Sullivan, age 11, would like to invite young readers to enjoy the book he's writing. Chapters are being added to the website page entitled "Sullivan's Book" as they are completed.
Sullivan has submitted this introduction for his readership to enjoy:
"Thirty years into the future.....
a time of duels and dogfights, races and robots, when good is in a constant war with evil, and it's up to two men to keep a star on the American flag...."
A word from the author:
"I, Sullivan Alexander, have been prompted to create a Christian Star Wars. My ambition is to add some nutrition to the science fiction diet many kids my age enjoy. I, as a Christian, believe God can perform miracles any time and at any place. I do not like immoral books or shows and can promise that in this series there will be: no prejudice, no pornography, and no Pantheism."
We hope you enjoy the book, young readers.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Organized Cabinets and Training Older Sons
As we returned from the Family Economics Conference more than a week ago, I continue to be challenged and encouraged by the messages we heard. Most impacting was a talk by Kevin Swanson where he put affirming words to what has only been a quiet thought in my heart.
When Elliott and Oliver were in their early teens, I sensed an overwhelming need for someone besides me - their mother - to prepare them for what would be the next chapter in their lives - that of becoming men.
From the time they were old enough to begin homeschooling, I had felt confident in overseeing their academic studies and routine household responsibilities. But as they matured, it seemed that in my effort to keep them busy and productive, I was filling their days with projects and activities more suited for the training of girls.
Who would expect any differently? I am a girl!
I don't know how to train boys in manly things like chopping down trees or installing new brakes on a car. I don't know how to wire an electrical outlet or replace a piece of rusty pipe while on my belly under the house.
What I do know how to do is organize the canned goods in my kitchen cabinets - so that's what I had my boys doing after school. Straightening cabinets, an occasional changing of a light bulb, cutting the grass, laundry, and house cleaning... these jobs didn't keep two strong boys busy and productive for very long at all.
Surely the challenge to find manly, industrious activities for growing sons was not just a problem in the Alexander household. I imagined if I were still part of a homeschool group, we'd all be talking about what to do with these sons who needed to be trained in manliness. Of course, most of the moms stopped going to support groups when the kids got bigger because our experience helped us feel more confident with homeschooling.
However, as the kitchen cabinets became neater, I become increasingly concerned.
I remember vividly the day I poured my heart out to Timmy, telling him about my concern for our maturing sons and their need for a man in their lives who could mentor them throughout the day in manliness while discipling them in godliness. As our discussion ended, I began praying that God might open a door for our sons to be taught by a man who could best lead them into the next phase of their lives.
After two years of praying, the door of opportunity finally opened and an instructor stepped into my boys' lives who is not only the most qualified to lead them in manliness, but who also cares more about them than any man I know.
April 20th will mark four years since God let Timmy come home to mentor his sons full time.
I have no greater admiration than I do for Timmy who left a challenging, fulfilling career that he enjoyed so that he could invest in the training of his sons. He left the praise of supervisors and the camaraderie and respect of his subordinates so that he might pour himself into the lives of his children.
While at the Family Conference, my suspicion was confirmed that ours was not the only family sensing the need for sons to be mentored by men in a close, daily, working relationship.
As it turns out, fathers working with sons daily had been the practice for all of civilization prior to the last few hundred years since the Industrial Revolution that lured men away from home and into factories and a working world separate from their families.
As I listened to the historical overview, I was overwhelmed with thankfulness that God, in His mercy, allowed Timmy to come home to work with his children. From a financial perspective, with our past foolish business decisions and pride-filled motives of past endeavors, we don't deserve to have an at-home dad. Yet God is allowing Timmy to work alongside his family every day.
In Kevin Swanson's closing, he challenged the men both young and old with a powerful charge that I hope my sons won't soon forget. It is especially relevant to Timmy and me as we stumble through the parenting of these older sons - barely figuring it out before it's time for them to leave us. Swanson said, "Rather than lament the many failings of your father, instead build on whatever small foundation he laid for you. Stand on your father's shoulders so that you'll be that much closer to the goal. Some of you have fathers who stood ten feet tall - stand on their shoulders and become great men of God. Some have fathers who could barely stand six inches from the ground - stand tall and proud on those six inches and become a great man of God."
Although we may only be lifting our sons a few inches off the ground, I pray they will stand on their sincere father's shoulders and become great men of God.
I'm certain of this, it's a much more attainable goal than when their mom had them alphabetizing canned goods!
When Elliott and Oliver were in their early teens, I sensed an overwhelming need for someone besides me - their mother - to prepare them for what would be the next chapter in their lives - that of becoming men.
From the time they were old enough to begin homeschooling, I had felt confident in overseeing their academic studies and routine household responsibilities. But as they matured, it seemed that in my effort to keep them busy and productive, I was filling their days with projects and activities more suited for the training of girls.
Who would expect any differently? I am a girl!
I don't know how to train boys in manly things like chopping down trees or installing new brakes on a car. I don't know how to wire an electrical outlet or replace a piece of rusty pipe while on my belly under the house.
What I do know how to do is organize the canned goods in my kitchen cabinets - so that's what I had my boys doing after school. Straightening cabinets, an occasional changing of a light bulb, cutting the grass, laundry, and house cleaning... these jobs didn't keep two strong boys busy and productive for very long at all.
Surely the challenge to find manly, industrious activities for growing sons was not just a problem in the Alexander household. I imagined if I were still part of a homeschool group, we'd all be talking about what to do with these sons who needed to be trained in manliness. Of course, most of the moms stopped going to support groups when the kids got bigger because our experience helped us feel more confident with homeschooling.
However, as the kitchen cabinets became neater, I become increasingly concerned.
I remember vividly the day I poured my heart out to Timmy, telling him about my concern for our maturing sons and their need for a man in their lives who could mentor them throughout the day in manliness while discipling them in godliness. As our discussion ended, I began praying that God might open a door for our sons to be taught by a man who could best lead them into the next phase of their lives.
After two years of praying, the door of opportunity finally opened and an instructor stepped into my boys' lives who is not only the most qualified to lead them in manliness, but who also cares more about them than any man I know.
April 20th will mark four years since God let Timmy come home to mentor his sons full time.
I have no greater admiration than I do for Timmy who left a challenging, fulfilling career that he enjoyed so that he could invest in the training of his sons. He left the praise of supervisors and the camaraderie and respect of his subordinates so that he might pour himself into the lives of his children.
While at the Family Conference, my suspicion was confirmed that ours was not the only family sensing the need for sons to be mentored by men in a close, daily, working relationship.
As it turns out, fathers working with sons daily had been the practice for all of civilization prior to the last few hundred years since the Industrial Revolution that lured men away from home and into factories and a working world separate from their families.
As I listened to the historical overview, I was overwhelmed with thankfulness that God, in His mercy, allowed Timmy to come home to work with his children. From a financial perspective, with our past foolish business decisions and pride-filled motives of past endeavors, we don't deserve to have an at-home dad. Yet God is allowing Timmy to work alongside his family every day.
In Kevin Swanson's closing, he challenged the men both young and old with a powerful charge that I hope my sons won't soon forget. It is especially relevant to Timmy and me as we stumble through the parenting of these older sons - barely figuring it out before it's time for them to leave us. Swanson said, "Rather than lament the many failings of your father, instead build on whatever small foundation he laid for you. Stand on your father's shoulders so that you'll be that much closer to the goal. Some of you have fathers who stood ten feet tall - stand on their shoulders and become great men of God. Some have fathers who could barely stand six inches from the ground - stand tall and proud on those six inches and become a great man of God."
Although we may only be lifting our sons a few inches off the ground, I pray they will stand on their sincere father's shoulders and become great men of God.
I'm certain of this, it's a much more attainable goal than when their mom had them alphabetizing canned goods!
Avery's Branch Farms Summer Internships
We had a wonderful experience last year working with a college student who spent the summer with us learning about sustainable agriculture.
This year we have 2 intern openings and are looking for young men who are at least 18 years old, have exemplary character, a strong work ethic, and are eager to learn.
The interns will have the opportunity to work closely in an all natural farm setting, learning the skills required to successfully manage and operate a sustainable farm.
If you know of anyone who might be interested, please direct them to our farm website for additional details.
This year we have 2 intern openings and are looking for young men who are at least 18 years old, have exemplary character, a strong work ethic, and are eager to learn.
The interns will have the opportunity to work closely in an all natural farm setting, learning the skills required to successfully manage and operate a sustainable farm.
If you know of anyone who might be interested, please direct them to our farm website for additional details.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Family Conference on Finances
Our family is looking forward to attending Generations with Vision's conference held this year in Raleigh, NC on March 11-12th. Generations with Vision is a ministry focused on family finances and headed by Kevin Swanson. Last year's conference was held in Colorado and sold out. With over 1100 attendees already registered for this upcoming conference in Raleigh, space is limited. The topics are so relevant for families in these tough economic times. We are looking forward to gaining some much-needed wisdom and encouragement. We hope you'll be able to join us.
Excerpted from Generations with Vision:
With America's top keynote speakers, including Doug Phillips, Erik Weir, Stephen Beck, Kevin Swanson, RC Sproul Jr., Scott Brown, and more, this is one conference your family can't miss! Check out the full schedule available online for detailed information. Make sure to check out our special panel on "Family Based Entrepreneurs" where real families will be sharing their stories on how they have created family businesses in various areas including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, sales, and more!"
Excerpted from Generations with Vision:
"Our speakers will cover many topics pertinent and timely to our current economic and social decline, including:
- Unemployment: What to Do When There's Nothing to Do
- The Proverbs 31 Family
- What Every Family Should Know About Starting Their Own Business
- A Vision of Victory for the Family
- The College Paradigm and the Family Economy
- How to Train Your Son to be Financially Prepared for Marriage
- Sacrifice or Slavery - Building a Christian Community for the Hard Times
With America's top keynote speakers, including Doug Phillips, Erik Weir, Stephen Beck, Kevin Swanson, RC Sproul Jr., Scott Brown, and more, this is one conference your family can't miss! Check out the full schedule available online for detailed information. Make sure to check out our special panel on "Family Based Entrepreneurs" where real families will be sharing their stories on how they have created family businesses in various areas including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, sales, and more!"
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Family Economics Conference 2011
Dear Friends, We have several exciting additions to our details for the 2011 Family Economics Conference. We are over 3/4 of the way filled to capacity and have only a limited space remaining for signups, so register online now before it's too late!  Schedule Online Special Entertainment
Make sure to check out our special panel on "Family Based Entrepreneurs" where real families will be sharing their stories on how they have created family businesses in various areas including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, sales, and more! Alexander Family The Alexander family has truly diversified in agriculture and land-based business endeavors. Natural eggs, grass-fed poultry, pork, seasonal produce, milk, tractor services, peanuts, and real estate service - the 8 member Alexander family has found plenty of business endeavors to remain busy and productive.Hernandez Family  With 8 kids under the age of 10, Tony Hernandez has plenty to keep him busy in the home. But 8 children isn’t all the Hernandez family keeps busy with each day. As a serial entrepreneur, Tony has worked in construction, sales, printing, and various business and ministry endeavors, all in the context of his own family and vision for the kingdom of God. Courter Family  If you didn’t think backyard manufacturing was possible, you haven’t met the Courter family. Anthony Courter has developed a manufacturing business in his own backyard to a nationally-respected, full scale manufacturing operation in the solar industry. By tediously caring for every detail of the business, involving his family, and leveraging his success to then invest in his community through relationships and mentoring, Anthony Courter and his family have developed a family economy that has equipped them to serve their community and church in many incredible ways. Seppi Family  The Seppi family is an industrious homeschool family that has built a bee and honey business over a multi-state area. Working together, the Seppi family has established a profitable agricultural enterprise which has exposed their family to the many freedoms and opportunities of family-based economics. And we’re just getting started folks! You'll also hear from the Chapa Family, Cheney Family, Miller Family, and more!
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Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Remembering Jonathan Elijah Donahue
It has been one year since the home-going of Jonathan Elijah, the Donahue's precious baby boy. In remembrance of Jonathan's life and the powerful testimony of his parents, their story is being republished.
As the family grieves the loss of Jonathan all over again at this one year mark, I know they would be blessed to know you're praying for them. Words of encouragement can be sent to:
thedonahues7@verizon.net
After waking in the middle of the night, I (Joy) couldn't quickly return to restful sleep as sorrow-filled thoughts evaded my consciousness. As has been the case so often during the past few months, the quietness of the night brings the reminder of a fierce trial that surrounds a close friend.
On Friday, November 13th, I received a call from Joanna. I was excited to hear her voice, knowing that she was probably calling to share the good news of her twenty week, mid-pregnancy ultrasound. The tone of her voice caused me to sit down quickly as I could tell something was wrong. With calmness in her sorrow, she said the ultrasound showed a serious medical condition that would surely take the life of their baby at birth. I listened in disbelief, my mind racing with a flood of possible solutions and ways to avoid the projected outcome. Then I came to the end of my inward fighting against the truth and asked if she could tell me the details once again. This time as I listened with acceptance, my heart felt as if it would break in two. A baby who was growing and kicking like any other healthy baby was going to die? How could it be? Yet the fact remained - their baby had a condition called Anencephaly and would surely die shortly after the birth. There was no cure. No medical intervention would save the life of this much loved baby. Our conversation ended with the question whose answer is usually joyously announced, "Did you find out what it is?" Joanna's voice broke as she said, "It's a boy."
I have never walked beside someone faced with so great a trial or difficult assignment from the Lord. Yet as I have watched Joanna's response to this terribly painful battle, I am convinced there is a saint among us.
Never in my life have I seen a Christian so quickly submit and humble herself under the mighty hand of God. Surely there is much turmoil in Joanna's heart, yet outwardly she has maintained a posture of submission to the Lord's will. Anger, sarcasm, and stubbornness - reactions of many when faced with a trial - are far from Joanna's speech and attitude. Instead, she has relied on God to carry her through her sorrow-filled days and she has come to Him as the loving Father that He is.
At the onset of the trial, Joanna was met with the option of aborting her son, which some might justify in light of the fact that he is destined to die regardless. Yet, she resolved to honor the life God placed in her care by loving her son fully for however many days God gave her to share with him. He was given the name "Jonathan Elijah".
As news spread of Jonathan's condition, she was met with well-meaning friends who, despite the certain fatal outcome, challenged Joanna to either claim a miracle of healing or deny, through faith, the existence of the condition. Both suggestions only serve to further exhaust a soldier who is already overcome by the battle in which they are immersed. Instead of weeping with those who weep, onlookers often add to the burden by assigning an additional challenge that forces the battle-torn soldier to delve into a theological debate defending her beliefs regarding the practice of claiming miracles. Even worse are those who inadvertently challenge the soldier's faith by equating the battle to the supposed lack of belief in the power of God to perform a miracle. Lord, forgive us for doing this to our weary brothers and sisters. In this phase of the battle, Joanna remained steadfast though her heart was wounded.
The next wave of grief would come from those friends who, because they didn't know what to say, said nothing at all about the great sorrow that rested on their friend's shoulders. They didn't realize that in their silence, it was perceived that they didn't care that this dear girl was facing the greatest trial of her life. A simple, "I'm so sorry" would have been sufficient. A card or a quick email reminding her that prayers were being lifted up on her behalf would have have been like drops of water on a dry, parched ground. Yet, Joanna only briefly mentioned the sorrow related to their silence. She quickly turned her focus back to her Lord and did not dwell on the much-needed support from friends.
Joanna has spoken so highly of the care she has received from her midwife, the high-tech medical team, and support from an organization that cares for families whose children have life-limiting illnesses. As much as these people have given her, surely they are the greater recipients to have observed Joanna's God-given strength and grace throughout this trial.
Through a series of meetings and conferences the hospital has been prepared for Jonathan's arrival. Jonathan's toddler sister and four big brothers have all been prepared through twice weekly visits from hospice. Steve, Joanna's husband, has been a rock to which the family has anchored during the storm. God has paved a path of grace and provision for this precious family.
This Tuesday, February 2nd, Joanna will be admitted to the hospital to prepare for Jonathan's birthday. Prayer requests surrounding the details of the birth are many.
May God be glorified as Joanna has so beautifully offered her body as a living sacrifice. May Joanna feel the support of a multitude as they boldly lift her before the throne of grace in this, her hour of greatest need. May we, as fellow sojourners, learn from the example set before us through Joanna's submission in this sorrowful trial. There is a saint among us.
February 2010
Ushered into the Glory of Heaven February 2, 2010 ~ Born February 3, 2010
How completely characteristic of the the Donahue family to have written on the board in their labor and delivery room the goal for the day: "Glorify God and Enjoy Him" - the answer to the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. As a godly couple facing the trial of their lives, it is no surprise that they arrived at the hospital with the catechism's question printed on their minds - "What is the chief end of man?" 
As strong as soldiers headed into battle, Steve and Joanna were the picture of grace and strength during the birth of Jonathan Elijah. God answered their every prayer, though not in ways expected.
Joanna had wanted Jonathan's siblings to meet him but was hesitant, not knowing how best she wanted the children to remember their brother. The Lord sent freezing rain so transporting the children to the hospital by the grandparents wasn't wise. God chose that the siblings would, instead, have beautiful pictures in which to remember Jonathan.
Requests were made that Steve and Joanna would have the grace and strength to love Jonathan completely and say good-bye at the same time. Evidence of greater love has never been witnessed by those who walked beside this family during the labor and birth.
We had prayed that Jonathan's passing would be peaceful and not filled with trauma. He died during the labor tucked safely beneath his mother's heart.
Today, a multitude of friends and family joined together at a snow-covered country church to memorialize Jonathan's life. One of the pastors and close friends who spoke said that Jonathan has done more for the cause of Christ in his short life than that of some Christians who live 80 years. We are forever changed by Jonathan's life. We are forever changed by observing his parents walk triumphantly through this very fierce trial.
Requests for comfort are now the greatest priority as they endure the season of grieving. How does one return to a busy life filled with the joys and challenges of parenthood with one, much-loved child missing? May God carry them close to His heart.
Steve, Joanna, and Jonathan - in your mission "To Glorify God and Enjoy Him," you have been successful. We are forever changed by your testimony.
As the family grieves the loss of Jonathan all over again at this one year mark, I know they would be blessed to know you're praying for them. Words of encouragement can be sent to:
thedonahues7@verizon.net
January 30, 2010
A Saint Among Us
On Friday, November 13th, I received a call from Joanna. I was excited to hear her voice, knowing that she was probably calling to share the good news of her twenty week, mid-pregnancy ultrasound. The tone of her voice caused me to sit down quickly as I could tell something was wrong. With calmness in her sorrow, she said the ultrasound showed a serious medical condition that would surely take the life of their baby at birth. I listened in disbelief, my mind racing with a flood of possible solutions and ways to avoid the projected outcome. Then I came to the end of my inward fighting against the truth and asked if she could tell me the details once again. This time as I listened with acceptance, my heart felt as if it would break in two. A baby who was growing and kicking like any other healthy baby was going to die? How could it be? Yet the fact remained - their baby had a condition called Anencephaly and would surely die shortly after the birth. There was no cure. No medical intervention would save the life of this much loved baby. Our conversation ended with the question whose answer is usually joyously announced, "Did you find out what it is?" Joanna's voice broke as she said, "It's a boy."
I have never walked beside someone faced with so great a trial or difficult assignment from the Lord. Yet as I have watched Joanna's response to this terribly painful battle, I am convinced there is a saint among us.
Never in my life have I seen a Christian so quickly submit and humble herself under the mighty hand of God. Surely there is much turmoil in Joanna's heart, yet outwardly she has maintained a posture of submission to the Lord's will. Anger, sarcasm, and stubbornness - reactions of many when faced with a trial - are far from Joanna's speech and attitude. Instead, she has relied on God to carry her through her sorrow-filled days and she has come to Him as the loving Father that He is.
At the onset of the trial, Joanna was met with the option of aborting her son, which some might justify in light of the fact that he is destined to die regardless. Yet, she resolved to honor the life God placed in her care by loving her son fully for however many days God gave her to share with him. He was given the name "Jonathan Elijah".
As news spread of Jonathan's condition, she was met with well-meaning friends who, despite the certain fatal outcome, challenged Joanna to either claim a miracle of healing or deny, through faith, the existence of the condition. Both suggestions only serve to further exhaust a soldier who is already overcome by the battle in which they are immersed. Instead of weeping with those who weep, onlookers often add to the burden by assigning an additional challenge that forces the battle-torn soldier to delve into a theological debate defending her beliefs regarding the practice of claiming miracles. Even worse are those who inadvertently challenge the soldier's faith by equating the battle to the supposed lack of belief in the power of God to perform a miracle. Lord, forgive us for doing this to our weary brothers and sisters. In this phase of the battle, Joanna remained steadfast though her heart was wounded.
The next wave of grief would come from those friends who, because they didn't know what to say, said nothing at all about the great sorrow that rested on their friend's shoulders. They didn't realize that in their silence, it was perceived that they didn't care that this dear girl was facing the greatest trial of her life. A simple, "I'm so sorry" would have been sufficient. A card or a quick email reminding her that prayers were being lifted up on her behalf would have have been like drops of water on a dry, parched ground. Yet, Joanna only briefly mentioned the sorrow related to their silence. She quickly turned her focus back to her Lord and did not dwell on the much-needed support from friends.
Joanna has spoken so highly of the care she has received from her midwife, the high-tech medical team, and support from an organization that cares for families whose children have life-limiting illnesses. As much as these people have given her, surely they are the greater recipients to have observed Joanna's God-given strength and grace throughout this trial.
Through a series of meetings and conferences the hospital has been prepared for Jonathan's arrival. Jonathan's toddler sister and four big brothers have all been prepared through twice weekly visits from hospice. Steve, Joanna's husband, has been a rock to which the family has anchored during the storm. God has paved a path of grace and provision for this precious family.
This Tuesday, February 2nd, Joanna will be admitted to the hospital to prepare for Jonathan's birthday. Prayer requests surrounding the details of the birth are many.
May God be glorified as Joanna has so beautifully offered her body as a living sacrifice. May Joanna feel the support of a multitude as they boldly lift her before the throne of grace in this, her hour of greatest need. May we, as fellow sojourners, learn from the example set before us through Joanna's submission in this sorrowful trial. There is a saint among us.
February 2010
Jonathan Elijah
How completely characteristic of the the Donahue family to have written on the board in their labor and delivery room the goal for the day: "Glorify God and Enjoy Him" - the answer to the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. As a godly couple facing the trial of their lives, it is no surprise that they arrived at the hospital with the catechism's question printed on their minds - "What is the chief end of man?" As strong as soldiers headed into battle, Steve and Joanna were the picture of grace and strength during the birth of Jonathan Elijah. God answered their every prayer, though not in ways expected.Joanna had wanted Jonathan's siblings to meet him but was hesitant, not knowing how best she wanted the children to remember their brother. The Lord sent freezing rain so transporting the children to the hospital by the grandparents wasn't wise. God chose that the siblings would, instead, have beautiful pictures in which to remember Jonathan.Requests were made that Steve and Joanna would have the grace and strength to love Jonathan completely and say good-bye at the same time. Evidence of greater love has never been witnessed by those who walked beside this family during the labor and birth.We had prayed that Jonathan's passing would be peaceful and not filled with trauma. He died during the labor tucked safely beneath his mother's heart.
Today, a multitude of friends and family joined together at a snow-covered country church to memorialize Jonathan's life. One of the pastors and close friends who spoke said that Jonathan has done more for the cause of Christ in his short life than that of some Christians who live 80 years. We are forever changed by Jonathan's life. We are forever changed by observing his parents walk triumphantly through this very fierce trial.Requests for comfort are now the greatest priority as they endure the season of grieving. How does one return to a busy life filled with the joys and challenges of parenthood with one, much-loved child missing? May God carry them close to His heart.
Steve, Joanna, and Jonathan - in your mission "To Glorify God and Enjoy Him," you have been successful. We are forever changed by your testimony.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Family Economics Conference 2011
We invite you to join our family at this incredible conference on Family Economics in Raleigh, NC, March 11-12th. Last year this event was held in Colorado and sold out quickly with 800 in attendance. We hope to see you there!
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