Hiatus

Dear blog friends.... as you can see I am on a hiatus of sorts. It's taking me a while to get back in the swing of things after my father's death. Plus, I've been down the last week with a displaced vertebrae and inflamed nerve in my back, so I've not really been doing much other than sitting on the couch with a bag of frozen peas on my back. Anyhow, I just wanted you all to know that I'm still around, still reading everyone's blogs, but I'm just not really up to blogging myself. Maybe after I go back to work and start to get myself back on schedule, maybe then I'll feel like blogging again.

Daddy

As I'm sure most of you have read from Art's blog, you may already know my beloved father, Tommy, passed away on Friday, February 9th, on what would have been my mother's birthday. I thank those of you who prayed for him and our family and I ask you to continue praying for us during this difficult time as we grieve. Yes, it will be hard letting go, but I can honestly say I am at peace. As I told my pastor this evening, I can feel God's hand at work through all of this. I believe from my thoughts that I shared with you earlier, to the first, and then second stroke that each of these were but steps in the process to prepare us for the end and I thank God that we were given this opportunity because I know that not all families are given this chance.

From the bottom of my heart.....Thank you!

Update

My father has had yet another stroke this evening. All that can be done is being done. I fear that his condition is going to steadily decline until... well, the end of his life on earth. For some odd reason the other day, I had a thought about his funeral and whether or not he wanted the service at our church. This thought was immediately followed with another. What if he were to pass on my mother's birthday, which is Feb. 9th? Now I don't believe in "the fates" as it were, but now that he's been struck with these health problems, the fact that I had these thoughts at all bothers me tremendously. I realize that one cannot control all our thoughts, but why would these particular thoughts come to me?

Again, your prayers are much appreciated.

Prayer Request

Fellow bloggers, I ask you lift up my father in your prayers. This evening he suffered a mild stroke. This is not the first one he's had, and I pray that it won't be followed by a heart attack as the last stroke was. He had just recently started dialysis for his kidney problems and now this. As of this moment, there's no bleeding in the brain, no clots, and the vessels were clear. These are all good things. He has controlled movement of his extremities, is able to stand and sit, however his speech is slurred. Tomorrow they will be checking his corotid arteries, which he previously has had blockages in. For now, that's all we know. Your prayers are much appreciated.

Almighty and everlasting God,
who can banish all affliction both of soul and of body,
show forth your power upon those in need,
that by your mercy they may be restored to serve you afresh
in holiness of living, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.


Edit Thanks for all the prayers that have been lifted up. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. I am extremely thankful that this situation isn't as bad as it could have been. There's no change from last night although he has undergone speech and physical therapy.

'Da Colts

The Indianapolis Colts are the SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!!! Woo!!Hoo!!
29-17 I must confess that I wasn't quite sure they'd be able to withstand the Chicago Bears defense, but alas they did! While I'm confessing, I should point out that I am not a huge fan of the NFL, I'm more of a college football
fan (GO VOLS!) However, one must make concessions now and again. I know, I know, you're thinking "HEY! Aren't you from Tennessee, Stacie? Shouldn't you be a fan of the Titans?" Well, yes I am from Tennessee, but the Titans have really never impressed me, not to mention the fact that they're originally not a Tennessee team. SO, why am I a fan of the Colts? Well, for those of you out there who may not know, the Colts quarterback is Peyton Manning, who was the QB for my beloved Volunteers.
Basically, Peyton is the only reason I cheer for the Colts. And in case you haven't heard, he's also the MVP for the game tonight.
The Colts played hard, did their best and were vindicated. Maybe another reason I'm supporting them is because of the way their coach, Tony Dungy and their owner, Jim Insay are so vocal about their love for and dependence upon God. I appreciate a person who gives credit where it's due and stands up for their beliefs and both of these men have done that repeatedly throughout the season. Congrats to the entire organization.