How many times did you hear him say it? It wasn't just a greeting out of obligation, but a warm welcome. A smile that made you feel better, a sometimes too firm handshake and a "Hey buddy" were Ken's special way of letting you know you mattered to him. The impact we have on each other's lives, like ripples in a pond continue and even though he can't understand his own impact on the world, for those that love him, it's important to know they are not alone.
We all have an impact on the world, but often times do not realize it's magnitude. Ken Stephenson made and continues to make an impact that is unique. Share your stories, thoughts and prayers so his family may be encouraged during their time of waiting on God's will.
Posted by Hey Buddy at 6:24 PM
13 comments:
There are times and events in our lives that can only be described as divine appointments. That is how I would describe the day that my path crossed Ken Stephenson's path.
Ken and Wendy were one of the first people we got to know at Northpointe. Hey bud was always the greeting and that was shortly followed by a huge bear hug. It seemed as if the purest love was just oozing out of Ken.
I have always been amazed that no matter what Ken was going through he never forgot my name. I find that simply amazing. I will never forget one Sunday when I was filling in for Jim and just as the meet and greet was wrapping up Ken yelled and pointed right at me "Hey Bud!" (of course it was one of those moments when the whole congregation instantly went quiet thus making the moment simply great!
For the most part, Ken always had a smile on his face and was not bashful in letting you know what was on his mind. Just a couple of weeks ago Ken went all the way to Burt’s Pumpkin Farm just to see the pumpkins and the first people he runs into is me and Jack Hemby (this was another one of those divine appointments). We were there for our annual family trip to the mountains and there came Wendy and Ken...Only God can arrange those kind of meetings. I am thoroughly convinced that there are no coincidences in life, only what God ordains and prepares.
Wendy...Hang in there. Tell Ken that we love him and know that we love you and your entire family. We are undergirding you with prayer during this latest chapter of your lives.
Love,
Stephen and Genevieve Cochran
Ken declared our friendship before I knew we were friends.
I started softball practice as an assistant coach for the LSU Tigers U10 Girls Team. Ken was there to cheer on his daughter who played catcher. Ken smiled his big smile and threw up his hand and said,"Hey, Bud!" I wasn't sure at first if he was talking to me but, I, of course, greeted him in return. After meeting Wendy (also an assistant coach) I watched our team practice and play a great season and Ken was always there to cheer us to victory.
The Stephenson family has difinitely made an impact on our family. My daughter has found true friends and so have my wife and I.
Ken, Wendy and the girls have become part of our lives with phone calls, visits, prayer and sports. Softball season has turned into Soccer Season and the girls have now made all-stars.
The girls are both little troopers working hard and doing their best. I know that Wendy and Ken are proud of them.
It is our prayer that The Prince of Peace hold this family close, protects them and strengthens them during this difficult time.
Hey Ken, Thank you for being my BUD!
Sincerely,
Jayme and Kristy Laney
How our hearts are with you as you are in God's waiting room. God's Word says," Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His Saints." Even though Ken cannot communicate at this time, there is a work going on in the Heavens.God will take you through these days with His strength and love. He will constantly remind you how much we love you and your family.
Wendy and Girls, My heart breaks for you! Wendy, you are so strong. Stay by his side, you are a great wife and mother (as was your mother and grandmother), your friends are with you in Spirit, lifting KEN up in prayer. I will pray that peace be upon you and your girls. Love,
Toni K. Rozier
I met Ken and Wendy at NorthPointe Church a few years ago. I grew to know and love them both during our Small Group meetings on Wednesday evenings. Ken was full of spunk and hugs and I looked forward to seeing him every week.
Napoleon Hill once said, "Every adversity has within it the seed of equal or greater benefit."
This is so true because it often takes weeks, months, sometimes years to look back at things that have occurred in our life and see how we have grown from them.
We have to get past the feelings and emotions that we felt at the time. Sometimes we get so caught up with how we feel initially, it clouds our minds and judgment and we miss the opportunity it creates.
We all have the seeds of personal growth within us, but only a few ever recognize the important role that life's trials and tribulations play in nurturing those seeds to eventually become trees of opportunity.
We do not have the answers right now, however, someday we will! Wendy you are an inspiration to me. Your strength, commitment and devotion to Ken is beautiful. It is a living example of what love is and how God loves us. Keep on keeping on, but don't forget to take care of Wendy too.
Much love,
Tammy Spivey
Words cannot express how much love and adoration our family has for Ken and his family, and how much his smile, "Hey Buddy," and firm handshake every Sunday morning meant to all of us.
I could not tell you of how many times Satan would attack on our way to Sunday services, and how grumpy we might feel walking in the church doors, as soon as we walked into the sanctuary, there sat Ken at the back, with his big grin, and handshake, and all of sudden you forgot the bad day you were having, because Ken made you feel special.
One of the most profound moments we have ever experienced at NorthPointe was about a month ago, when Jim was preaching on how Jesus heals our hurts, and we had a very emotional altar call, and we will never forget Ken walking up that aisle, and when he did, just how many people got up out of their seats and walked to either lay hands on him, or outstretched their hands to him, as we did from our seat.
You see, Ken has healed many hearts and spirits without even realizing it, and our family is very thankful to the Lord for bringing him into our lives. Wendy, you are a rock that stands firm in your love for him. Your devotion to your husband and children speaks volumes as well. Even though you may not know all of us personally, we know you and your family, and what a blessing each of you are.
Hebrews 6:10 (NIV) states "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Just know that even in this difficult time, God is with you, and He will not forget all that Ken has done! God bless you all, and know that we are praying for all of you daily!!
In His Love,
Barry, Mary, & Jacob Ayers
Just like everyone else the "Hey Bud" was always a welcome breath of joy.
I am praying for you all and thinking of you. Wendy, you are an example to all of us.
Jenny
First of all I wanted to say that even though I don't really know Ken or Wendy, I know Ken's daughter and son and they are special to me. I don't know exactly what's going on, but I do know that Justin and Jamie really care and love their daddy. I never even really knew Ken, but from what I've heard he is a wonderful man. I'm one of Justin's best friends and I know that this has really hit home with him.
I love you Justin and you know I'm always here for you.
I love you too Jamie. :)
To Wendy and the rest of the family: may God be with you. You all are in my prayers.
"..and together we will float like angels.."
I met Wendy and the girls when we walked in the Great Locomotive Chase parade. She was very sweet and I could tell right then she loved her family. I didn't know Ken that well. I do know that every Sunday we would walk into church he would be standing there or sitting on the back row shaking everyones hand that walked through that door telling them "HEY BUD". My husband & I really liked him. He would always be smiling! Your family is deeply in our prayers.
Love Kari Hall & Family
They say that the true measure of a man is how much he is loved by his family and friends. When we came to NorthPointe, Ken's warm welcome was one of the things that confirmed in our spirit that it was the Church for us. Wendy, your strength is an inspiration to us, and we will pray for you, Ken, and the girls daily.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Love, Stacy and Rob Crider
Hey Bud, we hope someday you'll be able to read this blog and see how many people have been impacted by you and your big ol' grin and big ol' hugs and your big ol' "hey,Bud!"
We first met you and Wendy in our small group on Wednesday nights, you know...Fred's Flock! We watched as you made progress after your first stroke. You seemed to be getting better every day. We were so happy for you when you got your driver's license back! We have laughed with you, cried with you and prayed for you and we love you and Wendy and the girls so much! You know, Bud, Wendy could have let you just sit around and do nothing but she kept you involved with things. She was always looking for things to keep you busy and keep you involved and engaged in life. We know sometimes it was hard for you when you would get confused about things but seeing you and working side by side with you sure was a blessing to us. We like to think that somehow you knew what your big smile and "hey Bud" meant to all of us. It was like a warm bath after a really hard day at work, like seeing a long lost friend for the first time in years, like coming home after a long and tiring trip. It never got old and it never will.
We know you are having trouble now. You probably aren't sure what's going on and to tell you the truth we don't know either. We know about the physical part but we don't know what's going on inside. We just pray that you will get better and recover. We can tell you one thing, you're sweet wife has been by your side every moment of the way. She is protecting you and loving you and praying for you. We're praying for you too, Bud. John really is missing you alot. He was always honored that you remembered his name. Serving lunch at the Community Center will not be the same without you so you best get better and come back to us. If not, well, one day when we're all in heaven, I have to believe that you will know how much you meant to all of us. We're praying for you and your precious family.
We love you Bud!
John & Vicki
Hi Wendy,
I heard you had a blog for Ken and thought I'd try to locate it. Still praising God he's made it this far and believing he'll continue improving. Y'all are in my prayers every day.
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