Our Caregiver’s Fellowship was once again “what the doctor ordered”. Many of us needed this time of laughter, relaxation, camaraderie…a time of good-ol-down-time. I can only speak for myself when I say that there are those times that the simple fact of getting away from my caregiving duties is a hair-pulling-ordeal…yet, once I make the DECISION that I will try to make it, and actually make it to one of these get-togethers, I am the one totally-absolutely-blessed. As someone said, there are those times that “no-one-else” will understand aside than someone who is actually doing the same thing. There are those times that we, caregivers, might say things that actually sound “horrendous” to those who have no clue and we, caregivers, will actually be judged wrongly for even implying such a thing.
We also spoke about those times that some of us have been to “secular” support groups. And although they do serve a purpose in the whole scheme of things, we often come away feeling depressed, defeated and WITHOUT HOPE. We where all in agreement that in this kind of setting, we can rant and rave and complain and whatever, but when it all boils down we focus on God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth who gives us all that we need for this journey…and we come away WITH HOPE.
Ida shared the following devotion which brought it all into perspective – eternal perspective:
Streams in the Desert
This thing is from Me (1Kings 12:24).
Life’s disappointments are veiled love’s appointments. Rev. C.A. Fox
My child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise, and smooth the rough places upon which you may have to tread. It is short, only five words, but let them sink into your inmost soul; use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head. This thing is from ME.
Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you concerns Me too? For, “he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye” (Zech. 2:8). You are very precious in My sight (Isa. 43:4). Therefore, it is My special delight to educate you.
I would have you learn when temptations assail you, and the “enemy comes in like a flood,” that this thing is from Me, that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.
Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who never consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances.
Thou camest not to thy place by accident, it is the very place God meant for thee.
Have you not asked to be made humble? See then, I have placed you in the very school where this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are only working out My will.
Are you in money difficulties? Is it hard to make both ends meet? This thing is from Me, for I am your purse-bearer and would have you draw from and depend upon Me. My supplies are limitless (Phil. 4:9). I would have you prove my promises. Let it not be said of you, “In this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God” (Deut. 1:32).
Are you passing though a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolation (2 Thess. 2:16-17). Have you longed to do some great work for Me and instead have been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days and I want to teach you some of My deepest lessons. “They also serve who only stand and wait.” Some of My greatest workers are those shut out from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of all-prayer.
This day I place in your hand this pot of holy oil. Make use of it free, My child. Let every circumstance that arises, every word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of your weakness be anointed with it. The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things. Laura A. Barter Snow
“This thing is from Me,” the Saviour said,
As bending low He kissed my brow,
“For One who loves you thus has led.
Just rest in Me, be patient now,
Your Father knows you have need of this,
Tho’, why perchance you cannot see –
Grieve not for things you’ve seemed to miss.
The thing I send is best for thee.”
Then, looking through my tears, I plead,
“Dear Lord, forgive, I did not know,
‘Twill not be hard since Thou dost tread,
Each path before me here below.
And for my good this thing must be,
His grace sufficient for each test.
So still I’ll sing, ‘Whatever be
God’s way for me is always best.’ ”
No need to add more…suffice it to say that God spoke and although they were hard words, they were comforting words…
We also spoke about those times that some of us have been to “secular” support groups. And although they do serve a purpose in the whole scheme of things, we often come away feeling depressed, defeated and WITHOUT HOPE. We where all in agreement that in this kind of setting, we can rant and rave and complain and whatever, but when it all boils down we focus on God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth who gives us all that we need for this journey…and we come away WITH HOPE.
Ida shared the following devotion which brought it all into perspective – eternal perspective:
Streams in the Desert
This thing is from Me (1Kings 12:24).
Life’s disappointments are veiled love’s appointments. Rev. C.A. Fox
My child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise, and smooth the rough places upon which you may have to tread. It is short, only five words, but let them sink into your inmost soul; use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head. This thing is from ME.
Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you concerns Me too? For, “he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye” (Zech. 2:8). You are very precious in My sight (Isa. 43:4). Therefore, it is My special delight to educate you.
I would have you learn when temptations assail you, and the “enemy comes in like a flood,” that this thing is from Me, that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.
Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who never consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances.
Thou camest not to thy place by accident, it is the very place God meant for thee.
Have you not asked to be made humble? See then, I have placed you in the very school where this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are only working out My will.
Are you in money difficulties? Is it hard to make both ends meet? This thing is from Me, for I am your purse-bearer and would have you draw from and depend upon Me. My supplies are limitless (Phil. 4:9). I would have you prove my promises. Let it not be said of you, “In this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God” (Deut. 1:32).
Are you passing though a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolation (2 Thess. 2:16-17). Have you longed to do some great work for Me and instead have been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days and I want to teach you some of My deepest lessons. “They also serve who only stand and wait.” Some of My greatest workers are those shut out from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of all-prayer.
This day I place in your hand this pot of holy oil. Make use of it free, My child. Let every circumstance that arises, every word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of your weakness be anointed with it. The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things. Laura A. Barter Snow
“This thing is from Me,” the Saviour said,
As bending low He kissed my brow,
“For One who loves you thus has led.
Just rest in Me, be patient now,
Your Father knows you have need of this,
Tho’, why perchance you cannot see –
Grieve not for things you’ve seemed to miss.
The thing I send is best for thee.”
Then, looking through my tears, I plead,
“Dear Lord, forgive, I did not know,
‘Twill not be hard since Thou dost tread,
Each path before me here below.
And for my good this thing must be,
His grace sufficient for each test.
So still I’ll sing, ‘Whatever be
God’s way for me is always best.’ ”
No need to add more…suffice it to say that God spoke and although they were hard words, they were comforting words…
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