CHEERS!

Last night my whole family met in Dallas with tons of my mom's co-workers to celebrate her retirement. It was so amazing to listen to people that I don't even know stand up and talk about my mom. Some things I knew, but others I had never heard. One thing is certain; we all agree... She is a remarkable woman, full of compassion, loyalty, diligence, ambition, and love. The whole idea of celebrating my mom's accomplishments in front of her- WITH HER was brilliant. Why do we sometimes wait for a funeral to say nice affirming things about a person? Last night we got to praise my mom for being the awesome lady she is, and hopefully spurred her on for the next phase of her life. She is hardly slowing down and like always, has a hundred things going on. She is redecorating the house, working at her new job (I like to refer to her as Madam President), has quite a full social calendar, and still finds time to be my best friend and loyal mom. I love her. (Mom, If you are reading this... I LOVE YOU!) We should all speak kinder. I wonder if everyone in my life knows how much I care for them and how obvious it is that the Lord created them just so, and how he loves them the same as he loves me- PERFECTLY. I should like to make an intentional point and the attempt to verbalize my love for the people that the Lord has placed in my path. Todd and Brennen took their test yesterday and Todd thinks it went well (I am not sure how Todd's friend Brennen feels?) Please pray for Todd and I as we finish up the semester. I have FOUR test and a paper due next week. It will surely be one of those weeks that when it's over you just kind of look around confused as to how you got through it and even more sure that their is a really big GOD. Not only do I have to take the test but I need to do well on them but no pressure! Scott survived his first tax season!!! Things are still crazy, extentions and normal monthly work but all is well on its way. I want you all to know that your prayers are heard, felt, and working. The very fact that my family is coping while working, studying, loving and just being is a testament to God's grace, patience, and his very real strength. Also please continue to pray for my grandmother (Jerrie), I talked to her for about an hour this week and she sounds okay. I know she still is deeply stricken with grief and sadness but is trying her hardest to continue in all her duties at home, as well as at her shop. She is so precious. What a wonderful hopeful life that we get to stumble through together. I can't imagine better brothers and sisters to walk with than you all. I love you and thank you for being the greatness you are!!!

***I have a new friend named David Gilbert (twenty year old from Texas A&M) and he was diagnosed with cancer this summer. After rigorous chemo the cancer seemingly left his body. It was rediscovered in his body about a month ago. He is at M.D. Anderson in Houston now and is fighting the good fight again. I will let you all know more as I receive news. He has amazing faith in His Jesus and hope pours from him.
***Amanda Cox, a girl I graduated from high-school with, just learned of her cancer too. She underwent surgery and will be starting treatment soon. She is so precious and I can only imagine scared to death.

I ASK AGAIN YOU ALL TO RISE UP AND PRAY!!! PRAY FOR HEALING, PRAY FOR STRENGTH, PRAY FOR THE REMOVAL OF FEAR! PRAY FOR THESE TWO TO BE COMFORTED BY THE ONE WHO MADE THEM.

I will keep you posted, BLESSINGS...