Shane

This is my precious friend, Mark Shane and his beautiful family.

Our story goes back over 20 years.... in a little place called Dry Creek, Louisiana. Mark and I were both counselors at Dry Creek Baptist Encampment. The lifeguard for that week had gotten sick and the director asked if there were any counselors certified. Mark and I both were... so we were volunteered as the lifeguards for that week.

We were instant friends. There are just some people that you feel like you've known a lifetime in just a short amount of time. That's us.

So we spent 5 days together corralling kids and worshipping. It was so much fun. And when we all left (our church groups had become friends too)  I would have NEVER thought it would be more than 20 years before I saw him again! But it was.
When we left, Mark handed us a card with a scripture on it- I thank my God upon every remembrance of you... Philippians 1:3-- that was the 1st time I had ever really read that scripture to my knowledge, so it really stuck with me.

We have kept in touch through the years-- FB became a little help in the last few (he doesn't get on it like I do- LOL)...

Back in December I was sitting in church reading the bulletin... and there was that scripture...Philippians 1:3. I immediately thought of Mark Shane  (rarely just Mark to me =)
So I looked him back up on FB and sent him a a message. It had been a little while since we'd last talked.  It took a couple of days... but I did hear back from him.

We picked up right where we left off, but had a lot of catching up to do... His kids are getting older (almost exact ages as mine) and of course, I had never met his wife, Leah. He had never met Brandon.

So we started planning a trip to introduce our families. We had a wonderful weekend in Burleson Texas (outside of Ft. Worth) at the Shane's. I enjoyed every minute with his sweet family. We visited and went to the zoo. It was great. We have so much in common-- our faith in God being our greatest. It was wonderful to have our families together worshipping at his church.

Since then, I went back out there and took my sister in law and saw the Maroon5 concert with him. It's like 20 years never passed. Some friendships just do that.

We already have our youth trip planned out there they will join us on this month, and a trip to Louisiana for them, and another Maroon5 concert (with Kelly Clarkson, who is also from Burleson) in September! We will never let 20 years go by again.... of that I am certain.

So, Mark Shane I thank God when I remember you too! I am thankful that in 20 years you have not changed one single bit... and you are still the sweet, sensitive, generous, serving soul you always were. You are a blessing to me. And now x4-- because your family is a blessing to me too!

Thank you for having us in your home, and all that you have done.... and most of all for your friendship.

Promise of Joy:
I thank my God upon every of you.
Philippians 1:3

This is us-- at Dry Creek- LOL!!!

Sierra

This absolutely gorgeous senior is a true miracle!! Almost exactly a year ago this precious family got the phone call that our worst nightmares are made of. Sierra had tragically flipped her car and was not expected to make it through the day. They gathered in the ICU waiting room clinging to each other and the faith in the literally thousands of prayers being lifted up. Minute by minute and hour by hour they had to wait for the news that she was still holding on,. It was just heart wrenching!

But God is faithful and has BIG plans for this beautiful girl's future! Her most severe injuries were all to her head. It was basically crushed. They feared so many different injuries in that first week. They weren't sure what her functionality would be. But they wanted her- any way God would spare her. They truly depended on Him.

It didn't take long to see God's hand at work. To see Sierra fighting in the way only Sierra can! They would see glimpses of her personality and sweet spirit, and knew God was answering prayers!

A year later, you would NEVER know by looking at her that she had been through so much trauma! She is flawless! Just gorgeous! She has been released by her doctors to back to doing the things she loves--- such as soccer!

I just get chills when I think back to that day.  It was so awful. But what stands out to me the most is how our wonderful little community pulled together! The high school created a parade of blue to show their support for their classmate and friend. T-shirts were sold and fund raisers held. It was amazing to see the love poured out.  I have no doubt that lives were changed that week.

So I am soooo thankful that this story has a happy ending. I am thankful we serve a living God who hears and answers our prayers and carries us through such hard times.  It was truly an honor to be able to capture the beauty and spirit of this precious girl!!

Thank you sooo much!! I am looking forward to watching Sierra soar in her future! =)

Promise of Joy:
Therefore I tell you , whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be given to you.
Mark 11:24