"As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God."
"My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?"
Psalm 41:1-2
1. My older brother is in the hospital in Georgia, having just recently been diagnosed with Acute Leukemia. He has to stay in the hospital for 4-5 weeks undergoing intensive chemotherapy.
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| My brother Russell with his lovely wife Anne, last November at our son's wedding |
2. Our family has planned a family "reunion", now renamed just a "gathering" since we can't all be there, this coming weekend in North Carolina. My three siblings and myself were hoping to all be together, with our spouses and as many of our children and grandchildren as possible. Now since our oldest brother can't participate it kind of changes the whole thing...but we decided to go ahead with it anyway, with our brother's blessings. My hubby, our son and his "bride" and I plan to travel by way of Georgia to stop and visit my brother in the hospital on the way up to N.C.
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| Some of our family that gathered last November for the wedding. There are quite a few who couldn't make it, so we were hoping to have them all together this time... |
3. However...one more difficult thing has developed. My sweet mother in law, whom you have all seen pictures of and heard about throughout the years, and who just turned 95 this week, is in a state of decline. She currently lives in a nursing home not far from us, and we have been informed that her heart is failing and she is definitely in the process of letting go of this life in exchange for her eternal life. No one can say for certain just how long she may linger in this state, or even if she may rally and bounce back. We have been checking on her daily and have peace in our hearts that she is ready to meet Jesus and that we have said and done everything we can to let her know we love her.
It's just that we hate to think of leaving town and then having "Nanny" leave her earthly home at the same time...
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| My sweet Mother-in-law, taken this past weekend as friends and family gathered to celebrate her 95th birthday. |
or do we stay home with the thought that this could be the time our dear one will be called to her heavenly home?
After much prayer and contemplation, and discussion with loved ones here at home and also afar, we have decided to go ahead and make the trip, knowing that our dear one here is in good hands and that God will take care of her one way or the other. We do have family here who will take care of any arrangements should that be necessary. And we will only be gone three days.
"Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
"Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him
for the help of His countenance."
Psalm 42:5
"The Lord will command His lovingkindness
in the daytime.
And in the night His song shall be with me...
A prayer to the God of my life."
Psalm 42:8
"Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God."
Psalm 42:11
Thank you all for bearing with me through this little crisis of the heart. I know that God is going to guide us to make the right choice no matter what...we are still able to change our current plans should that become necessary, but we feel confident that either way, our Lord is in control. And yes, I will "Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance."
My life is in His hands...how often I remind myself of this. I’m so sorry about your brother and mother in law. God is in control of all circumstances. I agree with your decision and believe God has lead you to that point. You’ve been so good, loving and caring of Nanny and I’m thankful you have peace. Enjoy and encourage your brother and love on all those family members who can come. Your presence will be a light to them. I love you Pam.
ReplyDeleteOh yes...Our lives belong to God no matter what we choose to do. He is in control, and we know also that His timing is perfect. Thank you for your words of confidence. Your thoughts regarding this echo my feelings and desires.
DeleteI am so sorry you are having to deal with both situations, but God already knows the outcome of both,and we have to trust and lean on Him to get us through. Be safe if you do travel and let us hear from you when you get back home, whenever that might be. God bless and keep you my friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. yes, you are so right...God already knows the outcome, and He is in control in both situations. So thankful for that promise and hope. Yes, I will definitely let you all know how things are going either way. Thank you.
DeleteYou have made the right decision to go, Pam. I think God is leading you in your decision and I imagine your dear mother-in-law would tell you to go if she could. As you mentioned, you have said what you need to say to her. She knows you love her. Enjoy the time with your family, give your brother some peace with your visit and trust in God to lead it all. Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteI hope everything goes well and that you have a safe and happy trip. I hope you come home to happy news and never bad news.
ReplyDeleteIt seems trials are in everyone's life right now but we can all hold one another up.
Sending you lots of hugs and love.
Psalm 42 has always brought comfort to me as it has you, Pam. You and your family are in my prayers. xx
ReplyDeleteYes, Pamela, there is so much on your plate right now, and in light of it all, decisions can be difficult to make. However, I think traveling to see your brother and attending the reunion is a positive choice for you all at this time. Praying for you all for healing and safe travels.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Wow, Pamela. Many hard things and decisions. I know you care about each one, but I think you made the good decision in light of everything. Your Nanny will be in God's hands. It will be a good thing for you to see your brother in his time of need and support him and his wife. You will enjoy the gathering. I think it will be good for your spirits. Xoxo and safe travels.
ReplyDeleteOh Pam, I am so sorry that life is so hard right now. But isn't it a blessing to know we can depend on God to see us through and that we know He is walking every step of the way with us. I'll be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteWell, Pam, this is tough! I'm inclined to think you are making the right choice in going on with the trip, but of course, circumstances can change at any time. May the Lord bless you with peace and comfort.
ReplyDeleteI know that the Lord will lead you, Pamela.
ReplyDeleteHe is the God of your life.
And in the night His song shall be with me...
A prayer to the God of my life.
Psalm 42:8
May our Lord surround you and all your family with His strength, comfort, wisdom and love.
ReplyDeletePam: Follow God and His guidance. 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to: " Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." God knows the outcome of your weekend, we have to trust in Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord and lean not to our understanding. Acknowledge Him in all we do and He will direct your paths."
ReplyDeleteDear Pam as Psalm 55:22 tells us, "Cast your burden upon The Lord and He will sustain you". May our Lord keep you and your family in His loving arms dear friend. His Will, will give you peace my friend.
ReplyDeleteVery difficult times but I know you will be happy that you were able to stop and see your brother during his time of crisis and at the same time see many relatives whom you have not yet seen. I pray your MIL is comfortable and that she can hang on until your return. But if not she is in good hands both here on earth and in heaven above. Hugs. xx
ReplyDelete