God’s Love Conquers All

God's Love Conquers All

“I don’t know who you are, but I am NOT your mother!”

The harsh words cut to the core of my being. I wanted to cry, to scream, to shake her and say, “yes, you are my mother!”

In that moment, God gave me the presence of mind and grace to answer with love.

“Well, Sweet Lady, you’re someone’s mother. Is it okay if I call you ‘Momma’?”

Dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s, memory issues of any kind is hard. There are no easy answers. Click here for some practical tips you may find helpful in caring for your entire family.

For me, God clearly helped me day-by-day to cope with Mother’s ever-changing world. As a Loving Father, he enabled me to continue with Mother’s care, smiling and hugging on her.

God's Love Conquers All Later, after she was snuggled safely in bed, I headed for the back porch and cried and yelled and screamed. “God, this just isn’t fair! I want Momma back.” Life isn’t fair; often it’s a jungle out there.

As I write this article tonight, I am aware many of you are facing new journeys; the unexpected has hit our world and disturbed our routines. Already overwhelmed by life, you may now have family at home from school or work. Perhaps you are having to work at home.

The basic needs are the same.  Everyone in our home (and work and communities) need to know they are loved above all else. For me, Momma remembering who I was or even who she was, was not as important as her feeling cared for and loved.

Wise words are found in Romans 8:31KJV “…if God be for us, who can be against us.” Read more comforting and true words here.

If circumstances of the day have found you in trying times with your family, remember: we all need to know we are loved. Turn to the One Who loves you most. In troubled times (regardless of what they are,)

I am praying for you and sending hugs,

How are you handling the trials of our changing world today? Let me hear from you.

For more about Momma and me, click here.

 

Coronavirus or Flu not My Greatest Fear

Coronavirus or Flu not My Greatest FearCoronavirus or flu not my greatest fear.

My prayers continue to go out for those all over the world affected by the dreaded Coronavirus. Also, for what we call the “common” flu which can turn deadly if not caught in time.

I stand on God’s promises: “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee wherever you go.”  From Joshua 1:9

Like you, I have family members working in the healthcare field, or in the public every day. Consequently, I realize their risk level is pretty high.

This centerpiece is on my kitchen table. I wrote names on tiny pebbles and symbolically put each one into the hands of an all-loving, all-knowing Father. I pray for them daily; the Coronavirus, the likelyhood of  other illnesses, or accidents on the road are major concerns.

However, I have a much bigger concern; I don’t want any to die without Jesus. I’m selfish on this point: I want every single one of them to be with me in our Eternal Home in Heaven. The Bible teaches, there is only one way–Jesus!

Above all, I pray for their salvation; that they come to know the Free Gift Jesus offers to all.

 

Romans 8:28-29 reads:  If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth  that you profess your faith and are saved.
Often, in the darkness of the night, I make my way to the kitchen, light the candles, caress the fingers, and touch the stones. As I sit quietly in the dark with candles twinkling, I remind myself that my family is in Good Hands. I need reminded often. I know I can trust each of them to the Father’s Loving Care.
Do you know Jesus?
Are you sure? Does your family know Him?
Let us pray one for another that God will touch hearts and change lives in the challenging times in which we live.
Let me hear from you soon,
Hugs

Learning to Listen with Compassion

learning to listen with compassion Learning to Listen with CompassionIn our hectic, busy world, one of the greatest gifts you can give to your family and others in your care is to listen well. Compassionate listening is an art; it takes practice, patience, and time.

Charles Dickens has said: “No one is useless in the world who lightens the burden of it to anyone else.” One of the best ways to lighten a load is to learn to become a good listener.

Two critical cautions:

Be careful not to judge another persons reactions to a situation; do not give unsolicited advice. You may not relate to what the person is saying, but it is real to them. Certainly this can be tricky if you are caring for someone with memory issues; however, they need a compassionate ear.

Think about the person you are listening to.

Consider their health and well-being. Have they been confined to a chair, bed, or room for most of the time? Before you hurriedly walk away, remember that you may be the only person that has actually taken a few minutes to listen to their story.

Learn to listen carefully for clues.

Do they seem overly concerned about what should be an insignificant matter? Is it possible that there is more you need to know about the situation? Could there be hidden reasons for their concern?

Learn to give appropriate feedback.

Instead of saying, “I know how you feel,” try saying, “That must be difficult for you.” Or simply say “I’m sorry you are feeling this way.” As I visited with a recent widow this week, I could not say I knew how she felt even though I had experience the loss of a husband. My experience was not hers; I can understand the hurt, but I needed to hear her story, hold her hand and say “I’m so sorry.”

NOTE: Here are some good verses on listening for your study time.

This last tip may seem to be the most obvious.

However, it is often the most neglected. Give a smile and a gentle hug. Smiles have been proven to have tremendous healing effects. A simple pat on the hand or shoulder and genuine smile can make the day for someone. Good medicine for them–and good for you!

The payback for becoming a good listener.

As you take time to really listen, you will reduce tension and build trust. I like to keep a small notebook handy to jot down concerns I have or things I want to remember for the next conversation. I need the reminders — you may not forget as I do!

Take time to talk to our Heavenly Father.

You have a great week and as you listen to others, allow time to listen to our Heavenly Father as well; He is the best Compassionate Listener!

Hugs,

Do you know someone who is a great, compassionate listener? Love to hear from you.