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Thank you for your prayers. I just wanted to stop by real quick and tell the good news. This morning they put a pacemaker in Red. He was resting today and his heart rate back to par.
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
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Smesque, May God bless all that you do for your family. And I pray that Red will continue to be a blessing wherever he goes, too! Yes, we live in our temporary “tents” wherever we are in this world, being citizens of another “country”.
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! ❤️
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Caregiversister- Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. It is true that everyone needs God. I hate to think of a time when I was trying to live without HIM. I am so very thankful HE showed me the Light and way in Jesus.
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.
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Amen, amen, and amen to all you are pondering ❤️. I am getting ready for church but I will thank God for you and your family and will respond later whenever I can.
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Smeshque: Praise the LORD that brother, "Red" was aided by medical science in the form of a heart pacemaker! That is so wonderful that brother Red sings Acapella! That is a wondrous talent from the LORD!
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LL- yes it is so wonderful, and today was especially wonderful when he showed up at worship and sang with such energy, it was quite wonderful for all of us, the morning lesson was on steadfastness and he surely represented that this morning.


“O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.”
Psalms 104:24
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Smeshque: How ever so lovely that Red sings Acapella!
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Im not a bible reader but I love St. Francis. His famous prayer is my go to in times of trouble. It starts-God, make me an instrument of your healing
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Love St. Frances too. Very humble man.
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Bible Trivia.

How was Mordecai related to Hadassah?
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He was her uncle. Some versions refer to him as her cousin.

Queen Ester nee Hadassah
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She was his orphaned cousin Esther 2:7.

"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
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Mordecai adopted his orphaned cousin, Hadassah. So essentially Mordecai was Hadassah's father.
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I just follow one moral code for me - do to others as I would like them to do for me if I were in their position. Sometimes it requires an adjustment of view since there are times they want something I wouldn’t - but knowing them, and if I were like them, I’d want the things they do. I also, whatever else needs doing try to make them laugh or smile as often as possible. It’s hard to give happiness and help if you aren’t happy. I shrug my shoulders and leave my problems at the door before I enter so I can focus on their needs. When possible I have short, free, nature boosts and thank God for carrying me when I’m weak. Watch a sunset/rise, dig the garden -good therapy if stressed! It’s not easy and I’m no saint but it helps.
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DareDiffer- that is an excellent way to see things. That is what I try and practice too. Thank you for being a great example of love.


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)?
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When I feel overwhelmed I remember:

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.
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His son, Joseph.
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Those biblical names smeshque, were really something, huh? There are beautiful traditional names in the Bible that are being used today. They are timeless and have beautiful meaning to people who honor someone with a special biblical name.

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.
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The angel of The Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.

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.
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Hi,
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
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Porthcawl,

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.
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Porthcawl,

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.
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Thanks for the suggestions and support! If it was a matter of consistency, it would be easier to handle. Last night I went to a meeting and returned home to find two messages, in one she called me a stinker. Even though it was 10:00 I took a chance and gave her a call. I said "Hello, this is the stinker." We had a good laugh and a good conversation. Too bad all conversations can't go like that. It's the ones that leave me with guilt and other bad feelings that are the worst, when she's not doing well and confused, or needing help which, for whatever reason, I can't give her.
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.
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Please see a therapist about getting free from that false guilt. You have done nothing morally wrong.
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Port,

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!
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At the feet of Jesus I will lay my burdens down
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
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Port- I have yet to understand that feeling of guilt that we feel. I believe NHWM is right in that woman may feel it more than men. My DH does not understand why things make me feel guilty, and I have not the words to get him to understand.
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?
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Salvation = ans. to trivia question.
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obedience is better than sacrifice I Samuel 15:22
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Yoda,

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.’
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