A common phrase I heard growing up in church and was asked to recite during worship, Bible studies, group gatherings, songs, etc. was, “God is good all the time; all the time God is good.” That’s what I’m reciting today as I overcome a tough couple of weeks. Last week I had the flu and attached myself to the couch for a solid 5 days of mysery (let me interject how incredibly understanding and serving Tony was during that week - I’m so blessed). During day 3 I got a call from my dad that they had put my mom back in Vanderbilt Hospital due to complications with her heart. It’s been something that she’s been tested on and taking meds to hopefully improve for the last couple of months, but her heart had been weakening rather than healing. So, she’s continued since last Monday taking test after test and being poked and prodded for shots and such. The result is that her heart is very sick, very weak, and from what I understand will never improve. The doctors implanted a defibrillator/pace maker yesterday and that went well. This will allow her to go home and it is ready to step in if ever her heart fails. The major solution to her poor heart is a new one. She has been approved and put on the list for a heart transplant. The details and date of that is unknown right now, but the important thing is that she’s scheduled to go home tomorrow.

My mom lives without fear. She is strong and sure in her Creator and trusts that He is mighty enough to handle anything. This has proved itself true even as she has laid in the hospital for many days now. She may be scared of procedures that will need to be done and she may be hesitant and wary of all the changes that are to come, but she is not afraid of the future. She is one of the most energetic, healthy, caring, faithful, creative, smart women I’ve ever met. But even in a time such as this, her heart beats knowing that God is good all the time; all the time God is good.

I’m so thankful for everyone’s thoughts and prayers!

Are you kidding me?! 924 students… TEENAGERS… on campus last night for our (middle school and high school) outreach events. 182 of those saw our church for the first time. It’s not really about students seeing our church, but about creating an atmosphere that they are comfortable and excited to invite their friends to. And while they are here, they have the opportunity to hear the live changing message of Christ. It was an incredible night - a lot of work - a major headache as a result… but all worth it to (1) have students learning the importance of building relationships with their peers for the sake of meeting the physical and spiritual needs of others (ministering) and (2) telling students about the hope and joy and grace of Christ. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)