We all experience storms in our lives and I am sure most of you reading this can think of such times in your life. Some storms you can see coming and some are more unpredictable. When you find yourself in a storm you find out what is worthy of holding on to - God. By holding on to His word and promises we have found He is faithful. He has been our refuge, strength and comfort in this stormy season. Comfort is also found in who shows up after the storm to help in the aftermath, those that are "a friend who sticks closer than a brother" type of friends. (Proverbs 18:24)

When you read this newsletter it will have been six months since my brother, Bobby, passed away. While most of you know about his loss I feel like it is time to share more about his passing. The difficulty of this loss is compounded by the fact that he took his own life the morning of March 18, 2018. I apologize for being vague when first informing you of my brothers death, but I didn't feel like I could even put my thoughts into words at that time.  

The questions, the tears and the raw emotions have been and continue to be with those who knew and loved him. I feel like we have and are grieving at a deeper level than if he had died of natural causes. Despite these circumstances, feelings and emotions we have also felt His peace and presence in the eye of the storm. 

Although we have had times of coming together as a family to grieve and process, we know we still have many ahead. Special and normal occasions seem both harder and more cherished at the same time. As a family we are learning at a deeper level that everyone grieves differently, and we are trying to navigate that with grace and understanding with each other and those we encounter. So we will keep living life one day at a time, remembering the great memories we have and move forward making new memories.

Bobby lived his life serving the Lord and others, but ended it wrong. We find peace knowing that he had a relationship with the Lord and he is now whole and complete in the presence of the Lord. 

Thank you and please continue to lift us in your prayers. 

• • • • • • Praise that our coworker's 13-year-old son who had a staph infection on his liver is home and doing well. 

          • Angie and I (and several other couples) are hosting the Art of Parenting for our church. Please pray that those participating will be encouraged and blessed.

          • Pray for us as we raise additional support to cover increased expenses and to replace lost support.

          • Angie health update:  The heart monitor results revealed a rapid heartbeat at times but nothing to cause concern.  We do not have answers to the issues she's had, but Angie is feeling better and hopes to not have any more flare-ups.

Put one of these on your calendar and join us this fall at a Weekend to Remember, use our group code thebarbers to save $100. 

Weekend to Remember Getaways

• • • Delray - Delray Beach Marriott - September 28 - 30 

    • Parsippany - Hilton Parsippany - October 19 - 21

    • South Padre - Hilton Garden Inn - November 2 - 4

More event information at familylife.com/events.