A Birthday

Kim, my husband, had his 51st birthday on the 13th of Feb. I’m blessed beyond measure to have him at my side, and thrilled to be his wife of 28+ years. We had a quiet day at home, but since we’ve had dinner out with the kids and he got to use his gift card at Bass Pro Shop today at their BIG sale! He’s having a great birthday *month*.

Valentine’s Day

Another Valentine’s day has passed. I always look forward to February to have a double celebration with Kim. His birthday on the 13th and Valentine’s Day on the 14th make it a special time!

Illness

Evidently the month of February is for having illness, too. Our daughter Amanda has been having horrible stomach upset problems for more than 2 months. Her gall bladder study was positive for a malfunctioning gall bladder. She had surgery to remove her gall bladder, and still the problem persists. She is now under the care of a gastroenterologist and will be having further testing next week. Please join me in prayer that they find the further problem and can correct it soon. She’s precious and only 24 years old. We all want her well.

February was also the month of the BIG stomach virus sweeping through Oklahoma. It wasn’t just the garden 24 - 36 hr. variety. No, this one lasts a full week. Yes, a week of the most disgusting virus imaginable. Then there is an additional week before you feel human again. Kim and I both earned our *we survived the Stomach Virus of ‘08* tee shirt this month, as well. ICK!

More

I’ve finally been knitting again. I lost my knitting mojo after the ice storm and power outage in December. It’s just returned recently. I’ll post pictures soon.

Kim and I have been doing *The Total Money Makeover* plan by Dave Ramsey. We’re making great progress! I’ve started a group on Ravelry for others doing the same. The group is the *Gonna Be Debt Free* group. Look us up and join if you’d like. ; )

I’ve also been reading. I’m excited to be doing the *Bible in 90 Days* program. In this program, you read the entire Bible in 90 days … which averages just 12 pages a day in the NIV thinline and large print version of the Bible. I have found it very educational, uplifting, and a joy to read God’s word. The program participation is free and they have reading schedules and the daily reading on the website when you complete the free registration at the previous link. I can highly recommend it!

Also, our first Purple Martins of the season returned to our colony site on the 24th of February. They insist on proclaiming that Spring really is returning. Hooray!

Prayer

First, I’d like to share a *praise report* and request for additional prayer. Amy had a severe traumatic brain injury in early January. You can read her story here. After weeks of intensive care and therapy, she is now at home with her family and continuing her recovery. She has been recovering much more rapidly than expected! Please join in thanking our Heavenly Father for her recovery thus far and continue praying for a full and complete recovery.

Please pray for our daughter, Amanda, to have an accurate diagnosis of her GI problems and an effective treatment or cure.

Please pray for Susan B. Her cancer has returned. A local hospice agency has been called in to help.

Please pray for Susan F. and her husband, Michael. He has been very ill and is being considered for transplant surgery. Michael and Susan will need wisdom, help, and healing as they go through the testing and many procedures currently being administered.

We know that our Heavenly Father always hears our prayers. He gave his one and only Son for each of us. His love is unfathomable. I pray that each of you know His love in your heart, that you nurture a strong relationship with your Heavenly Father, and join me in prayer for these listed, each precious to Him.

Your Friend,

Shelly

NIV

Psalm 17: 6

I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.

Psalm 66:20

Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.