MARCH 2010

“Mobilizing Families for God’s Kingdom Worldwide, Beginning in Our Own Homes and Neighborhoods”

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
~ Psalm 23:6

Dear Friends in Christ,

Ministry Highlights

1. New Year's in New York… again!

After the special trip we took to New York mid-December, and another trip to Daniel's specialist there, we found ourselves in New York again on New Year's Eve. Bernie spoke at the Bridges International Conference about the history of New York City, and spiritual implications. International students from universities all over the nation attended the conference, many of them Asian, but other countries were represented too. About half of them attended as 'seekers', still exploring and seeking to understand what Christianity is and what implications it might have for them. After Bernie's talk, there were group conversations about the "Knowing God Personally" booklet. It was exciting for us all to be a part of it, and to see so many people from all over the world, interested in and discussing the message of the gospel and its potential implications for their lives. Bernie got good feedback on his talk, and it was suggested that next year his talk would be helpful to have at the beginning of the conference, before the students had their tour day in New York City.

The conference had a party with food and games and a talent show for New Year's Eve, at the hotel, but we decided to go into New York City and see the ball drop! It was a fun thing to do once, Bernie actually drove us into the city, parked, and we walked about 10 blocks to the end of the large crowd. I think we got there about 11PM. We were back too far to actually see the ball in real time, but we were next to Central Park where we could see everything on a large screen. Quite an experience! We only had my small camera with us as it was wet and raining a bit, so we didn't want to risk it with the good camera. But none of my pictures turned out. Oh well! We still have the memories of being there as a family.

2. Charlottesville Conference

We met some very sweet families at a small conference we did in Charlottesville. Josh and Kerin joined us via video, and everyone shared aspects of our families' journey. The sessions were recorded and feedback was very positive. Let us know if you are interested in a copy of any of our talks on courtship, college alternatives, family evangelism and America’s Christian heritage from this conference.

Memorable Moments...

Thoughts on getting older...my significant birthday party...

Usually, when my birthday rolls around, I am pretty content to go out to dinner with my immediate family. But somehow, when I was approaching this big birthday, I had the desire to have a party! So Bernie invited a bunch of friends on Wednesday the 30th, in an email, and about 50 were able to come and celebrate with me on Sunday the 3rd!, the perfect amount for this birthday I guess! I mostly was just feeling grateful, (as 5-0 is a biiiig number,) that the Lord has actually given me 50 whole years here! And I was wanting to publicly thank the Lord for his mercy, forgiveness, generosity, love, forbearance, and so many other things. God is sooo amazing, so kind, so just. He has allowed and taken me through many difficult things, but has ultimately been so kind to not give me what I deserve for my sin, which would be eternal separation from Him. And His grace is sufficient, and after a season of difficulties, He does bring some rest. He knows my frame, that I am so weak. But He is so strong. And I am so grateful for the privilege of having a relationship with my Creator here in this life. And anything we go through here, can't compare to the sufferings my Savior endured for me, to redeem my soul. So those testings and trials of my faith can serve to draw me closer to Him.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. ~~ Romans 8:18-25

My husband and family spoiled me lots on this special birthday, with our special trip to New York City in December, a family and friends party on the 3rd of January, lots of encouraging emails from friends, (Bernie emailed them and actually told them how old I am!!) and dinner out with my children and grandchildren on my actual birthday, January 4th, followed by an overnight at the beautiful Bavarian Inn with my hubby. Sarah's 23rd birthday was on January 5th, so we had yet another celebration for her on that day too! Wow!

Thanks so much to many of you who sent many encouraging emails. I guess my life is not yet over...

Music

Hammered Dulcimer and Other Things

Dan's 'big' gift this Christmas was a hammered dulcimer. We are actually renting it first to see if he likes it and enjoys playing it. The sound is very lovely and as we look forward to him most likely being with us the rest of his life, it will be a sweet sound to fill our house with when the others are gone, as well as something we can take with us, and he can play when we speak at events. Have to see how it goes though. He already can read music and play the piano, but fingerings are difficult with his small hands. You would be surprised what he is able to play though with his own inventive fingerings! He loves Saint-Saens' “Carnival of the Animals” and Beethoven's 5th Symphony, first movement, and has actually worked his way through them, among other things. He actually gave us a concert last night and we were amazed at what he has done, basically on his own, since we gave him the music for the Saint-Saens piece. Both Sarah and I, years ago, explained to him how to find the notes on the staff, and he basically took it from there. He works on a keyboard with headphones most of the time, so last night was a rare time we heard him play on our piano. I think we need to ask him for more 'concerts'.

Playing the 'Target'

Abbi plays her guitar upright like a Double Bass, while Sarah plays the piano. She is so serious as she plays along, moving to the music and concentrating so hard. She used to call it her 'tar', then I guess worked on GUI-tar, and just reversed it to a familiar place and word, 'Tar-get'. I know I should say it correctly to her, but it is just so cute to hear her call her guitar, her target.

Sarah's Recital

After two postponements, due to weather and venue conflicts, Sarah is looking at sometime in March or April for her next recital. Please pray for her as details are finalized. Sarah would also like to develop a repertoire of chamber music. She definitely enjoys playing with others more than performing solo.

Moguls?

O.K., I am stretching things with the 'M' theme, but I wanted to show you a few pictures of the total of 4 feet of snow we had last week...and it was certainly enough to make moguls. Yes, we were snowed in and cozy during two separate snow storms, but with no loss of power, it was kind of fun actually.

reMember us in prayer...

Now that's really a stretch isn't it? Oh well! Here are a few prayer requests...

1. Please pray for us as this year's itinerary takes shape. We are planning and scheduling family conferences and outreaches, writing more gospel fliers, presenting at conventions, and also working on a training series. As the weather warms we hope to continue taking our informal 'spiritual interest' surveys with people, at least weekly, so we can compile the results by the end of this year, as well as have more opportunities to share the gospel with those who are interested. Pray also for us as we prepare to speak at the Faith Influencers Conference on March 20th.

2. Daniel's braces go on this week. Pray that Dan does well with the pain of bracket adjustments. Pray we see much improvement and can avoid jaw surgery if the Lord wills. If not, pray the he can mentally and emotionally be prepared and protected as he goes through the surgery, and is happy with the improvement in his bite that will result. Pray for no complications. The surgery, if he has it, will most likely be over a year away, but it can't hurt to start praying now.

3. Pray for Josh and Kerin as their new home takes shape. Josh and Kerin recently purchased 7 acres, including an old farmhouse that needed major work on the first floor. A two-man construction company is doing much of the remodeling needed, but family and friends, including us, are helping as much as we are able. They hope to move in mid-March. For pictures of the remodel process, please visit Josh's photobucket gallery.

4. Aaron has been able to launch our new site, GetEternalAnswers.com! We are hoping this site is helpful for anyone looking for answers to questions about life, death, eternity, and Jesus Christ. Please pray the Lord uses it to that end. And please take a visit yourself!

Also, we have more pictures and ponderings at our family site, BeallFamily.org. We don’t have Facebook, but we do have our own family site, so please feel welcome to register there!

God bless you abundantly and richly!!

Linda for the Bealls