Blue Skies

A Blustery Day!

2012-01-03T12:47:00.007-05:00

Some pictures from the snow and cold on January 3, 2012:

From the front porch...

Water Wheel on Highway 105 in Boone...

Little man, big icicles...

Our first real snow!

2012-01-03T10:09:00.002-05:00

Well it has finally come... our first real snow event since moving to Boone.

You can follow the data at

http://home.roadrunner.com/~scmarks/Steve'sWeather.htm

or at

http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=KNCVILAS2

I will post some pictures later this afternoon. Enjoy!!

A Montreat Lesson

2011-08-09T19:50:00.004-04:00

I hope you will not tire of my thoughts from our youth trip to Montreat. It was such a wonderful experience and there is much to share from our journey. This week I would like to address the theme of God’s love – an important lesson for young and old alike. As a youth at heart trapped in the body of a 40 something year old, I have a unique perspective. For the youth, God’s love is often overlooked as one of His most special gifts.

Life as a teenager has its ups and downs. It’s a time of great transition from childhood to adulthood. Yet there is much turmoil during this period of change, for both the youth and those who care for them. Youth are often insecure and uncertain about their future. They can be emotionally unstable at times. Every now and then they may make poor choices as they test the waters of responsibility and authority. We have all been teenagers but our memories of these trying times have faded over the years.

Perhaps now more than ever, our youth need affirmation. During our time at Montreat, the adult leaders stressed to the youth that God will always love them. Through the good times and the bad times, through the right decisions and the wrong choices, God’s love for them is a special gift. It is not something that must be earned or purchased. It is something that must simply be accepted. In return, we should all learn to share His gift.

As their congregational guardians, we can demonstrate God’s love for our youth. We can take a moment to reaffirm God’s love to the youth (as well as to one and another) through our positive comments, through a hug or pat on the back, or simply through a smile of encouragement. I am confident that the outcome will be quite favorable for the youth and for you too! It’s a lesson we can all take to heart.

“O give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136.26)

A New Opportunity

2011-06-30T21:29:00.003-04:00

Back in January I wrote about the start of something new. This evening I am writing about a new opportunity that I would have never envisioned back in January. It is truly amazing how God can work in one's life. With all the changes we have experienced in our move to the High Country of North Carolina, we have been so very blessed!

Next week I begin my work as the Interim Director of Youth Ministry with First Presbyterian Church in Boone. I am excited about this call to serve the youth within our faith community. In the coming weeks I will blog about this new journey. To learn more about First Presbyterian Church in Boone, please visit their website at www.firstpresboone.org.

Finding Balance in Boone

2011-05-12T12:35:00.000-04:00

There is always a balance in life. Without sadness, one does not fully appreciate happiness. Such opposites provide this necessary balance as well as a perspective for comparison.

Lately I have been feeling sad… missing my friends, disappointed that our house has not yet sold, discouraged that we cannot find a home we really like here in Boone, wondering what I should do next and confused as to the direction that I am being led. I think God is just sending me a little reminder that patience is a virtue (which by the way is not necessarily one of my strengths). God provides the appropriate balance at the right time.

I have discovered that taking a few minutes to reflect on my blessings and the grandeur of life helps me to regain my balance. Last night I walked to the top of our neighborhood hill, some 3400 feet above the sea. Off in the distance lightning danced across the sky. There was no thunder as the storm was many miles away. At that altitude, one can see for miles and miles, so I stood quietly just taking it all in.

As I was pondering the meaning of life atop the mountain, captivated by the beauty of my surroundings, I was suddenly startled back into reality by what I can only describe a loud snorting noise. Have you ever felt like someone was breathing down your neck? Well that’s how I felt! I couldn’t see any movement but I sure could hear it and even feel it. In a brief moment of panic, I uttered a few choice words and jumped back away from the side of the mountain top.

I really believe that God was looking down on my little pity party and decided that some levity was in order. It had to be a funny sight - a grown man so startled by the local wildlife. But all I could imagine was a scene from one of the animals gone wild videos. Here I stand watching quietly in awe the majesty of a distant thunderstorm only to be trampled and devoured by a heard of deer.

As you can see, I made it home alive (thanks to my family for the ride back down the hill). And we all had a good laugh at my expense. Last night God provided the necessary opportunity for a little humor and the perspective that I needed to achieve some balance. The serenity of the mountain top is a wonderful place to experience God’s grace. Next time I’ll take a flashlight and maybe even some deer repellent.

Sooner than Later

2011-04-10T22:10:00.008-04:00

Flexibility is the key to a smooth transition... and I am so very fortunate that my family, friends and co-workers can bend when the need arises. In the past two months, our plans have changed dramatically. I'm sorry that I haven't contacted everyone personally. Here's the latest on our adventures in moving.

For a variety of reasons, we decided to move everyone in April. Carol and the kids are now comfortably residing in a wonderful home we are renting in Vilas. The view from 3200 feet is delightful and the walk up the driveway will take your breath away (literally)! Vilas is located just outside of Boone, near Valle Crucis.

The kids have settled into their new schools and Carol is enjoying her new job. I will finish up work in a week and begin my new career in parenting immediately thereafter. I have already scouted out a great little coffee shop and several grocery stores in Boone. I am excited about beginning this new chapter in our lives.

Although we have moved to the High Country, several return trips to Greensboro are on the schedule for the coming months. We didn't get the chance to say our good-byes to everyone, so we'll take these upcoming opportunities to visit with our many friends as well as the orthodontist, pediatrician, hair stylists, etc. while we're in town.

I look forward to sharing our continued adventures with you here on Blue Skies. Look for additional comments on Facebook and Twitter as well.

Something Very Different

2011-02-10T12:00:00.000-05:00

In January, I blogged about “The start of something…” with the thought of sharing the news of my new venture with Westminster Presbyterian Church. In case you hadn’t heard, I accepted a part-time position as Assistant Director of Youth. As I was crafting my message about this new adventure in my life, something else was soon to be in the works. It’s ironic that I was set to write about something, and suddenly now I really have something very different to write about.

This something that I now write about is a family relocation to Boone, North Carolina. Carol has accepted a position with Boone Dermatology and I have decided to retire from the public safety profession to support Carol’s career and help out with all the work that goes into moving to a new town and nurturing a family in transition. We are quite excited about all this but at the same time sadden to be moving away from our friends. While this is a wonderful opportunity for us all, it does not come without some angst… leaving old friends behind and making new ones, the logistics of moving (selling and buying a home as well as all of the packing and unpacking, starting a new job, a new school system… the list goes on).

Over the course of the next few months, I will be sharing our progress as we relocate to Boone. Here’s the plan as of today… Carol will be the first to move as she begins her new position in April. I will work through the end of April and then focus on the move as well as wrap up some projects at church. The kids and I will then move as they complete school and church activities. We expect the process to be completed sometime in June, but one never really knows how to anticipate all the variable associated with relocating a family. We welcome your prayers during this time of transition. I will keep you posted with stories and pictures!

The start of something...

2011-01-23T00:20:00.005-05:00

Welcome to my start of something. It's not really the start of something new or the start of something big. As you can see, I've already tried all that. I think it's simply the start of something.

So what is something? Definitions include "an undetermined or unspecified thing, amount or extent." Something can be "anything unknown, undetermined, or not specifically designated; a certain indefinite thing; an indeterminate or unknown event; an unspecified task, work, or thing." Or maybe something is simply a "thing that is not definitely known, understood, or identified; some undetermined thing."

Blues Skies Blog has been around for nearly three years. It started out as an avenue to share family information. Then is started again as an opportunity to record my spiritual journey. Now, it starts once more as something. So please join me as we explore something in each and every post.

Advent Devotional

2010-12-10T16:28:00.001-05:00

“Faces on the Road to Bethlehem”

In The Sign of Immanuel, the prophet Isaiah speaks of a sign from God some 700 years prior to the birth of Christ (Isaiah 7:10-16).

14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

As I reflect on my faith journey this Advent season, I recall many times asking God for a sign to help me believe. God placed many signs before me, but I could not see them.

God is patient.

I can see many of these signs now. Some are evident in biblical passages. Some are present in my everyday life. I can recognize many that have come before and eagerly anticipate those yet to appear. What a wonderful gift it is to be able to experience these signs from God.

God’s grace is abundant.

Everyday my faith grows stronger. Every day I am witness to the wonders and miracles that our God puts forth. How blessed I am.

Thanks be to God.

"What's in our purse?" - Dr. Mark Sills

2010-08-17T10:09:00.003-04:00

I don't normally cross post articles but I found this one authored by Dr. Mark Sills of FaithAction to be so worthwhile...

As you no doubt know by now, I really enjoy stories that point to the intersection of the various faiths of the world. There is so much we could learn from one another if we just stopped to listen.

One of the really wonderful examples is a story about Jesus told by the Islamic sage, Attar of Nishapur. Attar lived in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. His poetry and narratives have had a great and lasting influence on the art and wisdom of Persian religious life. Attar wrote:

"One day some people were reviling Jesus as he walked through their village. Instead of answering their insults with curses, Jesus blessed them and prayed for them. Someone said to Jesus, 'You blessed these men, did you not feel anger toward them?' And Jesus answered, 'I could only spend of what I had in my purse.'"

So often, when confronted with hostility, my first reaction is to become angry and hostile in return. I just find it difficult to understand how so many otherwise decent and intelligent people can hold such racist and xenophobic and homophobic and sexist attitudes! And when I see people rejecting those I am honored and blessed to serve every day, my first reaction is to reject them. And, of course, that's the problem.

Attar, in this simple story about Jesus, shows us the solution to all of this. We must empty our "purses" of whatever is in there that reflects fear, hostility, or rejection. Then we must fill our "purses" with love. When our hearts and souls are so filled with love there is no room for anything else, it will not matter what happens around us, we will be able to bless all whom we meet.

Lenten Devotional

2010-03-23T22:15:00.002-04:00

A Lenten Devotional from
Psalm 119:73-96 (New International Version)

My journey has just begun. Touch me, teach me.

73 Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands.

My journey is underway. Guide me.

77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.

The journey is at times empty of reason. Help me to believe.

81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word.

The journey is at times full of peril. Help me to overcome.

85 The arrogant dig pitfalls for me,
contrary to your law.

Throughout my journey I have felt your timeless presence.

90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.

Throughout my journey, be with me always.

94 Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.

Amen.

A New Year

2010-01-02T08:49:00.002-05:00

Yet another New Year is upon us. It certainly snuck up on me! I have been noticeably absent from blogging, Twitter and Facebook (although that's not always a bad thing). I enjoyed spending time with family during the month of December, including a trip to Ohio to visit the parental units and my sister at Christmas. It was a wonderful time!

And then there's work. Wow, what a change of pace. I do miss my comrades at Emergency Services, but I am really enjoying the challenges at GM911. We have a great team and always plenty to do. I'm still getting my feet wet and learning the ropes, but after a month, I am feeling more and more comfortable with the position. I'm sure I'll have some good stories to post soon.

The family is doing well. Everyone is healthy and enjoying the holiday break... although Carol and I are ready for school to start back up! :) The kids enjoyed their Christmas and are now ready for some more snow days. And with all this cold weather, all we need is a little moisture...

Happy New Year!

Opportunity Knocks

2009-11-15T21:15:00.002-05:00

Is it time for Marks to change jobs yet? All kidding aside, I have been very content working with Guilford County Emergency Services in the Emergency Management Division. It even appeared that I might finally earn a longevity check. In fact, my intentions were to stay for quite some time. Seriously. Think about it… where can you get paid to manage disasters, respond to hazardous materials incidents and play with radios?

Opportunity knocks - sometimes when we least expect it.

I have been given the chance to move into a position that will allow me to enjoy what I do as well as enhance my leadership and project management skills. Such an opportunity I could not pass up. So with mixed emotions, I am saying good-bye to my role as an emergency manager and hello to my new responsibilities as the Technical Services Manager for Guilford Metro 911. I am sad to be leaving such a wonderful group of folks at Emergency Services, while at the same time, excited about my future with a new team and new projects at the Radio Shop.

As the Technical Service Manager, I will be providing oversight and management of the jointly owned Greensboro-Guilford County 800 MHz Trunked Radio System. The system is maintained by professional administrative staff and radio technicians with whom I will have the pleasure of working alongside. Together we will wade through challenging projects like “rebanding” and the development of a multi-million dollar radio system upgrade, along with the day-to-day operations of a complex radio system.

I begin my new endeavor on December 1st.

The Light Shines on the Path

2009-11-15T20:15:00.004-05:00

The journey continues. Although I stumble through the darkness of my own ignorance, the path is illuminated. With every question answered, more questions arise. Yet I am comfortable with this arrangement. And with the season of Advent just around the corner, I see an opportunity to further explore my relationship with God and celebrate the birth of baby Jesus.

While I am much more confident in my Christian faith now, I have been looking for a link. In our understanding of God, is there not a common thread that binds us all together? Are Christians, Jews and Muslims really so different? Do we not all worship one God? Why do we sometimes hate one another so vehemently?

Some tough questions... but I have found what I consider now to be an important biblical journey that links us together. It seems that Christians, Jews and Muslims all see Abram as a central figure in their respective religions. Abram (also called Abraham) embarked on this journey as commanded by God in Genesis 12:

The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.”

The spiritual journey is vitally important to all of us. I am grateful that I have recognized this, albeit somewhat late in life. I believe that my journey will lead me to discover my true purpose in life. So, regardless of your faith, we travel together on this most important journey. You and I, my friend, we are not so different after all.

Show Me the Way

2009-10-26T11:50:00.005-04:00

If you were listening to the radio in the early 90’s, you might recognize these lyrics:

Show me the way, show me the way
Take me tonight to the river
And wash my illusions away

Dennis DeYoung wrote these words as part of the Styx pseudo-hymn rock ballad “Show Me the Way” from the album Edge of the Century, released in 1990.

I have found these words to be quite foretelling. My spiritual journey reached a new level when I was baptized at Fellowship Presbyterian Church in August 2006. A year later I was ordained a Presbyterian Elder. I was both confident and comfortable in my Christian religion. Recently, however, I have been struggling to understand the concept of a religion… more accurately, what makes one religion better than another.

Show me the way, show me the way
Take me tonight to the mountain
And take my confusion away

I sought out on my own to discover the answers. I was to write about it. But as you can see, it’s been several weeks now since any new posts have appeared in my blog. The answers, I have found, are not so easy to come by. So within the past week, I have solicited the assistance from folks who I consider to be spiritual mentors. They are friends and acquaintances from near and far. The responses have been extraordinarily enriching. I wish now to share some links with you:

http://www.existence-of-god.com/lord-liar-lunatic.html
http://veritas.org/media/presenters/164
http://www.religionfacts.com/big_religion_chart.htm
http://ancientfaith.com/

These links have been a great starting point for me. There are more links and suggested readings that I will reference in additional posts. I also want to include a quote that sums up my findings:

“I am convinced that one’s religion is largely dependent on one’s family and cultural background, not on any tremendously profound truth. I came to understand God through Christianity, however, I will be the first to admit that don’t believe that it is the exclusive truth, nor the only way to bring understanding to one’s life.” ~ Gray Clark

Thanks to those who took the time to respond to my questions. I am now more confident than ever that I am on the right path. My spiritual journey continues with renewed vigor and faith.

Charting a New Course

2009-09-06T10:45:00.002-04:00

Letting go of painful moments takes time. I’ve learned that forgiveness is a powerful process of release. But it’s not as simple as pulling that chain on a lamp, hoping that as the light comes on, the hurt goes away. I believe that time heals all wounds. I just didn’t know how long it might take to work though all of the feelings of disappointment, frustration and anger that I was harboring.

Have you ever been looking for something, only to find it staring you right in the face?

Ah ha, there it is!

In fact, it was there all along. I just couldn’t see it. I needed someone to help me recognize what it was that I was looking for!

Two phenomenal mentors - one is the youth director at a local Methodist church, the other has been a missionary in Africa - helped me to find what I had been missing. How did they accomplish such a task? They listened to what I had to say. They offered answers to my many questions. They guided me in new directions. And they encouraged me to read as much as I could.

Reading has always been foreign to me. I was never one to curl up in a comfy chair and read for hours. But suddenly, I found myself immersed in works from authors like Rick Warren, Marjorie Thompson, William Paul Young, Henri Nouwen and most recently Esther & Jerry Hicks and Wayne Dyer. Everything I have read is a bit different, but I have found a reoccurring theme… the love and mercy of God is within each and every one of us. The challenge is then recognizing this and allowing it to come forth.

I am a child of God. So in a sense, God is my parent - a Father who loves me unconditionally. I may disappoint Him from time to time. But as any parent would do for a child, He forgives me when I do wrong - just as a parent myself, I forgive my children. I can see that now. I can rejoice in the power of forgiveness, for I have been forgiven. And it is not for me to judge others who have done wrong, for I do not know all of their circumstances.

That does not mean that forgiveness comes quickly or easily. On the contrary, for some it may take many years and much soul searching. But we all have the capacity to forgive as we are all of God’s making. For me, understanding how I am loved and forgiven has helped expedite the process of me loving and forgiving others.

In the grand scheme of life, my time here is limited. It’s up to me to make the most of it. Letting go of the past does not mean that I haven’t learned something from it. Forgiveness does imply indifference. But there is no positive outcome in dwelling on the inequities of the past. I have charted a new course in my spiritual journey. I hope you will continue to follow and encourage me along the way.

Overcoming Inertia: The Start of Something New

2009-09-02T22:10:00.003-04:00

Getting started can often be the most difficult part of the journey. So let me begin by inviting you to join me as I write about my journey toward spiritual enlightenment. Writing can help to set free new thoughts and ideas. My hope is that you may benefit from my efforts as we mosey down this path together.

Some may say I’m a late bloomer. As I child I never attended church. And as an adult, I had no concept of organized religion. It was not until I met an astonishing Presbyterian pastor that I had any interest in understanding God. Our pastor’s love and compassion helped me though the stress of Carol’s sudden illness as well as many of life’s other trials and tribulations.

Timing is everything, isn’t it? I was ready to discover my God given purpose and this man was there to mentor me and help me learn. He opened my eyes to so many wonderful things. For once in my life, I felt truly blessed and fulfilled.

In gratitude, I offered to serve as an Elder in the church. It was there, however, that I discovered the dark side of organized religion. Sparing you the unpleasant details, suffice to say that mistakes were made on both sides. The session and the pastor could have handled things more professionally. Feelings were hurt. Confidence faltered.

A change was necessary. There was no denying that. But the manner is which this entire situation was handled still haunts me today. How could this happen in a church of all places? The relationship between the pastor and the congregation was dissolved. There was a tearful and uneasy good-bye.

My faith was shaken. Not so much my faith in God, but rather my faith in the people of God. So I left the church in search of a kinder, gentler environment in which to worship. The journey begins anew.

Join me for my next post as I share with you how I have struggled to let go of the past, embrace forgiveness and continue with my journey toward spiritual enlightenment.

Inertia

2009-08-11T21:30:00.000-04:00

Webster defines inertia as a “resistance to motion or change.” Sir Isaac Newton describes the principle of inertia in part as “an object at rest tends to stay at rest…”

For two years I worked diligently on completing some post graduate studies. I was reading and/or writing at least five nights a week. When I finished in December 2008, I decided it was time for a break. For the first few weeks, I found myself pacing the floors, looking for something to occupy my time. Gradually, I became more comfortable relaxing in front of the television.

Within six months, I was content with simply propping up my feet while gazing at mindless shows on the TV set. I wasn’t really reading much nor was I writing. I was just vegetating. I was complacent.

But the desire to read and write again began gnawing at me earlier this summer. I have read some and posted occasionally on the blog, but not like I really wanted to. I keep telling myself, “Tomorrow I’ll get started in earnest!” But when tomorrow comes, I’m too tired or there’s something on the tube or I just don’t feel like it. Inertia has taken hold.

I have since forced myself away from the idiot box and back to the keyboard. It’s not easy to break through the complacency, but I already feel better. I believe that it is much like exercising. Getting started is a real pain in the ass. But once I do get underway, I feel better and it becomes easier to get motivated each day.

Complacency, fueled by inertia, can be an addiction…

So bear with me as I fight this addiction. Look for more tweets and blog posts as I muster the energy and enthusiasm to keep moving forward. I’m teaching an on-line class in emergency management this semester at GTCC, so I have now the necessary incentive to resume reading and writing with vigor. I’ll use Twitter and Blue Skies Blog as my creative outlet.

Feel free to send me comments. And let me know how you overcome your addictions.

Change

2009-07-05T22:40:00.001-04:00

Change is among us always. Sometimes the change is incredibly subtle. Take for example a glass of water on the table. The water slowly changes form. The liquid evaporates into a vapor over time. It is hard to detect the change until one day we notice the glass is empty. This slow change is often tolerable until such time that it becomes obvious and perhaps uncomfortable.

Change can happen in an instant as well. The glass of water can be knocked over, spilling its contents and creating quite the mess. Suddenly the glass is empty, maybe even broken. The change is very apparent and possibly alarming. Such rapid and unplanned change can be rather disruptive. Even planned changes that occur too quickly can create discord.

We can replace the analogous glass of water with words like love, friendship, passion and faith. Every now and then we take for granted what we have in abundance until it becomes scarce or non-existent. And sometimes we are simply the victims of change that we can not control. In either case, the outcome is agonizing: friendships end, passion wanes, and our faith is shaken.

However, such change can lead us onto the path of new beginnings. As one door closes, another door opens. We may not understand the change, or even appreciate it at the time it occurs. A time for reflection is essential as we embark on our new journey. Patience helps us to focus on the positive aspects of change and to see our path more clearly.

Change is inevitable. Will we manage the change or will it manage us?

The Summer Solstice

2009-06-21T13:16:00.001-04:00

Today is the longest day of the year – the first day of summer. I reflect fondly on my childhood summers in Ohio… tennis, swimming, soccer, the 4th of July, High School parties, time with family and friends. Summer can be such a carefree time in our lives… summer vacations, sleeping in late, being lazy, and best of all no homework!

Today is also Father’s Day. I am grateful for all that my father taught me and provided for me. I want to be able to do the same for my kids as they grow up. I am blessed to have three spectacular children (and a loving wife who takes care of me) on this special day for Fathers everywhere.

Today is also the beginning of Lightning Safety Week. It seems that summertime and thunderstorms go hand-in-hand. So it just makes sense to take the opportunity on this day of Summer Solstice to remind everyone of the dangers of lightning, and how quickly lives can change in an instant.

“When thunder roars, go indoors!” Please take a moment and review the video and safety materials available at www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov. Read Ellen Bryan’s personal story on lightning safety then watch the video again. Take the Lightning Safety IQ Test. Did you keep Leon safe?

Celebrate the Solstice! Happy Father’s Day! I wish you a safe and pleasurable summer!

A man’s home is his castle…

2009-06-07T18:59:00.001-04:00

My castle is a modest two story home situated in a pleasant neighborhood in northern Greensboro. For the past eleven years I have proudly kept the lawn neatly groomed. It hasn’t always been easy. There have been the droughts, the pets and the kids all working to dismantle my best efforts at a thick green turf. It’s been my project from the beginning, and I am proud of my accomplishments. Yet, the day has come to allow someone else the opportunity to care for this pasture of love.

It’s a right of passage. To become a young man, a boy must take on added responsibilities and prove himself worthy. This week became that opportunity for my oldest son (who just turned 13) to step up, and for me to step back. It may be hard for some to believe, but a man’s home is his castle and to let go of some of the responsibility for its upkeep is not always the easy task. And certainly, there is not a great incentive for a teenage boy to accept additional household responsibilities without tangible compensation.

While there were a few spots the lawnmower missed, the yard looked great after my son’s maiden voyage. While he was working to manicure the grass, I took a few minutes to introduce my youngest son (who just turned 8) to the necessary care and maintenance of our vegetable garden. He also excelled in his task! He was able to remove the weeds without removing the plants. It was a banner day for the men – young and old alike – in the Marks household.

There is satisfaction in a job well done. I recall many occasions when the neighborhood men would gather in the cul-de-sac after a hard day’s work, enjoying a cold beverage and proudly remarking how nice the yards looked. Yet today I realized a new fulfillment. There is even greater satisfaction in teaching your children a task for which you have been responsible for many years - and then stepping back to watch them excel. What a wonderful blessing!

Will we ever learn?

2009-06-04T23:29:00.001-04:00

There are dangers associated with severe weather. It’s just that simple. But yet, so many simply disregard the message of precaution. Will we ever learn?

In a matter of hours, two people perished needlessly in separate severe weather events in Virginia and North Carolina. On Wednesday afternoon, a 12 year old boy was struck and killed by lightning. His 11 year old friend lies in a Richmond, Virginia hospital in critical condition. The boys were playing catch on a ball field as severe thunderstorms approached the area. Park officials had suspended the baseball game and ordered participants off the field due to the weather. However, the boys remained on the field and were playing catch under parents' supervision.

On Wednesday evening near Greensboro, North Carolina a 50 year old woman drown in a flash flood. She was riding her moped home during a severe thunderstorm. She came across a state highway patrol officer who was blocking a flooded roadway. She rode past the trooper, lost control and plunged into a rain swollen creek. The trooper was able to rescue the woman from the creek. Unfortunately, the woman jumped back into the creek in an attempt to retrieve her moped. This time she was swept away by the flood waters. Her body was found 300 yards downstream an hour later.

Will we ever learn?

Our life is precious. Take care of it… it’s the only one we've got.

Faith and Life

2009-05-31T21:00:00.001-04:00

My wife and I attended a party on Saturday night. It was a true celebration of faith and life. A dear friend of ours has been battling breast cancer for some time now. Between her treatments and her positive outlook on life, she has beaten the cancer. It was so wonderful to see her. In fact, if you didn’t know any better, you would never have known what she has had to endure. But the story doesn’t stop with her.

We also met a man who successfully battled cancer. His chance of survival just last year was a mere ten percent. He initially went to the doctor with a sore throat. When it didn’t go away with a week’s worth of antibiotics, he went back and they found a tumor. It was benign but he decided to have it removed anyway. During the surgery, the doctors discovered that it was in fact cancer, and that the cancer had spread significantly.

Although the outlook was bleak, he never gave up hope. With aggressive treatments and a very supportive family, he beat the odds. When we met him Saturday night, we had no idea that just a year ago he had been so very sick. He looked no different than any other person you would see.

The courage and strength that these folks displayed is an inspiration to us all. I left the party with a renewed appreciate for the power of faith and grateful for all the blessings I have received. Sometimes when you learn of others’ problems, yours don’t seem so bad.

It’s Me

2009-05-28T21:58:00.000-04:00

Hmmm… my last post was two months ago, too long ago. I kept thinking that I would post something, but as you can see, it just never happened.

People will forget about your blog when you don’t post regularly.

So now, I’m back again. It’s me.

I’m lucky to be alive. Last week I was driving to a meeting in my county vehicle and I was hit head-on by an errant utility trailer that came loose from a pick up truck heading in the opposite direction. My vehicle was totaled. I walked away – by the grace of God – with just a minor burn to my left arm (from the airbag). Did I mention that I am lucky to be alive?

I’ve learned all too often now just how precious life is, and how quickly it can change in an instant. Carpe diem!

Seen me on Facebook lately? Probably not. I’m finding that while it’s a neat way to keep up with friends, it’s also a colossal waste of time. I’m not gone from FB, just not visiting all that often. You’ll find me more regularly on Twitter and here in the Blue Skies.

So two days after my accident, my mailbox was flooded with get well letters from various lawyers and chiropractors. Do they still call them ambulance chasers? What a sad commentary, eh?

On a lighter note, I just finished reading The Shack by Wm. Paul Young. It’s an uplifting story about the power of God and how one man comes to terms with a terrible tragedy. Read the book then give me a call. We’ll grab a cup of tea and chat about the importance of faith in our lives.

See you soon!

Children with Strong Religious Beliefs are Healthier

2009-03-23T17:32:00.000-04:00

According to a report published in Medical News Today, kids who are more spiritual or religious tend to be healthier.

That's the conclusion of Dr. Barry Nierenberg, Ph.D., ABPP, associate professor of psychology at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who has been studying the relationship between faith and health. He presented on the topic at the American Psychological Association's Division of Rehabilitation Psychology national conference on February 27, in Jackson, Fla.

"A number of studies have shown a positive relationship between participatory prayer and lower rates of heart disease, cirrhosis, emphysema and stroke in adults," he says. "Prayer has been shown to correlate to lower blood pressure, cortisol levels, rates of depression, as well as increased rates of self-described well being."

"But very few studies have attempted to examine how children's spiritual beliefs impact their health," he says. Initially, Nierenberg conducted a study of HIV positive pediatric patients (ages seven to 17), comparing religious development, church attendance and prayer to health measures such as symptoms, T-cell counts and number of hospitalizations.

"One significant finding was that children who attended church were more likely to have higher T-cell counts than non churchgoing children," he says, "but that finding is difficult to interpret. It's likely that the more ill a child is, the less ability they have to attend church."

"We needed a second study to more precisely examine religious faith and behavior," he says.

So they examined 16 children (ages six to 20) who were undergoing hemodialysis due to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). The patients were questioned on a scale of spirituality behaviors and attitudes, and responses were correlated to dialysis-related blood levels, including: blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lymphocytes, albumin, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and urea reduction ratio.

"There was a significant negative correlation between spiritual attitudes and BUN levels," he says. "As children reported more agreement with statements like, 'I am sure that God cares about me,' and 'God has a plan for me," their average BUN levels over the past year were lower."

"We have a deeper understanding of why there is so little in the literature exploring the relationship between health spirituality in children and adolescents," he says. "It's challenging to measure in this population. It can be difficult getting all the necessary permission. The pool of children is limited, and the interviews can be time consuming. But it's important it's done for the same reason we study it in adults."

Saint Patrick

2009-03-14T10:31:00.003-04:00

One of the characteristics of effective leaders is that of forgiveness. While reading the latest Leadership Wired newsletter from John Maxwell, I came across this article:

"Lost in the midst of shamrocks, green-clad partygoers, and leprechauns there is a story of a tremendous leader - Saint Patrick. That we celebrate a holiday bearing his name 1,500 years after his death attests to the greatness of Ireland's patron saint. Saint Patrick's life teaches valuable lessons about the power of forgiveness."

www.giantimpact.com/articles/read/article_leadership_lessons_from_the_life_of_saint_patrick/

As we celebrate Saint Patrick's Day, take a moment to reflect on the power of forgiveness and the lessons that Patrick has taught us.

Rejuvenating Our Spiritual Energy

2009-02-08T20:54:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed a wonderful sermon at church today and wanted to share some of my thoughts about it. The message was entitled “Renewable Energy” and highlighted measures for us all to rejuvenate our spiritual liveliness. Some of the ways in which we can renew our energy include:

• Participating in Worship
• Attending to the needs of others
• Observing the Sabbath
• Embracing our Calling
• Servant Leadership
• Prayer

There are two important concepts to consider regarding renewable energy. The first is always having compassion for others… healing the hurts. Sometimes this can be as simply as listening to someone’s problem. The second notion involves the importance of a constant renewal process. Just like an effective team must practice to maintain proficiency, we too must constantly strive to renew our spiritual energy in many different ways.

Attending church every week does not guarantee a process of rejuvenation. Participation is the key to renewal. Being actively involved in some aspect not only helps you renew your spiritual energy, it also helps to invigorate the team (congregation). Remember, we’re all in this together. Please take a moment to consider ways in which you can revitalize your spiritual energy. I welcome your comments and suggestions!

A Dog's Purpose

2009-01-17T16:57:00.013-05:00

As a dog owner for many years, I thought that this was worth sharing...

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane , were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer.

I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.

We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane , who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.' Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Three years from now...

2009-01-11T08:12:00.004-05:00

In the field of emergency management, there are always scenarios to consider. Here is yet another. The prediction is dire, but the message for us to be prepared - and not reliant on the government - rings through again and again. Having an emergency plan for you and your family is vitally important.

"Powerful Solar Storm Could Shut Down U.S. for Months"

Friday , January 09, 2009
By Robert Roy Britt

A new study from the National Academy of Sciences outlines grim possibilities on Earth for a worst-case scenario solar storm. Damage to power grids and other communications systems could be catastrophic, the scientists conclude, with effects leading to a potential loss of governmental control of the situation.

The prediction is based in part on a major solar storm in 1859 that caused telegraph wires to short out in the United States and Europe, igniting widespread fires. It was perhaps the worst in the past 200 years, according to the new study, and with the advent of modern power grids and satellites, much more is at risk.

"A contemporary repetition of the [1859] event would cause significantly more extensive (and possibly catastrophic) social and economic disruptions," the researchers conclude.

The article continues at http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,478024,00.html.

New Year’s Update

2009-01-04T16:17:00.001-05:00

One year ago I was pacing the halls of the Intensive Care Unit at Moses Cone Hospital. Carol had just suffered from several grand mal seizures. To date, we still have been unable to determine a cause or reason for this sudden onset of seizure activity. We still have been unable to effectively control the seizures. We have, however, been able to stabilize the seizure activity to an extent that allows Carol to function at home and at work. Although she is still unable to drive, she is able to carry on with her life.

Carol continues to remain in good spirits in spite of her condition. We are trying new medicines and will be returning to Baptist Hospital in February for additional testing. She has been seizure free since Thanksgiving and the entire family was able to enjoy relaxed and pleasant Christmas and New Year’s celebrations with family and friends. Typically, her seizures have been occurring every 8 to 12 weeks, so we will be watching her closely around the end of the month.

The kids have been doing well and enjoying their new Wii. Andrew obtained his Amateur Radio license this past fall. Michael is playing indoor soccer and Katie is taking piano lessons this winter. All three have been helping around the house, each with their own responsibilities. We all have enjoyed the past few weeks together during the holidays. Reality sets in tomorrow however as the winter break comes to an end and school resumes again.

Speaking of school, I finished my Masters of Science degree in Emergency Management in December. I thoroughly enjoyed the distance learning process, but I must admit that I am excited to have more time now to spend with family and friends. I hope to put my efforts to good use at work with Guilford County Emergency Services, and in the future with some additional consulting and teaching opportunities. I hope to write more journal articles this coming year in addition to keeping the Blue Skies Blog up to date!

We would not have been able to make it through 2008 if it weren’t for our faith and friends at Fellowship Presbyterian Church. Although I have been active in the church, serving on Session and working with the Youth, I never would have imagined the support that we received this past year. The church community has been with us every step of the way. Words alone can not express our gratitude. We are truly blessed and thankful for all that we have as a family.

On behalf of the Marks family, we wish you a Happy New Year!

December Update

2008-12-07T20:13:00.004-05:00

As you can see, I've been remiss in keeping everyone updated. Some good news first... I have finished my academic program and am now the proud recipient of a Masters of Science degree in Emergency Management. To celebrate, and as a reward for putting up with me for the past two years while in school, I purchased the kids a Wii. We're hoping Santa brings us Guitar Hero and some other neat games!

On the not so good news front, Carol has been struggling with more seizures. The most recent seizure occurred just last week. We have an appointment with the specialists on Wednesday. We are also in the midst of tinkering with her meds, so hopefully we will have some better news for the upcoming holidays. She is holding up fairly well, although she is not able to drive for the foreseeable future.

With school now behind me (for a while at least), I hope to blog more often. Of course, I have said that for a while now, so I guess we'll all have to wait and see... Stay tuned! :)

out of the blue

2008-10-07T17:52:00.003-04:00

Well, just when you think everything is going well, something crashes out of the blue. Yesterday afternoon while at work I received several frantic phone calls from home. The kids alerted me that Carol had a sudden grand mal seizure (the big, nasty kind) and struck her head on the kitchen floor. Long story short, we spent a few hours in the ER to verify that Carol didn't have any significant head injury as a result of the fall, secondary to the seizure.

The good news is that Carol just has a concussion and should be back on her feet in a few days. The not so good news is that this grand mal seizure came out of the blue. There were no precipitating factors that we can identify that lead to the seizure. The neuro docs are also uncertain as to why and we have discussed further testing in addition to a modification to her meds.

I'll keep you posted on our progress.

Blog Organization

2008-09-30T22:20:00.002-04:00

I have been struggling with how to keep up with all the blogs I enjoy reading. Recently I stumbled upon a very simple solution... RSS!

Using any popular RSS Reader - I use Google Reader - you can load the blog URL and away you go!

For example, if you want to read my latest blog entries, simply enter this URL into your reader:

http://scmarks.blogspot.com

Your reader should format the address for RSS and you will receive the updates to your reader instead of having to go to my blog site periodically to check for new posts.

I hope this helps you as much as it has helped me in organizing your favorite blogs!

How fortunate are we?

2008-09-18T22:44:00.002-04:00

If you are reading this from the comfort of your home, please reflect on how fortunate we truly are. There are many still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Ike. Please click on the link below to view some very compelling pictures...

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/09/the_short_but_eventful_life_of.html

Neurology Update

2008-09-09T16:57:00.003-04:00

I took Carol to the Neurology Doc this morning for a scheduled visit. We spent about an hour discussing her condition. While the doc was optimistic about the success of long term seizure management, he conceded that we will likely never really know the cause of the initial onset of seizures. And consequently, there may not be a cure that would eliminate further seizures. At this point, however, the good news is that the seizure medicine is working as it is supposed and Carol's condition has been stabilized.

The doc performed some additional tests designed to rule out an escalation of her seizure condition, more for our peace of mind than anything else. We should get those results in a week or two. Further tests may be necessary in 6 months if there is any recurrence of seizure activity. Additionally, if there are no further episodes, he would consider reducing her medicine. At this point, we are in a wait-and-see mode, maintaining her present course of medicine.

There are several factors that could contribute to additional seizures. Sleep deprivation and stress are the two most critical factors in lowering the seizure threshold. Additionally, any attack on the immune system (flu, virus, common cold, etc.) could have a negative impact on her condition. So we are trying to be careful as a family to keep Carol healthy and rested! She is permitted to drive locally but not for long distances or on highways. She is happy to be able to get out on her own.

It has been just over 8 months since her first series of seizures. I truly believe that all the prayers we have received have significantly contributed to her recovery. Our family is blessed to have so many folks caring for us. I will keep everyone posted on our progress!

New Beginnings

2008-09-03T19:58:00.003-04:00

This week marks the longest stretch that Carol has gone without seizures since all this began back in January. We are now at 12 weeks and still counting. While we are still quite uncertain as to the long term prognosis, we are grateful that we presently have the seizures under control. We still do not know for sure the cause or if/when seizures may occur again, but at least we are returning to some sense of normalcy. We have another visit with the Doc at Baptist next week so hopefully we have an update thereafter.

In other news, we are on week two of the new school year. Andrew is in 7th grade, Katie is in 6th grade and Michael is in 2nd grade. So far, the kids are adjusting well to their classes and schedules. I too am back in school and slated to finish my MS in Emergency Management in December. Andrew is also taking guitar lessons and Katie is progressing well with her piano lessons. Michael starts soccer this week and has his first game this Saturday. Shuffling the kids around is so much fun!

As promised, look for updates on a much more regular basis. I'll have new information about potential tropical systems to impact our area in the days to come as well as an update from the doctors visit in subsequent blog posts. Until then... stay safe!

Positive Living

2008-06-22T10:46:00.002-04:00

Tena Varner, a paramedic with Guilford County EMS, shared this with us...

John is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, 'If I were any better, I would be twins!' He was a natural motivator.

If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation. Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, 'I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?'

He replied, 'Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a bad mood I choose to be in a good mood.'

Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or... I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.’

‘Yeah, right, it's not that easy,’ I protested.

‘Yes, it is,' he said. 'Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life.'

I reflected on what he said. Soon thereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was releasedfrom the hospital with rods placed in his back. I saw him about six months after the accident.

When I asked him how he was, he replied, 'If I were any better, I'd be twins... Wanna see my scars?' I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.

'The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter,' he replied. 'Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or... I could choose to die. I chose to live.'

'Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?' I asked

He continued, '...The paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read ' he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action.'

'What did you do?' I asked.

'Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me,' said John. 'She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity'.'

Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.' He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude...

I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.' After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

Neurology 101

2008-05-20T20:42:00.004-04:00

Today was our visit to the Neurologist at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center (aka Baptist Hospital). We spent an hour with the doctor. He was very thorough and caring with a friendly sense of humor. He pretty much confirmed what we already knew (or actually what we don't know). So here is a brief explanation of where we stand with Carol's seizure condition...

The Doc at Baptists offered his "best guess" that the seizures were indeed caused by a viral encephalitis. He was concerned however by the severity of the initial onset of six seizures. He confirmed that the exact cause will likely never be identified. He was optimistic with his prognosis though and suggested that additional seizures may be infrequent or even non existent. It may take several more months to determine what the long term outcome will be.

It seems that some type of trigger - perhaps scar tissue from the virus, or some other unknown cause - exists in her brain that acts as a focus for the seizures. The reason for her last seizure is not clearly understood, but the condition apparently was exacerbated by stress and sleep deprivation. Since March, however, she has been seizure free even with some stress and exhaustion added into the mix. That seems to be good news but we will continue to closely monitor her condition.

Carol will stay on her course of medication for two more years and undergo some additional tests over the next few months. She continues to be restricted in her driving, but will likely be cleared next month if she continues seizure free. Her memory is nearly restored and she is just about back to her old self. We are very fortunate that her mental and motor skills were not permanently damaged. As we have previously acknowledged, this entire event has left us with a new and thankful perspective on life, our faith, family and friends.

Thanks to everyone who has kept us in thoughts and prayers. We sincerely appreciate all the loving support we have received and continue to receive. Hopefully one day we can return the favor.

The Incredible Power of Contentment

2008-04-03T09:17:00.002-04:00

“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” - Cicero
"Happiness is self-contentedness.” - Aristotle
“God’s gifts put man’s best dreams to shame.” - Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Please take a moment to read the following article entitled "The Incredible Power of Contentment" available at...
http://zenhabits.net/2008/04/the-incredible-power-of-contentment/

Living with seizures... an update on Carol's condition.

2008-03-26T17:34:00.003-04:00

The wonders of life and nature never cease to amaze me. On Monday morning we had snow showers and today we are basking in the warmth of a beautiful spring day. Last week Carol was progressing exceptionally well and yesterday we were back in the ER following a seizure at work. We have since realized that, like the weather, Carol's seizure activity can be, to some degree, predictable. Since last Saturday, she has been suffering from bouts of nausea, culminating with a seizure at work on Tuesday afternoon. We now recognize the signs and symptoms of potential seizure activity.

The doctors advised us that the seizure was likely caused by a combination of factors including stress and sleep deprivation. Carol has been busy at work and at home. We have been entertaining family and guests for several days and getting to bed late. All this activity lowered her seizure threshold. Since we now recognize the nausea as a precursor to seizure activity, we can immediately work to eliminate those activities that pose the greatest risk in contributing to the cause of her seizures.

Obviously, her latest seizure came as a disappointing surprise to us all. The good news, however, is that we have identified the pre-seizure indicators and what actions to take should they reoccur. This most recent seizure was similar to the others but she has bounced back much quicker this time and she is in good spirits. Her memory has not been impacted and she recalls everything up to the point of actually having the seizure on Tuesday. She will rest a couple of days then return to work.

We have also come to the realization that Carol's brain injury as a result of the infection may be more long term in nature. It is quite possible that the scar tissue created by the virus may be everlasting and continue to be a focus for seizure activity for some time to come. We will be meeting again with the neurologist next month and should have a better understanding of the prognosis for recovery. In any event, we now live with her seizures as part of our everyday lives. While this presents some challenges, we are certainly relieved that we can effectively control her seizure activity by maintaining compliance with the doctor's recommendations.

As we have seen just this week, Carol's condition can change as suddenly as the weather. We learn to appreciate the beautiful days just as we learn to respect the stormy ones. Each day is a gift from God to be cherished no matter what may come. We continue to be blessed with the love and support of family and friends. As always, we thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Canine in Crisis

2008-02-24T19:08:00.003-05:00

Canine in Crisis... the story of a sick dog.

Carol is doing well. The kids are over the flu (for now). So just when I thought we had the family back on track, the dog - Terra the terrier mix puppy - decides she wants in on the action. Carol had taken her for a walk this afternoon. Terra threw up twice during the walk. Once back home, she became lethargic and at one point, unresponsive. This behavior was very much not the norm for this usually hyperactive puppy of 9 months.

Carol was concerned that the dog was acutely ill. So off we go to the Animal Ho$pital. Three hours and a few hundred dollars later, we are back home with the dog. They checked her vitals first. She had a slight fever but no other abnormalities. Then they took some x-rays to make sure she didn't have any GI blockages or issues. Again, no abnormalities. So then they gave her a fluid bolus SQ and an injection of doggie phenergan (for nausea). Terra is now resting comfortably on her little bed in the living room.

Terra may have eaten something that didn't agree with her tummy. Or perhaps she has a bladder infection. Or maybe she has the doggie flu. The Ho$pital Vet instructed us to monitor her condition, obtain a urine and fecal sample, and contact our private vet for further consultation. Since Carol has the medical background, she will be in charge of collecting and appropriately processing the samples. I'll then handle the updates to the blog on her condition.

At this point, I have now had all my family members seen at hospitals. Terra's visit today rounded out the list. Hopefully we are done with hospital visits for a long, long time.

One step at a time...

2008-02-18T20:50:00.002-05:00

Today Carol took a big step forward in her recovery... she went back to work. Today was her first day in the office since January 3. She was a bit anxious at first, but she did just fine! She has regained all of her strength and a good bit of her memory recall. Her appetite and spirits are fantastic. She will be on her regualr four day a week schedule from now on.

Carol is still restricted from driving for the next six weeks. We will be returning to the Neurologist in mid April and he will decide then if we can begin reducing her seizure medicine. So far, she has not shown any signs of further seizure activity, so we are hoping that we can slowly begin to wean her from the meds.

The kids and I are also doing well and getting our home back to some sense of normalcy. We have been blessed with the continued love and support of family and friends from near and far. Thanks for the continued prayers and well wishes.

The Silence of Snow

2008-02-13T21:06:00.001-05:00

What a spectacular evening! A few minutes ago the rain changed over to a fury of snow. Not only is the snow serenely beautiful, but the sound it makes – or the absence of sound – is mesmerizing. I have many fond memories of standing quietly outdoors during a snow burst, engulfed in its tranquility and silence. Now as I gaze into the night, the calmness of it all is certainly a relaxing change from our hectic lifestyles.

As the snow begins to taper off this evening, the once silence night becomes alive with sounds of sleds and laughter. It won’t last long but the neighbors are taking every opportunity to enjoy what little snow has accumulated on the hillsides of our cul-de-sac. Something about the snow brings out so much excitement in folks. It is fun to just sit back and watch. I hope you have enjoyed our little winter interlude as much as I have this evening.

Sometimes the simple pleasures in life can be the most rewarding!

The Blue Skies

2008-02-07T23:00:00.000-05:00

Why did I choose the name Blue Skies for this blog? Many of you know of my interest in meteorology, so a topic dealing with the sky and clouds would seem appropriate. But this blog is about more than just the weather. Blue Skies embodies a positive and renewed passion for life.

It can be easy to lose sight of the blue skies above us, especially when dark clouds descend upon us. The many challenges of life can sometimes obscure our outlook. We lose focus on the importance of life and on the important things in our lives. We fail to recognize that the blue skies are always with us and within us.

Our faith, family and friends will provide us the strength to weather any storm. At times it may be difficult to fathom that every cloud has a silver lining, and that one day the brilliant blue skies will make a return into our lives. But with prayer and a little patience, the clouds will pass and the sun will rise on a new day.

I think that life is too short to believe otherwise.

Six more weeks of winter?

2008-02-03T17:05:00.001-05:00

Well, it depends on whom you ask. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow yesterday, and you know what that means... six more weeks of winter. But our local groundhog, Woody (at the Natural Science Center in Greensboro), exclaimed that spring is just around the corner. I saw my shadow yesterday, so I believe that we will have some more winter and hopefully a day or two of snow. We'll just have to wait and see!

In other news, Carol's condition continues to improve. She has been working around the house and taking the dog for short walks in the neighborhood. Her strength, stamina and memory continue to improve. She is looking forward to returning to work and anxiously awaiting the time when she can get back to driving herself around town. We all made it out to church this morning and Carol enjoyed the time with all our friends from the congregation. We look forward to seeing everyone again next Sunday!

Mon (1/28) Update

2008-01-28T17:14:00.000-05:00

Today was our big trip to see the Neurologist. Prior to the doctor's appointment, Carol took a nice long (45 minute) walk with our neighbor and good friend Gina. Carol's strength continues to improve daily. Her memory also seems to be getting better now. She has been eating and sleeping well and seems very much at ease with her recovery.

The doctor was also pleased with Carol's progress. He will be taking her off one of her two seizure medicines next week and indicated that he will evaluate the possibility of reducing further her medication at her next appointment in three months. Our hope is that she can discontinue all meds within a year. The doctor further indicated that Carol can return to work within three weeks and begin driving in three months assuming no setbacks in her recovery.

In the past few days, Carol has ventured out to wander through a few stores. Her ability to purchase has not been adversely impacted by the seizures. We have been to Harris Teeter, Target and WalMart, and her next project is to purchase some new clothes at Talbots! It's obvious that she is feeling better. You may see her out on the town before too much longer.

Our family has been blessed with much love and support in the past three weeks. We have a new appreciation for the power of prayer and the importance of friends. We are confident that Carol's condition will continue to improve in the weeks to come, and I will continue to update her progress and even offer a few ramblings of my own here in the Blue Skies blog.

Wed (1/23) Update

2008-01-23T20:10:00.000-05:00

Carol went visiting today! She made the short journey across the street to have lunch and visit with some of our neighbors. It was good for her to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air and the company of good friends.

Her condition continues to improve and her stamina is getting better day by day. She still needs lots of rest, but she is in good spirits. Her memory seems to be improving ever so slightly. We have a doctor's appointment next Monday and hope to learn more about her long term prognosis.

Carol's appetite has certainly not suffered as a result of her illness! She is eating well and enjoying all the wonderful food provided by neighbors and friends. Support from our church, Fellowship Presbyterian, continues to pour in. We are grateful for all the prayers and offers of assistance.

There is another groups of folks whom I would like to thank for all their help. Paramedics from Guilford County EMS and the doctors, nurses and staff at the Moses Cone Health System provided Carol with prompt and compassionate treatment. We are very fortunate here in Greensboro to have such well trained and caring medical professionals.

Once again, we would like to express our sincerest appreciation for all the prayers and support!

Sun (1/20) Update

2008-01-20T21:15:00.000-05:00

Good Sunday Evening!

Carol made a trip out today with the family to pick up dinner from a local pizzeria... she has been wanting a slice of pizza for a few days. Her condition continues to improve. She is now able to accept brief phone calls and visits. She still tires easily, so we ask that you limit conversations and visits to no more than 20 minutes. She generally naps for a couple of hours in the afternoon as well. Please call us before you stop by to make sure that she is up for visitors.

Carol's memory is still a bit cloudy, so if you speak to her or see her, please understand that she may not remember exactly who you are or be able to recall specific occasions. Do not hesitate, however, to remind her of people, places or events. This helps her to build her memory back up. Her spirits are good and she continues to regain her strength. We are optimistic that her memory will improve with time.

We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers!

A nice, warm cup of coffee...

2008-01-17T15:01:00.000-05:00

Carol and the kids enjoyed the trace amount of snow we had today (Thursday). While she didn't go out to play, she made the kids some hot chocolate and assured they were dressed warmly. Carol's condition continues to improve daily and we are pleased with her progress. Thanks for the continued prayers!

On a cold and snowy day, it's nice to have a warm up of coffee. A friend of mine, Greensboro Firefighter Jimmy Clark, sent this to me. I believe that it is very appropriate and worth sharing:

You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again...

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as though just as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners.

She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see."

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did, and noted that they were soft.

The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee.

The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I?

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level?

How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Please read this its worth it!

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

You might want to share this message to those people who mean something to you (I JUST DID); to those who have touched your life in one way or another; to those who make you smile when you really need it; to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down; to those whose friendship you appreciate; to those who are so meaningful in your life.

If you don't share it, you will just miss out on the opportunity to brighten someone's day with this message!

It's easier to build a child than to repair an adult...

This is so true - May we all be COFFEE

We are each the Love of someone else's life...

Wed (1/16) Update

2008-01-16T18:27:00.000-05:00

Good Evening!

Just a quick update tonight... Carol is again in good spirits today and continues to make steady progress and regain her strength. There have been no changes in her recovery and we are optimistic that she is progressing well.

With three kids, our attention has turned a bit towards the impending winter weather event that is forecast to bring us some snow followed by a mixed bag of wintry precipitation. All the action should begin overnight, and I expect that we will wake to find schools closed and a coating of snow on the ground. Will it be enough for sledding? We're not sure yet but at least we have the sleds ready to go and plenty of hot chocolate!

Tue (1/15) Update

2008-01-15T14:12:00.000-05:00

Carol continues to make slow but steady progress. Last night she went for another back yard walkabout, she ate well and slept through the night. She is resting often but still tires easily. She is in good spirits and is enjoying her time with the family. Her memory continues to be problematic and we have not seen any significant improve there yet. But as long as her health and strength continue to improve, we are confident that her memory will soon follow.

I took Carol for a ride in the car this morning while dropping the kids off at school. She enjoyed the change in scenery and fresh air. For lunch, I picked up a bean burrito and a taco from Taco Bell (at her request). She chased the food down with her favorite soft drink, Dr. Pepper. She watched some TV then headed up for her afternoon nap.

Since last Wednesday, Carol had been experiencing some pre-seizure activity including nausea and numbness in her extremities on the left side. In the past few days, this activity has diminished considerably and we are now confident that the anti-seizure medicine is properly dosed and working effectively. Additionally, her appetite and energy levels continue to increase. This is all very good news.

We have noticed some interesting changes in Carol since her bout with the seizures. All of her senses, and particularly her senses of smell, taste and color vision have become much more sensitive. She commented today just how good her lunch tasted and has been mentioning how colorful certain items now appear to be. She detects odors like candles and sweets at very low thresholds. I am not certain if this will be a permanent change or not. Only time will tell.

Carol commented on how we are so blessed to have many wonderful friends and she wanted to make sure that everyone knows how appreciative we are for all the prayers and offers for assistance we have been receiving. She is still amazed how all this has so suddenly come about. We clearly do not have many answers at this point, but we are grateful for the outpouring of support.

More good news to come soon so stay tuned! :)

Mon (1/14) Update

2008-01-14T11:59:00.000-05:00

Good Monday Afternoon!

Carol is feeling even better today. She was able to walk around the back yard for a few minutes last night and get some fresh air. She slept well and woke up ready to eat! After breakfast, she navigated into the shower, so now she is ready for lunch and then her afternoon nap. She has much more energy today, but her memory is still a little slow to come back. She continues to be in good spirits.

Carol is progressing well but is not quite ready for phone calls or visits just yet. I will be home with her for the next several days. Our neighbors have been helping out by staying with her from time to time so that I can get a little work done. We have had many offers of assistance... all of which have been sincerely appreciated.

The kids and I are managing well. We have plenty of food to eat. All three kids have been helping out with chores and taking good care of their mother. The kitchen is clean (relatively speaking, of course) and we all have clean clothes to wear! :) We all thank you for your healing prayers.

Stay tuned for more updates...

What happened to Carol?

2008-01-13T14:00:00.000-05:00

On Friday morning, January 4 at 1:39 a.m. Carol had her first of six seizures. She was rushed to Cone Hospital where she was admitted to the Neuro ICU. Her condition was stabilized and she remained in ICU for 3 days before being transferred to a general room. For those of you who know Carol well, once she work up, she was ready to go home. She was discharged on Monday afternoon (just in time for her birthday party on Tuesday) only to find herself back in the Emergency Room on Wednesday (Jan 9) with two more seizures. As of today (Sun Jan 13), she is resting at home and has not has any additional seizures.

So what happened to Carol?

The doctors believe that she had a form of viral encephalitis. This caused swelling and damage to a part of the brain which then produced the seizures. The doctors have not found any indications of a specific virus nor do they have any idea of the potential damage, but they are optimistic that Carol's outcome will be favorable. She is currently taking anti-seizure medication and on bed rest. The doctors found that the amount of medication was initially not sufficient and that the deficit caused the second round of seizures. We have scheduled follow up visits in the coming weeks.

Carol is in relatively good spirits but is weak and suffers from memory loss. She is able to move about the house with assistance and in the past two days has eaten well. The kids have been great and really helped out around the house. Family and friends have come to our rescue, providing a variety of assistance including (but not limited to) food, companionship, cards, flowers, child care, and most importantly, prayers of healing. Our Pastor and members of our church, Fellowship Presbyterian, have been there for us every moment.

The are no words to express our appreciation for all that has been done for us. We could not have made it this far without the love and support of everyone. We continue to rely on our extended family and the power of God to help us through. Please continue to pray for Carol's speedy recovery. I will continue to provide updates on Carol's condition as often as possible.

Steve

Welcome to Blue Skies

2008-01-13T13:39:00.000-05:00

Hello and welcome to my blog spot entitled Blue Skies. I will be using this space to share my stories and keep folks updated on the happenings of my family. As many of you know, Carol has been quite ill lately. I will be posting updates here so that everyone can follow along in her recovery. Thanks for all the prayers and offers of assistance.

Steve