eternal things

With Easter around the corner, we have the perfect opportunity to have open conversations about the love of Christ and his work on the cross on our behalf. I am reminded of a story about my mother and her salvation. I was 24 when my mom died (she was only 60!) but she got sick when I was only 16 and never in good health after that; Now that I have a child 20 and a child 15 (and one 13), I see how young that really was to go through something like that...... for her and for me.....My mother-in-law saw my motherʼs sickness is a more realistic way than I did (I guess I didnʼt really think she would actually die), and really encouraged me to ask her if she believed that Jesus died on a cross for her sins. She did this so that I would have the assurance of my momʼs salvation or time to share if mom had not accepted Jesus as savior. I remember being so scared of doing that. It was like I wanted to know for sure but didnʼt want to offend her with the question. Have you ever felt that way? Especially with a loved one who has always had the answers, been the one in charge, in control, teaching me things, not the other way around. Well, I finally got my nerve up and I remember it pretty clearly.... I was on the edge of her king sized bed (where she spent alot of time) and finally got the nerve to ask the question of the age.... I was nervous and took a deep breath, hoping not to offend her...... “I know

you know all of the bible stories from church and all, but do you believe Christ died for your sins; have you made a personal decision to accept him as your savior? Okay, there I said it, now holding my breath for the answer..... which was yes--but sounding offended that I had to ask the question. BUT even though it may have offended her, I AM SO GLAD I ASKED....I cannot imagine the last 25 years if I had to wonder where she is now.... Was it uncomfortable? yes indeed.... Would I do it again.... yes indeed! If you are uncertain of your parentʼs eternal state, I encourage you, as my wise mother-in-law encouraged me, ask and find out. Ask yourself the question first... go to Godʼs word which is very clear about the way, the truth and the life. Donʼt have the regret of wondering or not sharing with them the good news even if it is uncomfortable. Why is it we can talk more easily about bodily functions and television shows than the most important decision anyone can make.

It is as if we donʼt think that they (and we) are going to die. Not to be doom and gloom, but this is certain.... It is not IF but WHEN... for all of us ....... donʼt delay.... one uncomfortable conversation could give you peace for years to come and eternity with Jesus for them... and then if they donʼt know the way, there is time to share with the good news of Christ. If you yourself have questions, please email me and I would love

to share more with you.

Are you going to the store anytime soon?

Are you going to the store anytime soon? For years, my sisters and I had specific duties to help with my dad. One sister had the shopping duty. Even though I served him most meals because he lived with us, she did errand runs such as pick up prescriptions, “Scope”, and sometimes even candy (although remember, he was diabetic!).... We never formally divided the tasks but it sort of fell into place. We can laugh NOW about the story that seemed to happen over and over again.... Picture this: my sister, who never cooks (literally-meaning most of the time she was making a special trip to the store just for him)... comes in with a bag full of items he has asked for just days before: perhaps kleenex with very special requirements (count, size, softness) , toothpaste (again, not just ANY brand), and a prescription or two...... When she would walk in his house with a bag of items that she had purchased for him, he would say, “Are you going to the store anytime soon?” FEELING #1: Exasperation! The exasperation she/we would feel when things like this happen did NOT seem funny at the time.... She may have just spent the morning searching for the items he had asked for and no more had she brought those items in, than he had thought of other things he needed but had not called to add to the list. FEELING #2: Guilt (over the impatience and exasperation that you JUST had)... You know you are here to serve well but “lost it”, even if only inwardly, when he asked for more errand running.... FEELING #3 Compassion--You LOVE them and are willing to do anything for them but planning ahead really would help you since this is not your only commitment. But remember, patience and perseverance are only a prayer away. Put your hope in HIM who does not change, yesterday, today or ever! Donʼt go this alone; ask Jesus to lead you....

final days

One of the scariest parts of taking care of your parents may be the unknown ending. You don’t want their passing to happen because you love them dearly but can sometimes feel like you need a break. Just like having small children who won’t sleep through the night--someday they will--just when is what we don’t know. Sometimes in caring for your parent, you feel weary and tired and think that it will never end (and then you feel guilty for having that thought!).... You could gear up for anything if you knew if was going to be 2 weeks but what if this caring lasts 10 years or longer.... The unknown..... the path, which way will it lead... and when.... and how..... For years, I “worried” about how the end would be for my dad... Would he have enough money to pay for help if he needed it? Would he need full time help or have to move to a nursing home? Would he lose bowel and bladder control or be in a wheelchair that I couldn’t lift him in and out of? Would it be fast or slow? Would one day I go out there and he be “gone” or worse, if I sent a child out to tell him it’s dinner time and he already be “gone”...... The important thing for us to remember is that: God is in control.... the decline and final story ending for your parent will not be a surprise ending for him. It is not a mystery to God. Our job is to be obedient and care for them with excellence until it is time and then rest and lean on the Lord as you walk through the valley as the end approaches.... Pray for patience so you can be the hands and feet of Christ. Trust in the One who knows how the story ends and until then, enjoy the story, slowing down to savor every page of it! Your role is vital to the plot and an integral part of a beautiful story that God has already written.