Random

- Last weekend we got to say goodbye to our friend Doug. His funeral was amazing! Sounds strange to say, but it was. Our auditorium was packed with family, friends, coworkers, and church members. Jarod lead worship with a full praise band and lead everyone in an amazing worship set. It's what Doug would have wanted since worship was such a big part of his life. I was sobbing during "I will Rise" and couldn't sing the words. It's a song all about Jesus overcoming death and the promise of eternal life. "I will rise when he calls my name. No more sorrow. No more pain." To think that Doug was in the presence of God singing right now, and watching his family lifting their hands praising, was amazing! There was laughter, tears, and worship. I'm so thankful for hope and for God's promise to those who love Him.

- I took Sean to a birthday party at the roller skating rink last weekend. That place is crazy! They had like five different parties going on at the same time. I told Jarod it was like Chuckie Cheese except on roller skates! Wow. Too crazy for me, but at least Sean had fun!

- Anyone watch 'Biggest Loser'? I am so ready for Conda to go!!!!

- So for spring break I am going to get to meet my two new nieces!! We are traveling up to Emporia for the first weekend of spring break, and the kids will stay there while I travel to Iowa to see Adam and Heidi. I can't wait to see family and get to snuggle with some sweet, little girls!

- Nat has started walking. He is doing a really good job! He can walk all the way from our living room to our kitchen. He gets really proud of himself and giggles while he walks!

- The kids are doing great at school. The boys got straight A's last quarter and Kaitlyn got all S's. The boys are getting to go down to the kindergarten rooms and read with some of the students who are struggling either socially or with reading. It's like a little mentor program. It's really good for them to help out these kids and be an example for them.

-Today was my birthday. I am now 33 years old. At least I'm not 40 yet! ;-)

Update

Our friend, Doug, passed away early Tuesday morning. The funeral is Saturday. Please keep praying for his family who is left behind and especially his wife, Quaye.

The Glory of it All

Two weeks ago a friend of ours, Doug, went into the hospital not able to breathe because his lung collapsed. While in the hospital he found out he has cancer in his lungs and on his bladder. A few days later he found out the tumor on his bladder is inoperable and has spread to his pelvis. His prognosis is 12-18 months with chemo and 6 months without. He is around our Dad's age (around 55) with a wife, 3 children, and 7 grandchildren. Too young to be going through this.

Tonight Jarod got a text that the family was called to the hospital and for the ministers to come. Our hearts sank. Jarod headed up to the hospital to be with Doug and his family. I put on some praise music here at home. It's what I needed while I prayed and took care of the kids. It's very different listening to songs while praying for someone to live through the next moment and praying for comfort for the family as they will have to say goodbye soon. David Crowder's song "The Glory of it All" came on, and the words just hit home.

"After night
comes the light
dawn is here
dawn is here
it’s a new day
it’s a new day
everything will change
things will never be the same
we will never be the same
we will never be the same
we will never be the same
we will never be the same"

Praise God for Doug's faith! A faithful servant of His King! Praise God for hope during suffering and for hope that death is not the end! We will never be the same. Our God and King Jesus changes us. Even death can not separate us from Him.

Please pray for Doug and his wife Quaye. Doug is a part of Jarod's praise team and a big advocate for missions. He has spent the last few days telling young people about making the choice to follow Jesus! Jarod texted that he has stabilized for now, but please pray for them as they face this journey.