Happy Monday!

Hey girls! I am not sure if you already subscribe to this, but Christina DiMari sends out an email every Monday to girls who have read her book and want to hear more from her. It is very similar to the Daily Readings sent out by Ransomed Heart. Anyway, I just thought you girls should know about it--because it is a nice reminder to start your week off with God. Becca and I talked about this yesterday--but we aren't feeling as close to God as we want to right now. I will be the first to admit that spending time with God does not seem as fun as enjoying single life for the first time at SCU. I will be the first to admit that I would rather be catching up wtih friends than reading the Bible. But I will also be the first to admit that I need God more than ever right now. And He is there. I know it. I am just having a hard time putting my heart back into the WM ministry and into my church and my God-based relationships. But I am praying about it, and it will come. Today's Happy Monday note was very simple. It was a photo of Christina's friend Daize Shayne (a professional surfer, recording artist, and a really sweet girl) surfing, along with this little piece of scripture: "Though you stumble, you will not fall, for the Lord holds you by the hand." Psalm 37:24 I don't know how many times I have talked about the right line coming at the right time--but this could not be any better for me right now. And based on what Becca and I talked about yesterday--Becca, this should be hitting home with you as well. And with every other Christian out there - none of us are perfect. We all hit bumps in the road. But we are LOVED by God, and that simple fact is often very hard for me to remember. Anyway, I just wanted to sen dyou guys a little note to remind you that while things get rough in the walk you may be on with the Lord, He is with us every step of the way, even when we feel He may not be. I love you girls!!



On another note, I have some news for both of you. I know I told you about Chris Ross in Argentina--how he was diagnosed with a severe form of Pancreatic Cancer and that his family was being hit pretty hard. I wanted to give you an update. He had surgery in November to remove all the tumors found. He was in chemo and radiation from when he was diagnosed in November until the 30th of December. On Friday, he went in for testing, and no more cancer was found! While that is amazing news, please continue to keep him in your prayers. Pancreatic Cancer is known for sneaking back more aggressively than it started--he will continue to go to the doctor every month in order to stay on top of any more cancer. But that isn't all. When he was diagnosed, his wife Ruth was having a lot of problems with it. She was really stressed out, and was having a hard time even finishing a sentence. Well, this problem started to get worse, and she decided to see a doctor to see if there was something wrong with her--she literally couldn't finish an answer to the question "How many children do you have and what are their names?" I know you can tell where this is going, but on Friday (the same day Chris was given a clean bill of health) the doctors found a severe brain tumor in Ruth. She is having surgery on Wednesday (it was THAT serious) and it apparently is not an easy surgery. The two biggest risks they told her about were death and loss of speech forever. So I really want to ask you guys to faithfully pray about this. Chris' office made bracelets that say "TEAM ROSS" for all of his friends and family to wear--little did they know it really would soon include the whole family. Anyway, if you could pray for TEAM ROSS and for a successful outcome for Ruth as well, I know the family and their friends and family (including me) would really appreciate it. Thank you so much!!! I love you girls!!!

**Bri**