Sue Schmidt- In Memoriam

Once in awhile we have to step back and simply say--

It is enough- Today is enough. Today is a gift.

Working right now to plan a retreat for the

 clergy wives gathered in ministry

 in the Southeastern District.

The theme is the "Spirituality of Change."

Adapted from the book

Praying Our Goodbyes by Joyce Rupp.

Loss, change, transition.

Goodbyes.

Health changes. 

Relationship changes.

Empty nest changes.

Death changes.

Sometimes in ministry settings-

the loss quota feels like it is in

OVERLOAD MODE.

We are getting ready for a loss,

in the middle of the pain,

or living out the aftermath.

A dear sister in Christ and her family-

in the middle of change.

She has shared an insight 

that I believe blesses us all-

with a poignancy that

 only a near future brings to words.

I share them here:

"Dear sisters in Christ,

   Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. 

 I know they have helped.  

I have felt the love and concern in your cards

 and phone calls and am humbled

 by all the attention and love.   

My dear Larry is still my knight in shining armor.

 but now it's an apron he wears.  

He's become a good cook for himself, 

with a little help from me. 

 I'm  so lucky to have married

 such a patient, loving man. 

 His Mama taught him right.

  I'll thank  her again when I get to heaven. 

 I have no idea what day that will be, but I'm ready.  

 I'm with Hospice as of a week ago-

 and have found it to be a dependable organization 

with very caring, considerate people working for them.   

Our son is flying in from Hawaii on Thursday night 

and then that will be a relief for me to see him,

 hear his hearty laugh and give him a big hug. 

 I have been truly blessed. 

I'm giving my body to science since

 I have Parkinsons and ALS 

which doesn't happen that often.   

The  weaker I get,

 I trust that my Savior will lift me up 

and lead me on to be with Him 

and His Father in heaven. 

  It's wonderful to know that he's in charge 

and will not abandon me in my weak moments. 

 God give you all a strong faith

 and when you falter, 

be assured He loves you and understands. 

 Enjoy your day and tell someone you love them - 

probably not the  postman or the garbage man,

 but you get my drift. 

 Peace and joy."

 Sue Schmidt 

A quiet reminder that Today is Enough.

Today is enough time to say that I love You.

Repair that broken relationship.

Ask forgiveness.

We give thanks for a faith-filled woman of God -

who gently encourages us-

Be Brave and DO IT TODAY.

  

Addie Block- Central Region

Addie Block

Sometimes those with servant hearts

 are wise beyond their years. 

Here is the story of an amazing young lady

 seeking encouragement, 

prayers, and sponsorship

 for her next ADVENTURE.

 GOALS:

Next summer I will be biking from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska to fight against cancer as a part of Texas 4000 for Cancer (non-profit).  We share hope along the journey by inspiring all the people we meet showing them that we are fighting for a cure to cancer.  We spread knowledge by giving presentations in major cities informing them of early detection and prevention methods.  We spread charity by fundraising money to go to cancer research and support programs.

PROFILE

• Route: Rockies
• Ride Year: 2015
• Hometown: Springfield, VA

• School Year: Sophomore
• Major: Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures and Geography

The STORY

I’m from the DC area (Springfield, Va to be exact) and am sometimes referred to as “The DC girl” here at  the University of Texas- Austin because everyone seems to be from Texas. I’m a fun, athletic, down-to-earth girl, who simply loves God. At UT, I am a second year Geography major with a track in sustainability. I am also a part of the Arabic Flagship Program in which I will finish at Superior Arabic language proficiency. I hope to combine the two and work on an environmental project in an Arabic-speaking country.

Two passions of mine are athletics and service. Thus, Texas 4000 seems perfect for me!

I am on Texas Triathlon, I have run the Marine Corps Marathon, done a Half Ironman Triathlon (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run), and I recently completed 

the Rock N' Roll USA Marathon. With regards to service relating to cancer support/awareness, I donated my hair twice to Locks of Love, participated

in 3 swim-a-thons to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 

participated in the Hudson River Swim for Life to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, ran the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, advocated for the Bone Marrow Drive (benefits patients with leukemia), and I am part of Be the Match Foundation registry.

I am very excited to combine my love for athletics and service as a part of Texas 4000!

WHY I RIDE
Honestly, it is too difficult for me to pinpoint one person that I am riding for. Unfortunately, my family has been hit hard with cancer. My grandma is a survivor of breast cancer, my grandpa is a five-time survivor of skin cancer, and my “second mom” Marcia Martinez is a survivor of thyroid cancer. On the other hand, my other grandma lost her battle with lung cancer before I was ever able to meet her and my aunt recently lost her 11 year battle with brain cancer. I also am riding in memory of my grandpa Jay who was a marathon runner and died of a heart attack while on a run, Andrew Igo (family friend) and survivor of Ewing’s Sarcoma, and a high school friend Gabriel Martinez, a survivor of Leukemia. I ride for my family and friends: so the lost ones will never be forgotten and the survivors can have continued hope. I pray that through my ride I can bring awareness to my community and be a light to those who have been affected by cancer.I ride for my hometown, the DC metropolitan area, that we might see amidst a culture wrapped up in petty politics that there are issues such as cancer research that can bring us together and deserve far more attention.

I am currently at $5,600-

but my personal goal is $10,000. 

My rider page/donation link is: www.texas4000.org/rider/2015/rockies/addie-block/ Feel free to send it to anyone you think would be willing to join the fight! Thanks in advance! 

Addie is a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church,

Springfield, VA. She thanks you fro your prayers, encouragement, and sponsorship if you are moved to be a part of her TEAM.