Casey’s Latest Message…

It has been ten days since I arrived in Greybull, WY by way of Denver directly from Missouri. There is indeed peace in the Shell Valley! There is a serenity here and God has been a great comfort to me. My visit with Dave and Vicki has been good as we continue to grieve together and strengthen one another. There is progress. We have spent some time at the cemetery reminiscing and reflecting. Another season has past. I watched soberly as the fall leaves swept and swirled atop the concrete foundation, which was set at Whaley Cemetery last week. We made a collective decision on the memorial stone. It will be placed in December. May this stone be a marker for all to see and to remember God’s sovereignty, “…that all the people of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.” (Joshua 4)

I have spent some time quilting, journaling and studying. Last weekend, I participated in the statewide girls retreat in Cody lead by Vickie O’Brien and India King, with special guests Pat Townsend (WSBC) and Karina America (Baptist Friendship House, New Orleans). The theme was “I will follow Him,” based on Luke 9:23. What an awesome time! We had root beer floats and Frito pie, pillow talks, puzzles and nail polish, a hula hoop contest, a fashion show, movie night, and a visit to an assisted living facility–all centered on the message to follow Jesus Christ, with an emphasis on missions. I have always had a passion for working with youth and students and it was so good to be a part of this girls gathering. On Sunday, I was asked to share my testimony and I agreed, with some reluctance (read the Oct 2 entry).

On Monday, I attended the memorial service for longtime family friend and godly man, Myles Riley. I was reminded of the passage in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 again today, because it seems I am helping to comfort others in a small way, by the comfort I myself have received, both from the Lord and from ALL of YOU. Thank you. God is so good!

Pray for the families who have recently experienced great losses: Jerry and Kathleen Ewen and the Michealis family; for the Riley’s and the Weant’s; and the Brown, Andrews and Nix families. Pray for continued healing and provision for Dave and Vicki and the entire Ewen/Mitchell family.

Pray for others that you know that need comfort; those that are struggling with loss, sadness, illness or weakness.

Pray for the lost. Pray for those who have not found the hope in Jesus Christ or trusted Him as Lord. “For the believer, this world is the worst you will ever know. But for the non-believer, who does not know Christ, this world is the best you will ever know.” (As quoted by Myles Riley).

Pray for God’s voice to be clear to me as I continue to seek Him and follow Him.