The Way

Last week Sondra and I headed out to AZ for the week and had an incredible time. No work, email, little phone stuff and lots of hiking and big fun with the best girl in the world! We hit Tombstone, hiked/climbed Camel Back and South Mountain in Phoenix, Bell Rock in Sedona, laughed alot, saw a couple of movies, and ate alot of oatmeal for breakfast. We enjoyed the pool, the dry air and just each others' company. We both left on Sunday of this week, she for MO to hang with her mom, and me to Texas to the Youth Minister's Conclave. It was great to see so many youth ministry friends and lead a conference. The weather was not the best but they needed the rain. Sondra has enjoyed being with her mom and Bronwyn and I am looking forward to her being home again. She heads back to school on Monday which I am sure she is not totally excited about. Today is LayLay's 21st birthday and I am asking you to continue to pray for the Hollister/Willams families along with Wacey Russell...

Tuesday night I had the honor and the privilege of being a part of a celebration where no one in attendance actually  thought it was the right time to be celebrating. Early Saturday morning, Lay Lay stepped from this Earth into eternity and met her Savior face to face. Lay Lay was a beautiful, young woman who loved others because she was in love with Christ. It was evident in every area of her life. I was privileged to watch her grow from a 10-year-old girl into a beautiful, young woman. Lay Lay was a special gift. She was a fiery and feisty one when there was a ball involved; she was kind, compassionate and giving where there was a life involved. She was everyone's best friend; every parent's daughter; and everyone's sister. It was just they way it was with her. Jesus had captured her life and He shined through her to everyone. Lay Lay, I will miss you. I remember our last conversation on Friday, September 6. You were excited (in that signature monotone voice of you...