Monday Motivation: Him Before Me

Friends

I wanted to share an update on our family situation. My much beloved father entered hospice care this weekend. Eight weeks ago,he had a serious heart failure episode that required hospitalization and then three weeks of Rehab thereafter. In mid-June, he returned back to his apartment in assisted living, and he and my mother rejoiced in being together in one place again. Within a week, he suffered a UTI requiring antibiotics, and shortly afterward, he began retaining fluid again. This past Thursday, the fluid overload was so severe that we had to give an intense combination of diuretics to manage his symptoms. Amazingly, the medications worked, and he is feeling much better, although very tired and weak. 

Given the short timeframe between these heart failure episodes, we decided to restart hospice care and bring in the extra services he may need going forward. The goal is to keep him independent and comfortable, and at home with my mother for as long as possible. Will you please pray for that and for our family as we continue to navigate his care? 

I will also say that my tough-as-nails, Airborne all the way, Army Colonel of a father looked at me yesterday with his gorgeous baby blue eyes and a smile playing on his lips and said, “I’ve done graduated Hospice before.” And the implication there is that he could do it again, and friends, I wouldn’t put it past him! Regardless, we all know and trust that the plan is in the Lord’s hands, and He goes before us.

When I sat on my front porch Friday morning trying to get my brain around what we should do in this new situation, the words “don’t go before the Lord. Let the Lord go before you,” came into my mind, no doubt brought to me by the Holy Spirit. It was my reminder to let go and let God drive the plan. 

I have been hanging onto that message all weekend, and it has helped. Perhaps those are good words for you to hang onto today as well.

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“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.””

Deuteronomy 31:8 – NIV

PRAYER

O Good and Gracious Father, meet us in our moments of need, in our trials, and in our heartaches. Remind us of Your faithful Presence no matter what we face, no matter where we go. You are with us, and for us, and You will never leave us nor forsake us. Banish our fears and doubts, and go before us now and forevermore.

In the Faithful Name of Jesus, we pray,

Amen

Blessings,

Anita 

-APS 7/13/2026