A Bit of Chatter-Finding Joy in the Trenches

A Bit of Chatter-Finding Joy in the Trenches

Cousin Trudi and Her 3 Day Donut

Cousin was off her feed, in bed most of the day until sweet Mary brought her a ‘little’ donut. It’s amazing how she perked up. Now energized, we sorted her stuff until after midnight and crawled (yes, crawled) into our beds.

Would you believe May 6 is National No Diet Day! Cousin celebrated early! She ate on that donut several days!

I could really get into celebrating No Diet Day!  Just what the doctor ordered for the way April has been at my house!

Before I go further with this needless chatter, there are two things you need to know about me.

#1 I live by two verses from God’s Word. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust the Lord with all your heart…and He will direct your paths.” And Jeremiah 33:3 “Call unto me, and I will answer thee…” I call on Him often; He always answers.

#2 When I am stressed or uncomfortable with a situation, regardless of where I may be or who is around, I sing “Jesus loves me this I know…” Been singing a lot of late.

I’m making time to spend two or three days at Cousin’s every two weeks as she struggles with difficult decisions. At 92, she is a joy; I think I can give her some comfort and continuity while she figures out what God’s plan is for her. (Prayers really appreciated.)

Meanwhile, back at the ranch. My computer isn’t talking to the big printer. The small printer refuses to accept a new ink cartridge my sweet husband scoured the city to find. Don’t have the heart to tell him!  Have three articles to complete and hubby’s newsletters to get in the mail in the next couple of days. Wonder how a hand-written note would go over?

Weeds have overtaken my new flower beds. Iris are trying to stretch above the weeds; smaller flowers are simply buried in a sea of clover and dandelions.  Watched our resident groundhog EAT one of the purple iris yesterday!  The kiddos that used to keep them groomed have grown, married, and moved on.

My yard work is hampered by the fact that I’m having therapy twice a week to get my body moving properly again. (That’s a whole another story…not telling right now!) I’m sure it couldn’t be that thing called aging! I have a speaking engagement and book signing in two weeks, prayers deeply appreciated!

So, seriously thinking about National No Diet Day. I could start with Megan’s hot breakfast and biscuits and gravy. For lunch maybe Hip Pocket Pizza with chips and salsa. Later perhaps Expresso’s specialty coffee and a dessert! And dinner won’t be a bowl of steamed veggies!

BOTTOM LINE – We all have bumps along our way. Life is a journey. Sometimes we travel by stagecoach over the barren desert. Other times, we fly high with the eagles. Either way, God is with us. If you know Jesus as your personal savior, He will never, ever leave you.

I am happy. I have peace. I am blessed beyond measure … even on my worst days. Praying for you as I write this. Trust God on your journey through life and always sing with me, “Jesus loves us, this we know…”

Hugs,

 

 

 

My Calendar, Work Schedule and You

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My Calendar Work Schedule and You

Jonquils from My Yard

My calendar and my work schedule this week will never match up. Cards to send and calls to make; women’s ministry needs; flower beds that need tending; a home that needs TLC; yikes!

Laying my calendar aside, I’m now packing a bag and heading out of town for a few day’s stay. Cousin Penny (Trudi) struggling with major decisions at 92. I am the only living relative. At the same time, it’s doubly hard for me to leave Russell. A precious friend went Home last night and he will do her service; I want to be here. (Prayer appreciated for both of us!)

New Tulip Bed Showing Off

How about you? Each of you holds a special place in my heart. A few I know quite well; others slightly; still others only through seeing your name on my list and praying for you and your family. How has springtime been going for you? I wonder if, even in the least of ways, have my notes truly offered you help and hope.

Good News! We can stop and regroup; even a few moments can change a day.

This morning I woke up to the sound of refreshing rain on the roof. Walking outside on the porch, I  felt as though I could conquer the world (for a brief moment). I’m thankful for those times. I wish you fresh air and sunshine for your busy days.

As I took time to gather some beautiful spring flowers to take to Cousin, I continued to drink in the cool, fragrant air and refresh myself! A neighbor driving by stopped to chat; her wee one smiled and waved to me. I wish for you the smell of fresh rain and the perfume of God’s beautiful flowers. And, of course, hugs from wee ones; they warm our hearts.

Do you bake, garden, or cook a good casserole?

I thought of you today as we enjoyed our lunch. A friend, knowing our schedule, dropped by some fresh fruit and veggies and … a chocolate cake! I wanted to invite you over to share our bounty!

Many of you are busier than I, struggling to make it through one more day. You can only hope for someone to drop you off some food or flowers or take time to visit a bit.

What I appreciate most is that someone thought of us in that way. Sorry, I can’t come by your house today, deliver you some goodies or hold your hand or hug your neck.

However, here are a few things I can do for you today.

1. I can encourage from an understanding heart. I have been there, in the trenches and in the good times. I know firsthand every caregiver, parent, or child needs hope, love, and understanding.

2. I can pray for you. I believe that the love of God knows no boundaries. I believe He cares for us in ways we cannot understand. I believe He wants to comfort you and strengthen you and those you love.

3. I can listen to you. I am a good listener. Sometimes, just talking helps. I want to encourage you, if nothing else, to set aside a few minutes each day to journal your thoughts and your feelings. Be honest with them. And, please let me know when a column meets your need. Let me know how I can be a better encourager for you personally.

4. I can encourage you to seek someone you can minister to in some way; maybe take a bit of food or flowers. Maybe simply call or send a card. God created us to need each other; I’m thankful for that.

Well, lots of chattering today. Sometimes it’s good to just sit down and talk to an old friend. I really do care about you; I hope you know Jesus cares.

Listening is a Learned Skill–5 Valuable Steps

Listening is a Learned Skill--5 Valuable Steps

“Open that kitchen window and let me inside.”

Listening is a Learned Skill--5 Valuable Steps

“Please, please let me in!”

 

This little squirrel was surely pleading, “let me in, please. I’m freezing out here!” Moving to the back deck, he folded his hands praying that I would have compassion on him.

Now, I imagined he wanted in my warm kitchen. Had I yielded to what I “heard” and let him in, he would quickly have torn the place up looking for a way to get back outside!

 

Hmmm! Do I listen to others in the same way? Is it possible I listen with a preconceived idea of what they want or need? Are my suggestions offered before I even hear what they are really saying to me?

Listening involves more than merely hearing.

We are wise to learn to listen. With many diversions at our fingertips, it can be difficult to focus our attention on a single conversation. As we put forth the effort to become a better listener, we benefit others as well as ourselves. You may find, as I have, some of these simple tips are easier said than done.

You may find a few of these Bible verses challenging as you learn to listen with your heart.

#1 Look the person in the eye as you listen.

This may seem oversimplified or unnecessary, especially if you are busy meeting immediate needs. Pause a few seconds, look directly at them as you smile or pat a hand or shoulder. That visual sign says you really care.

#2 Your answers can help others communicate better.

Give feedback that encourages further communication. Consider your words carefully. No one wants to hear, “I know how you feel”. A better comment would be, “that must be difficult for you”. Saying “I’m so sorry you feel this way” will often help to win their trust and build confidence.

#3 There is a time to give advice, and a time to wait.

This can be difficult (remember, listening is a learned skill). Learn to listen without giving advice. Make a note if you think this is a topic that may need to be addressed at a later time or with others responsible for their well-being.

#4 Learn why certain topics are repeated more than others.

Learn to be patient with repeated conversations. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes; consider why these stories are so important. Listen for clues that may help the person or their family, or caregivers deal with particular situations.

#5 Most people simply want someone to love them; to genuinely care about their needs.

It can be easy for us to judge the person by what they say. You may not relate to what is said or agree, but you can show the courtesy to listen politely.

Knowing you really care will build trust, help reduce tension, and release emotions. Taking time to listen, even for a few short minutes, will encourage further conversations and can produce life-changing results for all.

We can learn from Jesus who said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heaven laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and ye shall find rest for your souls.”   Matthew 11:28-29

Hugs,

Who has been a good listener in your life? Why? What have you learned from them? Let me hear from you soon.