WHY TELL YOUR STORY?
1. TELL YOUR STORY FOR YOURSELF To tell your story, especially God’s role in your story, requires a life review . . . remembering and considering the seasons you've enjoyed or endured. As you walked through those seasons, events and relationships were up close and personal . . . much like a macro lens. In [...]
THRIVING THROUGH THE DECADES by Donna Scales
FIFTIES: When I turned fifty I discovered God’s singular mistake: we shouldn’t live past fifty! What was it with these Golden Years? To use a rather unlovely word, I felt like crap. Both hips hurt, and their throbbing kept me awake at night. I had to pull myself up stairs and ask for help to [...]
THE 4 R’S of DEMENTIA
Summoned by the head nurse, I walked hurriedly to the care center wondering with every step what could have upset Dad so much that the staff could not calm him. With the whoosh of the front doors still in my ears, I spotted my 87 year old father leaning on his walker at the front [...]
I DON’T EXERCISE ENOUGH BECAUSE . . .
It’s too hot, or too cold, or too wet outside. Exercise equipment and/or a gym membership is simply not in the budget. I am out of shape. Working out in public is embarrassing, but I don’t know where to begin on my own. I get so bored doing the same thing over and over. [...]
CONRAD’S GIFT OF FINAL ARRANGEMENTS
Eleven family members sat quietly awaiting the arrival of the funeral director. We were quiet, but tense. My father-in-law had been ill for some time, yet his death was sudden and caught us unprepared. His six capable, adult children suspended grief in their efforts to be responsible, helpful to their mother, and honoring to their [...]
EMPOWER ME FOR CAREGIVING
I come to you today, FATHER, an empty vessel, cracked and leaking. These are not just energy leaks, but I hear bitterness coming out in my words and feel a deep sadness in my soul. Lord Jesus, be my POTTER this day. Repair and reshape this marred vessel that I may be filled to overflowing [...]