A new home and more

Dan and Ashley Howen have finally moved into their first home, an apartment in La Mirada. School has started and the big news is Dan has an appointment with an internship possibility tomorrow. Please pray that will develop into a position that will meet his degree requirements. Dan's next CT will be Sept 12 to evaluate the results of the bead treatment, and he will also see his regular doctor at Stanford that day.
Another prayer request I have is for my brother Phil. He underwent eye surgery Tuesday for a detached and torn retina. The surgery was successful, but unfortunately Phil must stay in a face down position and remain still for at least 7 days, and that is a very hard thing to do. Phil is asking for our prayers that the eye would heal properly and the face down position would not need to be extended past next Wednesday. It was a blessing for all that I could be with him at the hospital on Tuesday and we are thankful for the doctor's good report the next day. I can't imagine how hard it must be for him and his family, so let us pray for patience, strength and endurance during this difficult time.

James 1:2-6

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

A few more thoughts and a couple of pictures

Forgive me, my last blog was written somewhat in a stupor- I did not include any pictures! I don't have a professional one from the photographer yet, but these were taken by a friend.
I am also including some thoughts that Russ (Ashley's dad) who also officiated the ceremony, wrote today. I am still at a loss to put into words all that we experienced that joyous and holy day-it was truly a testimony of God's Glory and Love.


Hi everyone,

It's Russ, the bride's dad here.

I might only add that I was blessed to officiate the union of my sweet Ashley to the love of her life, Daniel. I have wonderful "snap shots" of the preparation, the private blessing in the bride's room, the ceremony, and the day in its entirety. The smile on Dan's face as he saw Ash in her dress for the first time. The tightening of Ashley's grip on my arm, the almost tugging sense that she wanted to hurry to his side. The loving glances they shared at the altar; the desire that was evident in both their faces, and ultimately the overwhelming sense of joy and relief that the day they had envisioned ~ a day that had been threatened to never arrive ~ had indeed arrived and they are now united as one.

I am overwhelmed myself with joy in seeing, as Jamie stated, the happiness in my daughter's whole being. She is in love and now they are together. Hallelujah!

"Rejoice in the LORD always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4)

Russ

wedded bliss arrives

I am truly at a loss to fully describe the joy we all experienced on August 9th. The wedding of Daniel Howen and Ashley Clifford was beautiful and so full of joy. The radiant looks on Dan and Ashley's faces as they were joined in the sacred relationship of marriage blessed me as a parent and there is not much that can compare to the joy of witnessing that deep happiness on your offspring's face. It reminds me of our heavenly Father and His joy in blessing His children with good gifts. Joy filled my heart all that day and continues though I am a bit tired. The happy couple are now in Hawaii for the week and will have a couple nights in Tahoe before moving to LA next week and starting school the week after!

Col 1:9 -12
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,
giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Happy Days are on their way

I better blog today or I will not find the time to do so in the coming busyness of life. Dan and Ashley are getting married Saturday the 9th at 3:00 pm and yes, the days and hours are being counted. We are all very excited, but not quite as much as the bride and groom:)
The plans are set and everything is going as it should. We praise the Lord that in His sovereign plan, He has brought these two wonderful people together. Dan looks great and other than some minor stomach issues related to the bead therapy he is feeling good. The doctor called recently and his tumor marker lab value is NORMAL!

We are rejoicing for all these many blessings. Thank You LORD Jesus! Praise Him with us.

Ephesians 5:31
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

Proverbs 5:18
Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth.