Summertime!, Fireproof Movie Next Week, Prayers, etc.

Friends:

Happy Sunday evening! Hope you've enjoyed the weekend. Thanks to the Mays for our donuts this morning! Next week, Teresa Sullivan is in charge. We appreciate it, Teresa! I'm glad Ben will be back in town to help you shepherd the kids (and the donuts, or popcorn) to and fro.

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

As usual, we have lots of prayers this week. For starters, Jennifer Fadal would like for us to pray for her sister's father-in-law. He broke his leg this week in a fall. His name is Mr. Bullock. Please pray that he will heal quickly and be back on both feet very soon.

Bernie has asked that we continue our prayers for Linda, a secretary at her office. She is facing a double mastectomy and perhaps some other surgeries. Pray that the surgeries will go well and that they will take care of any and all of the cancer.

Shannon Smith has made it to 38 weeks! This is great news. We do, however, need to keep up with lots of prayers as the baby's arrival gets closer and closer. Hang in there, Shannon!

Christina G. will take the GRE exam on Thursday. Pray that she won't be nervous and that she will do well.

Vince E. is in Oklahoma today visiting family. He is traveling home this weekend. Pray for safe travel and an enjoyable trip for Vince.

Let's keep up our prayers of safety for Ben Sullivan. Pray that things will go well with his job. He will be home on Tuesday.

Dana's Dad, Phillip, has been having some back troubles. He will get some results of an MRI tomorrow. Pray that the news will be good and that Phillip will feel much better very soon.

Finally, us Nulls leave later this week for a trip to New Mexico. Please pray for safe travel and an enjoyable time away.

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FIREPROOF MOVIE BEGINS NEXT SUNDAY!

I think that covers our prayers and praises. As for Sunday, Steve and Jennifer May have kindly agreed to cover the class while we're out of town. Thanks, Steve and Jennifer! We will begin watching the Fireproof movie. I think it will take about 3 to 3 1/2 Sundays to watch it in its entirety. I hope those of you we haven't seen in a while can join us as we watch and discuss the film! After we finish watching it, we will work through a few Bible studies that were put together based on the film. Each study is tied to a specific scene from the film. I think they will engender some good discussion.

That's all for this Sunday! Have a great week, everyone. Dana and I will see everyone again on Sunday, June 14th.

Wes

Memorial Day Weekend News and Prayers!

Friends:

Good afternoon! I hope you're enjoying this holiday weekend.

Thanks to Ben and Nicki Sanchez! They brought our snacks this morning. We appreciate you guys very much, Ben and Nicki! Anybody interested in taking next Sunday? If so, let me know!


PRAYERS AND PRAISES

How about we start off today with a prayer for all of the military families out there. Let's praise God for their dedication to our country. Pray, also, for safety for those who are in harm's way.

We need to pray for the family of Alex Reed. Alex was a Junior at China Spring High School. He passed away on Friday in a car wreck on Highway 6. Please pray for everyone who is mourning this sad and tragic loss.

Ben and Nicki will be traveling to San Antonio this week. Please pray for their safe travel. Nicki also will be driving with Severus to Tennessee soon. Let's pray for a safe, enjoyable trip for Nicki and Severus as well.

Nicki has asked that we pray for Vicki Weatherbee. Vicki will be getting married soon. Pray for a good wedding service and a great start for Vicki and her new husband.

Christina G. would like for us to pray for her friend Duane and his wife. They recently suffered a miscarriage. Please pray for comfort and healing for this family. We also need to pray for Christina as she prepares to take the GRE in the next few weeks.

As usual, we need to keep up our prayers of safety for Ben Sullivan. He will now be headed with his rig to Louisiana. Pray that God will surround Ben with safety and good decision-making.

Vince would like for us to pray for Brian Collins. Brian recently lost his job and is now looking for a new job. He's also engaged to be married. Please pray for strength for Brian and his fiance during this time of uncertainty.

Mary E. reminded us this morning to keep praying for their friends Candy and Trace. Pray that God will be with them during difficult times.

With school winding to a close, let's pray for all of the teachers and students during these last few days. Pray that the close of the school year will go smoothly.

Last but not least, we need to keep praying for Shannon and Rod Smith. Shannon has made it over 37 weeks! This is very good news for the baby. Shannon, we are continuing to pray for you!

Also on the Smith front, Rod wants everyone to know how much he and Shannon appreciate the meals. Thanks to everyone who has volunteered to take a meal to them! In some small way, we have been able to help them during the last few weeks. If you would like to sign up, there are still some days open. Look back through the blog posts and you can find the directions. Hang in there, Shannon! You're almost there!

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Well, I think that takes care of things for this Sunday. I hope that all of you enjoy the Memorial Holiday tomorrow. May all of us grill some hot dogs or something!

See you next Sunday.

God bless,

Wes

Father John Jenkins and President Obama Speeches at Notre Dame

Friends:

And now for something completely different. After reading the speeches of Father John Jenkins and President Obama at last Sunday’s Notre Dame Commencement, I thought it would be good for us to discuss them in class. After reading these (I also watched them as perhaps some of you did), I was struck by the thoughtful, respectful, charitable way that both of them handled this situation. I will bring one of our normal lessons for Sunday, but let’s plan to begin class by taking a look at these two speeches. I’ve attached them both to this message. I’ve also uploaded them to our blog (see Lesson Links). I will bring copies for everyone in class on Sunday as well. If we read carefully, I think we can find a serious message from both of these gentlemen about how to dialogue about difficult ethical matters, not to mention how to treat others the way we want to be treated.

I hope you enjoy the speeches. See you Sunday!

Wes

Today's News and Prayers

Friends:

Happy Sunday! Hope you enjoyed the beautiful weather today. Not bad, huh!

Let's begin with a thank you to Vince and Mary for bringing our donuts today. We appreciate you guys, Vince and Mary!

We're still looking for a snack person for next Sunday. Any takers out there? If so, let me know!

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

Let's get down to our prayers and praises. First off, Leslie Coltrain has landed a job in Round Rock! Let's say a praise that the Coltrain family will be reunited again soon. Rumor has it that Leslie will begin her new job on June 14th. Please pray that the move will go well and that they will sell their Waco home soon. We're praying for you guys, Leslie and Khalil!

Bernie Hookham would like for us to pray for Linda Bohannon, a secretary at RBDR. Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. Please pray for strength and courage for Linda. Pray, also, that the treatments she will have soon will take care of the cancer.

Shannon Smith is hanging in there with this baby! Let's say a praise for how well Shannon is doing. We also need to keep up our prayers that Shannon will make it as long as possible and that the baby will arrive 100% healthy. We're praying for you, Shannon!

Christina G. would like for us to pray for her brother and mother. They are currently in Los Angeles on vacation. Pray for a safe trip. She also has asked that we pray for her friend Brennan. He is in law school and has been having some difficulties. Pray for understanding and patience for Brennan as he waits to hear about his grades for this semester (or quarter, whatever law schools call them!).

Beth Ramsdell brought good news this morning about her Mom. The tests last week went well, but she will need to go in again in a few weeks. Pray that any future work will have a positive effect. Beth's Mom also has been dealing with a sickness that she acquired from some of their farm animals. Please pray that the medicine she is taking will help the situation.

Also on the Beth and Matt front, Beth received good news this past week regarding the baby-possibility situation. Please continue to pray that Matt and Beth will get additional good news.

Mary E. would like for us to pray for her friends Candy and Trace. They have been going through some difficult times. We need to pray for God's hand in this situation to help improve the difficult times they are going through.

Jennifer M. brought good news today that Jaret has shown some improvements with his anxiety difficulties, but we need to continue our prayers. Pray that everything the Mays are doing for Jaret will have good results.

We had two birthdays for youngsters this week. Raegan turned 7 on Friday, and Braden Fadal turned 7 today. Happy birthday, Raegan and Braden!

I would like to add a prayer for my brother, John Ross, who turns the big 40 on Wednesday. Let's say a prayer that JR will enjoy his big birthday and will find a way to endure all of the harassment that is inevitably heading his way!

Last but not least, we need to pray for the families and friends that are grieving the loss of the two Baylor students and the one Texas A&M student who died recently. Please pray for strength and comfort for all who are grieving.

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Well, I believe that covers everything for this week. Dana and I hope that all of you enjoy the week. The weather looks to be terrific!

We look forward to seeing you again next Sunday,

Wes

Prayer Request from Shelley Buhner

See Shelley's message below. Thank you for keeping the Reed family in your prayers.

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Hey Wes - quick prayer request..

Our friends Robin and Casey Reed...they have a 12 year old niece that was in a tubing accident yesterday. Her knee hit against her head and caused her to go unconscious. She required CPR and was air lifted to Tulane Hospital. She is in ICU and has 3 cranial fractures. There was bleeding on the brain but I understand that has resolved. While the prognosis looks good please pray that she makes a full recovery.

Thank you,

Shelley

Our Weekly Stuff . . . . Oh Yeah, Mother's Day!

Friends:

Good evening, all! I hope you've enjoyed a great Mother's Day. I somehow managed to survive an afternoon of swimming at the YMCA. The afternoon caused a few bruises, but no major injuries. A success, I must say!

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

Let's move on to our prayers and praises. Of course, let's say a big thanks to God for the great Mother's Day that we have been able to enjoy. Praise God for wonderful Mothers!

I also want to say a big praise for a great weekend with my parents. They drove to Waco with our niece, Tori Ann, for the weekend. We had a great time! I believe they have arrived home safe and sound in New Mexico by now.

Ben and Nicki have asked us to pray for some of their friends who own a local car audio store. The store was broken into this past week. The good news (and praise) is that there wasn't too much damage, but we still need to pray for everyone who is recovering from the robbery (which caused a fire as well). Ben and Nicki also would like for us to pray for Nicki as she looks into some new job possibilities with her cooking. Pray that God will lead Nicki in the right direction. Go for it, Nicki!

Of course, we need to keep praying for Shannon and Rod Smith. As far as I know, Shannon is still hanging in there with the baby. Pray for strength and endurance for Shannon and the baby. Hang in there, Shannon! We're praying for you!

Matt and Beth heard good news this week. The surgery on Wednesday went very well. The surgeon didn't discover anything that is problematic. All looks good on the potential baby front. This is, of course, great news. Please pray for patience and understanding for Beth and Matt.

Beth also would like for us to pray for her Mother. She is going in on Tuesday to have some breast abnormalities checked out. Please pray for good news and peace of mind for Beth's Mom and their entire family.

Christina G. has asked that we pray for her mom and brother as they travel to California. She also has a friend, Brennan, who is flying home this week. Pray for his safe travel as well. Finally, Christina is taking the GRE on Wednesday. Please pray for calmness and good test taking for Christina. Hang in there, Christina! You'll do great!

We need to pray for Marissa Hunt, who is a Baylor student who is a friend to us Nulls and the Hookhams. Marissa had a rough week at Baylor. She will be changing majors to something that fits her talents a bit better. Please pray for understanding and better weeks for Marissa.

Ben Sullivan brought good news this morning that his job is still okay, even though he will be driving to Midland when he goes to work again. As always, let's pray for safety for Ben. Ben also brought good news in that it looks as though his company may not be laying off anyone anymore. Pray for continued good news on the job front for Ben.

Shawn and Shelley Buhner remain in limbo as they wait for the remodeling work to be done on their new home. Pray that everything will be done quickly and to the Buhner's high standards. Pray that Shawn, Shelley, and company will be able to move in soon!

Last but certainly not least, Mallory Nicholson's surgery went well on Tuesday. Praise God for another successful ear tube surgery! Please pray for healthier days for Mallory, and for some sleep for Amy!

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I think that covers our news, prayers, and praises for today. Dana and I hope that all of you have a great week. Let's celebrate our Mothers during the time we have left this evening!

See you next Sunday.

God bless,

Wes and Dana

Fish Dish Update, Prayers, and the Fireproof Scoop

Friends:

Good evening, all! Well, us Nulls survived Midway High School prom weekend. Dana certainly earned her pay this weekend. The good news is that everyone had a safe and enjoyable weekend. Now, let's get down to bidness with class matters and prayers.

FISH DISH UPDATE

How about a praise for the great work that Dana did last month and that the VanZees are doing this month! Fish Dish seems to be going strong. Brian and Jill are on duty all of May. Thanks, VanZees! Rumor has it that the kids enjoyed some great muffins this morning. Courtney Hudson is on tap for the second half of June. We are, however, still looking for a volunteer for the first two Sundays in June. ANY VOLUNTEERS OUT THERE?! If so, please let me know! Everything is organized quite well for the classes, and the commitment would only be two Sundays.

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

Let's go ahead and get to our prayers and praises.

We need to continue praying for Shannon Smith. She is now at home on bed rest. She is hoping to make it until the end of this coming week, if not a bit longer. THANKS SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SIGNED UP TO TAKE THE SMITHS A MEAL! This is a great way to bless them during this stressful time. There are still some days open to sign up, so please take advantage of this opportunity if you can. Rod also will be starting a new job soon, so we need to pray for Rod and Shannon during these times of stress and transition.

How about a praise for our terrific confirmation class! All of the kids looked great up there this morning. Let's say a special praise for Benjamin May and Vince E., Benjamin's mentor. Way to go, guys! Praise God for the terrific young man that Benjamin is becoming.

Steve and Jennifer also would like for us to keep up our prayers for Jaret. They are meeting with some folks this week to find out what is best to help Jaret with his difficulties with stress and OCD-type behavior. Please pray for good information for Steve and Jennifer and for understanding and patience for Jaret.

Congratulations are in order for Bernie Hookham and her RBDR Architectural Firm! They were honored recently by the Waco Chamber of Commerce as one of the four best businesses in Waco. Praise God for the great work that Bernie and RBDR are doing! You can check out a story about the award by clicking here. Way to go, Bernie! Care to design us a new Sunday School room?! : )

We need to pray for Mallory Nicholson as she heads in for ear tubes surgery on Tuesday. Please pray that the procedure will be successful and that Mallory will feel much better in the weeks and months ahead (and, by extension, pray for sleep for Brian and Amy).

Also with the Nicholsons, we need to pray for Amy's sister, Mindy. She recently had a car wreck and is dealing with other sources of stress right now. Amy went to visit her in Tyler this weekend. Pray that Amy will travel home safely today and that Mindy will have better days soon.

Let's be sure and pray for Beth Ramsdell. She heads in for surgery on Wednesday to take a look at her tubes. Please pray for comfort, patience, and understanding for Beth and Matt. Pray, also, that the surgery will go smoothly and that they will get some news quickly so they can decide about next steps.

Teresa Sullivan would like for us to pray for the family of one her fellow teachers. His name is Alan. Alan's mom died recently of cancer. Pray for comfort for the family.

Teresa also would like for us to keep up our prayers for Ben while he is away at work. The good news is that he will be home on Tuesday. The bad news is that things appear to be quite dangerous right now on his rig. Pray for protection for Ben and for wise decision-making for everyone he is working with.

Jill VanZee has asked us to keep praying for their neighbor, Tara. She is the one battling breast cancer. She goes in for surgery this week. Pray for a succesful surgery, a complete recovery, and clear days of health afterward.

Christina G. would like for us to pray for her mom and brother as they travel to California this week. Pray for a safe and enjoyable trip. She also has asked us to pray for her as the looks at some new opportunities at Baylor. Pray that the right doors will open for Christina.

I would like to say a praise for Ms. Dana following a busy week at Midway High. She works so hard for these students. Praise God for Dana's great leadership in helping the Midway prom be such a great success! Click here for pictures.

I also would like to say a praise for a great birthday celebration for Dana last week. Once again, she is officially the oldest person in the house! : )

Finally, please pray for my parents. They will be traveling to visit us next weekend. Pray for a safe trip and an enjoyable time while they are here.

FIREPROOF UPDATE

We have decided that we will begin to watch the Fireproof video on the first Sunday in June. Be sure to put the date on your calendar! After we've had a chance to watch the entire film (which will probably take 3 Sundays), we will plan to complete the study guide series, which is tied to specific scenes from the film. I think all of you will enjoy it.

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I think that's all for now. Dana and I hope all of you have a great week!

See you next Sunday,

Wes