My sister-in-law,Rebecca, sent this prayer request (yesterday) and update (today) about the fire situation at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA. (a sister college of Taylor University). Until a couple of months ago, Rebecca was the women's soccer coach at Westmont. Carter and Rebecca have since moved to the cornfields of Indiana, but have friends, colleagues and students who are and will be affected by the fires.
I, personally have a special place in my heart for Westmont, as 1) it was one of my top college choices, 2) my music teacher and my best friend convinced me (for approximately 18 agonizing hours) that I had been requested to give my testimony to their entire student body for chapel, and 3) I was personally sung to by the Westmont Ensemble! :)
Will you pray for them?
Nov. 14
Hey all,
Some of you have heard, but a fire started in Santa Barbara that hit Westmont pretty hard. Because of sun downer winds coming over the mountains (70 mph gusts), there was not time for Westmont students to evacuate. Fortunately, Westmont has an emergency fire plan in place and all students made it to the gym for refuge. One of the dorms was burnt (half of Clark hall) and the Science building. Some other buildings burned down, but they were all going to be demolished by the end of the year (Westmont is in the process of building some new buildings.)
One of the sadder things that happened is that 14 faculty members lost their home. Westmont has "Faculty housing" that only faculty at Westmont can buy. Three of my former coaching colleagues lost their homes, along with 11 other faculty members that I worked with. I am sure they are devastated right now, and would appreciate any prayers. Below is a link to a "post fire" video that shows the Science building. This is the building that had a GREAT view that I would take recruits to at the end of our campus tour. Anyhow, I am just sure they would all appreciate prayers in this hard time! I know they are all thankful that there were no deaths, but it is still a large pill to swallow.
http://disaster.westmont.edu/www/system_status/
Nov. 15
Things seem to be settling down at Westmont, as all the danger of fire is away. Westmont has posted pictures of the aftermath on campus if you're interested...
http://www.westmont.edu/...seeing these pictures were a good reminder for me to continue praying despite the danger being gone.
Love,
Rebecca
Isn't this the neatest tree skirt?! My very talented mom made this for me as an early birthday present. I have wanted a tree skirt for years...
I just love that my mom made this and I just love that she put the Christmas story on it. It will be treasured for years to come! 
Your boughs are green in summer's clime
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
When oft at joyous Christmastime,
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
(umm...yes, that is Mary, Joseph, Jesus... and Colby's favorite Dirt Track Lightning McQueen...reminds me of a song I learned in High School "Give of your best to the Master, give him first place in your heart; Give Him first place in your service; Consecrate every part. Give, and to you shall be given. God His beloved Son gave; Gratefully seeking to serve Him, Give Him the best that you have.")
A lot of ham...
Eight little turkeys...
and some pumkin pies!
