To Have Friends Be a Good Friend

To Have Friends Be a Good Friend

To Have Friends, Be a good friend.

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls; for he hath not another to help him up.”  Bible: Ecclesiastes

In the photo –

Getting her hair done is an old friend, Doris Smitherman. Through the years we have cried, laughed, prayed together, visited in each other’s homes; shared meals and ups and downs of life. She is a treasure.

Manuel is a new friend Russell met while waiting patiently (?) for me to finish shopping. Manuel joined him and immediately they talked, laughed, shared stories and prayed together. A bond of friendship formed with one encounter as seen on their faces.

“Two may talk together under the same roof for many years, yet never really meet; and two others at first speech are old friends.”  Mary Catherwood

What makes a friend?

“The only way to have a friend is to be one.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you really desire a friend, be one. It’s amazing what a smile will do. Do you realize there are people everyday you have contact with that have no friends; not true friends that love them as they are. To be a good friend, simply be friendly.

Read how my brother’s caring smile changed a life forever. Click here:

Who is your best friend?

“A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same.”  Elbert Hubbard

My husband is my best friend. He’s a tried and true friend. Loving and trying to understand me when others would toss me out! We totally do not think alike in many issues, but we respect each others differences. We challenge each other to be better, to do better, to grow. We encourage each other to build relationships outside our home; there is a hungry world out there that needs true friends.

Do you have friends from childhood?

If so, treasure that friendship. I was in 18 states the first year after graduation. My father called me a gypsy. I lost contact with some of the most precious people in my  life-girls and boys I had known from 1st grade to graduation. This year I searched out a few of them. We may be ‘a few years’ older, but the memories we shared are priceless!

Do you make friends at work or in town?

Some strong relationships are built as you work side-by-side with others. You laugh and cry and share personal stories and you learn to trust one another. I challenge you to find someone at work or in the shops you frequent that is less likely  to have a string of friends. Smile at them, remember their name, complement a job well done.  I am amazed how this has opened doors in my community to encourage someone.

Find a friend in your neighborhood –

Yes, neighborhoods are different than they used to be; people work hard and have more activities that pull them away from home. A single fellow lives up the road from us. He is not very friendly when we see him drive by. However, for two years I have prayed for him and waved and smiled every time I see him pull in or out of his driveway. Who do you think he will contact if he ever needs a friend?

“And if you are nice only to your friends, then you are no better than other people. Even people without God are nice to their friends.”  Matthew 5:45 ERV

You are my friend.

I value your friendship and your trust as you read Encouragement from the Heart and as you pray for me and the ministry God has called me to.  I like to hear from you; how you are doing, what topics are helpful to you. Thank you for being my friend!

For more fascinating quotes and poems, click here.

The Bible has some interesting advice on being a friend. Spend some time pondering these verses.

Live together in peace with each other. Don’t be proud, but be willing to be friends with people who are not important to others. Don’t think of yourself as smarter than everyone else.  Romans 12:16
People want a friend they can trust. It is better to be poor than to be a liar.Proverbs 19:22
You cannot trust someone who would talk about things told in private. So don’t be friends with someone who talks too much.
Make no friendship with an angry man, And with a furious man do not go,  Proverbs 20:19
Two people are better than one. When two people work together, they get more work done .Ecclesiastes 4:9
And if you are nice only to your friends, you are no better than anyone else. Even the people who don’t know God are nice to their friends. Matthew 5:47
Live together in peace with each other. Don’t be proud, but be willing to befriends with people who are not important to others. Don’t think of yourself as smarter than everyone else. Romans 12:16

A man’s growth is seen in the successive choirs of his friends.  Ralph Waldo Emerson

The only way to have a friend is to be one.  Ralph Waldo Emerson

A friend is one who walks in when others walk out. Walter Winchell

A friend is someone who is there for you when he’d rather be anywhere else. Len Wein

Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead.
Walk beside me and be my friend. Albert Camus

Understanding Dementia and Alzheimers Disease

Understanding Dementia and Alzheimers Disease

Understanding Dementia and Alzheimers Disease will dispute the saying: “It’s just old age, don’t be concerned about it. We’ll all be there someday.”

When Granny forgot the simplest of things, It was common to believe that her memory loss was due to getting older. I did not want to get that old!

For my 5 critical tips on communicating with dementia and Alzheimers, click here.

Dementia and Alzheimers Disease are not confined to the aged.   Both Alzheimers and dementia can strike people as young as 30s; they are not simply diseases of the elderly. It is difficult to care for someone at any age when they begin to lose their ability to think, talk, or connect with others in a rational way.

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. It destroys brain cells thus causing varying states of  memory loss.  Through clinical trials and advanced research, progress has been made on slowing down this process; however, there is no known cure at this time.

Often overlooked is vitamin deficiencies or medication side effects.  Symptoms due to vitamin deficiencies, medication side effects, or other medical conditions need to be considered. It is very important to be observant, keep notes, and inform the medical staff of any changes in memory or behavior.

Most caregivers are family members, especially in the early stages. Nearly 15 percent of those are long-distance caregivers, living an hour or more away from their loved ones. If you find yourself in this situation, know you are not alone. There are helps out there for you and others who have walked the path before you.

One helpful tool is a daily journal. Obviously, you won’t be able to journal everything; you can note major behavioral changes. For instance: did your loved one simply forget an appointment this week, or is this happening more frequently? As you consistently write down changes, you may see a pattern develop which could prove helpful in treatment.

Trustworthy information is vital.  Find direct answers to many of your questions at the Alzheimers Association website with up-to-date information and good referral sites. Click here for more.

We are learning more about dementia, Alzheimers and other illnesses. New scientific discoveries in medicines and care are encouraging. I am thankful for those in the trenches, discovering new medicines and techniques to help the many suffering from these diseases.

I’m most thankful for those of you who spend your valuable time caring for those who cannot care for themselves. I pray often for you and for those in your care.

Hugs,

Did you realize that coloring books are not just another craze? Coloring has been a helpful tool in communicating with others. Do you know someone who would benefit from my Patches Coloring and Activity Book?

Happiness Really is a Choice

happiness really is a choice

Happiness really is a choice.

If happiness really is a choice, then why am I not choosing it?  There are times when a heavy cloud hangs over my head and won’t go away!

There is work to be done every day.

People to care for, family and friends with needs and an endless pile of paperwork must be done before week’s end.  I open a window, take in the fresh morning air, gaze at the flower-laden hillside, and hear the birds calling me outside.

Click here for a helpful article to relieve some stress in making family decisions.

Visiting children’s church camps and Vacation Bible Schools this summer has been filled with mixed emotions. Smiles and hugs and laughter from young ones fill my hungry soul. Yet, deep down I grieve because health needs and work obligations keep me from getting to stay and be more involved.

Below is six doable ways to choose happiness in your world.

I don’t like having to work inside all day. I’m angry with myself for not taking better care of my health needs.  I feel resentment raising its ugly head inside me. It seems unfair somehow that I have to be inside while others enjoy the sunshine. I could quite easily become a grumpy old woman. (Actually, sometimes I am!)

Many of you are caregivers 24/7. Some are parents working jobs and coming home to mounds of household chores and responsibilities. Do you ever have those feelings? The feelings themselves are normal; but we do not have to give in to them.

John Ortberg has said: “What repeatedly enters your mind occupies your mind, eventually shapes your mind, and will ultimately express itself in what you do and who you become.”

Wow! Happiness really is a choice.

Here are 6 ways I am choosing happiness over the grumpy old woman!

1. I will recognize my way is not always the best way. Ouch! Today I bit my tongue before I tried to “help” my husband arrange groceries in the trunk the way I would have done it — the best way!

2. I will be thankful I have work to do and the ability to do it. I will thank God for each person I have privilege to care for in some way. I will be thankful for the talent and the equipment to do reports and to write.

3. I will enjoy the view from the window; and be thankful for the beauty and for fresh, clean air to breath. I can share cheerful memories with those in my influence and rejoice.

4. I will be thankful I have eyes to see, ears to hear, people to love on, and people who love me  … that list can go on and on!

5. I will smile a little more and grumble less. That means I will smile when interrupted at my busiest times. I will remember those interruptions are most often God’s appointments. I will rejoice and be glad.

6. I will plan a little better and organize my “has to be done list” to allow for short breaks. I will not complain when I do not accomplish all I feel I should. I will remember I am not Wonder Woman and be happy.

So, for me, for this day, happiness really is a choice and I will make that choice. Will you? We can make it together, one day at a time.

From Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd … He restores my soul.

Hugs,

Let me hear how your day is going. What helps you choose happiness?