News, Prayers, Character, and the Cowboys Better Pick it Up!

Friends:

Good afternoon! Well, once again, here I am shipping off this message during the Cowboys game. They better pick things up a bit!

First of all, let's say a big thank you Ben and Nicki Sanchez for bringing our snacks this morning. Way to go, Ben and Nicki! Next week, the Hudsons are in charge. Seeing as how the Hudsons eat a bit healthier than some of us, I suspect they may be bringing something that is a bit healthier for us, but we'll see! Thanks for signing up, Hudsons!

CLASS LUNCH ON OCTOBER 19TH!!!
As I mentioned last week, we will be heading to lunch as a class on Sunday, October 19th. Please put this date on your calendar! Next Sunday, we'll discuss where we want to go. We'll dismiss about 11:30 that day.

PRAYERS AND PRAISES
We have lots of prayers and praises this week, so let's get to it.

Praise God for Malia's first visit to our church and class this morning! She is a precious little girl. Please continue to pray for Malia as she adjusts and for Vince and Mary as they begin their lives as parents. Pray for good nights of sleep and continued learning of English for Malia. Malia has slept well for the last two nights, so that's good news. Please pray that it will continue.

Vince brought a praise this morning that things are looking positive for his friends Cole and Iva in Oklahoma. They will be able to use their chosen names for the two young boys they are looking to adopt officially. Please pray for continued good news for Vince's friends.

Bernie has asked that we pray for Sarah Dudley, a friend of hers from work. Sarah recently had a kidney transplant and has been suffering from some complications. Pray for better health and a complete recovery for Sarah.

I would like for us to pray for Mona Choucair. She had to have some surgery this past week, but is now home and, as far as I know, recovering just fine. Please pray for a quick and complete recovery for Mona.

Ben and Teresa have asked that we pray for Hunter. He's had a bit of a rough start to his first grade year. Please pray for better days at school for Hunter.

Steve May is leaving this week for a trip to New Jersey. Please pray for a quick and safe trip for Steve.

Also on the May front, Benjamin turned 12 this week! Praise God for a great day for Benjamin.

Shawn Buhner had a praise this morning that his mom is doing a better and has settled into her new home. Please continue to pray for good days for her. Let's also pray for Shawn. He's traveling to Houston today to see his Dad.

Happy Anniversary to the Hookhams! Yep, that's right. Jeff and Bernie were married twelve years ago today. Way to go, Hookhams! Please ask God to be with the Hookhams on their special day. As all of you know, the Hookhams have been with our class from the beginning. Praise God for sending the Hookhams to help us build our class. With the turnover that we've had during the last couple of years, the Hookhams are the only holdovers left from the beginning. I think that means that Jeff and Bernie have been the victims of more bad jokes than anyone other than my wife. We love you guys, Hookhams!

We need to pray for our country during these difficult economic times. Please pray for strong leaders who make decisions that benefit all of us, not just some of us. Ask, also, that God will provide our nation with wise, steady leadership during the years ahead.

Jill and Brian VanZee have lots of traveling to do during the next few weeks. Please pray for safe travel and successful trips for Jill and Brian.

Last but certainly not least, lots of people in the South are dealing with difficult days due to a lack of gas. Pray that the refineries will get back on track so gasoline can be delivered soon. Pray, also, for our country's efforts to rid ourselves of foreign oil by investing in alternative fuel sources!

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For those of you who want to look ahead, next Sunday we will be looking at Galatians 5:16-26. We will continue our focus on character by looking at the subject of Discipline. I'll have things put together by Friday evening.

Have a great week, everyone. See you next Sunday!

Wes and Dana