Hi everyone,
I hope your Sunday is going well and I hope you're ready to say goodbye to July. I find it hard to believe that tomorrow is August 1st. I have to admit that I won't be sorry to see the hot and humid weather of this summer, leave us for some autumn weather. I haven't been able to be outside very much during the month of July. June wasn't too bad, but July was terrible.
Because of my Chronic Congestive Heart Failure and other heart issues, when I'm out during humid weather, my chest feels like there's a ton of bricks pressing down on it and I can't breathe. So, consequently, I remain indoors on most summer days. I'm not complaining though, I'm so thankful that I'm still living. If that means staying inside during the summer, then so be it.
What's been happening in your life? I hope only good things, but I know that usually isn't the case. We really have to accept the troubling times, as well as, the good things. Those bad things help us to appreciate it when things go our way. I try very hard to take one day at a time, accepting whatever happens to me each day.
I know that God has a plan for each of us, but it will only be revealed in His time, not ours. Most things happen for a reason, although we don't know what that reason is at that time. God does work in mysterious ways. I grew up hearing the quote: "When one door closes, another one opens for us." I believe this with all my heart and soul. The problem arises when we think we know what should be behind that new door. It's not up to us! It's up to God! This world needs to put their trust in God, not in worldly things.
I detest all the hatred and killings that are taking place in this world we all live in today. What we need to do is pray, love one another and stop blaming everyone else for our bad choices. I truly believe that a lot of this behavior falls on the shoulders of the parents. Too many parents today are afraid to discipline their children the way they need to do. I understand that parents are instructed by counselors to try to reason with their children when they back talk them, shout and scream at their parents, when they do whatever they want regardless what the parent says. What is happening in this world today. I see nothing wrong with strong discipline for children starting when they are toddlers.
That's the way I raised my three daughters and they're strong, wonderful Moms. They raised their sons the same way and I pray that my Grandsons will raise their children just the same. Too many children are rude and disrespectful to their parents and to everyone. I'm sorry but that's just wrong. I can remember, since I was a young child, being taught that you always respect your elders. That starts with your parents and grandparents and carries on from there.
What is the answer to our problems? I truly don't know, but I'm thankful that I'm not raising young children today. I truly fear for this world in the future generations. We all need to pray for each other, it's the best thing we can do for one another.
I hope you have a good Monday, tomorrow. Be safe and may God bless you and your families.
Susan
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Is there sympathy for the dying?
Good afternoon everyone,
Have you ever took the time to think about what it's like to be dying, slowly. I'm sure that most people don't think about the subject of death, especially it's their own. I assume that for most folks, thinking about the prospect of dying, doesn't occur until they become old.
I believe that's because when we're in our twenties, thirties and early forties, most of us are raising children these days. You're just trying to get through each day. Most folks work full time jobs, are raising children, and have busy lives. The thought of 'death' doesn't even enter our heads. We're too busy worrying about running kids around, working and paying bills.
I've been visiting a dear friend of mine, once each week, since January. She's in a nearby nursing home. When she was first put there, she was angry because she didn't want to stay there. Unfortunately, she needed to stay there and apparently her family stopped caring very much about what happened to her. She was angry but she'd cry while I was visiting. I'm sure that wasn't the only time she'd be in tears or angry. I admit that she'd become extremely obese, but she was very over-weight the first time I met her, which was at least ten years or more, ago.
Being obese certainly affects one's health, in many ways. Her legs were no longer able to hold up her body. They became extremely weak and affected with arthritis, which is very painful. I know for a fact, because I have arthritis and osteoarthritis throughout my body. Thank God that I am able to keep my weight down.
During the past six months, I've seen my friend go from being angry and crying, to being very depressed. Unfortunately, she's also been stricken with other medical problems, including dementia. She rarely opens her eyes when I'm with her and I'm not sure she even remembers that I was there, right after I leave.
I pray for my friend, every day and I ask God's mercy for her. She's been failing rapidly. That is so sad for me to watch. I can remember what a fun and happy lady she was. She was overweight, but she was still happy. She loved playing bingo, even if she didn't win. She was a very simple person. She loved her husband very much and she was happy to just share her life with him.
Then in 2011, her husband passed away. She was devastated. I can understand how she feels, although my husband's still living and I'm so thankful for that blessing.
I feel that she's slowing slipping away from this world. It's very sad for me, as well as two other women who also visit with her. My prayer for her is that God doesn't let her suffer for long. It's not necessarily her physical suffering, it's more her mental suffering. She's very sad and depressed about her current situation, which I can understand. She feels that her family doesn't care about her anymore. How else would she feel?
I will visit with her once each week because she's my friend, even if she's not aware that I've even been there. I know I have been there with her and although it's very depressing for me, I will continue going to see her. I have so much empathy for her. I don't know exactly what she's going through, but I can imagine what it's like.
I pray to God that I'm never put in this situation, where my family doesn't come to visit me. She must feel completely alone. I speak to her about God and remind her that He is always with her. As long as He's with her, she will never be totally alone. I framed a photo of Jesus and put it in her room so she'd remember He is present with her.
So, to answer my own question, "yes" there is sympathy and empathy for the dying, at least by me. How about you? Do you care enough about someone who's just a friend, to help them through the dying process? I hope so, because we all need someone human in our lives, so we know we're not alone.
Have a good day and may God be with each of you.
Susan
Have you ever took the time to think about what it's like to be dying, slowly. I'm sure that most people don't think about the subject of death, especially it's their own. I assume that for most folks, thinking about the prospect of dying, doesn't occur until they become old.
I believe that's because when we're in our twenties, thirties and early forties, most of us are raising children these days. You're just trying to get through each day. Most folks work full time jobs, are raising children, and have busy lives. The thought of 'death' doesn't even enter our heads. We're too busy worrying about running kids around, working and paying bills.
I've been visiting a dear friend of mine, once each week, since January. She's in a nearby nursing home. When she was first put there, she was angry because she didn't want to stay there. Unfortunately, she needed to stay there and apparently her family stopped caring very much about what happened to her. She was angry but she'd cry while I was visiting. I'm sure that wasn't the only time she'd be in tears or angry. I admit that she'd become extremely obese, but she was very over-weight the first time I met her, which was at least ten years or more, ago.
Being obese certainly affects one's health, in many ways. Her legs were no longer able to hold up her body. They became extremely weak and affected with arthritis, which is very painful. I know for a fact, because I have arthritis and osteoarthritis throughout my body. Thank God that I am able to keep my weight down.
During the past six months, I've seen my friend go from being angry and crying, to being very depressed. Unfortunately, she's also been stricken with other medical problems, including dementia. She rarely opens her eyes when I'm with her and I'm not sure she even remembers that I was there, right after I leave.
I pray for my friend, every day and I ask God's mercy for her. She's been failing rapidly. That is so sad for me to watch. I can remember what a fun and happy lady she was. She was overweight, but she was still happy. She loved playing bingo, even if she didn't win. She was a very simple person. She loved her husband very much and she was happy to just share her life with him.
Then in 2011, her husband passed away. She was devastated. I can understand how she feels, although my husband's still living and I'm so thankful for that blessing.
I feel that she's slowing slipping away from this world. It's very sad for me, as well as two other women who also visit with her. My prayer for her is that God doesn't let her suffer for long. It's not necessarily her physical suffering, it's more her mental suffering. She's very sad and depressed about her current situation, which I can understand. She feels that her family doesn't care about her anymore. How else would she feel?
I will visit with her once each week because she's my friend, even if she's not aware that I've even been there. I know I have been there with her and although it's very depressing for me, I will continue going to see her. I have so much empathy for her. I don't know exactly what she's going through, but I can imagine what it's like.
I pray to God that I'm never put in this situation, where my family doesn't come to visit me. She must feel completely alone. I speak to her about God and remind her that He is always with her. As long as He's with her, she will never be totally alone. I framed a photo of Jesus and put it in her room so she'd remember He is present with her.
So, to answer my own question, "yes" there is sympathy and empathy for the dying, at least by me. How about you? Do you care enough about someone who's just a friend, to help them through the dying process? I hope so, because we all need someone human in our lives, so we know we're not alone.
Have a good day and may God be with each of you.
Susan
Sunday, July 17, 2016
Happy Sunday!
Hi everyone,
I hope you all have a blessed Sunday and that you remember that Sunday is the Lord's Day. It's very important that all of us make time for God today. Either by attending your Church's Sunday service or reading your bibles, or reading from your prayer books. Perhaps you pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet or the Rosary, or something else within your own religion. The important thing is to give praise to God on His day!
As for me, I am no longer able to go into my parish church, because for some reason, after I'm there for about fifteen minutes, I get light headed and feel like I'm about to pass out. I've tried other Catholic churches and it's the same there. I don't know if it's the lack of oxygen from so many people having been in before me or if it's the incense.
For a long time now, I've been participating in the Sunday Mass that's broadcast on EWTN, which is the Eternal Word Television Network. It's a Catholic station I get on Comcast channel 15. The Mass is generally on at 8:00 am and then again at 12:00 noon.
I few months ago, I found another venue for the Sunday Mass. That is www.heartofthenation.org. It is a Catholic web site that has the Sunday Mass online. They even offer you a free booklet so that you can recite the current prayers with them. It also comes from a very small Chapel, as does the Mass on EWTN.
If we're not at home on a Sunday, I used to not be able to attend Mass, but I'm so happy that now no matter where I am, I can still celebrate Mass. Of course, you will need an electronic device which has internet service to do this.
I just wanted to share this information with anyone else who is a Catholic and wishes they could celebrate the Mass on Sundays, if they're unable to go to a church. It's such a comfort to me to know that I can still attend Mass and worship God, just as I used to do before becoming ill. I always make a Spiritual Communion during that time in the Mass and every once and a while, I am brought communion.
I know there are many shut-ins out there. I just wanted everyone to know that there are worship services available on Sundays. If you know a Catholic who can no longer physically attend Mass, please let them know about these two venues. Being old or ill, doesn't stop your desire to worship God in the way you've done all your life. Even if you're not a Catholic, I'm sure you'll get great blessings from these services.
Have a blessed and a holy Lord's Day. Be safe and may God bless each of you, no matter what religion you are. God loves each of us.
Susan
I hope you all have a blessed Sunday and that you remember that Sunday is the Lord's Day. It's very important that all of us make time for God today. Either by attending your Church's Sunday service or reading your bibles, or reading from your prayer books. Perhaps you pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet or the Rosary, or something else within your own religion. The important thing is to give praise to God on His day!
As for me, I am no longer able to go into my parish church, because for some reason, after I'm there for about fifteen minutes, I get light headed and feel like I'm about to pass out. I've tried other Catholic churches and it's the same there. I don't know if it's the lack of oxygen from so many people having been in before me or if it's the incense.
For a long time now, I've been participating in the Sunday Mass that's broadcast on EWTN, which is the Eternal Word Television Network. It's a Catholic station I get on Comcast channel 15. The Mass is generally on at 8:00 am and then again at 12:00 noon.
I few months ago, I found another venue for the Sunday Mass. That is www.heartofthenation.org. It is a Catholic web site that has the Sunday Mass online. They even offer you a free booklet so that you can recite the current prayers with them. It also comes from a very small Chapel, as does the Mass on EWTN.
If we're not at home on a Sunday, I used to not be able to attend Mass, but I'm so happy that now no matter where I am, I can still celebrate Mass. Of course, you will need an electronic device which has internet service to do this.
I just wanted to share this information with anyone else who is a Catholic and wishes they could celebrate the Mass on Sundays, if they're unable to go to a church. It's such a comfort to me to know that I can still attend Mass and worship God, just as I used to do before becoming ill. I always make a Spiritual Communion during that time in the Mass and every once and a while, I am brought communion.
I know there are many shut-ins out there. I just wanted everyone to know that there are worship services available on Sundays. If you know a Catholic who can no longer physically attend Mass, please let them know about these two venues. Being old or ill, doesn't stop your desire to worship God in the way you've done all your life. Even if you're not a Catholic, I'm sure you'll get great blessings from these services.
Have a blessed and a holy Lord's Day. Be safe and may God bless each of you, no matter what religion you are. God loves each of us.
Susan
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Hello folks,
Well today's Hump Day so all you working people are on the down slide of your work week now. I don't think it matters how much you like what you do for a living, you are still happy to see the weekend come around. I know I always was.
I visited my friend today in the nursing home. It makes me very sad because when I leave at the end of my visit, I wonder if she even remembers that I was there. It makes me so sad to see her this way. She was always such a happy go lucky person, but now she sits with her eyes closed most of the time and she quietly says things that make no sense to me at all.
What frustrates me so much is that I'm not related to her, therefore I can't enquire of the staff about what is wrong with her; what medicines she's on; if the meds are making her that way or if she is suffering from dementia or something worse.
Once I'm home again, I feel so helpless. There's really nothing I can do to make her better. I go to visit once a week because that's what I need to do. It's all I really can do for her. I hope it makes a difference to her, but I'm not sure she always remembers I was there. Today she couldn't even remember my name when I first arrived.
The truly sad thing is that her immediate family doesn't visit her. They don't seem to care about her anymore. That is so hard for me to comprehend. I know things were not very pleasant before she went to the nursing home, but how about all the years she took care of her child when she was young. What is so strong that it destroys the love between a parent and a child?
I suppose the answer to that question is: the devil. Well, my message to him is to "Leave them alone! They hate you!"
I choose to remember the way my friend was seven or eight years ago. She loved a good joke, a good time, and visiting with her friends. She didn't get around too easily, because she was over weight, but she always smiled and was in a good mood. I miss that friend, but I still love her anyways. Please say a prayer for her.
We never know what our lives will be like when we're old. Well, I'm already old, so I guess, to some extent, I do know, but we have no idea what the future holds for us. One day everything can just be great and we're so happy and in twenty four hours, our lives can be turned upside down. This can happen for many reasons. We simply don't know what's in store for each of us.
Perhaps that's why prayer is so important to me. I hope it is to you also. It's the best way to protect ourselves and our families in the future. Of course, prayer won't necessary stop things from happening, but it will help to prepare us for whatever happens in our lives.
I hope the remainder of your week is filled with love and peace. Please take time to say 'I love you' to your family; tomorrow may be to late.
May God bless each of you today and for the rest of your lives, however long that may be.
Susan
I visited my friend today in the nursing home. It makes me very sad because when I leave at the end of my visit, I wonder if she even remembers that I was there. It makes me so sad to see her this way. She was always such a happy go lucky person, but now she sits with her eyes closed most of the time and she quietly says things that make no sense to me at all.
What frustrates me so much is that I'm not related to her, therefore I can't enquire of the staff about what is wrong with her; what medicines she's on; if the meds are making her that way or if she is suffering from dementia or something worse.
Once I'm home again, I feel so helpless. There's really nothing I can do to make her better. I go to visit once a week because that's what I need to do. It's all I really can do for her. I hope it makes a difference to her, but I'm not sure she always remembers I was there. Today she couldn't even remember my name when I first arrived.
The truly sad thing is that her immediate family doesn't visit her. They don't seem to care about her anymore. That is so hard for me to comprehend. I know things were not very pleasant before she went to the nursing home, but how about all the years she took care of her child when she was young. What is so strong that it destroys the love between a parent and a child?
I suppose the answer to that question is: the devil. Well, my message to him is to "Leave them alone! They hate you!"
I choose to remember the way my friend was seven or eight years ago. She loved a good joke, a good time, and visiting with her friends. She didn't get around too easily, because she was over weight, but she always smiled and was in a good mood. I miss that friend, but I still love her anyways. Please say a prayer for her.
We never know what our lives will be like when we're old. Well, I'm already old, so I guess, to some extent, I do know, but we have no idea what the future holds for us. One day everything can just be great and we're so happy and in twenty four hours, our lives can be turned upside down. This can happen for many reasons. We simply don't know what's in store for each of us.
Perhaps that's why prayer is so important to me. I hope it is to you also. It's the best way to protect ourselves and our families in the future. Of course, prayer won't necessary stop things from happening, but it will help to prepare us for whatever happens in our lives.
I hope the remainder of your week is filled with love and peace. Please take time to say 'I love you' to your family; tomorrow may be to late.
May God bless each of you today and for the rest of your lives, however long that may be.
Susan
Saturday, July 9, 2016
Is it fall yet?
Hi everyone,
Well, the temperature has been up in the low 90's a few days this week and the humidity has been extremely high yesterday and today. If you haven't figured it out yet, I am not liking this type of weather. I can not be outside in weather like this because of my chronic congestive heart failure and I hate feeling stuck in the house all the time. I am so grateful that we have central air-conditioning because I need the air all summer.
I can remember when I could go out in this weather. I loved going to the swimming pool or to Laurel Lake. Most of the time I'd sit in the sun and visit with family or friends. But, as much as I hate to say this, all that time in the sun, took it's toll on me. I've had numerous carcinomas removed from my face and neck areas. I was born a blue eyed, blond and the sun wasn't good for me.
I remember, as a child, whenever we'd go to Laurel Lake for the day, my Mom would put sun tan lotion on me and also she'd make me wear a t-shirt over my swimming suit. I used to burn so quickly and I recall that on our drive home, my skin would be burning and hurting me.
You'd think that having those memories, as a child, that as an adult, I'd stay out of the sun. Yeah, that didn't happen. That is, until about ten years ago. I guess we all have to learn the hard way, in some things anyway. I'm 68 years old and I'm still learning things, but I'm happy to say, that most of those things I don't learn the hard way.
What have you all been up to lately? I do hope you're doing something creative, anything at all that's creative, is good. Maybe you ladies have made a new, fancy, tasty dessert for your family. That's being creative and it tastes good, too.
My husband is making me a shelf that will fit above our new gas kitchen range. This one doesn't go back against the wall, the way the other one did, and it is a bit rounded on the top, in the back. I'm used to setting salt and pepper shakers on the back of the stove and now I can't. I thought he forgot about making a shelf, but he surprised me today when he headed into the basement and made one. He's now waiting for the paint to dry. See, he was being creative today also.
I'm currently working on another manuscript, but it seems to be going slow for me. I'm not sure why. I just seem to be getting tired so much lately. I suppose it's partly my health and partly my age. I guess I'm an old lady now. No, that doesn't really bother me at all!
Tomorrow is Sunday, the Lord's Day. So, whatever you have planned for tomorrow, I do hope that you will take some time for God in your day. Have a great Sunday and may God bless each of you.
Susan
God's beautiful sunset.
Well, the temperature has been up in the low 90's a few days this week and the humidity has been extremely high yesterday and today. If you haven't figured it out yet, I am not liking this type of weather. I can not be outside in weather like this because of my chronic congestive heart failure and I hate feeling stuck in the house all the time. I am so grateful that we have central air-conditioning because I need the air all summer.
I can remember when I could go out in this weather. I loved going to the swimming pool or to Laurel Lake. Most of the time I'd sit in the sun and visit with family or friends. But, as much as I hate to say this, all that time in the sun, took it's toll on me. I've had numerous carcinomas removed from my face and neck areas. I was born a blue eyed, blond and the sun wasn't good for me.
I remember, as a child, whenever we'd go to Laurel Lake for the day, my Mom would put sun tan lotion on me and also she'd make me wear a t-shirt over my swimming suit. I used to burn so quickly and I recall that on our drive home, my skin would be burning and hurting me.
You'd think that having those memories, as a child, that as an adult, I'd stay out of the sun. Yeah, that didn't happen. That is, until about ten years ago. I guess we all have to learn the hard way, in some things anyway. I'm 68 years old and I'm still learning things, but I'm happy to say, that most of those things I don't learn the hard way.
What have you all been up to lately? I do hope you're doing something creative, anything at all that's creative, is good. Maybe you ladies have made a new, fancy, tasty dessert for your family. That's being creative and it tastes good, too.
My husband is making me a shelf that will fit above our new gas kitchen range. This one doesn't go back against the wall, the way the other one did, and it is a bit rounded on the top, in the back. I'm used to setting salt and pepper shakers on the back of the stove and now I can't. I thought he forgot about making a shelf, but he surprised me today when he headed into the basement and made one. He's now waiting for the paint to dry. See, he was being creative today also.
I'm currently working on another manuscript, but it seems to be going slow for me. I'm not sure why. I just seem to be getting tired so much lately. I suppose it's partly my health and partly my age. I guess I'm an old lady now. No, that doesn't really bother me at all!
Tomorrow is Sunday, the Lord's Day. So, whatever you have planned for tomorrow, I do hope that you will take some time for God in your day. Have a great Sunday and may God bless each of you.
Susan
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Will our country ever be safe?
Good evening all,
Yesterday we celebrated July 4th, Independence Day. It was a day for all Americans to fly their United States flags high and be proud of our heritage.
Around the world, there have been so many terror attacks lately and I have to wonder when it will stop or if it will ever stop! Personally, I don't understand why people just can't live in peace. We were all born with the ability to love one another and live in peace.
Too many people live with hate these days. Whatever happened to loving one another the way Jesus taught us to do. Why can't we just let others be who they are, and stop judging one another for whatever reasons!
I fear what is going to happen in the US and the rest of the world if people don't soon stop hating others. I trust God in everything and I put my trust in Him, only. How about you? If you love your family and you want them to stay alive, then you need to do the same.
Yesterday we celebrated July 4th, Independence Day. It was a day for all Americans to fly their United States flags high and be proud of our heritage.
Around the world, there have been so many terror attacks lately and I have to wonder when it will stop or if it will ever stop! Personally, I don't understand why people just can't live in peace. We were all born with the ability to love one another and live in peace.
Too many people live with hate these days. Whatever happened to loving one another the way Jesus taught us to do. Why can't we just let others be who they are, and stop judging one another for whatever reasons!
I fear what is going to happen in the US and the rest of the world if people don't soon stop hating others. I trust God in everything and I put my trust in Him, only. How about you? If you love your family and you want them to stay alive, then you need to do the same.
I love the Divine Mercy Image of Jesus and yes, I do trust in Him everyday of my life.
I hope you have a good week and those you love will stay well and healthy.
Susan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)