Happy Halloween!

I'm not really a big fan of Halloween. I am however, a holiday fanatic! I love love love the holidays. From about October 20th to January 1st I am in the holiday mode. I want to pull out the big warm sweaters, hot chocoloate and turn on the oven to bake cookies, cakes, cinnamon rolls, bread and anything else that sounds fun!



As a child we would dress up each year and trick-or-treat throughout the neighborhood. I remember going to my grandparent's house and comparing quantity of candy with my cousins to see who had the most. Halloween is when I learned to barter. We would try to get rid of the candy we didn't like in exchange for what we did. I didn't really like candy all that much but that didn't stop me from trying to get as much as possible without "spending" much candy. I always ended up with way more then I could ever eat and it would sit for ages until I had to throw it away. I mostly liked the bubble gum.



As a teenager I was active in my church and we had an annual Hallelujah Party! The church members would dress up and spend a few hours at the church bobbing for apples, face painting, eating and many other fun activities. This was a wonderful alternative for me from trick-or-treating. I don't much like knocking on a strangers door or walking around outside at night in the cold. Fellowshipping in a warm church with my friends remains a wonderful memory to me.



As an adult I haven't really participated in anything annually. I have been trick-or-treating with my nieces and nephews a couple times but it is difficult since they live an hour south. I don't really like handing out candy at my house. This year I decided to make some yummy treats for some workmates and some friends. It is always fun for me to bake and give treats to others.



Please be safe and enjoy your day!

Vacation, Illness and Settling In

The past 15 days have been busy. Dad was transferred to Indian Meadows Nursing Center on October 2nd. It is a real blessing to have him in the Overland Park area. He is less then two miles from work and about 15 - 20 minutes from my home. The first couple of days were a little rough. I have learned that every time there is a change the next few days are a challenge. We are trying to figure out a new routine and how things operate. During this time, I have learned my Dad and I have several similarities I was unaware of before. One of the things we have in common is our need to understand our way around things and how everything works. Once we figure it out and know what we are dealing with, we seem to be put at ease. Dad has learned his way around the nursing home and how things operate. Today I finally felt comfortable with where he is. We met with the social worker and were able to have several questions answered and problems addressed. I have a few prayer requests to help Dad during this time.

Please pray that Dad gains weight and regains some of his strength. He has only gained 3 pounds in the past couple of weeks. The food hasn't been very palatable and on Saturday it seemed to have upset his stomach. The social worker said he should be able to request something else from the kitchen if he doesn't like his dinner. Please pray that the food would improve and dad will be able to enjoy it.

Please pray that the Social Security will approve his disability income. He will not be going back to work and we are waiting on the request to be processed. It is a shame that individuals who have worked all their lives feel that there is even a possibility that they'll be rejected. I have reassured him that it will all work out and that God is in control. That has put him at peace but he will feel much better when it is all complete.

I really never thought this would be a possibility but here it is. Dad may be going home in then next six weeks. He really is doing that well. On one hand, I'm so thrilled! I'm really excited that he can look forward to being in his own home. On the other hand, my heart is burdened because I'm concerned he will drink again. He says he won't but after drinking for more then 40 years I can't imagine it would be easy. Please pray for his temptation and that he'll be strong enough to overcome this.
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I had the opportunity for a short trip to Colorado from October 5 - 8. My step-brother Jake is in his second year at the Air Force Academy and we spent a couple days with him. We went up to Pikes Peak on Saturday and then Cripple Creek on Sunday. This is my favorite time of the year to visit Colorado.

I had a chance to meet up with my best friend Amy. It is always a blessing to see her. She is one of the most amazing people I know. Amy is in her last year of law school and God is using her in mighty ways. I'm so blessed to be able to call her my best friend. I love you Amy!!!

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The illness was mine. Dad had some stomach issues Saturday but that was because of the food and not a bug. Thank God!! I was unable to see dad for a few days after I returned from my trip because I had a bad cold. I had bronchitis and a sinus infection. Thankfully I really didn't feel awful. I had visited my doctor only because I couldn't sleep from all the coughing but she gave me an antibiotic and recommended I give it a few days before I spend time with dad.

I made him some cookies last night and spent some time with him this evening. It is such a blessing to see him getting stronger and looking forward to going home. He seems to have settled into his temporary surroundings even though they aren't up to my standards he is content.

He can have visitors and he can take trips out of the home for lunch or just time with family and friends. I haven't had a chance yet to take him any where but I'm encouraging his friends and family to spend time with him. He doesn't like to be smothered but I'm sure he wouldn't mind a change of scenery.

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Thank you for all your prayers. I would like to encourage you to read The Heavenly Man. I read the entire book on the way home from Colorado. My friend Kris recommended it to me and I am so thankful I had a very long drive home (which I didn't drive) so that I could read the entire thing! I just couldn't put it down. It is like a modern day Acts. It was a great reminder to me that God is an active part of the world today and my life. He doesn't just sit back and observe but He works and in might ways! Praise God.

Changes are Coming!

Dad is doing wonderful and will be transferred to a rehab/nursing facility possibly as early as tomorrow! He looks absolutely amazing considering all he has been through. He needs to gain some weight and we would love to find out what is going on with all this fluid in his belly. They decided not to do any surgery at this time. His spirits are high, he is happy and looking forward to rehab. There are three facilities (Olathe, Overland Park, KCK) that the VA social worker is trying to get a bed in. I’m praying he gets moved to Olathe which would cut my travel down heaps! Please pray that God makes the way and guides us to the location for him. I would also like to ask that you pray for long-term care and finances. There a lot of details to work out with disability income and nursing home fees. I have no previous knowledge or experience in either of those areas so I’m trying not to be overwhelmed.

Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him.

God has blessed in so many ways and ways that I’ll probably never even know about. He has brought dad through situations that doctors never thought he’d come out of and dad is at peace with God and looking forward to the future. The Lord has kept me safe with all my travels, provided the resources and flexibilities I have needed to be with dad and assist him. I have also been healthy through this entire ordeal. My allergies haven’t bothered me and I’ve been around illness in the hospital, work, church and family and haven’t felt under the weather in any way. Praise God!

Exodus 15:2

The LORD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation;
He is my God, and I will praise Him;
My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.

I am struggling to find the words to say because I have so many thoughts running through my head. I can’t seem to find the words that adequately define the gratitude I have in my heart for what the Lord has done and continues to do. The gratitude I have to all of you for your faithful prayers and overwhelming love towards me and my dad. This is one of those times that thank you seems insignificant to what I really want to say. Therefore, my prayer is that I will always remember the loving-kindness and faithfulness that has been extended to me through this time in order to reach out to others during their trials and tribulations with the same love you have shown me.

Thank you for your prayers, support and faithfulness to the Lord.

Stacey