Father in Heaven please give Kathy your peace.  We know what ever you have in mind that it is the best.  Thank you for your love of Kathy and caring for a loving Mother.  Thank you Jesus in your precious name I pray Amen
--
Christ is either Lord of all or he is not Lord at all.
Karen Carter '74



> Well Ned,
>          Thanks for the prayers and encouragement.  Unfortunately, Matt did
> miss his flight last night.  Hopefully, he is winging his way homeward as I
> type.  It's another long story, but I pray that he gets himself together
> enough to make it today.
>          Our meeting today about Chris was a posative one, I think
> anyway.  It looks like the court is considering either letting Chris come
> home, beginning personal therapy, continuing family therapy and, we are
> insisting that he continue meeting with the prison chaplain also, but we're
> not sure how to work that out yet.  The other option for Chris is a
> theraputic foster home.  They don't want to use the group home option right
> now because he could pick up more bad ideas rather than benefit from the
> structure provided.  Of course, in either case, he's got some heavy duty
> probation coming and we still have no idea whether he will have to serve
> time.  That is up to the judge and the probation officer and, of course,
> the judge was not there today.     Also, if Chris comes home, we are going
> to try to connect with the youth minister at Calvary Chapel.  His grand
> parents attend our church.  He's a good guy, but Chris needs to be making
> posative connections and get away from these bad habits and decisions that
> he is forming.
>          We're still waiting to hear about our appeal for a court appointed
> lawyer, but Chris really needs to talk to somebody on a legal basis pretty
> soon.  Please pray for him as he has to decide whether to plead guilty or
> not.  Everyone is advising him not too, but when he talked to us last
> night, he feels, and we agree, that pleading not guilty would be like lying
> and he doesn't want to do that.  I guess that for legal reasons, that I
> don't understand, it is better for him to plead not guilty and then go for
> plea bargaining, but he really needs a lawyer to help him lay it all out
> and weigh his options.  Even though we are the parents and have a strong
> desire to advise, we are also the plaintiffs and we need to stay out of
> this decision making process because it would affect the guilt or innocence
> of a defendant in a criminal case, which could have life long effects on
> his future.  We're all so knew to this.  Right now, the chaplain can talk
> and advise, but he is not a lawyer.  We're praying that, whoever Chris
> gets, it will be someone who will work well with Chris and will not be
> interested in just working the system, but will be concerned for chris and
> what is morally best for him.
>          Part of the decision about whether Chris will be allowed back in
> the home will also be determined by what child protective services
> decides.  I've let it be known that, in no uncertain terms, are Caleb and
> liz to be taken from our home.  They are totally innocent in all of this
> and they are not to be touched.  I was very firm about  this to everyone
> this morning, including Christopher.  Honestly though, I think that Chris
> agrees with my position.  His problems are with us.  He doesn't want to see
> his brother and sister get hurt.  He has even said that he'd be willing to
> go elsewhere if that would protect Caleb and Liz.
>          Oh, just one more thing about Chris, we've been getting very
> posative reports from the prison staff about him.  He has been encouraging
> bible study and one of his block mates reported to his own social worker
> that Chris has been a very posative influance on him and has given him a
> lot to think about.
>          The secretary that attends our church, who works at the prison
> told us last night that we are a very unique family situation.  Most
> families in our position don't even want to bother with their wayward kid
> any more, but the fact that we continue to visit and write and maintain a
> relationship and are willing to consider trying to place him back in our
> home makes us very odd.  That is so sad.
>          It's not going to be smooth sailing.  It hasn't been for a long
> time.  When Chris turns 18, in five months, there will be a whole new
> kettle of fish to deal with, if he is even here at all.  There is so much
> that we don't know, but I've handed it all to Jesus.  I've prayed that
> Chris would be treated fairly and that the best would happen for his growth
> in Christ.  Just keep praying guys.  It ain't over yet!
> Thanks!
> Kathy
>
>
>
> At 05:27 PM 5/17/2005, you wrote:
> >Kathy,
> >I know this is a lot on your plate at one time.  I pray that Matt arrives
> >home on time and safely.  Also, I pray that God will bless you meeting with
> >the chaplain and your meeting with Chris.  You and Greg will not be alone.
> >I know that your entire echurch family will be with  you in spirit and in
> >prayer. Stand firm, lift your hands in praise to the Lord and He will lift
> >you heart and spirit and give you the desires of your heart as you
> >faithfully serve Him.
> >
> >God's love and peace be with you,
> >
> >Ned