Daddy's tribute

First of all let say that I am deeply honored that MercyMe allowed me to use their words when I was unable to reach inside to find my own. However, last night, around 3 AM God woke me up with this on my mind. I have to repent for not having a pen/paper around, so not all of it is here. This is only what I was able to capture after note pad opened up... This is what was read today at my daddy's funeral service. The honor guard was there for the 21 gun salute & played taps for him making it an altogether lovely service, fitting for a man who served his country, his family and his God with all he had until his last breath.

Daddy,

As you saw into heaven

and your praise began to rise

I felt so humbled and honored

to be at your side.

As God drew close to draw you near

You raised your hands in praise

As Hallelujah filled the air.

The legacy left by your good name

Is a blessing beyond all wealth or fame.

You knew how to love and live in His grace

You walked in His favor and His blessing

Always seeking His face.

In my heart you'll always be here

Your words will always resound in my ears

"I love you princess" you would say

And I've never doubted it- not even today

If you could come back

But for one brief hour

I know your words to me would be

"Hold on to Jesus, baby."

To say I'll miss you doesn't even reflect

The emotions I'm trying to keep in check

I'm SO HAPPY YOUR HOME!

Even though I am sad that you are gone.

I love you daddy, but I'll see you again

When its finally my turn to come home

And join you again.

Goodbye Daddy

On Thursday daddy went on his journey to heaven. Sometimes His breath of life is our last. There were moments sitting at his bedside when daddy would begin to sing. Words muffled, melody fading in and out but never the less a beautiful song of praise as I believe he was seeing into heaven. The last distinguishable words he uttered was when he raised his hands and said Hallelujah! Glory to God.

I can not even begin to think of a more beautiful way to pass from this journey to the next than praising the God of Glory. I am so much like him, and one way is my love for singing (constantly lol) I pray that when my day comes, I too raise my hands in praise and glory and honor to the creator of this universe, the lover of my soul.

Good bye for now daddy. I hope your still singing when I get there! I know that you've always loved the things that I write, but right now I can't wrap my mind around a goodbye letter to you, so if you don't mind I'm going to let MercyMe say it for me.


Bring the Rain MercyMe/ Coming up To Breathe/2006
I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I’ve gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It’s never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you oh Lord
My only shelter from the storms
But instead I draw closer through these times

So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there’ll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that’s what it takes to praise You
Jesus Bring the Rain

I am Yours regardless of
The clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what’s a little rain

So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there’ll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that’s what it takes to praise You
Jesus Bring the Rain

I'm forever singing
Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Is the Lord God Almighty

Third Day on the third Day

As I laid in bed this morning, not wanting to start the day just yet, I spent a couple of moments staring at my hands. Remember the funny little thing we used to do as kids where we locked our fingers together and said, "Here is the church, here is the steeple, open the doors and there's all the people."

For some strange reason that came to mind this cold morning as I tried to nestle in for a few moments of sleep. Using my hand to grasp the covers close I thought how cool it is that when we curl our hand all of our fingers are the same length. Yet when we stretch out our hands they are different lengths. So if we didn't smash our fingers together into the "church" but rather simply bowed down, we'd all be equal.

Christmas is here. Tragedies abound. Grace, Peace, Love, Hope and Joy abound too! I'm thankful that God can show us his glory and mercy today and everyday, in this season and in all of the seasons of our lives.

I will be packing up the computer this Saturday and won't be connected again for a little while. (Thank you Toshiba for not delivering my lap top in time to prevent the gap! *sarcasm duly noted?* ) Twitter will remain turned on to my phone, however I can not follow all of you in return. If I appear to be ignoring you... please forgive me!

Have yourself a merry Christmas!!

Renee is the best surgical tech ever!!!

If anyone wants to hire her and pay her more-money-than-a-tech-should make, just call me and I'll hook you guys up.

OK Renee, happy?

This is my last week working at TOPS surgical in Houston. I will be sad to go. I am glad that I get to go home to visit with the family for most of December and the Christmas holiday season.

AMN/ Preferred has finally gotten all of my payroll issues worked out. I can now testify that they have made good on my pay. Its almost scary to change companies right now. What if I start over with a new company and I have to start over with the same problems.

From all of the message boards that I've been keeping up with, all of the travel companies have these same problems. Once you know how to cover yourself, understand all the guidelines, deadlines and rules then you are set.

At this point I'm not sure that they even want to keep me on! LOL. I guess I can be a little "wordy" at times. Although, when communicating face to face, I am respectful and polite. Who knows where everything stands at this point.

Daddy is in a hospice hospital now. I'm not sure when he is going to be transferred to the house. I know Mom is looking forward to having me home when he makes the transfer. This will be one of those times when my home health care experience is handy.

My Dawgs lost to Ga.Tech. Texas Tech is being shut out from the BCS National Championship game... The Jags are currently losing to the Houston Texans. EVERYTHING on the sports front pretty much sucks for me! I wonder if UGA is even gonna get a bowl game this year :-( *Sigh* OH well... next year is only a couple of weeks away ;-)