2:30 pm Update

Last word from OR is that all is progressing well.

Breaking News! Big Daddy (Casey's Grandfather) is now a Mississippi State Bulldog fan! Joining him are Nanny and Izzy Lou/Little Bit.

1:00 pm Update

Last word from the OR at 12:25 pm was that tumor removal is in progress and going well.

Carter and Andrew Ramsey (Thanks Shelley and Chad for lunch!) in Franklin, TN

Milo/Honey (Thanks to Cliff's friends at KVD) in Nashville

Davis Quick (Casey's brother-in-law) in Vicksburg, MS

More Maroon Friends!

First incision made at 10:00 am. Going well so far.

Jeffrey Duckworth in Guntown, MS

Judy (Cliff's aunt) and Jane

Gage, Sarah (Cliff's sister-in-law) and Tripp (Cliff's nephew)

Tami and Michelle (Casey's co-workers in the cockpit of Black Hawk not in Maroon, but nevertheless trying to brighten the day!)

Lily Quick in Clinton, MS

Her Royal Highness, Clemmy Quick in Clinton, MS

Conan and Bully gettin' cozy

Todd Clark (Casey's brother-in-law in Jackson, MS)

Corkie (Dog Ashley is sitting)

Gage and friend Annie

It's Maroon Friday at Vandy

So...we are all sporting our MAROON in support of our Bulldogs today! If you are wearing your MAROON, email me at ccossittjones@aol.com and I'll post you on the blog. Cliff will love looking at it later!

We didn't wait long this morning. Cliff was pulled back only 10 minutes after we arrived. Nick, Joey and Tommy from our Sunday School class at Brentwood Baptist were here and prayed with us. Thank you guys!

Jane and I were able to speak with the anesthesiologists and Dr. Sills before they took Cliff back for surgery. They told us to expect it to be a long day.

Tami and Melissa from Father Ryan High School brought us all Panera Bagels, Coffee and Coffee Cake. Thank you! We are all set for the day.

Keep Cliff in your thoughts and prayers. Pray for no complications and no nausea from anesthsia. More later. :)

Sophie and Allie

Molly (Casey's sister), Angie (Casey's mom), Sandra (Cliff's aunt)

Casey and Molly

Larry (Cliff's dad) and Gage (Cliff's brother)

Angie's friend Lisa from Clinton, MS

Mary Logan and Rosey Kate in Madison, MS

Jake Roberts (Casey's cousin) in Alaska!

Casey and Travis (Cliff's BFF and fellow squirell enthusiast)

Jane (Cliff's mom) and David (Cliff's step-dad)

Kenny (Cliff's uncle), Jenny (Cliff's aunt) and Lauren (Cliff's cousin)

God's Will Be Done

As my surgery date draws near, I’m at peace. The anxiousness and worry have subsided for I know God’s will, will be done. I’m thankful for the family and friends He has surrounded me with; His love has clearly overflowed through them. I thank you all for the thoughts, calls, kind words and most importantly prayers. Your prayers have lifted me up and put me at ease this week, thank you.

I’ve received countless verses over this journey, and I leave you with a few that God has clearly used to put me at ease this week.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

James 1:2-5 Consider it great joy, my brothers whenever you experience various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete lacking nothing.

Isaiah 41:10 Do not be afraid. I am with you. Do not tremble with fear I am your God. I will make you strong as I protect you with my arm and give you victories.

Psalm 62:5 Rest in God alone, my soul for my hope comes from Him.

God Knows Our Needs

It’s normal to experience fear and anxiety, but with my previous surgery I was at complete peace, I did not fear. I can’t say the same about Friday’s surgery...This surgery is a lot more involved and the complications greater. I have been wrestling with my upcoming surgery the past few days.

Tonight, we met with our Sunday school class. We don’t normally meet on Sunday nights, but we are going through a transition, so we were meeting to discuss the next steps. At the end of the meeting, I was prayed over by members of the class and to say it was powerful is an understatement. My anxiety and fear were lifted as commanding prayers were delivered through the Holy Spirit by my peers. God knew this is what I needed in this moment.

Casey and I cannot thank our friends and family enough who have lifted us up and continue to do so. We feel your prayers.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be Strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you, He will not leave or forsake you.

Surgery Scheduled

My surgery date has been scheduled for November 9th at 8am at Vanderbilt. This surgery is much more involved than my last surgery and will take between 4 and 8 hours. After surgery I will be in the hospital 4-5 days. Recovery is expected to be between 1 and 2 months.

Please pray for complete healing. Specifically pray for no side effects after surgery; no double vision, no impaired motor skills and no loss of balance.

As always, Casey and I thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Revelation 8:4 - "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, Who was, and is and is to come."