Merry Christmas to my Family and Friends! May this next year be Peaceful and filled with Hope!

There is something about a baby that draws like a magnet and their every move is watched and discussed.  Joseph and Mary had a reason to birth and raise this Baby in particular.  The Angels, shepherds and The Three Wisemen testified to His unique place in our world.  Mary pondered in her heart the things told her regarding her Son by the Angel.

This Christmas has been a little different for our family.  We have been spread out.  I have pondered the memories of the past years.  I have relived the fun Christmas stories.  I am so grateful for the faith that runs through our history. Every good thing is from HIM.

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Past

So many memories.  (Notice the TV?)  

The girls were young and we were prepared for an exciting Christmas. 

There was always a major discussion regarding presents and when to open them.  

Some traditions allowed for Christmas Eve presents, others felt the line was CHRISTMAS MORNING  and NO other!

Eventually, we were able to open at least one on Christmas Eve.  

There were always nuts, cookies, fudge, and Mexican Chicken.

Some years were leaner than others.  

But, the gift we cherished was the Baby in the Manger.

Over the years, I collected several Nativity sets.

I am now collecting Nativity ornaments as I ran out of room to display them.

When I pass away and go on home, there will be a few boxes of books to browse through. 

 But the majority of boxes to open will hold the Nativity sets given me by my loved ones.

They are prized because they remind me that I have placed my life in the Hands of

a baby in a manger who grew to become a Man.  His Resurrection is my Hope. 

Hebrews 11:1  Now Faith is....

RIP, Hoover...

I am sorrowful to report that Hoover, the Boss Goat, was mistaken for a hog and died at the hand of a wild game hunter.  The Watusi Cows at the ranch did exactly as Hoover indicated.  He was called Hoover because he was better than a vacuum cleaner.  He clearly directed traffic and kept all animals in line.

He was an inspiration and the source of immense entertainment.  I, however,  have a wealth of photos to remind me of his addition to my life and the friendships shared that week.

I am reminded to take time to thank God for my friends and family during this season.  Christ came to build a bridge between me and His Father.  I am grateful for His love and input in my life.

John 3:16 (again).  Love this verse.

Merry Christmas: Thank You,Vivian Boyles

Several years ago I began collecting Nativity sets.  This was the first one I received.  I worked at Faith Assembly and Vivian Boyles (who carves) gave me this set.  I laughingly asked where the rest of it was, and I'll never forget her answer:  "You have the best parts."  (To the best of my remembrance that is how it went).

THANK YOU VIVIAN for reminding me that the manger was God's gift to me and the three Wisemen express our thanks to Him.

I want to remember the basics this year and give thanks for God's love to this world.  I want to look at my family and see the wonderful memories they have placed in my life.  I want to thank my kids, my church, my friends for their loving support throughout the seasons of my life.

I  thank God for His continued blessings, protection and guidance in my life!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

THANK YOU.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  This year I am thanking my grandson, my uncles, and any of my relatives who are or who have served in the military.  I grew up in the generation of the Vietnam War and witnessed the way our military was treated when they came home from a war they didn't ask for or did not request to participate in.  Sadly, many of the returning veterans were unable to return to a normal life and became stuck in their memories and the pain they witnessed while serving.

The truth that stands out in war is the fact that so many youth fight for our freedom.  I think the average age in WWII was around 22.

I am thankful there are those who are willing to be my caregiver in times of crisis.  I pray this year that they will feel appreciated and know they are not serving needlessly.

A Genuine Treat! (or 4)

One of the things I remember about my dad and his brothers is depicted in the picture.  Music was an outlet they took much pleasure in.  They would take any opportunity they could find to pull out the guitars, fiddles, etc.  My dad could play any instrument he touched. Every relative I know has a mandolin, guitar or violin he made.

As I get older, I am more and more thankful for the memories my parents made for me.  My mother was a singer.  They created in me an appreciation for music as a release and a refuge. There were many days I have listened to melodies that healed or soothed a painful time.

David played his instrument and eased the torment in King Saul.  Read the books of  Samuel and Kings.

If you are a caregiver, pull out your records, cds, 8 tracks -whatever you have that you love and give yourself a real treat - enjoy 10 minutes of your favorite artist.

Yesterday...

I was putting some things away and found a few pictures.  This one was taken many yesterdays ago.  Jimmy Roger, Mom, myself and Dad.  It looks like I was none too happy.  I probably had just gotten reprimanded by Mom and headed to Dad's lap for consolation.  It doesn't look like I succeeded.

My immediate family has been gone for several years.  It is rather sad to me that my grandchildren were only acquainted with my Mom.  They were not able to experience the heritage I grew up with.  Music was an important part of our entertainment.  Mom and Dad would sing and play every weekend.

I am glad that these pictures exist.  Someday, my great grand children will be asking their grandmother who we were.  I wonder if they will know.

God was very thoughtful.  He left a whole book to remind us where we came from and how much His love looked down through time to make sure I knew just who He was.

The Bible

 Daddy,Granny Treat and Jerry

Jerry and Dad

Behind the Disguise...

Who is this person?



Do I know you?






Around three years ago, life changed for my daughter.  She got married.   The photo booth at the wedding allowed guests to disguise themselves if they so chose.

Have you ever greeted someone and they asked how you were doing?  Were you honest?  Did you tell them how you were doing?  Or, did you hide behind a disguise and not allow them to see how stressed you were?

Don't ask a caregiver how they are doing.  Just find something you can do for them.  Give them a couple of hours to go to Home Depot.  Offer to help them with groceries or a trip to the doctor or anything that would ease the challenge of the caregiver.

Give it forward and when you are in a tight place someone will come to your aide!!!

Homecoming - Senior Year

I remember my senior year (vaguely).  This year Kamri celebrates a milestone in her life.  She will be graduating from High School and venturing into a new phase.  She will experience life in a different way than she ever has.  Her choices will be as wide as the Gulf and the possibilities endless.

God has given us different beginnings as we go from childhood to young adulthood to career to maneuvering aging.  With each new challenge comes the knowledge that His plan for us is to reach Heaven.  His path for us is mapped out through the Bible and any need we might have, He is there to guide and direct.

Congratulations Kamri and Tristan as you both graduate from High School and look to your future!

Proverbs 3:5-6
Jeremiah 29:11
Psalms 23

Thank you for Serving...

When adults face conflict, it is the young who go to war.  I grew up during the Vietnam war.  Our soldiers were dismissed, disgraced and demoralized.  Young men went to a war they didn't choose, doing a job they didn't ask for.

My grandson is 19.  He signed up for the National Guard the day he turned 18.  The picture was taken the day he graduated from Boot Camp.  At the moment, he is in college and safe at home.  But, at any time he could be called up and sent to a foreign country.  If that should happen, he is prepared to fight for my freedom.

I have been watching the tributes to our Military today.  I am proud of our country and the appreciation they are showing these brave, dedicated men and women.  Our values and way of life are only as strong as these warriors,  If we do not appreciate them, they cannot do their job to the best of their ability.

Hug a soldier.  Write a note to someone you know who is part of the Military.  Love on them and let them know that you appreciate their service.

I sent a text to my grandson.  I think he may be ignoring me!  LOL....

Sunrise on Galveston Island's West End

As a caregiver, I found that I could not relax.  I was constantly on guard to make sure my loved one was ok.  I slept waiting for the alarm to go off.  I was continually ready for an emergency or crisis. When I was no longer a caregiver, I found that shutting down was not so easy.  It took time to learn that I didn't need to be alert, but could let it go.

Bermuda Beach.  Several years ago we spent a week on the West End of Galveston Island.  It was relaxing and healing.  The water cannot be compared to Hawaii or California, but it is serene and beautiful watching the sun come up over the Gulf.  There is something soothing and healing in the water as it touches the beach and then retreats.  The sound of the surf can dissolve the stress in me like nothing else can.  When I leave the Island, I am always relaxed and rested.

Find your  spot.  Even when I can't get to the beach, I still go there in my head.  I talk to God.  I listen to the water.  I let it go.  Find the place you can allow yourself to find respite.

Jeremiah 29:11


 

Poetry in motion...

I love watching my granddaughter run or boogie board or swim.  She is grace in motion.  I am amazed at how easy it looks when she does it.  She was in cheer leading for years and we spent a lot of Saturdays at competitions.

What comes easy to me?  Writing this blog is easy.  I would break a leg if I tried to boogie board.  Recognizing caregivers and their challenges, that has come easy the past few years.  Appreciating my kids and my church is a no brainer.

I believe that God enlarges our borders as we grow older.  We face difficulty and our muscle for that area stretches.  As we stretch, we recognize that same challenge in those around us.  Maybe that is God's way of showing His love because we pass along what we have learned.  That is true poetry in motion!

A few of my favorite things...

Chasity, grand daughter #2 and The Sunflower Cafe on 14th Street, Galveston Texas.

This picture combines two of my favorite things.  I enjoy going with my daughters once-in-a-while to eat.  I have a chance to visit and catch up on what is happening in their lives.  And, it makes me feel special that they want to have these times.

This particular time, we had gone to THE SUNFLOWER CAFE in Galveston.  It is located across the street from another great restaurant, THE MOSQUITO GRILL, and down the street from THE ORIGINAL MEXICANCAFE (I think that is the proper name).  Any one of these three are great to eat.  The first two have great bakeries and atmosphere.

Usually, it is just the three girls and myself.  This time, however, Chasity joined us.  I think she had a waffle and I had my favorite Quiche.

Take some time and plan a special outing with those you love.  It is important to connect while you can.  There are so many diseases in the elderly that rob the present.  If you are facing a caregiving situation that includes one of these challenges, make the most of where you are with what you have.  Love anyway.  Talk anyway.

Thank You....

I want to say thank you to my Uncles Marion, Russell, Victor and Charles.  They served in WW2.  I like this picture because it portrays the four of them in uniform.

I remember various pictures in my parents' collection of these soldiers.  We had several of Uncle Marion who served in the South Pacific.  I especially enjoyed the one of him in a hula skirt!

I appreciate the Veterans and the sacrifices they have made to make our country safe.  It is the YOUNG who make up the majority of the fighting forces.  The average age of WW2 was 22 years
I believe.  It seems that they pay the ultimate price for keeping us safe.

THANK YOU!

Where is your happy place?

The place I go to when stressed.  

A view of the Pleasure Pier

My favorite spot

Murdoch's is located on the seawall across the street from the Galvez Hotel.  I give them all the free publicity I can!  When they take my blood pressure at the doctor's office, I retreat to that porch and allow myself to hear the waves and be embraced by the breeze from the Gulf.

I also go to my happy Scripture:  Proverbs 3:5,6  Trust...lean not to own understanding...acknowledge Him...Path directed!

As a caregiver, I was walking blind.  Over the years things have changed and there is information out there that was not readily available to me.  If it was there, I had no clue where to find it.  The above two locations were handles that I gripped for several years.

They still sustain me.

Find and go to your happy place today!  Allow your mind and heart to be filled with peace and know that God's plan for you will never be erased.

Rock Climbing

"From the end of the earth I will cry to you, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I."   Psalm 61:2

I thought of the Buffalo River when I read this Psalm today.  I went back to 2010 pictures and found this solid wall of rock that looks impossible to climb.  I wonder if anyone has tried to reach the trees from the bottom up?
Sitting on the bank of the Buffalo River, watching the canoes drift at the currents bidding, is relaxing and brought this home to me.

When in trouble, there is a way.  When life is overwhelming, there is a way. When I was in need of rescue and lifted my cry to God, I found that rock that was higher.

There have been times I stood before that massive wall of stone and felt utterly lost.  There just was no way.  But, He made a way.  Many times I just turned around and discovered the beach on the other side of the river.

Grandma's House

A few miles down the road from my Granny Treat's house is Grandma's House,  Nancy has opened a bed and breakfast for those who like to fish and canoe on the Buffalo river.  It is extremely comfortable and has everything one would need to enjoy the rural aspect of the Ozark Mountains.  It is located just outside Marshall, Arkansas.

We have been fortunate to be able to spend time there for a couple of the Treat Family reunions that take place every couple of years.  Kamri has spent a lot of time in the front yard swing.  There is a fire pit beside the house with a table and chairs near the bbq pit.

The thing I enjoy and remember are the fireflies that blink on and off across the grass after the sun goes down.  Sitting on the patio or beside the fire, watching the wood burn in the fire pit is relaxing and lulls me to a time that was much easier for me.  I was a kid in the middle of a multitude of cousins, enjoying the wonder of a summer night.

My grandmother was not very tall.  Her legs were short which made her lap not very wide.  But one of the best places to rest was right there.  You could lean back, relax and go to sleep to the rhythm of her voice and breathing.  The wind was cool, the fireflies blinked on and off, and Granny Treat's lap was extremely comfortable...

Hug a caegiver today, maybe it is your Granny!

Fame...

This is my Uncle Jack when he was on the Price is Right.  He probably won't be excited that I posted his picture, but I felt a little famous because I knew someone who was on TV.

There are a lot of people living through someone else's achievements.   Go to the Little League fields any given summer and observe parents living out their dreams through their kids.  Ever watched those children's competitions as beauty queens?

There are many people in caregiving situations who once were in the spotlight.  There lives meant something to their families and they were in control.  Walk into a nursing facility and immediately you will see those people who once high fived the audience, but were now observers of everyone else's life.

Celebrate someone today.  Remember special events and have a conversation with them.  Allow someone to recall the highlights of their life.

Jeremiah 29:11

Heritage...

It is truly an experience to attend the Treat Family Reunion.  Troy and Clara had 12 children,  11 of them lived past infancy.  My dad was Jimmie.  The picture above shows the three who are still with us:  Joe, Geneva, Jack.  They represent so many memories of my growing up in Arkansas and Missouri.  We were always headed to Granny Treat's for the weekend.  

What I remember the most is the food. We would pull in the driveway and head to the table.  Fried chicken, some type of beef, biscuits, cornbread, fresh green beans, tomatos, and on and on and on.  I had the privilege of being surrounded by so many loving and interesting people.  Each of the kids were unique in their own right and had special talents.  The brothers loved music and would band together with their families asthe audience.

As I get older, I remember more and more my heritage.  I hope my family looks back and remembers the good and fun things they experienced during childhood.  Life can be difficult.  But, if you have the loyalty of the Treat clan, you have a treasure.  The distance doesn't matter.  The amount of time you haven't seen them, doesn't matter.  It is the love, that is what matters!

John 3:16

My Father.

I noticed this picture among my albums and found myself going back in time,  It was taken sometime around my senior year in high school and sophmore year in college...I think,  I'm not sure where it was taken, but I am glad it was.

My father was a comedian.  He would do whatever it took to make you laugh,  He would spin a yarn that left you wondering if it was real or just a story he had built on.  It was difficult to keep a straight face once he decided you were his focus.  I remember his humor and the many times it carried me through serious circumstances.  His view of life made him friends and his love of music endeared him to them for his lifetime.

My brother passed away at 46.  Daddy was never quite the same after that.   I observed a serious side that had been hidden from me before.  It was there, I just hadn't looked for it.

The thing that stands out to me is how loved I felt from both my parents,  Even when they had difficulties, I was always loved.  They made sure I was cared for,

It doesn't take much to show someone that you appreciate them.  Take a look around your world and choose someone to love on today.

What hat are you wearing?

It is often easy to tell where someone works by the hat they wear.  In this case, Kamri was a patron who borrowed a hat.  So, you cannot always trust what you see.  It is much better to get all the facts and not jump to conclusions.

Are you looking at someone and deciding who they are and what they are doing and why they are doing it?  I have been guilty of seeing the facade of a situation and not really understanding what that situation was all about.  I realize there are people who have watched my life and figured it all out without actually knowing me or the details.

I have asked God to help me never pass judgement without knowing the entire story.  I know that God has given me the benefit of the doubt many times throughout my life.

Jeremiah 29:11  Am I wearing the hat that is part of the plan?

Jimmie and LaRue...

I am older than my parents were in this picture.  I remember when I realized that I was older than my Pastor.  I have been struck with the passing of time and how stuck I was in dreaming ahead and not preparing for the days when I would be on the North side of 50.

The last few years have been very educational.  I have experienced Caregiving.  I have had to find who I am from who I was.  It has been an intentional direction to work on preparing my children for what they will need to know in the future for me.

There are so many in our families who are blindsided by sickness.  Having an idea of ones options takes away so much of the stress.  It isn't being negative to be prepared.  It is smart to look forward to our future.  I believe God has a plan for me and if I am aware of some of the choices or pitfalls or possibilities, I am good.

Check your family, your friends, etc. and with the best of your ability, guard them.  Look for signs of depression or fear.  If you know they are good at hiding their feelings, keep watch.  Love is a gift.  Share your love with those closest to you.

Jeremiah 29:11

Passing of Time: Maggie Valley -(from Facebook)

=

I saw this on facebook.  It reminds me of the first time I looked into a mirror and saw the passing of time.  In my mind, I still looked like the left half of this tree.  In reality, I was changing to look like the right side.

Time passes.  That is a sure thing!  We cannot stop the sun from going down and coming back up. All the Botox and plastic surgery in the world cannot erase the days that we live.  Eventually, they will catch up to us and the leaves will fall off.  Gray will replace brown.  Eyesight fades.  There is an ache in the spot that once won the race.

Looking back can fill us with regret.  So, do good while you can!  If you find that there is more behind you than ahead, make the most of those days. If you have a loved one who is a caregiver, or know a caregiver, see where you can help them ease the passing days.  Love while you can.

Remember Jeremiah 29:11.  This promise is as much for the right side as it is for the left!

THE HOTEL GALVEZ

The Galvez.....

Located across the street from the Hotel Galvez is my favorite spot in Galveston.  Murdoch's is a souvenir shop that has been on the seawall for many years.  It has a breeze way that allows the breeze from the Gulf  to erase the tension and stress from my mind as I sit in the Adirondack chairs placed on the deck, between the two shops.

The pictures are of the Hotel and the breakfast buffet served in the dining area each morning.  It was delicious and plentiful.  There were omelets, fruit, muffins, donuts, bacon, potatoes, anything you might want,  The coffee was great.

There are some pictures that cannot do justice to the real thing.  Visiting this historic landmark hotel was a highlight of my life.  Visiting it with a friend who enjoys the water as much as I do, made it even more memorable.

When life gets difficult, pull out the picture albums.  Walk back in time to a place that spoke peace and comfort to your soul.  God has given us many inventions, and photography allows us to move around the past while in the present.

I can still smell the coffee, taste the scrambled eggs and bacon while sitting here in my chair.  The beach was wonderful and Murdochs as busy as ever.

Simply good...

Iceberg lettuce is underrated.  Take a hunk, put blue cheese with walnuts over it and it becomes a completely different thing.  It is delicious and easy to make.

Life reminds me of iceberg lettuce.  It is often uninteresting and not too much sets it apart.  It is inexpensive and filled with little taste or flavor.  Humdrum is a word that can be used to most days.  That is where dissatisfaction sets in and people make bad choices because they have not added the dressing to their day.

There are times I like a slice of iceberg, just by itself.  Most of the time I prefer a little dressing.  It is found in my loved ones.  Their lives add something special to mine and when I see the influence of our heritage, well, it takes on a flavor all of its own.

May God dress your day with love, faith, hope and healing!

Green Grass

 If you are short, you prefer a little added height to reach the top of shelves.  If you are long, you wish that a couple of inches had not been added.  My mother was almost 6 feet tall and her brother was about 5 foot 9 inches.  They envied each others stature.  Mom wanted to be his height and he wanted to be hers.

Isn't that like life?  We look at other people and think what it would be like to be them.  We imagine they have perfect lifestyles and everything is great in their circle.  If we only knew that they are looking at our lives and thinking the same about us.

The next time you wish you had someone else's life, look a little closer.  Not at theirs, but at your own.  God has placed you where you are for a purpose.  Wrap your arms that kid that is attached to your hip.  Tell each person in your family how much they mean to you.  

Stop looking around and focus.  They are right there on the sofa, or in the big chair, or in their bed....

The Plan...

When I review my life, I discover that most of what I thought would happen, didn't.  Then, I notice that those things that did happen, happened for a reason. Out of some choices that I should not have made, has come some of the greatest blessings. Once I recognized why I should have made another choice, and got on track, things fell in place.

Then, there were the choices I made that I knew were right and fell into God's purpose for my life.  Were they easy?  Some were.  Did I question outcomes?  At times, yes.  But, when you know, you know and the outcome is as it should be.

God has blessed my life with many wonderful things and my grandchildren are at the top of the list.  Timothy and Chasity, two of my kids, have made me glad that I am part of the family of God.  I talk a lot about Jeremiah 29:11 and God's plan.  I do so because I I have witnessed how much God loves us and  the lengths He has gone to to give us a hope and a future!

Above and Beyond

I want to express my gratitude to the Military family and friends in my life.  I am grateful that I have a group of men and women who take time out of their lives to serve our country.  I was a part of the Vietnam generation and feel so sad that those soldiers were so easily dismissed by so many.  They deserved the same welcome home that those from other wars had received.

While touring the Lexington, I was impressed with how much they were able to put into such small places.  The cots were especially tiny and I was amazed at how the head was merely inches from the feet of someone on the other side of that thin wall.  They probably only slept in the bunks and were not confined to them for long periods of time.  Hopefully...

God has been so faithful to keep His promises to me.  When I reflect over events that have transpired, I realize how His hand has been close, even when I made wrong choices.  

Thank you to God for His care and to our military for doing their jobs of  protecting me and my loved ones.

Kentucky Fall...

A few years ago I visited a friend in Kentucky during the month of October.  The leaves were changing, there were pumpkins on display and I ate a wonderful chocolate eclair.  Our friendship has spanned several years and has been a source of strength and security in my times of crisis.

There are those relationships that prove to be essential to our well-being. Without their input and grounding, I tend to second guess my choices.  After verbalizing, even if they have no opinion, I am able to move forward and perform what I need to do to solve the problem.

Prayer is another such friend.  At times, there is no human being available.  I find I am in a corner and the only way out is communicating with my Creator.  The wonderful thing I have found is that He often sends a human being to hand deliver His solution and to reassure me that I am not alone.

Our world has changed drastically since I was a teenager.  I watch my kids and grand-kids maneuver

their challenges.  I hope that they have found the source of strength and security that I have.  

Psalm 88:2

How do you choose?

My mother chose dishes by the shape of the cup.  She loved unique tea and coffee cups and always had a cup stand on her counter.  There are hundreds of shapes and designs to choose from.  You can find your favorite color, combination of colors and any shape you can design.

Caregiving options are similar.  There are MANY choices of insurance plans, home health care, adult day cares, etc.  Many people become caregivers in an instant.  A situation occurs and BOOM, you are there.

How do you choose?  Can you go by shape or color or because it is your favorite?

Check all options. Educate yourself on your needs.  What would work for you?  If it is an emergency, keep educating yourself and find what is best for you!  Google your situation and talk to the doctor in charge.  It is important for your well being as much as it is for the one you care for.

The Backup....

Having a plan is a necessity.  Having an alternate plan is essential!  I found this tea pot in a Goodwill Store.  The cup was in my daughter's cabinet.  I have no idea of the pot's history, but the cup belonged to my mother.  (At least I think this is the one that belonged to her.)  Misty has several sets of dishes that were passed down to her from relatives.

The beauty of this whole adventure with tea is the fact that I have thought ahead.  I can change pots and cups at my pleasure.  The coffee pot isn't too far away, so, if I decide to change beverages, that is possible also.

What in the world does this have to do with anything?

When I became a caregiver, I had no plan.  Because my mother had a stroke, I became responsible for her life choices.  She lived for six months and shortly afterward, my husband became critically ill.  I didn't have time to think about a plan during those months of crisis.

I have a plan.  My children get tired of me sharing that plan with them, but when the time comes, they know my preferences, where my papers are located and how many tea pots I have,  To the best of my ability, I have prepared them for difficult times.  Nothing is ever very simple, I know, but some of the guess work is taken out of the equation and I am comfortably having a cup of tea knowing there is a plan in place.

Do you have one?

Rediscovery...

When I was a little girl, my mother would give me tea and toast when I was ill.  I also remember tomato soup, grapefruit juice and chicken noodle soup.  They seemed to heal everything that was wrong with me. Vicks vapor rub was the aroma accompanying the tea.

The trick to a good cup of tea is boiling the water and letting the tea steep according to directions on the box or tin.  China, preferably a really nice cup, is the perfect container.  Also, sugar cubes and an English "biscuit" will transport one to another time and dimension!

Lately, I have returned to those roots and rediscovered the hug of a cup of tea.  For some reason, when I steep it in my mother's tea pot and drink it from a china cup, miracles happen.  I relax and find that stress and troubles retreat and my focus is on the good things I find in my life.

Another thing I remember is sitting on my mother's lap while she rubbed my head and prayed for me.  Mom's hands were soothing and healing.  Her prayers were similar to the cup of tea.  They would wrap me in security and as I relaxed, just before I fell asleep, I was sure I would be well.

When I pray, I find that same sense of peace and contentment.  There are so many Bible passages that wrap around my heart and soul, allowing me the comfort and security that I will be well.

John 3:16

Proverbs 3:5-6

Philippians 4:7

Isaiah 52:7

Matthew 5:9

"And then she said..."

Communication!

How many times have you been "listening" and not heard a word?  Your body was there but you were somewhere else.  

It takes two to have a conversation.  At least, to have a meaningful one.

It is important to listen to what is said so the dialogue can be successful and fulfilling. 

Our families need to know that we are still able to include them in our lives, even when we are consumed with caregiving.  In fact, the more we include others in our challenges, the more we thrive and share both the joyful times and the harder times.

I have been reading a devotional on prayer.  Prayer is a two way street and when we pray, we should be open to hearing His answer.  The Holy Spirit was given to us as our helper when Jesus went back to the Father.  You will find if you are listening while you are seeking!

Matthew 7:7-12