Summer ‘09

Posted by Tia Ciferno and filed in Blog, Photo Journal

Hello my friend!  These words from A.B.Simpson tell the story of our summer…

At last Jesus said to me – Oh so tenderly – “My child, just take Me, and let Me be in you the constant supply of all this, Myself.” 

 For I had not only what I could hold that little hour, but also in Him, all that I should need the next and the next and so on, until sometimes I get a glimpse of what it will be a million years afterwards, when we shall “shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of our Father” (Matt. 13: 43), and have “all the fullness of God.”

We felt a fullness of God in these past weeks. Here is a photo journal account.

For this summer, God had a surprise for us. The remarkable last-minute (from our perspective, not His) plan to send Sonja Wood from South Africa here for three weeks, with her son James and daughter Missy.  This photo was taken at Covenant Presbyterian soon after their plane landed.  Missy is singing her song “Thank You” with us…

 

Here is my angel!  My sister Tami.  With company coming from overseas, I knew it would be challenging to design a whole vendor table for the Christian Home Educators of Ohio (CHEO) Annual Convention. Tami did it ALL!  It was beautiful.  And this fall will be her first year as a homeschool mom of four.  The Lord gave her great sessions to attend and great encouragement that weekend.

 

We headed north that Saturday night to be a part of a beautiful evening of music. Michael Olson was one of the most incredible musicians I’ve ever listened to.  Jordan Biel and his band were also amazing. We opened for them.

 

We sang our new musical version of “The Lord’s Prayer”… then ended our portion with an African song called “Jabulani.”  Our international friends sang too, and Sonja shared some deep insights.  Thank you to Bill Barnett, BAMA and all who were involved in that wonderful evening.  We especially loved having Jack Ciarniello (keys) and Jeff Foos (percussion) playing live for us! 

 

My Princess.  (God’s Princess)

 

Father’s Day in our backyard.  Ciferno’s PLUS.

 

 

Time in Jack’s studio… Missy and Julia co-wrote a precious song called “Fulfilled.”  Missy took it home with her to sing there in Africa.   James and I also worked on a song for him and recorded a track of that.  So the Woods have original MUSIC!

 

 

Another JOY was having some picnic/singing/laughing/discussing time with Sonja’s curriculum providers (and dear friends).  Here is the crew at Deer Creek State Park (we were converging from Ohio, PA, Indiana and South Africa). 

Jamie, Anna and Ethan Demme (back), Sonja and Missy and Julia
Dr Jay Wile and Kathleen (front)

What timing ! Our guests were here for the July 4th Celebration…
their first real fireworks display

 

 

We also had ministry at NorthMar church one evening, a homeschool support night, a living room ministry a the home of the Stiver’s and over 1600 miles of driving together! 

Here is Sonja with her rootbeer float on our last ministry at Castlewood Alliance Church on July 5th.  She said they don’t have rootbeer like OUR rootbeer.

 

 

 

Headed the next day to Lancaster, PA for time with Steve Demme and his precious family ( author of Math-U-See curriculum.)  He took us on a tour of his home town of Litizt, PA… 

This is Missy enjoying a rose there. I was overwhelmed by Missy and her love for her Jesus. Those of you who met her experienced the grace and poise of this young woman who has been through so many storms of life.  They have made her a Rose in His Garden that has the sweetest fragrance.

But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.  Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.  
2 Corinthians 2:14 and 15

 

Our friends… Missy, James and Sonja. 

Lord,  use them across the ocean to spread everywhere Your Fragrance.

 

Dinner at Steve’s.  Google a recipe for “grilled romaine”… it was incredible! 

 

 Steve, Sandi and the Woods…last photos.

 

Lancaster Green…

In the past He permitted all the nations to go their own ways, but He never left them without evidence of Himself and His goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.”  Acts 14:16 and 17 

 

Our hearts are FULL OF JOY because of all He’s done…He has given us evidence of Himself and His goodness. Pray with us that there would be a great harvest from these past weeks.