We never know what a day holds. My days have been very full of helping to care for my father who has been hospitalized for over a week now. I’ve made the trip to central Kentucky to assist my family as we rotate staying with him. When vision and hearing are so minimal, it’s crucial to have someone there to be your ears and eyes.
We’ve watched the Lord strengthen him and though there’s been a bit of a set back today due to a sleeping medication that really put him out, we are hopeful that he will awaken soon and continue to progress.
These are days when my theology is put into practice. What I know to be true about my God is what stabilizes me, strengthens my heart, and gives me hope for whatever the future holds.
One truth I’ve cling to is that God is sovereign. He is ruling over my limited ability to help or to know what to do. He is ruling over my finiteness and He is here even when I cannot be present. I can trust my God to work out His will in my life, and the life of my father.
I’ve also had to remind myself to only think about TODAY. That is Philippians 4:8 thinking. The past cannot be changed and the future is uncertain, but there is grace for today.
If you are in uncertain times and situations, remind yourself truth about the character of God. You can trust an almighty, sovereign, loving God with your life.
I’ll be back here when time allows. I’m needed here and happy to do so. It’s a blessing to honor my parents and care for them.
Refreshed by His character,
RefreshHer 
Thank you Denise,
Although our circumstances are very different today, I needed the reminder that God is soverign.
Enjoy each day with your parents! Hugs from Brazil! Darcy
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God is reminding me even through your sweet message how good He is. I’m glad what He is teaching me can encourage you, my friend. 💕
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Praying for you and the family as you all take care of your father. God gives us what we need when we need it. He is faithful and He is with you.
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Thank you for these sweet reminders, and for your prayers for us. 💕
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Praying for you and your family. Thank you for this sweet reminder about God’s character while facing your own battle.
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Thank you, Amanda. This has been difficult, but i am learning so much and being strengthened moment by moment even by the prayers of others like you. 💕
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This is so sweet and touching, Denise. I’m adding your dad to my prayer journal right now! Bless you for taking such good care of your parents (and I love the horse mug ☺️).
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How blessed I am to have such sweet, long-distance friends that only know my family through my blog. Thank you SO much for your prayers. Today is a crucial day and I am in need of much wisdom. ❤️
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Your family is in my prayers, Denise. Your dad is blessed with a loving family and that’s such a gift.
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You have no idea how much your prayers are needed and appreciated. Thank you! 💕
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I am very sorry to hear about your father, Denise. I have been concerned about you so I am glad you shared with us what is going on. You and all of your family will be in my prayers. Love you!
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Debbi, thank you for your loving concern. We appreciate your prayers SO much!
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Dear Denise I follow your posts regularly and am always encouraged by your solid Biblical truth and advise. I also love your love for homemaking!!
I have been a pastor’s wife for 44 years, but we have recently retired to move in with my mom and help her after my dad passed away in March. I can totally relate to your anxieties, uncertainty, and concerns for helping your parents. We are in a very different phase of our life right now. Not being in our own home and space is very difficult, but it is how God has led at this time.
We have faced many life changes and heartaches in the last 2 years that we never anticipated. It started when our 44 yr old son died in a drowning accident, devastated all of us. 4 months later, my husband who was always a fit, active busy serving pastor had a massive heart attack. 6 months later his dad passed away, and 8 months later my husband had a 2nd heart attack! Through it all we clung to God for strength in very rough days. It wasn’t easy. We hung on, and only God’s grace kept us going. And yes, knowing that God was in control, He had all things in His mighty arms, He had not forgotten us, and we would come through the storms with Him still by our side!
Then in March of this year when my dad faced return of cancer, I came again to help my parents. I was able to be with him about 10 days before the Lord took him home. I’ve handled all the details for my mom. Only God could do that. I am not a brave person! But just one day, one detail at a time! Always just do the next thing is my motto!
My husband has been able to fill in preaching in small churches here. That encourages him to still be used to minister! He was not truly seeking to retire, but it seemed through all that happened the Lord was leading and directing us to be closer to all our family. For now, we continue to help my mom, and pray that God will one day allow us to be in our own home again. We desperately miss our home and church family and ministry.
God is in control. We cling to that . Not sure why I needed to write you this long note. But your post on Oct 3 about helping your dad struck a very dear spot in my heart. I will be praying for you. I can relate. Uncertainty is so hard, it’s so uncertain! But God is steadfast, certain, and sure. What would we do without Him?
Love and prayers A fellow servant and sister in the Lord Carol Coursen formerly from Sedro-Woolley WA, a small town north of Seattle now in a very small town, Leachville Arkansas
P.s. I know you don’t know me personally, but I’m quite sure we probably have many mutual friends
Psa. 94:18,19. When I say my foot is slipping, your unfailing love supports me. When anxious thoughts overwhelm me, your comfort brings joy to my soul. (my own version)
A few pictures, they always help me anyways to connect the dots 🙂
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Carolyn, you have been tried by the furnace of affliction, and I can see that it has done a sweet work in your heart. Thank you for sharing with me the comfort that you have received. It means so much. I will be stopping now to pray for your needs, burdens and longings. Thank you for entering into my suffering. 💕
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Yes, Christ is our cling-to truth. Though everything else wash out, he remains. ‘Now is the day..’ he speaks to us in the nows.
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Isn’t it amazing to have truth in Christ that never changes?! Thanks for reading and commenting!
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