I just got word that my friend and business partner was admitted to the hospital last night. He had a blood clot in his leg and it has broken loose and traveled to his lungs. He is stable for now.

I am working all day here at the church but will go by first thing in the morning to visit and get an update. He is a young, strong, healthy man but has had some health issues relating to an injury recently. And it been a tough year of recovery. Please remember him in your prayers.

I'm back.

After a small break I am ready to resume filling your lives with totally useless thoughts, events and insane dribble.

Dad Update: it's been a long six months for our family. The most recent month involved a twenty-four hour presence with dad. But prayers have been honored and not only is dad improving, we were able to get him admitted to a rehab facility much closer to his home. Thank you all for your continuing prayer for dad and the entire family. We still have a way to go but for now things are progressing smoothly.

We had snow last night. And it was COLD. The snow was very light and did not stick but it did snow again. It was cold last night by any one's standards. After a couple mild days it seemed even worse. The temperature last night fell to 17 degrees ( -8 c ) at my house. Combined with winds of 25-28 knots and gusts to 35 knots we had sub zero wind chills out side. At minus 15-20 degrees ( -26 to -29 c ) that's deadly if unprotected. Maybe it was colder where you live. Our friends in Anchorage might have a claim to that. But on Tuesday I was working outside in a short sleeve t-shirt. Last night was a three blanket night.

At NewSpring Church we held our first live web interactive church services this past Sunday. We had people "attend " from every corner of the U.S. and from eight countries. We had over 1700 hits and 356 attending the whole service. This is amazing. Check it out here. Get involved.

A couple quick prayer requests.

• One member of our homegroup ( who was baptised just last Sunday ) had to put his father in the Hospice house this week. Remember John's family.

• Also a friend and member of our former homegroup was admitted to the hospital yesterday with chest pain. A heart attack has been ruled out, but they are finding some painful infection and fluid build-up around his heart. Remember him and his family.

• A team from our church is in Kenya this week. Pray for their safety and for the mission opportunity God is showing us.

I know this entry has been scattered. I guess it was a sort of "catch-up blog" The break was nice but it is GREAT to be back.

Gotta run. I just found out Vic Chesnutt is coming to the "40 Watt" in Athens Saturday. It's a small place. I need to see if I can snag tickets at this late date.

See ya later

What is that white stuff I see falling from the sky? I don't see much yet butI am pretty sure it's not just my eyes playing tricks. Yep it is snowing here today. Just a few flakes, and that's not sticking. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.

Dad Update: Life on the roller coaster of emotions continues. This past Thursday we visited with dad for thanksgiving. He was doing pretty well and when we left to go home I was in good spirits and feeling pretty good about him. That was at 6:30. Around 10 O'clock dad became very restless and once again pulled out his feeding tube. After trying to reinsert it for about an hour with no success, and noticing dad had begun labored breathing the center called for the EMT's to transport him to the hospital. He was readmitted once again. Stabilizing dad took most of the night. As it was a holiday weekend official reports were hard to come by so I hopped back in the car and drove back down.

As of late Sunday night dad is doing fair.. His lungs seem clear and he is alert. In fact the most alert I've seen him recently. But there are two conditions of serious concern. Dad's foot has become infected at the heel. This appears to be a result of the heel rubbing and creating an open wound while elevated. Test are being done to determine how bad the infection has spread and if it has made it into the bone. The second issue are two blood clots, one in each leg. Those are near his knees and can't be treated with anti-clotting drugs because of his healing brain injury.

Obviously both issues are serious. We appreciate your prayers on his behalf once again. Also remember my mother who refuses to leave dad's side. She is not up to this task, but insists nonetheless. Pray that she'll have strength to endure here and keep a positive attitude around dad.

It's COLD outside today. I think homemade soup is the order of the evening. So I gotta run and set the pot to cooking.

DAD UPDATE

It started with a distorted cell call, dropping out badly. It was my sister on the road and calling about our dad. Through the distortions, drops and static I was able to make out that dad may have had a massive stroke and was in serious danger.

That was a total shock. We had moved dad to the hospital a few days previous when he was having labored breathing and a raspy cough. At that time the rehab center was concerned he had congestive heart failure. That turned out a false alarm and it was just the ordinary but severe congestion that comes with the change in seasons. He seemed to be recovering. Then this.

Immediately I called his hospital room and the nurse picked-up. Though she was busy she took the time to talk to me. There was obvious concern in her voice. I could hear other people working in the background. She told us the entire family needed to get there fast. We dropped everything and jumped into the car. We headed out in the middle of the night, wondering if dad would be ok when we got there.

It’s an hour and a half drive in the best of conditions. I’ll not tell you how long it took, but thankfully God was protecting us from possums, cows, deer and other night creatures. We arrived and finally found an open door (it was late night). In his regular room dad was sitting-up in the bed and talking. The early tests were ruling out a stroke. It was another false alarm. A prayer answered. But the danger was very real. Dad’s blood pressure had dropped so low that for a while they thought he would not make it. He did, the problems were a result of reactions to some meds.

Dad is more or less back on track after all this. There have been a couple other related setbacks but his outlook is good once again. But for almost two weeks it has required almost continuous monitoring. I have fallen well behind once again with everything, including my blogs. But I am now back home and will soon be catching up.

The good news is that we got dad placed in a much better rehab center. They have proven caring and are proactively involved in his recovery.

Please continue to remember my father in your prayers. Not only for his eventual return to a normal life, but that we as a family make the correct choices during his care.

What are you doing today?

How about joining me and taking time out to pray for our nation and it's leaders.

It's time to pray diligently, and ask God to continue to have mercy on this country, and cause the candidate who keeps closest to GOD'S values- to be the one elected into office.

God has blessed this nation And one of the reasons is because our founding fathers held HIS values. We were founded as one nation under God. Our Constitution was based on biblical principles, and our early laws after the ten commandments.

I believe that is the main reason our country has prospered and been showered in so many blessings.

But things are changing, because of how we are conducting ourselves; in business, economically, socially, and spiritually. Everything that the founding fathers stood for, has been "on the way out" even in our families.

Prayer was taken out of schools, and in some homes as well. Abominations are now taught to our children as "acceptable, normal and 'alternative' lifestyles". Our lives are surrounded by lust, greed and the quest for temporary pleasures. All that matters to many is self. How can I get more, be more, have more power. This is leading to a downfall.

We need to pray and pray hard about the tomorrows elections. Pray, specifically for our leaders. They need to guided by Godly principles and our laws need to follow those as well. We need to do only what is right for our nation and our people. We need to allow God back into every choice we make. Both on a national level in our country as well as on a personal basis within our lives.

Please pray for tomorrows outcome and when you vote keep the will of God for us in your mind.

Dad Update:

Once again quicker than I could return home to request it my prayers concerning dad have been answered. This past Friday we got a call from the care center where dad takes his rehab that they were admitting dad to the hospital because of suspected heart failure. Needless to say we dropped everything and dashed off to meet him in the ER. Dad has no history of heart related problems, but it was scary thought

It turns out to be a false alarm but it's always better safe than sorry. Dad does have some serious breathing issues and is still in the hospital undergoing treatment for that. But they appear to be related to the sinus' and throat and he should recover quickly. As a part of his treatment however they gave dad some medications which cause him to become very agitated. So for the past couple nights we been sitting, holding and helping prevent him from hurting himself while in this restless state. It is an exhausting task.

But today dad is much improved, up and walking around with minimum assistance. A prayer request answered before it was even asked for.

God is great.

It was a soccer night for us. Monk's team, the Thunder are playing much more seriously than last years team. It is amazing the level of intensity just being one year older creates. For most of the first half it looked to be a low scoring contest and the ball just went back and forth with not even one serious goal attempt. But just before the end of the second period Ashley's team mate Ross scored an easy shot. The third period was more of the same until close to the end when the Thunder score a hard fought goal making the lead two to nothing. But in the final period the other team ran out of steam. The thunder rolled with Jackson, one of our Home Group kids, scoring then moments later Ashley scored a quick point. Two more goals were tacked on and the Thunder had a shut out.

It was a lot of fun. Yesterday was a beautiful day and the win capped off the evening.

I have a quick prayer request. A friend and former member of our Home Group was injured on a dirt bike over the weekend. He was in the Hospital until last evening but should recover just fine. Remember them as he recovers.

Dad Update: We had wonderful news back at MCG hospital Wednesday. We all traveled the 2 1/2 hours to be with dad as he once visited the neurosurgery clinic for a follow-up visit with the doctors. His fresh C.T. scans confirm the swelling and bleeding on his brain has stopped and is reducing. They also show that the additional concerns we were watching have disappeared and are no longer a factor.

What this means is that as soon as he is a little stronger dad can safely enter much more aggressive rehab and that translates into heading home once again. The doctors still refuse to put a time line on this but we all know he is much closer than before.

Prayers are being answered.

DAD UPDATE: Word came to me that for the first time since his fall dad had a real meal today. He ate some carrots, potatoes and even some small chunks of chicken. This is a major milestone in dad’s recovery.

Note: Due to a technical issue it appears that my previous two posts did not show-up here until this afternoon. It should be back on track now.

DAD UPDATE:

Yesterday was a big day for dad. It was his first return visit to the Hospital in Augusta. The head of the Neurosurgery department has taken on dad as a patient and wanted to do a follow-up to access the recovery and to do repeat scans to be certain the brain swelling and bleeding was clearing. He was very positive about both his general health and his recovery level. The scan results will show for sure but the doctor seemed to believe the brain injury was healing normally.

We were concerned how the long trip ( 2 + hours each way) would effect dad, but he seemed to do better than the rest of us. He was alert, laughing and full of funny comments. It was by far the best I've seen him. The transport company sent a driver and a nurse, as did the rehab center where dad is. Of course mom, my sister and myself were there too. With that crew dad appeared to be a rock star upon entering the hospital. It was a hoot.

Here is a short rant. I filled my car before the trip yesterday morning at over $4 a gallon. Passing by the same station last night upon return the price had dropped fifty cents a gallon. Fifty cents in eight hours. I am thrilled to see it go down for a change. And that is a huge adjustment, I just wish it had happened before I topped of my tank, I would have saved a chunk of change.

Oh well.

Saw my blog buddy and fellow NewSpringer Jane yesterday at the church. We briefly chatted about current events in our lives, before the service started. She shared a prayer request with me. Her Uncle ( her fathers brother ) was in the hospital and the outlook was not good.

Since we talked Sunday morning, he got promoted from this life. While I know Jane and her family are rejoicing that he is now in heaven, I am sure the next few days will be hard for the family.

Please remember them as your pray and add a prayer for Jane as she travels to be with them.

Dad update:

For the most part dad is continuing to improve. He is standing and taking a few steps with a walker during his physical therapy. He is alert and his mind is becoming more and more clear. This is both good and bad. Because now is a dangerous time for him. Dad feels good and wants to get up by himself but is far from ready to do so unassisted. He seems to try this mostly late at night when he is half alert. The chances that he could fall doing that are great. And no, one can watch him every moment. We just have to trust God will protect him from himself right now.

I am sorry I am so behind on the blog. My sister and I are still sharing the "duty days". So I am away from the web a lot.

We do appreciate your prayers and concerns. Thank you all

DAD UPDATE:

Today he took seven steps. That is the first time he'd been on his feet in 23 days. And today he ate a small cookie with the help of his speech therapist. That was his first solid food too. Next we have to teach him to swallow liquid unassisted.

Dad still has a long way to go, but I see amazing progress being made.

Thanks to every one for your continuing prayers.

Updates :

Dad is very slowly recovering. He still can't eat or drink, but he is becoming more daily alert and is able to sit up in a chair.

Kristie's mom is recovering from her surgery well ahead of schedule.

And Kristie got a good report from her tests last week.

The Fiero parts have arrived and are being installed today.. Yipee !!


Thanks for your prayers

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on."
--Robert Frost,
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet

This is especially relevant to me right now. I finally got home for a short rest.

My dad has been transferred from the Hospital three hours from me to a Rehab center about 10 minutes from where my sister and her family lives. Dad made the trip fine and after seeing him settled in there I drove the hour and a half on home. On arrival there I discovered that in my absence things pretty much remained status quo. Other than the light in the garage that Kristie was unable to replace things were fine and pretty much as I left them.

Thanks to all who are praying for Dad's recovery. He still has a long hard journey but at least the recovery has started.

Late Update.

My dad is being transfered to a rehab center tomorrow. It is closer to home, in Athens. My sister lives about 10 minutes away so mom can get some home style rest.

My father has been in the hospital over 11 days now. The first five were spent in the Shock-Trauma ICU. That's within the neurological department.
For the past six days dad has been in a room, still within the neurological wing. In his fall dad suffered some bleeding and swelling on his brain. Compounded with several facial fractures. Dad is out of danger right now and is making some progress, but it is SLOW. He mostly sleeps, rousting from time to time for a moment or two. The doctor says this is normal and are pleased. They have stressed a full recovery is possible, but that the timeline is unknown. Dad can speak in a rough voice and he knows who we are. And praise God he still wants to sing. Just a couple minutes ago we were singing up a storm.

The waiting is hard. And we are far from home which adds to the stress.

My parents are both in their mid 70's and while mom is not truly up to the task, she has insisted on staying very close. It was a battle to get her to agree to go to a hotel once the transferred him to a private room. So it has become my job to "take care" of mom too. And that is fine. I don't mind, that's my privilege. But sometimes it is a challenge.

Please continue to pray for dad's recovery, and as you do remember to include my mom as you pray

UPDATE !

After his fall dad was transferred to the Shock-Trauma ICU unit in Augusta. He has several facial fractures around his eye along with internal bleeding/swelling around his brain. At the time of his transfer, several hours after the accident his situation looked bad. However after scans, test and exams by several doctors a miracle was confirmed. The brain bleeding/swelling had diminished and the eight facial fractures are not going to require surgery either. In fact once healed dad should look the same as before. With no noticeable scaring.

On Thursday night ( day 5 ) dad was transferred from ICU to a regular room still within the neuro wing. He has been sleeping a lot but when aroused is responsive and knows what is going on around him. His speech is thick and gruff, but we feel that is because of the medication he is taking. The biggest continuing issue is his ability to swallow. Physically he seems to be able to, yet has been unable to eat or take medication orally. If this does not improve soon, a feeding tube will have to be inserted into his stomach. Please remember to pray for this specifically as we all hope to avoid that.

My mother who is 74 has been with him the entire time. Only in the past few days consenting to go to a hotel for rest. So she needs our prayer as well. My sister and I are platooning with her for now. We are tired but holding up well.

A million thanks to everyone for your messages of love and prayerful support.

And to my blog world friends. I miss my daily blog fix. I subscribe to a blog reader. It tracks the ones I have not read and saves them for me. I WILL get to them all as soon as things return a little closer to normal.

A quick prayer request turned into both a request and a praise report.



My father who is 76, had a serious accident ( a fall ) at his home on Saturday evening. There was facial damage and it appeared eye damage as well as bleeding/ swelling on his brain. He was transferred from the local hospital to the University Medical Center in Augusta. At the time it looked somewhat grim.

But after being stabilised, scanned and seen by 5 specialist and countless interns it appears he is not going to require surgery. The brain swelling and bleeding is better and the several facial fractures are much less sever than first thought. Plus there appears to be no eye damage. Right now other than looking like he lost a round to Mike Tyson and being totally confused from the injury and the medication, dad seems to be out of the woods.

Praise God. Even before I could formally ask for your prayers, they have been answered.

Still dad has a long painful recovery to endure and my mother will have a hard time with him I am sure. My sister and I will be platooning at the hospital and later at home as he recovers. Please remember all of us as we travel the several hour drive to and from the hospital, as well as for my dad and mother as we cope with his full recovery.

Last night we wrapped our current incarnation of Home Group. I have grown to love all the families involved. They have become some of my best friends and the end of the current time together leaves me a little meloncolony. But time moves on and change is inevitable. It's not like I'll never see them again, just not at the personal homegroup level.

My wonderful wife and I have agreed to try and lead the next homegroup. I'll be honest. I am a little scared. For sure I don't have all the answers. Heck, I am not even sure I understand the questions some times. But God has been with me in everything and he'll guide me in this. I just hope I can be open and truly listen. The whole concept of quiet time with God is something I am coming to understand more and more. Still it is hard to be quiet and listen. My mind runs wide open and the background noise sometimes is deafening. My prayer is God will show me wisdom. I am not alone in earthly terms either. My wife Kristie is a wise and godly woman. And she will be right beside me. Plus several of the couples from the old group will be returning, but there will be a few new faces too.

Please remember Kristie and me when you talk with God. We take this charge of leadership very seriously. So pray that we remember those quiet moments, remove ourselves and listen to what God is saying. And pray that we'll have understanding of which direction we should go as a group.

Jane it is good to see you back. And she is right folks. Perry truly nailed this one. Another keeper I assure you.