Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
From the perspective...
Yes, the world from an AD perspective could be compared to that of a toddler. It certainly is a world full of CHANGING PERSPECTIVES & MOVEMENT & trying to make sense of life. And as a caregiver, WE CAN SUPPORT THIS PROCESS BY TAKING A MOMENT TO TUNE IN AND OBSERVE THE WORLD THROUGH THEIR EYES.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Reflections on Patience..Because I need it! NOW!I
Ok, I am going to get into trouble with myself because I have need of this fruit. I am revisiting something I wrote several years ago but must remind myself again. I am again amazed at the role "PATIENCE" SHOULD HAVE in our lives. How impatient I can be while waiting for someone who is taking longer than should be, whether it is yielding to God or someone who is causing my heart to break. I am impressed with William Barclay's statement that "Generally speaking the word is not used of patience in the regard to things or events but in regards to people." Oh, how easy it is for me to get caught up in impatience and anxious attitudes. After all it is my sinful nature. Showing PATIENCE has been an everyday struggle, yet I am called to "put on a heart of...PATIENCE" Col 3:12 and "to WALK...WITH PATIENCE" Eph.4:1,2. God grant me the strength to overcome these tendencies. Help me to learn to use these times to pray, to reflect and to plan my response in a godly manner. Help me to make choices that honor Him and His Word. How heavily, I must rely on that Word of strength and make every effort to follow through on what God would have me do. I marvel at how unique we are in our thought process and in our way of handling life's situations yet if we allow sin to settle in our hearts it affects us all in the same way. And here, I go rambling on about such inconsistencies in my own life. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed and frustrated by what I can not do instead of what I can do. Another look at THAT Proverbs 31 woman and I throw up my hands in almost despair "Lord" I say "I am overwhelmed and I can't do this on my own". God then gently reminds of Ps.46:10, "Be still (Quiet!, Time Out!, STOP-striving"), and KNOW THAT I AM GOD! I remind myself "Yes, Lord, you are firmly in control when all else indicates otherwise. I struggle with occasions of discouragement yet God has promised strength, Phil.4:13. In my efforts to fight complacency may I dissolve any appearance of "self-sufficient" attitudes. The Christian life is NOT PASSIVE! Yet, Yes, I struggle with the EASY WAY OUT if I can find it. And I would prefer it but... WHY does the growth I thought that occurred seem to vanish like vapor? WHY do I desire relief from God's discipline instead of seeking to profit from it? WHY do I fail to respond to difficulties in a GOD-HONORING WAY? I PRAY that I would pour my spiritual energies into what is true fruit. I PRAY that I will not become complacent; now is not the time or will it ever be! MAY WE NEVER have the attitude that WE HAVE ARRIVED and so feel because of our age that there is no more room for growth. I PRAY that I would not lose my sensitivity to what is sin, to tolerate it or even accept it! OUCH! So in light of all the above said, may we all grow in the direction of being more concerned for God's glory.The mysteries of perfume
Have you ever thought about the mysteries of perfume? I do not wear perfume very much but am often affected by their fragrance on others. Maybe someone you know wears a certain perfume or after shave they love to wear. We know they are nearby, even without seeing them because of that particular fragrance. In II Cor.2:14,15, we are challenged to wear "the fragrance of Christ". This particular fragrance always rises from our relationship with Christ. We should be thankful for the privilege of pleasing God. Consider the mysteries of difficult times as wearing a certain fragrance. Having a difficult time? "Oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a man's counsel is sweet to his friends. Do not forsake your own friend." Prov.27:9,10. Consider the blessing and breath in the sweet perfume of Christ's presence, perfume that was given through His gentle crushing. May the Lord help us remember how powerful He is and that He is able to bring glory to himself in the most amazing ways. WHAT FRAGRANCE ARE YOU WEARING TODAY? "When we've been alone with Jesus, There's a difference others know; And to them it's like a fragrance that we leave where'er we go." --Hess Will others sense that God is with you? II Cor.5:9, Phil.4:18, Eph.5:2 WHEN YOU leave a room, what scent do you leave behind? OR DO you leave behind a splash of joy, a hint of serenity, or a whisper of music? DO I leave behind a reminder of God's strength in weakness? DOES MY LOVE for the Lord LINGER in a room after I have left it? --Becky
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Friday, November 23, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Christian Life Resources: Understanding the aging process.
Christian Life Resources Oh, this as a very good article. Everyone should read this, especially if find your self care giving.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
BLESSINGS TAKEN FOR GRANTED
1. The intricate delicate mechanism of the lungs steadily and silently (for some) taking in fresh air 18 to 20 times a minute. 2. The untiring heart pumping great quantities of clean blood through the labryinth of blood vessels. 3. The constant body temperature normally varying less than one degree. 4. The atmospheric temperature (varying widely, it is true, but never so much as to destroy human and animal live.) 5. The orderly succession of day and night, spring, summer, autumn, and winter, so that with few exceptions man can make his plans accordingly. 6. The great variety of foods from the farm, the field, the forest and the sea to suit our differing desires and physical needs. 7. The beauties of each day, the morning star and growing light of sunrise, the white clouds of afternoon, the soft tints of a peaceful sunset and the glory of the starry heavens. 8. The symphony of early morning bird songs, ranging from the unmusical trill of the chirping sparrow to the lilting tones of the wood and hermit thrushes. 9. The refreshment that sleep brings. 10. The simple joys of home, the children's laughter and whimsical remarks, happy times around the table, the love and understanding of husband and wife, and the harmony of voices raised together in praise to God... ---Philip E. Howard (E.Elliot's father) Oh we have so much more to be thankful for but let us not just confine our thanks to this one time of the year. We are so blessed by many other blessings. HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING DAY you all.
ON CARE GIVING: slide show reposted
I'm In His Hands: I'm in His hands, what'er the future holds. I'm in His hands, the days I cannot see have all been planned for me. His way is best you see, I'm in His hands. Author unknown God is orchestrating the events in our lives. Romans 8:28
Brain Waves Make Waves | Bioscience Technology Online
Brain Waves Make Waves | Bioscience Technology Online This is fascinating to read. I have such a respect for the way we were created and I thank God for my hearing...
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Wow! Lengthy! On Adult diapers
ISC Home Page Wow!, I did not know that so much could be said about adult diapers. Practical advice for those who are just beginning to use them.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
CAREGIVING SLIDESHOW
"There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers: those who will be caregivers; and those who will need caregivers." --former first lady Rosalyn Carters words.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Like silver- the refining process.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Celebrating milestones with MY LADY
Her last birthday on earth
Her precious smile.
Her last Christmas on earth.Monday, November 5, 2012
In retrospect-we all need some respite care-whether we are giving it or receiving it-taking it in different forms. Help me, Lord to choose a beneficial activity during that time and use it wisely as to get the most benefit out of my tired weary body, and mind. You promise that our minds can be renewed & refreshed.
Everybody has a Story: Care Giving part 10
In 2002 my Care Giving emphasis shifted even more, toward home care. I took a position as a favor for a good friends, good friend. It proved to be my most humbling, most challenging, most difficult three months of experience I have ever had in Care Giving. She was an enigma. This woman was in her 90's, very petite, some what frail with COPD, with Monk-like tendencies (OCD), and a very strong will, and lived on the 9th floor of Fickett Towers. She constantly lectured on cleanliness and godliness, followed me around as I worked, constantly offering her expertise. One day she said to me, "Honestly, Becky, Where did you learn to clean?" I spent my days fluffing and plumping up pillows and thick-like down comforters and avoiding her "WHITE SATIN SOFA". I learned the difference between yams and sweet potatoes and introduced to organic grown foods and how to cook CARE GIVING STEW. (Stephanie Stew) One day at not being able to meet her expectations of cleanliness and after three times taking dishes out of the cupboards demanding that I re-wash them, I was reminded of a statement I had heard once, "If you can't please man then try to please The Lord." So I cried out to God in my frustration, He would answer and she would dismiss me courtly to leave the apt. or do something else. She would constantly remind me that I was her maid, her housekeeper and her servant. One day she told me: "Never hire a missionary to work for you. They are lazy. They just sit at their desks on the field and write letters asking for money." Hmmm, it was one of those days, and there were many that I left work close to tears. For two weeks, I had to go down 9 floors to use the lobby restrooms, asking for the key each time after we had given her bathroom a thorough cleaning and with a sign posted for me "Off Limits". My every move in the laundry room, 9 floors down, was augmented by a lecture on the fine arts of laundering or other matters pertaining to being the BEST provider according to her interpretation. She felt I was incompetent and perhaps did not know that I had been doing laundry for 40 years and had cared for others. One day after I had furiously cleaning her small apt., she commented on HOW TIRED WE WERE because of all the work WE had done. The ironic thing about all this cleaning was that when I left each day the bottom of my feet were always black. I was not allowed to wear shoes and often went bare footed. I was not allowed to sit just anywhere. I had my own chair that I was expected to use if I had to sit down. She often told stories and one of them was about her apt. catching fire. The carpets must not of been cleaned well after that. Mystery solve to the black feet. After taking such pains to clean and maintain that bathroom, the maintenance men traipsed through to repair the water heater to much consternation on her part. One day I had to drag out 3 large carpets that the Tibetan monks had made for her while she was in Nepal. I vacuumed them and place them around in preparation for some visitors she was expecting the following week. She shared, how horrifying it was to see the Tibetan children using her curtains and table clothes to wipe their noses on as everyone in Nepal had constant running noses. The highlights of some of those days were listening to more of those stories and also I often read the Scriptures to her upon request. We read the whole book of Ephesians, Philipians, Colossians, and other passages. She frequently referred to the Scriptures as "PRECIOUS AND UNPERISHABLE". After three months my Saga with Stephanie ended with enormous relief. I had originally planned to stay 6 months at this position, however, she was making it more difficult by telling me how unhappy she was with me and that she could find someone better and that she already had. I gave two weeks notice and when that dead line came, she begged me to stay on but I had another position I was to begin at that time. Her parting words to me were bitter. She told me that I had marred her character by telling her friends how mean she was to me. "Becky" she said "You are very proud and proudfull." A long silence prevailed, I bit my tongue, tears welling up. I had just devoted 3 months of my life in the most humbling experiences. I got up, grabbed the trash bags and my belonging, walked out the door toward the trash chute, shoved it in with vengeance, listened for the faint thump as it landed 9 stories into the dumpster below. I walked briskly to the elevator, pushed that button for the last time, waited for it to arrive, and down 9 flights, out the door to the car. With a great sigh of relief and a Praise The Lord shout, I started the car and headed for home. I was never so glad to be greeted by my own messy kitchen. I was already into my next postion as I had started it the day before this last day at Stephs for a good friend with arthritic disabilities. My duties consisted of mostly domestic ones and requests for the Care Giving Stew. Although my work environment was pleasant, I began to have some health issues of my own and had to terminate this job after only 4 months. I then took a break from senior care giving but devoted more time to the church nursery for awhile. May 4, 2006, I resumed my care giving journey and began my many adventures with MY LADY (In previous blog some of that story) As her needs increased due to Alzheimer's, I took leave from the nursery work and was with her for 5 years. Those 5 years were the most awesome years in all my care giving adventures. After she passed on, I again resumed working in the church nursery and a part-time position for an agency and for 7 months helped give respite care to an AD challenged Gentleman. Although I am technically still with the agency, they have found no position for me as of yet. Then for three weeks, I helped with a very gracious lady who had just had a knee replacement. When she no longer needed my services, Laurie approached me about seeing if my husband and I could help out with some of Gary's needs which brings me up to the present.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Everybody has a Story: SoCal Part 9
My husband explaining how records are made.
Our Wedding 
My days in the church nursery were fun, exciting, and challenging.
"If YOUR HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT, SHOUT AMEN"Thursday, November 1, 2012
Everyone has a Story: The diamond part 8
Everybody has a Story: Springfield part 7
High School photo
Pop & Mom with Uncle Ted and his three daughters. This was taken around the time I went to live with them. 
Our Dear Little Kathyeverybody has a Story: Thriving Part 6
The long drive way at Brush College Acres with cherry and plum trees. The back yard was like a park and I spent many hours out in that woods. Most of those trees in this picture were part of that woods. It had poison oak, learned to recognize it and avoid it.
My middle school picture. Everybody has a Story: Adapting & Transition Part 5
One of the last pictures before leaving Mexico. The dress, I made, with the border of embroidered daisy flowers, baby blue in color.
At our 8th grade graduation, singing "My Jesus, I love Thee" 
Reciting the 8th Psalm and singing "How Great Thou Art" and "Master The Tempest is Raging".
My POP & MOMEverybody has a Story: Adapting & Transition
One of the last pictures before leaving Mexico. The dress, I made, with the border of embroidered daisy flowers, baby blue in color.At our 8th grade graduation, singing "My Jesus, I love Thee"
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