Gift Cards for the Nicholsons

Okay, folks. Here is a list of restaurants near Scott & White and Temple. All of these would be convenient. I know Brian and Amy would be very grateful for anything we can do for them. I plan to go see them again late Wednesday afternoon, so, if you want to give me something to take, just email me and I will come get it from you.

Thank you for considering this way of helping them.

Schlotzky's

El Chico

Wendy's

Taco Bell

McDonald's

Chick Fil-A

Case Ole

Cotton Patch

Applebee's

Bush's Chicken

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Wes

More on Reese

Friends:

Us Nulls just returned from a trip to see Reese, Amy, and Brian. They are hanging in there just fine. I am so proud of how they are handling this. The surgery will most likely not take place until Wednesday. They still need to wait until the fever goes down to do the surgery. The physicians are still confident that what Reese has a Wilms tumor. The good news is that everyone seems positive that the tumor is entirely treatable. Even if it is in Stage IV (and they don't know a stage yet), the surgeons say they should be able to remove it and take care of the problem. They won't exactly know what kind of tumor it is, however, until it has been removed. The tumor is partly inside and around her kidney, so she will most likely lose that kidney. The good news is that many, many people live long and healthy lives with only one kidney. We should know a lot more on Wednesday.

Many of you have asked about Reese and Mallory. Amy's parents and Brian's parents are in town, so they have plenty of help. Amy's Mom is at home tonight with Mallory and Brooke. They are trying to keep things as normal as possible for Mallory and Brooke.

At this point, we need to pray that the surgery will go smoothly and that they will continue to get good news. Pray that God will use all of us to support all five Nicholsons during this stressful time in their lives. God builds classes like ours especially for times like this, so let's do everything we can to help Brian and Amy come through this stronger than ever. I am absolutely certain that will happen.

In a separate post, I will include a list of restaurants near Scott & White (in Temple, in case anyone is wondering). A number of you have mentioned that you would like to help with a gift card or something similar. Look for that post within the next hour so.

Thank you for your continued prayers for this wonderful, strong family.

Wes

Update on Reese

Friends:

Here's the latest. The first CT scan was completed this morning. It looks as though Reese has a tumor inside her abdomen that will need to be removed. She has a fever right now, so the surgery will probably not take place until tomorrow. They need to wait for the fever to go down before they can do the surgery. The best guess is that what Reese has is something called a Wilms tumor. The good news is that this is something that is very treatable. The tumor just needs to be removed. According to the Mayo Clinic web site, "The outlook for most children with Wilms' tumor is very good."

Thank you for your prayers for the Nicholsons. We are planning to go see them this afternoon, so I will let you know what we can do to help them.

We're here for you, Amy and Brian.

Wes

Prayers for Reese, Amy, and Brian

Dear Friends:

We need to pray for the Nicholsons. They learned late last night that Reese has some sort of mass either on her stomach or her kidneys. They are at Scott & White this morning having a CT scan done. Amy has asked that we pray for healing and good news for Reese and strength for her and Brian.

Please say lots of prayers for them. We are here for you guys, Amy. I promise. Every step of the way. Let us know whatever you need. There are many, many people who want to help you. We are here to help you do whatever needs to be done. Just call me.

Let's all pray that the Nicholsons will get good news this morning and they will be able to put this behind them very soon. As soon as I hear from Brian after the CT scan is over, I will update our class blog. Check there for more information. I'm hoping this will help Brian focus on Reese and the other girls but still help us let everyone know what to pray for.

Thanks, everyone.

Wes

Lots Going on this Week . . . .

Dear Friends:

Well, there is no shortage of prayers and news today. Hope you guys are prepared to read a short novel!

Let's start out by saying a big welcome to David and Amanda Young. They were visitors in our class this morning. They have three kids ranging from 7th to 2nd grade. Great to have you guys with us, David and Amanda! We hope to see you guys again next week. As I said this morning, one thing's guaranteed. Good snacks and bad jokes every Sunday.

Next up, how about a big thank you to Nicki Sanchez! She whipped up some delicious pineapple upside down cake for us this morning, complete with homemade whipped cream. You are incredible, Nicki! Thanks so much for doing this for us. Next week, Ben and Teresa Sullivan are in charge. Thanks for signing up, Teresa!

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

We have lots of people to remember this week. For starters, we need to keep up our prayers for Shannon Smith and her family. As I think most of you know, Shannon's 31 year old brother passed away earlier this week. His name was Corey. Shannon and her Mom leave Waco on Monday morning to travel to Scottsdale to bring Corey back here. They will be back in Waco Thursday. The service will be next Sunday afternoon. We are praying for you, Shannon. Please let me know what we can do for you. Rod, be sure to call this week if you need anything while Shannon is out of town. God is with you during this time, Shannon. I promise.

One more quick point about next Sunday. As you ladies know, Shannon's baby shower was planned for next Sunday. Obviously, that will be postponed. We'll discuss possibilities next week in class.

Teresa Sullivan has asked that we pray for the family of one of her former students who was killed in a car wreck this week. He had a blowout and flipped his pickup. Pray for everyone who is mourning.

Brian Nicholson has had an interesting few days. Amy has been out of town, and, as luck would have it, Ms. Reese came down sick. There hasn't been much sleep at the Nicholson home, from what I understand. Let's pray for better health for Reese and for sanity for Brian. (Brian, now is the perfect time to make that pitch for a return trip to Shreveport. How about Wednesday, January 6th?) By the way, Brian, ushering went as smooth as possible this morning. In fact, it went smoother than when you are there. Does this mean you need to be fired?

Steve and Jennifer May are returning from New York City today after a weekend celebration for Jennifer's birthday. Pray for safe travel for them.

I don't know many details on this one, but I think Shawn Buhner is having some tests run soon. Pray for good news for Shawn. Shelley, text me the details when you get a chance! We're praying for you, Shawn.

We need to keep praying for the Ramsdells, especially Beth and little-Levi-on-the-way. Pray for good days for Beth.

Vince E. has several prayers and praises for us this week. For starters, Ms. Malia is dealing with chicken pox. Pray that she will get over them soon. Second, Vince would like for us to keep praying for his friends, the Menekers. They are the ones in Oklahoma fighting for custody of two twin boys. There will be another court date in December. Pray for resolution soon and for the best situation possible for the boys. Next, Vince wants us to pray for Christian Erickson (no relation). He apparently had a wreck this weekend and needs our prayers for recovery. Last but not least, Vince brought great news that he is looking at several job possibilities. For starters, he will be helping with the broadcasts (don't know any details here) of the BU basketball games. He also has a few TV sportscaster options that he's looking at, the best one of which looks to be in Colorado Springs, CO (a great spot, by the way, Vince!). Let's pray that God is with Mary and Vince as they look at options and make some important decisions. We're praying for you guys!

Christina G. is off to a good start with her new job. Pray that next week will go well, also. We also need to pray for her as she goes in for some outpatient surgery on the day before Thanksgiving. Pray that the surgery will go smoothly and that it will do everything it needs to do.

Brian VanZee heads out for a hunting trip on Wednesday and will be gone for several days. Pray for his safety and for an enjoyable trip. Jill, as usual, please call if you need anything!!!

Also on the VanZee front, Raelynn goes in later this week to have one of her little ear tubes replaced. Pray that the procedure will go well. She also might have her adenoids removed on Friday. If that happens, pray that it will go smoothly as well. Busy end of week, Jill! I can help with kid dropoff if you need to bring Breeley to our house for some reason.

Lastly with the VanZees, Jill would like for us to pray for one of her friends from college, Renee. She has been dealing with an alcohol problem for some time. The good news is that she has at last decided to get some professional help. Pray that the treatment will do the job and that Renee will have many alcohol free days very soon.

Last but not least, let's pray for everyone who has been affected by the terrible shooting at Fort Hood. Pray for peace, comfort, and support for all of the families.

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I think that catches us up for now. As you can see, lots of people need our thoughts and prayers this week. Thanks for keeping all of these people in mind as you tackle your busy week ahead.

Look forward to seeing all of you again next Sunday.

Wes

Prayers for Shannon Smith

Friends:

Shannon Smith received some very difficult news yesterday. Her 31 year old brother has passed away. Please keep Shannon and her family in your prayers. I believe the funeral will take place here in Waco, perhaps late next week.

We're here for you, Shannon. Thanks, everyone, for keeping Shannon in your prayers.

Wes

Uh, November?!, and Other Class Stuff

Friends:

Good afternoon, all! Is it seriously November?! Incredible!

Even without Jeff and I in attendance, it looks as though the Cowboys may pull out a victory. Hope I'm not jinxing them! (That statement could cause a death threat or two, by the way?! Bring it on!).

Thanks to the Hookhams for feeding us donuts this morning! Appreciate you guys. Next week, Ben and Nicki Sanchez are in charge. Thanks, Ben and Nicki!

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

Let's move on to prayers and praises. Jill V-Zee would like for us to keep praying for her friend, Dr. Mundy. She is on bed rest and is set to have twins within the next few weeks. Pray for healthy babies and a quick recovery for Dr. Mundy.

How about a praise for the great Pumpkin Patch last weekend! The kids had a great time. Thanks to everyone who made it happen! I especially want to thank those who worked the booth for our class. We appreciate you guys very much!

Brian V-Zee has asked that we pray for one of his co-workers, Bobby Farquhar. Bobby's Mother passed away this past week. Pray for the family during this difficult time.

Mary Erickson has a high school friend, Carol Tillman, who passed away this past week from swine flu. Please pray for Carol's family.

Christina G. brought great news this morning that she now has a job! She will begin with the Texas Collection at Baylor tomorrow. Pray for Christina as she begins her new job. She also would like for us to pray for her friend Cayte. Her Dad was recently diagnosed with skin cancer. Pray for good treatment and good news. Last but not least, Christina goes back to see her physician on Thursday to check on a dysplasia situation that she recently learned about. Please pray for nothing but good news for Christina on Tuesday.

Dana would like for us to pray for Shirley Thrailkill. She and Clifton have been tackling some problems lately and could use our prayers.

Would you believe Jennifer May turns 40 this week! Yep. Happy birthday, Jennifer! I believe the big day is Tuesday. Let's pray that Jennifer will enjoy her special day.

Last but certainly not least, let's keep praying for Beth and little Levi Ramsdell. Pray that Levi will get stronger every day and that Beth will experience nothing but health and comfort.

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Well, I think that's it for today, everyone. Better get started with that Christmas shopping!

We look forward to seeing you next week!

Wes