Christian Living Class: Next Steps

Friends:

I write with good news! A member of our illustrious group has taken the plunge and chosen to lead our class for a six-week stint beginning this Sunday. Steve May is the one, and I am very appreciative to Steve for his willingness to tackle this challenge. He will start this Sunday and will go through sometime around May 16th or May 23rd (Steve, we obviously didn't work out the specific date; we can figure out the details later). I hope that all of you will join me in supporting Steve as he takes the helm for a while. I know that a few others of you were thinking about teaching the class for a short time at some point as well. Perhaps one of you can consider taking a turn beginning toward the end of May?! Keep praying about it folks!

I will not be there this Sunday, but I will be back in class on April 18th. I plan to find a new spot near the donuts. I might even bring along a joke just in case someone wants to hear it, but my feelings will not be hurt if nobody is interested. : )

As you can see on the blog, we are set for snacks for the next three weeks. If Steve and the rest of you want to continue with the soft drinks, feel free to bring along a six or twelve pack to stock that sucker this Sunday!

That's all for now. Once again, I want to say thank you to Steve for his willingness to pick up the baton and run with things for awhile. God bless you, Steve!

Wes

Easter News, Prayers, My Biggest Loser Shot, and What's Next?

Dear Friends:

Good evening, all! For those of you who are looking at this message on the blog (which will give you the illustrated version), I've included a photo that shows me before I went on the Biggest Loser. Who is that guy with my wife? She obviously wasn't with him for his looks. : )

That picture was taken in about June of 2002, when Raegan was about 6 weeks old. Jeff Hookham captured this shot of me at the height of my weight explosion. What can I say, I thought gaining weight alongside my wife during pregnancy was the appropriate thing to do. This photo will show you what tenure stress will do. In my defense, I lost the extra pounds rather quickly and they have never returned! (and the tenure bid was successful)

Thanks, Jeff, for sending along the picture. I've included a few more from our recent trip to Disney World. Things sure have changed during the past eight years (and not just due to my makeover!). Let's get to our prayers and praises for this week before I try to sum things up.

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

I want to say a big praise for a terrific Easter service this morning. What a wonderful celebration we had!

Vince E. is traveling back to the Valley yet again this afternoon. Please pray for his safe travel.

Next, I would like for us to pray for all of the Baylor fans who are headed to San Antonio this evening. Pray for their safe travel and that they will be returning on Tuesday night instead of today!

I would like to say a praise and a prayer for Miss Raegan. She had a rough day at soccer yesterday. In addition to getting beat about 25-0 (yeah, seriously), she was hit by two very strongly kicked balls, one in the face and another in the stomach. She is just fine, but I don't think she had such a great time at soccer yesterday. I was so proud of how she got back up and kept playing. On the way home, we got to have the "sports can be a great metaphor for life" talk. I think she bought it. Please pray that she will recover from this rough day and continue to enjoy soccer this season.

Praise God for Reese Nicholson's last treatment! She finished up last Monday. This is incredibly wonderful news, to say the least. We are so proud of you guys, Brian and Amy. I still find it surreal that you guys have been through this. I don't even live with you guys, and it feels like a crazy, unbelievable whirlwind from start to finish. Please pray that Reese will continue to get nothing but great news!

Vince E. has asked that we pray that the violence in Mexico will subside soon. His station and the area he serves are deeply affected by what is going on there. Pray that God will help bring resolution to the situation soon.

Raelynn VanZee has had a difficult week of sicknesses. I think she even hit a 105 temperature at one point this week. Pray that Raelynn will feel better and have a sickness-free week.

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That covers our prayers and praises. Dana and I want to say thank you to everyone who has been so kind and thoughtful as our time of teaching the class has come to a close. The book of letters that everyone presented us with this morning is incredible. The letters mean so much to us. We cannot thank you enough for taking the time to write them. We already cherish the book more than we can express.

These past eight years have been nothing short of a roller coaster. We have been through so much with so many people that I don't even want to try and summarize everything. We have been blessed so much more than we have blessed others. God has shaped our family through all of you every week for the past eight years. That's all I know to say.

So what's next? What's the next step for the class? The truth is I honestly don't know. We continue to search for someone to pick up the teaching, but, if we don't have someone right away, that's okay. In time, God will provide. I will talk with Wayne this week to see if we can come up with some ideas. Dana and I, of course, are not going anywhere, and we will continue to search for someone who is interested in teaching.

In the immediate short term, I will be at home next Sunday morning participating in yet another sacred event at the Null home: Watching the Masters. I will be rooting for Phil Mickelson to beat the number one player in golf on the 18th hole by one shot, treating all of us to one of the biggest sports stories in history. Following that, on April 18th, I may spend the 10:50 Sunday School hour shooting baskets in the Family Life Center. My self esteem is still trying to recover from getting beat at Horse by Jill VanZee about three years ago (folks, think twice before challenging Jill). Jill, if you're looking for something to do on the 18th, I would like a rematch. You have to give me a chance to redeem myself!

Question

On a serious note on this most sacred of Sundays, I want to share a question with all of you that a good friend of mine shared with me this week. We discussed it in class this morning, so I apologize to those of you who are hearing this for the second time. Here's the question.

Was Jesus happy or sad when He died on the cross? Listen to that question again. Was Jesus happy or sad when He died on the cross? What a great question. I think Vince E. had a good response this morning. He said "Yes". The obvious answer is that Christ was both happy and sad. On the other hand, he may have been neither. He knew that His destiny was to die for our sins, so, in one respect, He was just performing His duty. On the other hand, Christ was also sad because He had just experienced--in a very painful and personal way--how sinful man can be. If I have to lean one way or another, I think the answer is that Christ was more happy than He was sad. After dying on the cross and turning death into life, He had now done what He was called to do and could move on to spending eternal life with his father--our father. I'm not sure this answer is sufficient, but I do know that this is a wonderful question for us to put in the back of our minds as we celebrate Easter every spring.

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Have a great week, everyone. I will be in touch if I hear more or different news about next Sunday. Thank you again to all of you who have been so kind, thoughtful, and appreciative as we have led the class.

God bless,

Wes and Dana

P.S.--Go Lady Bears!

P.S.--Class Lunch!

Friends:

I forgot one very important thing! Thanks again to everyone who came to the lunch today. We had a great time! It was wonderful to see everyone.

Wes

Holy Week Update and other news......

Dear Friends:

Good evening, all! Well, for you Bears fans, let's look at it this way. It was the best men's season in Baylor history. There is certainly nothing to be ashamed of about that. Secondly, now we get to yell for the Lady Bears tomorrow night! What an exciting time to be a Baylor basketball fan. I remember just a few years ago when I thought Coach Drew was going to be forced to put me in for lack of scholarships!

As for class business, let's start by thanking Kirsten E. for bringing our goodies today. We appreciate you, Kirsten! Next week, Jennifer and Steven Owens will be taking care of us. I hope you can still do it, Jennifer! I realize it's Easter next Sunday and things might be different for lots of folks (including you guys). If you can't do it, just let me know!

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

As for prayers, tomorrow is a big day for the Nicholsons! Reese goes in for her final treatment tomorrow morning. Praise God for that! The rough news is that she will have to be admitted to the hospital since her last few treatments have been hard on her. But, the hospital stay is only precautionary. Let's praise God for the strong character that Reese has shown during this journey, and let's also pray that everything will go well for this final treatment! The conclusion of this chapter is close, Brian and Amy!

We need to pray for little Everett, Kirsten and Shane's son. They had to take him to the ER recently because, once again, he is dealing with allergy induced asthma. Please pray for him to feel better soon. Pray also for Kirsten and Shane as they try and find ways to help Everett feel better. Hang in there, guys!

Next, I'd like for all of us to say a prayer for a safe trip home for everyone who is returning from Houston tonight after the big game.

Next, from what I understand, Steve Ramsdell is nearing the end of his treatments in Houston. Let's pray that everything will wrap up well for Steve and that he will be able to put this battle behind him very soon.

Last but certainly not least, let's pray for the Joe Cox family as they make a move back to North Carolina. Joe will be taking on an exciting new opportunity there. Praise God for the great work that Joe and Marianne have done while they have been here! Let's pray that everything will go well for the Cox family during this time of transition.

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I think that's all for now, folks. Let's work hard this week to prepare our hearts and minds for the significance of the Holy Week that is upon us.

Have a great week, folks.

Wes

March Madness Update and Other Stuff

Friends:

Good afternoon, all! What an exciting weekend of basketball, not just for Baylor Bear fans but for everyone who likes college basketball! (Well, not exactly for everyone. You Kansas fans are toast! HA!) Seeing as how I picked Kentucky to win it all, my bracket's still alive. How about yours?!

Thanks to the Hudsons! They brought our goodies this morning. We appreciate it, Greg and Courtney! Next week, Kirsten and Shane are in charge. Thank you for taking care of us, guys!

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

Believe it or not, we don't have too many prayers this week. That's great news, of course!

The Ramseys have asked that we pray for their friend Trent and his family. Trent's son (also named Trent) died last weekend in a tragic rock climbing accident. Please pray for everyone who is grieving this difficult loss.

As usual, we need to keep praying for Reese Nicholson! The final treatment gets closer every week, Amy! We're praying for you guys.

Christina G. has asked that we pray for her cousin's son named Jack. He was recently diagnosed with a learning disability similar to autism. Please pray for Christina's cousin and her husband as they learn about this condition and find ways to help Jack.

Let's also keep praying for little Levi R. As infants do, he has been battling normal baby sicknesses. Pray for good nights and weeks for Levi and the Ramsdells. As they say Beth, the nights are long but the years are short!

I would like for us to pray for everyone who will be driving to Houston for the Baylor game this Friday. There are at least two Dads among us who have chosen to take it on the chin and NOT attend the Friday game so that we can take our little girls to the Daddy-Daughter Dance. This has got to be a true sacrifice for the little girls we love so much. But you can believe that I will be looking at tickets and a drive to Houston if the Bears are playing Duke on Sunday!

Last but not least, let's pray for our class as we search for someone to lead the class for a while. After talking with Steve R. and Wayne, Dana and I have decided to think about calling this change a one-year sabbatical, which means we might kick things off again around Easter of next year. We will just have to wait and see what's going on at that time. I appreciate all of the kind words that we have heard. We have decided that our last Sunday will be April 4th, which is Easter. Wayne and I continue to look for someone who may be interested in picking up the class on Sunday, April 11th. If you know of someone who is interested, please let me know.

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

Wes

NCAA News, Sunday Prayers, and Updates....

Friends:

Good evening, all! Go Bears! Okay, I'm glad I got that out of the way. Here's the road to the Final Four: Beat Sam Houston State, Beat Notre Dame, Beat Villanova, Beat Duke. We can do that!

Okay, now for other business. Let's say a big welcome to JD and Crystal Clark! They visited our class this morning. We were delighted to have you guys, JD and Crystal! We hope to see you back to visit us again next Sunday.

Our prayer list happens to be short this week. First off, let's say a praise for safe travel for those of us who were out of town. Us Nulls had a great trip to Disney World. I know the Hookhams were skiing in New Mexico. The Ramseys spent some time in Houston. And I know lots of other people were out of town. Praise God for great trips and safe travel!

Next, we got an update on Miss Reese this morning from afternoon. Even though she had to spend some time in the hospital this week, she is home and doing fine. The chemo made her very sick this last time. The good news is that Reese only has one treatment left. That's a hallelujah if I've ever heard one! That treatment will most likely take place on either March 29th or 30th. Let's pray that this last treatment will go as smoothly as possible. One day at a time, Brian and Amy!

Last but certainly not least, we need to pray for the Workman family. They are expecting their second child in August, and they are facing some job changes with the Methodist Children's Home. Please pray that things will go well for Liz and Matt as they look at new job possibilities. Pray that God will give them the wisdom and discernment they need during this time of transition.

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Believe it or not, that's our prayer list for this week. I think that's good news that it's short!

DADDY-DAUGHTER DANCE

For you Dads out there who have daughters, don't forget to get your tickets for the Daddy-Daughter Dance. This one's a Hoe-Down! It will take place on March 26th. The last day to buy tickets is next Sunday. Miss Raegan and I will be there. And you can believe I'll be busting out the boots for this one! Ever seen the macarena in boots?! I dare you fellas to show up and join me.

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

Wes

Time for a Change

Dear Friends:

I am writing to let you know of a decision that Dana and I have recently made regarding our class. After much prayer and reflection, we have decided that the time has come for a change in leadership. We began the class on April 14, 2002, so next month will be eight years. It’s been a good run. This decision has nothing to do with our church or with the make up of the class. We absolutely love our church and want to do everything we can to help us continue to grow and flourish. The main reason for this decision is that time has become quite short for me. I have agreed to serve as Interim Director of Baylor’s Honors Program next year (beginning in June), which will be a major responsibility. I also was recently elected president of a national organization. That job will require a great deal of time as well. In hindsight, the best I can discern is that God put us in place eight years ago to lead the class during what we might call the “baby producing” span of life. As I think most of you know, members of our class have given birth to 39 babies since April 2002. That has been a great deal of fun. We are quite proud of having been present for all of that new life coming into being.

Dana and I want to thank all of you for your terrific support during this past eight years. We especially want to thank Steve R., Wayne, and the entire administrative team. We are blessed to have such incredible leadership at our church. We would like to remain members of the class, but only after taking a break for a while. We also may look into other opportunities to serve during the 10:50 hour, with one example being teaching one of the children’s classes. I talked with Wayne today, and the plan is for us to begin by seeing if there is someone within the class who would like to take over the teaching. If not, Wayne has agreed to work with me to see if there is someone else within the church generally who would like to do it. We plan to lead the class for another several weeks, perhaps into April and May, but we haven’t set a specific date for when to call it the last Sunday. April 11th or 18th would make for an even eight years, so that may make the most sense. If you are interested in teaching the class, please let me know.

This change will be a difficult one for us, but the time has come. While at Disney World next week (March 11th), Dana and I will celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. We have been teaching this class for eight of those years. We did not come to this decision lightly. In many respects, we feel like we’re watching one of our kids go off to kindergarten for the first time. Most of you know what that feels like. But, as we learn from Ecclesiastes, for everything there is a season.

We love all of you guys and want to thank you for walking with us during this incredible eight year journey.

Wes and Dana

Today's Update, March Madness, and Other Stuff...

Friends:

Good evening, all! Happy March. Is it here already?! Bring on March Madness, baby!!!

Let's start by saying a big welcome to Brandon and Carrie Marable. They visited our class this morning. We enjoyed having you, Carrie and Brandon! Come back and see us as soon as you can.

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

Let's jump right to our prayers and praises this week. I would like to start out by saying a big thank you Bernie Hookham! She hosted the Ladies Night Out event last Friday. Rumor has it that everything went very well. Thanks so much, Bernie!!!!! We appreciate you doing this for our class. I'm sure the March version of Ladies Night Out will be in the works soon.

As for our prayers, we need to start out by saying a prayer for little Everett Escobar. Kirsten was home sick with him today. We're praying for him, Kirsten!

Next, as those of you who were in class this morning know, I asked everyone to pray for my friends Zach and Rebecca Beaty. They live in Chile and were camping outside of Santiago when the earthquake hit. We just learned this afternoon that Zach and Rebecca are safe and doing just fine! Great news there, of course. They most likely won't have electricity and water for some time, but they are safe. Thank you for your prayers for Zach and Rebecca and everyone else who has been affected by the earthquake.

Greg H. has asked that we pray for Duane Clark and his family. Duane's grandmother is not doing well. Pray that she will be comforted by her friends and family.

Let's keep praying for little Reese Nicholson. I believe they are headed into the home stretch for Reese's treatments. Pray that Brian, Amy, and the rest of the Nicholson crew will remain strong all the way to the finish line!

We also need to keep praying for Steve R. His treatments are going well. Pray for his safe travel to Houston and back.

Lots of people will be traveling next weekend. Us Nulls leave for Disney World on Saturday (woohoo!). The Hudsons are headed to Colorado for a week of skiing, the Hookhams are off to New Mexico for skiing, and Willards are off to Cozumel for their honeymoon! Pray for safe travel for everyone!

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As I mentioned, us Nulls will be gone next Sunday. We will be back in town for Sunday, March 14th. Next Sunday, Carey Pryal has agreed to lead the class by telling everyone about her mission trip to Haiti. As some of you know, Carey has been making her way around to the various classes to tell about her experiences in Haiti. Thank you so much, Carey, for teaching the class next week! I appreciate it very much.

Have a great week, everyone!

Wes

Don't Forget Ladies Night Out!

Good evening, everyone! I hope you ladies are planning to attend Ladies Night Out tomorrow night (Friday) at the Bernie Hookham home. Their address is 5213 Chaparral Drive in Waco. You can find a map by clicking here.

Their home phone number is 399-8310.

The festivities will begin at 7:00 and conclude around 9:00. Thanks again for hosting this event, Bernie! I know all of you ladies will have a great time.

Wes

Lots of News and Prayers . . . . .

Friends:

Good afternoon, all! Great weather, eh?! We better enjoy it. Rumor has it that the temperature is supposed to dive south again on Tuesday. The good news is that there won't be too many more cold fronts!

Let's say a big welcome to Jena and Kirk Willard! They visited our class this morning. It was great to have you guys, Jena and Kirk! Come back and see us again as soon as you can.

LADIES NIGHT OUT THIS FRIDAY!

Yep, that's right. The next ladies night out has already arrived. It will take place this Friday, February 26th, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Hookham home. I will send directions as soon as I get them from Bernie. I hope all of you ladies can make it! I'm sure it will be a great time.

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

We have lots of people to pray for this week. Let's start out with Miss Raelynn VanZee. She came down with some sort of stomach bug last night while Jill was out of town (hang in there, Brian!). Let's pray that Raelynn will feel better very soon. Pray for safe travel for Jill as well.

Let's keep up our prayers for little Levi Ramsdell. He continues to do well. Pray for Beth as well.

We also should keep praying for Steve as he undergoes his treatments in Houston. He appears to be doing just fine. We are praying for you, Steve!

One of Dana's friends at school, Tanya, lost her father his past week. He was 82. Please pray for Tanya during this difficult time.

We have two birthdays to celebrate this week! Jaret May turns 8 tomorrow, and Corbin Null (I think I know that kid) turns 4 on Saturday. Let's pray that both of these youngsters will enjoy their birthdays!

Kirsten Escobar would like for us to pray for her nephew, Jack. He is the little guy with Leukemia. Jack recently had to be hospitalized for a fever that wouldn't go away. He is now out of the hospital, but he and his family continue to need our prayers.

We need to keep up our prayers for Rod and Shannon Smith. On top of other stuff, little Henry Dean came down with RSV last week. Pray that his health will improve very soon.

Of course, we need to keep praying for little Reese Nicholson. They are getting closer! Despite her normal reaction, I think her treatments last week went okay. I believe they only have 2 or 3 more trips to Temple. Hang in there, Nicholsons! You're going to make it!

The Mays would like for us to keep praying for Ben. All of his tests turned out just fine, but he's still facing some challenges on the athletics front. Pray that things will get better for Ben soon.

Finally, Christina G. has asked us to pray for her friends Justin and Angela. This is a very sad story. Justin and Angela lost their one week old baby this past week. Please pray for strength and healing for them. Pray for everyone who is helping them as well.

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I believe that covers matters for this Sunday! I hope all of you enjoy your evening. I'm off to play a bit more Wii basketball before heading out to stick Baylor for a free meal because we have a faculty candidate in town.

We look forward to seeing all of you again next Sunday morning!

Wes

Valentine's Prayers, a Pic of Levi, and Other News!

Say hello to Levi Ramsdell!

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Friends:

Good afternoon everyone! I hope you're enjoying your Valentine's Sunday. Let's begin by thanking the Hookhams for bringing our donuts today. Thanks, Jeff! Next week, it's time for Brian and Jill VanZee to bring snacks for us. Appreciate it, VanZees!

Next, I want to remind all of the ladies that the next Ladies Night Out will take place on Friday, February 26th, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Bernie Hookham home. Put the event on your calendars, ladies!

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

Let's go ahead and get to our prayers and praises. Let's keep praying for little Levi Ramsdell. Does he look great or what?! I saw him on Friday afternoon, and he looks to be doing very well. Beth looks wonderful as well. I believe that everything seems to be going fine for all three of them. Please keep praying for Levi, Beth, and (don't forget!) Matt.

We also need to keep up our prayers for Steve Ramsdell. His treatments seem to be going well. He has done 2 weeks and has approximately 6 weeks left. Pray for safe travel for he and Susan. Pray, also, that the treatments will do exactly what they are designed to do and that Steve will experience as few side effects as possible.

Let's keep praying for little Reese Nicholson as well. Reese has had a couple of weeks without any shots, but goes back in tomorrow for two more drugs. Pray that everything will go smoothly for Reese, Brian, and Amy. Pray that she will be in as little pain and discomfort as possible. You are going to make it, Nicholsons!!!!

Bernie Hookham leaves town today. Pray for her safe travel and for Jeff and the girls while she is away.

Jennifer May has asked that we pray for Benjamin. He has been having some health issues lately during basketball and the many other athletic events that he is involved with. They're not sure right now what's bothering Ben, but pray that he will do better very soon.

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OUR NEXT CLASS BOOK

Now that we have finished with "Better Together", we will be moving on to another study. After looking at lots of options, I've decided that we will work through a study of the book of James before turning to the book of John just prior to Easter. Here is the link to the study on James. I think all of us will enjoy it. Pick up a copy if you can!

I think that takes care of matters for this Sunday. Have a great week, everyone.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wes

Sunday Update, February Football, and Other Bidness

Friends:

Hello all! I hope everyone is having a good afternoon/evening. I just finished cutting the grass for the first cut of the season. I even put down some fertilizer. Let the growing season begin!

In other news, is it just me or does the Superbowl get later every year?! I distinctly remember it being played on my Mother's birthday--January 28th--many times back in the day, but no later than that. Sooner or later, we can enjoy March Madness and Superbowl Sunday on the same day!

Us Nulls covered the donuts this morning. Thanks, us. Next week, Jeff and Bernie Hookham are signed up. Appreciate it, Hookhams!

GET READY FOR ANOTHER LADIES' NIGHT OUT!

Okay, get this. The ladies have scheduled another evening of fun. It will take place on Friday, February 26th, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Bernie Hookham home. Thanks very much, Bernie, for hosting this event! I know the ladies appreciate it very much. Once again, I offer my lil' smokies. : )

Be sure to put this event on your calendars, ladies! I know it will be a great time once again.

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

We have lots of people to remember today. First off, praise God for little Levi Ramsdell! Beth and Levi were discharged yesterday afternoon, so they are at home. As far as I know, everyone is doing well. Let's keep praying for healthy days for Levi and Beth. At the bottom of this message, I will post all of the information you need to sign up to take a meal to Beth and Matt. Thank you for considering this opportunity to bless this couple as they tackle parenthood for the first time. We are praying for you, Beth and Matt!

Brian VanZee has asked that we continue to keep John Tibbs and his family in our prayers. They are still dealing with John's sister's cancer and now John has a grandmother who isn't doing well. Thanks for your prayers for this family.

We need to pray for Bernie Hookham as she recovers from a stomach bug. Jeff is traveling back from Colorado today, so pray for his safe travel as well. Bernie also says a big thank you to the Hudsons and us Nulls for helping her out while Jeff was out of town. No problem at all, Bernie! The girls were great!

Rod Smith would like for us to pray for Shannon and little Henry Dean as they travel home from Arizona this evening. Pray for their safe travel. Let's also continue to pray for Shannon. She spent the weekend going through her brother's stuff in Arizona with her Mom. We are praying for you, Shannon!!

Let's keep praying for Ben Sullivan's safety as he works out in the oil patch.

We have two families that are tackling potty training with their little ones. These things require lots of prayers and patience! Please pray that things will go well for little Robbie Sullivan and Raelynn VanZee.

Benjamin May will be spending his last week with his good friend Garrett this week. Garrett, you'll recall, is moving to Arizona. Pray that God will help Benjamin enjoy his time with his friend. Let's also pray that the move will go well for Garrett.

We had Vince E. back with us this morning! He's headed back to the Rio Grand Valley this evening. Pray for safe travel for Vince and for Mary and Malia while Vince is out town. We enjoyed seeing you this morning, Vince!!!! Mary, as usual, please call if you need anything....

Last but certainly not least, we need to keep up our prayers for Leah Magid. Her father passed away just over a week ago. Pray for Leah and her family during this time of mourning. We are praying for you, Leah!

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MEALS FOR THE RAMSDELLS

For those of you who would like to take a meal to the Ramsdells, this email from Amy Nicholson will tell you how to do it. Thank you so much, Amy, for setting this up! Once you access the site, you can find the phone number and address for Matt and Beth.

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From Amy Nicholson:

Well, since Mr. Levi Ramsdell has decided to make his entrance into the world, we are ready to go with meals for Matt and Beth!

Most of you have used a Care Calendar before, but if not, it is very easy. It is a great way for people to sign up without passing lots of emails around. Here is the information about Matt & Beth's meal calendar. Please pass along this information to anyone you think may want to help them out in this way. I know we all can't wait to meet Levi!!!! So thankful he and mom are doing well...Let me know if you have any questions!

www.carecalendar.org

Calendar ID: 32066
Security Code: 2875

Thanks!
Amy

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I think that takes care of matters for this week, everyone. I hope all of you have a great week. Carrie Underwood just got done, so I think that means the Superbowl is about to begin! Enjoy it, folks.

Look forward to seeing you next Sunday morning.

Wes

Meals for Matt and Beth Ramsdell

From Amy Nicholson:

Well, since Mr. Levi Ramsdell has decided to make his entrance into the world, we are ready to go with meals for Matt and Beth! Beth gave me your names to help spread the word and information about how people can sign up for meals. Most of you have used a Care Calendar before, but if not, it is very easy. It is a great way for people to sign up without passing lots of emails around. Here is the information about Matt & Beth's meal calendar. Please pass along this information to anyone you think may want to help them out in this way. I know we all can't wait to meet Levi!!!! So thankful he and mom are doing well...Let me know if you have any questions!

www.carecalendar.org

Calendar ID: 32066
Security Code: 2875

Thanks!
Amy

Prayer Request from Jennifer Owens

See the prayer request from Jennifer Owens. Thank you for keeping Steven and his family in your prayers.

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Wes,

Please add Steven & the rest of our family to the prayer list. Steven's grandpa passed away in his sleep last night.

Thanks,
Jennifer

Prayer Request for Beth Ramsdell

Thank you for your prayers for Matt and Beth. See below.

Wes

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Wes,

Beth is in the hospital at Hillcrest and will be induced at 6:30 a.m. on Friday.

We had a normal test today and discovered the cord is around his neck. The heartbeat is fine, along with breathing, but the blood flow is not where they want it. The blood flow is not at a dangerous level, but just not where they like it.

If he has not been born by 12:00 p.m., they will do a c section.

Matt

Prayer Requests from Mary Erickson

Thanks for keeping these prayers in mind as well.

From Mary:

First we have a praise that Malia will turn 3 on Tuesday - Groundhog day!!!

Please pray for Vince to have safe travels next Saturday as he comes home for the first time since moving to the RGV!!!

Thanks - hopefully we will all be well next week and will see everyone then!!

Mary

February Tomorrow?.....This Week's Update, News, Prayers.........

Friends:

Good evening, all! Hope you've enjoyed your Sunday. It's been a full afternoon of fish tank cleaning at the Null home. Too bad the Lady Bears couldn't pull it off! Oh well, one victory over the Longhorns this weekend isn't bad (I know, Brian, I know.......only when it's Baylor!).

Let's start off today by saying a big welcome to Ginny and John Donaldson. They visited our class this morning. Great to have you with us, Ginny and John! Some of you will remember Ginny when she was Ginny Doggett. She was a regular attender of our class about five years ago. Well, Ginny has shown back up, this time with a husband and a baby-on-the-way. She is due in July. Congratulations, Ginny D! (she's still Ginny D., you'll see...). We hope to see you guys again next Sunday, Ginny and John!

Next, we need to thank the Hudsons for bringing our snacks. Girl Scout Cookies, no less! Great stuff, Hudsons. We appreciate you. Next Sunday, us Nulls are in charge.

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We have a number of prayers and praises this Sunday. For starters, it looks as though the chances are good that Beth Ramsdell will have little Levi this week. Please keep both of them in your prayers. Here is the latest update I received from Matt today:

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Wes,

We found out this week that Beth's blood pressure is elevated. As a result of this increased blood pressure she will not go back to work.

She will go have it checked again tomorrow, and if it is at the same level, it appears they will induce labor by the end of the week. If it has risen, they might entertain the notion of inducing earlier. If it is lower tomorrow she will ride out the rest of the pregnancy.

I'm not sure when Beth will be back at church, but we will keep you informed on what is happening.

Matt

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As you can see, Beth is now at home until the birth. Thank you for praying for them. We are here for you, Beth and Matt!

Leah Magid's father passed away last week. Please pray for Leah and everyone who is mourning his death. We are praying for you, Leah!

Next, I want to say a big praise for Jill VanZee for opening her home for the ladies last Friday night. Even without lil' smokies from me, I think they had a great time! There's even a rumor that another such event will be taking place in about a month. Fellas, we need to get something planned. Thank you so much for your leadership, Jill!!

Bernie Hookham would like for us to pray for the Michaelis family. Beverly Michaelis passed away on Thursday. Please pray for everyone who is mourning her death.

Also on the Hookham front, Jeff leaves this week for a ski trip with the folks from Bernie's work (I still don't know how he manages this . . . . ). Let's pray for safe travel and safe skiing for Jeff. This morning, Jeff promised to text me if he gets caught in an avalanche. Jeff, I will come find you! I promise!

Jill V-Zee would like for us to keep praying for her friend Terah (sp?) Habral. She has great news that it looks as though she is done with all of her treatments for breast cancer. Let's continue to pray that the outlook is good for Terah.

Things look pretty good for Reese Nicholson this week. She only has to have blood drawn this week, which can be done in Waco. So, no trip to Temple for the Nicholsons! Woohoo!! Let's keep praying for strength and positive steps forward for Reese. You will make it, Amy!

Miss Paris Hookham turns 8 tomorrow! Hard to believe. When we started this class on April 14, 2002, Paris was 2 months old (and Raegan still had one month left in Dana's stomach!). Crazy. Get this . . . . I remember what Jeff looked like as a 32 year old! Let's pray that Paris will have a great birthday!

Carey P. leaves on Friday for a week or so in Haiti. Pray for her safe travel and for the entire team she is with while they help the people of Haiti.

Jennifer May would like for us to pray for Ben. His best friend Garrett will be moving to Georgia this week. Ben and Garrett will of course miss each other. Pray for Garrett and his family as they meet new friends and settle into a new town.

Last but certainly not least, Steve R. will begin his treatments in Houston soon. Let's continue to pray for his safe travel and that the treatments will do exactly what they are designed to do.

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I believe that covers our news, prayers, and praises for this Sunday. Please keep reading "Better Together" as you can. We will plan to discuss chapters 32-38 next Sunday. I can't believe tomorrow is February. Before long, it will be April and Easter!!!

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

Wes

Directions to the VanZee Home

Ladies:

Here are directions to the VanZee home. I know Jill and the other women will be excited to see you on Friday night!

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From Hewitt area:
Take Sun Valley across the interstate and onto Greig Drive (runs past
the Robinson watertower). Continue to Hoffmeyer Lane and turn right
(only runs one direction). Continue down Hoffmeyer through S curve and
making a left of Pompano Park Drive (first road you will come upon after
S curve). House is 447 Pompano Park Drive. Brown brick with black
shutters and large metal shop beside it.

From Hwy 6:
Turn onto Hwy 77 and continue through Robinson until Lyndale Street (3rd
stop light). Turn right on Lyndale to stop sign, turn left at stop sign
and then an immediate right on Tate. Tate will take you past the High
School and football field. Continue down Tate to Pompano Park Drive.
Turn right on Pompano Park (no left turn). House is 447 Pompano Park
Drive. Brown brick with black shutters and large metal shop beside it.

Cell number is 495-8342 if needed. Can wait to see you all there.

Don't forget to bring a finger food/appetizer.

Jill VanZee

jill.vanzee@hotrmhmr.org

Prayer Request from Leah Magid

Thank you for keeping Leah's father in your prayers:

Hi, Wes.

If you would - please add my dad to the prayer requests. He is in ICU in Bryan/College Station. I'll keep you posted on how he does. Right now, we just ask God to guide us and be with us- whatever happens.

We will be out of town again this weekend, but will back in Feb!. :) Thanks so much!

-Leah Magid

This Week's Bidness . . and Ladies Night Out!

Friends:

Good afternoon, all! I hope this message finds all of you doing well. I've just come in from a full afternoon raking leaves and trimming bushes. Before dying, I think everyone should have the experience of attempting to rake leaves in the wind with a 3 year old boy. "Corbin, the goal, son, is to get the leaves in the big black bag. You see, the longer we run through them and throw them and kick them, the longer we have to be out here in this wind. Daddy would like to go back inside at least an hour or two before midnight. I have work to do inside, also.". But, I must say that Mr. Corbin was quite the cute helper, if I do say so myself!

Let's get down to bidness. Thanks to Matt and Beth Ramsdell! They managed to get donuts to us today without even being able to attend in person! Beth is at home not feeling well. She has three weeks to go. Thanks so much, Matt and Beth! We appreciate you guys very much. Next week, Greg and Courtney Hudson are in charge. Thanks, Hudsons!

LADIES NIGHT OUT THIS FRIDAY AT 7:00 P.M.!

Don't forget, ladies. The big event is this Friday at 7:00 at the home of Brian and Jill VanZee. Jill will be sending me directions within the next day or so. I will send them along. I hope all of you ladies can make it. I have agreed to chaperone (for a nominal fee), but I promise to sit in the corner and make myself invisible. : )

Seriously, us men will be taking the chilluns to the Hookham home. Jeff and I will go get pizza or something. Come join us, fellas!

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

As usual, we have quite a few prayers this week. Let's start out with Beth Ramsdell. Let's pray that her final three weeks of pregnancy will be as comfortable as possible and that little Levi will arrive completely healthy. We are praying for you, Beth! Call me, email me, text me, yell out the window, send me a smoke signal, or do whatever you can as soon as something starts to happen!

Also on the Ramsdell front, let's keep praying for Steve R. I believe he goes in tomorrow to find out more about the treatments he will undergo during the next several weeks. Pray for safe travel for Steve and for strength for he and Susan as they tackle the weeks ahead.

We need to keep up our prayers for little Reese. She even got to go to Sunday School this morning! What great news. That even means we got to see Brian and Amy! (Well, we really only ever want to see Amy, but we have to deal with Brian, too. They are a package deal of sorts). Reese goes back in for two more drugs tomorrow. These drugs tend to make her sick, so the next three days will probably be difficult for her. Pray that she is in as little discomfort as possible. Pray, also, that the treatments will continue to do what they are supposed to do. Finally, let's keep praying for strength and understanding for Brian and Amy as they work toward the light at the end of the tunnel in April. Hang in there, guys! We are praying for you!

Bernie Hookham has asked that we pray for the Dennis Michaelis family. Dr. Michaelis's wife has been very ill. Pray that things will get better for her soon.

Steven Owens has asked that we pray for Jennifer and the little Owenses while Steven is out of town this week. He will be in Dallas for a few days for work. Please call if you need anything, Jennifer!

Pam Ramsey would like us to pray for one of her students who had to testify this week in a murder trial. This was a very difficult week for him.

Little Raelynn VanZee has not been feeling well. Pray that her fever will go away and that she will feel better soon.

READING FOR NEXT WEEK

For those of you who have the "Better Together" book, we will read through Day 31 for next Sunday, which is page 135. Read the pages and keep up with us if you can!!

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I think that takes care of everything for this week. May all of you have a blessed week. Rumor has it that this beautiful weather we've been having is going to disappear about Thursday night. So enjoy it!

See you next Sunday,

Wes

Prayer Request from Mary Erickson

From Mary:

Could you add my friend Amie to the prayer list? She is 32 and having some
severe complications with MS. Just pray that the medications work to alleviate
this latest flare up.

Mary.

Is Summer Here?, Prayers, and Other Stuff

Friends:

What a beautiful afternoon of weather! For those of you locked inside watching the depressing Cowboys game, I say take a break and go outside for a bit. It doesn't get much better!

Let's start off today by welcoming two new couples to our class. We were pleased to have Chris and Leah Magid and Jim and Diane Hughes as guests this morning. We enjoyed having you guys very much! I hope you will come back and see us again next Sunday. We will be looking for you!

Next, let's all say a big thank you to Kirsten Escobar! She brought some delicious muffins to class this morning (banana nut and cinnamon swirl to be exact). Thanks very much, Kirsten! Great stuff. Next week, Matt and Beth Ramsdell are signed up. Thanks, Ramsdells! There's only one problem. Beth, if you go into labor, it's okay. You can skip the donuts. Just call me and we'll take care of it!

DON'T FORGET LADIES NIGHT OUT AT THE VANZEE HOME!

As I announced last week, Jill VanZee has invited all of the ladies to their home on January 29th from 7:00-9:00 p.m. We want all of the ladies to be there! Even if you haven't been to class in a long time, Jill and the other ladies want you there! As an incentive, I even agreed this morning to cook up some of my world famous lil' smokies and have them available for the ladies to eat. You don't want to miss that!!! Okay, okay, that's a joke, but the serious part is we want all of you ladies to be at Jill's house on the 29th!

We will send details about where (including directions) when the date gets a bit closer. For now, ladies, just be sure and put the date on your calendars!

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

We have quite a few prayers and praises today. First off, Brian VanZee would like for us to keep praying for his friend John Tibbs and John's sister Heather. Heather is fighting brain and breast cancer. She has had a difficult week. She is 38 and has 2 young children. Please pray for strength and comfort for everyone in this family, especially the kids.

Jim and Diane Hughes have asked us to pray for their grandson Christopher Pohl. He is currently deployed in Afghanistan. Please pray for his strength and safety.

On that note, Pam Ramsey would like for us to pray for her cousin Jay Riles. Jay will soon be deployed overseas as well.

We need to keep praying for Steve Ramsdell and the Ramsdell family. It looks as though Steve will begin his proton treatments in early February, and they will continue for approximately 8 weeks. He will be in Houston at MD Anderson during the week. Please pray for Steve's health, strength, and patience during this eight week period. Let's pray for understanding and comfort for the entire Ramsdell family during this stressful time. We are praying, Steve!

We also need to keep praying for Reese Nicholson. I believe she goes back for treatments again tomorrow. Pray that Amy and Brian will continue to get nothing but positive news. Pray that the end of this part of Reese's life will come very soon.

Beth Ramsdell has asked that we pray for her sister-in-law Brittany. She is nine weeks along in her pregnancy and has been having some difficulties with high blood pressure. Pray that Brittany will feel better and that the baby she's carrying will grow stronger every day.

Also on the baby front, we need to keep praying for our expectant Mommies: Beth Ramsdell, Liz Workman, and Erica Sullivan. Pray for good days for them and strong development for the little ones.

We need to keep praying for Shannon Smith as she grieves the loss of her brother. Pray for good days for Shannon and the entire Smith family. We are praying, Shannon.

Christina G. has a number of prayers for us to keep in mind this week. She would like for us to pray for her friend Kara who is sick and her friend M.J. who lost his Godmother this past week. She also will leave for Denton on Thursday for class and would like for us to pray for safe travel. Finally, she will be searching for a new job after January 31st since her Baylor job is only temporary. Pray that something good will come up for Christina.

Last but not least, we need to pray for everyone who has been affected by the very sad situation in Haiti. Pray for our church and for our nation as so many people work to help the people of Haiti.

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READING FOR NEXT WEEK

Next Sunday, we will plan to discuss Better Together through Day 24, which is page 106. Keep up with the reading if you can!

Have a great week, everyone. We're doing quite well with the competition for class attendance, so let's keep it up. We want some of you long lost folks to come back and see us! We will look for you next Sunday.

See you then!

Wes

This Sunday's News, Ladies Night!, and the Competition . .

Friends:

Good evening, all! I hope you've enjoyed the weekend. Cowboys fans of course should be happy. As for us Texas fans, well . . . . not so much. Brian, the sadness will end. I promise. Give it one more day. Everything gets better after three days.

Thanks, VanZees! Would you believe they showed up with Panera Bread bagels this morning? For those of you who weren't there, you missed out! Thanks, guys. We appreciate you. Next week, the Escobar-Jensen couple is in charge. Thanks very much, Kirsten and Shane!

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

Let's jump right to our prayers and praises.

Beth Ramsdell is getting close! Let's keep praying every day for little Levi. Pray for Beth as the finish line gets closer and closer! Rumor has it that Matt has been painting the nursery . . . . Do it now, Matt, while you're operating on at least two hours of sleep!

We need to keep up our prayers for Reese Nicholson. She had great news last week with the latest round of test results. Let's keep praying for safe travel and effective treatments for Reese.

Jenny LaSeur is having a baby! That's right. Matt and Jenny are expecting. Congratulations, LaSeurs! Let's pray for health for Jenny and the little one.

Jennifer May would like for us to pray for an aide at her school named Donna. She had quadruple by-pass surgery last week. Please pray for Donna as she recovers.

Brian VanZee would like for us to pray for a friend named Heather Seabaugh and her family. In recent months, Heather has battled both brain cancer and breast cancer. She has been through many difficult surgeries. Please pray for strength for Heather and her entire family as they battle the cancer.

Ben Sullivan would like for us to pray for a friend who is currently in the hospital with abdominal pains. She will have surgery tomorrow. Pray that everything will go smoothly and the pain will subside soon.

Also on the Ben front, he had Lasik surgery this past week. Let's pray that everything will heal as it should.

We need to keep up our prayers for Shannon Smith as she deals with the loss of her brother. Pray that Shannon will get stronger each and every day. We are praying for you, Shannon!

Last but certainly not least, we need to pray for Steve Ramsdell. As many of you know, Steve is battling prostate cancer. The good news is that it looks as though the cancer has not spread. My understanding is that Steve will undergo 8 weeks of treatments (five days per week) at MD Anderson in Houston. I'm not sure when the treatments will begin, but maybe within the next couple of months. He will be doing proton treatments. Please pray that everything will go according to plan for Steve. Pray, also, for strength for Susan and the entire Ramsdell family during this difficult time. Steve and Susan, we are here for you. You have an entire church that is here for you. We love you and what you have done for our church, and we are here to help you battle this.

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READING FOR NEXT WEEK

Things seem to be moving along just fine with our "Better Together" book. We didn't get all of the way through Day Ten today, but that's okay. For those of you who have the book, please read through Day 17 for next Sunday. We will plan to discuss, roughly, Days 8 through 17 at that time (or as much as we can get to!).

LADIES NIGHT OUT AT THE VANZEE HOME!

Get this, ladies. Jill VanZee has come up with a terrific idea! She will be hosting a Ladies Night Out. This is the perfect opportunity for you ladies to get a break from the chilluns (and other stuff) and spend some time with a group of ladies from our class. The event will take place on Friday, January 29th from 7:00-9:00 p.m. We will send details about where (including directions) when the date gets a bit closer. For now, ladies, just be sure and put January 29th on your calendars! We want all of the ladies from our class to be there!

Thank you so much, Jill, for hosting this event for the ladies in our class. I know it will be a great opportunity for fellowship. Am I invited?! Kidding!

As for us fellas, we plan to hire a few sitters and hit the bar. Kidding! How about a Wii bowling tournament at the Null home? Not kidding!

CLASS ATTENDANCE COMPETITION!

Okay, folks, here's the deal. Without going into lots of details, we are in competition with the other Sunday School classes for the next five weeks. Whichever class increases attendance the most during the next five weeks will get prizes like breakfast in class, dinner one evening, or free Starbuck's for a month. The Starbuck's prize is actually third place, but that's what everyone wants to win (which of course is a sacrifice for yours truly since I don't drink coffee--but that's okay!--Just sayin'!). So, we are officially aiming for third place. Go team! We want the bronze! But, even though we have bronze desires, that doesn't mean we should not try to get first place and then choose the third place prize!

So, the bottom line with all of this competition information is that we need everyone in class next Sunday! Get there, baby! I promise to work extra hard on the jokes . . . . . They have really been good lately, by the way!

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I think that takes care of matters for this Sunday. May all of you have a successful, blessed week.

See you next Sunday morning! We need everyone there!

Wes

Da Scoop on the First Sunday of 2010

Friends:

Good evening, all! Hope you've enjoyed your weekend. Let the world start turning hard and heavy again tomorrow morning ..........

Thanks, Mays! They brought our snacks this morning. Next week, Brian and Jill VanZee are in charge. Thanks everyone! This reminds me of a story. Once upon a time, the VanZees brought bagels from Panera Bread . . . . . . . . that's not a hint, folks. Just sayin' they were good way back when!!!! : )

PRAYERS AND PRAISES

Let's jump to our prayers and praises. Miss Reese Nicholson will have a big day tomorrow. She is receiving two types of chemo drugs and undergoing some additional tests to find out how the chemo is working. Pray for strength, good news, and safe travel for the Nicholsons tomorrow. We're praying, Amy!

How about this. Liz Workman is having a baby! Yep, that's right. She is about 9 weeks along. This news should get us well into August 2010 as far as class pregnancy is concerned. Woohoo! Congratulations Matt and Liz! We are very happy for you guys. I thin this will be baby #37 for our class. Must be in the donuts. Let's pray for continued growth and strength for the little Workman on the way.

Christina G. has a few prayers today. She would like for us to pray for her Aunt and Uncle who are driving. She also asked us to pray for her other Uncle, Larry, who is having surgery this week. Pray that everything will go well. Also on the Christina front, she goes in for a check-up this week following her surgery from a few weeks ago. Pray that she will only receive good news.

Happy 16th Anniversary to Jennifer and Steve May! That's right. They were married 16 years ago on January 1st. Let's pray for continued great years for this wonderful family.

Jennifer Fadal wants us to keep praying for her nephew Easton. He changed his medication last week, and everyone is waiting to see how things go. Pray for continued good health for Easton.

Vince E. has officially made the transition to the Rio Grande Valley. Pray that his first week on the air will go well. We're praying for you, Vince! I will be watching your broadcasts online, by the way. : )

We also need to pray for Mary and Malia while they settle in back here in Waco. Mary, please call if you need anything. Please don't be afraid to ask for help.

Happy birthday Matt Ramsdell! Yep, that's right. Matt turns the big 30 today. Let's pray that Matt will enjoy the rest of his special day.

Also on the Ramsdells, we need to keep up our prayers for little Levi. You're almost there, Beth! Pray for a strong final few weeks of pregnancy for Beth.

Kirsten E. has asked that we keep praying for her nephew Jack. He is battling Leukemia (see previous posts). Pray for continued successful treatments and good news as far as Jack's blood counts are concerned. Good counts allow for him to get out of his house and see other people more often.

Last but not least, let's pray for everyone as we begin school again. Pray for safe travel for all of the Baylor students as they make their way back to Waco.

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Reading for Next Sunday

That covers our prayers and praises for this Sunday. I hope everyone has had a chance to get your copy of Better Together. I thought we made a good start with the book this morning. Let's do this. If you have the book, please plan to read through Day 10 (page 51) by next Sunday. We will plan to discuss Days 1-10 in class.

I think that's all for today. Have a great week, everyone!

See you next Sunday morning,

Wes

Happy 2010!, Day One of Better Together

Dear Friends:

Happy 2010! I hope the year is off to a great start for everyone. I am writing to let you know that we will begin the "Better Together" book tomorrow. We will start, obviously, with Day One. If you have picked up your copy of the book, try to find some time to read pages 12-14 by tomorrow morning. We will build our lesson off of that.

See you tomorrow!

Wes