Cold Front, School Week 2, Block Party, News, and Stuff

Friends:

Good afternoon, everyone! Hope you've had a good weekend. How about this cold front we're experiencing?! I just got through washing the car. When the wind picked up and the temperature dropped below 95, I almost had to put on a coat. Let winter begin!

How about a big thank you to Beth and Matt Ramsdell. They brought our snacks today. We appreciate you guys, Matt and Beth! Next week, Rod and Shannon are signed up. Thanks, Rod and Shannon! I hope things are going well for little Dean at home.

BLOCK PARTY SIGN-UP

This morning, we sent around a sign-up sheet for working at the Sep 16th Block Party. Thanks to everyone who signed up! We are in charge of the Combo Obstacle Course, which is a big blow up "bounce house" type extravaganza that the kids climb through. Our job will be to make sure the kids take off their shoes, monitor how many munchkins are inside at any one time, and bandage all broken limbs. With the exception of some stinky socks, the work should be rather painless.

Here's the sign up list as it stands right now. Please let me know if you would like to sign up for an open slot. Again, folks, thanks so much for your service!

5:30-6:00 p.m.

1. Hookhams

2. Hudsons

6:00-6:30

1. Sanchezes

2. OPEN

6:30-7:00

1. Ericksons

2. Nulls

7:00-7:30

1. Schneiders

2. OPEN

7:30-8:00

1. VanZees

2. OPEN

ANNOUNCEMENT: Midweek Children's Music

A very nice lady named Holly Parker stopped by our class this morning to make an announcement. She is in charge of the Midweek Children's Music. She would like to encourage us to get our little people involved. Holly's music program will begin on Wednesday, Sep 23rd, which is the Wednesday after the Block Party (the time will be the normal Midweek class starting time, whatever that is). The plans Holly described sound quite exciting. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity if you want your kids to get involved with some singing!

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

Here's the scoop for our prayers and praises this week:

Would you believe that all three Nicholson girls have strep throat?! Yep, that's right. We need to pray for health at the Nicholson home. I saw Brian at the grocery store this afternoon, and he looks quite good in one of those little green masks. He should wear one all of the time. : ) Pray that the quarantine at the Nicholson home will be lifted soon and everyone can go back to school healthy right away. Pray, also, for sanity and sleep for Amy while she deals with three girls with strep throat and, well, Brian.

Let's keep praying for health for Beth Ramsdell. Everything seems to be moving along well with the pregnancy. I didn't have a chance to look today, but I'll check next week to make sure Matt is gaining the appropriate pounds along with Beth. We're praying for health and good days for you, Beth!

Vince E. would like us to pray for his niece, Fern, from North Carolina. She is going through some difficult family times right now. Pray that everything will get better very soon for Fern and her two kids.

Nicki Sanchez brought a praise this morning that Ben got good news last week as far as his promotion is concerned. He will now be working as a drill sergeant with the same troubled teens he's been working with before. This time, however, he'll be doing something other than watching them behind bars. Pray that everything will get off to a great start with Ben's new job. Pray that Ben will impact these youngsters in the way God wants him to. (By the way, Ben, you are now in charge of discipline in our class every Sunday morning. Be sure to bring your drill sergeant hat. Your first job is to enforce the "thou must laugh at every joke" rule. Drop and give me 20, Mr. Hookham! Practice that line over and over and over.)

Also on the Ben and Nicki front, they leave for San Antonio this week for a visit with family. Pray for safe travel and a good visit.

Jennifer May brought good news this morning. Jaret's first week of school went great. Pray that everything will go smoothly this week for Jaret as well. Praise God for a great week, Jennifer!

Ben Sullivan heads back to work in the East Texas oil patch on Tuesday. Pray for his safe travel and for his safety while on the job.

Christina G. would like us to pray for her boyfriend (is that what I call him, Christina?!), Trent. He has been very sick. Pray that he will get better soon.

How about a praise for the Erickson family! Would you believe they left for China one year ago this week to get little Miss Malia?! Praise God for a great year with this precious little girl!

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I think that takes care of our bidness for this week, folks. I'm off to supervise some coloring before I head out for a little run around the neighborhood. Have a great week, everyone! We look forward to seeing you again next Sunday.

If you want to read ahead, our lesson will be on "From Rebellion to Submission" and the verse for the week will be 1 Samuel 24.

See you then!

Wes

Back to School News and Prayers!

Friends:

Good afternoon! Great to see everyone this morning. It looks as though everyone is gearing up for the fall semester. Much less traveling for a while, I suspect!

Steve and Jennifer May brought our donuts this morning. Thanks, folks! Next week, Matt and Beth Ramsdell are in charge. We appreciate you doing this for us, Matt and Beth! Matt, why don't you whip us up a breakfast casserole of some sort?! : )

Hey, how about this news: We had Salley and Chris back with us this morning! Great to have you guys, Salley and Chris! I know how difficult life has been without the weekly jokes. I'm glad I didn't disappoint you this morning! : )

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

As usual, we have quite a few prayers and praises, so let's get to it.

Of course, let's pray for all of the students, teachers, and parents as we begin the school year. Pray for a smooth start to the year. I believe most districts in this area begin either tomorrow, Tuesday, or Wednesday.

On the Salley and Chris front, Jordan broke her arm about a week ago in a four-wheeler accident. She's going to be just fine, but may need a cast. She has a check-up tomorrow. Pray that Jordan will heal quickly and start school off successfully. She broke her right arm (and she's right-handed), so things may be difficult for a while.

Vince E. would like for us to keep praying for his friends Cole and Iva. They recently had some bad news from the Oklahoma Supreme Court regarding custody of the two little boys they have been working to adopt for some time. Pray for patience and understanding for Cole and Iva and good decision-making for everyone involved. Most of all, pray for the best situation possible for the two little boys.

Brian VanZee would like for us to pray for his Uncle Warren and Aunt Fonda. They were involved in a motorcycle accident over the weekend. Both of them broke ribs and withstood other injuries. Warren has been released, but Fonda remains in ICU. Pray for complete and speedy recovery for both of them. They were both wearing their helmets, otherwise the situation could have been much worse.

Brian also has asked us to pray for Jill, Breeley, and Raelynn. Brian leaves for a conference next weekend and will be gone for several days. Pray for Jill as she gets the girls ready for school every morning. We're here for you, Jill!

Nicki and Ben have some news this week. Nicki's secret chef venture begins on Thursday. Pray that she will get off to a great start (and we know she will since she's such a great cook!). Also, Ben interviews for a job tomorrow that would give him a promotion. Pray that the interview will go well.

How about Alexis Hookham! She turns four this week. Can you believe it?! Man, Jeff sure has lost a lot of hair in those four years! Pray that Alexis will have a great birthday celebration.

Bernie Hookham has asked us to keep up our prayers for Tommy Rogers and her family. The situation looks quite difficult for Tommy. She is not expected to improve. Please pray for comfort, compassion, and peace for the entire Rogers family.

We need to keep up our prayers for Matt and Beth Ramsdell. Pray that their little baby-on-the-way will grow stronger and healthier each day. Let's pray for easy days for Beth as well.

Jennifer Fadal would like for us to keep Braden in our prayers. He begins first grade tomorrow and is a bit stressed out. Pray that Braden will get off to a good start. He'll do great, Jennifer! Relax!

Jennifer May begins graduate school tomorrow, along with her regular job of teaching little people in China Spring! Pray that everything will go well with Jennifer's classes. Jennifer, let me know if I can do anything to help you! You will do great.

Vince E. begins his gig on Friday night as the play-by-play radio announcer for China Spring High School football. Pray that everything will go well for Vince. I think he'll be on FM 92.9 beginning about 7:00 p.m. You'll do great, Vince!

On that score, Steve May will be announcing Mexia football beginning about that same time on FM 104.9 (I think that's right), so let's pray that everything will go great for Steve as well!

Last but certainly not least, Christina G. has asked that we pray for her as she begins her graduate work at the Univ of North Texas. Pray that her classes will get off to a good start. You'll do great, Christina!

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I think that covers our prayers and praises for this week. I received confirmation this morning that we are in charge of the obstacle course (the big blow up one) at the upcoming Block Party. Should be great fun!

I recently ran across another Bible study series that I think might be good for us. Unlike what we've been using recently, these are specific to individual books. Take a look and let me know what you think!

Kroll Luke Bible Study

Kroll Proverbs Bible Study

I hope all of you have a terrific week. We look forward to seeing you again next Sunday!

Wes

BIG News!, Prayers, and Other Stuff

Friends:

Good evening, all! Let's start with the big news. Matt and Beth R. are going to have a baby! Yep, that's right. Beth is 13 weeks along. Praise God for this terrific news! Let's be sure and say lots of prayers for Beth and the little one on the way. Pray for health and strength for both of them. We are so happy for you guys, Matt and Beth!

Of course, this news means that our class has not yet bottomed out with pregnancies. That's 7 years and 6 months straight with at least one person pregnant. Quite an accomplishment! Beth will get us through about February. Somebody else needs to step up between now and then!

Now, back to our normal order. We need to say a big welcome to Kirsten Escobar and Shane Jensen, who visited our class this morning. Great to have you guys with us, Kirsten and Shane! Please come back and see us anytime you can. We'll be looking for you! (And, yes, folks, for those who weren't there, the jokes were terrific this morning, one of my best weeks yet--: ) ).

Next, how about a big thank you to Rod and Shannon! They brought our snacks this morning. They managed to get little Dean there as well. We appreciate you guys, Rod and Shannon! Next week, Steve and Jennifer are in charge. That reminds me. Steve wants everyone to join his fantasy football league. See him for details. See Steve, also, if you would like a reminder that football season is about to begin.

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

Let's move on with our prayers and praises. Lots going on today.

The Hudsons leave tomorrow for San Antonio. Pray for a safe trip.

Rod and Shannon brought a praise this morning that little Dean slept through the night for the first time last night! Woohoo! Praise God for this great news. Pray for sanity for Rod and Shannon as they recover from sleep deprivation.

We need to keep up our prayers for Ben Sullivan as he does his drilling rig work. Pray for safety and strength for Ben. He comes home Tuesday.

Let's pray for all of the teachers and students as they begin school this week and next. Pray for all of the Baylor students as they travel back to Waco.

Mary E. would like for us to pray for her friend, Austin. He recently developed a staph infection in his feet. Pray for his health and recovery.

Also on the Erickson front, Mary got great news this week about a new job opportunity. She will begin in September. Praise God for this great opportunity for Mary! Pray that the transition will go well.

Jennifer May has asked that we keep up our prayers for little Jaret. He is quite anxious with the school year beginning. Pray that the help Jennifer and Steve are getting for Jaret will help him start the year off right.

Jennifer also would like for us to pray for her as she tackles a busy week preparing for her little ones. Pray that orientation and everything else will go well.

Jill VanZee is looking at a challenging morning tomorrow at work. Pray that everything will go well for her as she works with one of her employees.

Christina G. brought a praise today for her brother, who graduated from Baylor yesterday. She also would like for us to pray for her uncle as he flies back to North Carolina. Finally, we need to pray for Christina as she travels to Denton this week to prepare for school.

Bernie Hookham has asked us to pray for her sister, Margie. She is having surgery on her back on Thursday. Pray that everything will go smoothly.

Bernie also would like for us to pray for Tommy Rogers. Tommy is the wife of one of Bernie's friends. She is very sick with a disease called CJD. She is not looking at a good prognosis. Pray for the family and everyone who is helping Tommy.

Last, but certainly not least for Bernie, she would like for us to continue to pray for Linda Bohannon. She continues her battle with breast cancer. Pray that Linda will do better in the weeks ahead.

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NEW STUDY

This morning, we began a new bible study. I think everyone will enjoy it. Here's the link for anyone who wants to buy it. As usual, I will make copies all week.

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

God bless,

Wes and Dana

A Bit Late . . . . But this Week's News and Prayers . . .

Friends:

Good evening! Hope everyone is having a good week. Given the trip us Nulls took to Sea World, I'm a bit late with this week's news and prayers. Better late then never, eh?!

How about thanks to Teresa Sullivan for bringing our donuts last Sunday! We appreciate you, Teresa. Next week, Rod and Shannon Smith are taking care of this. Thank you, Rod and Shannon!

PRAYERS AND NEWS

We have lots of people to keep in mind with our prayers this week.

First off, Shelley B. has been battling several sicknesses for the past few weeks. Pray that Shelley will feel better again very soon. Hang in there, Shelley! We're praying for you!

Also with the Buhners, we need to keep praying for Shawn's Mom as well as for Shawn. If I have my facts straight, she moved into a nursing home this week. Please pray for patience for Shawn and understanding for Shawn's Mom.

Shannon Smith has asked us to pray for her brother. He is headed to Montana for some treatments for a bi-polar problem that he faces. Pray that everything with the treatment will go successfully.

Vince E. would like for us pray for one of his colleagues, Gary. He is facing quite a few problems right now. Pray for prudence and good decision-making for Gary.

Also on the Vince front, Vince brought great news that they have their last home study for Malia this weekend. Pray that everything will go well (as we know it will). Vince also is headed to Oklahoma City this next weekend to look at a job possibility with the Daily Oklahoman. Pray for safe travel and more great opportunities for Vince. I think Vince is carrying around 4 or 5 jobs these days!

The Hookhams left for Sea World today. Pray for their safe travel. On that front, let's say a praise for a great Sea World trip for the Nicholsons last weekend and for us Nulls on Monday and Tuesday. Sea World looks to be a popular destination these days!

Christina G. would like for us to pray for her brother. He is graduating from Baylor this Saturday. Pray that everything will go well for him as he begins the next chapter in his life. Also with Christina, let's pray that everything will go well for her as she begins gradate school at the Univ of North Texas.

Steve May brought two praises last Sunday. He has good news that his brother and his brother's daughter (aka Steve's niece) are doing much better with their relationship. Pray that everything will continue to go in the right direction. Also with Steve's brother, Steve brought a praise that he recently sold his restaurant in Dallas and did well on the deal. Praise God for great news all the way around for Steve's brother.

We also need to keep up our prayers for Steve's Dad as he faces Parkinson's.

Jill V-Zee brought a praise and prayer for her niece, Taylor. The praise is that Taylor recently enrolled in the National Guard and is doing very well. The prayer is for Taylor to continue heading in the right direction.

Also with the V-Zees, they celebrated 15 years of marriage last week! Praise God for this great marriage and family. Let's pray for another great 15 years for Brian and Jill.

Brian V-Zee has asked that we pray for the Bartram family. Pam's step father passed away last week. Pray for the family during this time of mourning.

Teresa Sullivan would like for us to pray for her brother, Brian. He is looking for employment. Pray that God will lead him in the right direction.

Last but certainly not least, let's keep praying for little Dean Smith. He did great last Sunday during our entire class! I must say that I don't think either Null child lasted for an entire hour without screaming for the first 3 years of their lives! Let's pray for continued good days for Dean, Rod, Shannon, and the rest of the Smith family.

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I think that covers everything for this week, folks. Dana and I look forward to seeing all of you again next Sunday. The time has come to shock off the summer routine and get back in action!

See you then,

Wes and Dana

Prayer Request from Shelley Buhner

Please see the message below from Shelley Buhner. Thanks for keeping Shawn and his Mom in your prayers:

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Wes:

They have decided to put Shawn's mom on hospice. We will be moving her

to a nursing home in the next week or so.

Shelley

News and Prayers for Our First August Sunday

Friends:

Good evening! I hope this message finds all of you doing well. Well, believe it or not, the first Sunday of August has come and gone. Has the summer started yet?!

Let's start out by thanking Brian and Amy Nicholson for bringing our snacks today. Thanks, folks! Ben and Teresa Sullivan will be taking care of us next week. Thanks, Ben and Teresa!

NEWS AND PRAYERS

We have quite a few prayers this week. First off, we need to pray for Shawn Buhner's mom. She was recently diagnosed with MS and has not been doing well. Please pray for her to do better. We also need to pray for Shawn as he deals with lots of stressful matters trying to help his Mom. Hang in there, Shawn! We're praying for you.

Also on the Buhner front, Tate is headed to a camp this week. Pray for her safe travel and a successful week at camp.

Let's pray for Ben Sullivan's grandmother. She had a very unfortunate accident a few weeks ago at the DFW airport. She fell and got her arm caught in the escalator. She is doing okay, but she had to get numerous stitches on her arm. Please pray for Ben's grandmother as she recovers.

Brian N. has asked that we pray for the Norbert family. They were involved in a terrible car wreck this weekend. The mom is in ICU and a 10 year old boy is dealing with numerous internal injuries. Please pray for this entire family as they go through some very difficult times.

Teresa Sullivan would like for us to pray for the family that has been affected by the recent shooting death in Rosebud. Teresa had both students in class a few years ago. There is also an 18 month boy who no longer has a Dad. Please pray for comfort and peace for this entire situation.

Christina G. would like for us to pray for her as she drives to Dallas this week to begin work preparing for school at the Univ of North Texas. Pray for safe travel for Christina and her mom.

Amy N. has asked us to pray for her sister and her family (the Wards). They have had to undergo several car wrecks recently as well as other matters. Please pray for strength and protection for all of the Wards.

Jennifer Fadal's sister needs our prayers. She is going through a difficult pregnancy. Pray for health for the baby and Jennifer's sister. We also need to pray for Jennifer's sister's mother-in-law. She is facing a difficult battle with leukemia. Pray for better days and good treatment for her.

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I believe that takes care of our prayers and praises for today. May all of you have a great week, despite what looks to be five or six straight days of 102 or 103 degree heat!

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

God bless,

Wes and Dana