anywhere. They are then taking these great stories, and adapting them into high quality Radio Dramas that influence everyone who hears. In two years, Lamplighter Theater has spread to over 1,000 radio stations in 20 countries, and people all over the world are requesting that the dramas be broadcast in their countries.

 

This past July, the first ever Lamplighter Guild was held in New York at the beautiful and breathtaking Mohonk Mountain House. Offering two tracks (a dramatic arts track and a visual arts track), the Guild was an experience like no other. From stunning views of the Catskill mountains, exquisite food created by master chefs, devotions in the morning with Mark Hamby (Lamplighter founder and president), to dramatic arts classes with the creative minds behind Focus on the Family Radio Theater, Les Miserable, Left Behind, and The Chronicles of Narnia. The Guild inspired me (as it did many of the other students) to pursue a level of excellence in whatever I do. I was drawn closer to the Savior each morning as our small groups studied his word in the serene and peaceful atmosphere of Mohonk, and through the instructors, each of whom was dedicated to imparting truth to the next generation of culture changers. I would encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about the Lamplighter Guild to visitwww.lamplighterguild.com or email me at beecher@lamplighter.net if you would like to talk more about the Guild and there are so many unique opportunities for those interested; Donor needs to sustain Lamplighter Theater and help us change the world, internship opportunities, and apprenticeships with the master teachers who taught at the Guild.

 

Thank you so much for reading this and hope to hear from you!

 

Beecher Proch

Lamplighter Publishing

  I CANNOT believe I do not have a link off to the side for Lamplighter Publishing. I'm sure it was there at some point and inadvertently erased!
  "Lamplighter books". Wow. I have heard young people together and one ask "do you read lamplighter books?" It is understood among many what excellent books these are. They are described on their site as "Rare, dramatic books that reflect the character of God'. I would describe them as 'Rare, Christian books of a bygone era'.
  They are completely important to us as tools in homeschooling/homediscipling! We have almost every one of these books and we are by 'no means' of 'great means'. It has always been a priority though, for us to provide good and godly writing material for our children. It doesn't have to lack adventure or be boring to be good either!
  As well, for us homeschoolers, on the Lamplighter website, there are 'Character Comprehension Quizzes' made for  many of the books! They are available under the publishing section of the site and they are available for free to download.
Check out their site and see what you think! http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/

The Film Crew At Callaway Fork

The Sons Of Georgia film crew was at Callaway Fork at 6:00 this morning to shoot a 'fishing scene' for the movie. Here are some pic's of the boys :)

Left-Phillip McCardie     Right-Peter Saffa

Phillip again...what a great pic!

Thank you Mrs. McCardie for taking the pictures! Looking forward to more :)

                                                                                                                                             ~Abby~

A little change...

The Moms Minute page has been changed to Mom's/Wife Minute Page! If you are a wife or in training to be one, this page may be a bit of encouragement to you! God bless, Dana 

Check it out....

http://all-americanpolls.blogspot.com/

People are divided over Divided! (As posted on THC)

 It is interesting how divided many folks are over the movie Divided.

  Because everyone looks at things according to their world view, preferences and circumstances; many different people will view the same message a different way.

  When it comes to the movie Divided, first of all it contained most of my favorite speakers. Scott Brown, Kevin Swanson, Voddie Baucham, Doug Phillips and the great Paul Washer. As well, it was directed by a young person (likely a homeschooler) and we always want to encourage young people to do great things...

  As well, we agree with the message they are discussing. What exactly did I 'walk away with' from this movie? I'll tell you; it was 'The Lord has commanded Fathers to disciple their children'....that was the message I came away with...others came away with 'Youth groups are bad', others came away with 'Ok youth group is unprofitable but what should we do instead.' Some folks agreed with the message yet felt like it didn't give the 'alternative' to youth group. And on and on and on. 

  If you go to the movie 'Divided' and read the comments, you will see some very harsh and uncharitable words spoken by some who think the movie is 'garbage'. Doesn't that seem a bit harsh? Regardless of whether or not you agree with the movie, the producers are sharing their hearts. You don't have to like it or agree with it yet...we are all called by Christ to be characterized by certain behaviours...and mean spiritedness is not one of them.

  So, whether you agree with the message of Divided as I do, or not like some others, it would behoove us all to remember that we are called to unity. We are not all in the same place in our walk with the Lord...but wherever we are in our journey as sojourners on this earth, we ARE called to act like brethren and be charitable. 

  May the Lord give us all the grace to be so.

Remember Ronald Reagan started this way. Now we need a pic of Grant!



Divided...indeed!

   

   I thought it would be nice for folks to comment here on our blog in regards to their thoughts on the movie Divided...WELL....I think it would be much MORE profitable if folks went directly to the website, scrolled down to the comments page and left their thoughts there....let me explain.
  I remember hearing Geoffery Botkin speak on a topic he shared at the Sufficiency of Scripture conference. At one point he was appealing to people and explaining that "We are fragile people. My children are fragile"...what he meant by this is that...they are humans! Encouragement is a blessing and criticism stings.
  I believe that it is our duty as brothers and sister in Christ to get behind these bold men who proclaim truth in this perverse generation! So, if you feel so led, I would encourage you to go to the Divided movie website and encourage/comment to all of the folks who had a part in the movie, others who will be edified by reading it, and encourage those who agree with the biblical principles spoken forth in the movie...Let your voice be heard. Uphold these godly men as they speak forth the truth .http://dividedthemovie.com/

Divided

 Wow! In my inbox for about 3 weeks has been an email reminding me to watch the movie Divided. With a little encouragement from Beecher (thank you Beecher!), I finally watched it today! Let me say it again...wow! First of all, many of my personal favorites were part of this production; Scott Brown, Voddie Baucham, Doug Phillips, Kevin Swanson, Paul Washer.... There was nothing in this movie that I didn't already know, or believe or understand but to see it all 'together' in one place, so eloquently defined and discussed was powerful.
  One minute your heart is breaking over the condition of the youth in church and the next minute your  heart is soaring because you see the key to the hope of the future. It all comes down to home-discipleship.
  I am soo grateful for all of these godly men, and my husband and other men, most who aren't in front of a camera but are obeying Christ faithfully in their homes...daily discipling and reforming their own hearts, their families, and bringing it into their own churches on Sunday.
  PLEASE do our generation a favor and watch this movie if you haven't already! Why did I wait so long???

http://dividedthemovie.com/

Let us know what you think! God bless!

Thanks McCardie Clan for the pics!

Pastor Marcus Serven

We had the privilege of fellowshipping at Covenant Family Church on Sunday. It was so refreshing to be there! It was a blessing to hear Mr.Serven preach! Here are a couple of phots...So Mc Cardie Clan..who is the great photographer in the family??? 



Watch TLN TV Interview of Scott Brown tonight online!
For more info check the NCFIC website on the side bar!



My favorite time of day

My favorite time of day!
  It is so nice to get up in the morning and get a jump on ordering my day. There is not much that beats a beautiful warm and sunny afternoon! Evenings of sitting around and reading with the family are some of the most enjoyable times for everyone in our family....yet to be honest...my FAVORITE time of day is when, our day is done and we put the kids to bed  and my honey and I have our 'date time'. We put a girl in charge and hide out in our room with door locked; and talk uninterrupted for hours! Complete with drinks and snacks that we don't care to share! After all of these years, my husband is still my favorite; speaker to listen to, pastor to sit under, theologian to learn doctrine from, confidant and friend. Yes it is true, we give up our lives for our children and willingly so-but my husband is still my favorite person of all to be around! 
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish

The Sons of Georgia Movie Filming-Posted by Machaira :)

Well, finally posting about our awesome weekend! First off, thank you Stephen for involving us in your movie! It was an awesome experience! And thank you so much Littmann family for your generous hospitality! It was so nice to meet you all and be able to spend some time with you! 

   I really enjoyed every part of the weekend-being in the film, helping my wonderful mama with the wardrobe for so many people!, watching and learning, being able to meet, laugh, and work with so many great people! I had a blast! I definitely also enjoyed being able to go to church with the Littmann's, and through that also being able to spend more time with new friends and meet more great people! The service, food and fellowship was terrific!

   I'm also really excited about the subject of the movie! The War, often referred to as the 'Civil' War (which, for the state of Missouri that is fairly accurate) is something I am passionate about. I love the South, and the Confederacy and the Freedom and Ideals that they stand for.(lol no that does not mean that I believe in everything people incorrectly attribute to the South's beliefs :) It is my heritage and I'm proud of it! :) It is an awesome as well as heart-breaking history. It's really encouraging to see the director and crew striving to give an accurate portrayal of what life was like for a Southern family living in Georgia during that time.

    I'm excited for this movie to come out and I hope it encourages people to look to God in all circumstances and to stand firm for what they believe! God Bless! Machaira

The Sons of Georgia Movie Filming-Posted by Charity

An amazing few days filming at the Daniel Boone home with an amazing group of people!!! I just have to say God bless Steven Littmann Jr. and all the crew who are doing such an incredible job on this movie! It was definitely a blessing to be there!! It was so nice to meet all the wonderful people that are involved with the Sons of Georgia movie! God Bless you all,        

                                                                    Charity

Another sweet surprise!!!!

Cynthia Saffa!!!!

I know this dear lady's name now! If you follow our blog at all, you know that I met this 'dear lady' at the CHEF conference. I thoroughly enjoyed out short chat but couldn't remember her name! Imagine my surprise when I saw her at the set of the filming of SONS OF GEORGIA! One of the many blessings of this journey!

The Sons of Georgia Movie Filming-Posted by Abby :D

WOW!!! So we just got home at around midnight last night.....From filming a movie!!! It's called Sons of Georgia, it is set during the Civil War and is from the confederate perspective...of course, the right side!! It was being filmed at the Daniel Boone home. :) Steven Littman Jr. is the director, he is 18 years old and doing a fantastic job! He's very creative and precise. We were there from Thursday to Saturday, with everyone arriving each day at approximately 6 in the morning and leaving at around 8 at night! We met so many amazing people, homeschooled family's and we just had an absolute BLAST!! It was alot of work, dressing ppl, changing clothes, running back and forth, feeding ppl, setting things up, getting the scene right, etc etc!!! Of course there were difficulties, as in everything!! Such as camera batteries dying, memories being full, tired hot and hungry and thirsty ppl, (The guys wouldnt even stop to eat, we had to practically shove sandwhiches into their hands!! lol ), oh and once in awhile....a stray cell phone would ring....right in the middle of an amazing scene!!! (Sorry Sam, just had to mention it!) all in all it was a great time and we were so grateful to be a part of it!! O, did i mention that it rained?? We also enjoyed going to church on Sunday with everyone before heading home, the worship, food, and fellowship was great! As was the basketball game! Anyhow, i better end this...i could write all day! So we really loved meeting lots of new friends and hope we soon have an opportunity to spend time with them again!!!  

                                                                                                                           God Bless, Abby :)

Thank you!

 I just 'gotta' add! Thank you Beecher, Mr. Littmann and Mr. Proch!!! On our way home we broke down!!! We were on the freeway and the car just stopped having power! Ugg! I confess I was a little excitable and said "Pull over pull over!!!" Praise the Lord my dear husband IGNORED me! He kept going, on down the freeway, to the exit, through a yield sign, a green light and 2 blocks later ended up in a parking spot at a gas station! Only he could pull that one off! I always knew he was wonderful and he proved it again:)
  The Littmanns and Proch's had been driving ahead of us and wondered 'Where did they go?"  Praise the Lord our cell phone had been forgotten at the Littmanns and Beecher had the idea to use it to find the girls phone numbers...as I was frantically trying to find the Littmanns phone number (via my kindle) Beecher called! Wow! So out they all came to take Brett to an auto parts store and with 5 minutes to spare, they got the part, installed it and we were on our way! Well,....not quite on our way yet! We thoroughly enjoyed some more sweet fellowship, the kids and I had the incredible pleasure of getting to know Beecher more! The men had more meaningful minutes of visiting! That has got to be one of the best break downs we have had yet! Thank you!!!!

Fellowship Divine!

 Sweet like-minded fellowship is a rare thing indeed! I don't mean fellowship where all involved agree exactly on every doctrinal issue; but the type of fellowship where we have Christ in common.
 Our family was eternally blessed by all of the families we met this week as we had the privilege of helping with the filming of "Sons of Georgia". Where do I begin? The Littmann family of course! Stephen is doing an incredible job of directing this movie! The Saffa family! They wrote the script and what an amazing job they did! We were so blessed to meet the McCardie family, the Browns, the Proch's, the Prices, the Dischers, the Brabos, the Englands, Aschbrenners, Mays....Wow! Thank you all for the precious memories!~ Forgive me if I fail to mention anyone!!!
  And as if that weren't enough...the Lord gave me a special blessing in that we were FINALLY able to meet the Servens! Pastor Marcus and Cheryl it was a pure pleasure to meet and fellowship with you on Sunday!  Brett is looking forward to the Mens Advance and we pray that pastor Morecraft is able to come!
  We hope you all are able and willing to stay in touch with us! 
  We have  'coined a phrase' in our home; "Its all eternal". All of the relationships and experiences that we shared have eternal value and we thank you again for the great experience!
  Many blessings on all of you dear saints of God!
 OH!! Anyone feel free to  email us pictures as I didn't get a single one! We will post them on our blog! Thank you:)

Wilson's Creek

 It truly was a huge event! We were so busy the entire time, or wiped out from the heat that we didn't get a single picture or video! There are a lot of great videos on Youtube of the event! Those of us who did go, Jamie, Pelis', Haley, etc...if you got pics let me know and I'll post them!
  This month we are off to Lamoni, Iowa for the next event. Brett plans to take some video specifically for THC. Wish us luck with that!
  For now we are getting ready to leave for the St. Charles area to give some support for a movie that is being made, 'Sons of Georgia'. It is being produced by a very creative, nice homeschooled young man. It is going to be a great film and we are sooo looking forward to it! We like to encourage and support homeschoolers in whatever endeavors they attempt, but we are exceptionally impressed with this project! We will keep you updated on its progress!

Wilson's Creek Civil War Reenactment

Posting again about Wilson's Creek Reenactment. What a HUGE event it is going to be! As reenactors we will be 'on stage' the entire time. Able to be 'attacked' by Federals without notice! We have to get passes to leave our camp, there are expected to be 1000's of reenactors and 10,000 spectators? Can those numbers be correct? We shall see!
  Looking forward to blogging posts and pics when we come home!

Leadership

I was 'e' ing about 'leadership' this morning with a friend. It seemed appropriate to c/p our post here from another website where we had originally posted; We would love for you to comment and share your ideas!   Vision Forum had a very good webinar this week on Leadership. This is something that Brett and I talk about often.  It is important in our family because, having so many children we tend to be a 'big' presence wherever we go. Too, as a family we do a lot of things in a lot of places and they do not have the luxury of always being surrounded by Christian people. Also, in order for our children to be holy, remain pure and not be followers they must in some capacity be leaders.

  What we are learning... First of all, every one of our children (and yours) are leaders in some way. Be it good or bad or effective or ineffective! What I mean by that is, non leadership can lead others to inactivity as well. For example, if our children are not willing to stand up and lead a conversation to be profitable in a group situation, then they are encouraging others to stay ineffecive and quiet also.

  One thing Doug Phillips does with his children is; he tells them "Ok son, when that group of kids comes over be sure and lead the conversation to be profitable and God honoring".

  One thing we do, is we tell our little boys, "when those  boys come over, be sure that there is no unkindness toward the little ones by anybody", or we tell our older girls "When you go to your friends house with the girls be sure and steer the conversation away from a lot of unnecessary 'boy' talk".

  These may sound like over simplified ways to teach our children leadership skills but I have seen time and again where my children have set the 'tone' in a group setting. Not in an overbearing prideful way either. As well, most of all, they must first be able to lead by example.

  What are some ideas you have for teaching children leadership skills?

Wilson's Creek Civil War Reenactment

 

BUSY BEES!

 We are busy as can be getting ready for Wilsons Creek 150th Anniversary of the (un) Civil War in Springfield MO. The impression this time is somewhat different than the impression we normally portray. The time frame of this event is 1861. Therefore instead of 'military' we will be portraying a 'civilian impression'. This has meant a lot of sewing for the girls and I, and has brought in some extra work on the side!
  This is going to be a fantastic living history event for families, especially homeschoolers. There will be period camping, night fire demonstrations, music, crafts, a duel, a fashion show, a period wedding and even a ball!

There will be lots to do! It will be a long week and we will be there for 5 days! 5 days of camping the old fashioned way, cooking the old fashioned way, in our long dresses and petticoats...and no a/c! I just  have to say for us reenactors, we are a tough old breed of folks! Hope to see you there!

The Homeschool Channel

 Have you visited The Homeschool Channel yet? It is a great place for resources, fellowship and encouragement! Check it out and be blessed!

Home is where the heart is....

Home is where the heart is.
      Teaching our children where to put their 'affections'....(above) is not an easy task. I do believe that home is where the heart is. That makes it very important for us to teach our children that this is not their home. 'He goes to prepare a place for us that where He is, we may be also'. We pray that we are able to teach our children that 'He is the author and finisher of our faith', and that one of the driving forces of their lives should be 'That they be found faithful'. May it be their hearts desire to hear the master say 'Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter into your rest'.

Unto Jesus by Theodore Monod (1836-1912)

Unto Jesus and not-do we need to say it?-at our pretence of righteousness. Ill above ill is he who believes himself in health; blind above the blind he who thinks that he sees (John 9:41). If it is dangerous to look long at our wretchedness, which is, alas! too real; it is much more dangerous to rest complacently on imaginary merits.T.M.
   It is healthy to remember that we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Not to be crushed under the knowledge of it, but the knowledge of it lifts us up and we turn our eyes to Jesus~the author and perfecter of our faith and say "Unto Jesus", be all power, glory and honor forever and ever amen~

Unto Jesus by Theodore Monod (1836-1912)

Unto Jesus and not at the sincerity of our intentions, and at the strength of our resolutions. Alas! How often the most excellent intentions have only prepared the way for the most humiliating falls. Let us stay ourselves not on our intentions, but on His love; not on our resolutions, but on His promise.