Community Group Meeting Update

Just got a call from Susan Brown, and she is not feeling well tonight.  So Jim and I will be hosting Community Group tomorrow night, God willing.  Jim (Smith) just told me that there is a possibility of ice tomorrow which will mean that we may be cancelling the meeting but until then we will plan to meet here at 7PM. 

Some prayer requests.....  Jeremy is in Dallas with his friend, Jennifer, and he fell on the ice there.  He is sore in his back, elbows, etc, but so far no medical care needed. 
Susan Bowden fell on the ice at PA a couple days ago and has had to do some physical therapy for sprains and soreness. 
Dan Ludvigson is having some discomfort in his head and is having an EEG tomorrow AM.  More on that as I know it.
Meet you at the throne of grace.  His grace IS sufficient... His love is sure.  Glory to His Name

Checking in

Just a note to check in with you.  Wanted to explain that the reason I didn't send a different country for us to pray for this past week and today ... is that I get it from a site that didn't update last week.... so it is still Afghanistan.  They must really need our prayers.  I was thinking also that Egypt, the furtherance of the gospel there, and safety for the missionaries, might be a good thing to add to our prayer list. 

Also wanted to remind you that Community Group meets this Friday at 7PM the Brown's home to discuss Lesson 3.  Great chapter to think about and discuss and to lift to HIM in prayer and praise.   Please let them know if you will be able to attend.

AND....  today....  Keep looking for Him in all that is around you....  even in the mundane....  the ordinary....  the hard....   He is in them all..... working to make us into the image of His Son and to give us eyes of wonder and gratitude.  "Earth's crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God.  But only he who sees, takes off his shoes, the rest sit round it, and pluck blackberries."   Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

Miracles

There are only two ways to live your life.  One is as if nothing is a miracle.  The other is as if everything is.
Albert Einstein      
Soooo since we know everything IS a miracle ....  life, breath, air, water, food, His creation, and  especially abundant new life in Him, etc .... Let's praise Him for the miracle of today..... whatever it brings.  
To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. AMEN.  Eph 3:21

[Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests] Jane Dodd

Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests has posted a new item, 'Jane Dodd'

Jane needs prayer as she cares for her adult daughter, Jeanna. Jeanna had a
heart valve replacement a fw months ago and is experiencing significant problems

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http://fellowshipsageworks.com/prayer/2011/01/jane-dodd/

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[Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests] Martha Fitzgerald

Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests has posted a new item, 'Martha Fitzgerald'

Martha's father, Charles Dietz, is at home with hospice care. He has wide-spread
cancer. Please pray for Martha as she ministers to her mom and dad.

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After Friday night I remembered a David Platt sermon that I had seen a few years ago.  I had saved it to my favorites and would listen to it occaisionally.  Jim and I listened to it and thought it might be helpful for you to see it so that you could see him and hear his heart. It is just one of 6 messages he did on what the gospel demands.   This one is on giving. The rest are available on the Brook Hills Church site.... but I am sending this one that I found on Vimeo a few years ago.  It is long and when I first listened to it I had to turn it off and pray and think before I could go on.  I told Jim just to listen to it for 15 minutes to get the flavor of the man and his message from God.  He listened for 15 minutes and then kept listening to the end.  :-) 

I talked to a lady at David Platt's church yesterday, and she said that when she heard the first message on what the gospel demands she left stunned and wasn't sure if she wanted to hear more.  :-)  Now she says that the messages have been life changing for their church.

Here is the site   http://www.vimeo.com/5833626   

Grateful for you all and our walk together in Him.

Community Group

What a great night of discussion of the book, Radical, and a precious time of prayer and praise!!!!  The book is giving us lots to think about and to take to the scriptures for verification and to our lives for application.  May God, by His Holy Spirit, work His will and purposes in each of our lives.  Praise His Name!  And, we enjoyed a second birthday celebration for Jim Brown since last night was his actual birthday.  Thanks for letting us celebrate with you. 

Now here is the calendar for the rest of the year.... subject to change, of course.  I will post the date, the home where we will be meeting, and the Chapter that we will be discussing....God willing.  The homes are not all filled in yet, but that will be taken care of as the year progresses.

Feb 4th...  at Jim/Susan Brown's... Chapter 3

Feb 18th... at Jim/Linda Smith's.... we will EAT Jim Brown's chili (and possibly some of Linda's) this night and MEET at 6:30.  We will however, still discuss the 4th Chapter of Radical and pray.

March 4th.... at Ernie/Donna Peter's  Chapter 5

March 18th.... Chapter 6

April 8th....Chapter 7

April 22nd ....  Chapter 8

May 6th.... Chapter 9

May 20....  Celebration of Grace!!!!! and end of year.

We love you all!!!

Community Group memories and plans

Friday night was a wonderful time of praise and a great time of discussion of what God was showing us as we read the book, Radical. Thank you, Susan, for encouraging us to spend the night in just praise to our God.... there was a sweet, sweet presence in that place as we praised. Our God does indeed inhabit the praises of His people. I am hoping that we can start every prayer time together with a glorious time of praise before we go one to praying for needs. He is worthy of all of our praise!

Now two of our reasons to praise were and are these two Birthday Boys below. We are grateful for you both.... so grateful. I was just thinking as I wrote this that Ernie is responsible for this blog!!! Thanks to Him and to you, Ernie!!! AND we will get another opportunity to celebrate Jim Brown when we meet yet again NEXT FRIDAY, January 21st (Jim Brown's B'day) at the city Smiths. Yes, you read that correctly. Since we had a conflict on the 28th we have moved the meeting forward a week. That means that we will be discussing Chapter 2 of Radical next Friday. Jim will send the questions to you ASAP.... but you can begin reading until then. Great book.... as it puts the Word in front of us in a pointed way. Ah..... two-edged sword that judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. May we always let it do it's work in our lives.

Now to the pictures...... Thanks, Suzanne, for the cake and the hospitality.

Glory to His Name!!!! Blessed New Year!!!!

CG Meeting

Hope everyone survived the snow and then the cold. Don't know about you, but I'm ready for some 50 degree days.
We are meeting at Suzanne Patton's home at 7:00 PM Friday evening, the 14th. Format will be slightly different. We would like to start by 7:15 with the Radical study questions. At 8:00 we will go to prayer with our prayer focus on praise. Praising Him for who He is, what He's done, how we see Him moving, etc.; however the Spirit leads us to praise.
Please let Suzanne know if you will not be able to be there.
Jim Smith

SageWorks Meeting January 9th

The SageWorks Kick-Off meeting for January 9th 6:00 to 7:30 PM has been canceled and rescheduled for January 23rd.

Community Group

Well, I am in town for a couple days and then will be going back to Erin's for 2 weeks. In the meantime I wanted to get the date for the next community group set. We will meet at Suzanne's on Jan 14th at 7PM. Jim will send you discussion questions for the first chapter of Radical. We will discuss the chapter for about 45 minutes and then go right to prayer. Please let Suzanne know if you will be able to come on the 14th. Thanks so much. Have a Blessed New Year in Him.

[Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests] Riggan Family

Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests has posted a new item, 'Riggan Family'

Bereavement

Anthony and Nicole Riggan (Anthony's parents: Tony and Mary Jane Riggan; sister:
Maggie Riggan; grandmother: Gloria Crossland). Anthony and Nicole were killed in
a plane crash yesterday, December 23, in Colorado Springs. Anthony was flying
the plane with his wife onboard. Arrangements are pending. Pray earnestly for
the family.

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http://fellowshipsageworks.com/prayer/2010/12/riggan-family-2/

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[Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests] Riggan Family

Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests has posted a new item, 'Riggan Family'

BEREAVEMENT

Anthony and Nicole Riggan

(Anthony's parents: Tony and Mary Jane Riggan; sister: Maggie). Anthony and
Nicole were killed in a plane crash in Colorado Springs yesterday, December 23.
(Anthony was flying the private plane with his wife onboard.) Arrangements are
pending. Please be in earnest prayer for this family.
(Anthony's parents: Tony and Mary Jane Riggan; sister: [...]

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Next Community Group Meeting

We are planning to meet for the first time next year on Jan 14th at Suzanne Patton's home. Please let me know if this date is okay with you. The date is later than we usually meet but it allows me to be at the meeting. If it is not convenient for you we will move it up a week to the 7th of Jan.

Jim and I are leaving tomorrow and will be back on Christmas Day... and then I will be leaving again 3 days later to go back to Erin's. Please pray for Erik as he travels to Israel with his dad and brother. AND for Erin and I as we take care of those four sweet little boys. That God will use our time together.... and his time with his brother and father.

His,
Linda

Merry Christmas and.....

Merry Christmas from our house to yours..... We love you all!!!

Now that is a better picture of the man that makes us smile and also points us to God. Happy Birthday, Jerry.... and God bless you REAL BIG!!!!

Celebration of Grace

I can't even imagine how to begin to tell you how full my heart is because of all that God has done and is doing in and around all of us.... even in the midst of trials and struggles.

So first let me introduce you to Jacey Marie Peters with her precious momma, Felicia. Felicia astounded doctors and most of us with how little pain she had and how easy the delivery was..... but none of it was a surprise to our Lord who has answered our prayers as Donna said, "In everything they asked Him to do". Glory to His Name!!!
The following two pictures were taken in the hospital. What sweet pictures!!!

The next pictures were taken at Donna and Ernie's on Sunday when Jim and I made a quick stop to see that precious baby. She is beautiful and sooooo peaceful... just like her momma.

Couldn't you just eat her up!!!!

Now we come to another picture of the grace of God. Mr. Jerry Smith. We celebrated his birthday a little late, but we were so glad that he and Sherry could come to the big EAT. We really missed the Peters but I think they were very happy right where they were. I actually downloaded the wrong picture but will send that in the next post. I am not so very good at this blog thing.

We will be meeting in January to discuss the first chapter of Radical and to pray and praise as we begin the new year. Details on that will be coming soon. We are blessed... that is for sure.

Felicia and Erin

See you all tonite for yummy eats and fellowship and praise at the Brown's lovely home at 6PM.
Glory To God in the Highest.

Don't forget to pray for Felicia today... she is in labor and delivery right now and all is well. and please pray for Erin who is having her ultrasound... remember that she may have had exposure to that virus that several months ago so this is their first look since then. God is in control... praise His name!!!

God is good

Linda just called and said Jim Brown's deal just went through. I know Jim and Susan are celebrating, as are we. God's timing is perfect. Please remember to thank Him for His provision.

Please pray

Please pray for Jim Brown this morning. He is working on a deal that God brought out of the blue and it needs to be finalized this morning. Susan feels that God initiated this deal in response to their prayers so let's join with them at the throne of grace for success for Jim.... and glory to our Lord!!!!! Praise His Name!!!!

Update ... Community Group Christmas Celebration

We have had a change of venue for the Community Group Christmas Celebration. Jim and Susan Brown have asked to have the gathering at their home. We will meet there at 6PM this Friday the 17th for beef brisket.... yum!!!!! We will have a dessert of something yummy AND of praise to our Lord. I know that it will be a great time of fellowship and celebration of the birth of Immanuel..... Christ in us.... our Redeemer.

Please let me, Linda, know if you will be able to attend so we can finish plans for the meal.

[Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests] Terry Hirsch

Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests has posted a new item, 'Terry Hirsch'

Urgent prayer for Terry Hirsch. Her brother had a brain aneurism rupture this
morning. (Jerry Hirsch in Denver.) He is in a coma and the prognosis is not
favorable.

You may view the latest post at
http://fellowshipsageworks.com/prayer/2010/12/terry-hirsch/

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Just checking in. We ARE meeting at the Peters tomorrow night at 7PM. The code is #1371. Don't forget to put the # sign first.
We have much to pray about and here is something to pray about before the meeting tomorrow night. Suzanne's daughter, Jennifer (Grayson's mom) is in a treatment facility for detox for alcohol and Zanac. We have already seen God's hand in getting her to the treatment facility. Please pray for Jennifer and her husband, Ted, and the children, Olivia and Grayson, as they go through these waters. Is 43:1-3. That God will not let them be overwhelmed but that they will come out stronger in their lives with Him and in their marriage and their family. God be praised there is nothing too difficult for HIM.

Love you guys and look forward to our time together in prayer and praise.

Community Group and update

First, Kristin had her stent taken out today. They also took that opportunity to go up and look at her kidney again. It is improving and so is she although this brought on a lot of pain again. However, they are coming for Thanksgiving dinner.... God willing! Praise His Name!!

NOW.... seems strange to talk about Christmas before Thanksgiving, butI would like to have the Community Group Christmas get together at our house on December 17th if that is not too late in December for you all. Jim and Susan have something on Dec 3, and I MAY have to watch Kelly's children on the next Friday soooo that leaves Dec 17th. Please let me know. If this date is not good we can try another day of the week earlier in the month. The menu will be decided later.

We love you all and appreciate you and your prayers for us and for the whole Com Group family. Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!! We have so so much to be thankful for.
The God who made the world and all thing in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands, neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all life and breath and all things: and He made from one, every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation that they should seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.... FOR IN HIM WE LIVE AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING!!! Acts 17:24-28.
Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or thin, 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!!!!
HE IS WORTHY OF ALL OF OUR PRAISE!!!!!

[Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests] Timothy Thompson

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

Timothy Thompson (parents: Ray & Sondra Thompson) is in the hospital with
septiic conditions. He has brain swelling due to elevated amonia levels. Pray
the antibiotics will effectively treat the problem without causing further
damage.

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

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[Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests] Mark Webb

Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests has posted a new item, 'Mark Webb'

Mark Webb (son of Mike and Jann Webb) was involved in a serious accident Sunday
afternoon that resulted in a grave head injury.  Mark is miraculously still
living after a two hour surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.  The next
24-48 hours are critical for Mark.

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http://fellowshipsageworks.com/prayer/2010/11/mark-webb/

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Pray for Mark Webb

Mark Webb (son of Mike and Jan) has sustained a critical head-brain injury. He is at Baptist Hospital.

He needs a miracle prayer as we are accustomed to humbly requesting.  Please pray for him.

Pray Kristen's Kidneys

From Suzanne:
just talked with Linda....Kristen is out of surgery and doing well....surgery was more extensive than they thought it would be ...Linda had planned to come home late Friday but it most likely will be Saturday morning.

Pray for Dan and Mom Dorothy

from Dan:
Hi Ernie,

Had to take mom to the ER last evening and didn't get home until after 1am today. I will not be coming tomorrow night. Mom had the same symptoms that she had the last time that had been diagnosed as a small stroke and was told when she had them again to get right to the hospital. As it turns out she has a case of sinusitis. The sinus drainage can cause nausea and dizziness. I never knew this and I have had sinusitis plenty of times. Well, she is on the road to recovery but I am pooped and probably fighting the same thing. Will fill you in.
Until then,
Dan

[Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests] Pam Cameron

Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests has posted a new item, 'Pam Cameron'

While on a tour in the mid-East, Pam fell off a camel and broke her ankle in two
places. Pray they will be able to fly back home tomorrow from Egypt. Pray for no
further complications.

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http://fellowshipsageworks.com/prayer/2010/11/pam-cameron/

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[Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests] Nancy Scott

Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests has posted a new item, 'Nancy Scott'

Nancy is having a thyroid biopsy Tuesday, November 9. Pray for clear diagnosis.

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http://fellowshipsageworks.com/prayer/2010/11/nancy-scott/

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[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.

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http://fellowshipsageworks.com/prayer/2010/11/bill-rush/

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[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.

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http://fellowshipsageworks.com/prayer/2010/11/sondra-thompson/

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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.