take 2: september 23-24 – inside/out

Hi Sweetheart,

It’s just after dinner on Thursday night and I’m back in the cell reflecting back upon the day.  God is good!

I’m glad I had the opportunity to talk to you on the phone earlier.  I’ll try again tonight but we never really know if they’re going to let us back out.  So catching you earlier today was a real treat.  And even though Mals was not feeling well I still got to here her little squeeks.  Hopefully she is not getting sick again and sleeps as well as she did for you last night.  Kayti was real sweet on the phone and sounded pretty excited about tomorrow’s candy event.  It sounded like she was more excited about wearing a special shirt.  Anyway. I am curious to hear the report back from her as to how things went.  And Buddy is always classic!  His first question was, “Daddy, where are you at?”  I told him I was still in jail and to that he responded, “Oh, you’re in jail still?”  He cracks me up.  He definitely doesn’t understand the time part of this whole situation.

You sounded good on the phone.  No doubt it was the result of Mals sleeping through the night.  But in addition to that your spirit sounded good.  Which in turn makes me feel better, puts my soul at ease.  God is certainly there at every turn.  “Resting in Him” is something that I am working on daily.  Thank you for including those words in your letters and for encouraging me to do it.  I love you!

Had a great visit with Joe.  I was truly surprised to see him.  The Dep called over the loud speaker that I had a visit waiting and for the life of me I couldn’t figure out who it could be.  What a cool surprise.  We laughed quite a bit amd that really boosted my spirits.  I needed to laugh like that.  In a place like this, where everything is measured and controlled, being able to just cut loose and really laugh was healing for me. 

The visit occurred right in the middle of Bible Study, so I told the guys to go on without me.  After the visit I rejoined the group and they were almost finished.  We had a period of discussion, over the daily Proverbs reading, and then prayed to close out the study.  My friend Carlos came up to me and said, “Man, you were on fire!  Who did you meet with?”  We had a good chuckle about that and I just told him I had met with a good friend.  I am very thankful for our community of supporters, those who have heard the prompting of the Holy Spirit and have obediently reached out.  We are blessed.

9/24

Good Morning Sweetheart,

They passed out mail just before breakfast.  I received the letter from you that contained the pictures.  Thank you.  Mals is getting bigger and she is so cute.  I laughed when you said her toes were like little sausages, too funny!  And it looked like you guys got some sun at Nate’s birthday party.  Kayti looked so grown up in that picture, something about her expression made her look so much older.  And don’t get me started about how good Mama looks.  You just keep getting prettier year after year.  I am a lucky man!

I don’t want you to worry about the phone call last night.  I have been praying that God would provide you at times a safe haven in which to break down and let the tears flow.  And last night I thanked the Lord that I was able to be that.  I only wish I could have stayed on the phone with you longer.  I’m thankful Gretchen is now there, though, a friend that you have a special bond with.  She is someone I know you feel comfortable with, someone that allows you to relax and not have to play the role of “host” to.  God is faithful in His provision!  Please let Gretchen know how truly thankful I am that she is there with us.

Alright my love, I need to get this in the mail before cutoff.  I love you today, and more than I did yesterday, and not as much as I will tomorrow.

Let us both rest in Him, Scott

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