Thursday, September 29, 2011

Sunday Ibok

Over the last few months it seems that pain, suffering and grief are on the rise. Losing Sheryl's mom has made us even more aware, I'm sure. We're approaching the 20th anniversary of my father's death next month. At Highland we're praying for several families with young children who are fighting cancer. It makes you just ask all the WHY questions.

I think some people feel afraid of questions. Solid answers are much safer...much stronger...much more resolute. But how can thinking people live fully in faith in a God who sent His Son to Earth through the womb of a virgin, healed sick people, raised the dead, and then came back to life Himself WITHOUT asking questions??

God is certainly big enough for my questions. He isn't shaken. He doesn't fret when I doubt. He doesn't doubt His ability to be King of Kings, Lord of Lords and the Alpha and Omega. Actually, I believe He allows me to dive into deeper places in Him through times when my understanding just doesn't cut it. I hear echos of His words to Job. My heart hears the songs of faithfulness that He so lovingly sings over me.

My friend Sunday Ibok who went to ACU, would visit Nashville frequently, and whom I loved to hang with in NYC when I was there on work, had a freakish brain aneurysm Sunday night while on a visit to Texas for a wedding of a mutual friend.


Sunday had come through Abilene last week to see friends here and then traveled to Dallas for the wedding. While sitting in a hot tub Sunday night he began to complain of his head hurting. He went and laid down and his friends knew something wasn't right. He was taken to the hospital and then care flighted to Baylor Medical Center. Sunday was declared brain dead on Monday afternoon. As friends have gathered and prayed over him for a miracle...for healing...it struck me--God's been healing Sunday for years! That man was an overcomer. We see in part...but God sees in full. He knows ultimate healing. People may say, "Where is your God"? I would point to Sunday's life and say, behold the matchless grace of Jesus. 






Why? Why, God, would you want to allow this light to leave our world? Why so early? I don't understand. I don't have to.


Sunday loved Jesus. In fact...his last post on Twitter on Sunday before anything went wrong was "FAITHFUL". God has been, is, and will be faithful. I miss you, Sunday! My heart grieves for those of us left behind who will greatly miss you. But I rejoice for you. Go dance with Jesus!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Happy Birthday, Sally!


Happy birthday to one of our dear friends today...Sally Gary. I won't even mention her age. I just wanted to give her a birthday shout out! :)

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Built Ram Tough


I know it may seem crazy to some of you but there is a part of me...the part raised in the country on a farm...that LOVES trucks. I made the move to Texas in another way last week when we traded my car for a Dodge Ram. Yes, I'm serious. And can I just say how much I am LOVING it? It swallows me, but it is fun to drive! You won't be seeing a gun rack or NRA sticker on this one, but I am thinking about adding some custom made ZOE mud flaps. ;) Just kidding!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

A Duet with Haven

Last night before bed I got to do an impromptu duet with my buddy, Haven Heflin (daughter of Houston and Karen). She is 3 years old...and completely adorable. This made my whole day!

 Haven Heflin and BST singing "Hear Our Praises" by BrandonSThomas

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

KTAB News story update

Here's the link to the story on KTAB last night...

http://bigcountryhomepage.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=412017

Thank you again to Jessica Reyes and KTAB!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

KTAB News story update

Well...long story short...the morning the interview was scheduled last week Sheryl fell and we thought she broke her ankle (still might be...although she is much better). So, it was postponed. It airs tonight at 6pm on KTAB channel 10 in the Abilene area. It should be available online afterwards at KTAB News Stories . We have decided to DVR it and we are going to the West Texas Fair tonight. Yeee-HAWW!

Monday, September 05, 2011

KTAB News

Tomorrow, Abilene CBS affiliate KTAB will be doing a story on our family for their series called "Beyond the Book". I'm not sure whether it airs at 6 or 10 tomorrow night but if you're in the area, tune in!

* well, this morning Sheryl fell off a stack of boxes at storage and we thought she had broken her ankle. Very painful! Xrays showed no apparent fracture but she has a really bad sprain. All that to say...the interview was postponed until Thursday. Not sure when it will air but I'll let you know. Thanks in advance for your prayers for quick healing for Sheryl. :)

Saturday, September 03, 2011

ACU Recreation and Wellness Center Grand Opening

Yesterday marked the grand opening of the incredible "Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center". It is beyond anything you can imagine...and certainly beyond anything we ever had as students. Huge fitness class areas, gyms, rock climbing wall, unbelievable pool area complete with a lazy river, indoor track, and more.

Here are some pictures I took yesterday during the grand opening...

Entry way into the center

rock wall climbing

indoor pool area

view from above

fitness classrooms


view of the bell tower from one of the wellness center balconies

It is a great day for ACU and a wonderful day for all current and future students! What an awesome recruiting tool and perk for all students, faculty and staff!