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

Best laid plans...

I thought I was filming these pelicans and could turn the camera to show them better as they passed overhead.  I didn't think things through.  The outcome is in the video.

Life can be just as disappointing.

Life can also be very rewarding.

Just because I wasn't adept at filming didn't take away the beauty of the pelicans gliding across the sky.  It didn't change their flight pattern, only the way I viewed it.

I am grateful to God for the happiness I feel when I hear the waves hit the beach or watch the pelicans fly in formation over Galveston Island.  For me, there is nothing more relaxing or beautiful.  I feel whole and close to my Creator when I am standing there.  Peace.  That is what I experience.

Pearls

Pearls are always in style.  It doesn't matter if you are 2 or 90, a lady can always wear them with confidence.

"A pearl is a hard object produced within the soft tissue (specifically the mantle) of a living shelled mollusk.  Just like the shell of a clam, a pearl is made up of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form, which has been deposited in concentric layers. The finest quality natural pearls have been highly valued as gemstones and objects of beauty for many centuries, and because of this ,the word pearl has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable, and valuable."  Wikipedia.

Every time someone offered assistance, advice, directions while I was a caregiver a pearl developed in my situation.  When life settled down, I had a ribbon of memories that were priceless.  Each step of my journey was marked by God's hand moving through some person who valued me as much as I valued them.

God bless those who stand in the gap when we are unable to function on our own!