Thankfulness in old age

Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.  Psalm 71:9

My husband and I do Bible Studies at assisted livings and elderly residences. Last night we were at one of the assisted livings, there were thirteen in attendance, a lower than usual turnout. An assisted living is an elderly apartment facility, where assistance is given with activities of daily living (ADL). The assistance can be anything from help with bathing, dressing, or medication management depending on the individual.

The residents that attend the Bible study range in age from late 70’s to 99 years old. Praise God, they still want to come out and hear His word. Most are mentally very sharp; unfortunately their bodies are getting worn out. They come walking on their own or with walkers, canes, motorized wheelchairs, and being pushed by others. They are hungering for the word of God.

The question posed was “what are you thankful for?” My husband asked them to think a minute and then answer. They did not need the minute; the answers were as diverse as the residents.

Here are the answers:

·        My children

·        Bible study

·        My grandchildren

·        For three meals a day

·        My great grandchildren

·        Jesus

·        I’m thankful for everything

·        Thankful that I’ve lived for 91 years

·        For the prayers of friends

·        Sobriety

·        Health

·        Each other

·        Roof over my head

·        For living here because I’m not alone

·        For being able to talk about the Bible and Jesus

·        Thankful that my whole family will be together this year – we have not been together for many years because they live so far away

While they were speaking I looked around. Most were smiling as they were sharing their thoughts. Some were encouraging each other with a pat on the arm or a touch on the hand. This group had become a family. A family that was there for each other, a family that loved each other, a family that helped each other, a family that encouraged each other.

As I sat there and observed, I knew one of the things I’m thankful for is this group of ladies who have opened their hearts and lives to us and our God.

Post Script    I  wrote this a couple of years ago, but each time I read it I think of that night. Some still come monthly to hear His Word, some of the residents have moved to other facilities, and others have passed from this life and are with the Savior. Praise God for His love and the love He has given us for this older community.

Have a thankful day,
Donna

Joy

For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
I Thessalonians 3:9

Assisted living night always brings joy to my heart. Mark teaches a Bible study once a month and I get to “go along for the ride”. Visiting and chatting with the residents before and after the study is always a highlight for me (I think they enjoy it too.)

Each month the subject varies, of course, some months are already “planned” with the subject to be taught. December is one of those months.

This month he taught about the angel coming to Mary to announce the pending birth of our Lord. The people attending range in age from 70 and up with about 82 being the average age. The women attending are bright and inquisitive, listening very attentively. Most of the women have never heard the lessons before having been told by leaders of their churches to not read the Bible.

We have one woman who took care of the linens for the altar and was very active in her church. One night she told us, in awe, that all the years she attended church she never heard the things of the Bible. Praise God she faithfully attends Bible study and a few years ago trusted Jesus as her Savior. Up until about a year ago, before declining health, she was our biggest supporter, going door to door to remind people of Bible study or Sunday service. God has faithfully provided another “great supporter” who has taken up the baton.

As the lessons are taught, my husband gets the people actively involved by asking questions and giving thought provoking statements. There is laughter and joking too. One of the questions was, “What would you do if you found out you were to have a baby at your age?” The looks, comments and shaking of the heads was priceless. He continued to teach, when we heard a little laughter. Looking around we saw the culprit giggling. Once the laughter subsided she said, “I was thinking about all of us expecting a baby. What would people think?” This statement caused another ripple of laughter from everyone.

I count it a great privilege to be able to go and minister to these “forgotten” people. They are not in a foreign land but right here in our own cities and states. There are many elderly residents that do not have family or friends living close by and desire a few minutes of companionship. A listening ear, a hug and kiss or maybe just a smile is all that is needed to make a person’s day. I receive all of these things when I go and spend some time with my “mature” friends.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Thankfulness in old age

Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth. Psalm 71:9

My husband and I do Bible Studies at assisted livings and elderly residences. Last night we were at one of the assisted livings, there were thirteen in attendance, a lower than usual turnout. An assisted living is an elderly apartment facility, where assistance is given with activities of daily living (ADL). The assistance can be anything from help with bathing, dressing, or medication management depending on the individual.

The residents that attend the Bible study range in age from late 70’s to 99 years old. Praise God, they still want to come out and hear His word. Most are mentally very sharp, unfortunately their bodies are getting worn out. They come walking on their own or with walkers, canes, motorized wheelchairs, and being pushed by others. They are hungering for the word of God.

The question posed was “what are you thankful for?”. My husband asked them to think a minute and then answer. They did not need the minute, the answers were as diverse as the residents.

Here are the answers:
• My children
• Bible study
• My grandchildren
• For three meals a day
• My great grandchildren
• Jesus
• I’m thankful for everything
• Thankful that I’ve lived for 91 years
• For the prayers of friends
• Sobriety
• Health
• Each other
• Roof over my head
• For living here because I’m not alone
• For being able to talk about the Bible and Jesus
• Thankful that my whole family will be together this year – we have not been together for many years because they live so far away

While they were speaking I looked around. Most were smiling as they were sharing their thoughts. Some were encouraging each other with a pat on the arm or a touch on the hand. This group had become a family. A family that was there for each other. A family that loved each other. A family that helped each other. A family that encouraged each other.

As I sat there and observed, I knew one of the things I’m thankful for is this group of ladies who have opened their hearts and lives to us and our God.

Have a thankful day,
Donna

God's goodness

Psalm 40:10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Eight years ago, my husband started Bible studies and worship services in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Through the years we have met many wonderful people. I love to visit and talk to the elderly. They love company and look forward to visits, most have a hunger for the Word of God.

Tonight we had Bible study at one of the assisted livings we go to monthly. Sixteen ladies were in attendance. It was a great night and many had questions. My husband answered each question thoughtfully. Most had never heard the gospel explained in clear simple language. At the end of the night a number of them bowed their heads to ask Jesus to save them. You are never too young or too old to accept the Lord. He is waiting with outstretched arms. It is a great joy to be able to attend the Bible studies and see the Lord open the hearts of people.

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalm 107:8
Have a great day.
Donna