Why are Saturdays half as long as a week day?

I could not believe it when I looked at the clock and Saturday was gone. If only my days at work would fly by like that! Our Saturday was not very structured. We had a few things to do but nothing that was required or on a schedule. Thank goodness!

I seem to be on a fitful sleep binge. One o'clock this morning and I was already awake. Hopefully I will try to go back to bed before morning. This makes for a handful of these nights. I may have to do a sleep study.

I find myself looking forward to Sunday and church. I have no inkling of what is planned but I find myself eagerly anticipating whatever it is! I guess I am getting in the mood, I have been listening to Jeff Carson's, I can only imagine. It is one of those songs that once it gets in your head it is going to stay there all day! This song was performed at Rene's funeral this past week.

When I was at Gun Barrel City for Rene's funeral I was told that the last thing Rene' told her family was to give Chris her eyes. What a precious, precious thought. Fighting for her last breath she wasn't thinking of self but of others. (See previous blog for more on Chris).

A couple of new additions to the extended family recently. Colby and Courtney had Gracie Marie, of course Avery has to be tickled to have a playmate! Rusty and Kim had Ashlyn Kate in late February and now have her home with the rest of their little family. Click here for pictures and her web journal.

Ashlyn Kate was diagnosed with spina bifida during the pregnancy. There were decisions that Rusty and Kim had to make, whether to have surgery performed before she was born or to wait until she arrived. They decided to wait and when doctors felt Ashlyn Kate was fully developed they took her by c-section. She was very strong and her doctors assessed her situation and very quickly plans were made. The opening in her spine was very low and about the size of a half dollar, the exposed spinal cord and fluid sac was about the size of a golf ball. Surgery was performed and her leg movement appears to be good, the only problem seems to be in the ankle area but doctors were aware of this even before her surgery. Her prognosis is good, much better than some expected and they believe that she will walk and play like any child although ankle braces may be needed. Doctors did surgically implant a shunt to drain spinal fluid from her brain and she is experiencing some of the renal/kidney difficulties that are common. Best news is that she is at home with the family and doing well. Isn't it unreal what the marvel of modern medicine can do in conjunction with the prayers of many and an almighty GOD! Ashlyn Kate is a cutie! (And I really like that name).

I would give my past week a C-. It was a hard one, of course losing Rene' started the week on the down side. Then it seemed like towards the end of the week it was coated with molasses and just really slow. My employer finished one of his projects Thursday so he has began looking in earnest for a solution to our office dilemma. Build, buy or rent! My work continues to progress. When I left on Friday I was up to date for March so I have a pretty good handle on things. The owner told me that we would probably spread into other areas this week. We continue to fine tune our spreadsheets. It seems that now he wants me to insert a comment on repair and maintenance items, not a big deal, just a little more time. Lots of interesting comparisons as I put the YTD together. Most noticeable is the old rule of thumb that fuel and labor each comprise one quarter of the revenues. While this remains true with the labor, the fuel cost now is around a third of total revenue. And the oil cartels say amen! Price shopping and fuel economy is essential to the bottom line.

FATHER, I ask YOUR blessings on this day, YOUR day. I lift up Hag, B., Lillie, Carol, Michelle, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Tj, Anna, Jess and those still recovering from their injuries, for YOUR miracle of healing. I ask for YOUR care and comfort for them. I continue to pray for those hurting from loss. I ask that YOU fill their void with YOUR love, YOUR mercy, and YOUR grace. I pray for those of us with spiritual needs, take us higher. Keep us centered in YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. Surrounded by YOUR glory what will my heart feel? Will I dance for YOU JESUS, or in awe of YOU be still? Will I stand in YOUR presence or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine!