What a day! Alan was moved from the ICU to room 491, (take the A elevator to the 4th floor.) Once he was situated, the concern was about pain management... there has been so much pain today. In order to navigate through the pain, he has developed a form of quiet meditaion each time a shot is administered. We will know more of the "where-do-we-go-from-here" plan later this week.
He sends his love... and we'll send him ours. ~ Juli
I'll take your part.
When darkness comes, and pain is all around,
Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down. ~Paul Simon
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 (Day of Surgery)
A day for prayer, hope, support, and healing. ~ Juli
A note from Genie:
In I Thessalonians 5:17 the apostle Paul tells us, "Pray without ceasing".
Let us pray without ceasing for Alan's healing. Quantity or quality of words is not important - simply utter Alan's name throughout your days - God will know and that is enough.
Peace and prayers,
Genie
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2008
We will be praying for you at Beulah today. Juli and I will soak up all the love and care of the fellowship of Beulah that we can and then bring it to you when we come.
From the Gospel of John - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid.
Dear Everyone,
As it turned out, Alan was unable to make the trip to Beulah this morning... so we took the service to him. What a glorious day - (and night) - filled with friends, fellowship, beautiful music, and amazing grace!
Ronnie and Kelli had prepared a (liquid) feast for Alan and when Genie and I arrived they were sitting at the table enjoying mashed potatoes, steamed squash, and cubed steak. (Thankfully, they had omitted the cubed steak from Alan's blended and pureed concoction but it sure smelled good!)
After lunch, Alan and Genie retired to the porch. Within minutes there was music filling the air. Ronnie's Uncle Steve, his wife Carolyn, and Johnny Dunn stopped in; followed by Alan's parent's, Dan and Maxine, and his sister Dana. Reginia, Alan's neighbor, visited in between her "Sunday-mom-jobs." Kristina and Kevin stopped in; Ronnie -ever faithful- continued working on the "upper room" and busying himself with "the taking-care-of-everything-that has-to-get-done" chores. At one point I told him he needed to take a break and sit down... to which he replied, "If I sit down, I may NEVER be able to get back up!"
When things calmed down a bit, Genie sang "His Eye is on the Sparrow" for Alan. Following that beautiful song, Genie lead us as we prayed over Alan. I think everyone felt the awesome presence of God on that little smoky porch on Boulevard.
My Sunday porch time was coming to an end but not before Kevin played his guitar and Kristina sang "Starry, Starry Night," one of Alan's favorites. They also shared some of his original music with us.
As Genie and I were leaving, Kim arrived, as did Rob and Phil. I heard that the afternoon turned into evening as more and more friends dropped by.
I would guess that Alan would call it a "perfect day!" I certainly would!
~ Juli
1 comment:
To every thing there is a season - and now is the season to thank God for answered prayers.
Let us continue to pray for Alan - without ceasing. Every time he comes to your mind and heart lift up a prayer on his behalf - pray for the easing of his pain and for the healing of his body. Pray for Alan's family that they will rest when they can and get an extra measure of strength and courage when they need it. Pray for yourselves as well - for your own journey of faith.
From the Old Testament -
"The Lord is my strength, He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on to the high places."
Peace and prayers to you all.
Genie
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