Forty-Three ... 2 Weeks Later

It's been two weeks since I turned 43. And it's been over two months since I could find the words to put into a blog post. Over the last year, there have been way to many losses. A lot of unbelievable, soul-crushing loss. Trials. Stress. Many sleepless nights and countless tears. But God! Through it all, the LORD has been abundantly kind and faithful ... revealing Himself through glimpses of grace ... as He has sustained (and continues to sustain) me all of my days. I've struggled to put this together, but this is my feeble attempt to share some of what the LORD has taught me ... and continues to teach me ... over the last year. 

(1) Although I wasn't with my biological father or with Papa at the time they met Jesus face-to-face, the LORD has redeemed that recently as He provided me the bittersweet opportunity/honor of walking a couple of my residents to the portals of Heaven. (2) Changing careers is scary, but so rewarding when the LORD paves the way. (3) ALL of life's questions can be taken to Jesus ... HE is the ultimate answer. (4) There's one true Anchor. JESUS. (5) Have the hard conversations. (6) NEVER give up hope! (7) Real healing is possible. (8) People with dementia have great potential! Many times, their caregivers have a harder time with their diagnosis than they do. (9) Jesus is the Source of the believer's confidence. (10) Setting goals with a plan makes dreams come true. (11) Books are gifts from God. (12) You can never say I LOVE YOU too much. Go ahead & make it weird. It's okay. (13) Strive to be all God created you to be. (14) Boundaries are essential in all areas of life. (15) God's timing is NOT our timing! (16) Write liberally; share sparingly. (17) Caregiving, done the right way, is a calling. (18) Flexibility is a must in life! (19) Take care of your physical health ... making yourself a priority isn't selfish. When your physical health has been cared for, many times, your spiritual/mental/emotional health will improve. (20) Forgiveness doesn't guarantee reconciliation. (21) Learn the art of gardening ... for food and for beauty. (22) Quiet healing can be deep healing. (23) NEVER stop dreaming! (24) NEVER ignore the red flags/gut instincts when dealing with people. Those are from the Holy Spirit, if you belong to Him. PAY ATTENTION! (25) Jesus is LORD of all ... or He's not LORD at all. (26) sitting at the feet of Jesus is possible, even when there's a lot to do. (27) Know your worth! (28) Pray FOR people ... not about them. Prepositions matter! (29) Exodus 14:1 "The LORD will fight for you. You need only to be still." (30) No matter the circumstances of our lives, as long as Jesus is honored in and through us, all will TRULY be okay. (31) Walk in confidence knowing Jesus goes before you. (32) Take lots of pictures! Print them out and praise the LORD for precious memories ... even in seasons of grief. (33) God is good. Faithful. Abundantly merciful, loving, and kind ... even when our lives have fallen apart. (34) Hebrews 9:27-28 "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him." Share Jesus with anyone and everyone! (35) Embrace your gray hair! Glitter strands. Wisdom highlights. It's beautiful! (36) There's ALWAYS abundant grace for the day ahead. (37) Caregiving is a high honor! There is no greater honor for a Christian than to walk another Christian to Jesus. (38) Stand for truth and righteousness ... even if you're standing alone. (39) Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. (40) Time flies ... even when you're not having fun ... so seize every moment that the LORD gives to you. (41) When you step out of your comfort zone, the LORD faithfully meets you there and equips you with His supernatural strength, grace, and courage. (42) Words have the power to speak life or to crush someone's spirit. Choose life! (43) REDEMPTION. May we never lose sight of the old, old story of Jesus Christ. Of our redemption. 

As 2025 lies in front of you and me, may we be found faithful. I'm just a fellow pilgrim passing through this life headed for Heaven. I pray that you are, too!
SDG!