[Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests] Bill Rush

Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests has posted a new item, 'Bill Rush'

Bill Rush had surgery Monday. Surgery was successful and the prognosis is good.
Pray for complete healing and strength. He will begin chemo in the near future.

You may view the latest post at
http://fellowshipsageworks.com/prayer/2010/11/bill-rush/

You received this e-mail because you asked to be notified when new updates are
posted.
Best regards,
FSAdmin
rod@amdesign.com

[Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests] Sondra Thompson

Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests has posted a new item, 'Sondra Thompson'

Sondra had surgery this morning. She is at St Vincent Hospital. Pray for a quick
recovery.

You may view the latest post at
http://fellowshipsageworks.com/prayer/2010/11/sondra-thompson/

You received this e-mail because you asked to be notified when new updates are
posted.
Best regards,
FSAdmin
rod@amdesign.com

Please pray for Elizabeth and Joseph Ray

Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests has posted a new item, 'Urgent Prayer'

Please pray for Elizabeth and Joseph Ray.[ Ben and JoAnne Rush's daughter and Terry and Marian Ray's daughter-in-law] She is pregnant and due date is Dec. 26.
She mustdeliver the baby today, Oct. 28, due to high blood pressure and a leaking umbilical cord. Please pray for a safe delivery and a healthy baby.
You may view the latest post at
http://fellowshipsageworks.com/prayer/2010/10/urgent-prayer/

Community Group Meeting Friday

I'm home from Indianapolis and things went very well. Thanks for your prayers. Now we are off to Big Cedar soooo this will be the last communication until we return. Community Group will be meeting at Suzanne's home on Friday night at 7PM. Thanks, Suzanne. I praise God that we have this opportunity to meet without fear.... time is short and the days are evil. AND I praise God that we can meet with like minded believers that we love and raise our voices to Him in praise, confession, and petition. He is worthy of all of our praise.... and Nothing is too difficult for HIM. See you there!!!!

A poem I came across awhile back should give you something to meditate on for awhile:

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for healthe, that I might do greater things
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things
I asked for riches, that I might be happy
I was given poverty, that I might be wise
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God
I asked far all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things
I got nothing I asked for but everything I had hoped for
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered
I am among men, most richly blessed.

author, unknown

Reminders

I will be leaving town tomorrow to do a workshop in Indianapolis.... please pray!! Also the last I heard Grayson was at home with him mother recovering. Praise the Lord!!! Suzanne, keep us posted, please, and we all need to continue to pray for him.

Also do not forget that Sunday night, the 17th, some of us have committed to bring dessert or cheese plate to the Sunday night Sageworks event. You know who you are. :-) AND we will be meeting for prayer (community group) at 7PM on Friday night, the 22nd at Suzanne's home (thanks, Suzanne). Susan, will you tell Susan Bowden? I will be home only a couple days between now and then.

I still stand in awe at what God has done and is doing around us. I am also completely convinced that our amazing, awesome God is calling us more and more to prayer and praise... and time with Him for direction.... and just plain adoration. He is worthy of all of our time.. all of our praise.

To Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.. to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. AMEN!

Sageworks Sunday night recap

Just a quick recap of last night's Sageworks gathering. Bill P spoke, and it was really good. You might want to listen to it or watch it on the Sageworks website. His title Second Half Roadblocks. Here are the five points but I may not have them all exactly right....
1. We begin drifting in our relationship with God... our sense of God's presence... not like we were when we were first saved.. on fire for Him, etc. The solution... We should pursue conversations that cultivate our relationship with God... talk to Him. Bill is going to put a Gordon MacDonald article on the website about conversations with God.
2. We forget the God vision we had for our lives.. We need to seek a new spiritual mission for our lives... Find where God wants us to be working for Him at this point in time.
3. We stop exercising the convictions that transformed us. When we were first saved all that mattered was Him... we thought Jesus was coming every day. We need to recommit to the priorities that transformed us. Long obedience in the same direction.
4. Not sure I got this right.... but it is about it was about Being aware of our influence on others and look for opportunities to leverage (?) that influence. Example... Caleb... "Others feared but I followed the Lord fully." Sorry.... I must have drifted off... :-) not like #1 drifting though. David Palmer shared his One Day at a time ministry and book, I think... how he spoke at the Women's Prison and told of his life change... they loved it. He was shocked that they wanted to hear from him.
5. We no longer focus on leaving an ultimate contribution (I say "legacy of faith").
We should use our gifts to leave an ultimate contribution.
I thought of the Jim Cymbala message on the fact that the enemy wants to steal our first love... distract us.... fill our lives with other things.... AND he wants to steal our desire to do what God called us to do. So some sounded familiar and again challenged me.

Love you all....

Suzanne's grandson

Well, I am not sure who I talked to about what... so here is a quick synopsis. (Susan, please communicate with Susan Bowden if you can). Grayson McComb was in a bad car accident and is in critical condition at the Regional Medical Center in Memphis, TN. He has internal injuries and possibly head trauma and has had at least one surgery and possibly two surgeries since the accident before midnight on Friday night. His condition is critical. Suzanne is there but we cannot reach her since she doesn't have a cell phone. I did alert Shelby by voice mail and Bill P on the phone. Please pray for Grayson, Olivia (sister), Jennifer (his mom), his dad, Suzanne, and Suzanne's dad, doctors, etc.... and that God would be glorified!.

God is able to accomplish all that concerns Grayson.....NOTHING is too difficult for HIM!!!! Praise His Holy Name!!! Was reading a passage in Romans for my class and it says that Abraham believed God "who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist"... and Abraham "in hope against hope" believed God.. and "with respect to the promises of God He did not waver in unbelief he grew strong in faith giving glory to God....." and so will we!!!! We don't have to understand all that He does or allows. (His ways are above our understanding) ... but we do need to set our minds on who He is.... the God who sees, is All Sufficient.... All Wise.... Holy God .... Jehovah Rapha.... who is LOVE and showed that by sending Jesus to die for us. Focus on Him and pray, pray.... travail in prayer!!
Also.... I read today's Jesus Calling yesterday (ladies)... so appropriate... More info later today... but Pray .... Arise church and pray.... God recovers what is taken.... His ways are perfect and good. Thanks for your words yesterday and your hearts to pray.

Okay.... here is the picture of four of the five who attended the birthday celebration yesterday.... including the two birthday girls (Sherry and Suzanne). Sorry we couldn't wait for you, Susan, but everyone had to leave. Maybe I will photoshop you in. What a great time.... what a great group of women. I love you all.

THEN.... GLORY!!!!!!!! What a night of praise at 2nd Baptist!!!!! Praising.... praising.... the musicians led us in amazing praise to our Awesome God. As Susan said.... Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty... kept going through her head and it kept a big smile on her face. He is LORD and He is HOLY!!!! Jim Cymbala did a great job of reminding us that Satan steals, kills, and destroys.... but Jesus came to give us life abundantly.... and Jesus (God) recovers and restores what the enemy has stolen.. and gives us life abundantly. What does he steal from us. He doesn't steal money or cars or "air bags". He wants to steal our first love. Why? so we will become distracted and mechanical about our religion. He wants to steal from us the calling on our lives... to be intercessors... to be teachers... to do whatever He called us to do... and then weaken the body of Christ. (Boy, Jim Cymbala sure explained that better than I did.) Letting the enemy steal from us only makes the body of Christ weaker... and there are so many other things that he steals....

The solution.... Resist the devil and He will flee from you. Arise in the name of Jesus and get back to your First Love.... take hold of the calling that He called you to.... and whatever He is stealing from those you love... Pray.. Pray... Pray for them with faith and fervor... boldly coming to the throne of grace and travailing for them until Christ is formed in them.... or until God heals, brings abundant life.... brings them a place of holiness.... releases them from sin.... etc..

Okay..... that is a reminder. Anyone who was there can add to this as I am sure I didn't do it justice. BUT GLORY TO HIS NAME..... WE HAD CHURCH LAST NIGHT!!!!! :-)

Nicholas

Just so you know. Nicholas had a good day in court. He received 1 year probation which I think means that he will meet with a probation officer for a year. He will have to take an anger management class and some kind of alcohol program or class. Please continue to pray for him. He is doing an online class (or classes) from Pulaski Tech. And he is going to actual classes there, too. That is a huge praise.

I heard from a little birdie that Jeremy had a good day at school yesterday..... Sherry will be writing about that.... but couldn't wait to say... PRAISE THE LORD!!!!! Let's keep holding him up to the Lord.

Birthday Bash

Well, I just have to tell you.... WE LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!! What a great group!!!! I came away from our time together blessed and energized for Him. (we are to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.. and you did) The time of sharing, prayer, and just plain laughter reminded me that He is really growing us into true "Community" relationship. As Donna said the other day, "And we all really like each other." Praise His Name!!!

Birthday Bash was a good name for our time together... and the cake. It looked like it had taken a hit (or a bash).... but it did taste good and gave us a good laugh. Three of the four September Birthday celebrants were able to come. We will catch Sherry later (maybe lunch with the girls???). Jim, Susan (we loved that you could come), and Dan were celebrated. Here they are below AND the cake. Still makes me smile.

The next community group meeting will be on Sept 24th. If anyone would like to host it, please let me know. We will go back to meeting at 7PM since we have decided not to do the Stewardship course as a group. Suzanne, more info on that later. We sure have missed you.

Another important date to mark on your calendar is Jim Cymbala's meeting Sept 30th at 7PM at 2nd Baptist Church. More info coming.

Also don't forget the memorial service for David Ludvigson next Wednesday at 2PM at Bible Church. David's exit from this earth was also his glorious entry into the presence of the Lord. Praise the Lord!! Pray for Dan's preparation for the eulogy that he will give and his presentation of it.... and for his brother, Tim, as he sings at the service. Also pray for the healing of the estranged relationship between Dorothy and Deb, Tim's wife.... may God do a miracle during this difficult time.

May the reality of His Presence and His purposes for your life cause you to focus on Him every minute and every second this week.... and cause you to live in His joy.

Dave Ludvigson's Memorial service

I would first of all like to thank each and everyone of you for your prayers during this time. With mother's hearing loss all communication has had to come through me. Dave went peacefully to be with his Savior on Saturday, September 4th at 5:30 am. Shortly after the call from the nursing home, I was able to be at his side and was able to have a "good bye and will be seeing you later" moment. During this time mother sat down at the computer and wrote out Dave's obituary and I was able to get it to the funeral home in time to get it in Sunday's paper. I thought I had told her it would be in the Sunday paper, but when she did her usual reading of obits she was shocked to see Dave's.

Yesterday, I was able to get a hold of the pastor that we would like to officiate at the memorial service and get the process of getting this event put together.

We have made plans for the service to take place next Wednesday, September 15th at 2 pm. at the Bible Church of Little Rock, located just accross from the Little Rock Christian Academy on Cantrell.

My brother Tim will be coming up and will sing at the memorial

I am in the process of getting a Eulogy written. Please, pray that I will have the courage to present it. The way it is coming out a stranger would not get the full unspoken message I pray this will be presenting. Pray for Gretchen, Dave's daughter, that she will be able to take some of the rough points in David's life that will need to be spoken as I wish to present the matchless grace of Jesus that was demonstrated in his life. I will be having a DVD made of the service for her. She will not be able to make it down here.

The one miracle that I pray God will allow to come to pass will be able to see my mother and Debbie, Tim's wife, reconcile. Most, if not all the problem in this relationship falls on Debbie. They will be staying with us for a day or two. That's all that Debbie can take.

Unless lightning should strike me, I plan on seeing you'll this Friday.

Take care,
Dan

Community Group Meeting

Ahhhhhh cool weather and the beginning of regular meetings of our Community Group.... standing in the GAP and gathering to pray and praise Him.

As you know the church has suggested that the community groups do a DVD series on Stewardship. There will be messages (from the teaching elders) about that subject starting on Sunday, Sept 12th. We are going to begin the DVD series with the intro DVD on Friday, September 10th at the city Smiths (that would be Jim and Linda's house). We have decided to start the meeting at 6:30PM so that we can begin the DVD by 6:40 or 6:45. That will give us time to visit a short time about it and then go to prayer time, which could include prayer on what we have just seen on the DVD. Side note: There is a book available at the bookstore for $10 that goes along with this study. It has blanks to fill in the info that we get during the DVD and more info pertaining to our finances... worksheets, etc.

Now... if that is not enough to excite you about coming on that Friday night.... we will be celebrating two birthday boys... Jim and Dan. So you all come!!!! AND could you please let me know if you will be able to attend. Thanks!!!!

Community Group

Just a reminder. We have the amazing privilege to assemble for prayer this Friday night at the Brown's home... thanks, Jim and Susan. .... a time to praise Him for Who He is.... for all He is doing and has done.... to bring our requests to the throne of grace as we are directed by His Spirit.... and to rejoice together as a family... the family of God. Please let Susan and Jim know if you can't make it.

A scripture God reminded me of today... Exodus 15:11 Who is like You among the gods, O LORD? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders?? My answer..... There is NONE LIKE YOU, O LORD!!!!!

Update and Community Group meeting

Update of Suzanne's brother, Jerry, with cancer of the bladder.... "Jerry saw his doctor on Friday and he got as good a report as he could get under the circumstances. It is a low-grade carcinoma and the doc thinks he got it all. He will be followed every three months and will have chemo and radiation if it returns." Please keep praying and also for his salvation... the ultimate healing!!!!

AND... Community Group will meet on Friday, August 27th at the Browns home (thank you so much). We will meet at 7PM. Please let me know if you will be able to attend. We have much to give Him praise for and much to lift to the throne of grace... for help in time of need...

He is worthy of praise.... all of our praise.

Suzanne's brother

Please pray for Suzanne's younger brother that lives in Floriday. He has been diagnosed with cancer of the bladder and will have surgery on Tuesday to remove the tumor. Suzanne does not believe that he is saved so please make that part of your prayers for his healing.... physical and spiritual healing. And that it all will bring glory and honor to His name!!! Side note.... they are not telling Suzanne's dad about his son's cancer so be careful when you talk to her at church.

Community Group Meeting

Well, praise the Lord, Kase is doing well after surgery to remove the benign fibrous tumor from right above his clavicle. Thanks so much for your prayers.
Don't forget to continue to pray for Dorothy Ludvigson. She is having some dizziness and nausea which may indicate painless migraines. And, of course, pray for her hearing problems.
AND lift up Jeremy as he teaches!!!!

I just want to remind you that there is a kick-off for Sageworks on August 15th at the Warehouse from 6PM to 7:30PM. Jim and I will not be in town so take good notes to share with us. Joshua will be baptized that day in Mississippi.

Now.... am looking at Aug 20th or 27th for our next Com group meeting. Please let me know if you have a preference between the two dates.

We love and appreciate you all.

Kase

Kase is out of surgery and got a good report----fibrous cyst. They will still send the tissue sample off for verification. Thanks so much for your prayers.

Couple prayer requests

Not sure who I told what so here goes. Not sure if I told you but Kase committed his life to Christ a week or more ago. Then last week Kristin noticed a lump on his collarbone. The doctor xrayed it... inconclusive. So Monday he had an MRI.... inconclusive. So on Tuesday he will have the lump removed and find out what it is. Please pray for him. He is a little nervous about the procedure... will be put to sleep. We are a little nervous about what it is.... hmmm!!!! Glad that we rest in HIM.

Also Kristin had an MRI for her back at least three weeks ago, and they found that she has severe arthritis, but no new ruptured disc. Glory!!!! PT is supposed to help it. BUT they also found a cyst on her kidney but they could not see all of it(whatever that means) so she needs a untrasound to determine if that is all it is..... but has put it off to take care of life as the mom of 8 kids... I won't go into what that all entails but you can only imagine. Who plans to do that when school starts.

Thanks for praying..

Just a quick update

Just a quick update. Donna sent me a text that Ernie's computer part came in by 10:30AM Sat morning and then they were off to the BEACH!!!!! God is so good.

GLORY TO GOD!!!!

Yes, it is me AGAIN!!!!

Okay.... God is soooo good to answer our prayers. Suzanne received a call Sunday that Nick indeed was at Harbor House in Ft. Smith to Detox after he had told her he was NOT going to go there but do it on his own!!!!! They told her they would keep him until he was off alcohol and prescription drugs. This in itself is a huge prayer because they had told Suzanne earlier that they could not keep him but would let him detox there. ALSO he got his old job back at the car dealership!!!!!! Suzanne is not sure how that all happened or who intervened for him but God was surely in it. One thing that is different this time is that for the first time, Nick has said that he does not want to end up on the street.... (that is not the wording that he used I am sure but Suzanne will clear it up on Friday night....) this is the first time that Nick has ever said that he wanted to change.... So continue to pray for him in his detox AND that he come to know the LORD in it all. God is sooooo good. He is worthy of all of our praise.

Jeremy

Some of you may have a more recent update, but Sherry called after first service to say that Jeremy had a very painful and stiff neck... (sorry I am late getting this to you) He was to have Open House this afternoon at 3PM and of course, starts with his students tomorrow. Last I heard they were giving him meds and might go to a clinic for more help and to the chiropractor at 6:30 tonight. If you have more info please put it on this blog.

Please pray diligently for him!!!!!! That God would relax that stiffness and make it possible for him to be in class tomorrow....

Thanks to the Peters for all their help with Jeremy's room. They were not able to even get in it to move desks, etc until 4:30PM yesterday. But God knows and will accomplish all that concerns Jeremy. Praise His Name!!!

Today was mother's doctor appointment with the "hip" doctor. Mother dodged a bullet. The doctor was amazed that Mother is not in extreme pain seeing she broke the ball of her left hip joint. The x-ray he took showed the break in a little better detail than the one taken at Baptist ER on 06/23/10, but the doctor did not excuse the ER doctor for missing the break. He is giving mother 2 weeks to drastically improve in the healing process, which means her pain levels must greatly decrease in order to convince the doctor that blood is getting to the broken portion of the ball joint and that, in fact, healing is taking place. If not, hip joint replacement is in her future.

Please, prayer that it is God's will for mother to bypass this painful cup and will heal under her own body's strength.

Thank you.

Dan

Glory to God and let's pray

FIRST!!!! Cecilia had her routine 6 month MRI... it always is a little scary for her (and us). BUT God in His mercy gave her a clear MRI and the doctor said that she does not need to come back for ONE YEAR!!!!! (sorry I shouted)

Now.... some things to keep in mind to pray for.. Oh, forgot.... do you believe that prayer changes things... because God changes things... okay, then let's pray without ceasing... okay??
THE USA..... beginning with revival and repentance in our own hearts.
North Korea... one of the worst offenders in the persecution of believers.
Dorothy Ludvigson.... Appointment with a surgeon for her hip
Mark Brown..... still about the same... needs our prayers.
Jeremy Smith.... God is able to accomplish all that concerns Him.
Nick Patton.... supposed to be going to detox today.. please God... meet with him in this place and reveal yourself to Him.
Jennifer (Suzanne's daughter) needs a JOB... and wisdom in other things... She has an interview coming up.
Nicholas Patton... signed up for some classes... some online... Also has lost his lawyer since he cannot pay him... pray that He will see the LORD in all this and fall in love with Him.
David Ludvigson.... and DAN... (we are blessed by the testimony of Jesus in you through all that is going on in your life.
Betsy Parkinson.. continues healing and recovery
And on and on.
Love you all..... there are so many more requests..... God will show us all who and what to hold up to Him

I could say something about Linda's last entry but I won't. I will just pray for her and Jim.

Hello everyone,

First of all, thank you for all your prayers. The saga goes on.

The doctor at the Baptist ER did not ready the x-ray correctly. Mother did break her left hip bone, the ball part of the joint. We found out on Monday, 07/12/10. It was a hair line fracture that would normally not need any surgery, but because mother has osteoprosis, she will probably have to have a pin placed in the hip bone for reenforcment. That will be confirmed by a "hip" doctor she will be seeing this Friday, 07/16/10. It is my prayer that she will be able to get up and around within a day or so of the surgery.

Please, prayer that I will have the strength and endurance to take care of her and patience and endurance for Mother. This has really made my mother feel her age and she is not enjoying being suddenly jerked from feeling like a 19 year old. She is also depressed over Dave conditon

David's condition is one of a weaker state. He lost his appetite last month and only through drugs is he just begining to eat properly again. This has helped him get his diabetes in better control. Opps!!!! just got a call from Pleasant Valley Living Center. His blood sugar is at 408. He is a brittle diabetic and there is no rhyme or reason for this large flucuations in his blood sugar levels. He sleeps most of the time now.

Thank you for your ear,

Take care,
Dan

Community Group

Yikes.... Jim said I was time traveling and came home a week early.... Community Group is NEXT week.... the 23rd. I am soooo sorry if I caused Suzanne heart palpatations and any of you confusion. My mistake!!!!!!!! Thanks for your patience.

Community Group Meeting and other info

Well, just wanted to remind you that Community Group will meet this Friday at Suzanne Patton's home (thanks, Suzanne). It will be great to be together and catch up on things AND PRAY together. Lots to pray and praise about. Please let Suzanne know if you will NOT be able to come on Friday..

I was with someone today that is close to Betsy Parkinson. She said that the surgery on the bones in her face was really confined to one area to the side of her eye because all the other bones were in place and just need to heal and fuse together. Can I hear an "AMEN!!"... or a "GLORY TO GOD!!""?? All of her injuries have been repaired and now she is going home to recover. We serve a good and amazing God. She did lose her sight in the affected eye. Since that wasn't on caringbridge (or I didn't see it... but I have been gone) so let's just keep that to ourselves.

Betsy Parkinson

Betsy has reconstructive surgery on her eye socket at or around noon today July 9th. Remember her in prayer around this time. Sounds like God is working as she is continually improving. Praise Him and keep holding her up in prayer.

Jeremy and His New Job

via Suzanne, Linda has asked that we continue to remember Jeremy Smith as he has begun his new job as a teacher with the Urban Collegiate Public Charter School. He started Tuesday and needs prayer that he may be able to adapt to the job demands and be able to deal well with the stress. Please hold him up to the Lord that God may strengthen and encourage him and give him peace! Thanks.

Community Group

We will meet at Suzanne Patton's home on Friday night July 23rd for prayer.... Glory to God!!! And Thanks to Suzanne. Glad to have that settled before I leave tomorrow.

Happy Fourth of July and other stuff

Well, Happy Fourth of July!!!!! Praying that you are enjoying your day!!!

Since I will be gone for a week (leaving tomorrow AM), I thought I communicate one more time.

#1 Anne and Bill were at church today with an update on Betsy which you can also find on Caringbridge. She also mentioned that Betsy has no memory at this point of the accident or the ventilator, etc. (which she is not on any longer) God be praised... there are some things that are good to be forgotten. The doctors and nurses are amazed at her recovery to this point, and the Christian doctors acknowledge that it is due to prayers to our amazing God.... the others are probably just shaking their heads. Betsy is in a lot of pain, and she will be for a while, and there are more surgeries ahead. So please continue to pray for them all.

#2 Community Group will probably be on July 23rd. If anyone would like to have it at their house please communicate with me.... or better yet with Jim.

Love you all....

Next Community Group meeting

I will be out of town next week but wondered how July 23 looks or the 30th.... just checking in to see if either is a possibility.

UPDATES

Whoa.... lots to pray about and to give praise for.

#1 Jeremy was offered and accepted the job at the new magnate school!!!!!! PLEASE continue to pray for him as he works toward what he believes God has set before him. Amazing God!!!!

#2 Dorothy is improving and was able to stay by herself this morning. Continue to pray for her complete and speedy recovery. She is still in pain and tires easily.

#3 Jim and I were able to go to the prayer time for Betsy Parkinson at UAMS this morning. It was a wonderful time of prayer and praise in word and song... such an encouragment in so many ways. Betsy has improved and is responding to commands. She is not speaking because she is intubated and is still receiving pain meds although they have reduced them. They were able to remove a probe in her head that measured the pressure in the cranium... because her pressure remained stable... such a praise!!! Most of the info is on the caringbridge site that I sent to you yesterday. PLEASE continue to cry out to God for her!!!!

Dan and family update

Dan's mom is a little more limber today but still in a lot of pain. BUT during last evening David was taken to the hospital for his diabetes again. soooooo Dan is off to the hospital today to see him. Please pray for Dan and them all. He really sounds tired.... really tired...

Dan's Mom

Dan called last night and his Mom is still in the hospital. She has had or is having small strokes, and this could be related to her hearing loss. They are still running more tests. Dan requested that we keep prevailing in prayer, that the testing reveals conclusive results and that she recover her hearing and be restored to health.
Also, remember his brother and Mel. And Dan.

Mother in hospital

You never know what is going to happen when you wake up in the morning and everything is normal, off to work and just get that second cup of coffee down and feeling like you just might make it through the day. when along comes a phone call from your mother saying she had to crawl to the phone to get me and is bearly able to speak because she is so dizzy and overcome with nauzia(sp?) and wants some help NOW. I calmly get a hold of a neighbor down the way to see in on her before I get there. But before I could get home I receive a call from the neighbor saying my mother looks like she needs to see help quickly. I had him call 911. I was less than five minutes from home. EMTs and MEMS arrived quickly and before you knew it she was off to the hospital. After all the blood work, CT scan, chest Xray, the doctor felt mother could stand to be observed for 24 hours. He just wasn't comfortable with her going home not knowing what caused this vertigo attack, and with the possiblity of having another attack. She was her old self when I left the ER 4 hours after this all began. Yes, Shirley, she was ok with me going back to work. I get to smuggle some of her food into her room this evening. can't live without those prunes and bran muffins.

Please, pray that the ear specialist she was to see this monday will be able to see her tomorrow at the latest. We needs to know what is wrong with her.

Pray for the doctors, you know how my mother can be.

Pray that she will not get an infection of some kind. She told the doctor not to let the hospital give her some bug.

Thank you for all your prayers.

Trusting in the Lord

Psalms 56:3,4

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?



The Enemy wants to put fear in us. Especially when we have no power over the circumstances. I write this to preface the news I have about mother. Last Friday she began to lose her hearing again and by Sunday she was bearly able to hear herself. Her sinus' are all plugged up and she is quite miserable. My prayer is that this is just a hiccup in her recover and the doctor will be able to clear this up and that the ear virus will be completely cleared up. Thus giving my Mother's hearing back to her.

Please pray the following:
1. That my mother will not let fear overpower her
2. We will be able to get her quickly back to the doctor
3. That the doctor will know what to do and be able to treat this virus
quickly and correctly
4. That the hearing loss would be temporary
5. That I would be an encouragement to her

Thank you.

Budapest, Hungary

from Suzanne

From: Patton
To: Linda Smith
Sent: Monday, May 24, 2010 11:39 AM
Subject: Fw: Fw: Budapest, Hungary Let's all dance.---BE SURE TO CHECK THIS OUT
Please post on the blog for me.
Wow! Makes my heart shout!
Notice how clean-cut these young people are. They carry quite a message.
watch this: it is in Budapest, Hungary. . . a celebration on Resurrection Sunday - so awesome!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5dSIL358NM

Community Group Spring EAT Revisited

This is just a recap of Friday nights Spring EAT!!! And EAT we did!!!!! This recap is also proof positive that Prayer Warriors do have FUN!!!! Happy Birthday to Susan Brown.... , yes, she is the one with the carrot in her mouth!!!

Thanks to you all for bringing such yummy food AND to the Country Smiths for returning and making our time so very special. Jim and I love you all and are grateful that you love to go to the throne room to praise His Holy Name and to ask for grace to help in time of need.... all made possible by the blood of Jesus. To Him be the glory!!!!

YOU ARE LOVED!!!

Community Group Spring EAT!!!!!

I just got back from watching some cute little boys, and although I am tired.... I am very blessed to have gotten to be with them. Adorable!!!!

NOW... The GAP Community Group Spring EAT will be at our home this Friday evening at 6PM. You all are so good to bring the food... We will provide the drinks, maybe an appetizer, a place to sit yourself down to eat, and a big smile of welcome. How's that!!!! God is good!!! Ya'll come!!! Please let me know if you will be able to be here (or not) so I can get the table set with the right number of places and to make sure I can fill in the food gaps if you are not able to come. Here is what I think you said you would bring.
Jim and Susan - BBQ chicken and baked beans
Donna and Ernie - scalloped potatoes, bread, and cole slaw. (yikes.... can I do some of that for you?)
Suzanne - dessert
I am hungry already!!!!
Also remember that we will be gone tomorrow until Thursday but you can reach me by cell phone. 501-425-1482.

Community Group Meeting

Greetings!!!! My family is in town and we are having a great time, but it keeps me out of the loop a little. So I am taking this chance to communicate.

Community Group meets this Friday at 7PM at Donna and Ernie's home. Please let me or the Peters know if you are NOT able to come. Also, Susan, can you call Susan Bowden to remind her? Thanks!!!

I will be sending you another country to pray for today. Please try to keep them in your prayers this week. Also I thought that we would pray for one of the (intern) pastors each week. I am beginning with Erid Mason and his wife, Yvette (I think). They were the first to visit our community group and planted a church in Philadelphia. He was one of the men on the panel... second from the left if you weren't here when they came to our group. What a blessing to hear all that God is doing all over the country and the world.

We love you and praise God for you.

Community Group

Community Group will meet on Friday night at 7PM Suzanne Patton's home. Thanks, Suzanne. We have much to pray about and even more to praise Him for..... He is worthy of all of our lives and all of our praise. Glory to His name!

Please, please let her know if you are NOT able to come. Thanks so much.

Community Group update

Thanks to Jim and Susan for a great night of prayer at their home and great conversation about scripture after the prayer. What a great night!

Here are some of the things we prayed about and can continue to pray about.

Marriage 911
Susan Bowden will be moving this coming weekend. Pray for an easy move and transition.
Ginnie (Linda's sister).. whose house was broken into for the second time.
Jan Priddy and her family at the homegoing of their grandson who was a medic in Afghanistan.
Judy McClendon.... family issues
Jeremy, Jerry, and Sherry... strength... continued healing for Jeremy
Linda... this week's challenges and opportunities to lead classes at two churches in two days from two different books... James and Jonah.
Praise for Mel and David.... things coming along.
Strength for Dan and Dorothy .... and healing for Dorothy's right leg and hip
Praise that Jim Brown's deal came through at work.
Prayer that Jim and Susan can sell three houses this month.
Praise that Mike Brown is beginning to "enter the real world".... realizing that he needs to work, etc.
Praise for Suzanne's trip and her sharing that spurred prayer and conversation.
China, Columbia, Nigeria, etc.
The church
Our Community Group... that we would be the group that God means us to be in fellowship and worship and prayer and service to Him.

Love you all..... may God richly bless you this week.

Community Group Meeting.... change of Venu

Community Group meets this Friday at 7PM.... but the change is that we will be meeting at Jim and Susan's home instead of Suzanne's. The Browns want to share the view of their beautiful dogwoods with everyone. So we hope to see you at the Browns on Friday night.

Another highlight of Friday night will be that Suzanne is back from Ghana and has some wonderful stories and insights to share from her time there. I promise that what she shares will bless you and challenge your walk. See you Friday night.

Please communicate with Jim and Susan if you will not be able to attend.

Blessed Easter

Blessed Easter!!!! He is Risen.... He is Risen Indeed!!!! Tomorrow we celebrate the reality that Jesus not only died for our sins, but rose that we might live in newness of life .... abundantly and for eternity. He is worthy of praise, .... all of our praise!!! He is worthy of all of our lives, which He paid for with His precious blood!!!! Easter is not just a one time a year celebration. It is a day by day, moment by moment reality that we celebrate continuously with our lives. Let's live purposely and thankfully every moment until He returns. To Him be the glory in the church forever!!!!

Prayer Thought from Family Research Council

Dear Praying Friends,

After the Boston Tea Party, King George closed Boston Harbor on March 7, 1774 in a deliberate effort to destroy the colony's economy. William Prescott wrote, "If we submit to these regulations, all is gone... Our forefathers...spent their blood and treasure that they might enjoy their liberties, both civil and religious, and transmit them to their posterity... if we should give them up; can our children rise up and call us blessed?"

Upon hearing of Boston's crisis, Thomas Jefferson led the Virginia House of Burgesses (on May 24, 1774) to proclaim "a Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, devoutly to implore the Divine interposition, for averting the heavy calamity which threatens destruction to our civil rights." Lord Dunmore, Virginia's Royal Governor, was so upset by the Proclamation that he dissolved the House of Burgesses. The members regrouped in nearby Raleigh Tavern to make plans for a Continental Congress, which in 1776 declared American independence (American Minute, Bill Federer, March 7, abridged).

We need this same formula now: dependence upon God, humility, fasting, prayer, and sacrificial, lawful resistance against all ungodliness and tyranny. As in the founding era, God wants us to meet His requirements so He can do what only He can to heal our land and preserve our liberty for our children.

Linda's Request for Prayer for China this week 3-29-10

Just a quick note with a prayer focus for this week.... found it in Operation World website and will be sending you one as often as they change it. It definitely helps me keep the persecuted church in front of me and puts a lot of things in perspective.

Linda
Pray For…
China
Stats
Population - 1,338,612,968
Percentage of Evangelicals - 6%
Total Number of People Groups - 462
Number of Unreached People Groups - 388
Language Spoken - Mandarin, Cantonese, Shanghainese
Major Religion - Daoist (Taoist), Buddhist, Christian, Muslim
Human Development Rank - 92
Persecution Index - 13

China is one of the oldest civilizations and for centuries one of the most advanced. Until the 19th century, China was advancing quicker in science and arts than most other countries. However, the 19th and 20th centuries were plagued with civil unrest, famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation. These events led to upheaval of the emperor in China and the eventual establishment of a communist state in 1949. Under the leadership of Mao Zedong, China instated what is widely known as the Cultural Revolution where all threats to the state were highly restricted or even banned including news media, religion, and even forms of education. Christian missionaries were kicked out, churches were deemed illegal, and believers were forced to worship the Lord in secret. Believer who were caught by authorities were beaten, imprisoned, and at times sent to "re-education camps". In the last few decades, such restrictions have become more relaxed. However, persecution still remains for believers who are a part of unregistered churches (a.k.a. house churches). In addition, some believers who are a part of the ethnic minority face persecution from their family and culture. It is said that there are more Christians in prison or under detention in China than in any other country. So even though China has experienced new freedoms, many Chinese Christians still endure persecution.
Pray for those who have been imprisoned and persecuted for their faith.
Pray for the church in China to be further established in the Scriptures.
Pray for the 259 people groups who do not have a gospel witness among them.
Ask the Lord to work in the hearts of the government leaders and draw them to Himself.
It is illegal to work in China as a Christian missionary. Pray for missionaries in China to be able to remain there while they spread the gospel and strengthen the church.

Prayers and praises

Well, whatever malady I (Linda) had on Friday was gone on Saturday. Praise His Name!!! Sorry about cancelling Friday night but I was a mess all day Friday and then Sat AM.... I woke up feeling fine. Maybe it was allergies. :-)

Jeremy had his wisdom teeth removed on Tuesday of last week and is doing better now. I say, now, because besides it being painful, on Wednesday he had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic they gave him after the extraction. It gave them a pretty big scare since it caused him to lose his equilibrium and messed up his speech, etc. until it was out of his system. Praise God He is doing well now.

Jim Brown is close to closing a deal at work!!!! Thanks for the prayers for him and keep praying. AND he sold another house at Grace Subdivision.... that is #6. He did say that Ernie needed to keep praying because there was still no profit.... Hear that, Ernie!!!

Continue to pray for Suzanne in Ghana. She will be home Friday, April 2nd, and will be having Com Group at her house on the 9th so I am sure we will get a full report.

We love and appreciate you all.

Tonights Community Group

Sorry, we are going to have to cancel tonights Community Group meeting at our home. Linda woke up with major congestion and sneezing and didn't think you would like to share in this experience with her. What we initially thought were allergies in Jim seem to be something contagious. Lots of sneezing, coughing, and nose blowing..... just a minor light affliction.
Please let us know as soon as possible that you have received this message. Thanks and we will see you in two weeks, Friday April 9th, at Suzanne's home. Keep praying for her Ghana mission work.

Community Group

We are still going to meet for community group tomorrow night at the City Smith's home. Jim has been bothered by allergies and gets pretty tired by night, but is ready to persevere in prayer. Ah, Arkansas flowering trees... beautiful but full of pollen. We will try to make it a shorter evening unless God has a different plan. So see you at 7PM and we will begin shortly after with prayer and then ..... goodies.

Praising God today for so many things that He is doing and just for who He is. Praise His Name!!!! See you tomorrow night. If you CANNOT come please let me know as soon as possible. Thanks,
Linda

Suzanne and Africa and Marriage 911 Alert

Suzanne left for Africa today.... please pray for her. Her dad has a little issue that came up Thursday with his potassium being high. He is on a diuretic so should be fine, but it was a last minute thing to think about for her.

I am meeting with my Marriage 911 person today for the first time. Please pray for me and for her as we begin. That she would begin her walk toward healing for her marriage because He is able to heal and restore.

How is Felicia doing??? Praying for her...
Peyton off to Washington, DC for a week of leadership training. Kelly and Cecilia (and Avery) are going with her to DC but will leave her with the conference people today and not see her until Thursday. Pray that she does well. She doesn't know anyone she will be with, but it is an excellent program that she was invited to attend.

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the heights!!! praise Him all His angels: all His hosts: sun and moon and all stars of light. Praise Him in the highest heavens and the waters that are above the heavens!!!!..... and us, too!!!!!

Community Group Update and more

I am so sorry that I am late getting this update on the blog.... but here are some of the things we prayed about and a few new prayer requests for your prayer lists.

First, it was a great time of prayer at the Brown's home (thank you very much), and here is a partial list...

Suzanne Patton - Africa (Ghana) trip march 19 - April 2.
Marriage 911 - every Tuesday night 6:30-9PM
Felicia off to the Ski trip... safety and fun and spiritual growth.. plus good relationship with her teacher who is also her chaperone.
Susan Bowden - moving April 17th.... blood work, March 25th.
Sageworks
Praise about David getting on Medicaid.
Dan - bronchitis
Susan and Jim Brown - for Jim .. success in workplace and in Grace subdivision
Jerry, Jim's friend, - prostate check
Nicholas court date end of May
Church
Erik Daniel Dukes, our grandson, has hernia surgery tomorrow AM
Jennifer, Suzanne's daughter, prayer for her job

If you missed Sunday night you might want to go to the Fellowship website to view Bill Parkinson's presentation. It was very good and helped explain in more detail the things that Robert presented the first night. He put some flesh on the bones.... and there will be more to com when it is launched in the fall.

CG Meeting Friday Night

Don't forget CG Meeting Friday night March 12th at 7:00 PM at the Browns. Let them know if you can't make it. Linda will call Susan Bowden and get the word to her. Hope to see everyone there.

Pray for Jeffrey Dean's mesage

Friday, March 5, 2010 Jeffrey Dean will be featured on The 700 Club during the CBN News segment with Pat Robertson. Jeffrey will be discussing teen culture in this interview which will also feature Dr. Joe Mcllhaney, the founder and chairman of The Medical Institute.


The 700 Club airs live this Friday in most markets at 10 CST / 11 EST on ABC Family. (Check local listings for exact times and stations in your area.) You can also view this feature at http://www.cbnnews.com/.

Community Group summary and info

Thanks to Donna and Ernie for a great night of prayer and fellowship. We came home refreshed in the Lord and pray that you did also. Please keep the prayer requests going up to the Lord with whom nothing is impossible. Praise His Name!!!

Nicholas, Suzanne, and Nick; Dan, Dorothy, Mel and David; Shawn Hufnagel's plan to go to Landscape Architect School... wisdom and direction; Felicia's ski trip coming up; Mike Brown; Jeremy, Sherry, Jerry (adding praise for all that He has done); Com Group hearing God on how we each are to serve; the country, the church... 501 ministry... Marriage 911.... Sageworks meetings and going forward; Suzanne's dad, Jerry Fuess; Susan Bowden's fall (hurting knees), etc. Meet you at the throne for praise and for grace to help in time of need.

Here is the schedule of coming attractions (meeting times).... at least two of these will be "eats" so stay tuned. This is when and where we will be meeting... God willing!

March 12... Susan and Jim Brown
March 26... Linda and Jim Smith
April 9.. Suzanne Patton
April 23.. Susan and Jim Brown
May 7... Donna and Ernie Peters
May 21 Linda and Jim Smith... this will be an EAT for sure.

We will hope to see you all at 6PM at the Warehouse for Sageworks meeting on Sunday night. Robert will be speaking. Mike Hufnagel told us that those who saw a preview of his talk and slides said it will be FANTASTIC!!!! God be praised. See you there.

Update Nicholas

Suzanne said that this morning was not what she expected. They found that they were not actually on the docket and that some of the charges had not even been looked at..... like traffic tickets to be paid, etc. I will try to explain more on Friday night. Soooo they have a new court date which is the end of May. Although Suzanne was not completely clear about that charge, she said that it had to do with Nicholas being drunk and being hostile to an officer. so Please continue to pray for Nicholas.. that God would keep him from more trouble until then.... that Nicholas would really "get" how much God loves Him and how He sent Jesus to die for Him..... that God would intervene in his life by His Spirit and save him for eternity... that God would have His way and that Nicholas would be delivered from drugs and alcohol and Nicholas would be free... free indeed. Praise His Name!!!!

Thanks, Ernie, for reminding us of Friday night. Can you give us a code, Ernie... Sorry you can't come, Dan, but we will be in prayer for you. AND don't forget that Sunday night is the first Sageworks meeting, in the Warehouse from 6:00- 7:30 PM. Hope you can be there, too...

See you Friday night!!!!!

Community Group This Friday Feb 26th

just a reminder of Community Group This Friday Feb 26th @ Peters'
Praise Him!

Nicholas Prayer

Please pray NOW for Nicholas... court date.....

Community Group Meeting

Community Group will meet at 6:30PM on Friday night at Suzanne Patton's for Dinner and prayer. I think you all know what food item you are bringing, but if you have any questions please email me. Thanks to Suzanne for offering to have us at her home. If there is snow (?) we will be communicating with you.

I thought it would be a blessing to come to this time with something to share. Please come with something that you are praising God for... and maybe even how God is speaking to you right now in your time with Him.

Please let me know if you have received this. Thanks so much.

Thanking Him that in all these things going on in the world and in our lives ... we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.

Community Group Update

Well, Community Group prayer was wonderful and Spirit led. AND we had one of the Birthday Boys here to celebrate. We missed you Donna and Ernie, but are glad you got to help out Robyn at Ella's gymnastic's meet. Susan Brown graciously added the calories to our diet with a yummy cake. Pictures tell some of the story... and here is a prayer and praise update.

Dan shared a lot about his last few months. The praise is that David is not only doing better, but he is talking about the Lord and the Holy Spirit. Now THAT is a praise for sure. His physical condition remains about the same in that he still has the infection, etc. Please keep praying for them all.

Jeremy is auditing or sitting in a class at UALR and that seems to be going well. Please continue to pray for them all.

We are praying for the people of Nigeria and the making of the Jesus movie in the Dadiya language.

Susan Bowden is having physical problems that will require Physical Therapy. Susan was also without water for three days and without a car for several days. Please pray for her. I will be back in touch with you about ways we might be able to help her. Thanks again to Susan Brown for her ministry to Susan Bowden. God is good.

Much more was prayed about... friends with physical problems... Nick, Nicholas, .... the country.... Haiti... etc.

We love and appreciate you all.

Happy Birthday Jim Brown

Happy Birthday from the community group, Jim! Thanks for being a key part of the group and for all you do. Hope you have a very blessed and peaceful day. Also, hope the Hogs can deliver a victory over the Gators on your birthday. May God continue to bless you with health, wisdom, and success as you labor for Him.

Reminder

An orientation for helping with the Marriage 911 Ministry is scheduled for Saturday morning, January 23rd, from 9-11 AM. Linda and I are going to try to attend this session to find out more about helping. Bill Parkinson said Marriage 911 would be one of the SageWorks service projects. So if anyone is being led to serve in this area, this will be a good opportunity to get info and ask questions.
Those already serving in this ministry are very excited about it. Steve Freeman, who is the leader, says many servants are needed. Pray and see what God says. Have a blessed week and watch God move.

Happy Birthday Ernie

Ernie, we all want to wish you the happiest of birthdays! You are a prized and highly valued member of our community group. Know that you are loved and appreciated by all. May the Lord continue to grant you wisdom in all you do for Him and may you find favor with all those He puts you in contact with. It may not feel like it all the time, but older is better. Don't hurt yourself blowing out those candles. Have a great and blessed day.

Community Group info and prayer needs

Community Group will be held next week at the City Smith's at 7PM. Please let me know this coming week if you will be attending. We have much to be thankful for and to pray about....

Please continue to hold up Jeremy, Sherry, and Jerry ..... pray for healing... absolute complete healing. (Father, You are the Healer and the Mountain mover) Also strength and encouragment for them all... renew their strength that they might mount up as eagles and walk and not faint..

Suzanne (poor baby) has had to go to Cabo San Lucas for a week. Pray for safety, relaxation, and bunches of fun!!!

Dan and family. Please continue to pray for them all. That David will come to know the Lord in a real and intimate way. For Mel.... and for Dan and Dorothy that God will grant them strength for the task and times of refreshing in the Holy Spirit.

Susan Brown has been sick off and on for a while now. Pray that God will complete her healing and give her physical strength and health.

Jim and I appreciate you all. We WILL meet next week, God willing, and we will give Him glory for all He has and is doing.

Canceled

Community Group meeting for Friday night, January 15th, is canceled. We will try to get together the next Friday, January 22nd.

Jim Tolbert and Community Group Meeting Friday

Don't forget to pray for Jim Tolbert today as he has surgery for prostate cancer!!!! Father, give him peace as he goes in to the surgery and help him to feel Your precious presence. Father, You do the surgery and bring about a full and lasting recovery with no complications. We know that You can do far beyond all that we ask or think.... and we praise You and will give you all the glory.

Also can you please let me know if you are going to be able to attend Com Group this Friday. Since Steve and Shay Freeman may be coming, I would like to know how many of you will be able to attend. Also, wanted to let you know that there are many opportunities to serve in this Marriage 911 ministry. One of them is just to be the ones praying at exact times they are meeting with and ministering to the individual couples. That, my friends, is the precious purpose of this group so we can look forward to hearing about that part for sure. Again this is just one ministry that is part of Sageworks, and no one of us is required to participate in any of them.... that is between each of us and God.

Thanks for you response..

Jim Tolbert (Randy's Dad)

Jim Tolbert (our son-in-law's dad) is scheduled to have his prostate cancer surgery Monday Jan 11th. He is nervous, but ready. Please pray for him. Thanks.

David Goes Home

David should leave the hospital tomorrow. He couldn't get in the nursing home where his Dad is, so Dan had to take off work to look for a place for him. Pray Dan finds a good place for David, and pray for Dan's strength and perseverance. Also, continue to pray for David.
This info was relayed from Dorothy to Linda to me. Please forgive any errors made in transmission of this information. God knows the facts, so pray.

Update on David and Mel

Well, Mel is back in the nursing home, praise the Lord. The doctor said that this episode (shortness of breath, etc) was just from exertion. Dan says he is eating well, but not getting much exercise so he is gaining weight which doesn't help the problem.

David is more coherent and is communicating more. However, is in La La land some of the time. He had to have a blood transfusion last night because his hemoglobin was down to 8. Not sure what that is from but it should help his energy and breathing, etc when it gets back up to a more normal level. When they get that under control and twhen the pneumonia is completely gone he will go to a nursing home.... prayerfully that will be Chenal (the same one that Mel is in). Please continue to lift them all up to the throne. God is carrying them, but I know they must be exhausted.

ALSO.... please let me know when you can how Jan 15th is for you all. I know that this is a busy time so know it might be too early to answer that. I will be gone all of next week to the ministry for a trainer meeting but Jim will be around to get the emails.

First Community Group Meeting for 2010

Yes, 2010!!! Hard to believe but here we are ready to jump into a new year. Sooooo what better way to begin than to PRAY!!! The first meeting will be on January 15, 2010 at the City Smith's home. At that meeting we will begin to discuss the Sageworks opportunities for service. Steve Freeman would like to come to the meeting to inform us about Marriage 911 if it fits his schedule. If not, Jim will try to get some info on it and relay it to us at that meeting.

However we each decide to serve (or not) is up to us and how God has gifted each of us. Nancy Vinson and Steve Freeman have both approached us since they desperately need help, but again there is no pressure for us to get involved as a group or as individuals. How we each serve depends on God's leading.

Update on David and Mel

I called you with the last update and left messages for you today but decided to quickly write what I think Dan said this morning. (I was in Drug Emporium pouring over health foods... ugh! The New Year is approaching.)

David is improving in the pneumonia and heart issues, and they think he will leave the hospital in the coming week (hope that is right). He will NOT be coming home but will be going to a nursing home since his condition would require a great deal of care. Pray that God would get him into the one where Mel has been so that it will be easier for Dan and Dorothy. His infection in his sternum is not resolved and will not be... and is what will cause his death if God doesn't intervene. They would have to remove his sternum to help that condition and that would more than likely kill him soooo... Dan is grateful for the prayers AND for the fact that this gives David more time to settle things with the Lord. Let's keep praying for that.

Mel is still in the hospital at Baptist but is doing better and seems to be himself. That may mean that he will be back at the nursing home soon. As of this morning they had not determined what caused his incident at home on Sunday.

Please hold them up all up in prayer and that God will give Dan and Dorothy strength (going to the hospital every day and wisdom for this time. (lots of paperwork and insurance stuff for Dorothy to wade through, too). He is able.... nothing is too difficult for HIM. Praise His Name!!!

Prayer Request / Brother

Hello and Merry Christmas to everyone.

It is with great sorry that I post this request. My brother Dave had to be placed in St Vincent late last Saturday with a staf invention that has progressed to pneumonia and congestive heart failure. He was moved this morning to the ICU. Just received a call from the doctor with the news. He said David at this moment has a 50% chance of recovery . However, if his body starts to show a positive result to the antibiotics, the outcome would be more positive. I ask that you prayer for his salvation. He has lived a life of pain and I feel is just worn out at this time. I prayer the Holy Spirit is talking to him in a way he has never felt before and will see his true freedom in Christ. He has a head knowledge but lacks a heart knowledge. Also pray for my Mother that this would not be a sorrowful Christmas but one of victory in Christ. Pray that I would stay healthy and strong for my family. Thank you for being a help to me. God Bless, Dan

Merry Christmas!

We just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas before the season fills up with people, food, fun, travel, etc. We pray that the time with all its busyness will be full of Him and the reality of not just His coming, but His purpose in coming. He came from His home in glory, took on human flesh, and died in our place. That is why He came!!!! Amazing Love!!! And the blood that cleansed us from our sin.... the blood of that spotless Lamb continues to drip from that cross into our lives every day with His Amazing Grace. AND He is coming again to receive us to Him... Our King of Kings!!!!!! Praise His Holy Name!!! I wonder what gifts He would like from us on His Birthday??

Good Times -- Great God - Merry Christmas

Christmas Party update

I just wanted to communicate with you one more time about the Christmas Party at the Peters on Friday night, December 11th at 6PM. They live at 43 Vigne, and the code at the gate is #1371 (don't forget the pound sign #). Please let me know if you will be able to come so we can get a head count. Thanks again to the Peters for their generous offering of their home for this party.

Community Group Christmas Party

Donna and Ernie have graciously volunteered to have the Community Group Christmas Party this year. Donna and I talked today, and not only is she having the dinner, but she is also providing the main dish. What a woman!!!! She is planning to make Manicotti, but says that could change as the day nears. What will not change is the rest of the menu.... salad, bread, and a dessert. We may also add a hot vegetable. Sooooo if you have a favorite salad or dessert to make, email or call me, and I will put your name beside it. I will call or write you with info on the time for the party. Hope you can all come. Thanks again, Donna and Ernie.

Thanks also for sharing your gifts with the Veteran's Home guys. I know that they will appreciate it, and God will surely bless you.

Jerry's Birthday

These pictures pretty much say it all. Thanks Kent and Shannon for letting us come to the party. We love you, Jerry!!!! We are grateful for you and your wonderful family!

Prayer request

Suzanne P asked for prayer for Barbara, the woman at church that signs for the deaf ministry. She is a breast cancer survivor who is having some symptoms of dizziness and nausea. The scan is to find the cause. Please pray for her.... no cancer ..... peace.... simple cause for the dizziness and nausea... thanks... meet you at the throne.

Gifts for Veterans

When you wrap your gifts for the veterans, make sure to put not only the vets name on the gift but yours also. It's their way of keeping track of who got who what, I guess. Mrs. Walton, who is in charge of the Gifts for Veterans Project ask me to remind you.
Great night at Suzanne's. Cider, pastry, and our first ever visit from a Shepherding Elder. Mike and Suzanne Hufnagel were sure easy to have as guests. Thanks for hosting the group Suzanne.
Have a blessed week everyone!

Suzanne's Baptism

Well, I hardly know what to say about Suzanne's baptism other than... To God be the Glory great things he has done.

First, Suzanne did a wonderful job of sharing on video about why she wanted to be baptized. That was beautiful, Suzanne. Then she stepped into the waters with Shelby by her side and gave us that amazing picture of our lives.... "buried with Him in baptism and raised to walk in newness of life." Thank you, Suzanne! Thank you, Lord! If that had been the only thing that happened it would have been a glorious day, BUT GOD... gave us more reasons to praise Him.

After a time of worship, Bill P asked if some in the congregation might want to share a testimony of how God had blessed them this year. Some did and then Jim Brown stood up to share. With tears streaming down his face and with his voice breaking he shared a little about Jeremy's stroke and Sloan's illness and about their healing and what a testimony this family (the Country Smiths) had been to him (and us) of holding on to God, etc. EMOTIONAL!!!! (Jim B, I am sure that I didn't adequately say what you said, but I was so overwhelmed with it all that I wish it were on tape.... so great!!!! a move of the Spirit for sure).

Oh, but that wasn't all that God had for us..... Jeremy got up next and stood tall (and handsome, I might add) and told some of his story in a calm but clear voice... the stroke, that he couldn't walk or talk (again I was in a sobbing state by now so I didn't hear it all), and how grateful He was to be there... How grateful he was to God!!! He thanked God for his mom and dad and for the community group for their prayers. Then sat down... and the congregation stood to their feet and clapped for Jeremy and for our GREAT GOD who in His great mercy brought Jeremy there to this place to share. To God be the glory in the church and in our Savior, Jesus Christ from generation to generation forever and ever. Amen!!

But that wasn't all..... then Jeremy got back up and hugged each of us tightly... moving down the row from Jim Brown all the way to Suzanne.... Amazing God!! What a morning of praise to Him!! If we were Israel we would have put memorial stones down as a reminder of His grace... ah, but we can write it in our book of 1000 gifts of grace, but, of course, this is a day that will live on in our memories. :-)

Love you all.... We are so grateful for each one of you and all that you add to our lives. Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!!!!

GLORY TO GOD!!!!!

MUCH TO THANK HIM FOR!!!!
Jeremy took his drivers test and PASSED!!!! The results will be given to the doctor, and he should be on the road by himself soon. Praise the Name of the Lord.

Felicia has an 85% in Algebra!!! We serve a great God. To Him be the glory.

Nicholas is still working at PetCo!!!! Keep him working, Lord, and bring him to You.

Robyn and Randy's house sold..... and news tonight on the house they are buying.

Susan Bowden has her job at Asbury and one at Pulaski Academy.... more on that tonight.

Prayer time tonight... updates on other prayers... and some news from Suzanne (you may already know it).... and Mike and Suzanne Hufnagel will be there..... and a time to praise Him and pray together.
Can't wait to see you all!!

Funeral Time Change

Jane Anne's moms funeral has been changed to 12:00 noon Friday at Fellowship Chapel.

Praise... Susan Bowden

Talked to Susan Bowden this afternoon, and she said that she had an answer to prayer. She will be working at Pulaski Academy from 11:45AM to 5:30PM, M-F doing something that she called extended care... with first and second graders, I think ????Update.... forgot to mention that she will keep her other job in the morning at Asbury Methodist. :-) She will explain on Friday night, but couldn't wait to tell you that God has heard and answered our prayers!!! To Him be the glory! Great things He has done! Keep praying for her in this job and whatever God has ahead for her.

Jane Anne's mom's funeral and Jeremy

Just a little update on Jane Anne's mom's funeral service. Finally found out that it is scheduled for 11AM on Friday in the chapel at Fellowship. There is a time to see her and the family at Roller Funeral Home on Chenal on Thursday night. I think that begins at 6:30PM, but the person that I spoke to at Fellowship wasn't sure of the time. Just wanted to give you that info if you wanted to come.

Also wanted to say that I talked to Sherry today, and Jeremy is doing great driving so she is very confident that he will pass tomorrow. Also he is doing well with the tests at UALR and has passed every one that he has taken which means that he has scored over 80% on all of them.... and I think she said that he has to take 6+ every time he is there. Don't forget to pray tomorrow at 2PM while he takes the driving test. The test (written and driving) may take 1-1/2 hours.

Grateful for you. See you Friday night at Suzanne's.

Jane Anne Smith's mom

Jane Anne Smith's mom went home to be with Jesus yesterday. She had been in a nursing home suffering with Alzheimer's for quite a few years. Please pray for Jane Anne and her family. Her final exit was a grand entrance into the presence of her Savior.

If you would like to call her or send her a note, this is her address and phone #.
Dr and Mrs. Doug Smith, 12 Hickory Pointe Cove, Little Rock, Ar 72223, Phone # 868-9116.

update on Lee Gibbons

An update on Lee Gibbons: Lee has been at UAMS and has been receiving dialysis treatments for his kidneys and they have been doing testing. At this point he has decided NOT to have cancer treatment nor removal of his kidney. He just wants to go home. His family is checking on hospice care and unless things change, will honor his request. They are trying to encourage him to continue with dialysis even if he does go home. Pray for God's will to be known to Lee and his family. Pray that God will minister to Lee with kindness and healing.

Community Group Meeting Friday night

Don't forget that we are meeting this Friday night, Nov 20th at Suzanne Patton's home at 7PM. Mike and Suzanne Hufnagel will be there to meet with us. Now that is a God thing, don't you think???

We have a 1000 grace gift reasons to praise Him :-) and lots to pray about. GOD WATCH!!!Felicia did so well on her algebra test. Glory!!! Nicholas is still working at Petco... watching and waiting with eager anticipation to what God will do in this situation. (Put a hedge around him, Lord, and bring him to Yourself). Jeremy is going to UALR three times a week, and also doing lots of PT, etc. God is continuing the miracle. Don't forget that he is taking the driving test on this Thursday, so pray for him. So much more... lots for us all to share on Friday night .

We look forward to seeing you there. He is worthy of all of our praise.

Praise God - Felicia's Algebra II

Friends.. had to share this with you since your prayers have been faithful: Felicia got a grade of 89 on her last Algebra II test !!! God is good.

Shepherding Elder

Mike Hufnagel, our shepherding elder, and his wife, Suzanne, will be attending our Nov 20th community group gathering at Suzanne Patton's home. SageWorks is promoting Arkansas Veteran's Home for our community group cause this Christmas. They would like us to adopt a veteran or two and get them gifts. Mike will probably share more with us on how this will work, ie. gifts needed, dollar amount, and where to drop off the gifts. Looking forward to the 20th.

New book on gratitude

I am reading Nancy Leigh DeMoss's new book, Choosing Gratitude. It is one that Linda recommended and it is challenging me to look at gratitude in a new light...as crucial to a Christian's life.

Jeffery Dean Update

I have just returned from Texas where I spoke nineteen times in various venues. Many of the students that I stood before were in public schools. As you know, I am limited in these venues in sharing the full gospel message. Though I left Texas heavy burdened fore each teen and their eternity, I returned to Nashville confident that God would connect the dots from their hearts to His and that they would catch a glimpse of His overwhelming love and grace. Will you pray for them? Please pray that each teen will:

Visit our website, blog, podcast, and Facebook and read more about what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus.
Email or Facebook me with questions that open the door for me to present the gospel.
Be sensitive to the Spirit of God as He revels Himself to each teen.
Surrender all to Him!
Even now as I write this letter to you, my heart longs to see that each teen comes to a place of knowing Jesus Christ intimately. I know yours does as well. And, this is why your prayers are critical! Though Jeffrey Dean Ministries is often limited in our message within public schools, we unite prayerfully with you believing that God’s got it with each of these teens. And, we thank God for the platform He has given us to once again stand before students across this nation, stare into their very eyes, and speak truth into their lives.
Thank you for partnering with us as we entered every school, church, camp, conference center, and music festival this year. Because you prayerfully chose to stand along side of us, we stood boldly proclaiming the message that Jesus is the answer to it all! May God richly bless you this holiday season for your commitment to pray for this ministry.
Your friend in ministry,
Jeffrey

Please pray for Alicia Spillars

Friends, please pray for Alicia Spillars, wife of one of Donna's nephews in Georgia. At 43 years age, she has breast cancer and has double mastectomy surgery scheduled today. Please pray that the surgery will go well, that her follow up treatments will be minimal and that she have a quick and complete recovery. Thanks to you and to our gracious God.

Praise and Prayer the Country Smiths and Jeremy's driving test Nov 19th

from J & L
great news from the Country Smiths.... Donna talked to Sherry, and Jeremy will have a driving test at Baptist Rehab on Nov 19th. If he passes the requirements, he will be driving again. That is a huge praise!!! It is also a call to prayer for Jeremy as he takes the test. God is doing amazing (that last amazing was for you, Donna) things in their lives. Are you on a God watch in your life? I know you are. He is moving in the big things and in the little things of our days. Let's give Him praise and thanks.

You are loved and appreciated...
His, linda and Jim
Donna also reported that Sherry and Jeremy had a GREAT time in Nashville last week.

Shepherding Elder

Mike Hufnagel, our shepherding elder, and his wife Suzanne would like to attend our next meeting. I told him we actually just met Monday night, an unusual time for us, but it was a time most of us could get together this week. I told him I would let him know when we set a date for our next meeting.

Community Group Review

What a great time we had last night with food, good conversation, and a wonderful prayer time. To Him be the glory. I thought it might be helpful to list some of the praises and the prayer requests so that we can lift them to the Lord all week. (I will get info to you on when and where Community Group will meet next)

Praises:
Dan Ludvigson's shoulder is much improved and he was released from PT (hmm... sounds like he was a hostage, doesn't it? But you know what I mean.
Jim and Susan are about to close on another house in their Grace subdivision... that makes 4. Praise His Name.
Kase won First prize in the Mid South State Fair in Memphis for a drawing. It came with a $100 prize. He is also doing well in school and in Wrestling.

Prayers:
Sherry and Jeremy are in Nashville this week to visit Jeff and Amy. Keep them in your prayers.... rest, relaxation, encouragement, fellowship, and freedom from pain for Jeremy.
Mel Ludvigson weaker and pain in foot... unsteady on feet. Pray also that he has enough strength to come home for Christmas. This is Dorothy's prayer and desire.
David Ludvigson... to AR Heart Hospital today for two places on his incision that are still infected.
Nicholas awaiting trial... That he would see his need for the only One who can set him free. That he would be kept from any more trouble and from friends that won't be good for him.
Robyn and Randy house inspection and closing go through without a hitch.
Susan Bowden complete healing from flu and a great job!!!
Jim and Susan.... house closing and a profit might be nice... right, Jim?? Praise for sustaining them with Your mighty and faithful provision this year. Prayer as they go forward with more houses.
Diana and Nathan Calhoun Diana's headaches would be healed.... Nathan would find a job ... Father, work a miracle in their lives.
Lee Gibbons and Jim Talbert (spelling) friends or Ernie... healing.... test results.... lift them up to the throne.
Our country..... Health Insurance .... etc...

Don't forget to give thanks to the Lord for He is good.... all the time.

Boxes of Love Food Drive and Prayer

They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
2 Corinthians 9:9
The Bible instructs us to love and care for those in need. This year Fellowship is participating in the Boxes of Love program to provide meals for families throughout Central Arkansas. We would like to give 1,000 families a box containing a holiday meal, a Bible the story of the Gospel and a personal message of hope.
Boxes will be delivered to families in mid-December for Christmas meals. Be sure to pray that the family who will receive your food box is encouraged and feels the love of Christ in a tangible way.
For more information: http://www.fellowshiponline.com/newsletter/index.php/1_news/boxes-of-love-food-drive

1000 gifts of grace.... and more

Linda and Jim, two of my 1000 gifts of grace. Thanks for allowing us to join in fellowship and prayer with friends and Jesus at your home. We are grateful for our group and for His presence.
Linda, thanks also for sharing the opportunity to become more "intentially grateful" (and the booklet to facilitate it). This will be a great preparation for Thanksgiving as we remember the source of our good and God's grace. It will not be possible to stop at 1000!!!! God is too good.

Community Group and prayer request

Community Group will meet at the City Smiths tomorrow night, November 2, at 6:15PM to have dinner together and then pray. Ya'll come!!!

Susan Bowden has been sick with the "regular" flu.... not the swine flu. She is feeling a little better, but let's keep her in our prayers for a quick and full recovery. Also, don't forget to pray that she finds a job soon. The right job, the right timing, and that it will bring glory and honor to His Name.