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.
The Dr. said Red sand to him through the whole surgery, it makes me smile. He sings beautifully. At the assisted living place when they have to go in the safe room, he sings hymns to the residents. he is a lovely man.
The Lord isn't ready for Brother Red, he has more work to do. He gets to go to his place of stay as he calls it, tomorrow. He says place of stay because he says as we all should think this world is not our home.
Thank you all again.
Much love and prayers back at you.
“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:”
Matthew 6:20
I have been reading your posts for a few months now and rejoice in your faith. Every one of us in this group needs God’s help in all we do but especially in our caregiving, which can bring us beyond our abilities so easily.
God’s grace, love and power be poured out to you and your loved ones! ❤️
I cannot now imagine life without our Lord and Saviour. Oh it is such a scary and lonely thought.
One of the struggles in caregiving I have recognized, is that as we do so much for our loved ones, we can begin to think of ourselves as not that important. I am guilty of this. Of feeling like I am only here to do for others, and what about me.
Well the way I see it through scripture, is that's exactly right. We were placed here to do for ourselves, but we were put here for Jesus. To bring glory to HIM, in all things we do. Not to bring glory for ourselves, not to boost our self esteems or build up our egos and self centeredness.
But for HIM.
As I began to look at things a little different, I can see clearly. The love and care we bestow upon another is love and care that we bestow on Jesus. What we do to others, we do to HIM.
It is hard in this flesh to feel full and content with that thought. To find our worth in HIM and not in what we accomplish or think we should accomplish.
God's children have been given a title of Ambassadors. We are Ambassadors for Christ.
In this country and Ambassador is the highest ranking representative to other nations.
We are given the highest ranking to be a representative for Christ. Isn't that the greatest accomplishment we can do in this life? To truly represent HIM.
I hold on to this when I feel low, as we sometimes do in this flesh. Knowing this is a great thing, but doing this is the greatest thing. I fall short everyday, but God picks me up and each morning I begin anew, trying to represent better than the day before.
I begin with how I love my family, and controlling my tongue. Because in the world of caregiving our tongues can cause the most pain. When they see our patience is worn it can take away some of their dignity. And I definitely do not want to hurt my loved ones. They already have enough struggles as we all do.
To me being a true Ambassador means leaving the comfort of my own thoughts and wishes and putting on that armour and the will of God. Asking for guidance to do HIS will and in all things to give glory to Jesus.
God alone can give us the strength necessary to fulfill this and all things in our lives. I would be lost without HIM.
These are just things I have been studying and thinking about.
2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
“O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.”
Psalms 104:24
How was Mordecai related to Hadassah?
Queen Ester nee Hadassah
"7 Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died." NIV
Trivia answer:
And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.Esther 2:7
Any sacrifice we make is absolutely nothing compared to the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. So let us see it that way as nothing. Meaning let us not think it too hard to make sacrifices for our loved ones, which is also for Jesus.
Trivia: Who was Zaphnathpaaneah, in relation to Israel(Jacob)?
The Lord is my strength and my song, and is become my salvation.
Psalms 118:14
Then I feel peaceful and hopeful. I pray that all who are struggling this day find comfort and joy in knowing that HE is our salvation. God bless and keep all of you.
Names always amaze me. They tend to go in cycles. There are trends. People change the spelling to be different too. Some people name their children the most unusual names. Seems to be another trend and not just among celebrities.
O taste and see that The Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.
Psalms 34:7 & 8 KJV
May that be my testimony all the days of my life.
I have the same problem. As an example, I had a Christian event on Friday night, and was positive that mum would call while I was out. sure enough, she did. I felt guilty for not being home, even though she only wanted to "chat". But I also felt that I'm not allowed to have a life, just in case she calls while I'm out and expects me to be home. It's annoying to have to explain everything I do (which isn't much that she'd be interested in, even at the best of times; she's more likely to criticise) or to provide excitement for her so that she can live vicariously through me.
"Cast your care on the Lord for he cares for you." is one verse. 1Peter 5:7 also the one about the ever lasting arms and he heals the broken hearted (Ps. 147:3) HTH
That’s a common reaction among children. You’re not alone. Of course you are entitled to a life of your own. Enjoy your Friday evening out and catch up with mom later.
How about turn the phone off? Tell mom to call 911 if it is a real emergency and not telling or explaining everything to her? That's one way to have your own life.
I do turn the phone off--lots, until I feel guilty and call her, letting myself in for criticism as well as all the same gripes I've turned the phone off to avoid in the first place.
Obviously you care for your mom deeply. I admire that. You know deep in your heart that you don’t have any reason to feel guilty because you show love, care and concern for her. I have a feeling women struggle with issues more than men do. I totally appreciate my husband’s sensible logic. He grounds me.
I am glad to see that you recognize the importance of taking the time that you need to nourish yourself. A car doesn’t run on empty. We bring it to the service station to buy gas. So continue to feed your soul. It’s not just a desire of your heart but a true need so you can keep on keeping on. Hugs!
I will lay my heavy burdens down
In the stillness I can hear my Savior calling out
Come to me and lay your burdens down
So I will lay down my struggles
I will lay down my shame
All the fear I drag around through this life
like a ball and chain
(All my questions and confusion)
I will sing Hallelujah to the One who sets me free
And you will find me at the feet of Jesus
In the arms of Jesus I will find my peace and rest
I hear him calling come to me and rest
Carried by my shepherd cradled tightly to His chest
There and there alone my soul finds rest
So I will rest in the shelter of my Savior's embrace
Hidden safely in the refuge of His mercy and His Grace
And I Will Sing Hallelujah to the One who sets me free
And you will find me in the arms of Jesus
At the feet of my Savior
At the feet of my King
I will bow down and worship
I will lift my voice and sing
Hallelujah Hallelujah to the One who sets me free
Chris Tomlin
You will find me at the feet of Jesus
But I totally understand that. That guilt feeling restricts us from doing things for ourselves, and well lot of things.
I am not sure yet how to overcome that. It could be a matter of ignoring we are not in charge of the happiness of others. The happiness of others is their choice. And they can find that in Jesus.
So maybe if we can get that through our heads, that it is not up to me to make happiness for this person. Maybe we will rid ourselves of this guilt.
If we are loving and caring to the best of our ability in Christ, then we have nothing to feel guilty about.
Easier said than done. I know all these things, i believe all these things, but my flesh gets in my way.
So let us pray about it and wait on the Lord to change it for us, and if HIS will is not to remove that from us, then let us trust that HE will see us through, and that HE is working it all out for our good.
This is a hard labor of love, and only with God's help can we do this as well as possible.
Keep looking up, HE has your answers.
Trivia answer for previous question:
And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.
Genesis 41:45
Trivia: What is better than sacrifice?
Look at examples of people who clearly do both, obedient and willing to sacrifice. Abraham comes to my mind. Thoughts?
Don’t we sometimes have to be willing to sacrifice in order to be obedient?
I am not trying to be contrary in my attitude or be a pain in the butt with my questions, hahaha. I’m sure that I am at times.
I’m one of those obnoxious ‘deep thinkers.’