new Family

I would like to thank God for the new family I was fortunate to be a part of last week. I was telling someone earlier, it was much like a summer camp experience, coming back with such awesome relationships. But I know they still need prayers of comfort and strength during the times spent at MorganStanley Hospital.
Harvey&Kay Heintz, Joe and Glo Hays, Jackie and Katie(joes sisters) & Lance, & Jason(Lauras brother). I'm amazed at how God can bring his children together in such trying times, and I know why... we all need that shoulder to lean on.
Give us strength, Father, to receive our comfort from you and lean on that Everlasting Arm.
steve

My new friend Ira

I returned home yesterday afternoon from a journey in life I wish I did not have to take. I flew up to NY last Wednesday to just be with my friends, Joe and Laura Hays and Sophia, and just be present for a struggle, conflict, test, whatever you want to call it ... maybe just life. It is very exhausting, and tiring and overwhelming... and that is just a view from the 3rd row bleacher seats, i'm not even part of the game right now. Baby Ira was born Thursday, April 21st around 3:15pm. There have been many moments of bad news, moments of hopeful news, and moments of just pain. It is on my heart to lift up my friends, and baby Ira constantly. Sitting and listening to Joe talk, and hearing of the prayers being lifted up, gives me hope in our Father, working greatly through his children. Times like these, we wonder, we question, we doubt, we waver, but for me I know in whom I believe. Does that mean I feel that truth? No, not always, and sometimes not right now. But it does mean my hope is in the Hand of the Father, the Heart of his Son, and the Comfort of the Spirit. Truth is to know and trust, but father, give light to that trust, heal Ira Hays. Father, protect his little body, his purity, his innocence. Give him your presence and the army of your angels that are there to be with him. Give him your Son as a hand to hold, and a voice to hear singing. Give him sight into your strength, make his body strong and ready for the surgery to occur tomorrow. Father, we ask you boldly, to make those hands of the physicians, steady and able to perform to the precision of your hands. Work their their efforts to heal Ira in a way that brings you glory and praise. Father, now, I lift praises to you, for the heart of change you have brought about in me. Father, make this go away. Let us touch your coat to receive healing, give us the little faith of the men in the boat to just wake you up and seek your face. Oh Father, what do we say, how do we respond. Give us your words and comfort and comfort the pain in the hearts of Joe Laura and Sophia.
Thank you
Steve