Monday, June 25, 2012

NEWS AND PRAYER REQUESTS


It seems as if it has been a month instead of just a week since I have spent much time in blogland.  I have missed following along on all the happenings, as I have spent only a few snatches of time here and there reading, but I know you all know where I've been at.

What a week it has been.  I couldn't begin to tell all the emotions I have been going through, or really all that has been involved.  Possibly if all we had to deal with had been all the usual things that surround the death of a loved one it would have been a little easier, but it seems as if my family (meaning my brothers and sisters) never does anything easy.  Honestly you wouldn't believe all that has gone wrong.   I'd love to say that I have handled everything with grace and dignity and strength and wisdom, but sadly it just wouldn't be true.  Let's just say, with God's strength I have gotten through each day, but have fallen short more than once.  I don't really want to go into detail as they are really just too private, but know that I would love nothing more than to pour my heart out here.  But as I was doing my morning devotions today I felt the Lord reminding me to dwell instead on what has gone right, where I have felt and seen His presence and mercy, and what there is to be thankful for.    In doing so I have again been reminded that my dependency on Him is not only what He desires, but the ONLY way I manage at all.  I love that He looks for persistence, and not perfection, because goodness knows I always fall short.  I love that I can count on Him.  He NEVER leaves me or forsakes me.  The storms of life can rage around me and yet I can feel His presence, His mercy, His love and His forgiveness.

We have most of the details all set for the funeral (though I prefer to think of it as a celebration of his life) this Friday.  My hubby and I worked non-stop for the last two full days and have almost everything in place and cleared out for my mother to move in.  It is amazing how much we accumulate   over time, and how much of it we can really live without.  I have emptied out a bedroom and a bathroom from my mom and I actually think my new place I have found for my sewing machine (and accompaning gear) will work out even better than where it's been.  The light will be better that's for sure.  I will show you pictures of things later.  I also moved a chair out of our family room to make room for hers, (she has a chair she is soo comfortable in and can't bear to leave behind) and moved it into our bedroom, which again I have ended up really liking.  Her chair is a pretty shade of green, and I am hoping and thinking it will fit and look just fine where I have found for it.  If not, oh well I guess.  Much more important she is comfortable.  It's funny because before we moved here I could have accommodated moving my mother in without moving much or thinking much about it.  Our house was so big and with all the kids gone there were a couple of empty bedrooms in addition to a bedroom set aside for my grandkids when they visit.  But now that we have moved into the 2 bedroom it has created quite the challenge.   But it is the old...it is what it is....and I need to quit remembering and saying how it used to be, haha.

Melody and Mike and baby Sam are coming for the service though they will only be here a very brief while.  They arrive at 7 on Thursday night, and will leave on Saturday morning.  I am trying not to whine about the short time as I am soo grateful they are coming at all.  All I can say is I NEED my girl, and I want to hold and kiss baby Sam soo badly.  Mel and Sam will come later in the summer and stay for longer, so I will look forward to that.  HOWEVER Melody called this morning and the baby is running a temperature.  She already had an appointment for his 9 month old well baby check this morning so the doc has checked him over.  He can't find anything wrong with him so he thinks it is just a little bug.  It is the first time the baby has run a temp., and Melody is like any other first time mom and is somewhat concerned about it all.  Soo hard when they can't tell you what is wrong.  He is always soo happy and busy and he is just wanting his mama to hold him and is so fussy.  PLEASE pray the baby recovers quickly and they are able to come anyway.  I know it might seem kind of selfish, but I just want to see them both so much right now.

HOW CUTE IS THIS LITTLE FACE?
My son James is in Israel.  The story surrounding this is inspiring, miraculous and sooo definitely from God that I would love to tell you every little detail about it right now.  But there just isn't time.  He will be home LATE on Thursday night (lots of kids will be in the air on Thursday) and will no doubt have some jet lag on Friday.  But it was so important to my mom that he be at the service that he would be there if he hasn't slept at all.  I'd so appreciate your prayers for his safety as well.  I will tell this whole story later.  Prepare to be amazed at the miraculous God we serve. 


Caesarea, where the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles. Where Paul waited to be sent to Rome

SOO COOL


I guess I have spent long enough writing this.  I have sooo much to do today I need to get busy and begin.  My knees are REALLY bothering me as I have been on my legs soo much this last week, and the old arthritis just can't seem to take it.  And we won't even open the subject of my tummy.  I did see my specialist last week however and all of his tests are complete and basically I am very healthy.  My official diagnosis is IBS.  Another long story which will have to be told later.  In the meantime I am doing the best I can, but wish I could lay it all aside for a day or two so I can get done what must be done.   Oh to be young and quick again, haha.

This has more complaining in it than I would like.   But my heart is heavy this morning and I guess it kind of shows.  My mom is doing OK.  Better in some ways than I thought she might, and soo much worse in others.  We will trust God to continue to comfort her, and know that time will eventually pass and she will begin to heal.

Hope you are all enjoying your summer.  I do love to visit through blogland and here of all your happenings.  God bless you all....Debbie



15 comments:

  1. Debbie,
    I had you and your family on my mind this morning ,while outside in the garden, I was praying for you, and now I know why. God is our strength, and you are so right He will never leave nor forsake us.

    I have been to the Holy land, and the scriptures took on a whole new meaning for me, James will never be the same,to walk were our Savior walked, and to see the written word,.... words cannot describe this experience!.
    I will praying for safe travel, great health for Sam and peace that passes all understanding. Please tell you Mom, she is in my thoughts and prayers.
    Hugs,
    Sue

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  2. Hi Debbie, I echo Sue's prayers for travel safety for all coming home on Thursday and health for little Sam. He may just be cutting teeth too. You sound so weary my friend, wish I could bring some ice tea over and just relax with you. Praying the Spirit will wrap His arms around you today and this week. You are such a vibrant witness to all who stop by here to visit.
    Love you my friend. Noreen

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  3. I have prayed and thought about you so much, thanks for the update. I know it is hard but I think you are doing so much better than I would have done.
    I am so glad you will have a baby to hold. That always helps so much.
    I am so glad you have made room for your Mom and you are doing so good about that. I really don't know if I would be.
    I will keep your family in my prayers.
    Blessings Debbie.

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  4. Well now it wouldn't take too much to connect the dots if your family is anything like other families I've known and loved, including my own. Don't you fret. Stay focused on the Lord and one day you'll look back to find that He led each step of the way. I love hearing about your plans for having your mother join you. I'm sure that she will be as happy as she can possibly be and how good for her to be with you now much the same way you are eager to have your daughter and grandbaby come home. Praying for all the particulars knowing full well that God has every detail under control. Praying comfort and peace for all...

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  5. I feel for you and your family, Debbie. We all remember when a loved one passes and the pain and sorrow that follows. I also remember helping my mother when my father passed away. It's bittersweet. I have prayed and will continue to do so for you and all of your dear family. It's times like these that we have to keep our hearts and minds focused on our wonderful Lord and He will see us through.
    Love & Prayers,
    Sandy

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  6. My heart aches for your Mom. It is never easy to lose a life-partner ... or a daddy for that matter.

    God bless & comfort each of you.

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  7. Debbie, had you not shared your heart, we wouldn't know best how to pray. Without giving us details, you have given us some guidance to warrior for you.

    And I guarantee that I will not be alone in doing so.

    I'll also write down THURSDAY travel so that I don't neglect to pray them safely there.

    I'm sorry...
    That really seems trite and lame, but I really am and will be lifting you and this whole thing.

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  8. I just want you to know that I have been and will continue to pray for you. I've been in the same situation with my mouth at my father's funeral and it was just responding to things that were said to me but it feels horrible. I understand what you're going through. I will pray also for the baby that he will get better and endure his traveling to make it more easier for Melodie. I have a few friends that have just complete visits to the Holy Land and were forever changed. I cannot wait for you to share your son's experiences. May the Lord surround you and comfort you and give you peace as you continue to go through this difficult time.

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  9. Oh, Debbie, I'm sorry that this time has been made even more difficult than it ought to be ... praying that the Lord will give you the strength to get through all this. I'm also praying for safe travels.

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  10. Debbie, I am so sorry for this hard time you are going through. Praying that all goes exactly the way you hoped for the celebration of your step Dad's life. I didn't know your Mom was moving in with you. That will be another adjustment as well. And also, praying Melody and baby will still be able to come. Hope the baby is fine and can travel!!
    Take good care of yourself!!! You need to keep well rested and all that jazz.
    Hugs for you Debbie,
    Kris

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  11. You continue to be on my heart and in my prayers...complain, oh girl, you never do, and I am always convicted that I complain too much. What "use to be" oh I am there too much, convicted this morning from your strength to move forward.

    Praying, praying, praying.

    Love you girl...thanks for sharing, as I am one who is always encouraged in my walk with the Lord

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  12. Thank you for sharing all that's going on in your life right now. I'm praying for you as you go through this challenging time. How kind of you to welcome your mom into your home and how adapted your home to fit her things. I know how it can be when you've moved to a smaller place and there's not much room. We do accumulate so much stuff that really isn't needed.

    So glad that Melody and her hubby and baby Sam can come too. Praying that Sam's fever will be gone. After spending time with my niece Kristin and seeing her so joyful as a new mother to baby Kenzie, I thought of your Melody. The two girls seem to resemble each other I believe.

    I will be thinking of you especially on Friday. May the Lord comfort you and guide you every moment of that day.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  13. I'm so sorry for your loss, friend, and for all the stress that accompanies the grieving process. May the peace and love of Jesus rest in your heart this night.

    ~elaine

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  14. I am so sorry for your loss and I pray the Lord will continue to strengthen you and give you much grace during the next few days. Praying for safe travel for all and that your daughter will be able to attend the ceremony. May te Lord envelope you with his peace

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I am so glad that you would take the time to comment on my thoughts and feelings, it is such a blessing to me!