COVID-19 has changed many things about Brandon's spring semester of his senior year. I am writing this on the day he was scheduled to have graduation and we assumed we would be having a graduation party with many family and friends. They had planned to come congratulate Brandon on a job well done. But that will have to wait for later this summer when his new graduation date of July 10th arrives.  

Brandon has had great success at Bryant High School both in the classroom and on the football field. He is going to graduate with Honors, ranked #17 out of 624 in his class and has completed his entire education with all A's! His football team went undefeated and won their 2nd straight state championship last fall. He had fun but he does not miss having to get up early to go to football practice! 

Like many other senior events, prom was cancelled. We asked Brandon if he would like to have a prom at our house. He liked the idea of it so we planned a little evening for him and his girlfriend. Fortunately, they had not invested in prom attire, so they decided to make it a less formal date. We set a menu, purchased a little decor and Brandon jumped in with his creativity and helped get everything ready. His girlfriend was surprised at what was done, and they enjoyed an evening of "prom" at our house.

Brandon is filling his time during this "extended summer" by mowing yards, mostly for neighbors on our street, and our church. He is also selling Cutco Knives and doing quite well at that even though he is doing all virtual appointments. (If you need some excellent knives, we know a guy!) He has also gotten into detailing cars and is hanging out with friends in his spare time. 

In the fall, Brandon plans to attend University of Central Arkansas and pursue a degree in business. While completing his undergrad degree, he plans to complete the prerequisites to get into physical therapy school, hopefully also at UCA. UCA has one of the top physical therapy schools in the country. He hopes that the business degree will come in handy in the future if he has his own physical therapy clinic.

We know his last semester has not gone as expected, but we trust God and know He's in control of all things and will use this season of the unexpected for His glory.  We trust Him to write the rest of the story! 

(Blended & Blessed 2020)

"We are lay counselors in our church and work with a blended family couple. This has addressed pretty much everything they are facing. It is like you were talking to their situation exactly. Very helpful for us." Connie

"Blended & Blessed helped me to see things from my bonus kids’ perspective. That they have triggers and I can be the one to help them navigate through their emotions by being Christ-like. It’s all about leading with love."  Shaquana  

 "I needed this.  I was at a crossroad in my marriage.  God reminded me of loving like Jesus and speaking the love languages individually to strengthen the relationships in our triangles."  Angela

• • • • • • Pray for our FamilyLife staff as we are in process of moving our things out of the building.

          • Pray for the many staff who are moving their homes and families and there are very little opportunities to say goodbye to friends. 

          • The restaurant where Rachel was working prior to COVID-19 permanently closed and this was unexpected news.  She's still without a job and will need to start looking soon.

          • We give thanks to the Lord for how He continues to sustain us and provide in this time of uncertainty in our world.

The spring events have all been canceled so join me next fall at one of the events below, use our group code thebarbers to save $100. 

Weekend to Remember Getaways - click any below to register. 

• • • Delray Beach -  Opal Grand - September 5 - 7

    • San Antonio -  Hyatt Hill Country - Oct. 12 -14 - I am the planner for this one, if it doesn't get canceled. 

    • Cambridge - Hyatt Regency - November 12 -14

?? events this Spring and more information at familylife.com/events.