I send greetings to all the other hopelessly getting- behind-in everything bloggers..
My husband said my creativity today was too good not to share. Hmmm.
I am unique. My children and at times my husband may have other words for it but love me or leave me, I am God's creation. I realize that does not give me license to do and say whatever I want and then say "It's God's fault"!
No, what I am saying is that though I am not creative in the same ways as my dear sisters -in-law who all seem to be able to sew, paint, craft etc.. I believe God has given me a good head for common sense, a cool head in certain crises, a certain amount of head knowledge and a love for people in general. Apart from that He had all sorts of things/good works prepared for me to do since the dawn of creation. Thus says Ephesians 2 vs 10!
Last evening when the little hands of my grand daughter once again pressed against the hot glass of the oven door I was able to respond quickly and with certainty so that the end result was positive.Of course now the kitchen is off limits when we are cooking and preparing food. So there was common sense, a bit of knowledge, limits and love.
But I digress.
Most of you know I am very involved with a (Christian) home for seniors who have previously been living at risk. The Home,Bet Shalom, built by the grace of God and maintained in the same way, is a testimony to His love for all people but especially to seniors in trouble.
This last week a sweet lady in her seventies arrived to live at Bet Shalom. We had done our homework with each of the studies, medical, psychological and social work. For whatever reason we did not get the full story. It seems that this dear woman has not had the habit of using the toilet to perform the necessary bodily functions but rather "drops her drawers", or not, wherever and whenever the urge hits. She refuses to cooperate when taken to the bathroom and seems very disoriented. There be many reasons for this but the long and short of it is that our dear care giver Monica is at a loss, having tried everything, to even get her to try to use the toilet. To encourage my sister in the Lord I went out there today. Together we both tried to take sweet Dona through the steps of entering the bathroom , lifting the dress, pulling down the pullup diaper and sitting. She would have none of it. Without thinking, I said, "Dona", this is how it's done.. I undid my pants and explained each step as I did the real life drama of using the toilet...even getting her to listen to the tinkle, having her flush for me and the final step, washing my hands . I had not prepared Monica for what I did because it did not occur to me till that very moment. (Good thing she loves me!!) Will it work?? Well that remains to be seen. If not the story will likely make the rounds.
I happen to think it was pretty creative and likely is what most of us did at some point when we were teaching our children to use the toilet. At the same time it's common sense, based on a certain amount of knowledge and so on. Crazy?? Perhaps, but I am willing to be a fool for Jesus , showing His love to a confused and vulnerable group of people even if my kids and others think I am a bit loopy.
www.bet-shalom-hmam.com
FaceBook Hablando Menos Amando Mas A.C.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
getting to know you
Most times people are more than aware of their own areas of weakness and vulnerability. If you are a born-gain believer in Jesus you may just (like me) agonize at times over your failings and the seeming impossibility of changing what appears to now be (in these later years!) a permanent part of our character.
Still, if we were to describe ourselves we would likely see the positive traits as more outstanding than those flaws that we just cannot seem to change. In fact we may not always agree with those less than positive traits spoken to or about us even if they smile when they say it. (If you are the only common denominator in comments like these then it's time to 'man or woman-up' and believe it!)
I have heard over the years the words abrupt, overly direct, too honest, stubborn and each time I hear it I am a bit amazed that that is what stands out and yet also very concerned. I do not want to grow old(er) being an "in your face" stubborn, undiplomatic old lady. Oh God please help me (again!).
On the other hand many more have told me that "someone has to be direct , honest and a tell -it- like- it- is kind of person in all that I am doing. Hmmm. Which is it Lord??
I really do love people and care about them... my time is another issue. A good friendship will endure long absences and even a brief phone-call suffices to let them know they are valuable to you.
In our type of work (pastor/missionary) we get to meet sooo many people and there is no way we can ever possibly know or even meet everyone. Yet everyone seems to remember us and thinks for sure we will know who they are.
I cannot possibly have (nor do I want) a lot of close friends . I am content with a very few. But that's only what I want.
In meeting people at church or in any other setting where it may never be repeated (but who really knows??) I like to hear their story. People are usually quite happy to tell you a little or even a lot about themselves when they are far away from their home. I think there must be a certain safety in distance. As I have listened to the joys and sorrows of a virtual stranger I often feel a connection. Aren't we all in some way going through some of those same struggles? Is there some word of encouragement that might be given as a result of your own life experiences that would make a difference in their lives. More than once someone has said to me "remember 6 years ago (or 5 or even 1!) when you said to me...."And I think to myself "I said that??"It's then that I know God is also using my words and my experience , the good the bad and the ugly for the furtherance of His kingdom. And just so I don't get too proud or full of myself I have this thorn in my flesh that it seems will NOT go away till I see Him face to face. The one who said that your weakness may/can also be your strength did know what he was talking about.
When I was doing the psychology unit of my nursing training I was evaluated. "Rosalind gravitates to the patients who are less difficult and little investment of time and energy is required." I think there may well have been some fear too but her point was made.
Though I think I have made up for that evaluation over the years , I still would have (but for the prodding of God) the tendency to do (with people) what is easy for me and where I don't have to expend myself. Not good.
Somebody out there needs me to care about their story and when I remember to, I pray "Lord lead me to the person YOU want me to speak to today and guide my heart, lips and words and may you be honoured this very day.
www.bet-shalom-hmam.com
Still, if we were to describe ourselves we would likely see the positive traits as more outstanding than those flaws that we just cannot seem to change. In fact we may not always agree with those less than positive traits spoken to or about us even if they smile when they say it. (If you are the only common denominator in comments like these then it's time to 'man or woman-up' and believe it!)
I have heard over the years the words abrupt, overly direct, too honest, stubborn and each time I hear it I am a bit amazed that that is what stands out and yet also very concerned. I do not want to grow old(er) being an "in your face" stubborn, undiplomatic old lady. Oh God please help me (again!).
On the other hand many more have told me that "someone has to be direct , honest and a tell -it- like- it- is kind of person in all that I am doing. Hmmm. Which is it Lord??
I really do love people and care about them... my time is another issue. A good friendship will endure long absences and even a brief phone-call suffices to let them know they are valuable to you.
In our type of work (pastor/missionary) we get to meet sooo many people and there is no way we can ever possibly know or even meet everyone. Yet everyone seems to remember us and thinks for sure we will know who they are.
I cannot possibly have (nor do I want) a lot of close friends . I am content with a very few. But that's only what I want.
In meeting people at church or in any other setting where it may never be repeated (but who really knows??) I like to hear their story. People are usually quite happy to tell you a little or even a lot about themselves when they are far away from their home. I think there must be a certain safety in distance. As I have listened to the joys and sorrows of a virtual stranger I often feel a connection. Aren't we all in some way going through some of those same struggles? Is there some word of encouragement that might be given as a result of your own life experiences that would make a difference in their lives. More than once someone has said to me "remember 6 years ago (or 5 or even 1!) when you said to me...."And I think to myself "I said that??"It's then that I know God is also using my words and my experience , the good the bad and the ugly for the furtherance of His kingdom. And just so I don't get too proud or full of myself I have this thorn in my flesh that it seems will NOT go away till I see Him face to face. The one who said that your weakness may/can also be your strength did know what he was talking about.
When I was doing the psychology unit of my nursing training I was evaluated. "Rosalind gravitates to the patients who are less difficult and little investment of time and energy is required." I think there may well have been some fear too but her point was made.
Though I think I have made up for that evaluation over the years , I still would have (but for the prodding of God) the tendency to do (with people) what is easy for me and where I don't have to expend myself. Not good.
Somebody out there needs me to care about their story and when I remember to, I pray "Lord lead me to the person YOU want me to speak to today and guide my heart, lips and words and may you be honoured this very day.
"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." Isaiah 40:28-31
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." Isaiah 40:28-31
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