Today, I'm at the same place wondering what is this place (MHGS), and how is it that I hope and call myself and others to more. I've spent the past year wondering if I had it in me to search for more. It is impossible for me to deny the need for a voice to call others to more....and I wonder how I can call the institution of Mars Hill Graduate School to more:

More responsibility, More truth, and More gospel.

If we truly believe that the gospel is all it's cracked up to be (especially here at MHGS), then our pursuit for what that gospel is should stop at nothing. The problem is, what is that gospel? Specifically in the context of MHGS, what is the gospel that is taught and encouraged? What we're taught is that the gospel is the belief that any story can be redeemed .... regardless of how that story was created. And that's the problem.

I'm convinced that the mission of MHGS has become so engrained in the walls of the school that the very glory we all seek is seemingly found in the creation of disruption and chaos. A far cry from stepping into the story of chaos and disruption .... not the creation of it.]]> Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:33:38 -0800 http://virb.com/srainey/posts/text/486191 http://virb.com/srainey/posts/text/486190 MHGS Students, There is more out there. What is it you are looking for?

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We decided to keep Nathan in the hospital for one more night, just to be on the safe side. His oxygen levels were dropping below 90 (whatever measurement that is, I'm not sure) every now and then and we didn't want to bring him home only to have to take him back to the hospital. So the plan is to bring him home tomorrow morning sometime. Finally.

Peterson and Gabby are doing better. Gabby hasn't had a fever since last night, and both are really ready for mommy to come home. I'm a good *mom* at times, but not for 4 days straight ... I am VERY thankful for the mom they have, she is awesome.

If any of you are looking for ways to physically *help*, we could use some meals over the next 5-7 days. Since Steph is sick, she won't be able to do much cooking, and I'll be resuming my normal class/work/internship schedule on Wednesday. So if you would like to do this, we'd be grateful. Just shoot me an email, and I'll coordinate nights/times, etc. (Thank you in advance).

This has been an exhausting past 4 days. There have been moments of pure joy and other times of utter despair. Walking the halls of a hospital has reminded me to be grateful for the overall health of my family. Just two doors down from Nathan is a boy/teenager who is prostrate on his back, a breathing tube in his neck, and tight puffy skin. He is not well. The smell, feel, sound and sights all confirm the depression that lives in the halls of a hospital. It is my hope that we do not encounter this again. It has been an encounter too close to death for us, and that reality has really yet to set in with either Stephanie or myself. However, there have been moments of this reality, one of which I'd like to share.

"It is not death that I fear, it is pain that I fear. I fear the loss of love, the loss of life, the loss of smiles. That is the sting of death, not the casket, not the service, not the songs, not the celebration. Death seems to be knocking at the door, and I want to run. I want not part of it, I want no smell of it, all I want is to feel his face again. To see his smile again. To smell his hair again. How would I live without him? How could I go on believing that there is a God who cares for me, wants what is best for me for him, and delights in my delight? How could I believe in him again?"

Earlier today when I received word that my classmates had begun class in prayer for my family, I realized that despite my obvious questions surrounding the God almighty; His voice, His love, and His commitment to me and my family was overwhelmingly evident in the people around me/us. Thank you. Thank you for the food, the cleaning, the prayers, the emails, the texts, the voicemails, the calls, and many other ways I will not know. Thank you.

Thank you for walking through this with me, with us.

One of the doctors said that he might be able to come home tonight, which would be awesome. I imagine that when they do come home, life will get even more hectic with Stephanie now sick, Gabby still recovering, and Nathan trying to get back on a decent sleeping schedule.

With that said, it seems that things are looking better for Nathan Andrew.

We'll continue to send updates as we find them out.

bless you all.

At bit of news surrounding Nathan and the family from the past 4-6 hours.

Nathan has been off of oxygen since early this morning, but at 5 this evening, he suddenly took a turn for the worse. They had to re-administer oxygen treatment to him to help his breathing, heart rate, and oxygen intake. Thankfully, this helped after a short time. But because of this, we're seeing that he is not clear of this virus and might not be for another day or two. So, in light of all that, he is going to remain hospitalized at least through Tuesday afternoon. We're hoping that he can come home then, but also want him to remain in the care of doctors and nurses.

This isn't he update I'd hoped to send, yet I am grateful for his improvement through this evening.

When I got off the phone with Steph 30 minutes ago, he was cooing and awing (is that a word?) in the background. It was obvious that he had just experienced the first real 'high' of his life (a good dose of pure oxygen is a bit more exciting for him than his normal thrills...pooping, "the breast", and being attacked by his sister who desperately wants him to be a princess and sister -- I digress). So at least there were a few things to smile about amidst an otherwise gloomy and frightful past 36 hours.

Please continue to pray for his health, and for the rest of us. Stephanie is getting a runny nose and sore throat and I just put Gabby to bed with a temperature and a bad cough. Thankfully Peterson is doing better, and I'm feeling ok.

Nathan and Stephanie are at the hospital (not the ICU, thankfully), and will be there for the next 24 hours AT LEAST, perhaps longer.

He has a virus of some sort, but the doc's don't know what yet. We'll find out tomorrow.

Nathan is doing ok, but still having a tough time breathing (even with the oxygen tube in his nose), is running a fever, and his heart is racing at 180+ beats per minute. All of this means that he's doing ok, but not great.

He still needs prayer, so please continue.

Thank you all for your prayers. More updates to follow.

Bless you all for your calls, emails, texts, and prayers. We have been overwhelmed with support and there is no doubt that Nathan's status this morning is due to your prayers. Thank you.

Nathan is still having trouble breathing, but it is no where near the level of labor of yesterday. But the good news is that he began breathing well enough on his own at 5am and so he is no longer requiring the use of oxygen.

I'm relieved and surprised this morning, to say the least. When I left the hospital last night, he had a oxygen tube in his nose, an IV in his arm/hand, and diodes all over his chest. It was not a pretty sight. His heart was beating at 170-190/bpm and was peaking at 220+bpm when he was distressed. Additionally he was breathing 60-70 times per minute, thus the need for oxygen. So to get the news that he's off of oxygen is a huge blessing.

So, Steph and nathan will be at the hospital again tonight. Beyond that, we don't know.

Peterson and Gabby both slept better last night, and they seem to be in better spirits this morning. So it seems like their health is getting better as well. I just hope and pray that Stephanie and I do not come down with any sickness ... I can't imagine our immune systems being that strong right now.

I'll continue to send updates as I hear about them.

Samuel

It's pretty serious.

First and foremost, we need prayer. Pray for Stephanie, myself, and
mainly for Nathan. Pray for his recovery, pray for his health, pray
for his life. Peterson and Gabby both have vicious coughs as well (to
the point of both throwing up at some point due to the extreme
coughing). We're tired, scared, and feel limited.

Thank you

. Creativityist. Explores the art of creating. A creativityist is one who practices creativity. In this blog you will find some techniques, and maybe some inspiration. But mostly, it's journeying together to meet the artist in each of us.

. MindHacks. A blog based on a book that explores what's going on inside your brain.

. Furious Seasons. A blog about the state of mental health care in America. I found this blog through my good friend Karen. Interesting reads and takes on psychology, culture, and the sciences.

. 100 Words. I haven't yet begun using this site/idea yet. It's been a concept that I've considered for quite some time. Writing in daily doses to keep the creativity and exercise going for the brain. Perhaps I've not done this yet due to my overwhelming school schedule.

1. When you hear the word 'Sabbath' -- what first thoughts come to your mind?

2. Do you observe the Sabbath? If not, what do you suppose has kept you from doing so? If you have ever observed the Sabbath, what have you done that is meaningful that mark it as set aside?

3. When you consider that keeping the Sabbath is the fourth commandment -= why do you suppose God makes it such an important part of living a good life?

4. What is one central goal of the sabbath celebration?

Thanks for your time. I'll give my responses later this week.

"Man was not made for the Sabbath, the Sabbath was made for man"

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The Hogs found a coach
The Christmas tree hasn't burned down
The wii is hooked up
The jumpy house still works

Finally rest can come
Finally the holidays are here
Finally, Finally, Finally, ahhhh....