!THGIN SDRAWKCAB OT EMOCLEW



In case you are wondering about the title, you are invited to our Family Night!   Oh, it was last night.  Sorry we forgot to tell you ahead of time.  But anyway, I'll try to recreate it right now for you.  (at the end of the post, I'll give some planning tips.) Now, back to the Family Night...At 5:00pm last night, Our California grandchildren were assembled on the front porch with their parents, and my parents to read the sign. 


After everyone found their way around to our BACK door, and made adjustments to their clothing, backwards name tags were created.  
 
Some used the bathroom mirror, 
some made several attempts, 
and some got help from parents, but everyone found out this is not so easy...
We had an "inside-out" braid, Great-Grandparent participation and some "disturbing" alien-like sightings...


Of course, DESSERT must be served first, so Dinner began with Ice Cream Sandwiches.  What kid, (or adult) wouldn't like to do THIS!  Well, this was only the beginning.  After all the tummies were nearly full, from the sweets, it was time to come to the table.
It didn't take long for the kids to get into the spirit of things.  One of them said, "I am so sad I am not invited to this very terrible party."



Someone noticed the wacky centerpiece, and then the excitement level really went up as the kids noticed the place settings.  We ate out of baking pans and serving platters, and drank from sauce pans, tea pots, measuring cups, and flower vases.  The utensils were whatever crazy thing I could find.  Measuring spoons, ice cream scoop, salad tongs, etc.




BREAKFAST 
IS 
SERVED
!!!!!!
After dinner, the kids and their parents were asked to supply the entertainment.  They had 15 minutes to prepare a play for us, based on the well known fairy tale:  ALLEREDNIC

THE RULES:
  • 1 prop per person
  • Must reverse roles, such as a boy must play a girl's part, or a child must play an adult role
  • Scenes must be in reverse order.
To begin....a bow!
 
Allerednic at left, ready to dance with Prince Charming on right



Fairy Godmother gives Allerednic some "smelly slippers"
Poor Allerednic must clean the floor.

AND A TERRIBLE TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!
Seriously...If you ever want something fun to do with your kids, grandkids, or anyone you love....how about a backwards night!  Gary used to say "Eat dessert first because life is uncertain!"  Sometimes at dinner, when the kids were young, we would take turns "being the person on our left".  This was fun and very revealing!  Sometimes TOO revealing, but we had lots of laughs...We all need an excuse to do something crazy once in a while.  It doesn't take much effort at all, just get an idea in your head and run with it.  It doesn't have to be perfect, just fun! 

WE LOVE COMMENTS...you can leave one below....

Watercolor Journals - Humongus

One of the reasons I love working on these paintings is the concurrent daydreaming.  My mind seems to wander to wonderful places.  The choice of a peach colored hibiscus for a couple who were going to be celebrating a special anniversary in Hawaii, was sentimental for me, because we had a number of these in our own backyard.  Before the days of the internet, Gary, had stacks of catalogs, and used to mail order for unusual plants.  He had one hibiscus that was as big as a dinner plate.  These blossoms didn't last very long and couldn't be tucked over your ear, but WOW!  And the cool thing is the plant would die back down to nothing in the winter.  All that was left was bare dried up stems.  Then every summer up it came, with the huge blossoms!  
I couldn't resist including a couple of examples from his garden...

Practical Joking 101 - Templeton

For those of you who are "humor challenged," fresh out of ideas for practical jokes, or just want to have a good laugh, keep an eye out for "Practical Joking 101."  Lately, I've been reminded of some of Gary's antics.  I decided to include some of them here on the blog.
Kathy wrote:  Hi Laurie, I read your post and the line about Gary having a practical joke up his sleeve made me remember the time I called him to come rescue me. Ric was out of town or something and I was 8 months pregnant with Jordan. While reading "Charlotte's Web" with Templeton the rat, I found a real rat at my feet! My 3 cats killed it but wouldn't take it outside. So I called Gary for help. So Gary and the girls came over and were laughing at me because by this time I was sitting on the top of the couch. So Gary picks up the rat by the tail, walks into my kitchen (and I can't see him by this time) and turns on the garbage disposal, and says, "Is this OK?" I vowed to call someone else the next time I was in trouble!  By the way, he didn't really put it down the garbage disposal!
  TIP:  It's not what you ACTUALLY did, it's what they THINK you did.

Agape Love

We go to a large church, but that doesn't hinder love.  On Sunday morning, while seated in our Fellowship Group, several men came to Gary and greeted him with a kind touch.  There would be no handshake or eye contact from him.  No visible sign that he even noticed.  These men received nothing in return, and in fact risked looking and feeling a little silly.  "Hi Gary, it's great to see you today!"  "Hey, Mr. Price, Good Morning to you!" Some of these guys are in our smaller group Bible Study, and have spent some time around us.  Some are new friends that we have met since the dementia, so they fall in to the short term memory loss time period.  A couple of them have known us for a long, long time, and remember Gary from before, a clever guy, who loved Escatology, and always had a practical joke up his sleeve.  In fact, one of these guys used to meet with Gary for discipleship.  Now, when Gary looks at them, if he does, it's not clear if he recognizes them or not. But it doesn't matter how long we have known people, the body of Christ, reaches out to us.  A new friend offered to come visit Gary last week, and ended up looking at photo albums with him.  Gary was more interested in how the album opened and closed (a 3 ring binder) than reviewing the photos, but our friend sat with him to give companionship for an hour while I had an appointment.  Another friend spends time with Gary during our monthly A.D. ministry meeting at the church.  This Saturday he took him for a walk, with his arm around Gary for support, talked about the things they saw, chatting and joking away, while Gary said nothing.  Gary may or may not be understanding, but he is hearing a man's voice, and spending time with men.  It is awkward to talk to someone who does not respond, but these men, who love Jesus, love Gary because Jesus loved them first.  They are offering a cup of cold water in Jesus' name to "the least of these".  I have never been so grateful!

Watercolor Journals - The best is yet to be

11 X 14 Custom Watercolor
A 40 year marriage and a wife's love for her husband prompted my most recent painting.  She loves him and understands, that each year's lessons build on the experiences of the last.  In the consideration of "Quality vs Quantity", it seems to me that quantity gives opportunity for quality to happen.  A lifetime commitment to keeping one's vows provides a delightful garden where love can really grow and mature.  Trust, respect, truth, confidence, wisdom and peace come from many years of sharing life with the one you love.  She chose an excerpt from Robert Browning's Rabbi Ben Ezra, as a way to celebrate a very special anniversary.  Their garden is filled with hollyhocks, and I'm sure their home is filled with abounding joy.

While painting, I enjoyed thinking about the "last of life, for which the first was made".  For 36 years, Gary and I have walked through life together, with each year's experiences building on the years before. This project has provided me with pleasant thoughts of the past "happier" days, mingled with peace and trust as we hold hands through the more challenging times at hand.  I'm thankful for the opportunity to "age" with my own husband knowing that God is trustworthy and I have nothing to fear.  Thank you, Patti, for entrusting me with this project and for the great reminder.






Watercolor Journals - Autumn Crisp

I'm looking forward to the crisp mornings, and clear skies of Autumn, as the trees put on their finest colors, and the school year begins.  Parents and kids are already lining up at Walmart to buy school supplies, and even though the summer fun is coming to an end there is an air of expectation and fresh starts.  This painting will be a gift for a special teacher.  I was reminded of the coming fall colors, limited though they may be in Southern California, AND the wonderful teachers that go above and beyond, to teach our little ones.   Proverbs says, "A wise teacher makes learning a joy."  I am glad to have a part in celebrating Mrs. M's contribution to two little boys who truly enjoyed being in her class.  Thank you Teachers, and "Happy Autumn" everyone...Onward!

"Don't seek to add years to your life, but rather add life to your years."

In honor of Gary's birthday today I want to share some of my happiest memories.  We are here on Planet Earth for such a short time, in light of eternity.  Some of us have the privilege of sharing some of those years with a spouse.  I pray we would ALL seek to find joy in the good things God has given us, and not waste time with a critical spirit, or wishing for something we do not have.  God gives good gifts to each of his children.  May we be grateful for them in the present.


Happy Birthday, Gary!

H - Happy - "For he will not often consider (much remember) the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart." Ecclesiastes 5:20.  Our pastor, Jon Rourke, said on Sunday morning, that "The most blessed man is the not the one who has the most, but the one with the capacity to enjoy what he has."  Gary learned to savor things.  Cinnamon rolls, moss, and steel drum hymns. 
A - Arguments -When our daughters were about 6 and 4, and they decided to argue with each other over a toy, or whatever kids argue about, Gary instituted "5 minute hugs."  The timer was set, and the girls had to hug each other for the allotted time.  What began as miserable intolerance, always ended up with laughter, and cooperation. 
P - Proper Manners - Table manners were HUGE at our house.  For some reason, Gary, even though a construction worker by trade, would not tolerate talking with food in your mouth, interrupting at the table, reaching across the table for the serving bowl, forgetting to place your napkin in your lap, or worst of all making "mouth noises" while eating.  The girls, (and both Gary and I as well), would be warned one time, then "thrown out the window".  Fortunately, we had a window, that was low to the ground, and one could be lowered down, but the first time Gary said, "If you do it again, I'm going to throw you out the window", it was met with big eyes.  Especially when we had guests over for dinner.  When we remodeled and changed the windows to the type with screens, the consequence morphed into going outside and counting to 100.  I confess I too have spent some time on the front porch during some meals.
P - Practical Jokes - Smoke bombs wired to honeymoon get-away cars, sink faucet spray nozzles wedged to spray the victim when the water is turned on, "Bedwetting" treatment ads left on the windshields of friends in the church parking lot.  The list is long.  Gary's friends also knew how to "pay him back".  He once got a call from the local Marine Sargent Recruiter because he had "filled out a card inquiring about enlisting." One time, on the first night home from our vacation, we were awakened at 1:00 am to strobe lights and sirens in our bedroom, coming from the a/c duct, coincidentally right after our friend, John had been house sitting for us.  The trouble with practical jokes is that they often overflow on to innocent wives!   
Y -Yucky Tomato - One of our daughters, who shall remain nameless, hated tomatoes, and still does to this day.  The rule at our house, was that if you didn't "care for" something, you needed to at least have a "no thank you" serving, and taste it because you never know when your tastes will change.  When this daughter was about 4, she decided she would not even taste her BLT at Sunday lunch.  This became the typical "battle of the wills."  Gary said, "That's fine, you can have it for dinner and nothing else except juice until you try the tomato."  So out it came at dinner, at which time she ate the Bacon.  Still refusing to taste the tomato, she received the sandwich again at breakfast at which time she ate the Lettuce and some of the Bread.  Hunger had it's effect and at lunchtime on Monday she decided to take a bite of the tomato. 
B - Beautiful - I can't remember the exact context, but will never forget that Gary said "You can make a woman beautiful by how you treat her."
I - Imagination - Gary's imagination often led to inventions and a garage, crowded with "someday I'm going to" projects. One that everyone's familiar with is the stone self portrait, high above the driveway, on the fireplace.  (see photo below)  He wanted to "keep an eye on his work truck."  I assume it is still there, keeping an eye on our former house. 
R - Reconnaissance - Our friend Tim, whom we served with at the USC Bible Study recently reminded me of a lesson he learned from Gary, "one of the only things I really remember about being a husband and father in situations like this was Gary's comparing it to being a scout. As a man, you go out and search out a situation and make sure that it's a good one for your family. Are there provisions? Is it safe? Where are the dangers and threats?" That helped me to see what my role was and how I could be a blessing to my family. 
T - H2O Therapy - Our friends, Greg and Diane, called it his "Water Therapy".  Gary's first activity upon arriving at home from work every day, was watering the front yard.  Even after he installed sprinklers, he would unwind in this way.
H - Haircut Joy - When I began to loose my hair from the chemo therapy 9 years ago, Gary helped me get it over with, and all shaved off.  But this dreaded event, became a cause for laughter, because of his fun attitude.  Out came the buzzer, accompanied by sympathy and a hug, and then he proceeded to make me laugh.  First he gave me a mohawk, and then a military cut, and then away it all went.  "Blip-ti-de-Blip...Blip-ti-de-Blam!"
D - Dump Antics - In the 70's, Gary had a 1953 1-Ton Flat bed pickup truck.  He had ordered tool boxes for it, and in order to have them installed, the flat bed needed to be removed.  He drove the truck to the dump, and pulled up near the piles of trash, got out, removed the bolts holding the flatbed to the frame, got back in, 'gunned' it, and sped away, which immediately removed the flatbed.  One of the "trash-pickers" called out to him, as he drove away, "Hey mister, you lost part of your truck!" 
A - Automobile Showroom -Gary often told young men who were getting involved with young women, while still in college, "What you're doing is like hanging around the new car lots, when you can't afford to buy a new car?  You need to be ready to support a wife, AND family, before you get involved in a dating relationship.  Until that time, spend time with girls in groups, and don't get serious until you can do something about it.  It's not sensible, or fair to 'tap dibs' on a girl and make her wait for you to get your act together.  Do things in the right order." 
Y - "You bettcha" - This was his most common response whenever I asked Gary to do something for me.  Requests ranging from "Can you unload the groceries from the car?" "You Bettcha!" "Can you find a way to hang rice paper lamps all over the back yard for April's wedding?" "You Bettcha!" "Can you make footprints in wet cement leading to the fishpond for our upcoming murder-mystery party?  Oh, and we'll need a corpse too."  Gary disappeared for a while and down he came from the attic with the mannequin, again...

Gary would be the first to say he is not perfect, and he probably wouldn't be thrilled with all the attention he is getting lately, but birthdays are a time for celebrating.  I celebrate my Gary. 

Keeping an Eye on Things


 

The Parentals Head West

Right now in Springville, Utah, my very sweet, elderly parents are enjoying their breakfast.  They are at the mid-point of their road trip to California from Bozeman, Montana.  This time their car is loaded with more than suitcases, for they are moving.  The moving van is on it's way, and the documents have been signed.  Everything has been done.  It may sound simple, but there are so many required steps to a move like this, and when you are 88 or 93, the details are overwhelming.


None of us, including my parents thought they would ever leave the Big Sky Country.  They have loved it for nearly 30 years.  But the winters, and the distance from family finally proved too much for these adventurous dear ones, and they decided to put their house on the market.  So, a couple months later, here they come.

I am tempted to make a list of how many answers to prayer that our family has experienced over the last few months regarding this "move."  I'll limit myself to two; a "Macro" and a "Micro" example.

Prayer for wisdom, and direction in what home to buy:  We all wanted them to join us in the Friendly Valley community.  It is "safe", beautiful, and convenient.  I've been watching properties here for some few months as they come on the market, and sell, or sit there.  When the time came for Mom and Dad to make an offer, there was only one house in our immediate neighborhood, that was a viable option, and it happened to be directly across the street from us.  God's providence is the explanation.  We couldn't have planned this any better.

Prayer for resolution of a potential problem with document signing:  Wednesday night, after the moving van was loaded, the floors vacuumed and the doors locked for the last time, while at Mom and Dad's friends', getting ready to eat dinner, and spend the night, they realized that Dad's wallet, containing his Drivers License was accidentally loaded into the moving van.  He would need his photo ID Thursday morning to sign over the deed, at the closing, as this is a notarized document.  Well, it was determined that the van was already 2 hours away.  After many phone calls and discussions, and contingency plans, we all decided to go to bed, and pray for a solution.  Turns out an affidavit can be filled out and witnessed that my dad is actually who he says he is.  When getting ready to leave the "closing", Mom asked about the affidavit.  The escrow officer said "Oh, I know these realtors so well.  If they say this is Bill, I believe them.  No problem."  I can't help but think this would not be such a simple solution in Los Angeles.  All I can say is: "Much ado about nothing."

My parents have said two very important things this week which I will always remember.  When asking my dad how things were going, he said, "We couldn't have done it without all the help." (referring to friends and neighbors)  When the problem with the missing Drivers License was resolved, my mom said, "Every time there is a road block, the Lord solves it and says, 'Will you trust Me again?'"  These two comments sum up so much of what the Christian life is about. Trusting God, when we can't see around the corner of the wall in front of us, and then accepting things as they unfold.  Doesn't Romans 8:28 say "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

What if the offer was not accepted on the house across the street?  What if the documents couldn't be signed without that Drivers License?  Would God be any less good?  Less powerful?  Less loving?  I have frequently prayed for things that would seem good, for others and for God's glory.  Like healing Gary, for instance. The answer is sometimes "No" or "Not yet".  When Jesus saved me, He brought me into his very own family.  I inherited "Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." (Eph.1)  Why would I, a fallen, weak, sinful creature, argue in my mind with my Creator?  How foolish would that be!  I am not perfect, or strong or able to understand everything that happens, but that is because God is God, and I am not.  We are not like Him.  Even though he makes us his sons and daughters by His incredible gift of salvation, He is not at out beckon call.  He is not Santa Claus.  BUT, He very graciously listens to us.   

"He set my feet upon a rock, making my footsteps firm.  He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear and will trust in the LORD.  How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust..."  Ps. 40: 3-4  I am not strong, but God is.  I don't know which way to "go", but God keeps my feet secure.   My glad heart is because of Him.

"He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32  That's it!  Once our eternal salvation is taken care of, which is the impossibly hardest thing ever done, why would I doubt that all other things are in His tender care as well. 

Right now, my parents are in His tender care, and I am eagerly awaiting their arrival.  Yes I am praying for them because God is listening to me.  I am His adopted daughter.  If something "goes wrong", that is not because God wasn't paying attention.  He will use it to accomplish His purposes in all of our lives.  It is to God that we look, for it is in Him that we "live and move and have our being." Acts 17:28

Our new neighbors.

Classic Father's Day Car Rally

At my Etsy Store, where I sell watercolors, I have the opportunity to put together "Treasuries."  These are collections of interesting items, also for sale at Etsy.com.  In coming up with a theme this week, I was thinking about Father's Day and Classic Cars, and all the car rally's we've been a part of.  So I decided to create a Treasury based on this theme.  I normally don't include these in my blog, but I do want to be a resource for "theme parties" and therefore, am including it for your inspiration.  Of course these ideas don't need to be limited to Father's Day only, but any guy's birthday would be fun to celebrate in this way.  I personally would never spend the kind of money needed to use these particular items, but thrift shops are great resources for party planning.  If you start WAY ahead, and see what's available you can come up with some great parties.  Build your theme about what you can FIND at the dollar store, or thrift shop.  Don't start with theme, and then go from store to store to store, unless you have unlimited funds.  With the internet, Ebay and Etsy are great resources too.   This Treasury is meant to inspire.  I don't get anything from it, except a little networking with other Etsy sellers.  I just wanted to share it with you.  Here's the link:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTQzMTQ5NzF8MzI2NjQyODE3/classic-fathers-day-car-rally

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."

Watercolor Journals - The Beach

When you visit the beach in Southern California, it  can be hard to find a place to park, both car AND beach towel.  Painting this Monogram for a bride and groom who both love the beach, brought back some great memories for me personally.  For many years our family enjoyed Leo Carillo State Beach, and because it was a bit of a drive and was therefore less crowded. It had something for everyone in our group, including tide pools, big rocks for exploring, surfing, and great sand for sand castles, of course. The nearby campground hosted many fun vacations for us.  I remember one very dark night, while camping, Gary took us over to the beach to lay on the sand and watch a "meteor shower".  The part that makes me smile, was the bus full of teenagers, playing Capture the Flag in the dark, that nearly tripped on us.  Guess it wasn't so uncrowded after all.

As I worked, I began wishing that the future Mr. and Mrs. Pratt would find many happy memories at "their" beach as well.

"Dad, drive FASTER!"

On a fall evening, in 1973, on Foothill Blvd, west bound near Ocean View Blvd, 2 cars were traveling parallel to each other.  Middle-aged couples were in the respective front seats, and each car, had a young adult passenger in the back seat.  In the left lane, a mustard yellow Cougar, toted a young man, and in the right lane, the sage green Chevy station wagon, toted a young woman.  While stopped at the intersection, the young man began waving, a bit dramatically, trying to get the girl’s attention, who did in fact, notice him.  But not knowing who he was, and thinking him to be too bold, even though attractive, she quickly looked straight ahead, and asked her dad to please drive a little faster, to get beyond this other car. 

I still smile at how we got together.  That happened on a Friday after Gary and I had just been out to dinner with our parents.  Two days later, after evening church let out, Gary came across the foyer straight to me.   “Did you see me Friday night? Waving at you?”…. “Oh, that was YOU!”  I had known him just a little in our College/Career group at church the year before, but I had been gone for the summer, and now, he had his hair combed forward, and looked different.  After a little chat, we ended up with a group of friends sitting together eating strawberry pie at Love’s Restaurant.   I wish I could remember who else was there, but at the time, the only one I was thinking about was Gary Price.  It didn’t take long until we were dating, and we were married a year later.  

He often laughed at himself, and the way he approached me, how humbling it was to be riding in Mom and Dad’s car, and trying to get the attention of a girl.  Though living at home to save some money, and regroup, after the Lord saved him, at age 21, he was now 24 and working as an electrician, planning to get his contractor’s license.  He later told how he had been interested in me for some time, but that’s another story with it’s own humbling incidents. 

I love this man.  He loves me.  I am SO happy that he waved and that I looked back.  But it would have gone no further if he hadn’t been a lover of Jesus.  After that initial, heart flutter and invitation to dessert, it was the faith that Gary had, and the way he would talk about the Lord, and the joyful little notes in his Bible that grew my love for him.  I’ve never met anyone who looked more forward to Jesus’ return.  When we got married, we asked Pastor Travaille, to mention in the ceremony, that our last names had a special meaning.  Pastor T. said “You are Laurie Ransom and Gary Price.  May you always remember the Ransom-Price that Jesus Christ paid for us.” 

Here's a song from our wedding.  Our friends Korla, Mike and Bryan performed it, but I only have a cassette tape of it.  I found it on youtube.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33U8saXFV4E






The Screwdriver


His big strong hands are smaller now yet he holds his tools correctly, most of the time, and even handles them the right way.  What has changed is their intended purpose.  Nathan, a friend, recently made Gary a “project board” with a variety of Phillips-head screws partly screwed in, so today, when I handed him the screwdriver, he began working on getting them all the way in.  He enjoys holding his favorite hand tools.  They went back and forth from his right hand to his tool belt countless times a day for an entire career.  In the “old days,” he didn’t need to look to see where the duckbill pliers or the wire strippers were.  He could reach down, like a gunfighter, and grab them as needed.  Now, standing at the kitchen counter, with his wooden project board of screws, he is content and has been for 45 minutes.  The goal is very short.  Turn the screw. 

One of the 4 parts of human thinking, is “Executive Function.”  This is what it sounds like, the ability to plan, make decisions, sort, and multi-task.  Someone with A.D. may have this part extremely inhibited, as does Gary.  Therefore, he is easily distracted from the task of “turning the screws” and, still using the screwdriver, may decide to twist it rapidly, like a drill, making a small hole in the tile, or using the defrosting sausage package, pry off the paper label then press it (the label) on the project board, weaving the strip of paper amongst the half installed screws.  He even may poke with the screwdriver into the partly thawed sausage.  In the last 45 minutes, Gary has done all of these things.  His heart is happy.  He is not frustrated, or “missing out” on what he wished he could do.  He has no “wishes, or “longings,” that I can tell.  He is enjoying handling and using his old friend, the Phillips head screwdriver.

One of the things I had to get over, and am still trying to get over, during this adventure of the last few years, was the wishing and hoping that Gary could do satisfying little projects.  You know, things that you’d give the grandkids at Christmas, like a simple craft you could buy at Michaels.  But, if he enjoys hearing the sound of the tip of the screwdriver tap repeatedly on the edge of his piece of wood, or the sausage package, or the tile, for that matter, and God has allowed him to retain the ability to be pleased with the process, however simplified that is, then I need to be at peace with that. (at least I am today)

One of my favorite books on the topic, says dementia patients don’t lose their own dignity, rather, others take it from them.  I love and respect my husband, so I write these things to say Gary is an amazing man.  He has done and IS doing amazing things.  God gave Gary the ability to use tools to create some incredible things.  He LOVED working hard on some new “idea.”  Right now, he is LOVING removing the screws from the little piece of wood.  As Job said, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord.”  James wrote: “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”  Gary’s mind, was given to him by God.  Now it is being taken away.  But look how kind and gracious God is.  We live in a fallen world, where every one of us is mortal and will die of something.  Yet, for now, He has allowed my dear husband to work diligently with his tool for over an hour.  An hour well spent.  I believe that this is pleasing to God, who loves Gary far more than I ever could and has great plans for him. 

EnCOURAGment

We have a fairly new Alzheimer's Ministry group at Grace Church.  We are several families with a parent or spouse with A.D. and others who want to help us.  Our Special Ministries pastor, Ric McLean heads it up.   This morning, at our monthly meeting, it was great to see how the group is beginning to encourage each other.  I was reminded of 2 Corinthians 1:4.  God, "comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."  I've been thinking about Romans 8:28 too.  "...God causes ALL THINGS to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."  Sin became part of our world in the Garden.  If I were there at the time, I would have fallen just like Adam and Eve.  So the resulting death, disease, loss, labor, difficulty, pain, sorrow, etc, etc, is here in every generation since the beginning.  But they are not wasted.  All these things cause suffering true, BUT are included in the "ALL THINGS" God is using in our lives, for GOOD.  One of those good things is the comfort we experience as we are encouraged, and comforted by others who have gone before us or are right along side us.  Pastor Ric reminded us of some of the ways God uses suffering in the lives of his children.  The fact that suffering is very short in light of eternity, and a tool in the hand of God to mold Gary and I, is encouraging.  That thought gives me COURAGE!  The group is bonding in a way that will be invaluable and we're so blessed to be a part.

Trouble

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me: You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me."   When it seems like there are more "bad" than "good" days in the course of a week, like THIS week, I begin to wonder if we're reaching a new stage in the progression of Gary's disease.  During these times I am tempted by the Enemy of our souls to give in to despair, frustration, control, self pity, and more.  He is, after all, "prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."  I'm sure that anyone who has been close to someone with a progressive disease that has no cure, experiences this same kind of "trouble."  The kind of trouble that you just have to accept, because you can't change it.  Last summer, we reached one of these new "stages" and at that time, I gave myself over to self pity, and the rest of it for many days.  I am so thankful for the Lord's kindness to yank me out of that thinking back to His side, where I was revived and saturated with His wonderful promises to "accomplish what concerns me."  I hate when I'm tempted to go down that road again, and by God's grace, this week, He has reminded me, again, of His completely kind hands which made both Gary and I and will do what's best. 

"Your lovingkindness, O LORD is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands." Psalms 138:7-8

Revived, and ready for another one...let's see what tomorrow has in store.

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."