Gary's Prayers - "The Basics"

(Back in 2010, even though Gary's language skills were waning, he would still pray at meals.  I wrote down some of these prayers in my journal.)

November 7, 2010

"Thank you for giving us friends.  For giving us opportunity. Also for food.  Amen" G.P.

Friends, opportunity and food.  These three are a good reminder to me too. 

  1. I'm thankful for a good friend who is helping me navigate some new accounting software.  I love to paint and be creative, but numbers are not my thing, so she is a huge blessing to me. 
  2. I'm so glad for the opportunity to go to a very special wedding this weekend.  Caregivers are lined up and our daughter is in town for the event.  Looking forward to seeing many old friends.
  3. I am thankful for the nutritious food that Gary is still able to eat.  It's pureed but tasty.

What are some reasons you are thanking God for your friends, opportunities, and food?  Care to share in the comments (at bottom of page) to encourage others?

"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Gary's Prayers - "Help Us Laugh"

(Long after Gary gave up conversations, he would pray at meals.  I wrote down some of these prayers.)

On June 21, 2011 Gary Prayed:

"Heavenly Father - Help us laugh at the...(?)...  Thank you for the healthy food.  Help us not be concerned."

When I wrote this prayer down his language skills were really starting to fade.  But I'm pretty sure, he meant that we need to trust God and "laugh" at the circumstances in our lives.  That's the way he would have spoken.  Not literal laughter, but having the kind of trust that generates a peaceful, joyful, and contented heart.  Anyway, I really need to take my cues from him right now.  This is a demanding, busy, and sobering time in my life.  I need to "laugh" at the pathetic efforts of the Enemy to discourage and overwhelm.  I need to be grateful for God's provision.  I need to trust my heavenly Father and not be concerned because He is handling our struggles.   

"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not worth much more than they?"  Matthew 6:26

Knowing this gives me cause to rejoice, and not be worried.  

(Click here to read more of Gary's Prayers.)

 

 

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Gary's Prayers - "Thank You"

Gary's Prayers

since being diagnosed with Alzheimer's in '07

 May 16, 2012

"Heavenly Father, thank you"

Gary prayed last night.  This is the first time in MONTHS that he has prayed out loud.  It was at dinner with some friends over.  His prayer was short.  It ended abruptly.  He got "stuck" as if he was going to say more but couldn't.  I finished for him and then our friend, Steve, commented that he had often heard Gary begin his prayers this way.

Can you even imagine how encouraging these 4 words were to my heart?   He is still giving praise and honor to his Heavenly Father, because he has been rescued from his heart of stone and been given a heart of flesh.  In his simple, random, rare moments, he continues to give thanks to God.

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

To the suffering Believers who were scattered about because of persecution, Peter wrote:

"After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect(fix what is broken),confirm(strengthen with resolve, under-gird), strengthen(strengthen wherever needed), and establish (give a firm foundation) you."  1 Peter 5:10

Though the circumstances were different, God is ALWAYS using this fallen world to do "a thousand things" in the lives of those who entrust their souls to Him.  May we ALL give thanks (to God) in EVERYTHING!

Gary's Prayers - "Your Word"

 Since being diagnosed with Alzheimer's in '07, I wrote down some of Gary's prayers...

June 18, 2009

"Thank You for giving us Your Word, and delivering it so precisely to us.  Thank You for Your Son and forgive us for trying to kill Him."

Gary's Prayers - "Trust"

Since being diagnosed with Alzheimer's in '07, I wrote down some of Gary's prayers...

November 1, 2009

"Thank you God for giving me something to make me trust you so I don't need to worry.  You are all I need and use me to glorify You."