Who Cares

A lot of people care. I see it in friends and family, co-workers, and leaders of various kinds. Who would argue with the idea that the world is a better place because of people who care?

This week I was talking with someone whose life is taking an unexpected turn. He is close to retirement, but due to his wife’s health, he is becoming a caregiver.

As we talked, I was reminded of the daily challenges in my care-giving days. I had been retired one year when Dad needed help because he could no longer drive.

To this day I’m grateful my husband agreed and was willing to make necessary life adjustments to also help Dad. A few years later, I became a caregiver for my husband.

A caregiver’s life becomes the life of the cared for. As a widower, Dad was used to getting up and going to Denny’s for breakfast every day. I always enjoyed breakfast at home, so that was just one of my adjustments.

There were also challenges with all the doctor appointments and calls to the insurance company. Except for my bout with breast cancer, I’d been healthy and doctor visits were not ongoing.

When hospice was needed, they were a big help to me as well as Dad. It was a relief to be able to call his nurse if I had a question. But home health aides, the chaplain, and the social worker were also supportive and encouraging.

To me, caregiving was “tiring.” But in the conversation this week I heard the word “draining.” I think that’s a better word for it. After all, the person giving care is on tap 24/7.

Who cares? I’m hoping you do.

First a word for Caregivers: Love is expressed, said Jesus, by being willing to lay down your life for a friend (John 15:12-13). I’m sure this also applies to love in acts of service to family members.

Now a word to Non-Caregivers: The challenge this week is to consider how you can encourage a caregiver by showing them that YOU CARE!

Pixabay: Hands, Arms, Reading; GDJ. 

  

If Jesus Came To Your House

Do you ever have drop-ins? You know, friends or family who just happen to be in the neighborhood . . . on their way somewhere when you came to mind.

Jesus was a drop-in many times because there was no way to call or text ahead. Today we’re looking at just such a visit by Jesus to the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus (John 11:5, Luke 10:38-42).

Are you always ready for company? I know I’m not. But if I get a drop-in, I also know that’s not the time to clean house.

Perhaps Martha knew Mary always tried to learn from Jesus. So, she just kept on with her housekeeping. But then she decided it was time for Jesus to tell Mary to get to work.

I wonder if Martha was surprised when Jesus said her name twice. He understood she was worried and upset about many things. Not that they didn’t need to get done, but it was a matter of priorities.

Jesus commended Mary’s choice. Why? Because she took time to learn spiritual truths. Perhaps she was familiar with Psalm 119:162 NKJV: I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure. 

Scriptural teaching in the home has great value. God’s truth is for everyday life, not just Sunday. Did you know parents are to be the “first responders” in their children’s spiritual education? (Deuteronomy 11:18-21)

I always loved hearing missionaries and evangelists share their stories and personal testimonies around our table. As ministers, Dad and Mom hosted many.

What I learned in my home impacted what I learned in church, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and youth camps.

Jesus comes to your house every day. He said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 BSB). Paul said, “Nothing can separate us from God’s love” (Romans 8:38-39).

Are Jesus’ teachings and words important to you? Revelation 3:20 says He’s knocking at your spiritual heart’s door. Invite Him in . . . make Him a priority.

Rest assured all those other things you are concerned about will get done (Ecclesiastes 3:1 BSB.

Pixabay: Old door, Arc, beauty; makamuki0

 

I'm Giving Thanks

I know it’s not Thanksgiving Day, but why wait? We give thanks to people every day.

When someone holds the door open, we say, “Thank you.” Or, when a friend treats us to lunch, gives us a ride, or listens to us with compassion while we share a personal struggle, then offers to pray with us or give an encouraging word.

We’re to give thanks to God, too. It couldn’t be made any simpler than three short verses in First Thessalonians 5:16-18 (BSB): Rejoice at all times; Pray without ceasing; Give thanks in every circumstance.

That last one is more of a challenge than the rest.

Why am I focused on thanks today? It’s because of something that happened a year ago. On March 21, 2024, I fell and broke the ball off my right femur. That required a partial hip replacement.

One of the caregivers at the rehab facility had a funny comeback. I said, “I was eighty before I took my first fall.” He said, “Why’d you wait so long?” I said, “I could have waited longer (which in my mind was NEVER!).

I would love to wipe that day out of my mind, but I can’t, for several reasons. A best friend and caregiver, reminds me I need to be thankful for all the good things God has done for me this past year. She’s right!

So . . . I’ve been counting my blessings: (1) No pain while waiting for medical transport . . . I was probably in shock, (2) a good surgeon, (3) friends who came to ER, (4) good hospital care, (5) helpful rehab therapy, (6) friends and family scheduled 24/7 for three weeks of home care, (7) rides for six weeks of therapy, and (8) consistent encouragement and prayer from my church, family, and friends.

Furthermore, I’m thankful I can drive, and I only need a cane when I leave the house.

My two Goddaughters and Best Friend often tell me how good I’m doing. I take them seriously because they saw me at my worst, before surgery and during recovery.

Giving thanks is part of my chosen lifestyle. God is good and so are His people.

James 5:13 says if we’re happy, we should sing. I do! But I also say, “Thank you, God, for Your excellent provision and the way You met my needs during recovery this past year. Amen.” 

Pixabay: Thank You Note, Message; Maklay62.

A Very Personal Choice

Have you ever felt that life makes about as much sense as a Fiddler on the Roof? Having recently watched a DVD of MGM’s 1971 major movie production, it’s still on my mind.

I googled the actor known as “Topol,” who plays Tevye the dairy farmer, father of three girls, and a man sincere about his faith. Topol played Tevye on stage and screen for several decades and figured he played him 3,500 times!

Why is Tevye in my thoughts today? It has to do with the way he pondered how to act in answer to hard questions. He’d stare off into space and say, “On the one hand (this),” but then, “On the other hand (that).”

While reading Lamentations 3, I thought of Tevye as Jeremiah pondered the pros and cons of his hard times vs. hope in God. I was reading the *AMP Bible, but I also read it in the *NLT, and *BSB.

Choose your favorite translation, and read it for yourself. Here’s what I drew from it:

Jeremiah lists the hard things first (v 1-20):

• He has health problems (v. 4)
• God seems far away (v. 2, 8)
• He’s unsure of what to do (v. 9)
• People consider him a joke (v. 14)
• He has no peace or happiness (v 17)

BUT (YET) he begins to hope in God . . . in the character of God! (v. 21-36).

• God is merciful and faithful (v. 22-23)
• He responds to those who seek Him (v. 25)        
• It's good to wait on God (v. 26, 31)
• In our grief, God has compassion (v. 32-33)
• God answers prayer (v. 53-56)

·    Now the choice is ours. In Lamentations 3:40-41, Jeremiah says we need to carefully examine (consider) our ways and turn to God, lifting not only our hands but our hearts to Him.

Yes, it requires time, but what doesn't? Serving the Lord is a very personal choice and deserves our careful consideration.

 *AMP, The Amplified Version of the Bible, NLT, The New Living Translation, BSB, Berean Standard Bible.

 Pixabay: Violinist, Band, Bandsman; OpenClipart-Vectors.

 

 

Your Future is Now

How many things have you read that are true from generation to generation? And if there are such everlasting words, do we want to believe them?

When I was in middle school, one Vacation Bible School (VBS) had a theme of “God’s Word, A Treasure.” The workbook cover pictured a treasure chest overflowing with jewels, but the lessons intrigued me so much that I saved that workbook for many years.

Not only that, I treasured God’s word as a teen, college student, young adult . . . and here I am in my retirement, still intrigued by God’s Word.  

A few days ago, I began studying First Thessalonians. One introductory sentence caught my attention immediately: Paul mentioned the Second Coming of Christ in every chapter.

I expected formal doctrine, but that wasn’t what I found at all. Paul simply connected the future return of Jesus to the here and now.

Consider my condensed version:

(1)   The Thessalonians had turned from idol worship to serve the living and true God, awaiting His Son from heaven, whom He had raised from the dead. 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10

(2)   At the coming of Jesus, and in His presence, the believers would be Paul’s glory and joy. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

 (3)   He prayed that they would overflow with love for one another, and be established in blamelessness and holiness at the coming of the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

(4)   When the Lord returns, the dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive will join them, to meet the Lord and be with Him forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

(5)   The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, so stay awake and sober, with your helmet of salvation, plus hope and love. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3, 6, 8

But to me the best was last. He said God was able to sanctify them and keep their spirit, soul, and body blameless at the coming of Christ. “The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.

Get out your favorite Bible and read these scriptures for yourself: Your future is now.

Pixabay: Treasure, gold; bOred.

 

A Word Worth Sharing

Here it is again . . . my favorite word: HOPE. I have some more uplifting and encouraging things to share about it, so let’s get started.

Hope in God is an option, and it’s through faith and hope that we receive God’s blessings, in this life and beyond. Here's a little acrostic reminder:

Having the

Option of the

Power of God

Eternally

Hope is not required for things we can see. It's only required for things we can't see (Romans 8:24-25). Paul said we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Hope is a great motivator and sustainer of life.

For me, faith and hope go hand in hand. Consider these scriptural concepts: (1) Faith is the substance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1), (2) fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12), and (3) hope in God’s word (Psalm 119:81).

No matter how tough the times, you’ll find His word is faithful to every generation (Psalm 119:89-90).

Would you rather be a dry bush or a green tree? This is the Prophet Jeremiah’s illustration: (a) The dry bush is the person who trusts in man and turns his back on God, and (b) The green tree is planted by living water where its roots are established, and it grows up to bear fruit (Jeremiah 17:5-8).  

This all takes time, of course, and that’s why hope is so important. 

Time brings us things both good and bad. Job certainly knew about living through hard times, but he declared his hope in God would never waver, even unto death (Job 13:15).

Hang onto hope and be blessed!

May the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace

as you believe in Him,

so that you may overflow with hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Romans 15:13).

 

Pixabay: Faith, Hope, Love: geralt

 

Something We All Need

We’ve been talking a lot about our will. Today is no exception. In Psalm 101, David said multiple times, “I will” do this or that, but why?

It’s only eight short verses, but they focus on something we all need: Integrity. We don’t hear much about it these days, but it’s still an important character trait.

What does it mean to live with integrity? It means doing the right thing even when no one is looking (no one but God, that is).

People with moral and ethical principles are honest and consistent, in contrast to being dishonest and shifty. They are respectful of others, carry out responsibility well, and don’t mind being held accountable.

When I think of integrity, I think of self-control. Why? Because integrity doesn’t just happen. We live with integrity on purpose, by the choices we make.

Integrity can start at home. David said he would set no worthless thing before his eyes (V. 3). In our day, visual temptations and evil choices abound 24/7 . . . on our cell phones, in movies, books, and on TV.   

He expanded his integrity by choosing to: (1) Silence slanderers, (2) not endure the proud, (3) cut off evildoers, and (4) remove the wicked from the land (V. 5-8).

David wanted to surround himself with people of integrity Even his workers were those who could be counted on to be faithful, not to speak lies, or deceive him in any way. (V. 5-7).

By ferreting out evil in our homes and businesses, it should affect the city where we live in good ways.

There’s a similar thought in Proverbs 14:34: Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

Where do you line up on the integrity quotient? Fully engaged? Partially in? Could care less?

People who choose to live with integrity don’t have to wobble on their choices. They know where they stand and can be at peace.

Pixabay: Balance, Ethics, Values; Mohamed_hassan.