ScanWeek

Tomorrow will be one week since we found out the name, the make-up, and the possibilities of my cancer.  One week that the world has continued to spin and go, and it seems like I just had to take a deep breath and jump back in.  Only with a little heavier heart this time.  I find that my brain is struggling to be 100 percent anywhere.  There's always that part of my brain consumed that says, "How is this going to work out?"  Whether I realize it is doing it or not. Words from the pathology report loom.....focal necrosis, rhabdoid morphology, not other specified, SMARCb1-deficient, eccentric nuclei, neoplastic cells, positive margin.....the list goes on.

"He will cover you with His pinions,

And under His wings you may seek refuge;

His faithfulness is a shield and a bulwark."

Psalm 91:4

And the strangest part is to know all of this.  To carry all all of this.  And yet, other than the incision from the first surgery, I am physically fine.  It is so crazy to think I carried an aggressive sarcoma around with me for at least a year and today carry at least some cancer cells from the first surgery.

It's hard to think of it as a fight when you feel fine!  But I am learning, cancer is a silent battle that has many days of waiting.  This Wednesday I will have a PETScan CT, skull to thigh, with and without contrast.  There will be a battle for a clear scan that day.  There will be a battle as I wait to know results.  February 10th I will have a more extensive surgery in the same location.  There will be a battle that day.  And everyday in between will be a battle, physically and emotionally. It's a battle learning to live with cancer gracefully.

"Finally be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might."

Ephesians 6:10

Today is just one of those days where I have had to fight against it being my identity.  I try to keep it from taking over my thoughts and engulfing me.  Tonight I had to get on the treadmill with Elise, even if I was going super slow.  I needed to clear my head.  I needed to do something that I loved before all of this.  (Actually, I just need to attend Danielle's Sticks class or Valarie's Spin class at Glover Fitness!)  I just needed to get back to who I am.  Time to clear my soul and remember who I am.   I am His.  I. Am. His.  So no matter what the scans on Wednesday say, I am His.  No matter if lymph nodes have to be taken, I am His.  No matter if cancer is found somewhere else, and I end up in DART 1 immunotherapy clinical trial, I am His.  No matter if scans come back clear, and we have to walk through Foundation One genetic testing after the surgery, I am His.  No matter what, He has me and it will all work out.

"Our God who we serve is able to deliver us,....

But even if He does not...." Daniel 3:17-18a

He is still good and I am still His.

Some of you have asked how to specifically pray.  

Pray for the battle, whatever it may be, physically or emotionally.

Pray for my family, especially Elise and Warren.  They live it every day as well.

Pray for the scans on Jan. 22 (2:20pm).  The whatever that they show.

Pray for the upcoming surgery (Feb 10) to remove cells from the pathology that showed positive margins.  This surgery will be a tough one in all kinds of ways.

We continue to be so humbled by your prayers, thoughts, calls, texts, cards, and conversations.

Your prayers kept me from falling out of my chair the day I was diagnosed.  
Your prayers helped me jump back on the tilt-a-whirl of life.  

Your prayers help me to cry and walk.

"But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; 

I have made the Lord God my refuge,

that I may tell of all Thy works."

Psalm 73:28

Whatever You Have

Goodness.  It's been exactly 50 days.  50 LONG days since that first appointment.  50 days knowing I had cancer but no clue what kind.  50 days of coming to the end of the day and having faith that, "It is well."

Hwy 270 in OKlahoma.  Warren, Tyler, and I traveled this highway many times 20 years ago seeking the Lord's leading into full-time ministry.  A couple of weeks ago, Warren and I traveled this road again seeking Him about my health.  He's faithful.

"...Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, 

It is well, It is well with my soul."

We have been so overwhelmed with the kindness of people praying.  It is so humbling knowing people are praying on our behalf.  And to be honest, I am the one struggling the most with praying.  It's a season I truly understand when scripture says, "...the Spirit himself intercedes for us with  groanings too deep for words."  I want to pray to be completely healed, but have struggled with praying that.  All I have been able to pray is simply-whatever brings YOU glory, Lord.  Whatever.  Warren and I have always prayed that concerning ministry.  And in this situation, I can only pray that.  Whatever, Lord.  Whatever draws people to YOU.  Whatever it takes for people to be drawn to salvation that YOU give.  Whatever draws our family to YOU.  Whatever it takes for me to reflect YOU more.  Whatever.

This.  This is what changes things.  Prayer.

"Pray without ceasing." I Thessalonians 5:17

Since that initial appointment and biopsy, I had surgery.  On December 23, the oncologist removed a 5X4 tumor from my vulva area. Did I just say that out loud?  Leave it to me to have the most awkward cancer.  Definitely does not make good hallway conversation.  It was a hard surgery.

Since that excision of the tumor , I have been in the waiting room of life.  For exactly 3 weeks all I have known is that the tumor showed moderate atypical cells, had poorly differentiated malignancy, and had potential of being sarcoma, lymphoma, melanoma, or carcinoma(less likely).  It has been hard.  The healing from the surgery was hard.  But the waiting may have been even worse.

"Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14

Today, we returned to the second floor of UAMS Cancer Clinic.  Like always, I asked Warren if we could take the stairs instead of the elevator.  (Sorry Debbie for taking you the long way down the stairs :)) There's something about that building that takes my breath.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you...." Isaiah 41:10

We got the diagnosis.  The prognosis.  The plan.  We trust Him.

"Trust in Lord with all your heart...." Proverbs 3:5

My tumor is SMARCB1-deficient vulvar sarcoma.  It's a very rare cancer that my gynecological oncologist has only seen a handful of times in his 40 years of medicine.  They removed the tumor with an initial surgery and thought they had good margins, but the pathologist was concerned with an area of the tumor that showed positive margins.  After a review from the tumor board, there will be another surgery on February 10 removing more tissue.  I am also scheduled for a PET scan on January 22 to make sure there are no other affected areas.  Other affected areas would mean some other forms of treatment.  Please pray for a clear PET scan.  Please pray for a successful upcoming surgery.  God continues to provide.  He is near.

It's not the news that any of us hoped that we would hear,

It's not the road we would have chosen, no.

The only thing that we can see is darkness up ahead –

but you're asking us to lay our worry down and sing a song instead.

And I didn't know I'd find you here, in the middle of my deepest fear,

but you were drawing near, you were overwhelming me with peace.

So I lift my voice and sing: "You're gonna carry us through everything!"

You were drawing near, you're overwhelming all my fears with peace.

You say that I should come to you with everything I need.

You're asking me to thank you even when the pain is deep.

You promise that you'll come and meet us on the road ahead.

And no matter what the fear says, you give me a reason to be glad.

And I didn't know I'd find you here, in the middle of my deepest fear,

but you were drawing near me, you were overwhelming me with peace.

So I lift my voice and sing: "You're gonna carry me through everything."

You were drawing near, you're overwhelming all my fear.

Here in the middle of the lonely night, here in the middle of the losing fight,

you're here in the middle of the deep regret, here when the healing hasn't happened yet.

Here in the middle of the desert place, here in the middle when I cannot see your face,

Here in the middle with your outstretched arms, you can see my pain and it breaks your heart.

And I didn't know I'd find you here, in the middle of my deepest fear,

but you were drawing near, you were overwhelming me with peace.

So I lift my voice and sing: "You're gonna carry me through everything!"

And you were drawing near, you're overwhelming all my fears with peace.

Rejoice, rejoice! Don't have to worry about a single thing,

'Cause you were overwhelming me with peace.

Don't have to worry about a single thing! You're gonna carry us through everything.

Overwhelming peace.

Ellie Holcomb-Find You Here

Now we know.  Now we continue to fight.  We continue to pray.  Pray hard for His whatever.  Pray hard for His will.  Pray hard for salvation to arise from this season of struggle.   Pray hard for His healing hand.  And, OH, how eternally grateful we are for your prayers for our family.

"But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength." 

2 Timothy 4:17

Consider the Lilies.

Consider the Lilies

November.  

It's a month that will always remind me to seize the day.  To be thankful.  It's the month of our favorite family tradition - Thanksgiving at Mt. Magazine. It’s a month of peace before the hustle and bustle. It’s a month of beautiful fall sunrises and sunsets, cool evenings, and nice hikes. It's football game playoffs, Christmas lights and trees going up, and lawnmowers being put up for the winter.

Mt. Magazine at Sunrise

It's also the month I saw my momma for the last time 15 years ago.

My sister, mom, Elise, and me spending our last Christmas together.

It's also the month in 2019 that will be remembered for the beginning of appointments that changed a few things for us.

For I know the plans that I have for you, 'declares the Lord, ' plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Today, I walked into UAMS Oncology Building.  It was my appointment.  Never did I imagine that I would ever walk into this building.  Especially for an appointment where it would be me sitting on the table.  In fact, as I walked through these doors, I quickly became overwhelmed in my heart.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; 

and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. 

When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze. 

Isaiah 43:2

About this time last year, I discovered a marble size growth on my inner leg. I dismissed it as a hernia or something not that important.

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Matthew 10:30

But as the year progressed, the growth grew and so did my uneasiness about it.  I decided to make an appointment to get it checked out.

For He Himself knows our frame; 

He is mindful that we are but dust.

Psalms 103:14

At my initial appointment, the doctor felt it may be a cyst and tried draining it.  It was about the size of a lime.  Doctor said 5x4 cm.  So she began the draining procedure.  Nothing.  Not a drop.  I could see the concern on her face as she told the nurse she was going to take biopsies. Thanksgiving week.  2 open incisions.  Come back in a week for the results.  The wait was hard.

Sunset at Mt. Magazine as a storm rolled in.

Finally, we received results from the biopsy.  Not definitive results... but also not promising.  "We are referring you to an oncologist at UAMS."

The Lord is good, 

A stronghold in the day of trouble,

And He knows those who take refuge in Him.

Nahum 1:7

Two weeks have passed since that appointment.  2 VERY long weeks.  And now we know a little more.  It's a tumor in a gland.  More than likely cancer.  They need more tissue to determine the type of cancer so they are looking at the material from the Conway biopsy.  We may have those results in the next day or so. However, they know the tumor needs to be removed.  Surgery has been set for Thursday at UAMS.  They will biopsy the tumor during surgery and we will know so much more. Once they know the type of cancer they will determine if more surgery or other treatment is necessary.

"casting all your anxiety on Him, 

because He cares for you."

I Peter 5:7

No need to be discouraged.  No need to be afraid.  He is strong.  He makes me courageous.  He is with me.  It’s time to fight.  And I'm not alone.  So thankful for our family and friends praying and seeking Him.  It's the game changer in life.

Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, 

for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!

Joshua 1:9

I know HE is in control.  I know HE knows.  It will all work out.
Pray that the cancer is best case scenario type.
Pray that the removal of the tumor will be the needed treatment.

Consider the Lilies.  Matthew 6:28.

He fills our life with good things....

I was one of those little girls who taught hundreds of "lessons" in math and science to her dolls in the playhouse.  I had a love for teaching and learning but more than anything else in the world I wanted to be a wife and mom one day when I was grew up.

"An excellent wife, who can find?

For her worth is far above jewels."

Proverbs 31:10

I was finishing up my freshman year of college at the University of Arkansas when Warren and I found out our sweet, wild Tyler was in our future plans at this time of the year, 18 years ago.  Warren was graduating from the University of Arkansas with a degree in English.  We had been married for almost a year and we had spent the two years before marriage dreaming of what we wanted together in life.  We both agreed that it would be good and okay for me to stay home with the kids God would give us.  I also wanted some Holstein cows and a house with a front porch in the country.  We would dream of traveling and where we would live. 

"The plans of the heart belong to man,

But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord."

Proverbs 16:1

We made a decision to move south of  Fort Smith where Warren would take a full time position with 40/29 TV and I would stay at home with Tyler. I am sure there were some people who thought it  was a bad choice for me to "quit" school but I was never more confident about this decision.  Over the course of the next 3 years we would move to Denison, Texas for a television job and eventually surrender to full time ministry and moving to Waldron, Arkansas to serve.  God would add another set of pitter patter feet to our home as well.

"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord...."

Psalm 127:3a

During those years I would serve with all my being in the local church teaching and organizing the children's ministry.  Tyler, Ethan, and eventually Elise would spend hours with me painting Sunday School rooms, putting up bulletin boards, organizing puppets, decorating for VBS, and preparing weekly AWANA and children's church lessons.  Those were very sweet and precious days.

"Train up a child in the way he should go,

Even when he is old he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6

During those years I would occasionally substitute for a little extra income while my mom would babysit my kids or I would paint for friends in their home.  I did struggle inside my heart with only having one year of college under my belt.  There is something about me that loves education and always growing.  It was  during those days at home with the kids that I decided to go back to school online and get my associate's degree.  This was done when Elise was a toddler.

"Yet those who wait for the Lord

Will gain new strength;"

Isaiah 41:31a

During those years I would see my children's first footsteps, I would never worry about juggling days off to rock a sick baby, we would play in the sand, watch the Wiggles, I would sit for hours watching Tyler play trains at Learning Oasis, read books upon books (of course skipping a page or two to get through), and do all I could to make sure they were ready for kindergarten.  One car (a maroon Mitsibushi Galant) was what our family had in return for those years of only one income, but never would I trade the days of naps together (which I am still having withdraws from), songs we sung down the quiet,early morning aisles of Wal-Mart, rise and shine appearances at school, and shopping days with my mom.  I would never trade having three young children squished in a back seat and heading to the park to ride the "choo-choo" on a beautiful spring morning.  It was on those drives we would practice Cubbie and Sparkie verses, talk about Jesus, practice our ABC's and learn how to get along with each other.  Especially your siblings.

"...So are My ways higher than your ways..."

Isaiah 55:9b

But once the kids were all in school during the day, God gave me a new season of life.  A season where I would work outside the home.  It was good for the whole family.  It enlarged our ministry circles.  My first job was working with a coalition to coordinate a $600,000 grant.  I am forever grateful to the board and community members for allowing me to learn to be director of that coalition and grant.  Looking back I stand in awe of God's grace and goodness to let me learn so much, so fast.  Our whole family was blessed by the years I worked for that grant.

"God be gracious to us and bless us,

And cause His face to shine upon us-

That Thy way may be known on the earth,

Thy salvation among the nations."

Psalm 67:1-2

A move to El Dorado would mean a resignation from the coalition.  I went to El Dorado thinking I would just try the stay at home and go to a ladies Bible Study.  Some coffee and lunch dates with friends seemed fitting as well.  But the Lord had other plans and stirred a desire in my heart to seek a job.  God basically sat a job at a local elementary school in my lap.  Those 3 and half years were some of the best.  I was able to be with Elise at the elementary for all but half a year of that time .  I learned so much during those years.  It was also during those years that I decided to go back to school to become a teacher.  I worked during the day and attended school at night for 2 and half years.  At times it was tough, but God carried me through.  I mean really carried me through. 

"A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn, and a time to dance."

Ecclesiastes 3:4

Interruption.  Yes, a move to Vilonia with one semester left of school.  But as always, He was faithful.  I was able to student teach at the school near our home.  I was placed with a teacher and class that made me feel so welcome in the community and in the classroom.  And finally I graduated!  G5 was so very happy!  We did it!  I guess that's one of my favorite things about my family, whatever we do in life, we celebrate as a family. 

"God is faithful..."

I Corithians 1:9

I pulled out my old Bible, the one that was stolen in St Louis and returned.  I had put it on the shelf in our new home because of its fragile condition.  I pulled it out yesterday and buried my head in it because I needed the peace that God had been faithful in the past and would continue to be even now.  I had interviewed for a job at a school I student taught at and fell in love with.  A place I felt I could teach the very best.  Now I would have to pray and wait.   I waited for the call that I would be a real teacher, in a real classroom.  It seemed like eternity!  Finally at 10:00 last night it came!  We all jumped up and down!  I even tackled Ethan!  What laughing, joy, and thankfulness in our hearts!

"He fills our years with good things...."

Psalm 103:5a

18 years ago, I didn't understand the seasons of life that would come.  I had no idea that God continuously changes our circumstances in order to bring glory to Himself through our lives.  .  And today I still don't understand it all. Seasons are beautiful and sometimes tough.   I love life, yet dread when death comes.  I love joy, but despise the mourning.  I love when the Lord gives, but heartbroken when He takes away.  But as I think over the seasons of G5's  life,  mine as "mom" in particular, I am able to see His work.  I realize that what I saw our life to look like when I was 18 years old, is not His design.  And what the world thought my life should look like, is not His design.  It's not that I missed His timing or did life wrong.  Instead I am reminded that I am not, nor anyone else,  a  "cookie cutter" design.  So humbled and thankful for the life He has given me through the seasons.  I am also glad my dreams are not His.  (I am not sure I could milk cows everyday!)   I am looking forward to this new season in 1st grade at VPS. I got the job!  I am blessed!

"And we know that God causes all things

to work together for good to those who love God,

to those who are called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:28

We are here. Hands, Feet, and Heart.

Moving to a new community is tough.  We have been in Vilonia for 4 months now.  It's been a new way to enter the community for us.  We have always been the new youth minister family and greeted by a church with warm and open arms.  Now we search for a church, friends, and our place in the community.  We are not introduced as our youth pastor's family or associated by a certain church.  Instead we usually spend 5 minutes trying to justify why we chose this little community east of Conway as our home. Warren commutes 45 minutes everyday.






God.  We truly believe He was the one who led us to this community.






We were blessed by sweet friends to help our children get acquainted with Vilonia children the first weekend we moved here.  Will never be able to thank God enough for these friends.  These students have made going to school easier.  They challenge my children in not only sports and education but also the Lord.  In fact, one of the students that my son was introduced to (and is now a good friend with) was saved 1 year ago .  At a DNOW Warren spoke at.  Warren had no idea that decision had been made until the boy shared with our son during a run at track practice. 


God's ways are higher and are so good.




God opened a door for me to student teach at Vilonia Primary School.  It's less than 3 minutes from my house.  I could not have chosen a better school or teacher to be with for this season of life.  The third graders in our class will make my last day, May 2, very tough.  They are very precious to me. 




God.  We truly believe He was the one who led us to this community.




A home.  Oh how we prayed.  How I prayed He would lead us to a home we could feel safe, comfortable, and minister to others in.  So many homes we looked at, considered offers, and finally led to where we sit right now. 


He is so good.  So very good.




Prayer.  I have prayed daily how God wants to use us in this community.  Where He wants us to serve Him at a local church.  I have prayed how I can most be used.  Ball Team?  School?  Small Group Study in my subdivision?




4 months later.




I am sitting in my comfortable home 2 miles from complete devastation. Overwhelmed by the fact homes that we considered purchasing now lay in ruins.  A feeling of helplessness.  I text with families who have lost everything.  Homes.  Cars. I am amazed at the miles photos are being found of people that I know.




  I look forward to digging in to whatever I can do to help those in the community tomorrow.  My prayer for these people is much deeper now.  We have hid in closets, laundry rooms, and shelters together.  We stand in unbelief of our community together.  Our hearts are totally broken for those who have lost their lives.  We are overwhelmed for those that have lost their home and businesses.  We are committed to helping the community rebuild.  We are eager to share Christ and His love when we are privileged with opportunities to be His hands, feet, and voice.




This is home now.  Vilonia, Arkansas.




The best way to help the people of Vilonia is financially, through gift cards, and other needs that have been listed  on trusted sites.  Arkansas Baptist State Convention has an online place to give.  They are actively involved in relief efforts in Vilonia right now. 

Bucket trucks in life

This blog was written in El Dorado in early December 2013.  So thankful God has richly blessed us with “bucket trucks” in our life over the past couple of months.  He is faithful.                     –MG

 

 

Breathe. 

It’s amazing how crazy busy life can get with one decision.  And then another.  And another.  And before long, life is slipping by and there’s no time to take notice.  No time to notice the things in life that take time to see.  Conversations, smiles, the writing on the wall.  No time to just sit and stare at beauty.  No time to stand in awe.

One of my favorite things about working at school is watching children have “aha” moments or be intrigued by the simplest of things. 

This past week I was facilitating an interim assessment at the school I work at.  One of the children in the class is a student I have worked many hours with in math and some in reading.  He really struggles with learning but is a hard worker.  He also wears braces on his legs.  This year he has not been wearing them like he should.

After we finished the test on Wednesday, three of the students had to go play outside with me because their regular class was still testing.  As we headed to the playground, this child caught sight of a piece of construction equipment.  He took off running (without his braces) as fast as he could to the fence so he could get a closer look.  His arms swung back and forth as hard as they could.

From a distance I could see him turn to look to see if the other two students and I were coming.  I stopped at the sidewalk and the other two students headed to the slide. 

His eyes were fixed on the bucket truck.  He turned to me and yelled, “It’s a bucket truck.”  I smiled at him.  I continued to watch him.  He would look back at the slide where the friends were.  And then would turn and stand in awe again of the bucket truck.  It seemed he stood there forever, just gazing at what he thought was divine.  Something that he loved.  Something he could relate to.  His father worked as a construction worker.

After a few minutes, he turned and ran to the slide.  He climbed up the ladder, went to the top, and said “Guys, it’s a bucket truck!”  The kids looked at the truck and then him.  They just kept playing.  He climbed down and ran back to the fence.  The man in the bucket truck waved at him.  The boy waved largely back to him.  He ran to me, “Mrs. Gasaway, he waved to me.”

I wonder if I am like the kids on the slide, if I ever see life as just “ordinary.”  Nothing catches my eyes and attention.  I am just too busy to even see.  Too busy to see what He wants me to see.  The miracles He does every day in my life.  The grace He bestows upon my family, the love He has for me.

I choose to see today. Through His eyes.

Wherever, Whenever, However.

Okay, so I am the one who wrote about the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) in my Arkansas History class 2 years ago.  No joke.  This probably qualifies me as a church nerd.

At age 16,  by God's grace I was saved.  My parents had just divorced and I was in a new state and new school.  Mansfield High School.  A new friend shared Christ with me at school before track practice.  That same friend made sure I was at church for the next several months.  First Baptist, Mansfield, Arkansas.  It was there at FBC Mansfield that God used a group of friends and adults to disciple in me a girl who loved the Lord and loved being a Southern Baptist.  At that church I learned how to be a godly wife, teach my children about Jesus, and love sharing His Word through teaching and evangelism (not that I have ever been proficient at any of these!).  Hospitality, love for His Word, and community in a group of believers was cultivated in me that church.  I can remember KNOWING and telling my mom I wanted to be in ministry when I grow up (I am sure she thought I was nuts!).   No clue that my main man at the time would become my husband and God would choose us to serve him through full-time ministry together.  Totally overwhelmed by His grace. 

FBC Mansfield, AR youth group
Mission Trip to Dauphin Island, AL
 

God would take Warren, Tyler, and me to Denison, Texas for a season of our life to call us to go wherever, whenever, and however.  I wish I had a picture, but I know God chose to engrave it on my mind forever.  Our little Tyler was 20 months old and his tiny little knees knelt  down on that hideous pink carpet in our apartment with Warren and me and we made that commitment with God as a family.  Wherever.  Whenever.  However.  God used a Texas Southern Baptist Church and its people to help us see His plan.  Parkside Baptist Church.  We were there for only a year and a half but God used this time to reveal His call on our life.  God's grace.

Tyler and me at VBS at Parkside Baptist Church

11 1/2 years is what He gave us at Waldron.  Definitely one of the toughest things we have ever done.  Leaving local ministry with family.  God used our time in Waldron, AR to cultivate, mature, grow, disciple, encourage, love, forgive, and be comforted.  First Baptist Church Waldron mourned the death of our parents with us, celebrated the birth of 2 of our children with us, rejoiced in the salvation of 2 of our children with us.  Waldron is where our children call home.  We poured every fiber of our being into the student and children's ministry there.  We stacked chairs, moved tables, unlocked doors, started ministries, traveled miles, and had the privilege to love on an Arkansas Southern Baptist Church with all of our hearts.  Our home there was filled with ones we consider spiritual children.  God's grace.

FBC Waldron students, 2010

This past Wednesday, I was on my way to Hampton to the place where I am doing my field experience for school this semester.  The Ouachita River was absolutely stunning.  I just wanted to stop on the bridge and stare.  The sun was rising in the distance, the trees were beginning to show signs of color, and the water had a little "steam" rising from it.  Gorgeous. (Even though the trees are too tall to see sunsets, South Arkansas is still pretty.)  Just before this, Warren and I  sat in PJ's coffee shop on the square in El Dorado and enjoyed this community we have called home for 3 1/2 years.  We love our walks at Mystic Creek, Sunday lunches with friends at Poppy's Pizza, and sitting on the porch of Laredo Grill.  Murphy money for Benchmark scores has always been great to get too!  Our children have some of the best friends anyone could ever have here.  One of the many great things about following Christ is the heart bond we have with our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Our time in El Dorado serving at an Arkansas Southern Baptist Church has been sweet.  We have seen students, parents, and our own daughter saved and baptized here.  We have been blessed to see students grow, serve, and be passionate about Jesus. We have traveled miles with students and watched families want to be in church together.  Immanuel Baptist Church has a heart for others.  Inside the walls you find that there is very selfless people.  People who took care of us so we could make memories, people who have never hesitated to give for students to be provided for, people who will fill shoe boxes, and people who don't mind going wherever needed to love people. 

We have also experienced community in El Dorado.  We have had the privilege to share the love of Christ on the baseball field, in social organizations, school system, and sports stadiums and arenas.  We have never been anywhere where God has opened doors like these before. 

IBC ski 2012, Durango

And now He sends us to love the Arkansas Southern Baptist Church from a totally different position than we have ever been in.  A place of a missionary.  We will get to love on and encourage Southern Baptist Churches all through the state of Arkansas.  We will soon begin our journey together as a family in Little Rock.  Warren will be a strategist on the Evangelism and Church Growth Team at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.  (www.absc.org)  I have never felt more like Sarah, Abraham's wife, than I do now.  We have no idea where we will live, but HE does! As we look in the land we are heading, only giants we see.  God knows this very well and is leading us safely in.  God's grace. 

"At this also my heart trembles,

And leaps from its place.

God thunders with His voice wondrously,

Doing great things which we cannot comprehend.

Listen to this, O Melissa, (my addition, it really says Job :))

Stand and consider the wonders of God."

Job 37:1,5,14

 

"Now you shall see what I will do..."

Exodus 6:1a

Whenever, Wherever.  However.  We will go.

"Nothing in my hand I bring,

Simply to the cross I cling...

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide my self in Thee."

-Augustus M. Toplady, 1776

Generations of student ministry.
From our very first student in 1999 to our present day student in 2013.
Totally Blessed.