My Brother...

My brother, Kent, is one of the dearest friends I have. I mean, he's family, but he's also a friend, and I count that a great privilege.

Most of you know what's been going on with Kent and Jessica and their baby coming in September. They've set up a blog with more information about their baby daughter, Julianne. If you don't know the whole story, just start from the beginning and work you way up.

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surgery... on my face

For those not in the know concerning my strange facial infection, this update is for you.

Here's the short history: I got my wisdom teeth pulled on November 10th, and everything went fine. I began to have some swelling on the left side of my face just underneath my jawline. Eventually I saw a specialist and he recommended out-patient surgery to remove whatever was infecting my face.

So, today the surgery results are so-so. They drained the infection, but didn't see anything that was causing it directly. They're sending some of the fluid collected [from my face!] to a lab to see what the big deal is. For right now, they're going to wait and see if the swelling comes back. I'll keep this blog posted [get it?] to let everybody know.

In the mean time, please pray for this infection to go away and my swelling to go down.

In other news, Kristy is now beginning to have tooth problems. Did I mention that we needed prayer?

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Evangelism That Works

My clothes still smell like his tears. It was an amazing evening, and my friend will never be the same. At 6:55pm CST, Bill became a believer, and I had the chance to be a part of that. What God started long before I knew Bill, God was calling him; stirring his heart.

And I don't say any of this to brag. I'm completely humbled by the entire experience. But I did want to put this revelation into writing for everyone to see.

About two years ago, I quit trying to evangelize people by manipulating conversation and using all these strategies I'd learned through the years. God began working in my heart, letting me know that I was sent here to love people and respond to what God was doing in their lives already. I learned to be patient- that it wasn't up to me- all I had to do was make myself available to those who did not believe and listen. As I got to know people, God grew a love for them inside of me. I would think of them in the middle of the day and pray for them. In conversation, I would listen intently to their hurts and needs, and I would care about them. God took me and changed me... as He was changing people around me.

This is the second person I've seen born into the Kingdom in two years. Amazing.

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Let's go to the Caperton's house!

Just a notification to all those living in Northwest Arkansas and Lafayette, the Capertons now have a house and, like misery, the owners of a new [to us] house love company. So, call us up and take a look at our house. Yes, even if you have to drive 10 hours to do it.

Pictures will be up soon. I thank God for getting us into this house. To all who have prayed for this, thank you from the bottom of my heart...

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