The Standard: Recent Comments

Comment on Heaven or Health

gail wightman — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 08:01:29 GMT

Stephen is HOME! I had hoped to climb up on his bed and give him another BIG sister hug, but it's OK cause we'll walk and talk together when I get to heaven... and I look forward to seeing the twinkle in his eyes... I will PRAY for you all, as you go through this next part of the journey. I'll be checking in to see when you will have Stephen's Memorial.... \o/ Gail

Comment on And so passes a good man and loving father.....

Debbie — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 20:32:45 GMT

Dear Jaclyn, Angela, and Ian,

I am so sorry to hear about Stephen's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Blessings and prayers, Debbie

Comment on And so passes a good man and loving father.....

Jim Bugg — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 09:51:01 GMT

My thoughts and prayers for the family are coupled with many fond memories of a strong, vibrant and Godly man - Stephen Host. He brought life to many hearts with his words of grace, wisdom and character. You've challenged us through your faith, your attitude and your testimony. You will be missed here on earth, Stephen.

~ Jim Bugg

Comment on Heaven or Health

Karina Bergen — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 04:30:48 GMT

WOW those words just touched me
you are the father of one of my best friends and i can only imagine what you and your family have gone through and if you never get to read this well this is good bye! you were always so fut to hang out with. remember when Angela and fam went to GERMANY for half the summer so came and hung out with you you took me swimming at your clients pool. you helped me and angela do backflips when we didn't know how.(i learn't and can now do it) you were a second dad and i can't ever decribe how much fun we had together. when you gave us a sugar filled snack pack for our sleepover in the tree house. wow all these memories come back to me with a flood of tears.
so this is thanks for all the good times.
in love
Karina

Comment on Heaven or Health

Charlotte — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:00:53 GMT

If this is goodbye, wonder boy – thank you for the moments. Perhaps it has been difficult for you to understand my choice of words and intentions. It has been complicated to picture myself due to my somewhat ‘here and now’ personality and on top of that my active English is much poorer than what I comprehend passively. You though have brought me perspectives on life I keep as treasures. I simply like you. Your integrity and courage makes you an attractive man. I replicate my love for you in life or in death, Stephen.

I guess a farewell to your kids must be the hardest of all. Trust them to possess great strength just like their dad.

Always
Charlotte

Comment on Heaven or Health

Wes Macaulay — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 04:45:59 GMT

It has been my hope that in sharing a few moments with you, heartbroken, crying out to God, that we could move heaven. Watching such an insidious disease run its course causes me to scream out 'Jesus, help us!' We commit to loving you and your family, believing that God can heal you, or even bring you back after a brief preview of heaven, or in praying and being here for your family should God detain you indefinitely, an action I would resent ;-)

Jesus, my prayer as ever, is that you would pass by us, and as you see my brother Stephen, be filled with compassion and raise him from his bed, and restore him to full health. We have chewed up many a roof to put him in your face, because we believe in your love, and we believe in your power. Do this so that the world will know that you are God, and as a sign of your kingdom among us, that you would be glorified! Amen.

Comment on Heaven or Health

Carmen Maretic — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 22:22:19 GMT

Thank you Stephen for giving me (us)an opportunity to learn from your experience - “Your Perspective” – during what has to be the most difficult part of your life journey here on earth.

Could I share my thoughts and observations - “My Perspective” – from reading your entries and since meeting you in January of 2005? . . .
Although this disease has robbed you of so much, with the passing of time your commitment to be strong, honest, and open only seemed to grow. And despite facing the insurmountable challenges of this horrible illness, you have risen above what I could ever imagine a human being could, given the tremendous physical and emotional challenges you face every moment of the day. It is truly humbling to say the least.

I am blessed to have met you, to be given this insight into ALS and how it has impacted your life - all possible because of your incredible gift of articulating your situation and thoughts . . .

Thank you for allowing me, a stranger really, the ability to enter into your very private world and bare witness to your life at its most vulnerable hours . . . You have affected my life in ways you will never know . . .

With prayers that only love, comfort, peace and serenity surround you!
Carmen Maretic

P.S. To your loved ones (family and friends): You must be incredibly proud of Stephen and his amazing strength and courage. It is a reflection of those who have given him unconditional love and support. You are also in my thoughts and prayers.

P.S.S. Look Stephen – My words on your blog - Finally!

Comment on Heaven or Health

Teresa Petkau — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:18:44 GMT

Thank You for letting us worship and groove with you on Thursday. May God's perfect peace surround you.
A poem for you Steve.
Holy Splendor
Early in the morning before the dawn breaks forth
I sit silently in the quiet of the night.
Waiting my minds eye looks to meet with you. Spirit to spirit. Deep unto deep.
In the stillness...
The hush you make no sound.
Unforeseen you come to me (Stephen) in an unexpected way.
A bolt of blue, your glory surrounds me.
I see your beauty twilight shades of sapphire.
Your peace enfolds my very being.
How grateful is my heart
Amazed I look up and gaze...
A silhouette of a cross rests upon my ceiling.
Teresa Petkau

Comment on Heaven or Health

Laura — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 07:10:57 GMT

praying for you..... Psalm 63:1-8

Psalm 63
A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.
1 O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.

2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.

3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.

4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.

5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6 On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.

7 Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.

8 My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

9

Comment on Heaven or Health

mirjam — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 01:16:33 GMT

Oh, my fault, Tammy saw you also in water. That´s even more similiar...