Each week, I visit the nursing homes in our community. I felt called to go and nurture the elderly, giving them a little time and support. I felt it was something that I could do for others. When I go home after visiting, I reflect on each visit.  They are so     appreciative of the least little things. If I walk in with an Upper Room or a box of candy, you’d think I brought them the greatest gifts. They are just thankful that I came. It is someone other than family. It is like having a new or true friend.

I love visiting Annie Roe Buckley. She loves talking about her family and her dog. She loves sharing this joy with me. She is so very kind. All of her physical needs are met; she just loves to share her joy. Her spirit is so pure and beautiful, and I get to receive this from her! I am blessed.        

I love to see Gussie Ashhurst. She just laughs and reflects on the happiness she has experienced throughout her life. She tells me about her, about her husband being a Methodist minister, and going to church in the nursing home.   

When I visited Betty Nonnemacher, she would ask me about my faith. “Did I know Jesus?” She would tell of her walk of faith.  She was such a blessing to me.

I think about Billie Laney. She was so kind.  I didn’t know her, but I heard about her from church friends. When I went to see her, she was so gracious; I felt like I’d known her forever. She gave me a greater connection to our church. The memories of this   beautiful lady warm my heart to this very day.

At first when I thought about visiting people in the nursing homes, I thought my role was to bring them comfort and support.  I thought I was to share my love of Christ with them. I was wrong. I’m the one who is blessed by their pure joy. They give me comfort. They give me inner peace. They bring Christ’s love to me. I get to experience the pure spirits of these beautiful people. Each of us has a talent to serve. Serving in the nursing home brings me the greatest joy. I am truly blessed.

 Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for showing us the way to serve. Thank You for guiding us with Your words. Your scriptures continue to teach us. Thank You for giving us people in our lives who show us their spirits and, in turn, allow our spirits to grow. Amen.

    Contributed by Patti Monroe

It was February 23, 2007. Tug and I had planned a vacation and were anxious to escape from the hectic pace of the Dallas metroplex to the Texas coast.  Our bags were packed, and we were scheduled to leave later that morning. We looked forward to the warm Gulf breeze, the cry of seagulls, and, of course, great seafood. 

At 4:30 a.m. the phone rang.  It was unexpected, and I felt suddenly apprehensive. The following minutes took us from a place we knew to an unknown territory. We were   advised that my youngest son, Shane Ingram, had been in an automobile accident and did not survive.  At the age of 36, “my baby” was gone, leaving two young children of his own. I was devastated, and my emotions were numb. What would I do without him?

The next few weeks were a blur with bad moments and good moments.  Family was called in, funeral arrangements made, and memories of Shane were re-lived by everyone. The family and friends helped me survive this difficult period.

However, when I did begin to regain my sanity, I am ashamed to admit that I did not act in a Christ-like manner.  I spoke harshly against God.  Was Shane’s death an act of God? How would I fully live again when my life was so full of hurt?  But as time passed, I began to realize how truly fragile life is and that I am not in control.  When Shane died, I grieved beyond words.  I was sure no one understood my heartache and pain.  I was so full of self-pity that I could not look beyond the walls of my grief to the comfort of my Heavenly Father, much less to others who had their own griefs. God  remained patient, loving, faithful and merciful.  I had not!  The lesson I learned, and I hope you will remember, is that God is full of mercy and blessings.  Regardless of your heartache or pain, He is with you when you wake up, when you go to sleep, and every moment in between.

Prayer:

Gracious Lord, I am grateful You never run out of the love, compassion, mercy and grace I need.  Thank You that I can begin each new day with You.  Amen.

 Contributed by Bev Tuggle