Bible Discussion Thread

Am seeking to relocate locally if possible mainly to expedite a more proactive move toward nursing care for my elderly parents.

I have done all I can to emphasize the importance of nursing care at home along with serious discussion on a nursing facility as my parents are both in their nineties with failing health. The Lord through prayer from my brethren locally no doubt has kept things from being worse then they are with my mom's emotional outbursts. I don't feel I can peacably stay here anymore with my dad's occasional fits of rage adding to that (he has always been like that but with his mind going it is more complicated). He needs someone to help him with basic daily routines as it stresses my mom too much.

I will likelyneed to get extra work if I find a place locally; my other option is to move out of town across the state where I used to live. This would force my mom who is the only one that can still drive to get another driver; with the services already available with her insurance. She should have someone else to trust if something comes up and I'm at work anyway. I am searching christian sites for places locally; although most are expired. I am looking for short term for now; in case my mom whose mind is still somewhat working comes to her senses and gets the help she needs. I should note that my parents have more than adequate finances to take care of these things. I gave up full time work before moving in with them across the state and currently work part time. I have had to pay for their funeral expenses; they don't want any service but just ignored it so I added them to a plot out of town and have payed most of the 10K out of my own funds.

It would be ideal to find another believer to live with but no doors are open yet. Pray His will is done.

Agape and thanks;

Rich P

No brothers or sisters. My dads sister is in her mid 80s and we have stopped get togethers as of last year as it is hard for her to drive to this part of the city.

I hope you don't mind I thought your general prayer was good; (the one you had posted in your part 3 the other day) and I sent it to a friend of mine as a good sample text for prayer.

Part of the problem lately is this itchy rash on my skin; so far the doctors can't seem to pinpoint it. I suspect it could be dust mites; and with the heat ducts never cleaned (something else my mom refuses to expedite) it is very unhealthy so it could be dust mites or something to that effect. House generally overheated as well as you may suspect. I am fortunate that I have people praying daily for my parents including specifically for my rocky relations with my mom.

Honestly; I can't think of anyone even in my church who will take a few minutes to pray with me in person; although maybe the small group people would if I asked. With hardships and persecutions to come will we stand and strengthen one another?

Some will use human strength with weapons to fight; others no doubt cower in fear. I'm sure I have some more thoughts I could post on that matter; suffice to say I appreciate your steadfastness and can only hope others foster relationships where they can trust someone on a regular basis to pray for their needs.

Agape; Maranatha.

RIch P

Richard,

I have come to know that the more one prays for others, the more one's faith grows, the more opportunities one may have to let another know that you will pray for them or better yet, to pray with them, and even better is when people ask you to pray for them knowing that you are a believer and "talk to God" and He hears. That is a witness that can open doors for relationship, evangelism, meeting someone's needs, etc.

It is hard to be in a fellowship where prayer is not prioritized or practiced often. Having people I can count on to pray for me is precious. And I love to pray for others, because I have long taken what Lk. 11:13; Mt. 7:11 says about the Father being good and willing to give good gifts to His children-which we are, and especially gives us the Holy Spirit to fill us up with the Presence of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Richard, I will keep you in my prayers, especially concerning your itchy skin. These winter months can dry out our skin as we get older and it will itch if not regularly moisturized-but I would suggest that you get a dye-free, fragrance-free moisturizer for sensitive skin. Aloe vera gel may help, caladryl lotion (it comes in clear now). It may be dust mites, but it seems that if you are sensitive to these critters, then you would have had symptoms often. Have you been skin-tested for allergies?

Another non-medicinal thing to do with itchy skin is to cool it down. So using ice packs can help. You said that the house is warm, your skin may be reacting to the heat, as in heat rash. Also, if you are sweating more with the warmth, lighten up the layers and switch to 100% cotton T-shirts, shorts, pants if possible.

The age-old oatmeal bath can help, Eat more carrots and other vegetables high in vitamin A. Also those with high levels of Vit. E, C, D. These vitamins do help with balancing out the skin and improving its resilience to irritants. I only wash my closes in hypoallergenic detergent and double rinses. GBU

Dear Richard,

I will pray for you to find a more appropriate living arrangement than the one you are now in.

At some point we may need to take steps that will bring realization to our elders that they need to be in a more intensive care situation. You have been through a very serious illness and recovery in recent months. And your need for more income is an important one to realize and pray for. It is amazing that both of your parents are in their nineties. That is unusual.

If the Lord has you continue to be in your parents' home to care for them, then I pray for Him to strengthen you in every way and bless you in providing for your needs.

If the Lord opens up a better living situation, then I pray for Him to provide the job, salary, and hours needed to meet your financial needs.

Do you have siblings to help out with your parents?