Home from our trip: Update

Hey Family and Friends:

We arrived home from our trip to Tennessee and Mississippi this morning about a half hour before the snowstorm began. Praise the Lord! 

We had a wonderful visit with dear family in TN  and found a home that we love in MS. However, halfway through our trip to TN we received news that the buyers for our house in NY pulled out of the contract. We are confident though that our time was not wasted. We had a wonderful visit and thank you to all who made it possible:) You are amazing and such blessings! 

We have more showings coming up on our house. Our agent believes that an offer or two potentially will come soon, but if not, we will hunker down here for the winter and put our home back on the market in the spring. Thank you to everyone for your prayers and just keep praying for us! 

Here are some Bible verses that have encouraged us about waiting on God's perfect timing:

Psalm 33:20 We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.

Psalm 130:5 I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on Him. I have put my hope in His word.

Much love and hugs: The Bengtson 8

Snow Day and Homemade Hot Chocolate!

Looking out the back door at an almost-white winter wonderland!

Some of our back porch...

It is a chilly snow day in NY! After getting home this morning from our road trip, the snow began! The 4 pictures are some shots taken at about 4:00 p.m., only 5 hours into the storm! Snow is expected to continue into tomorrow morning! 

The kids' sleds-almost buried after leaving them for
just a few minutes!!

The tall bush at the right corner of the house...and the field and woods beyond.

What could be better after the children (adults enjoy it too) have come in from their play, wet, cold, and tired, than to serve them hot chocolate-homemade is so much better. Here is the way-too-simple recipe that you should make today!!!

Hot Chocolate

1/2 C sugar (adjust amount to taste)

1/4 C unsweetened cocoa powder

dash salt

1 1/3 C hot water

3 C milk

1 tsp vanilla or mint extract

Instructions:

Throw everything into a pot and heat through on low heat, whisking occasionally. 

That's pretty much it...just serve it up-add cream or milk-and enjoy! 

Hot chocolate heating on the stove...

Ready to serve!

Matthias Carl at 7 months

Captions needed:)

House Update

Hey Family,

On Sunday afternoon we received an offer on our home. We countered; they accepted. The buyers live in Guilderland, NY and have nothing to sell. The closing has been scheduled on or before January 5, 2015. This means that we must find a home in Tennessee or Mississippi. Road trip! Our plan is to leave early Wednesday morning and arrive in TN Thursday afternoon. Friday and Saturday are set up with appointments to see homes with Monday as an extra day. Traveling back Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Thanksgiving with friends on Thursday. 

Today, Tuesday, is a day of preparation and snowman building:)

We would appreciate your prayers for safe travel and to find a home and a church. We will update the blog when we get back home. 

Thank you for your prayers and we wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. 

We love you!

Todd, Margit, Martha, Lars, Eleanor, Ingrid, Bjorn, and Matthias

Ellie's 12th!!

Miss Eleanor turned 12 years old on Friday. We were in Connecticut visiting Bestefar and Bestemor and we were able to celebrate the day before. We are so thankful to have a 12-year-old! 

 Cake made by Martha

 Ellie blew out the candle and Bestefar was shocked about something:)

 Ellie received many wonderful gifts including this lovely blue dress!

 Legwarmers bought by Bestemor for old time's sake. Remember these Tante Katy? 

When we got home Ellie was able to open a package which contained a beautiful Bible case. Thank you Farfar and Farmor!!! 

If you can't read the inscription, it says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

A hymn to encourage you today

Having great hymn writers of the past and present allows us to sing great hymns in the church today. We sang this great hymn this past Sunday and wanted to share it with you all. Anyone who may want to try singing it, it is set to the tune of "Before the Throne of God Above".

You are the Father's pure delight,

In heaven you reign as God and King.

We bow before your power and might,

And of your greatness gladly sing.

We give you praise, all-glorious Lord,

With hearts aglow we now draw near;

O Christ, by all the church adored,

We worship you with godly fear; 

We worship you with godly fear.

Upon the awful cross you died;

How deep your sorrows, who can tell? 

We bless you for the crimson tide

That saves us from the depths of hell.

You rose triumphant from the grave,

And then ascended to the skies!

You ever live above to save,

Our hears with adoration rise;

Our hears with adoration rise.

Throughout our lives we see your grace,

What lovingkindness you have shown.

As we review the past we trace

Your mercies, which we gladly own.

Through sorrows, trials and distress,

Your hand has held us on our way;

We bless you for your faithfulness,

And bring our thanks to you today,

And bring our thanks to you today.

O Lord, our waiting hearts inflame,

To spread abroad your matchless worth;

We long to make your glorious Name

Admired and loved through all the earth.

Then on that day when you appear,

Millions of souls shall then make known

How great you are to them, and dear;

The glory shall be yours alone;

The glory shall be yours alone.

-William G. Hughes