First of all, Happy New Year to everyone.  I hate to start the year off like this, but I need to ask for a couple of prayer requests for two people very close to me.

My grandmother Lewis, from my mother’s side, recently went through ankle and knee surgery and is not recovering and is losing strength by the moment.  Hospice is being brought in to help keep her as comfortable as possible.  I was fortunate enough to see her while I was home for the holidays and while I realize this is the best thing for her now it is still tough for all of us.  We don’t know how long it will take, but I ask for everyone to pray for her comfort and for our family during this time.

My other request is for my good friend, Jared Wildenborg.  In December he went to the emergency room with symptoms of a heart attack and everything checked out fine, but they found a tumor on/near his heart which the doctors were able to remove.  Right before Christmas Jared was notified that the tumor was benign and has since been diagnosed with Thymic Carcinoma.  He has an appointment scheduled for the 11th in Houston at MD Anderson where he will have several tests run and will then meet with the doctors to learn of the game plan going forward.  Jared is in great spirits, but I ask that you all please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.