Help for the Smiths

Dear Friends:

As you know, Shannon Smith has been put on bed rest until the baby is born. The suggestion was made to go ahead and start taking meals to them to relieve some of the stress they may be feeling. I set up an online calendar to organize meals for Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays for the next few weeks. If you would like to help out, please go to the following web address and type in the Calendar ID and Security Code below. Thank you for considering this opportunity to bless Rod and Shannon.

http://www.carecalendar.org/

Calendar ID : 15681
Security Code : 9350

Once you are in the calendar, you just click on the RED “Dinner” (green means taken) and fill in your info. If you enter your email address, the program should send you a reminder before the day you have chosen. If you have any problems, please contact us. Thank you so much for all that you do to help dear friends.

God bless,

Wes and Dana

P.S.--If you know of anyone not on our regular class email list, please feel free to forward this email to anyone who might like to help out Rod and Shannon.

This Week's Update and Prayers: Lots Needed

Friends:

Good evening, everyone! Hope you've enjoyed the weekend. We have lots going on this week, so let's get to it.

First, let's thank Teresa Sullivan for bringing our donuts this morning. We appreciate you, Teresa! Donuts in addition to two kids at church is quite a feat! Next week, us Nulls got the goodies covered.

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

Since we had our guest missionary speak to us today (Nick Lakatos), we did prayers a bit differently. I passed around a notepad, so this week's prayer requests are in people's own words (an improvement, I think!).

From Rod Smith: Shannon's due June 14th, but she's high risk to deliver within 2 or 3 weeks. Please pray she can make it almost 3 more weeks.

Ben and Nicki: Our family is getting over a sinus infection that has consumed the entire family, and young Severus is cutting three teeth while sick. We need patience and healng.

Christina G.: I am taking time off of school to work (I don't know where) to find out what I want to do. I am in desperate need of guidance and prayers. Also, I need prayers as Tim and I go our separate ways. To my friend Brennan in Law School: finals are this week and this will be the end of his 1st quarter.

Jennifer Fadal: Please pray for Clint Rogers. He was burned badly this week and is in Parkland Hospital in ICU. Also, please pray for my sister who is pregnant and high risk.

Teresa Sullivan: Please pray for patience and stamina for teachers and students as they work through this week's TAKS tests. Also, pray for Ben's safety as the weather comes through the area.

Beth and Matt: We didn't get the best news this week about getting pregnant. My right tube is completely closed and the left is partially closed. They will have to go in and look around and see what could be done to fix them. If they cannot be fixed, our only option would be in vitro. We don't know for sure when the surgery will take place but should know something this week. Please pray for peace of mind and good news from the doctors.

Hudsons: We have a girl scout trip next weekend. We will have 17 pre-teen girls and less than 17 parents in Austin. We'll need prayers for a safe trip and for lots of patience.

Mays: We want to say a praise for a great confirmation retreat! I (Jennifer) also would like people to pray for my little autistic student who will start transitioning to kindergarten these last few weeks of school. We also want to say a prayer and praise for next Sunday since it is confirmation Sunday. Also, Steve's Dad has been moved to a nursing home. So far, the transition for him has been smooth. Pray that the transition will continue to go well.

Dana: Please pray for Ginger, a college friend of mine. Last Wednesday her 10 year old daughter passed away unexpectedly. Apparently she had been living with a heart defect that went undiagnosed. Please pray that Ginger and her husband, James, will somehow find comfort in all of this.

---------------

As you can see, folks, lots of people need our prayers. Thank you for remembering all of these people this week.

Have a good week, everyone. We look forward to seeing you again next Sunday morning.

Wes and Dana

Prayer Request from Teresa Sullivan

Friends:

Please pray for Teresa Sullivan as she interviews for a new teaching position for next year!

Wes

News and Prayers before a Week of Sunshine!

Friends:

Good evening! I hope you enjoyed your Sunday afternoon. I managed to cut the grass, wash Dana's car, and supervise some golf in the back yard without any major injuries. Sounds like a successful Sunday afternoon to me!

I enjoyed class this morning. Let's thank Jeff and Bernie for bringing our donuts and donut holes. We appreciate it, Hookhams! Next week, Ben and Teresa Sullivan are signed up. Thanks very much, Sullivans!

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

We have lots of prayers and praises this week, so stay tuned.

The Buhners are busy packing and traveling. They close on both houses this Friday. On top of packing and preparing for the closings, Shelley has a business trip to Orlando this week. Pray for safe travel for Shelley, and for sanity for the entire Buhner clan as they soldier through what will be a hectic week!

Jennifer May has asked that we pray for the Confirmation Class as they prepare for a retreat next weekend. Pray that God will bless the trip and continue to be with the very important work that is going on with our confirmands.

Jill VanZee brought an update on the friends she asked us to pray for last week. First, her friend Michael Anne (sp.?) has received good news regarding her cancer. It looks as though she is going to be okay. The VanZees' neighbor, who is struggling with breast cancer, is scheduled for surgery on May 5th. Please pray that the surgery will go smoothly. The good news is that she will only need one surgery. Last but not least, Jill would like for us to say a praise for a doctor friend of hers who has been struggling with infertility. The great news is that she recently learned that it looks as though she will have twins. Please pray for health for these little babies and for strength for their Mother.

We need to keep up our prayers for Steve May's Dad. It looks as though he may need to move into a nursing home following his seizure last weekend. Let's pray for better health for Steve's Dad and for strength and understand for Steve's Mom.

Vince E. brought some good news this morning. He had an agent call him this week to discuss his job prospects. Vince is now preparing a few videos to help with the search. Please continue your prayers for Vince as he prepares these very important materials. Let's also keep praying for wisdom, discernment, and lots of exciting possibilities for Vince and Mary.

Shannon and Rod Smith brought a praise today that Rod has been offered a new job opportunity here in the Waco area. They would like for us to pray for God's guidance for them as they decide what is best for Rod and their family. Keep us posted, Rod!

Steve May has asked that we pray for our country during the difficult days we have been experiencing lately. Let's pray for unity, statesmanship, and reason in the face of lots of crazy things going on. Pray that we will find smoother days ahead very soon.

Jennifer May would like for us to pray for the China Spring school district as they begin their search for a new superintendent. Their current superintendent will be moving to Wichita Falls. Pray that God will lead the right person to China Spring.

Christina G. brought two prayers this morning. She would like for us to pray for her as she makes some important decisions about her school work at Baylor. She is trying to decide whether or not to scale back and go part-time instead of full-time. Christina also would like for us to pray for Texas A&M as they celebrate their "Muster" celebration this week. Let's pray for everyone who will be mourning the loss of loved ones this week.

Last but certainly not least, Beth Ramsdell would like for us to pray for her and Matt as they search for something that might help them in their quest to become parents. Beth will be visiting a doctor next Friday (April 24th) to learn more about perhaps what could be done. Please pray for strength, patience, and understanding for Beth and Matt. Hang in there, Beth! We are praying for you every day! Please keep us posted on how things go on Friday.

-----------

"Fireproof" Movie Coming Up!

I think that covers our rather lengthy list this Sunday. I have just a quick note about our next "study" in class. Jennifer May had the great idea for us to watch the movie "Fireproof" and then follow one of the study guides that comes with the film. Dana and I watched the film last night and enjoyed it. I'll say more about what we plan to do with "Fireproof" later, but, for now, just know that this will be an exciting opportunity for us that we will begin in about 3 or 4 weeks. We don't want any of you to miss what I think will be some interesting discussions! Here is some more on "Fireproof" if you would like to know more:

http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/

---------

Dana and I hope that all of you have a great week. We look forward to seeing everyone again next Sunday morning, if not before!

God bless,

Wes

Prayers for Steve May's Dad

Friends:

Please see Steve May's message below. We need to pray for his Dad and his Mom. Thanks for keeping them (and Steve and the rest of his family) in your prayers.

Wes


-------

My dad was admitted to the hospital yesterday after waking up extremely
lethargic. Today he suffered a mild seizure at the hospital. Our thoughts
now are that he will probably need to be admitted to a long term care
facility that can manage his Parkinson's Disease in a more efficient manner.
My mom just can't do much for him anymore.


Steve

Prayers, News, and a Beautiful Easter Sunday!

Friends:

Good evening! Well, once the morning storms rolled away, we had a beautiful day, didn't we?! Hope you enjoyed your Easter Sunday. Ours was full of a great morning at church/class, an excellent lunch, lots of golf on TV, and Corbin trying to knock out some windows with a golf ball. Luckily, all of the windows survived. If he begins to make better contact, I'm afraid we'll need to head to the driving range!

Let's get to our prayers and other news.

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

I would like for you to please pray for Raegan. She has been sick with a stomach virus for a week now. She seems to be fine in the mornings, but, in the afternoons and evenings, she has not been doing well at all. It looks as though I am taking her back to see her pediatrician tomorrow. Please pray that she will feel better soon. Will these sicknesses never end?!

Ben Sullivan and Vince Erickson are off tomorrow morning for a camping trip in Arkansas. Please pray that they will have an enjoyable, safe week together.

Let's keep up our prayers for Shannon Smith and the little baby she's carrying. Pray that the baby will come to full term and that Shannon will feel strong each day.

Nicki Sanchez brought a prayer today regarding the CPS business they've been going through for the past few months. To make a long story short, the case worker that has been harassing them has been fired due to incompetence. Nicki says that there are apparently several lawsuits pending against this person. Nicki would like for us to pray for this worker's daughter, who is apparently six years old. Pray that God will take care of her. I would also like for us to keep praying for Ben and Nicki. It looks as though this situation will disappear altogether very soon. Way to hang in there, Ben and Nicki!

Teresa would like for us to pray for the family of Veronica Bravo. Veronica was one of the people killed in the recent car accident. This is a very sad situation that has left a Mother without one child and two children without a Mother. Please pray for comfort, healing, and strength for everyone who is mourning these tragic losses.

Vince would like for us to keep up our prayers for his nephew, Dillon. Pray that things will get better for he and his wife and that he will find new employment very soon.

Christina G. would like for us to pray for her as she makes some important decisions about her future. Pray that God will guide Christina in the right direction.

Ben S. brought a praise today that he had a safe couple of weeks at work. Pray that God will continue to be with Ben when he goes back to work in a week or so.

---------

I believe that covers matters for this Sunday. Next week, the Hook-hams are in charge of our goodies. Thanks, Jeff and Bernie! Us Nulls mixed things up today with coffee cake. You can thank Mrs. "Fish Dish" Null for that!

I hope all of you have a great week. Praise God for this blessed resurrection Sunday!

See you next week,

Wes

Prayer Request from Teresa Sullivan

From Teresa. Thanks for adding this prayer to your list.

------

Wes, if you could do me a favor and pass this prayer request around, I would appreciate it. Thanks!

You may have seen on the news this morning about a car accident in Falls county that killed an adult and two children. The adult was actually a student here at Rosebud-Lott ( I taught her two years) and the children belonged to a former student from here. Apparently the driver (I’m not sure which it was) fell asleep at the wheel. This is a terrible tragedy and has affected all of us teachers and most of the kids. Please pray for these families as we come upon Easter for healing of heart and body. The adult that made it is in ICU at Hillcrest and it was her two children that died in the crash. The child that made it lost her mother. Thank you.

News, Prayers, and Where's My Trash Can?!

Friends:

Howdy, folks! What in the world has gotten into this place? I swear the wind must be blowing 60 miles an hour out there. I'm feeling like we're back in the desert of New Mexico! Let's hope this stuff blows through soon (ha ha, get it?! ha ha, get it?!). : )

It was great to see everyone this morning. Let's go ahead and jump to our many prayers and praises.

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

First off, I want to say a praise for my lovely wife for teaching the Fish Dish class! She had a great first day. Way to go, Mrs. Null! I still think we need to find a way to combine the eating that takes place in Fish Dish with our Christian Living snacks each week.

Next, we need to keep up our prayers for Shannon Smith. She is now just about two months away from their baby's arrival. Pray for strength and health for the baby and for good days for Shannon. Please pray for a complete term for the little one.

Vince E. has two prayers for us today. First, he would like for us to pray for his sister Andrea. She is recovering from surgery. Pray for a complete and quick recovery for Andrea. Vince also would like for us to pray for his nephew Dillon. He recently lost his job at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Dillon also is having some family difficulties. Please pray for employment for Dillon and for better days for his family.

We need to pray for the Hudsons as they travel to the Grand Canyon and other Arizona stops late this week. Pray for an enjoyable, successful trip for the Hudsons.

Jill V-Zee has three prayers for us this week. She would like for us to pray for her neighbor, Tara. Tara was diagnosed with breast cancer this week. Please pray for strength and good treatment for Tara. Jill also would like for us to pray for a co-worker of hers who was diagnosed with cancer as well (this time uterine cancer). Pray for good treatment and strength for Jill's neighbor as well. Last, Jill and Brian have some friends in San Angelo who have been dealing with lots of health issues throughout their family. Pray that they will have easier days and weeks in the months ahead.

Teresa S. would like for us to pray for one of her teacher friends named Karen. Karen's father passed away this week. Pray for peace, comfort, and support for Karen during this difficult time of grief.

Steve M. has a praise this week for a good two weeks for him in New Jersey. He is enjoying his new company. He begins his full frontal drug sale assault on his former employee tomorrow morning. Go, Steve, go! Please pray that things will continue to go well for Steve as he begins his new position.

Steve also would like for us to keep up our prayers for two of his friends who are still looking for new positions. Pray for strength, understanding, and successful new jobs very soon for Steve's friends.

Christina G. is looking for a new position now that her work-study job at BU is about to run out. Pray that Christina will find something soon. Christina also would like for us to pray for her and her friend, Tim. Tim has been spending lots of time in Wisconsin, which has made things difficult. Christina also has her induction into a Social Work Honors society this week. Pray that everything will go well. Congratulations, Christina!

Rumor has it that the Buhners sold their house this week. They have to be out by April 19th! Let's say a praise that the Buhners were able to find a buyer. Pray that God will be with them as they search for a new place to hang their Buhner hats.

Last but certainly not least, let's keep up our prayers for our friend Vince as he looks for a new position. Pray that God will give Vince and Mary the wisdom, patience, and many possibilities they need at this time.

--------

OUR NEXT CLASS BOOK

Next Sunday, we will begin our new book. Click here to take a look. Pick up a copy if you can!

-----------

I believe that takes care of matters for this Sunday. May all of you have a blessed Easter Week. Let's be certain to slow down long enough to grasp the significance of the days ahead. Dana and I look forward to seeing you next Sunday morning.

God bless,

Wes