First Reformed Church of Schenectady: Stacey's Blog http://www.1streformed.com/mod/news/group.php?category_id=64 Feed en-us no@body.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-18T11:56:56-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Recent Injuries http://www.1streformed.com/n/recent_injuries.html http://www.1streformed.com/n/recent_injuries.html

Many of you have been asking about my status as I've been healing for the past couple of weeks, so I thought I'd give an update here.

First of all, what actually happened to me in the first place:

I slid on the ice on my front stoop, careened into the railing, and the momentum flipped me over the railing.  I fell about 8 feet and landed on my head and shoulder.  My dog saved my life by being alert and barking like a maniac, and my roommate saved my life by finding me in the snow and dragging me to the hospital despite my protestations that I was fine.  I spent three days in Ellis hospital so that they could observe the bleeding on my brain and the concussion.  I also had a large gash in my scalp that they closed with seventeen staples, and I separated the AC joint in my right shoulder.  That popped back on its own after a few days and is slowly on the mend.

The cerebral hemorrhaging cleared up fairly quickly.  The staples came out of my head last Thursday, and the wound is healing well.  I have some residual headaches from the concussion, but they're not terrible.  I still have a lot of pain in my shoulder, but it gets a little better every day.  

The pain is still pretty consistent, and I get tired much more quickly than usual, so I'm functioning at about 60% at this point.  On the plus side, I have increased understanding for those who suffer chronic pain, and this has forced me to slow down enough that I have to think hard about my priorities for each day and what I am capable of doing.  More thoughtful and intentional living was one of my goals for 2011, so I guess I can't complain too much if God needed me to be literally smacked in the head to accomplish it.  As the doctors remarked in the hospital, apparently I have a very hard head. 

At this point, I am able to drive very short distances, type, and do basically everything that doesn't require me to lift or pull anything with my right arm.  I'm getting really good with my left hand.

Many thanks to everyone who visited, drove me around, brought me meals, sent cards, and prayed for me during this time.  It has been really wonderful to know that you are all out there and thinking about me!


]]> 2011-01-27T00:00:00-05:00 Myanmar http://www.1streformed.com/n/myanmar.html http://www.1streformed.com/n/myanmar.html
Those of you paying attention to the news will already know that Myanmar has been devastated by a cyclone which has killed at least 25,000 people.  To read more about this disaster and Reformed Church World Service's assistance, or to donate to the relief efforts, go to http://www.rca.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=3525.


]]> 2008-05-08T00:00:00-05:00 Adult Forum http://www.1streformed.com/n/adult_forum.html http://www.1streformed.com/n/adult_forum.html
I'm on this Sunday for the Adult Forum following the worship service. I'll be sharing some of my findings from the last three months, and my hopes and plans for the future. Again, feel free to post any questions here, and I'll try to address them either here or in the presentation. Hope to see you there!


]]> 2008-05-02T00:00:00-05:00 Wednesday Dialog http://www.1streformed.com/n/wednesday_dialog.html http://www.1streformed.com/n/wednesday_dialog.html
I will be presenting at the  Wednesday Dialog next week, April 30.  The presentation will be titled "Not How It Used to Be," and we will be discussing generational differences and how they are affecting our life in the church and in the broader world.  I welcome questions or comments beforehand that might help guide our discussion.  Just leave them in the comments section; if I can't get to them during the presentation, I'll do my best to address them here!


]]> 2008-04-22T00:00:00-05:00 Plastic Bags http://www.1streformed.com/n/plastic_bags.html http://www.1streformed.com/n/plastic_bags.html
 Have you ever wondered what to do with those ubiquitous plastic grocery bags that seem to accumulate so rapidly?  Even though I try to bring tote bags to the store with me, I still end up with the plastic ones entering my apartment and then getting shoved into another bag in my pantry, where they sit until I can use them for packing material or dog clean-up.  Wouldn't it be nice if there were a better use for them?


The Salvation Army loves to get donations of plastic grocery bags.  Why, you ask?  Well, when their clients take away food, clothing, toiletries, and other items, they need something to carry it in.  A simple grocery bag can lend dignity to a difficult situation by allowing someone to take necessary items from the Salvation Army without having to display those items to the world.

I have no idea how many people read this or how effective it will be, but I'd be happy to accept plastic bag donations at my office at the church and see them to a place where they will be helpful. 

The Salvation Army also needs: hats, gloves, socks, blankets, and of course, volunteers.  Talk to me for more information.
 

]]> 2008-02-14T00:00:00-05:00 Getting Started http://www.1streformed.com/n/getting_started.html http://www.1streformed.com/n/getting_started.html I'm just getting started this week: settling into the office, getting to know the other staff, getting a grasp on the very full calendar, and beginning to be introduced to community members.  For now, my office hours will be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10am - 12pm.  That doesn't mean I won't be in the office any other time; just that you can count on finding me there at those times!  I look forward to getting to know more of you and partnering with you in ministry.
]]> 2008-02-07T00:00:00-05:00