Prayer is very much appreciated....

Marsha's Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease in which I have been diagnosed 25 years ago. In the last 25 years, I have had two major surgeries and various testing and medicines. Last October, I was given the option of going on this new medicine called Humira. This is a self-medication by giving myself injections once every two weeks. After alot of prayer and consideration, Keith and I decided this would be a good option for me to at least give a try. It has been known to give Crohn's patients their life back. With this in mind, we went ahead with this option. October 1, 2007, I began my first injections and have continued with them ever since. After my last appointment with my gastroenterologist, he stated my "disease has quieted down." For this news, we are most grateful. However, I have continued to struggle with the symptoms of the disease, which is what causes me not to be able to leave the house whenever I would like to. Unfortunately, my mornings continue to be a struggle for me. For this, both Keith and I are discouraged, as we were both hoping my life would get back to some sort of normalcy. I know I have several people that have been praying for me for which I so appreciate very much! I truly am encouraged when I see someone and they say they have been praying for me or if I receive an email, etc. Thank you everyone for your continued prayers.

Jessica's Job Journey

Jessica is on her way tonight to Reston, Virginia for her interview tomorrow with Accenture. (www.accenture.com if you want more information about the company.) She will have a one-hour presentation about the company and then two one-hour personal interviews. After that she'll have time to do whatever before her late flight back to Indianapolis at 11:00 p.m. We thank you so very much for upholding her in prayer during this important time in her life She is very grateful for all your care and concerns regarding her life decisions. Thank you, all!

Onward...

Jess received a call from the Accenture office in Washington, D.C. They want her to interview this coming week, hopefully on Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. if they can get her a flight on Wednesday evening. :) Our prayer continues

Lord,

You have Jessica's life in Your hands.

You are our all-knowing God, and have Your perfect plan in place for her.

We would ask that You would continue to reveal to her what that plan is.

We pray You will give her wisdom, strength,

and a calmness as she goes to this next interview.

Whatever it is You have for her, let there be no doubts in her mind

that that is where she is supposed to be.

Thank You, Lord,

for your faithfulness and guidance throughout this journey.

We ask these things in Your name.

Amen

for you, Jess:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God. And the peace of

God, which transcends all understanding, will

guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:6, 7 NIV

"...He answered their prayers, because

they trusted in Him."

I Chronicles 5:20 NIV

The Loopy Ewe

E-Commerce class at Taylor

Jessica has introduced me to a new "friend," Sheri, even though we haven't met face to face yet! According to Jess, we have some things in common, namely scrapbooking and knitting. After communicating with Sheri a few times via e-mail, I have found out we also have a few more things in common. Just a couple are her college boy and my college girl are in the same E-Commerce class at Taylor this semester, and we both love Paynes Coffee Shop in Upland, Indiana.

Sheri was asked to come and speak about her online business, The Loopy Ewe, in this class and also for the Taylor SIFE organization. This is an awesome website having to do with knitting. She also has a blog which she shares recipes once a week, along with alot of other information. So, if you are bored and have nothing else to do, go check out Sheri's website, The Loopy Ewe (www.theloopyewe.com) . :) Also, if you know of anyone that loves knitting, you might want to direct them to this site.

Rejoicing....in a new life....

May I introduce baby Abby....

born to Jessica and Joe, at 3:00 this afternoon

March 4, 2008.

God bless this happy little family

Thank you, Lord, for this precious new life!

May she come to know You at an early age and grow up to love and serve You.

PRAISES AND PRAYER REQUESTS...

Jess just completed her second phone interview with Accenture. She said it "went extremely well." Thank you, Lord! She said the lady was going to recommend that she is invited to go to Washingon, D.C. for a personal interview! We praise You, Lord!

While Jess was waiting for her phone interview, she received an email from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Hospital regarding an internship which she has applied for as well. This would be a 3 month internship in the administrative aspects of the hospital. (This is the type of job Jessica would eventually like to do.) They will be calling her on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. to talk to her about the internship. Please, we are asking you to remember to keep her in your prayers regarding this as well. :)


A NEW BABY...

We also just received word that Abby was brought into this world at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon. She is the daughter of her proud parents, Joe and Jessica . Proud Mamaw and Papa are Rich and Lori of North Carolina! Congratulations to you, all!!! (As soon as I get a picture, I'll be sure to post it on here!) :)


ANOTHER PRAYER REQUEST...

On February 16, I wrote a post about my Aunt Merna. Well, yesterday she went to the doctor to see why she's been feeling so lousy. She has ended up in the hospital and may have to go to Muskegon for a pace maker. Her kids are all out of state or the country. My cousins who live in the Philippines will be coming home the end of April or first of May for a one-year furlough. One good thing is she does have her siblings who live in Ludington and also two nephews who live there as well. Please pray everything will work out and the doctors will have wisdom to do the right tests, etc. so they can see for sure what exactly is wrong.

On to Interview #2...

Jessica called today and said she received an e-mail from Accenture stating they would be calling her tomorrow, March 4, at 2:45 p.m. This interview will be alot more intense than the previous one. Again, we are asking the Lord to make it very clear if this is the place she is to be. We all appreciate your prayers. If Jess makes it through this interview, Accenture will then fly her to Washington, D.C. for a personal/final interview. Thank you again for your prayers.

Soon-to-be....Grandpa and Grandma!?!!!

Happy Birthday, Rich! :) Let's see...how old are you??? Hmmm...old enough to be a grandpa!! haha... Congratulations!!

It doesn't seem possible that you and Lori are soon going to be grandparents; as soon as Tuesday, maybe?! Time has sure flown by quickly. I can remember when Joe was just a little baby, and now he's married to his wife, Jessica, and going to be a daddy. We will certainly be praying everything goes well with the delivery and also that baby Abigail will be healthy as well. We rejoice with you on the birth of your first grandchild. :) Be sure to give Joe and Jess our love on Tuesday, when you see them. May God bless you all.