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=> Testimonies / Prayer Requests / Fellowship => Topic started by: DuluthGA on August 31, 2007, 03:44:37 AM
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I thought I’d tell you all a little bit more about myself since I’ve gotten to know you all much more over the summer. When I came on board with the ‘handle’ Caregiver, I wasn’t foolin’ around… :D
Further back into the past beyond now caring for my 90-year-old father for five full years, I had been set aside from my ‘normal’ life to care for a couple of other wonderful life forms as well… my husband Bob, and my mother.
Bob, a happy, healthy, most-wonderful-man in the world type (Christian/secular) was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s early 1996 and I cared for him until his ultimate demise with a sudden case of heart failure that snuffed him out peacefully in his sleep at the end of ’99. Within these four tragic years he could no longer talk nor feed himself, certainly incontinent, and could hardly walk. At one point while he was able, he asked me to “pull the plug,” but I had to tell this otherwise healthy man whose mind/brain/motor function was melting in front of my eyes that “honey there is no plug.”
While all this was going on, he was swindled of a very large sum of money by a couple of his brothers who grew wings, sprouted feathers, and started swirling like vultures as soon as Bob’s mental capacity started dwindling. They essentially kidnapped him with undue influence for three months, added to his confusion, told him nasty lies about me, even tried to get some of his property including this house, then after that returned him to me much worse in mentation. They had gotten what they wanted and could no longer handle him, spent the money, and from this point we did the best we could. Yes I sought some legal action, but to keep this as short as possible, there simply were no laws on the state of Georgia’s books to protect the demented in their financial transactions at the time. If this had occurred in South Carolina where they DID have laws protecting the demented, it would have been another story. Needless to say, gone was A CHUNK of Bob’s money that would’ve helped in his care. No worries [with God]… it all worked out and I was able to manage very frugally, and thank God they didn’t get the house.
Actually, I don’t know how I got through all of this. I was a VERY sick puppy with a clinical depression that was barely relieved with psychiatry and antidepressants, but without which I would’ve been virtually physically paralyzed or facilitized myself, and all my senses were very limited. I could hardly see, hear, think. I was very limited in all of my functioning…. which, ha, is very unusual for me. I relate to others who have here on this forum described a blackness... for me, I was falling down a purplish-blackish never-ending, twisting hole. For me, it was an understandable reactive depression, reacting to my world coming out from underneath my feet.
When Bob died I came to full closure. No more husband to care for, no more depression, not much money at all. [I had stopped working to care for him in 97]… even the modest life insurance money went in a heart beat to pay off all expenses incurred during the four-year tragedy… so I put a good foot forward, still not really IN the Lord, but having communed here and there, off and on. I even went to His throne in my mind and shook my fist at Him a few times. (Little ol' “ant” me!) I was sittin’ on zippo folks, and I don't know why He didn't snuff my little light out.
I didn’t desire to go back to hospital work as respiratory therapist, so I typed the daily transcriptions of a close-by cardiology group and worked from my home doing so for two years, 2000-01, with small income. It was the thing to do as I was recovering from it all. Then they decided to go with outsourcing to India in the spring of 2002 and I was out of a job. This was right about the time that my father, a heck of a healthy guy, seventeen years older than my husband, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2001, was becoming unmanageable in a bad way at the retirement apartment my parents were residing. [trying to keep this short.]
Does anybody else see our Lord’s hand in this? Losing the two men I loved MOST in this world due to Alzheimer's?? I was used to living on next-to-nothing, then out of a job, and my both my father and mother (both Catholic/secular) were on the verge of being facilitized. Mom had been ill her whole life, was at the point of being on three different narcotics for intense pain and very frail. It was given to me to step up to the plate. I was already essentially and literally out of the world. In June of 2002, I took both Mom and Dad into my home which gave me a little employment so to speak and gave them the best of care I could give, and it soon became like a little nursing home in my house! They both could walk and talk when I inherited them, but it all went downhill very fast for them both.
Mom died a few short months after, a blessing to end her pain. Dad is still with me, now being bed-bound over three years, and a year ago he got a stomach feeding tube and needs oral suctioning as necessary, otherwise he would choke on his own secretions because he cannot swallow. He is essentially healthy still, happy and pleasant all of the time and can communicate a little and understands a little. I do cheers and songs and dance jigs and call him funny names to make him smile. My favorite is: "Victory, victory, VICTORY OVER ALL!!" ;D
Can you imagine me, (only 53), a widow with no children who has had her husband as her son, her mother as her daughter, and her father as her baby boy? How I praise God! (When I used to curse Him.) :o
And how I cherish you, my forum friends!
Thank you for listening. :-*
Janice
(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z3/jbirdowens/ThreePinkRoses.jpg)
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sniff sniff :'(
Jance, this made me think of my sister, who was so there for both my mom and dad when they died (5 years apart). She was such the caregiver and I always wondered (still do) why I couldn't be how she was.
I envy your husband and mother and father - to have such a loving wife/daughter, what a blessing to them and one to you also. You're the first one who "talked" to me here and I knew back then you had such a kind and loving spirit.
Thank you for sharing a part of your life.
Much love (and admiration!)
Dawn
(http://dl4.glitter-graphics.net/pub/527/527664ez037ybg9l.gif) (http://www.glitter-graphics.com)
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Hi Janice,
You are a dear soul to your family, who could ask for more than you have done and are doing for them.
When I hear stories like yours I marvel at what God has put you through and the courage He has given you to rise up from it all. The experiences you have gone through I can only assume is preparing you for a great and wonderful place in the kingdom :)
mercy, peace and love
Kat
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Hi Janice,
What a story, I am so touched by your love and faithfulness to your family. I can see that God has
given you the strength to survive and I can only hope that in your shoes I would do so well...!
My mother (82) is presently into her third year of Alzheimer's and my sister who lives close to her has been there for her..! Mom is still well but I know that will end soon. Your sacrifice and "long suffering" is so encouraging to me...yes I do see God's hand in your life and how he has brought you through the nightmare to actually "rejoice in him". I will remember your story as my Mom's life comes to an end. My prayer for my mother has been that it might be God's will for her to die peacefully in her sleep as your husband did...!!!
I don't think I have ever shock my fist at God...but I know there were times I questioned him big time..!!
Hang in there Janice, sounds like it is time for some peace in your life.
Thank you so much for sharing...
Peace
Sue Ann
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Thank you goodie gals... :)
But it's not over for me... I explain to people that although I don't work, I work ALL the time... very very little time off and very very little support from friends over the course of time and only a small, long-distance family... they just forget about us being tucked away here, plus...
When I first got Dad five years ago, I had three main supports: My then boyfriend Fred and my best friends Lauri and Delacy. Well two years ago Lauri at the age of 42 got married to a friend of Fred that I introduced her to, and I'm happy for her, but she has a whole new busy life with husband and in laws. Then God put Delacy, 59, to repose of a probable heart attack, found dead in her home last October. How I miss her! And Fred, well, I don't blame him for falling by the way side (plus he's secular and I don't care for his company anymore) because I had little time for him between caring for Dad and this property. I hardly ever sit still!
But now, at least since I've been reading BT, I know why. ;)
And Sue Ann I will definitely pray for your mother and those caring for her.
God's grace to you!
Janice
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:'( :'(
Wow, I have read three incredible threads since I got on. Sandy, Jacieleigh, and yours! How wonderful our God is.
Janice, this is the second time I have posted. Lost the first one by clicking something wrong. Ha. I always think that maybe I wasn't to post but I HAD to tell you what an angel you are.
I can't add to SueAnn, Kat, or Dawn, but, here you are helping all of us daily by your love, wit, and wisdom after having gone thru so much in your life. <I mean those brother in laws!> I just marvel when I actually hear of God's miracles in action. You are one dear heart and your daddy is very blessed to have you.
I have to tease you abit...remember that song... I am my own Grandpa...well I thought of that when you wrote about your family being as your children!
Well, I am rambling, but I am blessed of the Lord to know you!
<gena, get off computer>
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Janice
Thank you for sharing.
If I had to put myself into your shoes I'd melt in them and meet my own weakness which is beyond my comprehension on the way down!
Do you find that the cross you are carrying is still preferable to the one you see others struggling with? I mean, for example, I believe no one would want my cross and likewise I can not see myself surviving the cross others are MADE to ENDURE through the favor and grace of Christ.
Is it that we have a very small view or limited experience of the magnitude of the Endurance and Grace that can make a servant of Christ stand? I think that is it.
I have been pondering the thought that Job was restored and that is OT. Jesus was resurrected and that is our testament for we live in the NT times. Sorry for rambling....
I love how you say : I don't know why He didn't snuff my little light out.
Glad He didn't! Peace to you as He garrisons our hearts and our apprehensions in Christ Jesus. Phil 4-9
Arcturus :)
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Hi Janice,
I agree with everyone here, you are wonderful! As I told you before you are an inspiration to me and I thank God for you. :D I know what you mean about your parents being your children. My mom and dad are like two kids and I need wisdom to know when to let them be and when to intervene. Your dad is so blessed to have you.
Love,
Ursula
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Janice, you are an inspiration....I can't believe how reading your post just did away with my self pity and hopelessness that I experienced today.
I couldn't have dealt with half of what you've had to deal with, and I thank God He gave you what you needed to go on.
You can't believe how your life impacts others....that really is a HUGE ministry in itself. I pray for good things for you and wish you well... take care...James
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Thank you so much buddy Ursula... and I am doubly blessed to have my dad. I'm so attached to him... how lonely I'd be without him. There has already been so much loss for me. How grateful I am that he still has good life in him, is able to respond and interact a little. How I love to perform funny antics just to get a laugh out of him. (I can be quite the clown... surprised? No? :D)
And thank you Gena for such sweet compliments that I'm not quite sure I fulfill. And no Gena... it was two of Bob's brothers... the ones that were so so nice for years at all the reunions and holiday parties... ::) Definite no-goodies. I wonder if they've come to repent yet... "bet" they WILL... :D
I remember telling you awhile back that I didn't think I'd really have time for this forum after joining, just scraps and pieces of time during the day, a little more late at night. So I'm thankful and blessed for taking part when I can!! BIG TIME!!
And a big thank you to you Arcturus for your very kind compliments that touched me dearly! My cross-bearing experience has been thus: First I realized I had one! (Not trying to be funny, but it is funny I guess, ha!) Then it became a matter of the process of realizing and actually asking, "just who am I and just what is it?" The answers were God-given. And yes I found myself comparing crosses with those I knew, but not so much now, yet I always wonder what He has for me around the next corner. I KNOW there will be more tribulation and chastening grace for me. I certainly acknowledge others have had it a lot worse than me with abuse, violence, ill health, etc., and I certainly wouldn't want to swap. To me, our relative cross-bearing experiences are not able to transcend to glimpse the absolute immenseness and perfection of HIS judgment/salvation processes.
I have found a verse recently that speaks to me although I'm not sure if I've got the interpretation right. It's part of a verse set but I'll just display the one verse:
Rom 3: 4b That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
I was happy to find this and it lets me know that though the judgment process I am given to overcome... because as we all know we certainly can't overcome on our own. Praise God for all His Ways past finding out!
May God bless you all! :)
Janice
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Thank you James for your kind and thoughtful words and well wishes. I'm so glad you are a forum friend too!
Prayerfully for you and yours, :);):)
Janice
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Good one Janice
Our crosses are as you observe: HIS judgment/salvation processes. 8)
I was thinking about Simon of Cyrene. I believe that the brethren are called to behave towards one another in much the same way as Simon of Cyrene who encouraged Jesus that it was just a little further to go to HIS death while helping for a brief distance our Lord to carry HIS Cross. We as brethren, one to another can also help briefly lift each others burdens but can not remove the cross anyone has to carry because our cross is HIS judgment/salvation processes.
So while it is given to us to occasionally help to lift the weight of someone elses cross to carry for an all too brief moment in time, it is the Spirit of Christ who equips us and helps MAKE us ENDURE to carry it all the way up to our Calveries of Carnality as we trip fall, bleed and follow HIM on our way.
Gal 6:2 Bear endure, carry one anther's burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ the Messiah and complete what is lacking in your obedience to it. 3. For if any person thinks himself to be somebody too important to condescend to shoulder another's load when he is nobody of superiority except in his own estimation, he deceives and deludes and cheats himself.
I believe this scripture speaks again to the whole topic of this thread for all of us cross carriers needing to complete what is lacking in our obedience, that may surface in resentment and bitterness we have perhaps for the particular cross ( His judgment/salvation processes) we are individually fitted to carry, bear, endure and by His Will, overcome.
Here in we see another reason for this Forum and another reason for our membership here.
Peace be to you
Arcturus :)
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Thank you for sharing your heart with us Janice.
This is a verse that I've held onto for many years.
Joel 2:24-26
24And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
25And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
26And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.
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my mom cared for her mother for 12 years before they had to make the agonizing decision to put her in a rest home. 3 months later she passed away.......mom felt a lot of guilt......but it just happened her illnesses became worse at that time.....i was 10 and it was tough.it will be a hard decision when they are unable to care for themselves.....i live 850 miles from them, and my only sister is busy on a farm and 2 kids to raise..not much more family........i have time to think about this......they are probably healthier than i am :-\
i will be praying
neeter
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Janice,
I TOTALLY understand what you're going through as a caregiver. When I served as a caregiver for my mom(who passed away 4 years ago), it was a true learning experience. What I learned was that I was supposed to give care to someone who couldn't care for herself. I saw then a hint of how selfish I could be (and became). God used that experience to teach me things about HOW to care about people in a way I never could have known. I know about not having a "normal" life. But then, I probably would have gone through some damning situations trying to find one.
Jesus words in Matthew 10:39 come to mind:
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
I had to lose the life I had in order to find the life in Him that endures.
God be with you
Ches
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Gal 6: 2 is a great verse, thanks again Arcturus for your up-lifting ;) sentiments and edifying comments. :)
M.G. those verse are SOLID GOLD, thank you for your sweetness. :)
Neeter, thanks for sharing. Wow, twelve years was a long time. And I hear ya about it being tough from the eyes of your childhood and all involved. Yet it occurs to me that if something is not going "wrong"... (wink-wink) ... something is not going right. ;):D Thank you sincerely for your prayers.
Wise words Ches, you goodie. :) Thanks for responding. Actually FYI, the Concordant Literal New Testament has the better translation that most have missed (I learned from Ray can't remember where) for Matt 10: 39:
He who is finding his soul will be destroying it, and he who destroys his soul on My account will be finding it.
To me that adds a more real dimension to it, but yes, I am with you in spirit on this one. :)
I am grateful for my wonderful friends,
Janice
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Janice,
I can understand your feelings as a caregiver, as I am taking care of aging parents myself. Neither of them have Alzheimer's but I had an uncle who died several years ago from that. My dad had a stroke about a year ago, and my mom has diabetes and is legally blind, along with other complications that come with the disease.
Your post has given me hope that I can cope with the things I deal with on a daily basis, and what may be yet to come.
God bless you, my dear sister!
Sandy
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hi janice
thank you for posting your story to the forum, God bless you and keep you! You are a faithful servant in ways most of us will never know. I have looked after my father for 3 yrs until the age of 81 and my mum yet now 77, dad passed away in feb but was determined to do it, i know this sounds horrnedous, but he would argue every day over taking his tablets and nebules for the nebuliser, wouldm't allow me to sterilise the nebuliser or change his clothes or wash or shave every single day, and the greatest blow was when the doctors did a mental assessment and announced he was choosing to do most of this. He died suddenly from a chest infection, we battled every day to keep him healthy against his will. His family despise us and blame us for his death and do not accept his oncoming dementia and his death wish. We are under siege , been investigated by the police etc., and worse, threats form dad' family etc.
Thankfully mum is still with us and very well, she wants to live!!! takes her tablets, will be washed, be dresed in fresh clothes, go to the doctor etc and is a joy and blessing to me.
i have been so depressed i could see no way out. But a way out came when i was on the poverty line beaten down despised by my father's family, Christ says 'Follow me', every day we( Tommy and me) search the bible to learn what to do today , how to live, act etc., now i ask my Heavenly Father about everyhting, making lists (how sad) to make sure i praise him for my blessings ev day and answers to my prayers and lists o things to pray for ticking em off and praising our Father for answering em.
Janice, The Lord bless you and keep you and make his face shine upon you and give you peace in Jesus name, Amen.
Thank you for your story.
I'll be thinking and praying for you regular
Cheerio
marie
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Bless your heart Marie. Everyones stories are so unique and yet so similar. God's ways are so wise, whether we understand or not.
I have said it before but I must say, those of you (and there are many here)that are caregivers to your mum's and dad's (and daddy's) are the BEST! You are angels here on earth. That kind of love only cmes from the FATHER. He has chosen you.
My mom is in a nursing home and I barely have a relationship w/ my dad.(they divorced when I was 2). But I don't go out of my way much or sacrifice. When I hear about your sacrifices and love, well, I just don't think I could do it. This used to bother me immensely, but when I found BT and learned about God's Will and no free will, well I don't beat myself up over it as much.
To all Caregivers:
(http://bestsmileys.com/flowers/9.gif)
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Hi Marie... and WELCOME TO DA FORUM... AND I AM IN UTTER SHOCK about your story about your dad. Good grief!!
AAK!
Well after what I've been through, nothing surprises me anymore.
May God favor you too faithful servant! Let me know how this all plays out. It sounds as horrendous as what I went through yet you sound still somewhat upbeat and at more of a spirtually strengthened station in life than I was at the time of our tragedy.... well.... you HAVE to be.... you are taking care of Mom. Praise God.
MARIE.... I LEFT OUT A LOT OF DETAILS IN MY STORY..... AND IF I FILLED THEM IN, YOU AND I COULD BE CLOSE TO TWIN SISTERS IN WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND LORD AND FATHER JUST BRINGS YOU HERE TO MY LAP NOW?? And to this fantastic forum?? AMAZING!!
HOW I PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!!!!!
THIS IS REALLY SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!
There needs to be a smiley that has its mouth hanging wide open, sort of in dumbfounded awe. :D
Dear sister, thank you so much for posting tonight. How I look forward to hearing more from you. Please allow me to cut this a bit short for tonight as I must go.... I would love to chat with you more. YOU HAVE TURNED UP AT THE RIGHT PLACE!! I'm a-giggle with excitment for a new friend but must hop for now. More on the morrow.
So much sounds so similar... my husband started spiraling downward in a bad way when he too no longer wished to bathe... I too keep bible study lists and a listing of what to include in my prayers.... so much the same.
KEEP AT IT GIRL!! I pray you are not too depressed and can stay functional. If not, you need to get on a medicine. Hopefully we can touch base, as you will with others here, that this will help LIFT YOUR SPIRITS... as these wonderful people have lifted mine.... as I too have been growing a little tired and weary lately. We can only cling to our loving God!
GOD BLESS YOUR MUM!!
I sincerely hope to chat with you very soon. :)
YOU ARE DEFINITELY IN MY PRAYERS!!
Your have my heartfelt THANKS,
Janice
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Dear Sandy,
Thank you so much for your post and sharing the difficulties that I can only imagine with your dad and the effects of his stroke and your mom's legal blindness and diabetes complications. Actually, the only reason my dad stopped swallowing a year and a half ago was from a mini-stroke. ICK. He's on a blood-thinner now.
I'm glad you picked up on the encouragement part of posting more of my caregiver story. Nothing's easy, but in caregiving there are immediate rewards, and these are what keeps us going, with His loving spirit.
I'm glad you are in good and stable stead. Great to hear from you... anytime.
I'll C YA ROUND DA FORUM Sandy,
And God bless you too dear sister...
Always rest your head on His shoulder,
GENA... Don't beat yourself up... I think there's a verse about that...... ;D
Much love,
Janice
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Hi Marie,
God bless you! My dad has Alzheimer's and is now refusing to bathe. I used to be able to make him, but now, no way! I'm so sorry about all the family problems you had to experience. People who are not involved in the daily and continual care of an individual really have no idea what it's like, but some people seem to be full of opinions. I can only shake my head at your dad's family, but know that God is in control of this as well as all else you went through.
Sometimes people, like your dad just choose to die. Keep your chin up, and know that your heavenly Father has chosen this trial just for you, and all will turn out wonderfully; you will get through to the other side of this.
Love,
Ursula
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Hi all,
Loving caregivers are a huge blessing to those who need them, but also, they (the caregivers) are blessed to be able to be used in such a honorable way.
None of us know what tomorrow will bring. Those who are caregivers today, may need to be taken care of tomorrow. I can't help but be reminded of this commandment from the Lord, "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.." (Matt. 7:12).
Peace and His grace to you all,
Rene'
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Janice, Ursula, Marie and Sandy....wow. I will tell you right now, the only thing that is keeping me praying and hopeful about my situation is sitting at the computer every night, and reading about what is going on in your lives. That is not dramatic bullsh@t either....for good or bad, it's the truth. At least for the last while or so.
My heart gets hard (to protect myself from being hurt) and I just think about God not helping me, and things just going from bad to worse. But every time I read stuff from you guys, it just seems to soften my heart, and I am able to call out to God. I don't know if that makes sense.
I am writing this to let you know....that in the midst of your battles, you are helping someone besides your families. That's what I meant when I posted to Sandy. You never know what kind of impact you will have on someone....or how that impact occurs.
God, I pray for you all. I simply can't believe what you're going through. It is mind boggling. But if you can hold on, and keep going....then so can I. So thank you for being open and honest.
Remeber to take care of yourselves....take time for yourselves if you can, and get help if you can. I just spent the evening watching a movie with my beautiful daughters all alone, and I was able to forget things for awhile. So take time if you can....and may God' peace come upon you....James
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James that was so nicely put. I agree. And thank you for sharing a bit. I am so glad you got to have some time w/ your girls. I am still praying for you.
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THANKS RENE'... and you're right... it's a fine line we all tread between the living and the dead and the caregiver or the care recipient!! HO HO HO!! Which way will HE go?? I praise and give glory to God for His fore-destined plan.
And thank you James... how cool, while reading on another thread that you were a nurse for a few years, certainly doing what I consider "community service." It is part of the portfolio that was given to me as was yourself. I take no glory in it, but I physically helped a tremendous amount of very sick people for ten years in ambulances and hospitals. I'm sure you saw and attended to your own many sets of miseries as well. You and I have truly seen the very physical aspects of God at work; He does heal, and He does take away.
What you say about situations going from bad to worse sometimes to the point of GETTING LEVELED is surely the common ground for many testimony-bearers in one way or another. It was several years after my initial tragedy that I was given to appreciate the scriptural truths through Ray Smith. Then it was given me to fall into my Lord's line. And, yes you raise a great point that we may someday know our impact on future readers, if not first-hand from an email or post, but eventually in spirit by the new communication WE WILL BE GIVEN TO HAVE! :) And I believe it will be limitless.
God bless your daughters, hold them close (for they may take care of you someday :D), and thank you for your many thoughtful posts at da forum!
With thanks and joy for all,
Janice
I must say my earthly father certainly deserves the royal treatment he's getting for being given to be so wonderful to me. Thank you Lord and Father.
Also James, in addition to keeping you in my prayers, I will fix my pix at the 'child board' manyana, thanx for the heads up. ;)
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James,
You warm my heart. :)
It is the same with me, when I have a bad day, I come to the forum and read and see what is going on with people here. It is a fellowship of suffering that helps to bear the load when life gets unreal. That, and continually emphasizing to myself and to God that He is in control and this trial is for a grand purpose.
James, lets all hold on, with our Heavenly Father we will see the other side, and be totally thankful for every step of it.
I'm also glad you had a quiet evening with your girls.
Ursula
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Rom 12:5 so we, the many, one body are in Christ, and members each one of one another.
1Co 12:12 For, even as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of the one body, being many, are one body, so also is the Christ,
1Co 12:26 and whether one member doth suffer, suffer with it do all the members, or one member is glorified, rejoice with it do all the members;
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GREAT VERSES Patrick, BIG THANKS!
I'm going to add them to the scriptural theme paper in Off Topics... "Please don't build another church." I keep finding more verses to add to it all the time.
I am thankful for you forum friend! :)
Janice
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2 Corinthians 1:3-7 MSG
All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel!
He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.
We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort--we get a full measure of that, too.
When we suffer for Jesus, it works out for your healing and salvation. If we are treated well, given a helping hand and encouraging word, that also works to your benefit, spurring you on, face forward, unflinching. Your hard times are also our hard times.
When we see that you're just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we know you're going to make it, no doubt about it.
Peace and love to you all!
Diana
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Beautiful verse set for us all, Diana~
Highlights I relate to:
and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was [IS WAS AND WILL BE] there for us.
AND ~
We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort--we get a full measure of that, too.
Despite all, there's a lot to be very thankful for. I praise and thank God and all my forum friends!
1Pet 2: 17 Honor all; love the brotherhood; fear God; honor the king. [CLNT]
With my good ol' usual given joy, :)
Janice
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dear janice
i am so sorry i took so long to get back to you. i wish to talk to you too your situation expressed to me a situation i would never have understood if i had not bbe there in part myself. i am so sorry to read how you wetre encouraged by my response but yet i have been so long in getting back to you. Pleaseforgive me. I will make a certain effort to check this forum daily now and try to keep in contact with my sisters and broythers inthe LORD. i am soory if i have grieved dyou by this delay, please forgive me.
marie
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Dear forum members
thank youfor your encouragement and messages. i am astonished at your love and support. thank you for the blessing of your concern and forgive me for my absence, i see i am missing outon a fount of the the LORDS living waters when i stay away. thank you all for your encouragement. You know i am so puzzled. At some stage in this journey i was a born again christian a pentecostal, but i connect in my head and mind with this forum in a way that reaches into the root sof my being, not by feeling or emotion but by thought and deed and desire to do. Amazing, i am still perplexed, but my bible is more open to me now than ever before, i am not a pawn of one teacher or another, but honoured yet to still hungr for the the true leadership of my lord and captain, jesus christ.
Bless you all in the name of the LORD, our Saviour, Jesus the CHrist.
Amen
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HI MARIE, :) thank you for your lovely and thoughtful messages... I had no worries and thought you may have gone out of town for a few days or maybe something came up with Mum. I know it's not always easy to have a block of free time when you can think or do for yourself, especially with a child to care for. I'm happy happy to hear from you! :-*
It is a blessing to hear of our Lord giving you "eyes to see and ears to hear" the truths in His Word and in our hearts! If you have any questions, there are many knowledgeable sisters and brothers here to help as understanding them all is certainly a process over time and does not happen overnight. I have been hungrily feeding on L. Ray Smith's material for over a year now and am still eager for more as he puts it forth. His straightforward style of presenting God's Word has touched me deeply as well.
It's beyond fabulous to be FREE AT LAST of the doctrines and commandments of MEN. WooHoo!! You mentioned in your welcome post you had both a Catholic and Pentacostal background. My 30-year-old nephew belongs to a gigantic Pentacostal church in South Carolina which seats 4300! Of course he is blinded to tithing not 10 but 11% Their pastor has a lear jet, several homes, and their "worship services" are extremely loud and rock-concertish. Ick and aak!
My 61-year-old brother and wife have been doing the hour every Sunday at a Catholic church all their lives and now FINALLY hears a call to find out if he's in the right church.... but.... get this.... instead of getting an outside, objective opinion, he's attending the church seminar on this topic "Why Catholic?" which will just reinforce and support their false and pagan beliefs and traditions.
Keep reading and stay as close as you can to us here dear woman! I've learned even more here and it's great to feel connected. :)
If you have a minute, you can check out the new photos of my immediate loved ones that I just posted today by clicking on Child Boards: Who Am I? Then click on the 'Hi All' thread.
Marie I'll send you a more personal note in a PM to you later tonight or tomorrow as time permits. Thanks again, you have indeed encouraged me!
How I praise Lord and Father for you and your family! I'll chat more with you soon... can't wait to find out when your wedding date will be... :)
One day EVERY ONE of God's people will come out of Babylon!! Hurrah!
Janice
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Diana, that verse is so relevant. And beautiful, and very needed. You must be Canadian! (muhahahahahahahahaha! Yes, I know you are!)
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Hey Janice!
The fault in checking in more regularly is only mine! all is well as usual here and i generally get to check in on the net 2 or 3 times a week. You know i am mystified here, you know i no i'm not alone wanting to know the LORD, to know the way HE wants us to know Him! I don't care what label is asociated if any is needed. I was baptised and raised a Catholic. Northern Irish Catholic, and when at the age of 20 I read the bible for the first time. a tiny pockect KJV it was! i asked Jesus the Christ to forgive me, i was just a sinner and worthless before God's Holiness, and i thought about how He came to take those sins away, that He was the Son of God and He was my High Priest pleadingfor me . MY life was changed in 24 hrs, i was transformed with joy. How good He was to even think of me. i told my mum and dad, they went mad, my mum tried to strangle me, my father beat me and ordered me to get on my knees and ask forgiveness of my mother and the virgin mother Mary. So it began, i was thrown out of home soon after that, my uncle a catholic Monsignior was called down to 'exorcise'me , childhood teachers who were nuns were also called in who instead rejoiced in my faith. My uncle the monsignor despises me yet 17 yrs later and will not speak to me but sends solicitors letters instead. i always loved my mum and dad and i am an only child, ther has never ben any other to help, dad and mum's relatives have never offered to help in their care, even going out for a cup of tea and a scone at a cafe, but have have had plenty of criticism.
Janice you know i read your story and i wish i could meet you, you seem so together.
You know even knowing you are there comforts me, and my othetr brothers and sisters in Christ, i don't care who we are as long as we are doing the will of our Father in Heaven, we can't go wrong
Wisdom is justified by her children
marie
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Hi Janice,
I just read your testimony again, and had to tell you how humble yet inspired it makes me feel. Your cheerful acceptance of the cross our Lord has given you, and your patient, loving attitude, your making lemonade out of lemons given you truly sets an example for me, and others with whom you've shared your story .
Those who have suffered the deepest; born the greatest burdens, will feel the greatest joy and appreciation when our Lord returns to put an end to sickness, pain and death. At least that's what I feel. Your joy will surely be great! :D :D
Picturing you doing cheers and dancing for your father really puts a smile on my face and a giggle in my heart? ;D :D ;D How much your father and your Father must love you!
For me, I have been so uplifted by your cheerful, encouraging posts. You are always so eager to share what you have learned. Thank you. A :-* and a hug to you.
Marie, welcome to the forum. How truly terrible to take loving care of your father, and then be blamed for his death! But our God who looks down from heaven knows the true story. And He will reward you for your kindness to your family.
I'm so glad you find your comfort in our Lord. And also glad you have found your way to this forum.
Your sister in Christ,
Cindy
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Thank you SO MUCH Cindy and Marie... you both are too kind and so sweet. You both are so thoughtful and I'm so appreciative!! I AM A GOOFBALL! Yet it is given to me to get a little bit of honor. How I relish it! :P (I don't get too much otherwise.)
My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask Him to strengthen you by His spirit -- not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength -- that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. Eph 3: 14-19 MSG
Much more tomorrow, sorry I have to hop for now.
Marie, I don't think you picked up my message to you earlier this week in the MY MESSAGES button and so I have emailed you a little while ago at the e-address in your profile. I hope and pray I get through to you! *Spiritual kiss* More later.
Sisters, I love both your posts.
Grow rooted and grounded in His love! ;) (He will see to it!)
Fondly and with joy,
Janice
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That was a beautiful scripture version in the Message Janice, thanks for sharing!
Peace and love,
Diana
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Hey lil sis Janice,
its bcoz U so deserve all da Praise sis BigtimE!!, Just no "Im all GOOD ae" :), muchLOVE!! 2 U alwayZ!! I Pray all is well wit da 'whanau' especially daddy dear & lil Mustafa, & I Pray HE is filling U wit all da strength U need daily @ da same time bringn U LOVE & PEACE withn, keep uP da Awesum!! work wit US & urS!, GODBLESS!..
muchLOVE!! Pera
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HEY PERA! HI BRO!! HAPPY HAPPY! :D *HUG* :-*
Thank you so much for your well wishes, prayers and caregiver-type praise that I couldn't do without our Master. Pera, you know that I know and I know that you know..... where would we be without Him.... and yessiree it's a day by day dependence on Him for daily sustenance both physical and spiritual. 8) ;)
I'm glad you are good in Him, Pera and I trust your whanau (family) is too. Hearing from you WARMS my heart in a BIG way, ho! U IZ GOODIE & MY WHANAU BRO. All is well here for now, thank you. :)
He WILL keep us in His loving arms no matter what!
I LOVE C-ING U ROUND DA FORUM! U R UPLIFTING!! :P :D
With joy,
Janice
P.S. BONK! ;D
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:) Im Glad d@ U know d@ I know um!.. d@ we both Know lol! haha! :D
muchLOVE!! lil sis "BoinG!!", :) :P
muchLOVE!! Pera
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Pera and Janice...you two are so precious!!
Much luv to ya,
Diana
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DEAR Janice (AND ALL OTHERS in like situation),
I too have a GOOD idea of what it's like to have a relative with Alzheimer's .... my own dad! My mother cared for him 24/7 (more like 25/8, if you get my meaning!!), for 8 years.....that's how long his condition lasted. He too would secretively (he thought! I SAW him do it.) throw away his handful of pills my mother had given him to take, to help stave off his early demise, and he became combative at times (which I did not see, as I was 800 miles away). There was a final crisis, and my brother stepped in and did for my mother that which she simply just could not do : have him put into an Alzheimer's facility. He died one month later (VERY unhappy at having to stay there separated from his much-loved wife)....but, thank God, he DID die peacefully in the hospital. He just stopped breathing. This was in April 2006. And at one point, about 7 years into his disease, when I was visiting with my parents, he was trying so hard to talk with me, and what came out was so incoherent that finally he said, "Oh, I don't know what I'm trying to say!" That broke my heart!! I believe that was the last time I ever heard him say anything intelligible.....that last spark of intelligence from him to me..... I am just SOOOO GLAD that I AM going to get to see him again, and in a MUCH HAPPIER CIRCUMSTANCE!!! New Jerusalem, HERE WE ALLLLL COME!!!
God BLESS all you care-givers who went down the noble, high road!!! (It WAS and IS a TOUGH row to hoe!!! BUT you'd better believe you're going to be BLESSED up one side and down the other real hard!! ;-> !! )
Love,
Linda
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Hi Linda, (http://bestsmileys.com/waving/3.gif)
Thank you so much for your post! Wow... your mom was a caregiver for 8 years... long time. Is she still living, if so how is she getting along? I'm glad you got some quality moments with your dad before he degenerated rapidly... it's so sad to sort of figuratively watch someone's mind melt as I and many many others have done. How I loathe that disease! The up side is there generally no physical suffering for them.
I mentioned in your welcome thread that my husband got combative then violent, and that was a tough tough situation that caused me much much stress at the time that I can't even describe. He too died peacefully in his sleep in a facility of a sudden bout of heart failure. I attended to him by practically living with him as his 'private nurse' in the nursing home. On the night he suddenly died, the nurse was so kind to call me at home at 2: 30 a.m. to tell me "I believe your husband is peacefully taking his very last breaths!" I gasped and found myself saying "that's beautiful", then I both cried and laughed at the same time, IT WAS WEIRD to feel two emotions at one time... so sad to have him go... so relieve all the horror was completely all over with. Sniff. I am happy to remember I sat on his lap earlier that day and we hugged a lot as we usually did. :) That was 8 years ago.
Yes, Linda... HAT'S OFF TO CAREGIVERS EVERYWHERE!
I met a new friend recently that lives ten minutes away, another widow about my age, ... she has been caring for her mother who is essentially healthy with Alz for 14 years!!! It is great that she is able to work a M-F, 9-5 job while sitters attend to her mother. Her mom is no longer responsive and is simply in a fetal position and on a special mattress for pressure sores. How my heart goes to them both!
"He won that we might win. He died that we might die, yet live with Him." -- From a pamphlet on Living Together With Christ.
Thank you Lord Jesus!
Janice
(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z3/jbirdowens/YellowDaisy.gif)
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As a final note...
I just would like to pass this along from the President and co-founder of the National Family Caregivers Association:
Caregiving isn’t just my reality. Someday it will be yours – either as a caregiver or a care recipient. We are all in this together.
Also, I have found two interactive forums specifically for caregivers.... one is directly related to those of Alzheimer's patients at: http://alzheimers.ning.com/ The other is for caregivers in general at AARP's site: http://community.aarp.org/n/pfx/forum.aspx?webtag=rp-fhl&nav=messages&msg=7344.1
:)
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Great. Thanks for the links Janice.
My mom has been in a nursing home for a month or so now and is settling in I guess. But her medicaid was denied (she is 80) and her husband has to buy a new car, furniture,etc. to get rid of some money-can't give it to us!! He had to pay in full the Sept. "rent".
Trust me, I never would have thought they had too much money. They live in one of those -not quite trailor but not quite house-type homes. They had 1 vehicle and never took vacations. So not only dealing w/ realities of loved one but the nonsense w/ the government!!
We went on the Alzheimer walk yesterday. My town raised over 25,000$. Maybe soon, the Lord will allow us to cure this horrible disease.
I just needed to vent a little.
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G
Sorry to hear about your Mom and what you are seeing about all the nonsense w/ the government!
The world system is Antichrist I believe.
Prayers for your strength and peace through the challenges you are facing.
Arcturus :)
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Thanks for the links Janice; I will check them out.
Gena, that sounds insane, having to buy a car etc to qualify for medicaid. It's a crazy world.
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I HEAR YA GENA... and I feel for all your family involved with that lousey situation, but that is the way it goes...
Been there and done it and don't even wanna look back. So sorry... but the good news is this, your mum will most likely live quite some years longer and this, over time, would be depleting by very large chunks their [proposed savings plus savings by liquidating the house] otherwise. Best to go with the flow for the longterm benefit. I don't know what the going rate is in your area, but here nursing homes here are averaged at ~6.4k/mo. No joke. Chunk o' change.
The other good thing is they [the Feds] allow her husband to keep the house. :)
I pray you a conquering spirit! Do not despair! :)
With love,
Janice