Touching the Elderly

Yesterday our family had the privilege of taking our music to a nursing home and sharing. We gathered our instruments and equipment and headed to St. Johns, Az. We went in and met the lovely elderly gentlemen and ladies as well as the friendly staff on duty. As we set up our equipment and spoke for a few minutes, Jeff introduced the family. We sang for about 20 minutes and laughed and joked with everyone and they seemed to enjoy themselves. Some of them were clapping while others were smiling. At the end of each song they were very gracious and applauded. The music went well and we had a good time sharing with them.

But our favorite part of these visits is always the time, after the singing is over, that we spend getting to know them and listening to their stories and advice. They are so full of valuable wisdom and have had so many experiences that we can learn from. There is so much to appreciate and admire about them as we learn about their lives. They tell us where they are from and about their spouses and families. Some of them have had very difficult lives and yet they don't complain. Visitors came in and out while we there but there are those that don't have anyone coming to see them personally.

As we sat with them, we held their hands and answered their questions. Sometimes they asked the same question over and over. But it didn't matter because we knew they couldn't remember the answers. They are very sincere, attentive and gentle. One of the ladies was sharing all about her husband and their life together and then she brought out her memory book to share with me. I was so blessed as she shared this personal part of her past with me, a total stranger. One said she wanted to pray for our family and ministry. Several asked when we were coming back. We know it's not because of the music. They felt loved and special because of the time spent with them. We held their hands and listened to their stories.

This has not always been easy for our children. When we began this ministry many years ago, it felt very awkward talking to these strangers. Sometimes they would repeat themselves or forget their own names. But they have learned to love and serve these beautiful people. It has been a wonderful opportunity for growing in the Lord and to look beyond themselves.

On the way home, we were so excited to have made the connections with our new friends. They are such treasures.

As the song goes:
Make new friends but keep the old.
One is silver and the other gold.

 The blessing that we felt is more than words can express. We were very thankful that we took the time to be with them and get to know them. It TRULY is more blessed to give than it is to receive.

Jeff made the comment, " It seems like those are the kinds of places where you would find Jesus hanging around." We all agreed. And we are looking forward to the next time we are able to go visit some of the lonely and hurting.

Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you have done it to me.

Matthew 25:40

God Bless

Tamara

   Today, I want to say that my heart is overflowing with gratitude towards the Lord. His faithfulness is ever present in my life and His mercies are new every morning. In the past few years years, our family has endured many deep valleys as we have walked with the Lord. And during these times, and after having passed through these valleys, I have wondered if I would ever be the same spiritually and if there would ever be a resolve to many of the situations.

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.

Psalm 34:15

In the years and months of crying out, I knew that the Lord was hearing me but there seemed to be little moving forward in healing or seeing His plan or purpose. As always, God will strengthen us to remain faithful as we call to Him. As I have sought His way along the way, I have been waiting for wisdom and direction in how to respond to different ones. He has brought direction through His word and confirmation from a brother in the Lord.

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossions 3:17

There is no other measure by which to judge our words and actions but by the Word of God. As we seek to walk in His ways, Dear Ones, there will be peace in the midst of the storm as we act according to His word. And as we wait upon Him to move, we will be able to rest knowing that He is ever hearing us and leading us.

Mothers Put Your Children to Bed

When I read this, it reminded me of when my

own children were little. It WAS sometimes a challenge

to put forth the effort to be with them. Sometimes I didn't stop my activites

in time and I would go in and they would be asleep; Such sweet little faces.

But I was so sad when they fell asleep without a kiss from mommy.

Especially if there were unsettled issues of the day.

 There were 6 little ones, ages 5 and under as well

 as three older children ages 9,14 and 16.

Jeff would pray with them each night and I would tuck them in.

What precious memories those are today. We

we didn't do it perfectly, and we are thankful that God is faithful.

It is He that sees our hearts and multiplies the fruits of our labor by bringing

forth the increase.

******************

Mothers Put Your Children to Bed

There may be some mothers who feel it it to be a self-denial to leave their parlors, or firesides,
or work to put their children to bed. They think that the nurse could do it just as well; that it is of  no consequence who "hears the children's prayers." Now, setting aside the pleasure of opening the little bed and tucking the darling up, there are really important reasons why the mother should not yield this privilege to anyone. In the first place, it is the time of all times when a child is inclined to show it's confidence and affection.


All its little secrets come out with more truth and less restraints; its naughtiness
 through the day can be reproved and talked over with less excitement, and with the
tenderness and calmness necessary to make a permanent impression. If the little one
has shown a desire to do well and be obedient, it's efforts and successes can be
acknowledged and commended in a
manner that need not render it vain or self-satisfied.

We must make it a habit to talk to our children, in order to get from them an expression
 of their feelings. We cannot understand the character of these little things
being committed to our care unless we do. And if we do not know what they are,
 we shall not be able to govern them wisely,
or educate them as their different natures demand. Certainly it would be unwise to excite
young children by too much conversation with them just before putting them to bed.

Every mother who carefully studies the temperament of her children will know how to
manage therm in this respect. But of this all mothers may be assured, that the last words
at night are of great importance, even to the babies of the flock; the very tones of the voice
 they last listened to make an impression upon their sensitive organizations.

Mothers, do not
think the time and strength wasted, which you spend in reviewing the day with your
 little boy or girl; do not neglect to teach how to pray, and pray for it in simple and
 earnest language, which it can be understand. Soothe and quiet it's little heart after
experience of the day. It has had it's disappointments and trials as well as
 it's play and pleasures: it is ready to throw it's arms around your neck,
 and take it's good-night kiss.

Mother's Magazine

There is SO much promise

in a new day~

  Crafts for Fun, Industry and Education

In the past year, we decided that God would have us begin a little craft business to teach our children some valuable lessons. After doing an Uncle Eric study on economics,  God had opened our eyes to the value of being  "entrepreneurial".(Wow, that is a big word!) We felt that it would also be a wonderful teaching experience in learning to relate to people.

So we began to work on some crafts during our free time.

And here are some of the crafts we have made.

snowman soup...

gift basket..