A quick thank you from Tommy and Robyn regarding Tommy's Nite Out II:

"Dear Friends,

Please do not interpret our delay in reaching out to you as anything, but Tommy and I processing the magnitude of your generosity and basically what this group has done for us. I wish we could express this in a more creative way than just words because words really do fail us at this time. I can tell you that several times Saturday night I was overcome with gratitude and sheer blessing to know that I would not want to be anywhere else in the world besides in that room with all of you. Again you have taken what was suppose to be a tragedy and turned it into a triumph of Spirit and sheer good will. Every one of you have not only shared your heart and soul, but your hands and feet. I promise I don't mean to sound "too religious," but you have allowed God to use each one of you in our lives to live out what Scripture commands us to do for one another. Tommy and I really are humbled by this and we continue to pray that our circumstances will be used to glorify God. Through these events you have enabled us to be comforted with good care so we are not overcome, but we are able to concentrate on what is truly important and that is our relationships. THERE IS NO GREATER GIFT THAN TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER! Thank you for loving our family, and I beg your patience as we continue to learn from you how to go forward and love not only you, but others as they are brought into our path. We pray that you truly have been blessed through this time, we do not want this to be a one-way blessing!

The party could not have been more beautiful and successful. We heard over and over again how impressed people were with how well the event was executed and the abundance that came forth from such a small group over such a short period of time. From Tony and Mary Beth's stewardship to the phone-a-thon, to all of the details of paper work, e-mails, errands, input, output, the food-I heard was delicious, the band-that was awesome, the blood, sweat, tears, the clean up crew, the precious parking crew, the bar crew, the auction group, the people who donated the fabulous auction items and those who bought them. FUN, FUN, FUN! Those who donated and didn't even come to the party. Okay I am in tears now, the list goes on and on. If somehow we do not personally thank you, please know we have prayed for you and are so grateful for you. We want to hear details and behind the scenes stories, so we will have a get-together soon to share our experiences. We would love to hear stories from anyone who wants to share. Tommy hopes to be sending a blog today or tomorrow sharing a story (he has to get permission) so stay tuned.

We love you dear friends,
Tommy, Robyn, Ross and Jack"


"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

My Thoughts on TNO

Recently I was asked to share my thoughts about Tommy's Nite Out for a mass email that is sent out by the Steering Committee. I know some of you may have already seen the below note. However, I wanted to make sure everyone is aware of how grateful and lucky Robyn and I are to call you our friends.

"Friends,

The last several months have been a little precarious with regard to pesky health issues. However, I am happy to say that I feel better than ever and am ready to continue moving forward. As always, my family, caregivers and friends put in great effort in helping me overcome these obstacles.

My family has been so blessed with the many people who have come together in good spirit to care for our family at this time. Tommy's Nite Out was a wonderful gathering of friends far and near...some who haven't seen each other in 30 years and some who see each other on a daily basis. Everyone was connected by past and present...it was magical! Tommy's Nite Out was a blessing, completely unexpected. An anonymous guest commented that he did not believe in "the whole God thing" but that there is something special going on here...those of us intimately involved with the event choose to believe the Holy Spirit was hard at work that night. I was humbled by the experience and outpouring of love by so many known and unknown to me. Most off all, it was a heck of a good time!

My family is honored to know that those who took on this project ("the Steering Committee") have decided to put together a second Tommy's Nite Out. Additionally, we are grateful for those who have already begun to participate in Tommy's Nite Out II. We are blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives. Your love continues to humble me and I look forward to seeing you all on March 12th!

Warmest Regards,
Tommy"

"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3

Tommy's Nite Out II

When Tony and Mary Beth told me that they were planning to do another Tommy’s Nite Out, I didn’t think anyone would want to do this again. It takes so much work and effort, and really people want to do this for us again? Not only did they have the first meeting, but the committee members actually showed up, and were excited about working together on another event. Upon reflection, this really is not about us. However, we are incredibly blessed to be the receiver of the Holy Spirit’s outpouring through you. It was evident at the first Tommy’s Nite Out, it went way beyond helping a family in need. The feeling was palpable and contagious. So, we want you to know that on those days when we feel overwhelmed with the changes in our life, it is your prayers and your support that keeps us lifted up. You have taught me so much about the value of giving, giving from the heart, a caring word or card, and certainly your prayers. Thank you for allowing us to share our life with you.

Robyn

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3

the last 10 months

As you can see, my plan of updating everyone on a weekly basis or even a monthly basis was unfulfilled. I’m sorry for the lack of communication; it has been an eventful 10 months. I have had multiple hospital stays, surgeries and various medical issues which have slowed me down but I have continued to work at the office many days, spoken at an 8-5 workmatters (a work/faith organization based in Northwest Arkansas) event, gone bowling, spent a few weekends at the Savier’s cabin on the Little Red River. Robyn and I sent Ross to TCU for his freshman year of college and enjoyed a weekend along with some close friends on our annual camping trip (with me in a cabin).

We have had a few small hurdles to overcome, but together we continue to move forward with God’s grace and direction. Thank you again for all of your thoughts and prayers….I couldn’t do it without you.

"Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe." Mark 11:24