A Request for Information

Dear Friends of Nancy,

It is Friday evening, 02/29 at 10:00 p.m. and I have again searched the blog for a status report on Nancy's condition. I've not heard anything for about 12 hours. I have tried to call her sisters but have had no answer. I'm sure that they are weary of answering phone calls.

If anyone knows anything, will you please comment to this inquiry?

Nancy, my dear friend, I wish that I could wrap my arms around you and we could talk for hours as we have done in the past. I pray that God will give you a peaceful, restful evening. I pray that God and his angels will watch over you. I pray that you awake tomorrow in peace and strength in your heart. I love you very much.

Sandy

Update 2/29 9:30

Hi Everyone,
I spoke with Ashley briefly today in the waiting room. She had not yet been in to see her Mom, but she did fill me in on some things Nancy's nurse told them. Apparently the swelling of her brain has gone down some. This was unexpected (in a good way). Nancy also had moved her arm up and down when the nurse asked her to. I understand also that she tried to talk and did make some sound. I have tried unsuccessfully to catch up with Nancy's sister Sandy. Ashley mentioned that Sandy's office is also working on a website. Sandy does have the the print out of all of your comments so far. I left it with the ICU secretary this morning and he passed it on to her. It would really be best if all progress updates come from a family member. So I will try to catch her again tomorrow.

The Great Shepherd

Psalm 23 (Contemporary English Version)

1You, LORD, are Nancy's shepherd.
She will never be in need.
2You let her rest in fields
of green grass.
You lead her to streams
of peaceful water,
3and you refresh her life.
You are true to your name,
and you lead Nancy
along the right paths.
Nancy may walk through valleys
as dark as death,
but she won't be afraid.
You are with her,
and your shepherd's rod makes her feel safe.
5You treat Nancy to a feast,
while her enemies watch.
You honor her as your guest,
and you fill her cup
until it overflows.
6Your kindness and love
will always be with Nancy
each day of her life,
and she will live forever
in your house, LORD.

Words from Kerry

I heard about Nancy and I am praying for both her and her children. I have been so blessed to have come to know Nancy. She has given me so much insight into the bible and the Lord. She is one of the people who has helped me to me seek the Lord and know Him deeper. I too offer my services if anything is needed. Please know that I will continue to pray for God's blessing on her and her family. It is a sad day for all her dear friends, my heart goes out to all of you. Peace,Kerry Ryan

Only You God

Holy Father, creator of the universe, sovereign God. I bow before you to lift up this one that needs you so much. So many thoughts run through my mind, so much is needed here. Healing, comfort, patience, understanding, love, hope...not just for Nancy but for all whose hearts are touched by this sorrow. I know God that you know everything, you control everything and that you love Nancy far more than any of us, far more than we can even comprehend. I ask you to do those things that only you can do, Father. We are helpless before you and we ask that you move in a mighty way to make your love and your power and presence known. Help Nancy to have an overwhelming sense of your presence and your love. Comfort her and give her peace knowing she is firmly in your hand. Father you know her thoughts, her fears, her questions, her needs...Speak to her in unmistakeable ways and let her find sweet rest in you. Guide those who care for her, give them wisdom to provide for her medical needs. Wrap your arms around her family and help them to know you are there with them and that Nancy is your child and you have your arms around her. Be with the friends that care so much and give them peace. Father, may you be glorified in all of this. In Jesus Name.

My Special Friend, Nancy

I have known Nancy since the mid-1970's when we met in a college church ministry at Brooks Avenue Church of Christ. After my husband, Dave and I got married in 1979, Nancy and I lost touch with each other. Then about 2 or 3 years ago we saw each other at a Bible Study Fellowship meeting one night--in fact, as it turned out, Nancy was in my small group in BSF! We were so happy to see each again. I invited her to come to the Friday morning prayer group that I attend in Cary. She came and loved it, and has been such a wonderful part of our group. Nancy, I miss your beautiful smile and your warm hugs to me every Friday morning when I come to prayer group!! I am praying fervently for you, asking God to give you complete healing. I also have everyone I know praying for you, even my newly started women's prayer group at Lifepointe Christian. I love you, my special sister and friend in Christ. Donna Duty

Prayers for Nancy

Hi everyone!

Even though I have only know Nancy for the last year or so through a bible study once a week - it is as though I have known her longer. She is such a sweet woman who loves the Lord with a passionate heart. My prayers are with you Nancy and your family and caregivers. Please know that Sherrill Blazer and I have requested prayers for you at our Wednesday morning bible class as well. We know how powerful prayer can be. May these prayers give you comfort and peace as you recover from your stroke.

Laurie Preston
Cary, NC

Thanking God for all of you!

Reading your comments is precious. Thank you so much. I am going to print them and take them to the hospital tomorrow and give them to the family. Tip says that they have begun reading to her.

blog administration stuff

Hi Everyone,
I am slowly figuring out this blog thing. I just sent an invitation to those of you I have email addresses for. This means you can post your own info instead of/in addition to commenting on my posts. I don't think it makes much difference, but posting is probably more visible to others who are reading. If you have a spam blocker, remember to check your spam folder for the invitation. Thank you so much! I pray this will be a blessing to Nancy and her family.
If you haven't received an invitation and want one please email me at bspencer@nc.rr.com.
Beth (a.k.a. Betsyboo)

Ok, so I'm no technogeek....

Hi All,
I have been told that you cannot 'post' unless I invite you to, but you can comment. I am going to send invitations that you can accept and then be able to post. Stay tuned, it just depends on how busy I am tonight. I did have a nice talk with Tip. Matt was back visiting his mom. The limitation to only 2 family members has to do with the horrible flu thing. Duke is serious about it, so we should be grateful for that. According to Tip, the family had just been extensively updated by the docs this afternoon. Very serious, still, though some positive things too. Praise God, just keep praying.... More later...
Love, Beth

Update 5:15 PM

This is an update on Nancy that came from a member of Brooks Ave Church of Christ. "Betty (Nancy's friend) had just talked with Tip. She is still not able to talk, but she can move her left side and she makes appropriate eye contact. This is all good news. VERY limited visitation, -- no reason to go to Duke right now. Just keep praying for full recovery. They are doing another CT scan now."

God, and Great Physician, Healer of our Souls, Nancy is heavy on our hearts this morning. I know you have held her in your hands all night. I know you always will. I pray she will know and sense your presence and that in it she may rest and feel secure. I pray you will heal her brain from this devastating stroke and that you protect the rest of her body from its effects. Restore her fully. Father you are the mighty miracle worker and I look to nothing or no one else today to do what only you can do. You know it will take supernatural strength and courage for her family and friends to get through the hours and days ahead, I pray you will help us all find it in you. For the medical professionals who are caring for her, I pray for compassion, wisdom and accuracy. In Jesus name.