ITonRamp Ramps Up

It’s been exciting to see ITonRamp.com taking shape. Countless hours are being poured into it. The first class starts in about 9 days, and students are continuing to enroll. Anna, our up and coming book designer, has been laying out the Home Track book, and it looks excellent. Her last few days have been consumed with coming up with the design and then implementing it. It is a detailed projected, since it involves quite a bit of special formatting.

Nathan’s office/studio is almost done. The work was begun because he needed a room that provided significant background sound reduction. In a home with two growing young girls there will be times when happy life would be picked up by a microphone and would be distracting to those taking the class. We didn’t want the distraction nor the girls to have to be quiet while the video was in process.

Joseph has invested heavily in the whole IToR process, from the office to the website. This past week, Joseph built the countertop and finished all the wood trim. The carpet will be installed this week, and then there are only a few final touches.

May your Memorial Day holiday, whether you spend it with family or friends, be filled with the joy and love of our Lord Jesus Who gave His life for our eternal life. May we also remember those soldiers who have given their lives that we might live in a free country. May we also remember that over 3,000 babies’ lives will be terminated due to legal abortions in our country in one day.

Sarah for the rest

Adhering the laminate countertop on.
Joseph used a rolling pin to make sure all the bubbles were out.
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We celebrated Gigi's birthday this past week.
Gigi and GrandadÂ
The little girls in matching outfits Mary made them.
Abby
Bethany
The window box Joseph built.

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Praying

We’ve had a few people ask if we’re okay with all of the recent tornadoes. Yes, we are. We don’t normally post about world events, but our hearts have been hurting with those affected by the tornadoes from Alabama to Joplin to Oklahoma City and beyond. We are praying for the many who are left without loved ones or homes. I’ve thought about how here our life goes on as normal, but for those who were affected, normal is not normal anymore. Our hearts have grieved for the families of those who are missing. How much pain that must bring to know that your dad or mom or sister or brother can’t be found and likely you’ll never see them this side of eternity again. I don’t even have words to express my sympathies, since I’ve never been through that kind of huge loss.

May each of us be prepared to meet our Maker. Eternity is very real, and while some may live a good, long life, others may pass quickly, such as a tornado, or a car accident, or slowly through cancer. I’ve also considered how those who have lost their homes did not go throughout their day thinking, “My house will be destroyed tonight.” No, it came suddenly. Maybe you think that you’ll wait to make a decision for the Lord Jesus until you’re older or on your death bed. Dear Reader, please don’t wait. Eternity is forever, and the decision of where you’ll spend it isn’t something to postpone.

Love,
Sarah

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

Saturday night, we did end up going to the basement. This was the sky before Bible time, and then just as we were preparing for Bible time, the tornado sirens blew. Then they turned off, and then continued turning on and then off again, about seven or eight times.Â
We had Bible time in the basement.

 

Last Sunday

We had the joy of spending the day with our friends who had come from New Hampshire. Since we had a conference scheduled Monday evening, which meant we weren’t heading home Sunday, we had a free day.

It was a restful time, full of encouragement and fellowship in the Lord. In the morning, we had a wonderful time of worship, with special music from the S. Family, a time of prayer, and Dad gave a wonderful message on Elijah. I am blessed beyond measure to have a dad whose passion is to share Jesus and live for Him.

Mrs. S. and Julia very tastefully arranged the meals, even in the tight quarters of a hotel room.
Julia, Olivia, and Mary
Jesse helping Parker with his guitar.

After lunch, the rain seemed to clear, so it was decided to go to the park for awhile. When we arrived, it began to rain, so we had to wait out the storm. The grass and playground were wet, but that really didn’t matter. Clothes wash. Children love playing at the park.

 

Andrew
Anna and Andrew
Some tried the merry-go-round.
Sweet Olivia
Tyler, Carter, and JesseÂ

When we were done at the park, we went back to our friends’ hotel room. Dinner was barbecue plus other items such as chips, salad, and yes, even ice cream and cookies for dessert.

Playing with clay!

We then we went to God’s Word for our closure to the day. Family Bible time is one of our favorite times of the day, and when we have the treat of sharing it with another family, it makes it even more special.

 

John and Parker
Parker and Dad

We are grateful for the sacrifice our friends made to come to Pennsylvania. We were truly blessed!

Sarah

“Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2).

Saturday

Saturday morning, before the convention opened, Anna and I went in and inventoried what we might need for the day so John could restock. Mom’s session, From Chaos to Peace, was scheduled for 9 a.m. and was almost full.

The time management session

Dad’s Preparing Sons session, which was in the afternoon, was out of standing room in the back! I love to hear Dad share his heart with those who come.

 

Even though Mom only had one session in the morning, she stayed busy, talking, almost all day, to ladies who would stop by and want to chat.

Mary and Mom

When 5 o’clock rolled around, it was time to pack out our booth. Two of our friends’ sons, Tyler and Carter, helped, and I think that’s why we made such record timing.

Tyler helping
Carter taping up boxes
Joseph hand-trucking boxes out.

Having the opportunity to share at the CHAP convention was a blessing!

Sarah

“What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose” (Psalms 25:11-12).

We’re Home!

We arrived safely home a little after 11 a.m. Thank you so much for praying! I know I have several updates to catch you upon, which I will do over the next few days.

Love,

Sarah

“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).

Home is Close

We are now a few hours from home, with an estimated arrival of before noon. It’s a beautiful, blue-sky day, with cool temperatures. We are rejoicing over the opportunities the Lord gave us this trip to share.

We took a “Uriah-gets-a-drink-stop” a little while ago. Now that he’s set, we’ll complete the final leg of the drive.

Thanks for praying!

Sarah

Jesse is very faithful to clean the windshield at each diesel stop.
John

“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether” (Psalms 19:9).