Personal Update 2021

PERSONAL UPDATE

GRIEVING & FAMILY

Most of you already know this but my mom passed away on February 12 of this year. While I’m grateful she’s no longer suffering in a frail body, I miss her sorely! She had a rapidly growing cancer that spread throughout her body. Afraid of dying, she submitted peacefully to the doctor’s bad news that there was no more therapy for her.

Just a week before passing, God made a way for her to share something on her mind. Her room was filled with visitors and quickly became empty with only Stephen Black present. She propped herself up and confessed that her pursuit of physical health came before her pursuit of making Jesus her first love. Stephen’s unique familiarity in comforting those who are grieving made him the perfect person to pray with her. She asked the Father for forgiveness and His presence filled the room and them both. It was a strong witness that the Father indeed forgave her and was there for her in her own regret and sorrow.

I’m so grateful to know this story. I’m grateful God made a way for her to say what she needed to say. Writing all this brings so many tears. Pray for our family as we continue to grieve.

My dad is doing well. He still lives at home. My sister and brother check on him daily. Dad goes to my sister’s house when she’s home and that’s been helping his morale a lot. Additionally, he received a Cochlear implant this summer. He’s hearing SO MUCH better! We are all amazed that he decided to undergo this surgery at the age of 92! He desperately wants to hear his family and not feel left out of conversations.

Finally, we have a new addition to our family and a couple more are on the way. Dad is loving his new great grandkids!

I lost another dear friend this summer. We met at my previous church and went to single’s church meetings in Oklahoma City on a weekly basis many years ago. Probably fifteen years older than I, she insisted on never disclosing her age. Instead, she would say, “I don’t go by earth time. I go by heaven time!” I bet she’s glad she doesn’t have to answer that question ever again! I miss her so much!

I cannot go into the details, but I’ve also lost a dear friendship this year. Last year, Father advised me to say goodbye. I thought it was only that he would move. It was that and more. Father keeps reminding me to release that person to Him and I am faithful at doing so, but it was a nearly weekly touch of friendship that I’m now asking Father to provide for me.

Given all these circumstances, this has been a tough year. Please keep me in your prayers.

AT HOME

My fellow missionary-in-residence has been a huge personal blessing! The accountability a housemate provides is immeasurable. Earlier this year, I built a couple of raised beds so he can enjoy some gardening. I also built them so I wouldn’t have to look at plastic tubs sitting on my lawn! Thankfully, I built these before the major price increase of lumber!

Since I’ve always wanted a backyard pond, I built a very small one which I can afford. I put some floating plants in it, equipped it with a solar water pump and added a self-filling valve to make topping it off with water a cinch. Jim teases me that I want to sit in front of that pond all day and stare at it. If temperatures would stay moderate, that wouldn’t be too far from the truth!

I had to replace the hot water heater this summer. Thankfully a friend was able to deliver and install it for me.

PERSONALLY

I’ve been recreating a bit more lately to help my grieving heart.

One activity is geocaching (geocaching.com). I’m not a superfan but it gives me an adventure when I can’t figure out what else to put my hands to. Additionally, I’ve turned to camping again. It is one of those things that really brings me great joy.

MINISTRY UPDATE

In our latest newsletter, firststone.org/newsletters, we listed 25 places our ministry has traveled to speak this year! A couple more can be added before the year closes out. I’m thankful for the expansion our ministry has seen in the past several years.

What’s causing the increase? I’d say it’s Stephen’s boldness regarding the leaven that has been entering our churches and spiritual lives. It’s also the documentary, “In His Image”, by American Family Studios. This is one of their most successful video projects to date! They encourage churches to invite us to their screenings. Some even desire a mini seminar to accompany the screening. You can watch it free online at inhisimage.movie. On that note, AFA is in the midst of producing materials surrounding the title, “A Little Leaven”. Visit afa.net/alittleleaven for more information.

Jim and I were invited to join Laura Beth Perry in testifying at Christpoint in Galena, KS. We are grateful for all these opportunities and for the additional support these churches bring our small ministry.

(Pictured: Brandon & Mandee, Joseph, Jim and Laura Beth)

Being it’s the close of the year, I am working on administrative things to prepare for the upcoming tax reporting season. While relatively easy work, details are important. Pray this goes smoothly for me as well as for those receiving their giving statements!

Finally, I’m believing for new monthly donations of totaling at least $250 so I can keep up with my aging assets. Pray God meets those needs in the way He sees best.

HEALTH UPDATES

I have friends who’ve done the keto diet so I decided to give it a try. I’m super delighted in how easy it has been to feel satisfied and lose weight. I’m still in the early stages so I know that my loss will taper off in a few weeks but I’m grateful that I don’t feel like I’m starving.

I have been receiving allergy shots since October 2018 and they put me on a more potent serum schedule. Overall, I’m pleased with my decision to get allergy shots. I have far fewer issues than when I started!

I asked my doctor to increase my testosterone dosage and I’m glad I did. With each increase comes a boost in sustained energy. This feels so much better than being tired all of the time!

THANK YOU!

Thankful for all my friends in the Lord! May 2022 be rich and full of Godly exploits for His Kingdom…

PS: If you can make an end-of-year or special donation to any of the needs mentioned, listed below, or if you would like to become a regular donor, please visit the FSM website or drop a check in the mail to the address listed below.

Grow in the Fear of the Lord.
Mourning loss of mom, friends.
Short-term goal: $250/month in new recurring donations; and
Donations to Travel Fund: $1000.

If you are not already a monthly supporter, please pray and ask the Father His will for your giving to First Stone Ministries. All donations are tax-deductible.