Evening Post
845 Tuesday March 16

Stephen is getting moved to a regular room. Although we will miss the special care that he gets in the ICU this is one step forward in the recovery process. Stephen is awake and understands that he has been in a car accident and that he is in the hospital. He is able to remember most of the things that we tell him. Please continue to pray for him through as this is a hard process and there are still some moments of confusion.

Specific Prayer Needs
1. Praise God for this first step in the recovery process
2. Continue to pray for strength for Stephen as he begins this recovery process and comes to terms with what has happened.
3. Pray specifically that he will pass the swallow test tomorrow so he can begin a liquid diet. He will need to learn to hold a straw again as well as be able to swallow without choking.

Again Please contact one of the family or stop by in the waiting room before going back to see Stephen even through he is being moved to a regular room he still needs his rest and time to fully understand what is going on.

I would like to thank everyone once again for your continued prayers, phone calls, and e-mails. The Lord has held Stephen in the palm of his hands ever since this accident occurred. He has been faithful to answer your prayers and our prayers. The Lord has blessed us with such an amazing support group and there is no way that we can ever thank each and everyone of you for this. I have meet many of Stephen's friends and co-workers in the past 4 days. Stephen truly has a wide influence and has impacted many people. The Lord has a plan for Stephen and He is definitely not finished with him yet. It has touched our hearts to hear all these nice things from people we have never meet, but that know Stephen. It has also been nice to see and hear from those we have know as well. Thank you for sitting in waiting rooms, bringing food or just encouraging words.

I copied and pasted the words of a song that came to mind last night. A friend of my family wrote simple words on my facebook wall last night "his life is in His hands" These words were so encouraging to me and I looked up the words to this song last night and tonight (there are two songs like this). I posted the words of the song below. This song truly reflects the past days for my family and Stephen. The Lord has watched over Stephen in so many ways. He has always been present in our lives and Friday afternoon Stephen was in the Lords hands. I hope these words can minster to you in whatever situation you may be in tonight just as they have ministered to me today.

Life can be so good, Life can be so hard
Never knowing what each day will bring to where you are
Sometimes I forget and sometimes I can't see
That whatever comes my way You'll be with me

My life is in your hands, my heart is in your keeping
I'm never without hope not when my future is with you
My life is in your hands and though I may not see clearly
I will lift my voice and sing cause your love does amazing things
Lord, I know, my life is in your hands

Nothing is for sure, Nothing is for keeps
All I know is that your love will live eternally
So I will find my way, and I will find my peace
Knowing that you'll meet my every need

My life is in your hands, my heart is in your keeping
I'm never without hope not when my future is with you
My life is in your hands and though I may not see clearly
I will lift my voice and sing cause your love does amazing things
Lord, I know, my life is in your hands

When I'm at my weakest, Oh, You carry me
Then I become my strongest, Lord, in Your hands

My life is in your hands and though I may not see clearly
I will lift my voice and sing cause your love does amazing things
Lord, I know, my life is in your hands
I trust you Lord
My life is in your hands

by Kathy Troccoli