November 5th and 6th Deanna and I will be visiting Tulsa, Oklahoma. We want to let you know where we will be so that you can come and join us if you wish.

On Saturday night we will be in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma at The Church at Battle Creek. Deanna will be singing, and I will be sharing.

Sunday morning we will be doing the same thing, at Parkview Baptist Church, Tulsa.
There are three service times: 8:15, 9:35 and 10:45am. We hope to meet you, as we consider you part of our family. Your prayer support and encouragement have been a huge part of this journey. God has used you in our lives to help sustain us. Thank you so much for your persistence in pelting the Throne of mercy with prayer on BJ's, and our behalf.

This has been a difficult week. Whitney was unable to go with the rest of us on our first real family vacation, ever, the week before BJ ended up in the hospital. We normally have used our vacation time to go to youth camps, on mission trips, or to spend time with family in their homes. This trip was different. It was to be just us, and we were headed to a cabin in Gatlinburg, Tn. The only problem was that Whitney was starting pre-Nursing at IUPUI, and had to be at trainings that same week. She had to stay behind.

We understood, but were disappointed that she could not be with us. Her absence was continuously felt while we were away. We spoke a few times on the phone, but it was not like having her with us. BJ spoke of missing her, and wondered what she was up to. There was no way any of us could have known what was to unfold in the ensuing days of our return. Even so, this has been heavy in Whitney's mind.

There are going to be those times when people say innocent things that have a devastating impact on your emotions. One of her acquaintances was sharing about Gatlinburg, and politely asked her if she'd been there. Woops! A difficult rest of the day resulted.

There is not a way to guard against such things, nor should people try. These are situations we must and will learn to deal with. God's amazing grace and strength has carried us a long way, and will continue. We Praise His Holy Name!!!

Whitney has rebounded. The Lord has placed an amazing imprint on her heart. For years she led worship on Wednesday nights at youth group along with the rest of the praise band. She was thrust into a leadership role, and found it difficult at times to be there. She led others to the throne for most of her high school career. Whitney's heart is about worship.

BJ loved that about her. He was inspired by her singing, guitar playing (she doesn't think she can play) and how she cried out to God, literally reached out for Him. Almost as if she expected the Lord to grab a hold of her outstretched hands and carry her home. She blesses, and inspires me when she Praises our Lord. She did the same for Beej. He was very proud of her.

He spoke of his sisters often (we are told) on the mission field. When he talked about Whit, he'd say, "She is really really cute!" But then he'd suddenly feel the need to qualify his statement, for fear he was being misunderstood, and say, "But I don't want to date her or anything." Then he'd just turn red from the reaction he invoked.

While Beej was in the hospital, on more than one occasion, Whitney sang, or sang and played her guitar in his room. I don't guess we'll know until we get to join him, how it made him feel, but Whitney, Beej loved you with all of his being. He desired to protect you, and see you bring God the fullest of glory! I know you blessed him when you shared of yourself.

Many nursing students may have changed their minds about their career choice after what Whit went through, watching her little brother. I believe her resolve has only intensified, for she seeks where the Lord is leading her. And thank you St. Vincent's nursing staff, and Doctors for allowing her to witness so many procedures, and get an education her peers will not share. I am proud of you Whitney Lou!

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We received word that BJ was approved for medicaid after all, for the month of September. This means, we believe, that much of his stay that our insurance would not pay for, will be covered. He was denied for August, so we will have some expenses for half of that month. Lord, we truly Praise you for your intervention, and how you are caring for us!!! And thank you bloggers who have sent financial support. Know that we are humbled, and blessed by you!