4 July 1998

Dear Shannon,
I love you so much!  You are my most precious blessing from God,
and I thank and praise Him for the joy, honor, and privilege of being
your mother, friend, and sister in Christ.  While the world celebrates
Independence Day today, sisters and brothers in Christ celebrate our
dependence on Him and the perfection of His Kingdom.  Submitting and
being obedient to His will is undoubtedly the first step on the road to
Heaven.
My prayer is that you are still dependent on God and not on man
and that you are experiencing joy and peace as you bear the burden of the
cross..  Your sincere devotion and discipline are admirable.  My heart
longs to see you and support your growth in the Lord in whatever ways I
can.
Ryan has become beautifully intense and sensitive to the Lord.
He never misses Bible study or Sunday services and spends his extra time
reading books Pastor Dever gives him.  Pastor Dever is lovingly
discipling both Jason and Ryan.  Ryan will probably end up going to
Capital Bible Seminary.  He can attend free since I am a professor here.
This is a wonderful opportunity since education in a private school is
always so expensive.  However, his new job at Andersen Consulting is
keeping him busy, so he can take only a few courses at a time for now.
He is enjoying his work and opportunities to witness.
Dad is doing great and hopes to move here in August.  I plan to
drive to Texas in July to visit Gran, and Dad will drive home with me --
God willing.  The Holy Spirit has truly convicted me that this is God's
will for our family, and things do seem to be working out well.  Dad can
get our "bed and breakfast" started and then maybe get into mediation. 
His main desire now is to continue his study of the Bible.  He has been
attending church regularly.  You know about the joy of my ministry here
at the college where I can see how members of this Christian community
are serving and glorifying the Lord.
I don't really know much about the Brethren and hope to learn
more.  One thing I do know is that my heart is filled with joy knowing
that my daughter is seeking and serving the Lord; of course, I dearly
wish I could see you and talk with you.  You can't imagine how much I
love you and want to support you and help you in whatever ways I can.
May God make His presence known to you, guide you, and bless you.

Love,
Mom

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