Happy Birthday Crystal!

Dear Crystal,

I'm so excited to be able to share another birthday with you today.  You are an amazing person inside and out.  The last four years have been the best of my life.  After meeting you 10+ years ago, I never thought that our relationship would bring me so much joy.  You truly are a wonderful woman, and an even greater wife, mother, friend, and example of a person whose life is surrendered to Jesus.  You are my best friend and I am so thankful for the life we have together.  Some people didn't understand the love we had for each other in the beginning, but that didn't change the way we felt about each other.  But then again, God's work shines brightest in the most unlikely situations.  You are a fabulous encouragement to me.  There is no way that I would have been able to accomplish my academic goals without your support every step of the way.  Now that we're embarking on a new adventure together as a family, I have no doubt that we will be able to do all that God is calling us to do because we're in it together.  Even though the enemy has attempted to distract you with all of your recent health issues, I have seen so much growth in you.  Your relationship with Jesus is much stronger now, and I see evidence every day of your faith and trust in Him.  On top of all that, you continue to amaze me as a Supermom.  You have an unconditional love for Kylie and Isaiah that is unlike anything else.  Even in the midst of a crazy day and sleepless night, you still show the love and compassion to them like no other.  Sure, you get frustrated just like anyone else.  But your attitude of sincere love and care for them always seems to shine through.  You are truly a good example to Kylie and Isaiah of God's abundant love.  Experiencing that kind of love and provision will make it much easier for them to believe in the love that God has for them.

You are a special individual, Crystal.  There is no one like you.  Kylie, Isaiah, and I are extremely grateful to be able to share our lives with you.  There is no other woman I want to spend my life with.  You are what I need to be a successful father, pastor, and person in this life.  I'm so glad I have you.  You're the best.  And I love you!!! Have a happy birthday.  You deserve it!



Love,

Ben

We're excited to announce...

We got the call today letting us know that we were NOT accepted into the NewSpring Church Apprenticeship program! There were 10 spots available, but we did not make the cut. We are not discouraged, though. We still believe that God used this opportunity to transform our hearts and surrender it all to Him. Like we said from the beginning, regardless of whether we get into the program, we still believe God is calling us to move to SC. Our eyes are going to stay focused on Jesus and we are going to take a bold step and move across the country, believing that God is leading us every step of the way. 

Please do not feel sorry or let us know that you are sorry for this news.  We have both felt that God has had His hand in this the entire time.  We know that He has a plan for us that is much greater than we can imagine.  For that reason, we are excited to see what comes next.  This opportunity and journey so far has given us the chance to align ourselves with God's heart.  We have grown closer to Him during this process and have increased our dependence and faith.  

We greatly thank you for your prayers and continuous support for our family over the last 3 months. We know that God has a plan for us in South Carolina and we are believing Him for great things. We stand firm on the promise that HIS grace is sufficient and that HIS power works best in our weakness! This is just the beginning and we are going to need even more support as we follow HIS lead into the future. We will keep in touch. Thank you!

Morris Fam

Thank you for your support

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for us over the last couple months. We really appreciate the continued support. The good news is that my interview went well. I was very pleased with how smoothly everything went. They are interviewing 35 people in total, and will select 10 to be a part of the program. I should find out the results by this time next week.

The bad news is that our family is still battling with sickness. Crystal is healing from her symptoms and continues to show signs of improvement. However, Kylie developed pink eye and is on antibiotics. Isaiah has been fighting a cold as well but is also showing signs of recovery. Somehow, I have managed to stay away from it all. I'm the last man standing and I hope to keep it that way. Every time I touch one of the kids I wash my hands. 

Please continue to pray for us as we get over all the sickness and get back into our regular routine. 

Thanks so much,

Ben and the gang

A Letter To The Devil

Dear Satan,

That was a low blow, going after my wife like that. Starting with her anxiety. And then her random symptoms that the doctors cannot explain. Then a cold. And now pink eye. In BOTH eyes! What's up with that? And then you try to go after my son and let him have a fever, when it's already 100 degrees outside. What the hell? Feels like it, that's for sure. Well you're not getting anything out of us. You may be mad that we're following God's plan, but that's too bad. 

I know you are not capable of reading people's thoughts, so let me just go ahead and tell you what I'm thinking. There's nothing you can do to make my family and I wander off the path that God has for us. Romans 8:11 tells me that the same power that conquered the grave lives in me. The same God that limits your power and banished you to the earth guides my every step. I've got insider access to the Almighty God. So if I was you, I would pick on someone else who you might stand a chance with. The Morris family stands for Jesus, and you're no match for Him. In the words of the great prophet Joshua, "As for me and my family, we will serve The Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

So I hope that scares the hell out of you. Literally. But if not, then I've got two words for you, "Bring it!" Give it your best shot. We're not afraid of you. The battle has already been won. Jesus conquered DEATH! And we're on His team. You don't stand a chance. 

Sincerely,

Ben