question, prayer request, and info

Your esteemed administrator with NO admisitrative skills has made yet another mistake.  Who me???  Yes, me!!!!   I scheduled our next meeting for April 8th followed by one on the 22nd..... hmmm!!!!!   Actually it should have been April 1st and 15th and the 29th.  Sooooo what sayeth Thee????  The latter makes it every other week.

Prayer request for Marie, Donna's mom, who is going home tomorrow AM.  Keep her in prayer and Donna and Ernie as they navigate all these waters,etc.   Is 43:2

Also pray for our sister-in-law, Carol.  They did find out that the lymph nodes were positive for cancer, AND the spot that they biopsied and pronounced benign when sent in was indeed cancer.  She sees the doctor on Wednesday.

My apologies to you for not wanting to go to Sageworks last night AND not encouraging one of you to go (you know who you are).  Dennis Rainey brought his A game and hit it out of the park.  A lot of it reminded me of Friday night's discussion.  If you get a chance, listen to it on Sageworks website.  Attendance was sparse at best.  They know that they have scheduled too many events too close together.

Marie update

Prayer groupies. Donna's mom is in a room now at the heart hospital. She is on lasiks (sp?) To help drain fluids and has some elevated levels of something in her blood they are going to lab for info for DR to review tomorrow. She is now breathing better and resting well. Blood pressure is low and heart rate high right now. So keep up the prayers. Thanks

E. J. Peters
epeters777@traffic-engineers.com
PETERS & ASSOCIATES ENGINEERS, INC.
5507 Ranch Drive - Suite 205
Little Rock, AR 72223
Voice: 501-868-3999 Ext. 101
Fax: 501-868-9710

Donna's mom

Prayer partners
We are at the Heart Hospital with Donna's mom. She is having extreme shortness of breath and was unable to lay down or sleep last night. She is back with a doctor now. Please pray for Marie. Thank you all !!!

E. J. Peters
epeters777@traffic-engineers.com
PETERS & ASSOCIATES ENGINEERS, INC.
5507 Ranch Drive - Suite 205
Little Rock, AR 72223
Voice: 501-868-3999 Ext. 101
Fax: 501-868-9710

Another prayer request

Donna's mom is not breathing well and is having frequest chest discomfort.  Donna is on her way over there with some medicine.  Please pray for this family!!!!!!!

Please pray for the Peters

Please pray for the Peters!!!!   They are having some issues with Felicia.  The enemy has come in like a flood to steal, kill, and destroy and to remove peace from their household.  BUT greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.  
Pray for wisdom for Donna and Ernie.... and may Felicia be repentant followed by a close walk with the Lord.  Our Lord reigns... May the blood of Christ cover this situation.  He is able to accomplish all that concerns them.

Pray for Alexa Ross

Praying Friends, please pray for Alexa Ross, a friend of Felicia's who was in a terrible car wreck this morning. Alexa is in ICU, I do not know where nor her condition at this time. Alexa has a history of making bad lifestyle choices and she needs prayer for salvation and for healing.
See the news article below for details on the wreck:

Driver killed, juveniles hurt in Pulaski County wreck

By Gavin Lesnick
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A single-vehicle wreck in Pulaski County early Thursday killed the 18-year-old driver and hurt four juvenile passengers, including three whose injuries were described as extensive.
Police say marijuana and unlabeled prescription bottles were found in the car.
Anthony Holloway, of Alexander, was pronounced dead at the scene and the four passengers - whose names were not released - were transported to local hospitals after the 3:16 a.m. wreck. Their conditions were not immediately known.
The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office says Holloway was driving 1994 Honda Accord east in the 24700 block of Lawson Road when the car crossed the westbound lane, ran off the road and struck a bridge culvert.
Two of the juvenile passengers were ejected from the vehicle, landing in a small creek under the bridge. A third passenger was trapped in the car and had to be extricated by firefighters. Those passengers had extensive injuries, authorities said, adding the precise extent was unclear.
A fourth passenger, who was sitting in the front seat, had only minor injuries.

Prayer and Praise

Susan Bowden's Blood Pressure is up, and she has been to the doctor to get it down.  (this is per Susan Brown who is in contact with her.).  Please pray for her and for the doctor.   God is our Healer.

Also a praise from Suzanne Patton which she will share more about on Friday night.  Jennifer is doing better (again more on that Friday night)   and she and her husband seem to be doing well..  AND Grayson is beginning to make great strides in his recovery.  Praise the Name of the Lord.  He is our only HOPE a sure HOPE and anchor.

AND Japan....  Japan.... Japan.   Please pray for the furtherance of the gospel in the middle of this difficult time.  For the missionaries, Father, be their strength and hope.... and for all the mothers and fathers and children of Japan. 

Carol Smith our sister in law

Today is the day for Carol's breast surgery.... lumpectomy unless they find cancer in the tissues around the lump.  Please pray for her.
My b/p is going down slowly but had to use the prednisone last night..... long story.... but I am fine.  God is good and I am grateful.  Please continue to pray and give thanks.
See you all at Jim and Susan's on Friday night.  God be praised.

Community Group meeting 3/18

Well, not sure where to start, but thank to all who knew and prayed as my B/P went back up after surgery.... to staggering heights.  God is good, and we figured out it was the Prednisone that I was putting in my eyes (both of them) that was the culprit.  Now two days since the I stopped the Prednisone, I am a little red eyed (since that the purpose of the cortisone was to keep the inflammation out of the eyes) but my B/P is going down.   Thanks to God and you all for your prayers.

Community Group will be held at The Browns at 7PM on Friday night 3/18.  Sorry, Suzanane, I misread the name on the list... but you will get your turn.  AND Thanks to the Browns for hosting us.  Please let us know if you will be able to attend or NOT be able to attend.  The discussion is on Chapter 6 of Radical... and we will have a great time of prayer and praise.  You all come!!!

 And another quote...  Just something to think about. 


"Self-denial is different than taking up one's cross.
To take up his cross is the process of crucifying the sinful passions of the flesh.
Self-denial is the deliberate curtailing of healthy passions and desires for the sake of pursuing Jesus harder

Pray for.... and a quote

I used to use a website that listed a nation to pray for every week so that by the end of the year we had prayed for every nation.  Well, their site changed and now I found another site but it does not give as much info on the country.  This week it is Bolivia.  Please pray for Bolivia AND let's also pray for Tokyo, Japan since they had a huge earthquake and a tsunami during the our night.  The sight of that wall of water covering the earth is almost unbelievable.   May God use this to bring many to Christ and protect and use the missionaries in this time.  May His name be glorified in all the earth.

Now as I promised... another quote...  (I know you all are loving this especially since you may have seen my inability to get one of the quotes in a correct visual pattern a few days back.... it gave you joy and laughter, didn't it???) But first.... I went to the Ash Wednesday Service at church which reminded me of my youth in the Lutheran Church.  The symbolism took on life as we had ashes put on our foreheads and took communion at the foot of the cross.  Yes, just symbolism... but powerful in helping me remember the price paid for my life. He gave His life on a tree... the Son of God.  Amazing love.  It reminded me to be ready to give away my life every day to the One who can use it in the lives of others since #1 My life is His. (not the part, but the whole of it)  #2  He lives in me. Therefore when I "go" I have Him to give others... His life, His money, His heart, His...    Hmmm!!!  And now the quote.

Our happiness comes, too, not in the having but in the handing over.

Give your life away in exchange for many lives, give away your blessings to multiply blessings, give away so that many might increase, and do it all for the love of God.

If I messed up... please remember that I am writing with a patch over one eye.  Excuses, excuses.

Home and doing well

I am home from my #2 cataract surgery and doing well..... AND when I got there my B/P was high.... sky high...  higher than the week before high... do you know what I mean???  Then I settled in, prayed, relaxed, and it kept going down and down and in the surgery it was NORMAL!!!!!  (last week it stayed high throughout the surgery.)   This must be nerves that I am honestly NOT aware of but are there anyway.  Thanks so much for your prayers!  I so appreciate them. Told the anesthetist that the lower B/P was absolutely God and the prayers of the saints.  Thanks again.

A quote and prayer request

First, don't forget to pray for my surgery tomorrow.... Right eye.  My B/P was high last time and remained high throughout the procedure.  Since I had just been to the doctor 2 weeks before and it was normal then... I am a little puzzled, but ask your prayers.
Also our sister-in-law Carol was supposed to have a lumpectomy for a cancerous mass in her breast.  It was postponed because they found another spot behind it and biopsied it yesterday.  Her surgery should be on Friday now.   If the spot is cancer I am pretty sure they will remove her entire breast, etc.

Now the quote.... just couldn't resist it since we are starting the Lenten Season today.

"A follower of Jesus expresses

                                                               an extravagant humility

                                                               at an extravagant cost

                                                              for an extravagant Savior."

-                                                              Rev. Clay Holland
                                                                   John 12:1-8



A missionaries words....

This below is from a blog that I read called "From the Unpaved Road".  It is written by a missionary to the Sudan.  All that is in black print is from her blog.

Missions is about romance. It is not about strategy or methods or theology. Not ultimately. It is about romance. It is about Jesus winning for Himself a Bride from every tribe and tongue and language and people and nation. It is about finding her even while she sleeps in bars and brothels and bringing her home.

Can I say it again?

MISSIONS IS ABOUT ROMANCE. Not results or numbers or logic or reason. If it ever stops being about romance, I stop too. Stop until I find where I lost touch with Him. Only when I am in the center of this love story of His, do I have anything to offer.

My prayer for you: that YOU would be swept off your feet into the romance of HIS Good News right where you are reading. May He show YOU in this moment how wildly YOU too are loved.
AMEN!!!!!!

[Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests] Willshire's

Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests has posted a new item, 'Willshire's'

Pray for Rose and Roland Willshire as they attend to Rose's mother, Mary Wilson.
Mary had a stroke and the bleeding continues with little hope of containment.
She is at Baptist Hospital, room 713.

You may view the latest post at
http://fellowshipsageworks.com/prayer/2011/03/willshires/

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

Community Group rewind

Look at this happy couple!!!!!  Jim and Susan Brown were celebrating their anniversary last night, and we were so blessed to celebrate it with them.  Note the happy smiles.... evidence of God in their lives and a blessed marriage.  Praise His Name!!  And here some pics of the happy couple and the yummy cake that Donna and Ernie provided for the occaision.  Thanks so much to the Peters!!!



Tonight was full of good sharing and discussion AND prayer. We all have so much to be thankful for even in the middle of trials.  Let's continue to lift our praise and our petitions to the One that is Maker of Heaven and Earth and able to do all things.   We wait with eager anticipation to see what He will do.   Thanks also again for your prayers for me.  We love you all... so much. 

Update and quote

Well, I am off to the doctor in a few minutes, but wanted to thank you all for your prayers. He will remove the patch/bandage... and we shall see what things look like. Hmmm!!!   The procedure appeared to go extremely well... at least from my end, which was a peaceful, grateful place in Him.  More on that tonight..... Community Group meeting at City Smiths (so named by the Country Smiths), for discussion on Chapter 5 and prayer.  Dan please bring us an update on Dorothy.  If you can't make it please send me one. 

Now here is a quote from C.S. Lewis that I saw somewhere today.

“Good things as well as bad, you know, are caught by a kind of infection. If you want to get warm, you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet, you must get in the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them. (GOD).... They are a great fountain of energy and beauty spurting up at the very centre of reality (of Him). . . . Once a man is united to God, how could he not live forever? Once a man is separated from God, what can he do but wither and die?” - from Mere Christianity

Pray for excellent vision

Hey group. Linda is having eye surgery tomorrow morning (and again next Thursday). Pray for calm, no pain, and excellent vision after. I can see the pillar of light !! God Bless !!

E. J. Peters
epeters777@traffic-engineers.com
PETERS & ASSOCIATES ENGINEERS, INC.
5507 Ranch Drive - Suite 205
Little Rock, AR 72223
Voice: 501-868-3999 Ext. 101
Fax: 501-868-9710

[Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests] Bereavement - Dennis Lowe

Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests has posted a new item, 'Bereavement -
Dennis Lowe'

Dennis Lowe - DOD: 2/28/11 (brother: Doug [Patty] Lowe)  Arrangements are
pending in Russellville. 

You may view the latest post at
http://fellowshipsageworks.com/prayer/2011/03/bereavement-dennis-lowe/

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] Bereaveent - Fran Pope

Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests has posted a new item, 'Bereaveent - Fran
Pope'

Fran Pope DOD:2/26/11 (husband: Charles Pope)  A memorial service is Tuesday,
March 1, at 2:00 p.m. at Stephens Dearman Funeral Home in Monticello. 
Visitation is prior to the service.

You may view the latest post at
http://fellowshipsageworks.com/prayer/2011/02/bereaveent-fran-pope/

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

Updates

Glory Hallelujah!!!!   Donna's mom is home and doing better although she is very weak.  Please continue to pray for her.

AND Dorothy got to go home, too, and she is feeling pretty good today.  She will have a spinal tap on Thursday, and after the test she will have to lie on her back for 4-6 hours.  So she will be there a large part of the day.  Please continue to pray for her .... AND for Dan who still is not feeling well.  They really need our prayers. 

Don't forget the others in the group who can use your prayers... plus Joshua (8), our grandson, who broke his collar bone on Thursday.  He is in a brace and pretty uncomfortable but is a quite a tough guy.  Went to the High School semi state Bball finals on Friday although he was in a lot of pain that day.... just couldn't stand to miss it.  :-)

This from Dan

This past week has been a crazy one. I came down with my annual case of sinus infection and lost 2 and a half days of work. I am still trying to get over the stuff. Mother was experiencing small dizzy spells all week. It culminated with a real bad dizzy spell along with vomiting all over herself in front of dad while visiting him last Saturaday, 02/19/11. She was taken to Baptist ER by way of MEMS. She has been experiencing dizzy spells off and on since entering the hospital. Call me for the details. I am just not feeling up to writing out all the details. Thank you for listening.


Just be in prayer that there is nothing serious. Her spirit is quite low. She is just sick of being sick.

Dorothy is in room 723 at Baptist. 
Dan also asked about you, Donna and Ernie and Donna's mom...  I am sure he is praying for you.  Please pray for Dorothy and Dan, and Donna's mom...

Just in case you wondered

Just in case you wondered.....  the reason that I have not put up a new country to pray for is that the site that I get that info from has not changed the country.  So we can continue to pray for the United Arab Emirates (which I still can't say) or pray for them AND Libya, Bahrain, Egypt, etc. 

A young friend told me yesterday that a friend of hers dreamed that God was raining fire on the world.... can I get an Amen???  Actually I am not sure what is going on but I do know the One who is in control, and I wait with eager expectation to see what He is going to do in all this. AND I think of 2 Peter 3:1-13... and then "Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation... through v 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Update Donna's mother

Dr. Henry, the cardiologist, came to see Donna's mother and said he is hoping she'll be ok to go home by the weekend. Donna thinks that means "Friday".  Donna also said that she's off pain meds for the sciatica so we will see if God performed a miracle. 

Thanks for your prayers for them all.  Please continue to pray!

Prayer request.... Donna's mother

Donna had to take her mom to The Heart Hospital at 2AM this morning with congestive heart failure.  She is still in the emergency room at 5:30AM and will be admitted to the hospital when they can get her a room. Donna says that it is a very busy place.  Please pray for this whole situation....  her mother's health, a room in the hospital, and strength and wisdom for Donna and Ernie and Lloyd.

[Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests] Deanne Goodrich

Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests has posted a new item, 'Deanne Goodrich'

Deanne is in the hospital undergoing testing for symptons that began on Friday.
Pray for clear diagnosis.

You may view the latest post at
http://fellowshipsageworks.com/prayer/2011/02/deanne-goodrich/

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

info from Michael J. Hufnagel

From: MHufnagel@maverickusa.com

Subject: Items from this evening
To: jsmith1885@sbcglobal.net
Date: Friday, February 18, 2011, 10:31 PM

Jerry Sittser's book is called: A Grace Disguised- How the Soul Grows Through Loss

Sermon series coming up after the 6 weeks on the Tabernacle:

4 week series on Doors- Using the illustration of different doors like the Garage Door (Community), Closet Door (Prayer/ Intimacy) , Storage Door (Forgiveness/ Hidden Sin) and ending with the Front Door on Easter (Salvation)

4 week series on Beautiful: Romans 10:15 "Beautiful are the feet of those who bring the Good News."

8 week series on Walking Wisely: Selected Proverbs Scriptures

Michael J. Hufnagel

Fw: JEFFREY DEAN PRAYER ALERT!

From: Jeffrey Dean Ministries
To: E. J. Peters
Sent: Mon Feb 21 08:57:38 2011
Subject: JEFFREY DEAN PRAYER ALERT!

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Jeffrey Dean eNews
February 2011

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Dear Friend,

In two days, I begin a three-week, five-state run, with the opportunity to stand before more than 5,000 teens and adults throughout Texas, Michigan, Utah, Georgia and Illinois. I will be speaking in more than 17 public and private schools, at 5 churches, three Plugged-in Parenting events, and at two teen rallies, including an evangelistic event at an outdoor football stadium in Bowie, TX.
Please pray for:

Every teen who hears my message that does not know Jesus as Lord to accept Him as Savior.
Teens who are struggling with eating disorders, addictions, anger, suicidal thoughts, depression, cutting, impure thoughts and actions, and more to surrender it all to God.
Safety in travel to/from each location.
No flight delays and/or weather issues.
My family during our time of separation.
Favor with public school students, staff and administrators.
Please consider printing this itinerary and posting in a high-traffic area of your home as a reminder to pray:

February 23 Bowie, TX
February 24-25 Dallas, TX
February 26-28 Tomball, TX
March 1-3 St. George, UT
March 4-5 Naperville, IL
March 6-9 Hartwell, GA
March 11-13 Evart, MI
March 14 Cadillac, MI

Thank you for praying for Jeffrey Dean Ministries. I can't wait to share with you in a few weeks all that God did! Have a great week,
Jeffrey
Jeffrey Dean Ministries 615.477.3021 <http://e2ma.net/go/9104564313/3451171/103329670/39051/goto:http://www.jeffreydean.com> jeffreydean.com <http://e2ma.net/go/9104564313/3451171/103329671/39051/goto:http://www.jeffreydean.com>
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Jeffrey Dean Ministries
225 Cumberland Circle | Nashville, TN 37214

update from Dan

Linda,


 I didn’t sleep as well last night as the night before and today I will need to work the whole day. This all said, I must bow out tonight again. I will really miss the fellowship.

Prayer requests:

That we the Church would truly repent of our sins and allow the Holy Spirit full reign of our lives

Revival

Quick and full recovery from this “bug”

Mother: She has experienced 3 dizzy spells this week with the worst one last night. These deal with the inner ear and are not related to stroke symptoms(Praise The Lord) but the threat of falling and breaking bones is increased. I will be calling the Ear Specialist today to let them know and will probably be getting her in for a check up asap. Right now just pray that she will not fall.

I am in the process of changing anti-depressants. The one I am on now is fighting with my anti-seizure medication. Pray that the new one will be friendly with the other drugs I take.

Thank you for all your prayers.
Dan

Prayer request

Jim's brother who has emphysema is in the hospital with difficulty breathing and is also coughing up a lot of thick mucous.  He is on antibiotics and breathing treatments.  At the sam time his wife, Carol, was diagnosed with breast cancer yesterday.  She is the one that we prayed for when she had an acoustic neuroma and a heart attack... all within the last year and a half.  She has a stress test for her heart tomorrow that she is requesting prayer for.... and an MRI on Tuesday for the cancer.  Please, please pray for them.... first for the stress test tomorrow.  She is experiencing some neck pain and other symptoms that concern her.  She is a believer and in good spirits.

thanks... see you tomorrow night.
His,
linda

Community Group Meeting Friday Night

What a great night of discussion, prayer, and praise we had on Friday night.  Your insights and comments in the discussion were challenging and thought provoking.  Thanks so much for your participation.   Then on Sunday I felt like Brandon reiterated a lot of what we talked about on Friday night.... the Holy Spirit... the church building being used extravagantly by God on Saturday night...  the assurance of the presence of God in us every day.... the seemingly more explicit invitation for anyone to come to the "living room" for prayer, just to talk, or for ministry... and much more. (I know that they always mention that, but it seemed to stick out to me this Sunday.)  And what a great message and beginning to an exciting sermon series.  We are blessed.  Dan and Susan Bowden, you were MISSED. 

NOW.... we will continue that journey with God in our little group on Friday night at our home (City Smith's) for a Chili EAT, discussion of Chapter 4 (Jim sent out the questions), and a time of prayer.   Mike and Suzanne Hufnagel will be joining us for the evening.  Please let me know if you will NOT be coming as I need to make sure the food and the table set up is in place.  I am planning now that you all will be coming.... and so look forward to our time together in Him.

Prayer Request

Hebrews tells us that we can come before the throne of God for grace to help in time of need!!!!!  So here is another opportunity... a need that we can carry to the throne.  Felicia Peters is going through a hard time and really needs our prayers!!!   And please pray that God will give Donna and Ernie wisdom and guidance through this time.   Saints, let's meet at the throne on their behalf....  on our knees calling out to Him.
 
This is a quote I read recently.  "The battle for our children's lives is waged on our knees.  When we don't pray it is like sitting on the sidelines watching our children in a war zone getting shot at from every angle.  When we pray we are in the battle alongside them appropriating God's power on their behalf.  Using the Word in our prayers is a powerful weapon against which NO enemy can prevail."   Nothing is too difficult for our God.   He IS our glory... the lifter of our heads... and He will accomplish all the concerns us.  There is NONE like our GOD...  NONE.   He is mighty to save and to work His will.   Glory to His Name!!!!!

Community Group will meet on Friday night at 7PM at the city Smiths (Jim and Linda).  We will discuss Chapter 3 of Radical... and lift our voices in prayer and praise to HIM.

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

You may view the latest post at
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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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[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.

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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.

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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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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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[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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[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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[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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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!!!!