And so it goes

Dear Family and Friends,




We are so sorry to send this update via the Internet but it is the most efficient way right now! I like to think of email/the Internet as a helpful tool the Lord has given us to help us communicate with each other better, although it is impersonal and I apologize for that.
Who knew it was possible to get cut, signed to the practice squad, and get cut again within 48 hours?! Well, I'm here to personally say, it is VERY possible. Yesterday morning at this time I was frantically looking for a place to live in Eden Prairie, MN. Within minutes I was just as frantically looking for a flight to Charlotte to fly both of us home.
The best way to explain our situation is this: Life in the NFL is no different than life outside the NFL, and life brings about very unexpected things every day. Thomas made the practice squad on Sunday. But by Monday morning, the other lineman on the practice squad had been moved to the NY Jets. This meant that the Vikings needed to find a lineman to replace him, so they brought in 2 players to try out for his position. Therefore, Thomas got "released" to make room for those 2 linemen. The Vikings made it clear to him that they really liked him and were impressed with him, but they are a business just like any other and they have to do what is best for them. There is a possibility that they call Thomas to come back next week, but we don't count on that. So, his name is on the market throughout the NFL and we are currently in York waiting to see what happens next.
We were at church on Sunday night and I copied down the following verses. I had no idea that in 12 hours I would be called to truly live out these verses:
Deuteronomy 31:8
"The Lord is the One who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

I re-read those verses this morning and was reminded that the Lord told us these things because He knew that we would be tempted to think "Where are you God? Are you with us? Have you failed us?" And He knew that we might be "dismayed" or else He wouldn't have told us this. It is so comforting that He goes before us. He knew all along that this would happen and we fully trust that He knows what will happen next. He "works all things together for the good of those who love Him," and we do not place our hope in football or the NFL but in a God who spoke the universe into existence.
Thank you so much for the prayers, phone calls, emails and texts. We apologize if we don't respond promptly as we are a little overwhelmed right now.



Resting in Grace and Peace,



Thomas and Margaret