Our church hosted their 19th Campus Harvest conference this weekend. Friday night 117 souls were saved. Saturday night 60 received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and over 100 were baptized in water. Praise God for the souls touched!!!
Of course, us “old” folks (who weren’t college age) got a taste of some of the conference since their worship team led us Sunday morning. They actually sound just like our regular band, but we don’t normally have the huge screen in the middle. Anyway, here is a tiny blurb from worship. Very short.
Well my friends, yesterday was interesting. Something in me knew I didn’t want to go to my parent’s house. When I got there, my Mom had a horrible look on her face. I knew I was stepping into something. After I was there a while, painted her fingernails, etc … she decided she wanted to go into the living room. It took me a good 20 minutes to get her up. It was HORRIBLE. I am convinced she has had another mini stroke. Her “bad leg” didn’t want to move and she was in such bad shape that she couldn’t get up. I burst into tears … the picture below is after spending a day at their house and crying …
I kept telling my Mom, “I don’t know what to do to help you Mama.” It was horrible. I knew I couldn’t leave my parents there alone when I couldn’t even get my Mom up. I called my brother in tears and he came over. We decided that for now we would just have to rotate days over there until 1) our Mom gets strength back in her leg to move from point A to point B, 2) we can find someone who can stay with her (that we can half-way afford), or 3) be forced to place her in some type of assisted nursing facility (which she is REFUSING to do).
My daughter and I stayed at their house last night until my sister relieved us this morning. At least my daughter brought a lot of joy into the house and was good “medicine” for my Mom. My poor sister is there all by herself. :o( It isn’t good.
Here is “Princess” sitting near Grandma.
I stepped outside to get some fresh air — just before dusk. I looked around while hearing the crickets and frogs, and it took me back to my childhood. See that barn in the distance? That barn was HUGE to me when I was a child. The grass that you see in that field was once a rich place of plowed rows. I spent many days on the back of my Daddy’s old tractor.
Normally “Princess” doesn’t have much to do with Grandma because Grandpa plays with her, but last night she spent a lot of time in Grandma’s chair. I know that did my Mom a lot of good and took some pressure off of me as well. Again, God help my sister who won’t have that little bundle of joy in the house tonight …
My visits to your blogs may be sporadic. My life and schedule is up in the air until something gets decided about my Mom. Please pray that God gives us great grace and wisdom. If you haven’t reached this place with your parents — let me tell you that it is INCREDIBLY difficult to take over the reigns and become the “parent” in the relationship. It is horrible!
There are some things that I may as well laugh about as to cry. I can’t share out of respect for my parents, but one day — I could probably write a book.
Anyway, I would appreciate your prayers.
Sister, my heart truly understands what had just transpired. Being there once, first, with my mom, then years later, with my dad…It's not easy. Like what you said.
I'm keeping you in prayers. Has been but I will pray particularly with your situation too. May the Lord cover your parents with healing and protection. Strength and guidance for you and your siblings. Take care sister and be strong in the Lord's mighty power…Love to you.
I am very sorry for what is happening. I'll be praying for you and your family. That's great about the conference 🙂
Beth, so very sorry to hear that about your mom. She doesn't even look like herself in that picture. I know it must be stressful and a helpless feeling. Hang in there. Maybe you should get wireless so you can have it when you're there to help cheer you up! 🙂 I have a relative in that town who is near death (she's like 93), and has people (not Hospice) around the clock. They may be able to move to help with your mom when she passes. If you need their names or company name, I can find out for you. Until then, I'll be keeping you and your family in my prayers. Happy Easter!
Oh Beth! I am so sorry to hear of the struggles right now. I have seen my parents deal with it from afar and it is definitely hard. I don't even like to think about having to do it down the road because it is just too difficult to think on. I am thinking about and praying for you, your parents and siblings.
One of the basketball players at Carolina went to Campus Harvest. He posted pictures on Twitter but I didn't realize it was at your church. What an amazing report of the lives touched!
♥Tara
It's very hard caring for an aging or sick person. I walked through my husband's 5 years of cancer – as well as others who I have cared for over the years. The nice ones get nicer and the grumpier ones get grumpier! I'm praying for you today!
REST in JESUS!
{{HUGS}} Stephanie
Oh dear friend. You and your precious parents are in our prayers. God bless you my friend. It is so difficult when our parents get old. I'm so glad you are able to be there for them. God bless you.
My sweet friend, I will be praying for you. I understand just a tiny bit of what it is like. May God give you strength, peace, and discernment of His will.
(((hugs))) I am so sorry you are having to deal with this situation but am comforted you have been called for "such a time as this". God wouldn't give you more than you can handle but that doesn't make it easy…carrying a cross seldom is. Praying for you sweet friend. Princess is so precious!! Her smile would brighten the darkest night.
Oh Beth…my heart hurts for you and I will definitely be keeping all of your family in my prayers! So glad to see the beautiful smile on your mom's face though, thank God for Princess!
And Praise Him for all of those precious souls saved for Him. What a powerful night!
God bless you!
May God grant all of you peace, comfort and wisdom. God bless you Beth.
Praying, and loving you.
Will definitely be praying for you, my dad had to go to a nursing home type place only for a short time and it about killed me! Prayers going up! blessings! and peace…rest in Him.
I am praying for all of you! What an awesome job Princess did being the little encourager…you can see it in Grandma's eyes in the picture!
Blessings, hugs, and prayers,
andrea
((((hugs))) My heart is hurting for you sis…sigh…..You know I am praying….
We (my hubby is a minister) are praying for you and your family. We both have been through this, and it is incredibly difficult and heartbreaking. I am sure your sweet mother is dealing with lots of fear, how is your dad? God will give all of you strength and peace just like He promised. Princess is adorable.
Beth, I'm so sorry…I am praying for your parents, and praying for you and your family. You will face difficult decisions in the days ahead, but God is with you. He will equip and enable you and your sibs to do everything necessary to take care of your parents. Praying that you feel His comfort and His peace.
I'm so glad Princess was with you. Little children bring such joy into our lives!
You have an amazing church. Praising GOD for those who were saved, received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and were baptized in water. Hallelujah!
Love you, my friend…
I know just what you're feeling and how heavy your heart is. Enjoy every moment you can with them…I know you will.
I remember crying so hard before I signed the papers over to the new owners.
The day before, I walked through the whole house.I went to my dad's workshop one last time and even took some dirt that was beside our crooked barn.
Praying for you,
Tammy
Prayer in progress.
You definitely have my prayers!!
Hugs!!
Sorry beth..I will pray for your parents and for you guys to all have discernment..
It looks like God prepared you by giving you that wonderful church service. I feel for you, Beth. Your heart must be breaking. I'm praying.
Love you sweet friend. I know exactly what you are going through and it is heartbreaking to watch our parents go through these kinds of physical and mental struggles.
My prayers are being said for your mom, dad and you and your family as the Lord leads you in all ways about whatever decisions that need to be made. Give it all over to Him as I know you are…He will lead you.
{{{Big Hugs}}}
Alleluiabelle
The sad photo of you touched my heart. You are doing a good job of caring for your mom, and how nice princess was there to add a spark of joy.
Wonderful news about the church service reaching so many young people.
Just catching up. My life has been crazy too. But certainly in a different way. Praying for you and your family. Sweet picture of princess and your mom.
Hugs,
Mimi