And, while we're talking about being away... .we want to say thanks to Dad (Lee Phipps) and Uncle Warren for filling in for the Phamily Newsletter while we were away. They both did an awesome job, and we appreciate it so much. Those copies of the Newsletter will be placed in honor in the Phamily Archives along with all other Phamily related things.

Okay everyone, yes we've been away, and yes a lot of living has continued to go on, and things have happened and the rest of the Phamily would like to know about it. So get out your dusty press-badges, and a good sharp pencil, or well-inked pen, and get to it! Write the Phamily Newsletter and tell us what has been going on in our long absence! We've had Phamily Reunions, and we've had weddings, births, (and yes, sadly, deaths), promotions, graduations, and who knows what all else! Fill us in!

We will have many of the regular features that everyone knows and loves, and (we think) some improvements, and new articles and features that we hope you will appreciate and enjoy.

In case any of you did not yet know about it, Vern and Barbara Phipps have been working on the Farm, and have made many improvements on the water system, the roads, and just general improvements on the entire property. We encourage you to take a look if you get the chance. I (Chann) plan on getting up there with my family as soon as I am able to have a look around and see what all has been accomplished. I've been told that the improvements are numerous.

Most of us know the story of the first Thanksgiving -- at least, we know the Pilgrim version. But how many of us know the Indian viewpoint? No, I'm not talking about some revisionist, P.C. version of history. I'm talking about the amazing story of the way God used an Indian named Squanto as a special instrument of His providence.

Historical accounts of Squanto's life vary, but historians believe that around 1608-more than a decade before the Pilgrims landed in the New World-a group of English traders, led by a Captain Hunt, sailed to what is today Plymouth, Massachusetts. When the trusting Wampanoag Indians came out to trade, Hunt took them prisoner, transported them to Spain, and sold them into slavery.

But God had an amazing plan for one of the captured Indians-a boy named Squanto. Squanto was bought by a well-meaning Spanish monk, who treated him well and taught him the Christian faith. Squanto eventually made his way to England and worked in the stable of a man named John Slaney. Slaney sympathized with Squanto's desire to return home, and he promised to put the Indian on the first vessel bound for America.

It wasn't until 1619 - ten years after Squanto was first kidnapped-that a ship was found. Finally, after a decade of exile and heartbreak, Squanto was on his way home. But when he arrived in Massachusetts, more heartbreak awaited him. An epidemic had wiped out Squanto's entire village.

We can only imagine what must have gone through Squanto's mind. Why had God allowed him to return home, against all odds, only to find his loved ones dead? A year later, the answer came. A shipload of English families arrived and settled on the very land once occupied by Squanto's people. Squanto went to meet them, greeting the startled Pilgrims in English. According to the diary of Pilgrim Governor William Bradford, Squanto "became a special instrument sent of God for our good... He showed us how to plant our corn, where to take fish and to procure other commodities ... and was also our pilot to bring us to unknown places for our profit, and never left us till he died." When Squanto lay dying of a fever, Bradford wrote that their Indian friend "desired the Governor to pray for him, that he might go to the Englishmen's God in heaven." Squanto bequeathed his possessions to his English friends "as remembrances of his love."

Who but God could so miraculously weave together the lives of a lonely Indian and a struggling band of Englishmen? It's hard not to make comparisons with the biblical story of Joseph, who was also sold into slavery-and whom God likewise used as a special instrument for good. Squanto's life story is remarkable, and we ought to make sure our children and grandchildren learn about it.

While you're enjoying turkey and pumpkin pie, share with your kids the Indian side of the Thanksgiving story. Tell them about Squanto, the "special instrument sent of God"-who changed the course of American history.

Contributed by Lee Phipps

In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté mushrooms, onion and garlic in 3 tablespoons butter until tender. Stir in flour until thoroughly combined. Gradually add milk; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from the heat; stir in mayonnaise until smooth. Add chicken, rice, celery, peas, pimientos, lemon juice, salt and pepper; mix well. Spoon into an ungreased I 3-in.x 9-in.x 2 in. baking pan/dish. Melt remaining butter; toss with cornflakes. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly. It makes about 8-10 servings.

1/4 cup chopped fresh mushrooms 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 4 cups cubed cooked chicken 3 cups cooked long grain rice 1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained 2 teaspoons lemon juice 3/4th cup coarsely crushed cornflakes 2 garlic cloves, minced 1-1/4 cups milk 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup frozen peas, thawed 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Don't count your age by the years you've known,
But by the friends you've made and the kindness sown,

For life is not measured by the years that you live,
But by the deeds that you do and the joys you give.

THE CANDLE A candle's but a simple thing, it starts with just a bit of string, Yet dipped and dipped with patient hand, it gathers wax upon the strand until, complete and snowy white, it gives at last a lovely light. Life is so like that bit of string, each deed that we do a simple thing, yet day by day if on life's strand, we work with patient heart and hand it gathers joy, makes dark days bright, and gives at last a lovely light. Author Unknown (contributed By Trish Phipps)

Twinkle Twinkle Twinkle, Twinkle little star God has put you where you are So you'd shine your tiny light In the darkness of the night Twinkle, Twinkle little star I'm glad God put you where you are. By Mina Arnold Young more of Cousin Mina's poetry

Charles Young
1668 Salem Rd.
Benton, AR 72015

Hello fellow Stenberg descendants. It was good to see some of the relatives at the Phipps reunion. If you are like I used to be, you may be wondering how we are related, but wouldn't exactly understand the explanation. I will tell you anyway. Chann's grandmother, Dorothy Phipps, was a Stenberg before she married. My grandmother, Marie Arnold, was also a Stenberg and was Dorothy's aunt. OK, I could go on and on, but will stop there. I wouldn't be able to remember that and other countless things that I could say about how we are related without the help of some computer software. However, I need to change the subject before I further bore the two people who are still reading this.

In case you still have no idea who I am, I am probably related to you - especially if you are a descendant of Oliver and Dorothy Phipps. That was the short version of the previous paragraph.

I live near Benton, Arkansas with my wife Glenda, our youngest daughter, Stephanie Hill, and her daughter, Abi. We all did some traveling this year. Stephanie and Abi went to visit our other daughter, Tonya, in Austin, Texas early this year. Then in the summer we all drove to Austin for a visit.

Later in the summer, Dad, Mom, 2 of my brothers, David and Dale, and I drove to South Carolina to visit my sister Joyce Von Fange and her family. You may remember reading a letter from Joyce in a previous edition of the newsletter. Anyway we had a nice visit and got to attend the outdoor play that Joyce and family are involved in. We went to the Friday night play. It was impressive. It is similar to a passion play, and is done in the amphitheater at what used to be the PTL Club.

Chann and I had talked about putting this newsletter on my web page on the internet. I later realized that I can't just put the entire newsletter on the internet, because some people do not want their names or pictures on the internet. I am thinking that I could wait about a month or so to give people a chance to tell me to leave them out of it. I am open to suggestions about how to handle this. I already know of a few people who do not want to be included in the newsletter or family history page on the internet. You do not have to tell me again. If you do not want to be included, you can contact me. chdyoung@gmail.com

If you would like to see my family history and genealogy web page, here is the address; www.aristotle.net/~chyoung/

Besides some family history going back to the mid 1800's, I am also trying to include a little about each person. That is a big job. I welcome any information about you and your family that you would like to send me, and hopefully I will find time to put most of it on the web page. Perhaps one day I will find time to put some recent pictures on there as well.

Well, that is enough news for now. May God bless you and yours.

Charles Young

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Dear Chann and Family,

Bill Swaim has told of finding a cave with a small entrance (on the farm), but when he crawled in where his little dog went in, it opened up where he could stand up inside. This cave is down there on the farm somewhere. I can't believe Bill would spin a yarn about something like that. It sure could have covered over by now with a rock or small slide but I have always felt like it could be found. The place is covered with a lot of thick growth of all kinds but during the time of the year when all of the leaves are fallen off and it isn't as hard to get around-would be a good time to look for the cave.

When it is found it will be a great thing for everyone. It could be a very good tourist attraction and open up a lot of opportunities. Even now if everyone agreed we could have a camp ground for us and the public, and have showers and shelters.

Chann how many Newsletters do you send out? I can't believe we couldn't raise a little $ to get something started down there if everyone that is interested would throw in a little each. HEY! We ain't gettin' any younger! All you old duffers out there! Let's get the ball roll in'! Let's do something! Even if it sounds different than what we are used to hearing! What do you all think? Write to Chann. Let's get some action here!

Love, Uncle Gerald Phipps, Edgerton, WI

Uncle Gerald - Thanks for the great letter. No room to answer everything in this Newsletter, (as you can see I am out of room), but, will try to answer in the upcoming one, which should be out after the 1st of the year sometime.

Chann