WOW! Rain! Rain! Rain! Snow on the Grapevine!!!
We considered going to Bakersfield for the day because Brian and family were camping. But, the Grapevine was closed with snow. So, we are snuggled up in our home with Jackson. The apple pie has been made and is cooling as the aroma fills the house. We will have Thanksgiving dinner at Brian and Kelsi's tomorrow in the afternoon. A day of gratitude. Thank you Abba Father for your MANY blessings.💓💓💓 Charlie and I went to see the movie Ford vs Ferrari - a car movie. So fun and the theater was nearly empty and we came out to heavy rain.
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
More regarding Shiva
Shiva (Judaism)
Jump to navigation Jump to search Shiva (Hebrew: שִׁבְעָה, literally 'seven') is the week-long mourning period in Judaism for first-degree relatives. The ritual is referred to as "sitting shiva". Traditionally, there are five stages of mourning in Judaism. Shiva is considered the third stage, and lasts for seven days. Following the initial period of despair and lamentation immediately after the death, shiva embraces a time when individuals discuss their loss and accept the comfort of others.[1] Its observance is a requirement for the parents, spouses, children, and/or siblings of the person who has died. It is not a requirement for an individual who was less than thirty days old at the time of death.[2] At the funeral, mourners wear an outer garment that is torn before the procession in a ritual known as keriah. In some traditions, mourners wear a black ribbon that is cut in place of an everyday garment.[3][4] The torn article is worn throughout the entirety of shiva. Typically, the seven days begin immediately after the deceased has been buried. Following burial, mourners[5] assume the halakhic status of avel (Hebrew: אבל, "mourner"). It is necessary for the burial spot to be entirely covered with earth in order for shiva to commence. This state lasts for the entire duration of shiva. During the period of shiva, mourners remain at home. Friends and family visit those in mourning in order to give their condolences and provide comfort. The process, though dating back to biblical times, mimics the natural way an individual confronts and overcomes grief. Shiva allows for the individual to express their sorrow, discuss the loss of a loved one, and slowly re-enter society.[6]Thursday, November 7, 2019
Sitting Shivah (seven)
This seems to me, the way to be present and share with others in their sorrow - illness, etc.
Jewish week-long mourning period when the closet living family members gather in the home of the deceased. They do not bathe, shave or study Torah. They simply receive visitors who come bringing food and sharing silence. Visitors enter silently and wait to be spoken to. If the grieving family initiates conversation they may reply and share stories of the deceased. If the family remains silent so will the guests. The visitors simply offer their presence and nothing else.
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
HIS gift
I do see extreme efforts to conserve AND destroy the human life that God considers His greatest creation and HE, too, moved in history to conserve us. Jesus gave His life to give us eternal life. He, who created time and lived outside of time, stepped into time to redeem our time.
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Corrie Ten Boom's Hanky
There were times when even Corrie Ten Boom felt cut off from the
Lord. In such a time of despair, she once said to the Lord, “Have you
forgotten your Corrie?”
In the following story Corrie tells about a time when she and her sister Betsie were in the concentration camp in Ravensbrück, and she had this terrible cold. She told her sister Betsie how much she just wished she had a handkerchief. Of course, handkerchiefs were impossible to find in that place. Betsie then suggested that Corrie pray for one, and Corrie just laughed at that ridiculous idea.
So, Betsie prayed. She said, “Lord, you see my sister, Corrie, here, has a very bad cold, and in Jesus’ name, I ask you TODAY for a handkerchief for her. Amen.”
Corrie tells that, shortly after that, she heard someone call out her name. She went to stand near the window of the barracks, where she saw a friend of hers, also a prisoner, and who worked in the hospital in Ravensbrück.
“Here,” her friend said. “Take this! I’m bringing you a little present.” She pressed it into Corrie’s hand.
“I opened the little package,” said Corrie, “and it was a handkerchief!”
“How did you know I needed a handkerchief? Did you KNOW that I have a cold?” Corrie asked.
“No,” said her friend. I was sewing handkerchiefs from an old piece of sheet, and there was a voice in my heart that said, ‘Bring a handkerchief to Corrie ten Boom!’”
“That little hanky, made from an old piece of a sheet, was a message out of the Heavens to me!" tells Corrie. "It told me that there is a Heavenly Father who hears, when on a tiny planet, the Earth, one of his children prays for an impossible, small thing; a handkerchief. And the Heavenly Father says to one of his other children, ‘Bring a handkerchief to Corrie ten Boom!’”
Corrie continued, “That is something the Apostle Paul calls 'The foolishness of God'... that is so much wiser than the wisdom of mankind. You can read it yourself at home. It's found in 1st Corinthians, chapter 1 and 2.”
“Does God answer all our prayers? Well, most of the time He does,” she continued. “Why? you might ask, not every request we make? Well, you see, because He knows what we do not know. He knows everything. Someday, when we are in Heaven, we will thank him for all the answered prayers, (where he gave us what we asked), and maybe even more for the unanswered prayers. Then we will see it from his point of view, and that God never made any mistakes.”
In the following story Corrie tells about a time when she and her sister Betsie were in the concentration camp in Ravensbrück, and she had this terrible cold. She told her sister Betsie how much she just wished she had a handkerchief. Of course, handkerchiefs were impossible to find in that place. Betsie then suggested that Corrie pray for one, and Corrie just laughed at that ridiculous idea.
So, Betsie prayed. She said, “Lord, you see my sister, Corrie, here, has a very bad cold, and in Jesus’ name, I ask you TODAY for a handkerchief for her. Amen.”
Corrie tells that, shortly after that, she heard someone call out her name. She went to stand near the window of the barracks, where she saw a friend of hers, also a prisoner, and who worked in the hospital in Ravensbrück.
“Here,” her friend said. “Take this! I’m bringing you a little present.” She pressed it into Corrie’s hand.
“I opened the little package,” said Corrie, “and it was a handkerchief!”
“How did you know I needed a handkerchief? Did you KNOW that I have a cold?” Corrie asked.
“No,” said her friend. I was sewing handkerchiefs from an old piece of sheet, and there was a voice in my heart that said, ‘Bring a handkerchief to Corrie ten Boom!’”
“That little hanky, made from an old piece of a sheet, was a message out of the Heavens to me!" tells Corrie. "It told me that there is a Heavenly Father who hears, when on a tiny planet, the Earth, one of his children prays for an impossible, small thing; a handkerchief. And the Heavenly Father says to one of his other children, ‘Bring a handkerchief to Corrie ten Boom!’”
Corrie continued, “That is something the Apostle Paul calls 'The foolishness of God'... that is so much wiser than the wisdom of mankind. You can read it yourself at home. It's found in 1st Corinthians, chapter 1 and 2.”
“Does God answer all our prayers? Well, most of the time He does,” she continued. “Why? you might ask, not every request we make? Well, you see, because He knows what we do not know. He knows everything. Someday, when we are in Heaven, we will thank him for all the answered prayers, (where he gave us what we asked), and maybe even more for the unanswered prayers. Then we will see it from his point of view, and that God never made any mistakes.”
Friday, November 1, 2019
The Name of Jesus
I read this on Living Waters.com and found it so true and interesting:
Most Despised
See if you can think of just one famous person in history (good or bad) whose name was despised enough to be adopted as a cuss word: Napoleon, Shakespeare, Hitler, Mother Teresa, or perhaps Gandhi? There's only one Person whose Name is used to express disgust. He is the One who said to love your enemies, to show kindness to those who despitefully use you, and to treat others as you would have them treat you. Why then is He despised? It's because He's also the One who maintained that God requires moral accountability. He warned, "The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil" (John 7:7).
Most Despised
See if you can think of just one famous person in history (good or bad) whose name was despised enough to be adopted as a cuss word: Napoleon, Shakespeare, Hitler, Mother Teresa, or perhaps Gandhi? There's only one Person whose Name is used to express disgust. He is the One who said to love your enemies, to show kindness to those who despitefully use you, and to treat others as you would have them treat you. Why then is He despised? It's because He's also the One who maintained that God requires moral accountability. He warned, "The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil" (John 7:7).
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Quieting My Soul
Time with Abba and Jesus and the Holy Spirit refreshed and quieted my soul.
No fanfare. No rituals.
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Who Am I Fooling?
Sometimes, like right now, I feel like if I were at the end of life, waiting to enter heaven and I came face to face with Jesus, He would say to me "You may have had everyone fooled, but you didn't fool me. I know your heart. I know your self-centered thoughts. I know your doubts. I know your anger. You are not worthy to come into my Kingdom." But, Jesus...I asked you into my heart. I confessed to you. I, I, I, I etc etc etc. And He will turn me away.
My "faith" is such a roller coaster. I have the most amazing, awesome times "with God". Then, I am DEPRESSED, like now!!! I keep reading help books about the Christian life --- what it is SUPPOSED to look and sound like. I strive for that. I want to be real with Jesus (so I say).
Then I have moments like now. I come home from Bible study. I am so tired! I know the self-centered thoughts I had. I just can't seem to escape ME. Everywhere I go, I am there! Right now I feel like Sunday morning worship is SO FLAT. We "do" church. The music is nice. The sermons are usually "good" I think the people are so special. But, as I think about it now, I think, "where was Jesus?" We have a worship guide. How strange is that! Why do we have to have a guide? I feel like we "do church" and at the end of life Jesus will look at us and say, "you had everyone fooled, but you didn't fool me" I HATE this dark place of thinking. I just don't want to hear Jesus say that to me.
My "faith" is such a roller coaster. I have the most amazing, awesome times "with God". Then, I am DEPRESSED, like now!!! I keep reading help books about the Christian life --- what it is SUPPOSED to look and sound like. I strive for that. I want to be real with Jesus (so I say).
Then I have moments like now. I come home from Bible study. I am so tired! I know the self-centered thoughts I had. I just can't seem to escape ME. Everywhere I go, I am there! Right now I feel like Sunday morning worship is SO FLAT. We "do" church. The music is nice. The sermons are usually "good" I think the people are so special. But, as I think about it now, I think, "where was Jesus?" We have a worship guide. How strange is that! Why do we have to have a guide? I feel like we "do church" and at the end of life Jesus will look at us and say, "you had everyone fooled, but you didn't fool me" I HATE this dark place of thinking. I just don't want to hear Jesus say that to me.
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Falling Deeper with God
Yesterday I had a NASTY fall in the backyard --- the first ever in the 22 years here.
I
was going up the little walk to the guest house and I had just past the
playground area. There was a garden hose stretched out over the brick
walk and I tripped. Amazing how time seems to go into slow-motion. As I
was going down on brick and dirt I knew it was bad and quickly called
out to Jesus. I was home alone and my cell phone was in the house.
I'll be so glad when the images of my fall leave my memory. It was the
scariest moments of my life as I waited to hit the ground. After
hitting, I laid still for a few moments in horrible pain. I didn't hit
the top of my head but did scrape my nose and jaw...so I was conscious.
I decided I needed to try and move and see if anything was broken. By
God's grace nothing was. So I managed to sit up and I started screaming
for about 5 minutes "HELP!: On Saturday mornings many folks are gone
and our neighbors behind us were the closest for me to yell to. So I
continued but nothing. I decided I couldn't stay there without help so I
scooted on my bottom to the grass area and decided to try and stand. I
was able to make my painful walk to the back door and into the house to
get my phone. Charlie was in Anaheim with Kelsi and Landon for a game
and Brian was at home. So I called him and in about 10 minutes he was
here. In the meantime I decided to try calling my neighbor. She was
home and came right over. The two of them assessed my injuries (scraped
up left elbow, scraped hands and face, bad scrap on my right knee and
worst was my right shoulder - no cuts but A LOT of pain. I was good
enough for just first aid and knew by my ability to move that nothing
was broken. All day yesterday I took Tylenol for pain and put cold
compresses on my shoulder. I am beyond deep gratitude for God's
protection. If I had fallen while walking down, gravity would have
worked against me. In the afternoon I found a sturdy ribbon I could
attach to my cell phone case and now I wear it around my neck and
shoulder. Many of the pants I wear do not have pockets.
I'm
currently reading the book ASTONISHED: Recapturing the Wonder, Awe and
Mystery of Life with God by Pastor Mike Erre. He calls Christians away
from simplistic formulas to honest and rugged faith in our mysterious
and unpredictable God. God is more about deepening the mystery of
faith, not removing it. Jesus should get bigger the longer we walk with
Him. (These words are the book review with the book) Again I am
amazed that God is choosing for me to live out what I am reading. Chat
later. xoxo Gin (Scoot)
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Lightening
An amazing display of God's glorious power this morning. I sat in the dark of our living room with a glass wall facing North. The lightening strikes over the ocean to the west and to the north of us led me to read God's responses to Job's complaints. God's power left Job speechless "...I lay my hand upon my mouth in silence..." I, too, am speechless. The storms spoke loud and clear.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Praying Over Onesimus House Guests
As the years have past, we have experienced great joy in
our connections. The joy has come not only from offering O.H. but
mostly through praying over our guests. Not sure if you know -------------------. They have had a number of come and go
times of late and praying for them has become part of our routine.
That
said, we would like to hear from you regarding your "general" reasons
for coming---ie meetings, vacation, R and R, ministry connections, times
of reflection/guidance with God, etc. As you can see, your sharing
doesn't have to be deeply personal because as Charlie and I would pray
over your needs we can do so, knowing God already knows ALL your needs.
It blesses us immensely to be a part of the lives of our guests through
prayer. So, let us know.
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Correct Submission
From 1 Peter study TWOC
Submit willingly to those in authority and
leadership, not because we are powerless or weak, but out of Christ-like
meekness and strength under control, allowing our actions to shout the
gospel!
Monday, October 7, 2019
Still Pondering The Wonder of It All...
Still in pondering wonder of it all...
I've
thought about our God sightings that Charlie and I experienced and the
evidence of His "only God can do" details and circumstances coming
together. I've been reminded of times I have watched a music conductor
with his baton as he directed a massive orchestra playing a beautiful
piece of music.
No
one knew the music like the conductor. He knew every note. And, each
member of the orchestra knew this about him. Each member trusted him to
bring their instrument into the music at the exact perfect moment. Not
before. Not after. But at that exact point. He would also control the
tempo and prolong a note or shorten a note that always brought
perfection to each moment of sound. And when the last note was played,
the audience cheered and applauded.
There
are so many human examples of God's Holy work. A tapestry. Hope where
there shouldn't be hope. Close calls in our comings and goings.
Miracles. Loving words of encouragement from others. Below, I've
highlighted your words to me that I put on my worship blog:
SHEPHERD WORDS FROM ERIC K (response to my email)
God's heart is bigger than mine for those I love. In our
hands we embrace others with loving concern and sometimes we hold too
tight in fear.
God is the author of your family's stories and we know what kind of stories He
writes for all those who are His. During
my sermon prep I came across this quote about what happens when we are
tested by struggle (within and without) - "Faith is purified, love is
intensified, grace is tasted as we are tested." Don't we wish the
testing would be over after x amount of years!! Yet God's love is too
holy and strong for Him to stop purifying our trust in Him. I am praying you run to God for refuge. Sometimes it just
seems so hard to do this - but I encourage you to do it. He is
altogether and always safe. The bumbling, stumbling saints in all our
awkward attempts to love are the body of Christ to enfold you and remind
you Jesus Christ came to save sinners.
Mmmmm
to taste GRACE. Psalm 34 in our Call To Worship "O taste and see that
the LORD is good. How blessed is the man who takes refuge in HIM!."
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Shepherd Words
Pastor Eric K. wrote this is response to an email I wrote about sorrow in my soul.
God's heart is bigger than mine for those I love. In our
hands we embrace others with loving concern and sometimes we hold too
tight in fear. God is the author of your family's stories and we know what kind of stories He
writes for all those who are His.
"Faith is purified, love is
intensified, grace is tasted as we are tested." Don't we wish the
testing would be over after x amount of years!! Yet God's love is too
holy and strong for Him to stop purifying our trust in Him.
I am praying you run to God for refuge. Sometimes it just
seems so hard to do this - but I encourage you to do it. He is
altogether and always safe.
The bumbling, stumbling saints in all our
awkward attempts to love are the body of Christ to enfold you and remind
you Jesus Christ came to save sinners.
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Darkness of the Soul
I wrote this to Pastor Eric in September, 2019
I
am in a "dark place of the soul". I had tears running down my face
through most of Sunday morning worship...couldn't stay for Communion.
This
relates a bit to your message - the OK goal to set for getting through
this life unscathed and desiring that those we love in our family will
do the same. And, yet having that higher goal of obedience to our LORD.
Lately
it feels like I am on an emotional and spiritual roller coaster. Last
week God and I had an amazing time together as He worked on my negative
attitude. The details were a "God sighting" that sure lifted my
spirits. Then Charlie shared very soon after that an experience he had
and with tears said the same thing: "A God sighting" It was as if God
"showed up" at our house to give us a special part of Himself.
Then
the very next day, the bottom dropped out. It is amazing what an 8
year old can do to cause such pain in the heart. A prayer I have been
expressing to God is for Landon and Kyla, our grand children. Sure, I
pray over my "list" about them - every area of their lives I can think
of. But, of late I have been saying to God and focusing on: I want MORE
THAN ANY THING for His favor and call to faith on their lives, and that
they will say YES to Him. I want more than life itself, to see them in
heaven. Before I depart this world it would be nice to see them come to
Jesus in faith...but this timing may not occur.
The
difficulties with Kyla build and build and my heart hurts and I've been
expressing lots of frustration and anger in unrelated areas. The
outbursts of anger are symptoms of unresolved issues. Anyway, enough of
that. It is just that yesterday was dark. I finally started to have
my quiet time this morning and instead of talking to God, I am talking
to you. I'm probably mad at Him. But right now, I don't want to
participate in our Women's Bible study and I don't want to come to
church. Sometimes I feel like, "why bother". It is amazing when God
"shows" up but these days of silence and darkness are nearly unbearable.
It
is sad how family issues affect everyone...right now we (Charlie and I)
are feeling at odds with Brian and Kelsi. It isn't so much what is
said, but what isn't said. Brian and Kelsi have another "child" - a 16
year old niece of Kelsi's living with them, probably for a few more
years. She was in an abusive home situation and ran away to Brian and
Kelsi. It is a LONG and complicated story. No doubt Landon and Kyla
are being affected by this and we certainly are.
I
am reminded of Jesus' words in John 16:33 about troubles in this
world. I certainly know the troubles He speaks of are far greater than
what I've expressed. But, if I can't deal with my little troubles, how
will I respond to the real ones? Thanks for being my safe place to
share. Gini
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Yes, God Knows Me...
God's timing and personal work in my life has been so interesting of late. Yesterday (Sept 16) I had a VERY bad attitude and neck pain occurred late last night and today has been painful. But I feel God said, "No Gini, we are going to deal with your attitude" So, I feel He had me stay home from attending Bible study and spend time early this A.M. in bed, talking to Him and listening to Him. It was so refreshing and needed.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Worship Thoughts
Today and all of our tomorrows, for your soul and for my soul - "Psalm 62:5-8 "My soul, wait in silence for God only; For my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us."
God Sightings
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Hugh Steven <hughsteven78@gmail.com>
To: Charlie Walker <walker_c@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 3:14:26 PM PDT
Subject: You were an Angel
Hi Charlie,
In every way you were God's Angel
for me this morning. The circumstances that brought you to my rescue were indeed
ordained of God. I had no idea how I was going to get out of that
sofa if it hadn't been for your perfect timing. So dear friend thank you
for being yet again the Lord's instrument of service and blessing.
Blessings,
Hugh
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
In the Grip of Grace
Someone wrote: "Grace has something to do with patience, with waiting - on other people, on your best intentions or your gut, and on God." When I read this I wondered if there is a grace other than God's. I went to Webster's Dictionary: 1a grace is unmerited divine assistance given man for his regeneration or sanctification and 3a grace is disposition to or an act or instance of kindness or clemency. What I read by the unnamed author and Webster took me back to one of my favorite books: In The Grip of Grace by Max Lucado. He writes "Does God really love us forever? Not just on Easter Sunday when our shoes are shined and our hair is fixed. We want to know how does God feel about me when I mess up, fail or fall short? When I snap at anything that moves; when my thoughts are gutter-level; when my tongue is sharp enough to slice a rock. How does HE feel about me then?" The Grip...reminds me that the God who first made me is strong enough to sustain me. I want to introduce others to HIM. This star-breather, this Shalom, This Holy, Holy, Holy One who raises my head and knows my thoughts before I do is so amazing.
Saturday, August 17, 2019
What/Who Do I Trust In?
Heavenly Father, the battle for our heart’s trust is unrelenting. On this August Friday, we affirm that you, alone, are worthy of our worship, love, and trust. But we also want to name your competition. In David’s day it was chariots and horses. In our day, it looks more like this.
Some trust in their goodness, works, and piety. But we trust, alone, in the finished work of Jesus and the gift of his perfect righteousness.
Some trust in a spouse’s affection, a lover’s interest, or their children’s attachment. But we trust in the steadfast love and great delight you have for us in Jesus.
Some trust in stock portfolios, cash margins, and “toys.” But we trust in the immeasurable riches of Christ, and the inviolate treasure kept for us in heaven.
Some trust in beauty, health, or sensuality. But in sickness and health, in our youthfulness and our aging, we trust in the truly beautiful and all-powerful One—Jesus.
Some trust in being smart, clever, and right. But we trust in Jesus, who is our wisdom from God—that is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.
Some trust in being included. But we trust in the gift of our union with Christ, and the robust communion we enjoy with the entire Trinity.
Some trust in vocational success, a corner office, or their place in the “org chart.” But we trust the One who is making all things new, and our place in your heart.
Some trust in anything that will mask the pain. But we trust in the One who says, “Come to me all who are weary, and I will give you rest.” Only Jesus can fill, heal, and free us.
Father, again we say it: Though many people, places, and things incessantly vie for our hearts and trust, only you are worthy. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ beautiful and bountiful name.
Blessings,
Eric K.
Thursday, August 8, 2019
Being Linked to Jesus
From Pastor Eric Kapur
3 great questions and prayer to consider:
- Am I trying to do things that Jesus has not asked me to do? Am I trying to be something God has not asked me to be (ie, perfect, never weak, always competent,)?
- Am I carrying things that Jesus has not asked me to carry? Am I carrying things that only Jesus can carry?
- Did Jesus tell me to bear this? If so, how can I bear it in dependence and trust? If not, why am I bearing it then? What does this say about what I am really yoked to?
Monday, August 5, 2019
Finished Work
This is a memory I've read from 3 years ago about an emotionally painful experience I had with Kyla. This will be forever etched in my memory. We have had many good days since that painful day with her three years ago. But I am reminded how fragile relationships are. As I continue to see the pain that comes and goes in my personal life and the pain of broken relationships around me I KNOW in my heart how critical the finished work of Jesus on the cross is. But my acceptance of His work is important as well.
"A Christian trusts a finished work". I read that in a devotional book today and the words seemed to jump off the page. A finished work. And Jesus said (from the cross) "It is finished". Is this the finished work I am trusting? Yes and No. Strange that I would read that sentence just one day after a VERY bad day. In some ways, pain is my enemy. Yesterday it raised its ugly head. Kyla and I were building something together and it was quite a project. We were finishing it on the floor when she looked at me and said, "This is a really good day". Then she smiled and continued her work. It was shortly after those sweet words when pain in my lower back screamed at me. Gingerly I stood and told Kyla I had to stop. "Mimi's back is hurting". How well can a 5 year old understand that? Try as I could, I couldn't get the pain to let up --- Tylenol, ice, lying down --- nothing helped. I needed to move slowly through the house. But what we built was blocking my movement so I showed her how to easily separate the pieces so I could walk. She said no. So I did it for her. With my foot. I kicked and the beautiful structure fell into smaller pieces. To emphasize my anger and frustration I yelled at her. Oh how quickly a sweet relationship can crumble. Pain or not, I scolded myself, internally and tried to repair the structure. "Do you want to help me, Kyla?" "NO!" she said with tears, "You hurt my feelings."
Do I trust the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Yes. I believe He
died for me because of days like yesterday. But also No. I don't
trust Him to guide me to a safer place when I am standing on the edge of
the cliff of anger. Because I have had experience with this cliff in
different circumstances I have learned to hear His words of warning and
words of wisdom of "Come to Me and I will help you with this." I heard
those words of warning on and off yesterday. In those instances, pain
was my friend...part of the warning. But I chose to not heed His gentle
calling me back. Anger and stubbornness hang out together. Yesterday,
they won.
Today is a better day...less pain. But, best of all, I went to that place of forgiveness. At the cross, I experienced once again His gentle grace. Now, for the hard part...to restore the broken relationship with my precious Kyla. Charlie said, "Gini, she will forgive you. It will just take time." I began mending the bridge of forgiveness for her today. I rebuilt, as best I could the structure. Hopefully tomorrow she will build again and I look forward to those sweet words, "This is a good day, Mimi."
Today is a better day...less pain. But, best of all, I went to that place of forgiveness. At the cross, I experienced once again His gentle grace. Now, for the hard part...to restore the broken relationship with my precious Kyla. Charlie said, "Gini, she will forgive you. It will just take time." I began mending the bridge of forgiveness for her today. I rebuilt, as best I could the structure. Hopefully tomorrow she will build again and I look forward to those sweet words, "This is a good day, Mimi."
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
It Is Well With My Soul
Horation G. Spafford, a 43 year old Chicago businessman, suffered
financial disaster in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. He and his wife
were still grieving over the death of their son shortly before the fire,
and he realized they needed to get away for a vacation. Knowing that
their friend Dwight L. Moody was going to be preaching in evangelistic
campaigns in England that fall, Spafford decided to take the entire
family to England. His wife and four daughters went ahead on the SS
Ville du Havre, and he planned to follow in a few days.
But
on the Atlantic Ocean the ship was struck by an iron sailing vessel and
sank within twelve minutes. 226 lives were lost---including the
Spaffords' four daughters. When the survivors were brought to shore at
Cardiff, Wales, Mrs. Spafford cabled her husband, "Saved alone."
Sunday, June 16, 2019
Peter Rabbit
June 16, 2015 at 9:24 AM ·
Have you ever felt like your life is that of a child's storybook story? My favorite as I grew up was Peter Rabbit. In fact, to honor our first grandchild I had Peter R. tattooed on my ankle. Remember in the story, Peter is naughty and goes into Mr. McGregor's garden. In the end he frantically looks for the gate to escape. Well, in our life, Charlie is Mr. McGregor. But it isn't a garden in our story...it is the entire backyard. Bunnys are cute...but destructive! When they eat grass, they stay in one spot and eat until it is bare---no roots! So every day Charlie has walked the perimeter securing it with wire to keep the bunny out. Yesterday he found a breach and felt he had located the problem. Then last night, not only did he see "Peter" again, but Peter brought a friend! (to be continued)... June 16, 2019 So here we are, in my "to be continued story, 4 years later. Now, I am accompanied to the backyard by Jackson, our little dog. And, he finds the little piles of rabbit droppings that tell me, "yes, Peter Rabbit is still around". But, no matter about his friskiness. Peter Rabbit will always be my favorite bunny.
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Remembering D Day
Today
is the 70th Anniversary of D Day...I'm 68. So obviously, I wasn't
there and all I can glean of this day and event is through history.
Only GOD knows where we as Americans and free people would be without
the events of that day and the days and months that followed. One of my
personal resolves is to work on my "take for granted" attitudes. So,
I'm writing this little "tribute" to this day of history to say a
feeble, yet deeply meant THANK YOU to those who fought for ALL the
amazing freedoms I have. "Dear God, Have mercy on us...forgive our
wayward ways. Inspire us to truly seek You, through your Redeemer Son,
Jesus. Thank you for preserving our freedoms. Give us grateful hearts."
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
OH WOW! MORE GOD, less me
Romans 8:38-39 "For I am convinved that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present no future, not any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Philippians 2:9-11 "Therefore God also has highly exalted HIM and given HIM a name which is above every name, that at the name of JESUS, every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth and that every tongue should confess that JESUS Christ is LORD to the glory of God the Father."
etc. etc. etc x a zillion and more
Philippians 2:9-11 "Therefore God also has highly exalted HIM and given HIM a name which is above every name, that at the name of JESUS, every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth and that every tongue should confess that JESUS Christ is LORD to the glory of God the Father."
etc. etc. etc x a zillion and more
Monday, June 3, 2019
Life on Planet Earth
One of my favorite TV stations is Animal Planet and I am particularly drawn to those stories that deal with people giving their lives to preserving the lives of animals endangered or just individual family pets under the care of vets. It is particularly fascinating to me the efforts dedicated to conservation of species like rhinos, giant tortoises, gorillas, tigers and many more. I can't imagine a world without them. I hope as you read this it won't sound like preaching but simply me sharing my heart with you. I saw a story about the efforts to preserve the pregnancy of a rhino mama. I was shocked to learn that the rhino horn is the most valuable thing on the planet - more than diamonds and gold. Therefore, their future is fragile. As I watched the human care over one expectant rhino it deepened my respect for female humans and animals who are honored to carry new life in their bodies. Without them life would end - no more rhinos. No more tigers. No more giant tortoises and the list goes on. But of course the male is so critical and part of the future generation. So, now, in my lifetime I see human conversation on a high alert to preserve our future. We are the created beings above all that God created. And yet, our story seems to be turning against that special place in creation. Babies in the womb are sometimes and in some dark places referred to as parasites that do not deserve to live. I do see extreme efforts to conserve the human life that God considers His greatest creation and HE, too, moved in history to conserve us. Jesus gave His life to give us eternal life. He, who created time and lived outside of time, stepped into time to redeem our time.
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
The Church and Abortion
Part 1: It’s Our Job to End Abortion
Brian Fisher
Every January, pro-life legislators in Washington introduce token legislation they know won’t pass.
Some churches across the country remind their congregations of the sanctity of human life from the pulpit; while others tentatively print something about abortion in their church bulletins, hoping the calendar quickly turns to February. Most churches, of course, avoid the topic of abortion entirely, instead focusing on the new year; updated capital campaigns; and sermon topics on grace, compassion, mercy, and justice – all while the willful slaughter of 3,000 preborn children continues to occur day after day after day.
Meanwhile, those who are pro-abortion continue to vehemently work to further disregard life both inside and outside of the womb. A prime example of this is the governor of New York ordering the lights on the One World Trade Center and other landmarks be changed to pink to celebrate his newly signed legislation that allows abortion up until birth.
The outcry from Christian leaders, denominations, and megachurch pastors in response to New York’s death legislation has been virtually nonexistent. A few Catholic bishops in New York responded with dismay, though I have yet to see any meaningful backup support from Christian leaders in New York or anywhere else. Most well-known Christian leaders remain eerily silent on abortion. The complacency of the Church is evident.
The events of recent history serve as a grim reminder of the overall silence of Christian leaders regarding the greatest genocide in American history. While I realize some churches passionately and regularly address abortion from a biblical perspective, the vast majority of Christian communities pretend it doesn’t exist.
And so, we must continue to ask:
Yet in recent years, I’ve observed an even deeper, more insidious reason for the Church’s silence: Christians are not convicted by the truth that the preborn child has the same intrinsic value as those of us already born. If we did, our actions would align with this belief.
Every single aborted child is a human being with inherent value, “created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights.” A zygote has the same value as an adult and is therefore worthy of the same protections, rights, and securities.
This belief is founded and grounded in the Christian faith. It is impossible to overstate the importance of this fact. The centrality of the pro-life worldview is that we are each of inestimable, equal value because we are handcrafted by a loving Creator, and we are made in His image. We are valuable because God instills that value in each one of us.
One can be pro-life and not be Christian, of course. However, the Christian worldview recognizes the value of the human race to the extent that the Creator came and rescued His own creation through His death and resurrection.
The fact that God came to rescue His own human creation is enough to firmly and forever form a concrete pro-life ethic. Yet HOW God came to rescue us cements the pro-life ethic even further. He came as one of us. He came to earth as a zygote. God, the Author of life, came to earth through the very process He authored to create human life. Every person who claims belief in Christ should marvel and be awestruck at this scriptural truth. Humans are valuable, and God affirmed it most miraculously when He came to earth as one of us.
Because the pro-life ethic is grounded in Christianity, those who follow Christ are uniquely motivated in our reason for believing in and our passionate defense of the value of all humanity. In addition, the undeniable fact that the preborn and born have the same value should require all of us to act according to our belief.
below is my response to this article:
Some churches across the country remind their congregations of the sanctity of human life from the pulpit; while others tentatively print something about abortion in their church bulletins, hoping the calendar quickly turns to February. Most churches, of course, avoid the topic of abortion entirely, instead focusing on the new year; updated capital campaigns; and sermon topics on grace, compassion, mercy, and justice – all while the willful slaughter of 3,000 preborn children continues to occur day after day after day.
Meanwhile, those who are pro-abortion continue to vehemently work to further disregard life both inside and outside of the womb. A prime example of this is the governor of New York ordering the lights on the One World Trade Center and other landmarks be changed to pink to celebrate his newly signed legislation that allows abortion up until birth.
The outcry from Christian leaders, denominations, and megachurch pastors in response to New York’s death legislation has been virtually nonexistent. A few Catholic bishops in New York responded with dismay, though I have yet to see any meaningful backup support from Christian leaders in New York or anywhere else. Most well-known Christian leaders remain eerily silent on abortion. The complacency of the Church is evident.
The events of recent history serve as a grim reminder of the overall silence of Christian leaders regarding the greatest genocide in American history. While I realize some churches passionately and regularly address abortion from a biblical perspective, the vast majority of Christian communities pretend it doesn’t exist.
And so, we must continue to ask:
If the Christian worldview is foundational to the pro-life ethic, then why do many church leaders stubbornly refuse to blink an eye in the face of 1 million image bearers of God being destroyed every year and within eyeshot of our church buildings?After years spent working to inform and educate churches about the abortion genocide in America, I’ve found that fear and ignorance partially drive our silence. Some churches are afraid to talk about abortion for fear of being perceived as political or abrasive. Others are ill-informed – they have little understanding about what abortion is or its massive death toll over the past 46 years. And a large number of churches are doctrinally pro-abortion, ignoring Scripture, ethics, and fundamental morality altogether.
Yet in recent years, I’ve observed an even deeper, more insidious reason for the Church’s silence: Christians are not convicted by the truth that the preborn child has the same intrinsic value as those of us already born. If we did, our actions would align with this belief.
Every single aborted child is a human being with inherent value, “created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights.” A zygote has the same value as an adult and is therefore worthy of the same protections, rights, and securities.
This belief is founded and grounded in the Christian faith. It is impossible to overstate the importance of this fact. The centrality of the pro-life worldview is that we are each of inestimable, equal value because we are handcrafted by a loving Creator, and we are made in His image. We are valuable because God instills that value in each one of us.
One can be pro-life and not be Christian, of course. However, the Christian worldview recognizes the value of the human race to the extent that the Creator came and rescued His own creation through His death and resurrection.
The fact that God came to rescue His own human creation is enough to firmly and forever form a concrete pro-life ethic. Yet HOW God came to rescue us cements the pro-life ethic even further. He came as one of us. He came to earth as a zygote. God, the Author of life, came to earth through the very process He authored to create human life. Every person who claims belief in Christ should marvel and be awestruck at this scriptural truth. Humans are valuable, and God affirmed it most miraculously when He came to earth as one of us.
Because the pro-life ethic is grounded in Christianity, those who follow Christ are uniquely motivated in our reason for believing in and our passionate defense of the value of all humanity. In addition, the undeniable fact that the preborn and born have the same value should require all of us to act according to our belief.
below is my response to this article:
Gini Walker <giniwalker@yahoo.com>
To:Gini Walker
Apr 9 at 4:47 PM
As
a Christian who lived with an empty womb and experienced God's grace
through adoption I have strong feelings and emotions about abortion. The
adoption we were granted led to having a grown son who loves our Lord
deeply and through this gift of him to my husband and me, we now have a
daughter-in-law and two grand children. God chose not to give us a
child through our bodies but through the body of a woman who chose life
and not abortion. I will be eternally grateful. But I have had to work
through deep burning anger with all that has been happening to babies
from the moment of conception even to lying on a table alive but in
danger of unspeakable death. A truly amazing transformation has been
happening to me. God is turning my anger into righteous
anger...tempered with compassion and tenderness that wants each woman
considering abortion to know, FIRST OF ALL, that she is loved by God,
her creator. And, yes, He is angry. But He turned that anger on
Himself at the cross to take MY/OUR sin. The good news I can say to
these young women is that through Jesus, Father God can and does forgive
and then wants to take their fear. These women do not need our anger.
They need our compassion and willingness to come along side. As for
church leaders, at first I was frustrated by their silence in the
pulpit. No doubt the reasons are as many as there are pulpits. But,
now I feel there needs to be trained, compassionate believers in the
pews who will be willing to put aside comfort, time and money issues to
COME ALONG SIDE women who feel condemned already. They need the love of
the Gospel and the lay community needs to give it. So, I pray you
won't be overcome with despair in the silence. With all the research
God has been leading me through on this journey He has shown me silence
or not in the pulpits is not an indication of the movement of His people
to rescue His precious gifts of babies.
Kelsi's strong/gentle example in coaching
I watched the Baylor vs Notre
Dame Final Four championship game and oh my what an amazing game. I
was thoroughly fixed on the strength of the Baylor coach when her top
player was injured. In the interview before the final quarter she said
"I feel like crying now but I have a job to do..." and that, she
did---her job. Then she showed compassion toward the young player on
N.D. who missed her first free throw at the end of the game with 3.
seconds left and after the game she looked like she was carrying the
full weight of the loss. Couldn't hear what Baylor's coach was saying
but she was so compassionate. THIS IS THE STRENGTH OF WOMEN IN SPORTS.
THEY CAN BE AS STRONG AS MEN BUT THEN HAVE THAT GENTLE SIDE THAT MOST
MEN CAN'T SHOW OR FEEL. Kelsi, I feel you are doing an amazing job,
demonstrating that strong/gentle image that is so needed.
Saturday, March 30, 2019
Grief shared in death
I wrote the following on a Facebook post just recently...remembering about Lew and that experience with him as he passed to Heaven was healing to remember and write about:
Kate, bless you dear heart...thank you for each word you wrote. I hope that you received a bit of healing through this process. I was with my brother in the hospital when he died around 3 in the morning. The nurses were ok but I will say, the young man in the bed next to my brother was the kindest as he looked at me with compassion in his eyes and said "I'm sorry for your loss" And a young, in training nurse brought me a cot to sleep on next to my brother - taking me out of the very uncomfortable chair I was in. It was another healing time for me and this young nurse because he had done something wrong earlier that I had scolded him for. My brother was on hospice care there and close to death so the nurses had him on a morphine drip with instructions to not bother him because he was in a coma. This young man had come in earlier to take his vitals and when he did this it put my brother in a state of distress. I ran for the nurses, they came in and took the equipment away and apologized to me. I looked at the young nurse and said "don't ever do that again" Later, when he brought me the cot, he was so full of compassion and as painful as all of that was, I believe he learned from it. Being present when death arrives is a "human experience" time that care givers and family need to experience as a time to share in grief.
The Psalms
we need the Psalms! In a world that either allows
emotions to rule or attempts to rule over our emotions, we are in
desperate need of a biblical theology of emotion. Since the Psalms show
us what prayer and worship looks like in every conceivable emotional
state, they give us divine permission to bring all our emotions into the
presence of God. The Psalms show us God welcomes us no matter our
emotional state. In fact, he gives us the language we often lack to
understand and navigate our confusing and troubling emotional life. When
we read the Psalms in the context of all of Scripture, we discover that
the Psalms were Jesus' prayer book. They are the prayers of his heart
whereby he redeemed all the emotions of human experience.
Though we won't find the word "emotion" in Scripture, many have recognized that the Psalms have long served as a primary "emotional handbook" for Christians.
A few takeaways from our study so far for you to reflect on:
Though we won't find the word "emotion" in Scripture, many have recognized that the Psalms have long served as a primary "emotional handbook" for Christians.
- “In the other books one hears only what one must do and what one must not do… but in the Book of Psalms, the one who hears, in addition to learning these things, also comprehends and is taught in it the emotions of the soul” (Athanasius).
- "For the early Christians the Psalms were also the unique emotional handbook for personal use of what might be termed “psalmno-therapy” (Bruce Waltke). Though the analogy isn't perfect, reading and praying the Psalms is like having God for your therapist! Who wouldn't want that?!
A few takeaways from our study so far for you to reflect on:
- Our emotions shouldn't be (and ultimately can't) be denied. Our emotions simply "are". God knows about them already. He wants us to bring them all to Him in prayer.
- Our emotions shouldn't rule over us. But they often do - consciously or subconsciously. Prayer is inviting God's rule into our emotional lives through prayer.
- Our emotions are part of what it means to be made in the image of God.
- We mistakenly equate being spiritual healthy with always being happy or being emotionally flat. David - the man after God's own heart! - was anything but emotionally flat. Jesus - the Greater David - was anything but emotionally flat.
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Medal of Honor Day
Today is Medal of Honor Day. March 25 marks the date in 1863 when the first of these medals was awarded.
It also falls, appropriately, during Lent, 40 days of reflection and
sacrifice that begin with Ash Wednesday’s stark reminder of our
mortality — “From dust you came and to dust you shall return” — and near
their end on Good Friday, when Christ gave the ultimate example of
fearlessly offering himself for others.
Medal of Honor recipients fully understand that example.
Medal of Honor recipients fully understand that example.
Monday, March 18, 2019
Lamenting
Wrote this in March 2016: Feeling very sad this morning...another attack...another chicken lost...our favorite...she survived multiple attacks in the past...we nursed her back to relatively good health and enjoyed her for a few months...we could pet her...she cared for our two youngsters...and now she is gone. Charlie built a fortress with much thought and time and energy spent. "there is NO WAY a predator can get in" we said. Yesterday morning, while I was out working in the back a larger animal with much strength pulled up the bottom of the fence. Last night we saw the evidence of its strength. Didn't sleep well last night...first thought for me this morning was "why didn't I go down and check on them yesterday morning when I heard them making noise?" False security..."there is NO WAY a predator can get in" They are just chasing each other. So, this morning during my quiet time, which I begin with writing in my gratitude book, I said, "I don't feel any gratitude this morning...I need to read from the Psalms"...and this is what I read "I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy doings; I muse on the work of Thy hands. I stretch out my hands to Thee; My soul longs for Thee as a parched land." Next to it some time this past year, I had written in pen the word "gratitude". Hmmm Even my sweet chicken is teaching me...but I am still struggling with this.
Saturday, March 2, 2019
Challenging My Brain
I enjoy keeping unofficial scores for Landon's Little League games. I have a clipboard with VERY limited data that I write. It keeps me focused on the game. Then, I told Charlie I wanted an official score keeper's book. He got me one and OH MY! The data that can be kept made my eyes cross! Without making any marks I closed it and said "Take this back and get your money back" Charlie said "No". He wants me to work with it day in and day out and learn the details of score keeping. WHAT A CHALLENGE TO MY MIND! This will be a slow process but the challenge is so good. So, here I go 3-2-2019. I'll post my progress.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Abortion
Letter to my U.S. Senator:
Senator Feinstein, It is disgraceful to see your name on the list of U.S. Senators who will not support the born-alive abortion survivors protection act. I know you are a grandmother as I am. I'm hearing stories like Tim Tebow's that speak loud and clear against abortion. I want to appeal to your humanity and relationship to Almighty God. PLEASE rethink your position on this Right-to-life issue. Surely you know, as I do, we each will stand before our Creator and be held accountable for our actions here on earth. He is the giver and taker of life.
Senator Feinstein, It is disgraceful to see your name on the list of U.S. Senators who will not support the born-alive abortion survivors protection act. I know you are a grandmother as I am. I'm hearing stories like Tim Tebow's that speak loud and clear against abortion. I want to appeal to your humanity and relationship to Almighty God. PLEASE rethink your position on this Right-to-life issue. Surely you know, as I do, we each will stand before our Creator and be held accountable for our actions here on earth. He is the giver and taker of life.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Memorizing God's Word
This is an email I sent to my sisters in faith at TOC:
Dear Hearts
"Let
the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in
Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14 "Thy word I
have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee." These two
verses speak of a healthy spirit. I want this to be true in my life.
But wanting is the easiest part...doing is harder. If you feel the same
way, read on ---
* I need a memorizing method.
* If I make it too difficult, I will give up before I begin
* Gini, begin with easy to memorize verses, and verses that have special meaning in your life.
ex. I am often anxious - Psalm 27:1 answers this. "The Lord is my light & my salvation.
Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life. Whom shall I dread? Members of my
family have favorite verses. I often memorize these. Here are two more special to me: John
14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives I give to you. Let
not your heart be troubled. Nor let it be fearful." and Psalm 94:19 "When my anxious
thoughts multiply within me, thy consolations delight my soul"
* How do I relate to God. Do I think of Him as personal? Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a
lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." majestic? Proverbs 21:30 "There is no
wisdom, no understanding and no counsel against the Lord."
* My method - 3x5 cards easy to carry with me. When I write it, I try to write it in easy to
memorize phrases. Ex Galations 5:22, 23
"The fruit of the spirit is
love, joy, peace
patience, kindness, goodness
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
Against such things there is no law."
It is easy for me to remember when I can visualize 3 groups of 3. There are 9. I work on
each and add it to the next when I am comfortable with it.
* Last, choose a translation you are comfortable with. A paraphrase can be good for helping
to understand difficult passages and can be good for sharing with unbelievers.
Ex. Ephesians 3:20 NAS "Now to Him who is able to do exceeding, abundantly, beyond all
that we ask or think according to the power within." Here it is in The Message: "God can do
anything, you know--far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your
wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit
deeply and gently within us." I prefer the NAS because I'm not a real fan of modern...but it
has its place.
So, there you have it! Gini's recipe for memorizing His Word to keep your spirit healthy.
To your good health - cheers! Gini
Friday, January 25, 2019
GENESIS STUDY
GENESIS STUDY
Reading the creation account, when done slowly and intentionally brings awe and wonder about our GREAT CREATOR - GOD
As this new year begins, 2019, with all its tragedy and darkness, I want to remember the words in Genesis 1 regarding the Spirit of God hovering over the formless and void earth. We now have form - round and blue and we are no longer void of life. But we are quickly and deliberately turning away from the Creator of all life. I want to take this blog and worship and praise God...only God, creator of all. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Reading the creation account, when done slowly and intentionally brings awe and wonder about our GREAT CREATOR - GOD
As this new year begins, 2019, with all its tragedy and darkness, I want to remember the words in Genesis 1 regarding the Spirit of God hovering over the formless and void earth. We now have form - round and blue and we are no longer void of life. But we are quickly and deliberately turning away from the Creator of all life. I want to take this blog and worship and praise God...only God, creator of all. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Monday, January 14, 2019
Feeling lost
I wrote the following on Facebook when I was 71...My negative feelings about driving has increased
Gini Walker I am 71 years old. I don't suffer from dementia but I do have an issue with directions (North, South, East, West, left and right.) I've had this all my life. As an educator, my mother used to tell me that my lack of crawling as a baby had an affect on my learning. Who knows. But as I have read some posts here, I realize there are unlabeled issues some of us have. Struggling with directions has been frightening and frustrating for me. Before Charlie and I married, one time I was to pick him up at LAX. I ended up in Costa Mesa. Even as recently as this year, I got so lost and had NO idea which way home was. When I leave an office, trying to figure out if I go left or right to exit the building is more challenging than I ever reveal. Driving is something I dislike very much. So, unless I am going some where close or some where I've frequently driven to, I can't go. I think about friends and loved ones with dementia and it seems they have totally lost their way in their mind. This causes me great sadness. It is so frightening to be lost.
Gini Walker I am 71 years old. I don't suffer from dementia but I do have an issue with directions (North, South, East, West, left and right.) I've had this all my life. As an educator, my mother used to tell me that my lack of crawling as a baby had an affect on my learning. Who knows. But as I have read some posts here, I realize there are unlabeled issues some of us have. Struggling with directions has been frightening and frustrating for me. Before Charlie and I married, one time I was to pick him up at LAX. I ended up in Costa Mesa. Even as recently as this year, I got so lost and had NO idea which way home was. When I leave an office, trying to figure out if I go left or right to exit the building is more challenging than I ever reveal. Driving is something I dislike very much. So, unless I am going some where close or some where I've frequently driven to, I can't go. I think about friends and loved ones with dementia and it seems they have totally lost their way in their mind. This causes me great sadness. It is so frightening to be lost.
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Stress related to needs of seniors
Our friend Per Larssen moved into Town and Country this past weekend. It was difficult for Charlie to get him convinced to do it.
I read the following deeply stress filled remarks on Facebook about someone dealing with their aged mother--- "So many thoughts right now, so many decisions to make, so many changes, so much stress, what happens next? One niece flew in Saturday to see my mother (her grandmother) then flew back to Oregon in the evening. Another niece (a great granddaughter) drove from Monterey last night and is heading back home right now. She was asking me questions that i don't want to answer, or decisions I'm not ready to face right now. But things I know I should be considering. Home for a few minutes before heading back to the hospital. They plan to move her (my mother) to an rehab/extended care facility tomorrow. A decision I must make as to where..."
We are deeply grateful to God for His guidance and help in Per's move.
I read the following deeply stress filled remarks on Facebook about someone dealing with their aged mother--- "So many thoughts right now, so many decisions to make, so many changes, so much stress, what happens next? One niece flew in Saturday to see my mother (her grandmother) then flew back to Oregon in the evening. Another niece (a great granddaughter) drove from Monterey last night and is heading back home right now. She was asking me questions that i don't want to answer, or decisions I'm not ready to face right now. But things I know I should be considering. Home for a few minutes before heading back to the hospital. They plan to move her (my mother) to an rehab/extended care facility tomorrow. A decision I must make as to where..."
We are deeply grateful to God for His guidance and help in Per's move.
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