Is anyone else having a challenge of doing things scriptural, verses what the secular world says. As in scripture says to put others before me whereas the secular world says put me first. I know what is right, just wondering if others may struggle with this. And how do we mourn the loss of ourselves without sinking into depression? How do we have joy in the midst of our trials and tribulations? It seems that as time passes my patience doesn't hurt as much, (must be experience), but still everyday I start wearing down where my patience begins to hurt a little and I am struggling not to let it be seen. I spend a lot of time in prayer and in the word, that is the only way I have the strength to do this, putting myself aside. But as a faulty human being, I am still in a struggle and seek like minded individuals who understand. May God bless all those who are loving their loved ones to the best of their ability.
Through your loving eyes,
To see what you see in us
And to come to realize
That everything that we possess
Comes directly from you,
The gifts, the talents you've placed within
Are there for us to use
To reach with hope to those that hurt,
To those who've lost their way
It's your gifts, Lord, they're not our own,
So take them, Lord, we pray
And use them for your glory,
So others may be blessed
And have their spirits lifted
And their souls also refreshed
So they can then be challenged
To seek more after you,
To be much more empowered
For whatever they may do
For each of us have talents
That God has placed within
So we can encourage others
To have a closer walk with Him
And as we encourage another,
We can be encouraged ourselves,
For there needs to be a continual flow
And a continual pouring out
And as we do this, we will find
Insecurities will disappear
And we’ll be strengthened in His love
To overcome our fears.
By M.S.Lowndes
by Angela Shaw
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A bather, a baker, a yummy meal maker.
A caregiver is this and more.
Just how much does a caregiver do?
It’s impossible to try to keep score!
A caregiver is a chef.
They can cook almost anything.
But given the choice of homemade or not,
All agree that take-out is king!
A caregiver is a coach.
Who keeps you in the game.
Sometimes they may seem bossy,
But they love you just the same.
A caregiver is an EMT.
They can fix any cut, scrape or bruise.
They respond to every emergency,
As if they had something to lose.
A caregiver is a soldier.
They defend, protect, and serve.
A heartfelt smile is their greatest reward,
But a medal they really deserve!
A caregiver is a chauffeur.
To appointments through traffic they’ve fought.
Speed barriers they break to get there on time.
And somehow they never get caught!
But most of all...
A caregiver is a trusted friend.
Who’ll listen, encourage, console.
And caring for their loved one,
Is their honor and ultimate goal.
Psalms 18:32
I went back to work outside the home business. I am feeling so guilty. Wondering did I do it for selfish reasons? I reasoned it all out with adding to our income to clear up some debt. But, the Lord has always provided. So did I do it just to run away from my everyday? I don't know. I cannot yet make sense of it. but, I am in prayer about it and waiting for the Lord to guide me and make sure I am where HE wants me to be, or if I need to reevaluate. So I am in wait mode.
" Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalms 27:14
Just working on being still....
“Be still, and know that I am God...”
Psalms 46:10
We had a good day trip for DH birthday. I am pretty tired. Mom had a great time and went to bed early she was tuckered. She has been waking up super early lately, thinking about things she says. But never says what those things are, just things. I worry about her. But put it in the Lords hands. She is very dear to me and I just want her to be spiritually well and physically well, and emotionally well.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
Galatians 5:13
Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
by Bruce McIntyre
Unknown and often unnoticed, you are a hero nonetheless.
For your love, sacrificial, is God at his best.
You walk by faith in the darkness of the great unknown,
And your courage, even in weakness, gives life to your beloved.
You hold shaking hands and provide the ultimate care:
Your presence, the knowing, that you are simply there.
You rise to face the giant of disease and despair,
It is your finest hour, though you may be unaware.
You are resilient, amazing, and beauty unexcelled,
You are the caregiver and you have done well!
(Insert words by me--I think this is oftentimes the epitome of the caregiver).
The couple we visit a couple of days weekly(well, I haven't been able to except yesterday after services, but DH and Mom still go almost everyday now), well, she had fallen and broke her ribs, was in the hospital a few days, then they released her, then she went back to the hospital a few days ago, due to low oxygen levels. Went to see her yesterday, not doing so well, and he couldn't keep from crying, watching his dear wife in this state. But, we made her smile and held her hand and just talked with her, and her laughter made him feel better. Only she is not breathing well at all. They sent her back to AL and have now put her on hospice. :(
So sad and heavy to watch those we love go through these tough and sad days. But, we pray with them and just be there with them as oft as we can. DH rearranges his days to make sure to put visiting them first, especially in this difficult time. God's will be done.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13
Sending prayers posthaste.
Hebrews 12:2
I have just really been holding onto this verse these days. The Alpha and the Omega.
Faithful is he that promised.
Revelation 22:13
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."
But just look what happened to Nebuchadnezzar and his son Belshazzar.
Pride goeth before destruction.
As caregivers we often have to swallow our pride, to overlook what we feel or want, in the best interests of our loved ones.
But, the strength and patience and all the growth as a person, is escalated above what we would be if we chose not to set ourselves aside.
James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Proverbs 11:2
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom."
Proverbs 16:18
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
Proverbs 29:23 "One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor."
Romans 12:15
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
John 14:1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”
I have been off line for quite a while and recently started posting again. Mainly because I was tied up dealing with so many things and anxiety as well as preparing for a trip to see my son in Korea.
I have not caught up but just reading the poem on caregiving was uplifting and so real. I don't think its a coincidence that I happen to read news feed and a post from this thread caught my attention.
Moringings I say a few words to God. I thank him for things and then express my heart. I somehow left my new testament on plane. I visited my son's office and he happened to have two of the same bibles and gave me one which I started reading. Its a leadership bible and I am learning how to use it.
So this am I wasn't really surprised when I ended up posting here.
My cousin who has had a few previous bougts with cancer now has ca in the lungs and stomach. Please pray for her.
I hope you are all in good spirit and health.
Rays of love peace and happiness to you all.
I will definitely be praying for your cousin.
I hope you had a lovely visit with your son. I am sure the Lord delights in your mornings with HIM.
LL- Thank you for your concern, and prayers. Visited the lady and her husband and daughter this day, in between services.
I am not grieved by her passing as I know she will be leaving this world for something better. Something glorious and that I long for one day. But, her husband he said, "i use to say I hoped she went first(because she had Alzheimer's and he took care of her and was concerned at what would become of her if he was gone),But, now I'm not so sure."
Oh he is so heart broken, even though he knows she is going home, and he tells her that too, that she is going home. So, his grief is what I feel. But, Oh how I pray for him and his daughter.
This has been so hard on my Mom as well, and that makes me sad. But the Lord has got them all covered.
She went into rest this morning. Her suffering is over. It is Bittersweet, as her DH will be grieving for a long time. But, also, I believe he might have some relief, to know she is no longer hurting and that he had taken care of her until the end, and he doesn't have to worry about her if he were to go.
I am sorry about Cathy. Will keep her in my prayers.
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Revelation 14:13
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” —1 Peter 5:2–4