It dawned on Bridgette and I one day last week as we sat in an unusual setting within our living room when we discovered something different about Briahnna. Most parents would be glad their seven year old was done with her bath, homework, nightly reading, recreational electronic gaming, and quietly watching television with a half hour to spare before her bedtime. "What's wrong Coob?"..."Nothing," she responds. What was it that dawned on us? We were near empty nesters. Mary-Monique was doing her thing at San Marcos State, and Ryan Jr was finally back in the Windy City doing his college-athlete thing. Bri on the other hand was trying to adjust as an only child for the first time in her life.
My mother and I have had an unusual time lately. Well, not really; we crack each other up quite frequently. People (mainly church folk and close family friends) often turn to my mother after I've said something slapstick and try to tell on me, or say something to the affect of, 'where does he get it from?' People just don't realize that most of the stuff that I do is the direct result of the foolery that we engage in as mother and son. I'm serious when I say, We crack each other up! I love her more than any son could possibly love his mother. When the right time comes, I'll share more about that. :)
Keep my friends in your prayers. In just the last few weeks, I've visited several of my friends' parents in hospitals, as well as attended some of my other friends' parents' funerals. People wonder how it is that I work all night, but then find time to visit the hospitals and attend funeral services without any sleep. I'll tell you how, I owe these people. They mean the world to me! I will do whatever I can within my power to be there for them. While I'm on the thought, keep Elder Lemuel Mossett Jr in your prayers. He is one incredible father, mentor, friend, husband, and preacher. Also keep his wife, our Nana-Flora; and his son Mack, my best buddy (and his wife Winnie) in your prayers. Elder has some serious health challenges facing him, but we are thankful that God can do the impossible.
As a matter of fact, keep all of my friends and framily (yes, framily) in your prayers. I've attended four funerals in the last two weeks, all of close family and friends. Keep my work family in your prayers too. Just this past week, two of my guys at work found themselves in the hospital after sustaining injuries from dealing with knuckleheads that would do harm against peacekeepers.
Before I leave you tonight, I told you there were quite a few of the honey glazed cashews that rose to the top. I was afforded the opportunity to preach at my home church this past Sunday. I preached from a familiar text, but in somewhat fun, "Stole" the sermon title from my little brother after the last 22 years of laughing about him preaching from, "The Results of a Snaky Conversation" (Genesis 3). I can't wait to fine-tune that sermon and preach it again!
As I close this blog, I must tell you that I've been blessed beyond comprehension. I can't wait to share with you the other half of why I do some of the things that I do. I'll leave you with...Let's raise our glass in a toast, "To Houston!"
Continue in blessing others,
Until...
Oh wait a minute...Thanks to our framily members, the Navertins and our new friends Dave and Susie from Northern Cal. Dave and Susie are Disney extraordinaires that will be getting married in Cinderella's Castle next May. We were delighted to join them as their guests for Oktoberfest, Disney Club 33 Style. People don't have to be nice, but it's real nice and a blessing when people are!
