No Fear, Baby. And Other Prayers.

I think that should be our theme this week, folks. No fear. So many of us are facing long and challenging weeks. I, for one, have about 100 meetings and 50 presentations between now and next Sunday morning. Others of you are worried about jobs and conferences and sick kids and babies-on-the-way. All I'm sayin' is let us not be afraid! With God's help, we will make it through this week even stronger than we are today. I just know it!

Thanks to the Fadals! They brought our donuts today. We appreciate you coming through for us, Jeff and Jennifer. Jeff and Bernie Hookham, also known as the Old Faithfuls (no reference to age there!), will be taking care of us next week. We can always count on the Hookhams!

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

Let's move forward with our prayers and praises.

Jason Bunting has decided to make a job switch to become the new principal of Midway ISD's Success Lab. Congratulations on this great opportunity, Jason! Please pray for Jason as he makes this transition between now and Fall 2009. The decision was a difficult one for Jason to make, but he will be able to serve a completely different population of students next year.

Stefanie Bunting also would like for us to pray for the church as we go through the search process to find a new Children's Minister. We will be using a process very similar to what we used when we captured Joe Cox and brought his family to the promised land from some two-word state on the east coast. Please pray that God will be with the search committee and Mark DeVries as our church works through this very important process. Pray that God will bring exactly the right person to us for this critically important role.

Shelley Buhner brought good news about Maddie Sue (sp. ?), Tatum Buhner's good friend. It turns out that the problem with Maddie Sue's heart isn't near as severe as they once thought. It looks as though the problem may be solved with medication. Please pray that God will continue to be with Maddie Sue and her parents during this stressful time.

Also on the Buhner front, Shelley will learn about her job on Friday. Pray that God will be with the Buhners this week as they anticipate Friday. Ask that God will help Shawn and Shelley not to be anxious and to know that God is with them no matter how things turn out. We're praying for you, Shelley B.!

Christina G. would like for us to continue to pray for her boyfriend, Tim. It turns out that he will need to stay in Wisconsin for another month. Pray that God will be with Tim and Christina while they are apart.

Brian VanZee needs our prayers as he embarks on a busy week. He is coordinating a very important conference on biology and water-related issues, which will take place Monday through Saturday in Fort Worth. For you bass fishermen out there, Brian's bringing together the best minds in the world to tackle the "golden algae" problem, which has a direct impact on the quality of bass fishing in the great state of Texas! Please pray that Brian's week will go well and that the conversations at the conference will bear promising fruit. Let's also pray for Jill while Brian is away. Jill, please let us know what we can do for you. Just call if you need something!

Teresa Sullivan would like for us to pray for her school district (Bruceville-Eddy, if I remember correctly). They will be going through some administrative changes soon. Please pray that they will find good leadership and that the upcoming weeks will go better for Teresa.

We also need to pray for safety for Ben as he leaves for oil rig work again this week. Pray for his safe travel, work, and return to the Sullivan family. For those of us who might get the inclination to complain about our inside jobs this week, just try following Ben around for a few days!

Let's keep up the prayers for our expectant mommies: Shannon Smith and Elizabeth Nemec. Pray for strength for the mommies and continued growth and strength for the babies.

Tina Leonberger goes in for her back surgery on January 27th. Please pray that everything will go smoothly and that she will begin to feel better soon.

I would like for everyone to pray that my Mom, the one and only Jeannine Null, will have a great birthday on Wednesday of this week. She turns 39. : ) I think she and my Dad have been celebrating for about a month! That's great. They deserve some celebration time.

Last but certainly not least, let's keep up our prayers for Steve May. He's waiting to hear on several job possibilities. Pray that God will give he and Jennifer the strength, patience, and courage they need during this time. We're here to do anything and everything that we can for you, Steve and Jennifer. No fear, baby!

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I believe that does it. We look forward to seeing all of you next Sunday, and I certainly mean that this week. Lots of us will tackle big challenges this week, so let's be sure and assemble ourselves again next Sunday to celebrate what we've conquered. Dana and I will look forward to seeing you then!

God bless,

Wes and Dana

This Week's News: Lots Happenin'!

Friends:

Howdy, everyone! Great weather, eh?! This weekend I conquered the leaves, at last. Bring on spring!

Let's thank Nicki Sanchez for the delicious muffins and zucchini break that she brought this morning. Delicious stuff! And she even found time to make this tasty stuff while keeping up with Severus. Very impressive! Thanks, Nicki. Next weekend, Jeff and Jennifer Fadal are in charge of our snacks. Thanks for signing up, Fadals!


PRAYERS AND PRAISES

We have lots of news and prayers, so let's get to it:

The Nicholson family is dealing with lots of sicknesses. I believe just about everyone in the family has been sick lately. Please pray for healthier days for the Nicholsons, and for some sleep and relaxation for Amy! Hang in there, Ms. Nicholson!

We also need to pray for Teresa Sullivan. She was home sick this morning. Ben also would like for us to pray for Hunter. He is going in for an "EEG" tomorrow to find out why he has been having some seizures. Please pray that everything will be okay for Hunter and that the tests will help uncover what can help him. Lastly on the Sullivan front, Ben would like for us to pray for everyone in the oil field industry. These are very difficult times. Please pray that things will improve soon.

Christina G. has asked that we pray for her boyfriend, Tim. He is traveling to Milwaukee this week. Pray that his trip will go well and that he will make his way home safely.

Christina also would like for us to pray for everyone who has been affected by the helicopter crash at Texas A&M. Students begin classes again on Tuesday, so please pray that everything will start out well for them.

Mary E. brought a praise today that little Eva, the baby we have been praying for, is now at home and improving. Please keep praying for each day to get stronger for Eva. Praise God for the great news!

Several people would like for us to say a praise for the great "Miracle on the Hudson" story that we all witnessed this week. Praise God for quick thinking and good decision-making by everyone involved!

Jennifer Fadal would like for us to pray for a family she knows in California that recently experienced a tragic plane crash. This is a very sad, difficult situation for the families that have lost loved ones. Pray for comfort and strength for everyone who is mourning.

Jennifer May has asked that we pray for all of the youngsters who are going through Confirmation. Please pray that this important time in the confirmands' lives will go well. Pray, also, for all of the mentors who have decided to work very closely with these kids during the next few months. Let's say a special prayer for Vince E. who is serving as a mentor for Benjamin May. Pray that God will be with them during the upcoming confirmation weeks.

Great news for the Fadals! They did, at long last, close on their home last week. Woohoo! Ask that God will continue to be with Jennifer and Jeff as they enjoy their new home.

Also on the home news front, let's continue our prayers for Khalil and Leslie Coltrain as they work to sell their home. Pray that the right buyer will come along soon. Hang in there, Khalil and Leslie! It will happen! We're praying for you guys.

Tina Leonberger will have her back surgery on January 27th. Please pray that the surgery will go smoothly and that Tina will recover quickly and completely. We're praying for you, Tina!

We need to continue our prayers for our expectant Mommies. Shannon Smith was home sick this morning, and she isn't able to take antibiotics. Pray that Shannon will get to feeling better very soon. Pray for the little one she is carrying, also.

Let's also keep up our prayers for Elizabeth Nemec and the little one she is carrying. Elizabeth is doing okay, but she has been struggling with a number of health challenges during this pregnancy. Pray that life will get a bit more comfortable for Elizabeth soon.

Shelley B. would like for us to pray for her friends, the Evans family. They recently discovered that their 11-year old daughter, Maddy Sue, is having some heart problems. They will be traveling to Cook's hospital this week to find out more. Pray that they will find out good news and that everything will be okay. Maddy Sue, by the way, is Tatum Buhner's best friend.

Last but not least, I would like for everyone to pray for a safe and successful inauguration on Tuesday. Regardless of what any of our individual political leanings may be, Tuesday will be a historic day for our country. From what I understand, the theme of Obama's inaugural address will be moral responsibility, a subject that we have discussed, of course, many times. Let's hope and pray that we will come together as a country and get things headed in the right direction.

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I think that takes care of our prayers, praises, and news for this week. Next Sunday, we will continue our look at priorities by focusing on Acts 5:33-6:7. If you have a chance, take a look at these passages between now and next Sunday morning.

Have a great week, folks. It looks as though the weather will be beautiful all week . . . .

Wes and Dana

Update from Tina Leonberger

See the update below from Tina. Thanks for continuing your prayers for her.

Wes

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Hi Wes,

Hope the New Year is treating you and yours right. Wanted to let you know the date for my surgery is Jan 27th. I have been having considerable trouble with my back and not getting around too well. Richard and boys will have their hands full taking care of me and my herd of pets!! Please ask for prayers for a good surgery and speedy recovery for me and patients for my family. Richard is concerned for his businesses and the load he feels he will carry. Pray that God will calm him and give him peace in knowing that we will get through this. He truly worries more than he would admit. Thank you and we are hoping to get back before I go in.

In Him, Tina Leonberger

A Bit More News and Prayers

Friends:

Just a quick update here on a few matters. First of all, I want to thank everyone who donated to help support the upcoming Shine weekend. We were able to send along almost $100 to the church today. Praise God for your generosity! This should be a great weekend for the youngsters in our church. Let's be sure to pray that the weekend will go well.

Next, we have a praise from Ben and Nicki. They received a call today that everything is fine and Ben is back in the house. Thank God for this great news! Please continue to keep Ben, Nicki, and Severus in your prayers during this stressful time.

Last but certainly not least, we need to keep Elizabeth Nemec in our prayers. She and the baby are healthy, but this pregnancy is proving to be a bit difficult for Elizabeth. She is dealing with something called "pupps," which is very painful. She also has a great deal of muscle soreness. Please pray that things will get better for Elizabeth very soon. Hang in there, Elizabeth! We're praying for you!

I think that's all for now. See you this weekend.

Wes

News, Prayers, Waco Today, and More!

Friends:

Good evening! Hope you've had a good weekend. Great weather today, eh?! I spent the afternoon trimming crape myrtles. The bad news I'm covering with cuts and scrapes. The crape myrtles may be much smaller, but I think they won the battle. The good news is the work's done!

Let's thank the VanZees for bringing our donuts this morning. Thanks for taking care of us, Brian and Jill!

We had so many prayers and praises this morning that we ran out of time! Lots of people are dealing with challenges and sharing in joys. Let's go ahead and get to it.

First off, Beth Ramsdell recently hurt her knee while working with some pigs for FFA. She will be having an MRI this week to figure out what needs to be done. Please pray for good news for Beth, a good surgery if necessary, and a speedy recovery.

Rod and Shannon have asked us to pray for Denise, a friend of their's. Denise's Dad passed away recently from a heart attack. Please pray for everyone in the family who is mourning this loss.

Please pray for the Buhners. Shelley's company will be going through some cutbacks in the weeks ahead. Please pray that everything will be okay for Shelley. Pray for peace, comfort, and patience for the Buhners during the next few weeks. We're praying for you guys, Shawn and Shelley!

Christina G. would like for us to pray for her friend Dwayne, who recently learned that he may have cancer. Pray that everything will be okay for Dwayne. Christina also would like for us to pray for her as she starts her internship through Baylor's School of Social Work tomorrow. Finally, Christina's boyfriend Tim is trying to quit smoking, and she would like for us to pray that he will be successful.

Teresa S. brought a praise today that Ben has been reassigned to a rig in Franklin, Texas, which is just a couple hours away. Praise God that Ben will be closer to home! As usual, please continue to pray for Ben's safety while he is away working. He will be home on Tuesday.

Vince E. brought a praise today for the VanZees! For those of you who haven't seen it, Brian, Jill, Raelynn, and Breeley were recently highlighted in an article in the Waco Today magazine. What a great family choice! Let's praise God for the VanZees and the way they serve as role models for other adopting parents. Click here if you would like to read the article. Way to go, Brian and Jill! I have yet to see the hard copy version, but I hope they'll be pictures! That's where Raelynn really shines through.

Also on the VanZee front, Jill would like for us to pray for Brian as he works to organize a major symposium toward the end of this month in Dallas. Brian has a lot of work to do between now and then. Pray that God will be with Brian as he does this work and that everything will go well at the symposium.

I just learned this evening that Mallory Nicholson has been diagnosed with RSV. I don't have many details, but it appears that Mallory is doing a bit better. Please pray for her speedy and complete recovery. Hang in there, Nicholsons!

I believe that the Fadals are still on tap to close out their old home on Thursday, Jan 15th. Please pray that everything will stay firm and that Fadals can close the book on this house on Thursday!

Last but not least, Ben and Nicki Sanchez have been going through some difficult times lately. Severus had an accident just before Christmas, which has led to lots of difficulties with the family. Please ask God to be with Nicki, Severus, and Ben during these long, stressful weeks. Pray that everything will be resolved soon and that their family will be back to steady days very soon. We're praying for you, Ben and Nicki! Take it one day at a time. As I said today, please let us know how we can help you. We are here to do whatever we can to support you.

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I believe that covers our prayers and praises. If you have a chance before next Sunday, take a look at John 11:17-44. For those of you who were in class this morning, I distributed the lesson, so you can take a look at the questions ahead of time if you'd like. We'll take a careful look at the famous story of Lazarus. I think the way in which Hummel (the author of this series) uses what Christ does with Lazarus to teach us about priorities is quite creative. I'll look forward to our discussion next week.

Okay, I have one more prayer. I start classes on Tuesday. I get to teach my favorite two classes this semester. I ask that you pray that everything gets off to a great start. I am honestly so excited about getting started that I can't stand it, and I mean that. I think that's a prayer and a praise all at the same time. I absolutely love my job and the opportunity to teach these students on Tuesday. Pray that I will be up to the challenge to give these bright, motivated souls what they need and deserve. More importantly, pray that I will be able to give them what God wants them to have.

Have a great week, everyone. Dana and I look forward to seeing you next week!

Wes and Dana

The New Fridge and Other Priorities for Sunday!

Friends:

Happy Friday, everyone! Hope you've had a good week. In the spirit of priorities, we have an exciting new change with our class: A New Fridge!! Yep, that's right. Some of you know that we've been having some trouble with the cooler. Well, fear not, all is well in sodaland. The last several years have taught me that, in addition to bad jokes, cold drinks are crucial to a good class on Sunday mornings. Take a look at the picture (on the blog and attached in the email)!

Don't miss the opportunity to be the first to use our new fridge this Sunday morning! As an incentive (!), I've hidden a Coors Light in there somewhere, but you'll have to show up on Sunday to find it! : ) (Okay, okay, I'm kidding. Maybe.)

Dana and I look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday morning. We'll continue our study of Priorities by looking at Mark 1:21-39.

See you then!

Wes

Back to Work, Prayers, and Other Stuff

Friends:

Hi, everyone! Hope you've enjoyed the last couple of weeks. No more slacking come tomorrow morning! It was good to see everyone today. Let's say a big thanks to Mary and Vince E. for bringing our donuts this morning. We appreciate it, Ericksons. Next week, the VanZees are in charge. Thanks, Brian and Jill!

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

Let's take a look at our prayers and praises for this week.

For starters, Steve and Jennifer May recently celebrated their 15 year anniversary. Praise God for 15 great years for the Mays! Pray that the next 15 will be even better.

I'd like to say a praise for our great Christmas Eve service. What a great night!

Mary would like for us to pray for Ava Scott, a little one month old who is in the hospital struggling with a number of health problems. Mary is friends with Ava's mom. Please pray that Ava will get stronger each day and will be able to go home soon.

We need to keep praying for Teresa Sullivan's Dad. He had to have emergency gall bladder surgery last week. The surgery was very difficult on him, but he is at home. Please pray that Teresa's Dad will get the rest that he needs to get healthy again.

Let's keep praying for our expectant mommies: Shannon Smith and Elizabeth Nemec. Pray for health for the babies and comfort for Shannon and Elizabeth.

I'd like for everyone to pray for all of the students and teachers who will be starting school again tomorrow. Pray for a good start to the semester. We also need to pray for the Baylor students as they travel back to campus. Pray for safe travel and a smooth beginning.

Rumor has it that the Fadals may have someone in line to buy their home, but we want to be careful not to jinx this possibility. Please pray that everything will work out well and that the Fadals will be able to put this stage in their lives behind them very soon. We're praying that this will be over soon, Jennifer!

Let's say a praise that Big Matt Ramsdell had an enjoyable birthday this past week. Congratulations, Matt! Let's also pray that the good days will continue, and that Matt and Beth will have a good week at school. (Matt's also working on a YouTube clip of Steve R. riding his bike, but that's a subject for another post. I think such a clip has the potential to become an instant YouTube sensation!)

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I believe that covers our prayers and praises for today. Next week, we'll continue our study on "priorities". I had planned this morning to hand out next week's material, but, alas, I made the copies and forgot to give them to everyone at the end of class. Nevertheless, if you want to get ahead of the game, read Mark 1:21-39 for next week. I think you'll enjoy what this study does with this selection from the book of Mark!

Have a great week, everyone. We look forward to seeing you next Sunday!

Wes and Dana

Right Priorities for 2009

Dear Friends:

Good evening, everyone. Happy New Year! I hope you've had a great day. As for us Nulls, we've spent the day setting up new fish tanks, taking down Christmas lights, shopping at Toys 'R Us, and hanging new shelves. It was an all around great day!

I'm writing to let you know what our class will be studying as the new year begins. I'd like to continue our Bible study series by looking at a series of lessons on Priorities. I finished reading the series this evening, and I think it is perfect for the new year. Who knows, perhaps even a few of you out there have made a New Year's resolution to come and see us a bit more often. I certainly hope so! Good donuts, cold soft drinks, and bad jokes are guaranteed every Sunday morning at 10:45.

Click here for the link to our next book.

If you'd like, I encourage you to buy a copy. If not, I'll have copies available for each week's lesson on Sunday morning. The title for this week's lesson is "Urgent Demands". The scripture reading is Exodus 18:13-24. Please take a look at these passages before Sunday if you can. I think the message and discussion will be quite timely as we launch into 2009.

May God help us to make 2009 much better than 2008! Let the clean slate begin!

Dana and I look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday morning.

Wes and Dana