We finally got the entire group (well, most of the group) together at once. It was such a great blessing to see all the ladies enjoy the fellowship. It's amazing what a little R & R can do to a weary body. We had a little catching up to do, but it was so sweet.

If you are a caregiver who never takes a break from your caregiving duties, I would encourage you to make the effort. I know you are probably thinking, "When? How? I don't have the energy to even want to get out." Well, then you are just the candidate for a break. Someone shared that sometimes they don't even want to get out of the house. However, once you are out, even for a little while, it makes all the difference.

We are not meant to keep going 24/7. We are not like God who needs no sleep and no rest. We are human beings and if we keep going at a frantic pace, we will break down or shut down all together.

I know it has been a long time that I've written here, but I felt led to write this. Maybe I will write more? We will see how the LORD leads.

May you be strengthened and encouraged as you continue on this journey.

Caregiver's April (09) Fellowship

Only God knows the extent of the heavy hearts that walked through the doors of Ida's welcoming home. Laughter, tears, sighs, smiles, hugs, a gentle touch...all were and are a part of this incredible ministry. Only God knows the oasis these get togethers are for our weary souls and bodies. We had new faces, same faces and faces we hadn't seen in a while...we had a pretty big group - thank you Jesus! We shared a yummy meal together and an awesome dessert (thank you Diana!). We sang together and then we lifted our burdens to the LORD in prayer...does it get any better than that?! Ida shared with us from God's Word and from her heart.

Philemon 4-7 - I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the LORD Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. (vv. 20-22)-Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the LORD; refresh my heart in the LORD. Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.

What a beautiful picture of the love of the brethren. The care and concern for one another. That call, that card, that visit, those prayers - what an impact and lifting up of hearts that can do.

We all left, once again, encouraged, refreshed, knowing that we are not alone in this incredible journey. Knowing that we have the LORD and others who totally understand what we go through.

To walk on this journey along side these awesome ladies is quite a privilege.

Caregiver's March Fellowship - Devotional

From the Book “A Cup of Hope” by Emilie Barnes

The Gift of a Terrible Day

Not too many years ago, a children’s book by Judith Viorst appeared on the market and became an instant classic. It was called Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. To my knowledge, it has never been out of print – and there’s a reason for that. It’s because every one of us knows what it’s like to have that kind of awful day.

Maybe you’re in one now – or you remember one all too vividly. A day when you feel physically terrible…or worse. When money is running low and the bills are piling up. When you have a fight with someone you care about – or you feel like picking one! When chores loom or bad news bites and you’re not sure what fire to put out first…and you’re not sure you’re even interested in fighting fires.

“In this world you will have trouble,” Jesus told us. That means we all have our quota of “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad” days. And that’s not even to mention the “stop everything” kind of bad day when we sit at a deathbed or get the legal papers or hear the diagnosis.

Bad days are just a given in this fallen world. We might as well expect them. But can we find hope in them?

I honestly think so.

After all, one of two things is true about every bad day of our lives: Either we will live through it and be given a chance at another day…and that’s reason for hope. Or we won’t live through it, and we will have the opportunity to spend eternity with a heavenly Father who loves us. That, too, is reason for hope.

At different times of your life, bad days will be different. At some points of your life you look back at your previous bad days and think, Why did I ever let all that bother me? Or you might look back and think, What a horrible time in my life! How did I ever live through that? (But you did.)

Either way, what you’ll see is that all those bad days were temporary. They all came in day-sized portions, and they all ended with a second chance, an opportunity for better days to follow. (Even the longest string of bad days eventually comes to an end.) Many of the, in addition, came with a hidden blessing – a word of encouragement that blossomed later into a relationship, a life lesson that finally clicked into place, a final confirmation that something really needed to change.

The point is, we serve a God of new beginnings. The hope he has for us is fresh every morning. So we can end our terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days with the expectation that God always has something better for us.

So thank God for the hope-giving grace of this awful day. Ask for the strength and courage to endure it, the wisdom to get through it without making other people suffer, the courage to learn and grow. And here are some things I’ve found helpful in surviving and learning from my own terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days:

* Remind yourself that no matter what happens, twenty-four hours from now this day will be over! (Lamentations 3:22-24 – Through the LORD’S mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!”)

* Marinate your heart in Scripture and prayer – especially if you feel like you don’t want to or don’t have the time. Ask God to cut through your confusion and guide you step by step through the day.

* Gripe a little bit to someone who cares – because the support and prayers of someone who knows what you’re going through can make all the difference.

* Count to ten before you respond to anyone. On bad days, your reactions tend to be off, and you could easily say something hurtful. (James 1:19-20 – Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.)

* Pay a little extra attention to caring for yourself on days when everything seems to go wrong. Try to get some exercise, to eat nutritious foods, to take your vitamins. And ask for help if you need it.

* Ask yourself, “Does God have something for me to learn on this terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day?”

~~~
Hope grows in a variety of circumstances – including rotten days!
~~~

Words of Hope – and Hope from the Word

When I went to bed, Nick took back the pillow he said I could keep. And the Mickey Mouse nightlight burned out and I bit my tongue. The cat wants to sleep with Anthony, not with me. It has been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. My mom says some days are like that. Even in Australia. –-Judith Viorst

Every day has its own particular brand of holiness to discover and worship appropriately. –-Annie Dillard

I cry aloud to the LORD;
I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.
I pour out my complain before him;
before him I tell my trouble.
When my spirit grow faint within me,
It is you who know my way. –Psalm 142:1-3

But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. –1 Thessalonians 5:8

Let nothing disturb thee,
Let nothing affright thee.
All things are passing.
God never changes. –-St. Theresa of Avila

After reading this devotion I was able to see Philippians 4:4-9 (Rejoice in the LORD always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The LORD is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.) with a fresh pair of eyes. A new perspective. In pondering on this I realize how much things would change during our storms if we would simply stop for a moment, look to the heavens wherever we’re at and truly seek meaning in this passage. Sometimes all we have to do is look around us, look to His creations. We can find beauty in the wonders of the sky, the excellence in the detail and colors of the flowers, the softness of a baby’s skin. Our Father can take captive our thoughts and exchange them for the lovely things He has given. But we need to be still and notice His greatness. Never forget how mighty He is to save.

Ida

Caregiver's March Fellowship Pictures - 2

Caregiver's March Fellowship Pictures - 1

Asking for Help...

On my ongoing quest for finding ways to make this caregiving journey easier or lighter, I've been looking at different websites and articles. As I come accross articles or info that help me, I will place them here in hopes that they will help someone else.

I ran into this article in the website for National Family Caregivers Association (www.nfcacares.org). I hope this is helpful.

“Reaching Out for the Help You Need”

Why is it so hard to ask for help? What’s a good response to the statement, “Call me if you need me?” Despite the fact that family caregivers are drowning in responsibility or are really confused about what the next step ought to be, they often respond “no thanks” when help is offered.

Asking for and accepting help is a complex issue. Obviously you first need to admit that having some help will make a real difference in your loved ones’ quality of life, and therefore yours as well. Then you need to define what help you need. Which tasks or chores would be the easiest to ask others to do? Which do you really want to do yourself? And which, if any, can you afford to pay others to do? If this just sounds like more work, know that it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task but rather just a way to organize the thoughts and information you already have. Ready to give it a try?

Here are SIX STEPS to getting help…

1. Recognize that caregiving, like any job, is made up of lots of individual tasks, not all of which are of the same importance. Some tasks take a few minutes; some may take many hours. Some tasks are easy; others require some skill and fortitude. The challenge is to know the difference.

“The hardest part is fear, i.e., fear of refusal, fear of being
misunderstood, or fear that I’ll be considered whiny.” E. Dee Manies,
Overland Park, KS

2. Recognize that asking for help is a sign of strength and not a weakness. It means you truly have a grasp on your situation and have come up with a proactive problem-solving approach to making things easier and better.

3. Create a list of the tasks that need to get done in any given week, or at least those you are most concerned about, such as balancing your responsibilities at work with taking mom to the doctor and Susie to soccer practice, bathing and dressing your husband, cooking, cleaning, etc. When you see how long the list is you’ll quickly understand why you are so tired and don’t have time for yourself.

4. Group your tasks into categories such as personal care tasks for your loved one, transportation, household chores. You can group your tasks into only a few broad categories, or many specific ones. There’s no right or wrong way. It’s all a matter of personal preference.

"When people offer help, be ready to give them a date and time when they are
needed." Dick Stone, Oklahoma City, OK

5. Write down your caregiving worries. Where will we get the money to pay for John’s medications? Who will care for Mary if I get sick? Where can I find an adult day facility that provides transportation? Seeing them in black and white helps diffuse some of their emotion. It also allows you to think more rationally about your concerns and understand how getting help with some of your tasks might lessen the stress. It can provide the basis for deciding which tasks you might ask a neighbor, family member or the church to help out with, which you are willing and able to pay someone else to do, and which there might be a public program for.

6. Share your lists with someone you trust before you actually reach out for help – a friend, therapist, or clergyman, perhaps. The intent is to first get comfortable with the idea of talking about your need for assistance and hopefully get some encouragement and good ideas in the process. Then take a deep breath and actually ask someone to help with one of the tasks on your list, or ask for guidance in resolving your most persistent worry. Start with something small, especially if you are looking for hands-on assistance or something that requires someone doing you a favor. Don’t get discouraged if you get rejected at first. It sometimes takes perseverance. Just remember – the effort is worth it because the goal is better for your loved one and yourself.

Caregiver's February Fellowship

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…

Question?

Hey, everyone, I have a question for you...how often are you supposed to change an oxygen cannula?

I will post an update to this post later and tell you why I ask.

Caregiver Stress

Article from http://www.caregiverstress.com/

Most family caregivers struggle to balance care for an aging parent or relative with other major responsibilities, including jobs and caring for children. This often means that there is little time to care for themselves, which can result in poor health and high levels of stress. In fact, according to a new Home Instead Senior Care survey, 55 percent of the family caregivers who utilize their professional caregiving services appear to have average or significant levels of stress. (click here to read full article)

Caregiver Depression

Article found at http://www.caregiver.org/

...Caregiving does not cause depression, nor will everyone who provides care experience the negative feelings that go with depression. But in an effort to provide the best possible care for a family member or friend, caregivers often sacrifice their own physical and emotional needs and the emotional and physical experiences involved with providing care can strain even the most capable person. The resulting feelings of anger, anxiety, sadness, isolation, exhaustion—and then guilt for having these feelings—can exact a heavy toll.

Unfortunately, feelings of depression are often seen as a sign of weakness rather than a sign that something is out of balance. Comments such as “snap out of it” or “it’s all in your head” are not helpful, and reflect a belief that mental health concerns are not real. Ignoring or denying your feelings will not make them go away. (click here to read full article)

Caregiver's January Fellowship

His Healing Oil

The Lord had given me some scriptures for this month’s gathering and as I pondered upon them they seem to fit right in with all that’s been going on since the beginning of the year. For myself, along with others I’ve spoken to, this has truly been a heavy and emotionally draining month. There have been many losses of loved ones, the heartache of prodigal children has increased, the trying illnesses, the painful words of loved ones, the weight of caregiving…the list is long. PRAISE GOD that we have refuge, comfort and strength in our Heavenly Father. Amen!?

Some trials and storms are much greater than others, but we must never let our flesh dictate the journey that God sets before us.

Acts 20:24 - But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to
myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received
from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

It’s time to get angry; angry with Righteousness! We need to fight; fight hard on our knees. It’s time to ask others to come and fight with you! That’s what our fellow soldiers are there for.

Job 2:11b - …For they had made an appointment together to come and mourn with
him, and to comfort him.

This is what we can do for one another and it is twofold. Because when we look to comfort others, we take our eyes off of us and this is how sometimes God does the best work in us. This is the very tool He uses to touch us.

In speaking to my friend the other day, she shared with me of the wounds she endured by a loved one. She shared that her response was not a good one. Then she said this to me, “Satan made his way through a crack in my armor”. After I hung up, that visual stayed with me. As soldiers in Christ we are constantly facing a battle. Chances are that we are bound to miss a crack or two in our armor once in a while, when we forget to inspect our armor thoroughly. That is all the enemy needs - one small sliver to create havoc, destruction in our minds, our hearts and our very lives. We need to daily check our armor. Ephesians 6:13, Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

As I reflect back through every battle, I see and have experienced His healing oil upon His children, upon my soul. Thank you Jesus for Your loving kindness; thank You for Your Word that brings us such great comfort; thank You for Your healing oil.

Isaiah 61:3 - To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes,
the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that
He may be glorified.

Ida

Handmade Gifts -2

Teresa's strudel (baking)

Susie's cross stitch

Meg's photography

Handmade Gifts

Margaret's crochet

Ida's jewelry

Diana's crochet

LAUGHTER - good medicine

In this frantic time and busy season, it is a good time to stop and LAUGH. Someone e-mailed me this...it is good to laugh ladies:

It's a romantic full moon, when Pedro said, "Hey, mamacita, let's do Weeweechu."

Oh no, not now, let's look at the moon!" said Rosita.

Oh, c'mon baby, let's you and I do Weeweechu. I love you and it's the perfect time," Pedro begged.

"But I wanna just hold your hand and watch the moon." replied Rosita.

Please, corazoncito, just once, do Weeweechu with me."

Rosita looked at Pedro and said, "OK, one time, we'll do Weeweechu."

Pedro grabbed his guitar and they both sang.....

"Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year."

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

The Basin and The Towel (song)

I thought you would enjoy hearing this beautiful song and very thought provoking...thank you Diana for sharing this beautiful song with us. To be like Our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ who came to serve and not to be served.

Caregiver's December Fellowship

This night was truly special in so many ways. We all came in with so many different things on our heart and mind – some spoken, some, o so deep that are not mentioned audibly. We were greeted with warmth from a wonderful home, smells of yummy food, a beautiful table, a glowing chimney…this all for us from Our Heavenly Father through His servant. Our God is so personal and knows exactly what we need…thank you Jesus!

We laughed, we shared and we enjoyed some good food (as always, thank you Ida for all the work). O, and yes, the desserts – we won’t go into the cake story, to protect the innocent – he! he! And Theresa’s goodies were o so yummy – who said we are on a diet anyway. We also exchanged “hand-made” gifts – there is a lot of talent around this group. All the gifts were precious and beautiful. Thank you ladies for all your hard work and all the love poured into each and every gift.

As we sat at the table we began to talk and share – funny how the Holy Spirit has been teaching us all the same thing, in different ways. The underlying thought “LESS IS MORE”. Teresa shared of the beautiful Christmases as she was growing up during World War II – talk about “less is more”…attitude and perspective is what it is all about (hey, wasn’t this on another post?). Teresa shared that her family knew Christmas was about Jesus. And that they were very grateful and content with God’s provisions. Teresa’s brother would collect the wood for the stove to make cookies, while her father would go on the hunt for a Christmas tree (and he wouldn’t go to a Christmas tree farm to look for a tree, he would go to the forest). He would chop one down and bring it home to his family. Their special family gift was time together, decorating the tree. Their Christmas tree decorations consisted of walnuts that they would wrap in aluminum to make them shiny, the cookies that they had previously made, that of course, they would later eat. They would light up the tree by putting little candles on the tree, yes, candles – wow! Is this creative or what? Do you get a sense of warmth and love as you here this story? Nothing to do with what we have made it out to be now.

Diana shared a beautiful song by Michael Card, named “The Basin and The Towel (Galatians 6:9 – So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time):

In an upstairs room a parable
Is just about to come alive.
And while they bicker about who’s best,
With a painful glance, He’ll silently rise.

Their Savior Servant must show them how
Through the will of the water
And the tenderness of the towel.

And the call is to community,
The impoverished power that sets the soul free.
In humility, to take the vow,
That day after day we must take up the basin and the towel.

In any ordinary place, on any ordinary, day,
The parable can live again
When one will kneel and one will yield.

Our Savior Servant must show us how
Through the will of the water
And the tenderness of the towel.

And the space between ourselves sometimes
Is more than the distance between the stars.
By the fragile bridge of the Servant’s bow
We take up the basin and the towel.

We read Luke 1:26-38 and Luke 2:7-14

We sang a different rendition of Silent Night:
Silent Night, Holy Night
All is calm, all is bright
Round young virgin, mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace

Silent Night, Holy Night
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glorious streams from heaven afar
Heavenly host sing alleluia
Christ the savior is born, Christ the savior is born

We worship Him, we honor Him
Born on this night, our God our true light
We worship Him, we honor Him
Jesus our Lord and our King

Silent Night, Holy Night
Son of God love pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus Lord at thy birth, Jesus Lord at thy birth

We worship Him, we honor Him
Born on this night, our God our true light
We worship Him, we honor Him
Jesus our Lord and our King

Then Ida shared with us the following devotion:

Read Matthew 1:18-25

MARRED by David McCasland (Our
Daily Bread)

During an all-night festival in Paris, five young people,apparently drunk, broke into the Orsay Museum and left a 4-inch gash in a priceless painting by Claude Monet. Culture Minister Christine Albanel said the painting could be restored, but she was deeply disturbed at the damage done by “a purely criminal act.”

One news headline read: “Monet Masterpiece Marred.” To mar is to injure or damage; to spoil, disfigure, or impair. It’s an apt description of sin’s effect on us. We know well the results of our own choices made in ignorance or defiance of God.

As we approach Christmas, it’s good to remember why Jesus was born. The Son of God did not come to establish a nostalgic, family-oriented, commercially successful holiday. The angel told Joseph: “[Mary] will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

Christmas began with a present from God to His sin damaged world: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

The masterpiece of God’s human creation, marred by turning away from Him, can be restored when we give our hearts to Christ.

Then we proceeded to prepare ourselves to take sweet communion together. We each read a Scripture:

Theresa – John 6:51, I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.

Margaret – Matthew 26:26, And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”

Sally – John 6:35, And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”

Susie – John 6:32-33, My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.

Meg – John 6:27, Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.

Diana – John 6:56, 58, He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. This is the bread which came down from heaven not as your fathers at the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.

Leti – Matthew 26:27-28, Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Then we all took communion together…sweet time.

As always, the time flew by and the hugs and kisses began. God’s love and care flows through each and every lady. God has knitted us together with the common bond being Him. One of the ladies shared that in December (this month) was this ministry’s anniversary – 3 years!

To God be the glory for all that He has done and will continue to do.

Caregiver's November Fellowship

We had our monthly Caregiver's Fellowship (although maybe to be "politically correct" I need to call it something else - LOL!, inside yoke.) This time our fellowship began even as we drove over to Ida's. We all rode with Susie...good time girls! We were greeted by our wonderful hostess, Ida. Small talk, catching up, etc. - talk, talk, talk! As always, we had scrumptious food and wonderful fellowship and of course a wonderful meditation from God's Word.

First we had wonderful worship:





GOD'S WORD:

"A Passion for Jesus" Daily Devotion with CC Pastors' Wives

COURAGE

The trees of the LORD are full of sap. Psalm 104:16

Blessed is the an who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

As I mulled this passage over in my mind, my thoughts wandered to all the disappointments in ministry here in Utah, and it occurred to me how much like the disciples I am. Jesus said, "Let us cross over to the other side" (Mark 4:35). They all got into the boat and then a raging storm came. They thought they were going to die, like I have thought so many times since we moved here. Jesus rebuked the storm but said, "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" (Matthew 8:26 KJV). What did Jesus mean by that? Did He simply want them to endure the storm and know they would make it? Definitely it was an experience for them to learn from and remember.

So when the Lord says to me, "O ye of little faith," He is saying, "Everything I have promised I will bring to pass; but don't let the storm - discouragements, disappointments, impossible finances, or other circumstances - keep you from believing what I have said." He doesn't guarantee a problem-free ride on the way there. I am to totally depend on Him to accomplish His purpose. So maybe in that storm the disciples should have just joined Jesus in the hull for a nap! I wonder if He would have laughed with delight.

Lord, help me today to choose faith in You over my circumstances.

Karen Ellis (Calvary Chapel Park City, Park City, Utah)

As I pondered on this verse the word "Drought" really stood out to me...there is a drought going on isn't there? A drought in our nation, a drought in the churches, a drought in the homes, a drought in the hearts; even within our Christian families.

You know, like many I was saddened by the outcome of the election and it is grieving every time you turn on the TV and all you see is thousands of people marching and protesting for something that is so wrong. But I certainly don't let it take me down because my hope, our hope does not come from man it is in Christ Jesus. Amen!?

I chose to take that as an opportunity to pray for them instead of getting angry. And for as long as I can pray I will pray because this is the only way to have victory in these battles we face today. We need to be in deep prayer, in His Word more than ever...we need those roots to spread out into that river to get that nourishment, that strength, that empowering of the Holy Spirit that will carry us through these storms.

And not just the storms that we face with this nation but the storms in our hearts, the storms in our homes, the storms with out children, the storms in caregiving, the storms with our health. We are facing difficult times and it will get worse but as Karen Ellis put it so perfectly, "Lord, help us to choose faith in You over our circumstances."

Psalm 20 - May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you; may He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion; may He remember all your offerings, and accept your burn sacrifice. Selah

May He grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all your purpose. We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.

Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed, He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stand upright.

Save, LORD! May the King answer us when we call.

Ida

Caregiver's October Fellowship

“A Passion for Jesus” (page 291)

NO WAY OUT ?

Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. Exodus 14:13

As Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, they came to a place where there seemed to be no way out. The Egyptian army was behind them and the Red Sea was before them. They were afraid. With their natural eyes they had every reason to be afraid. God spoke to Moses and told him to lift up his rod over the sea and it would be divided.

Faith enabled Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, and in doing so, he could
see the Lord holding back the waters on each side, making a way out for them.
Faith enabled Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, and in doing so, he
could see the Lord holding back the waters on each side, making a way out for
them. Faith brought Moses and the children of Israel safely through on dry
ground.

When we face impossible situations where there seems to be no way out, we must look to the Lord and have faith to believe that God can and will bring us safely through. The Lord fights for us...If we “stand still,” trusting Him, we will see His salvation!

By: Karin Kyle, CCModesto

Hebrews 11:24-29 - By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

What stops you from having this kind of faith and peace in trusting Jesus with your trial, your pain, and your struggles? My pastor said last weekend; “ask the Lord to help you seek your heart and find what it is that’s hindering you from having peace in that particular situation“. Our Lord wants nothing more than for us to hand it over and leave it there! He wants to do our biding; He will fight for us! This is how we get to witness His amazing power in our lives. Ask Him for that...ask for the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Like the song says, Savior He can move the mountains, my God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save!

Isaiah 35:3-8 - Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heat, be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

...amazing what God can do with a foolish but willing heart. Amen?



NOTE: So far since this Ministry began each and everyone of these gatherings have been unique and very special. By 9:30 in the morning I began to wonder if this was going to be the first time no one attends. All but one person had cancelled. Right away I thought well this is different, what is this going to be like? Not knowing what God’s plan was for the day, I started to frown and doubt. I looked out the window and wondered if the rain would stop Margaret from coming...Hmmm. So I gave her a call...no answer! Was I being tested? Hmmm, Yup! So in faith I proceeded to cook and prepare a cozy spot by the window for Margaret and I. God knew exactly what type of evening we were going to have. It was WONDERFUL! We talked about all kinds of things but the main topic was our children, which for myself was well needed and appreciated. The Lord used Margaret to encourage me...Thank you Margaret!

We had some good laughter and sweet fellowship. And of course as usual it all ended much too quickly. After she left, I thought about how quickly I am ready to doubt and let my thoughts run forgetting for even a moment that God can take any and all situations with great purpose and do wonderful things. Not to mention (DAH!!!) the devotion He had given me to share, as if that wasn‘t enough for me to learn from. Once again He demonstrated what He could do...with a foolish and willing heart!

Thank you Jesus for your unfailing love and faithfulness, you are worthy to be praised!

Ida

Caregiver's August Fellowship

“Moments of Peace from the Psalms”

“WIGHTY CHALLENGES”

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden. Psalm 68:19NASB

Loads get heavier the longer you carry them. This is true of both physical weight and emotional responsibilities. The more time you contend with them, the more fatigued you become.

You may believe that you’ve gotten accustomed to your burdens – that you can handle them – but they’re still draining you. You know that because of how difficult it is for you to deal with new challenges. When you stop having joy, it’s obvious you’re not managing your problems successfully.

Friend, you don’t have to be self-sufficient. God is happy to carry your burdens. He’ll be your unfailing strength and will use the weight to help you grow. Trust him with your concerns.

God, I’m not quite sure how to give my burdens to you – please show me how. I truly want to trust you with them. AMEN.

How true this is - I’ve been guilty of thinking I’ve become accustomed to my burdens and before I knew it, it had sucked the life out of me. This type of thinking can cause us to waver from fellowship, going to church, reading the Word which are all the very things that we need to strengthen us, to be the lifter of our heads, to empower us. We have to be careful and aware of not taking on these burdens. So many times we think we have the answer or the solution and all the time our Lord is there waiting for us to hand it over and ease our load. Our relief, our comfort, our strength and joy through trials are in Jesus Christ no one else can do this for us. We need to constantly be looking to Him for all things. His grace is sufficient.

(We each read a Scripture)

Rest
Psalm 62:1 – Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.

Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Power
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Weakness
Romans 8:26 – Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Weary
Psalm 55:22 – Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

Isaiah 40:28-31 – Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Galatians 6:9 – And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Galatians 6:2 – Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Encouragement
Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – mediate on these things.

One of our caregivers recommended/suggested this website as a resource for caregivers

https://www.connectingforcare.com/index.php

Check out the other "Helpful Links" on our sidebar.

Enjoy!