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A Personal Note of Encouragement and Love

Posted on August 9, 2014 by adminOctober 26, 2016

When your schedule is overwhelming, stop and bless someone’s day.

I took time to realistically look at my calendar and my work schedule this week; they will never match up. I thought of all the correspondence I was going to write; all the cabinets I wanted to clean; all the little extras I planned to do for those in my care.

I wondered about you. Each of you hold a special place in my heart. I know a few of you quite well; others slightly; still others only through seeing your name on my list and praying for you and your family. I wonder how your summer has gone and if, in even the least of ways, my notes have truly offered you help and hope.

You can stop and regroup; even a few moments can change your day.

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

Later I stood in the hot sun and greeted a busload of young church campers as they tumbled out and gathered their belongings. Though clearly tired and ready for home, many made time to give me bear hugs and smiles and tell me about their new friends and what they had learned at camp. Most will be in school soon and back to a rigid schedule of study and play. Summer has somehow seemed all too short. I wish for you hugs from wee ones; they warm our hearts.

If you bake, garden, or cook a good casserole, find someone to share it with today.

I thought of you today as we enjoyed our lunch. Gardening friends shared their wares with us; we had a banquet from four different families! We had ripe red sliced tomatoes and green beans and new potatoes from Dorothy; cucumbers and onions from Barbara; corn on the cob from a Mennonite neighbor; and cold, ripe cantaloupe from Eunice for dessert. I wanted to invite you over to share our bounty!

I know many of you are busier than I, struggling to make it through the day. You can only hope for someone to drop you off some groceries or take time to hug a bit.

It’s unusual for us to have this bounty from neighbors; just a good gardening year here, I guess. It certainly isn’t because we “look hungry” that they brought food by for us! I do appreciate it; every bite.

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

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 that 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.

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.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Next week I will share about my favorite website and some helpful hints. Invite others to join our family by signing up for the mailing list at the colorful box in the upper right hand corner of the page.

Are You Helping or Hurting Suddenly Single Friends

Posted on May 18, 2014 by adminOctober 26, 2016

My world is filled with friends and relatives who find themselves suddenly single. Many have died suddenly from accidents or health issues. A surprising number of middle age and older couples have faced the devastation of betrayal or abuse and divorce. I have had opportunity to visit with several this month about what they are doing now. Of course, we touched on the subject of how others could encourage them as they make adjustments. The following suggestions (or pleas) are in the words of those I visited from age forty and up. I found them surprising and very helpful in my life as I try to be a better encourager and friend to those God puts in my path.

Don’t coddle me. (I heard this more than once.) I am a grown adult, capable of living on my own and making decisions for myself. Please avoid the tendency to suddenly treat me as a helpless child.
Ask me if I need or want help with certain things about the house and property. Make suggestions to me without telling me what I have to or should do. Allow me to make my own mistakes if necessary. This is a learning process for me.
If our families spent time together as couples, please continue to visit me after my spouse is gone. Losing that relationship with your family simply adds to my loss. Yes, it will be different, but we can grieve and rebuild together. I will need a familiar, safe shoulder to lean on from time to time.
Do not be afraid to mention his (her) name in my presence. We can remember the good times; we can talk about our families. Do not demean that person in your conversation and do not expect me to tell you all the details. I will open those discussions when and if I feel the need to do so.

Some of our most precious friendships are those women who have gone through fiery trials of betrayal and divorce and have come out stronger and sweeter as they have trusted God in the midst of their pain. They are comfortable visiting with either of us and have needed both a “brother” and “sister” to lean on. We treasure those relationships which are built on a common trust in a Loving Father and a peace that only He can give. My prayer for you is, whatever your circumstance right now, you have that kind of support around you. And I pray you will be ready and able to support others who need a hand up. As always, I look forward to hearing from you. Hugs, Check out more articles under the HELP tab above.

5 Caregiving Lessons from Moms and Grannies

Posted on March 18, 2014 by adminOctober 26, 2016

This morning at a meeting, I observed some of the greatest caregivers ever. Watching them I realize afresh, caregiving IS caring, period. A caregiver is a person of any age who takes time to care for those in their family or their sphere of influence.

I was in a planning meeting today with a group of women, young and not-so-young. from several of our area churches. When I left the house it was below freezing and the ground was snow-covered. I wondered if any would make it.

As ladies drifted in, one granny got her two young grandchildren settled with something to occupy themselves before she grabbed a cup of coffee and joined us. An older girl was likewise made comfortable by her grandmother before she found her seat.

As the hours passed, I watched a young mother quietly feed and care for her infant, meeting his needs as she contributed to the meeting.

Several of these women had risen early to prepare their homes for their return at lunchtime. Most had driven many miles in freezing weather to attend. We had a record attendance and the enthusiasm was contagious.

I could not help but think of the valuable lessons these little ones are learning from their parents and grandparents. Here are just a few I noted today:

#1 That they are loved, have value, and will be cared for even while the adults have other obligations.

#2 Keeping commitments is important, even when it calls for extra work or inconvenience. They will someday realize the value in serving others, even when it is not necessarily the easiest thing to do.

#3 They observed their parent/grandparent as a calm, organized adult meeting the needs of others even when they could have stayed home by the fire.

#4 They learned by their own actions how to respect and honor those around them; how to be quiet when the adults were busy in a meeting.

#5 And lastly, but certainly not least, they watched first-hand how important serving Jesus and His Church is to their parent/grandparent.

Today was simply a scheduled meeting with a bunch of ladies planning another retreat. Or so it was with some. For their director, it was a worship experience. Those precious ladies came caring for family, yes. They also came caring for their lost friends and neighbors. They came to serve. They are true caregivers!

I am humbled, honored, and blessed.

I wonder, what are you and I teaching in our home with our actions? I pray you and I, too, will never be too busy or too tired to be an encouragement to others.

hugs,