2013 Word of the Year: Guidance

2013 brings a new year and a new way to make a difference.  Make a difference in the world, in the lives of our children, family and friends, in our church and ourselves.

I thought of many words for 2013.  I saw many words that others had chosen.  None of them seemed liked it fit for me and for our family.  As I was reading in the Bible today the word "guidance" came to mind.  As I looked back over what I had written in my journal I saw that a constant theme was for the Lord to guide us in what He would have us do over the next year.  It was then that I realized the word for 2013 would be "Guidance". 

guidance: noun
the act of guidance, direction, leadership
something that guides
advice or assistance


In 2013 may we lean on the Lord for His guidance in our lives and in the lives of those around us and that we care about.  May we seek him in all that we do before we do it and wholeheartedly.  May His guidance lead us to those unknown places both near and far.  May we be the guidance that others seek with Him as our guide.

Christmas Blessings...

 

To all of our dear friends and family:

This year has brought so much to our lives that a simple picture and “Merry Christmas” on a card just didn’t seem right.  Thus, you get the awesome pleasure of our yearly news.  Hope you don’t mind!

To start, when 2011 was coming to a close I decided my word for the year 2012 would be “Faith”.  Boy, did I not know just how much that little word would be so big for us!  We have seen many changes within our lives over this year and I can’t even begin to tell you how much we have grown.  Grown in our faith (there is that word!) with God, grown in height (the kids are getting huge!), grown in intelligence (yes, my kiddos are genius’!), and grown in relationship with each other (and some of you!).  2012 was an awesome year here at Winston Manor and we can’t wait to see what 2013 brings!!  Now for the good stuff:

Jeremy:  After much prayer decided God was closing one door and opening another.  Has a new job and gets to spend an absurd amount of time with his children.  Loves the Lord and trusts in His plan and timing.  By the way: He is the absolute BEST husband and daddy!!

Denise:  Gets to stay home with all 5 kiddos and love on them all day.  We do manage to get some school done!  Followed God’s call for Brogan to go to Rwanda.  Yes, I got the privilege of tagging along!  And, let me just say it was AMAZING and INSPIRING!!!  Since out trip others have been both inspired and encouraged and have raised enough money to support the education of 18 Pastor’s children in Rwanda!

Joshua:  Junior in high school, Traveled to Europe, Cast as the role of Frank in Huntsville Community Theatre’s “Cheaper by the Dozen”, Varsity baseball and cross country and Suma Cum Laude while at AOA, Youth Council and Leader of the Youth Deacons at church, Mission Trip to Amarillo, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, started classes at LoneStar Montgomery College, still working at McKenzie’s BBQ.

Codey:  Freshman in high school, Made Varsity homeschool baseball team, Mission Trip to Amarillo, Co-leader of Youth Missions Team at church, Works for a landscaping company, Got braces just a few weeks ago, Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Brogan:  5^th grade, Narrator & red part of the rainbow in Huntsville Community Theatre’s production of “Wizard of Oz”, Explorer in American Heritage Girls, Reporter for 4-H Food Club, 4-H Rabbit Club & Sewing Club, plays basketball & soccer, Followed God’s call on her life and traveled to Rwanda, Africa for 16 days this summer and made new friends!, Continues the work on her ministry ‘Cases of Joy’ and has committed to returning to Rwanda in July 2013.

Christian: 1^st grade, Plays basketball and baseball, Made All-Star t-ball team, Loves Amana’s, his friends, schoolwork and playing outside, Learned to tie his own shoes, Overcame a scary skull fracture, Accepted Christ as his Savior.

Rylen: Pre-K, Played t-ball but loved soccer more, Wants to go to Africa next time we go (but he is going to have to wait just a little bit longer!), Learned to ride a bike without training wheels, And, well, he is just Rylen!!!

WOW!!!  Looking back and writing this there have been a lot of things that make 2012 special.  I know I left some things out but you probably didn’t want me to go on anyway.  As always, you can check out our family blog.  I haven’t done a great job of keeping it up this year by I am going to make more of a point of it in 2013.  You can also follow Brogan and her ministry to other children at www.casesofjoy.blogspot.com. 

One last thing: Brogan and Joshua were cast in an Independent Film in the summer of 2011.  It is debuting at the San Antonio Christian Film Festival in 2013.  We saw a sneak preview a few weeks ago and it is unbelievable!  I would encourage you to check it out at www.IndescribableTheMovie.com.  You will be inspired and moved!

And, this about sums everything up…

 

                           Rylen (5), Codey (14), Brogan (10), Joshua (15), Christian (7)

 

 

We wish you a very blessed Christmas and 2013!!!

Love, Jeremy & Denise, Joshua, Codey, Brogan, Christian & Rylen



Sock Hop

Our church had a 1950's style Sock Hop Christmas Dinner Theatre this year.  The kids did great at singing their songs and serving dinner.  It was a fun night! 

Prairie Primer: December

 

For our December Prairie Primer meeting each student researched a different state and presented it to the group.  We also had a fun gift exchange and enjoyed yummy food.

Dewberry Farms

We went to Dewberry Farms with one of the Homeschool groups that we are a part of.  The kids had fun, as usual, and didn't want to leave!

Linus Project

Brogan's AHG group made blankets to be donated to the Linus project.  The Linus project hands out the blankets to children in foster care and to police stations.  They made over 50 blankets!

Soccer Tourney

 

Brogan had a soccer tournament this weekend.  They were her last games of the season and she played awesome.  She is a real player.  We would have never known it but she has a natural ability to play and has a lot of people looking at her.  Way to go, Triple P!!!!

We're Heading Back!!

 

We feel called to return to Rwanda in the summer of 2013!!!!

Your prayer support is welcomed as we begin another journey to Africa!

 

If you feel called or able to contribute financially we would be grateful for your support.  All contributions are tax-deductible when made to One27 Ministries.  No amount is to small!

Thank you for partnering with us however you are able.