My favorite days begin as such
with a bit of sunshine and lives to touch
My favorite days consist of this
a sweet elderly lady who asks for a kiss
A woman who has been through so much pain
who simply needs me to fetch her cane
An elderly man, so quiet and lonely
asking “Won’t you come sit and talk to me?”
A woman who speaks only once in a while
but with a glance she’ll say plenty
to make me smile
A woman who seeks such independence
she says “I’ll do it myself”
but when I stop by
she calls me her “Angel”
and I could just cry
A man down the hall, with a grin on his face
he pokes fun and laughs much
when my presence I do grace
A woman who has suffered a stroke
but her spirit and spunk has never been broke
asks how my day is and more often than not
will offer a hug or a sweet little poke
The many men and women who live where I work
all of them special, with or without quirks
they make me smile in one way or another
they keep me going and make me stronger
some are gone now and some will stay
I love them all and often I pray
that I can find time in my busy day
to help them all
in even the smallest way...
this is all part of
My Favorite Days
Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. --Psalm 119:49-50
As people live longer, there may be a progression in chronic illnesses among senior citizens. While great advancements are being made in curing cancer and heart disease, there is a condition that can be devastating to the one it affects, and his or her family and friends--Alzheimer's Disease.
The progressive nature of Alzheimer's is well known to most. A person, usually older, starts to forget the details in life. And these memory mishaps become more frequent until they reach a severe level of disability and begin to interfere with daily activities. Soon, the diseased individual fails to recognize familiar faces and places, and they lose the ability to care for themselves altogether.
God knows and has planned every day of the person who carries this horrible disease, so their gradual downward spiral is no surprise to Him. While this change is hard on family and friends, and even harder to understand, God brings comfort to those who experience Alzheimer's. And while Alzheimer's destroys the mind, God continually gives strength and hope in the spirit.
Professional support groups exist across the nation for families and patients dealing with this disease. There are many helpful and effective ways to cope with Alzheimer's for both parties today. It's important for you and your loved one to continue on in an active circle of care. We are to continually have the mind of Christ Jesus...not our own, but His. So, put the health, mind, and spirit of the one you love whom Alzheimer's affects in the hands of the Great Physician.
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for the grace and mercy He shows us each day regardless of the pain and suffering from this world. Ask for God's protection and watch care over those you may know who are struggling with Alzheimer's Disease or any other disease.
A man from Norfolk , VA called a local radio station to Share this on Sept 11th, 2003, TWO YEARS AFTER THE TRAGEDIES
OF 9/11/2001.
His name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:
A few weeks before Sept. 11th, my wife and I found out we
Were going to have our first child. She planned a trip out
To California to visit her sister. On our way to the
Airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip
And be with her. Shortly after I said 'amen,' we both
Heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown
Out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but
We still missed her flight. Both very upset, we drove home.
I received a call from my father who was retired NYFD. He
Asked what my wife's flight number was, but I explained
That we missed the flight.
My father informed me that her flight was the one that
Crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked to
Speak.. My father also had more news for me; he was going to
Help.. 'This is not something I can't just sit by
For; I have to do something.'
I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because
He had never given his life to Christ. After a brief debate,
I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off of the
Phone, he said, 'take good care of my
Grandchild. Those were the last words I ever heard my
Father say; he died while helping in the rescue effort.
My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been
Answered quickly became anger. I was angry at God, at my
Father, and at myself. I had gone for nearly two years
Blaming God for taking my father away. My son would never
Know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ,
And I never got to say good-bye.
Then something happened. About two months ago, I was
Sitting at home with my wife and my son, when there was a
Knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell
She wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a
Couple with a small child.
The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was
Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand
And said, 'I never got the chance to meet your father,
But it is an honor to meet his son.'
He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World
Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack.
She was pregnant and had been caught under debris. He then
Explained that my father had been the one to find his wife
And free her. My eyes welled up with tears as I thought
Of my father giving his life for people like this. He then
Said, 'there is something else you need to know.'
His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her,
She talked to him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at
The news.
Now I know that when I get to Heaven, my father will be
Standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family
Would be able to thank him themselves .
When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew,
In honor of the man who gave his life so that a mother and
Baby could live.
This story should help us to realize this: God is always in
Control.
We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never
Know this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control.
Please take time to share this amazing story. You may
Never know the impact it may have on someone. God
Doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
I am brought back to a memory so very long ago.You loved me and I loved you; that’s all we needed to know! We were ready for our new lifeCould storm through any kind of weather.As long as we had each other,We would always stay together! “For better or worse,” “In sickness and in health”Were promises we thought we’d understand.But life threw a curve ball and showed usThat nothing ever goes as planned. One day, something happened which caused us much grief.Life interrupted, stole your health like a thief! On came your diseaseWhich I could not understand.I was frightened quite oftenBut I entrusted you in God’s hand. I don’t want to treat you with pity.Acting as if you were my child.I just don’t know where to draw the line.This disease is so dang wild! Not to sound selfish, but I’m a person too!Very few know all that caregivers must do!People can’t see our pain because we hide it well.If they’d stop and ask us questions,Oh! The stories we could tell! I know you can’t understand what’s going on,This disease is a killer, no doubt!But we’re all strong together,And that’s what love is about! So please don’t forget about me, the frightened caregiver at best.We’ll keep our faith in each other, and in God, we’ll safely rest. I don’t care what you can or cannot do.The purpose of this poem is to say that I love you! Those vows were not for nothing.I meant each word I said.No matter what might happen,We will still be lovingly wed. This disease doesn’t make you any less of a person.Just changes the style of your life.Remember that you’ll always be my husband,And I’ll always be your wife!
How
Can I
Thank you
You are special
I will still love you
Even with the roles reversed
At first I feared taking on the task
Caregiving has strengthened our bond
Memories are saved in the family scrapbook
It seems like only yesterday that you were my age
We all sat at the table as you cooked the holiday meal
Everyone gathered for the traditional family time together
There were grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles and siblings
Each year it seemed like our numbers grew in leaps and bounds
Somehow, the years have slipped away and so have the crowds
We no longer need the extra card table, folding chairs or silverware
Many moved away and others have died, but we still have each other
I’m now the one cooking your secret recipes and keeping an eye on you
Life has been stressful, but I still appreciate the time that we have together
Age may have robbed you of your vitality, but not your spunk or personality
You still have that sly little grin, joyous smile and that twinkle in your eyes
Although I don’t know what you are trying to say or whether to laugh or cry
When I wonder how to make it through another day, you give me the desire
I think of all that I put you through as a teen and caring for you is easier
The trips to the doctors
Late night adventures
Wandering the halls
Sharing a cup of tea
Looking for dentures
I embrace your smile
I’m much more aware
Of the time left to share
As we hug in the night
Coping with the anger
And whisper I love you
"He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound]" (Isaiah 40:29, AMP).
Today´s Word:
In the Bible, Joseph went through seasons of difficulty. He was rejected by his family, sold into slavery, lied about, mistreated, abandoned, falsely accused, and thrown in jail. But through it all, Joseph never gave up. He kept pressing through and doing the right thing even though the wrong thing kept happening. The Bible says in Psalm 105 verse 18, as Joseph laid in prison in those chains of iron, his soul entered into that iron. In other words, as Joseph just kept on fighting life through, his soul became as strong as that steel. God developed a supernatural strength in him that no one could take away.
If you are going through difficulty today, God wants to increase your strength. He wants to increase your power to overcome. He wants to make your inner man as strong as steel. When you keep standing, keep believing, keep doing the right thing, you are opening yourself to God´s supernatural strength. That´s when you know you are growing in Him. Be strong today. Keep pressing forward because God is at work increasing strength in you so that you can live in victory in every area of your life!
Prayer for Today:
Father in heaven, today I surrender every difficulty to You. I release the questions, hurts, and frustrations. I choose to trust You and do the right thing. Increase Your strength in me so that I can live in the victory You have in store for me. In Jesus´ Name. Amen.
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART My child, I know you intimately. I always have. Nothing you've ever done is a surprise to Me. With great foresight, as I designed all of creation, I planned the lives I wanted you to touch, the paths I wanted you to take, the gifts I wanted you to use for My glory. I set you apart to be My special treasure. Yes, you. Your life is far more valuable than any of My creations. I make no mistakes. I love you, My child, with an undying love.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE Lord, did You really know everything about me long before I was born? My hair color, my eyes, my size, my mistakes, my successes, my needs? You had such foresight in Your creation. Everything fits together, just like You planned. You're amazing, Lord.
SIMPLE TRUTH
What we achieve depends on our relationship with the One in whom we believe.
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART My child, look around you. Everywhere you go, I have provided green pastures for your food and restoration. I've outlined your boundaries and enclosed you all about with My love. At the entrance I've placed My gate, so that no one can touch you without first dealing with Me. I am your Shepherd and the Overseer of your soul. No wolf in sheep's clothing can destroy you. You are safe in My presence. Happy grazing!
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE Lord, I can never stray farther than Your arms can reach. You are the Overseer of my soul, standing guard and keeping watch like a Shepherd over His sheep. You know the number of Your flock, and You call each of us by name. Why would I want to leave Your lush pastures? How precious You are, Lord.
SIMPLE TRUTH
Our Overseer sees over us, around us, behind us, and through us--and loves us anyway.
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART My child, don't let a single day go by without meeting Me here. You need My strength and power to accomplish the work I've chosen for you. There are many I want to bless through you, and time is so short. Since life is but a vapor, I want you to treasure each moment I give you. I'll be coming back soon. Until then, stay faithful to your calling. Let My urgency transform your desires. I can't wait to give you your next assignment.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE Every moment was a precious jewel in Your hands, Lord. You had only three years to accomplish Your mission. Diligently, faithfully, and obediently, You worked to train, teach, and disciple. My life is the result of Your urgency. Thank You, Lord.
“Peter came to him and asked, 'Lord, how often should I
Forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?'
'No, not seven times,' Jesus replied, 'but seventy times seven!'”
(Matthew 18:21-22)
The other day my husband asked me to check into airfare for a few of our kids, so they could travel with him to Nevada for a visit with his aging grandma. I was on deadline finishing my latest book, and the task completely slipped my mind. Not until the day before the trip when it was too late did he ask me again about the airfare.
“Are the boys going with me?” He smiled, trusting me.
I felt my heart sink. Then I rattled off a string of excuses starting with how I wasn’t sure which kids, or if he wanted them there the whole time. Or if kids could really spend time in the retirement center. I threw in that I was on deadline, and I had radio interviews each morning. Blah, blah, blah, blah.
He paused for a moment, then he smiled. “It’s okay. I guess maybe I just need some alone time with my grandma.” He hugged me. “You have a lot on your plate. Don’t worry about it.”
Only then did it hit me. He forgave me for something I didn’t admit. I should’ve said, “Honey, I’m so sorry. I completely forgot.”
This incident stayed with me, and God brought it up again the other day at church. The truth is, I love going to church. I mean, I really just love it. Always God brings about some reason why I’m supposed to be there something I can work into my life or my work writing fiction. Lately, the sermon series at church has been on spiritual exercises. Our pastor has done a fantastic job talking about forgiveness, confession, belief, how to pray, and faith.
He continually likens spiritual exercise to physical exercise. If we don’t work out, we’ll be flabby and out of shape. That’s true for our bodies as much as it’s true for our souls. At first I thought this would be a great chance at having a refresher course on the obvious tenets of being a Christian. A brush-up on what matters most. But God has shown me otherwise.
I desperately needed to hear this series especially the part about forgiveness. Over the course of my life, I’ve had countless occasions where I needed to be forgiven . . . And countless occasions where I’ve needed to forgive. Especially lately.
When someone apologizes for something they admit they’ve done, it’s fairly easy to forgive. I’m sure this might not be true if the offense was a deadly one against someone you love. When a drunk driver kills someone, that person’s family will struggle with forgiveness no matter how genuinely sorry the drunk driver is.
But what if the person who’s harmed you isn’t sorry? What if they won’t even admit the harm they’ve caused you, but rather act as if it never happened? In some cases, someone causes harm, and then lies to everyone they know even their families so that no one will find out what they’ve done.
How are we supposed to forgive someone in that situation?
Herein lies the exercise. God asks us to do more than forgive our enemies. He asks us to love them. The key is to forgive and to love ahead of time in anticipation of the moment when their hearts might be changed by God, when they might step forward, admit their wrong, and truly seek forgiveness.
In case we have any doubt, Jesus gives us the perfect parable to teach us. The story is found in Matthew 18:21-35. Peter comes to Jesus and asks how many times a person should be expected to forgive. Jesus first answers him with a slightly sarcastic but very real number. Not seven times, but seventy times seven. Basically, Jesus is saying there is no limit to the number of times we must forgive the people in our lives.
In other words, Jesus has no tolerance for people who can’t find it in their hearts to forgive no matter if the person who has harmed us is sorry, or if they’ve done the same thing to us dozens of times. We are not to hold a grudge because we serve a mighty and forgiving king. He’ll take care of all accounts. As the story winds down, for those still not sure what Jesus was getting at, He makes the point at the end of the chapter. “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”
Forgiving is like trusting. If we forgive it means we trust that God will take care of our hurts and broken hearts. We trust that our Heavenly Father will address the person who has harmed us. Our job is only to forgive.
The thing is, if we learn to forgive and love first without any sign of change on their part then we’ll live in that perfect state of peace God’s peace. And we’ll have no regrets. The question I’ve been dealing with is how, exactly, do we learn to forgive and love that way. Especially if we have to deal over and over again with the person who has harmed us. The answer is something God is teaching me.
The people who are most difficult to forgive, present us with the greatest opportunity to grow in our faith. We cannot gain physical strength without doing exercises that push us past what is comfortable, past what we are already able to do. The same is true for spiritual growth.
And so, I pray that God is patient with me while I learn this lesson, while I deal with the tears and frustration and awkward feelings associated with learning this type of forgiveness and love. I’m not very good at it, and God knows I have a long way to go. But I thank Him for placing me in a church that is helping me draw closer to His truth, His ways.
Also, practicing forgiveness and love will help me understand better what someone else has to go through when I’ve wronged them, and they forgive and love me. After our latest church service on forgiveness, I pulled my husband aside.
“About that trip to see your grandma . . .”
He looked confused. “I told you, honey, no big deal.”
“Wait.” I put my hands on his shoulders. “You need to know something.” I looked straight in his eyes. “I have no excuses whatsoever. I completely forgot to book airfare for the kids.” I felt the sorrow to the depths of my heart. “I’m so sorry. Will you forgive me?”
He wrapped his arms around me and loved me the way he had from the beginning. Ahead of time. Before I asked for his forgiveness. And somewhere in the shadowy back alleys of my soul I felt a ray of sunlight.
This Week
If you haven’t been to church in a while, maybe it’s time to go. You never know what you’ll learn. Consider these exercises this week:
Write or share about a time when you were called to forgive.
Did you find it easy to forgive? Why or why not?
What was the outcome of forgiving that person?
How did God help you in your attempt at forgiveness?
When was a time that someone forgave you?
How did you feel after you’d been forgiven?
What did the story of the two debtors mean to you?
Read Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. How can you apply this verse to your life today?
Prayer
“Thank you, God . . . thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for showing me that the forgiveness you want from me, is only the same forgiveness others have already extended toward me.”
New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury has more than forty Life-Changing Fiction™ titles, with more than 10 million copies in print. She is married to the love of her life, and together they have six children including three adopted from Haiti. You can learn more about Karen at http://www.karenkingsbury.com/.
