Praises & Concerns from the Weekend

I just returned safely, by God's grace, to Indiana. My trip home was eventful and full of ups and downs.

Ups/Praises :)
1. The Lord gave me the opportunity to talk to my aunt about Christ and the Holy Spirit gave me the words to say. It is such an exciting and joyful thing to know that the Spirit is speaking through you. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit." Please pray that the Spirit causes the truth she heard to take root in her heart.
2. The Lord used my sister in a similar fashion to encourage a brother in Christ.
3. I got my car back. :)
4. The Lord ministered to me in such a powerful way throughout the weekend in various ways.
5. I met with my pastor.
6. I got to give Kristi her birthday present. :)
7. I went to church and it was especially comforting and much needed after Saturday night's events (below).

Downs/Prayer Requests :(
1. Trying times with my dad {though the Lord did remind me of my prayer to be more Christ-like while I was driving this evening ;)}
2. We had to take my mom to the ER Saturday night because she suddenly developed excruciating pain in her jaws and ears and also had pain in her chest and neck. My mom has a high tolerance for pain so I cannot even imagine the amount of pain she must of had as she cried and groaned uncontrollably and held her head in her hands for several hours. It was almost unbearable to witness. The doctor did several tests (EKG & 2 CAT scans which, thankfully, came back normal) before finally giving her medicine to dull the pain. They think they may have found a blood clot in her thigh but they aren't for sure (unrelated to the pain in her jaw/ear/neck area). She was admitted into the hospital and there reamains as they continue to run tests and stuff. The doctor she saw today thinks she may have TBJ (lockjaw if I am not mistaken) so a Ear, Nose & Throat specialist is going to see her tomorrow. Please pray for her healing and wisdom for the doctors.
3. Lack of sleep (4 hours last night and again tonight)

Not exactly how I thought my weekend would go, but the Lord was still so gracious in His provision and care. I was reminded of what wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ the Lord has blessed me with. I am deeply touched with the love and concern they have shown. Futhermore, the Lord ministered to me in a special way on the road this evening through songs and a sermon. I was reminded once again that I cannot do it all and that I have to:
1. Put something down: which for me means to suck up my pride and admit I cannot do all my reading for school...sorry New Testament 1, your reading will be the first to go
2. Hand something off: this is something I have been thinking about lately regarding the Connection Team I lead at RF and the organization I lead at school, but the Lord hasn't shown me the who and the how yet.
3. Give something to God: my finances/debt and the schoolwork I am drowning in

Ok, I seriously better go to bed so I can semi-function tomorrow.