Update...

Whoa...it's been a while since I've written, and it's time for a much-needed update. So, here we go...

1.  Wedding plans: The wedding is exactly 2 months/61 days away, and J and I are both getting SO excited! (Also, there is exactly 8 weeks until J and his parents travel up here before the wedding. J and I need to get our marriage license and his ring, etc.)

The Lord has helped with the planning. A lot of the big things have been taken care of--much of that due to some very willing and talented family members. The next big step is sending out the invitations hopefully by the end of May. :-)

J and I are also receiving premarital counseling with an elder and his wife from my church. It is their first time doing counseling over Skype! I'm so thankful for technology that allows J and I to communicate while still 600 miles away.

2.  My brother T: For those who may or may not have heard through the grapevine, my brother T is also engaged to his beloved C. :-) These two lovebirds were engaged shortly after J and I, and their wedding date is Aug. 3--just 15 days after J's and my wedding. I am also looking forward to having a new sister and a new niece S (who is 5 years old). I know my brother T loves kids and will be a great dad.

3. Work: My last day is June 29, which gives me 2 1/2 weeks before the wedding to get some last-minute things done. Please pray for strength and that I can finish well. My coworkers have very sweetly planned a shower for me on June 7, which I hope will be a lot of fun.

4. My dad: Since I last wrote, my dad developed a blood clot the length of his left leg--some pieces of which broke off and traveled to his lungs. He was in the hospital for about 1 1/2 weeks being treated for the blood clots and is now currently in rehab. to regain strength. Fortunately, he was able to continue his chemotherapy pills while in rehab. although the last 12 radiation treatments had to be suspended pending further evaluation once he is released. His tentative release from rehab. is June 6 or 7.

Please pray for physical and spiritual strength for my dad. He lost a lot of muscle and needs help to do basic things. Also, please pray for good rest and strength for my mom as she cares for my dad, takes care of paperwork and talks with the doctors, and also works overnight. Another recent prayer request is that my dad has had some headaches off and on the past few days. He may need another MRI to determine the cause of them, and my mom may need to talk with the doctor at the rehab. Please pray for the Lord's wisdom regarding this new situation.

I am praying for my dad's continuing recovery but am also thankful that, whatever the future may hold, my dad knows Jesus and has a sure hope of eternity with the Lord. And I'm thankful that, whatever happens, the Lord is with us and we know that He is in control.

Psalm 73:25, 26 "Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

5.  My "little" brother t: t is now taller than I am and is becoming a handsome young man. He is still living in a group home relatively close by and, as far as I know, is adjusting okay although the other kids in the home are much younger than he is. Usually he comes home once a week and last night he got to sleep over. Today he and his friends are going to the zoo. :-) Please pray for a good placement for him since my parents are looking to find a long-term/permanent home for him.

6.  My sister A: I am very happy and proud of my sister A, who just completed her Bachelor's degree in psychology from Liberty University. Her years of hard work and study have paid off. A, I'm praying for you and K that the Lord will direct you both as you seek Him. Congratulations on your graduation!