I have stressed the importance of having a plan. Personally, I function well that way. A friend of mine who was a caregiver reminded me of the importance of remaining flexible. The two go hand in hand. With Alzheimer’s you have to adjust each day. When you fail to do so, it can be painful.

When writing I sometimes allow thoughts to sit and simmer in draft form while I wordsmith and reflect. The thoughts above were driven home in a real way yesterday afternoon. My plan was to take my 6 month old German shepherd for a quick trip out to potty. When I tugged on his leash and said “let’s go”, he heard time for a ride in the utv. In his excited state he bolted in the opposite direction of where I was going. My flexibility was no match for his 65 pounds of energy. I am sitting here writing with my knee elevated due to the inflicted pain.

While consistent schedules are important for those with dementia, we must remain flexible. Bathing, dressing and preparing to go out can be similar to leaving the house with an infant or toddler. Incontinence occurs and you are right back in the bathroom starting over again.

My children liked to explore when we took walks. I usually allowed this. As a seasoned grandparent I saw these pauses as wonderful opportunities to join in on their curiosity. Stopping to smell the roses keeps harmony and peace. With the one you care for it is just as critical to slow down and let them enjoy the simple pleasures they still can.

Don’t allow the interruptions to your plans to become stumbling blocks. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that being flexible will make life easier for both of you. You may even find enjoyment in the change of plans.

If we are observant we can anticipate mood swings and avoid conflicts. This is a part of being flexible. Learn to read facial expressions and body language. This clues you in on whether your plans for the day need to be adjusted. As I mentioned in a previous post, an excellent book about learning these skills is Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s.

It is important to know your limitations though. When the tension becomes too intense even rubber bands snap. If you have ever had this happens, you know it stings. There is a breaking point when even flexibility requires some assistance. Don’t get there. Ask for help when you need it. There are people who just need to feel needed. Let them know you need them.

Change demands flexibility. When we embrace the changes through joy and pain it makes life smoother than resisting the change. Always remember that God is steadfast and even though we face changing situations, God’s faithfulness does not change.

Word for Today

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Song for Today

Prayer for Today

Dear Heavenly Father,

Some days when changes seem to turn everything upside down, I hold on to your faithfulness. Give me patience as I strive to be flexible. Forgive me for losing sight of what is truly important. Help me to remain calm when things become tense. Help me to trust that others can offer help.

I do praise you for your steadfast faithfulness even when I feel stretched to my limits. Hold me together and reassure me that You are here with us.

Amen

This is a big question all caregivers face. At some point you find yourself walking around with your brain in the fog. You long for understanding. You long to know if you are doing the right thing. You long to find balance. You long to know that things will someday get better.

In the beginning I only saw the progression of Alzheimer’s disease as it robbed me of the relationship I had with my mom. I missed having conversations with her. I missed walking into her home and seeing her cleaning everything in sight. I missed eating her home cooked meal. I missed what had been our “normal” since I was born.

Then one day I realized I was allowing the fact that it wouldn’t return to normal to rob me of joy. It could be better if I relinquished my ideas and began to celebrate what I had left of my mom. We rocked on the front porch. I took her shopping and out for ice cream. As she became more child like I got a glimpse into a more carefree person who loved cookies and being silly. `

With filters no longer blocking her actions and words, I discovered that she loved to hum when we were in the car. Her fear of what others might think had obviously prevented this in the past. Little moments of joy kept me believing it could get better.

The heartache of sitting by her bedside for days as I bid her a final goodbye left pain that made me ask again, “When will it get better?”. Accepting that mom was no longer in pain and completely healed caused my focus to shift. I accepted that my life had to continue. I made a playhouse for a granddaughter. I watched football each weekend with my dad until he joined Mom in heaven. Then I focused on remodeling their home so that they would have loved the way it looked before being sold.

There are now days that I miss them terribly but things have gotten better. God continues to be faithful to heal my heart. His faithfulness meets us on the days we are asking, “When will it get better?”. Trust that He sees beyond the fog we get lost in.

I am reminded of a flight I was on. My husband was kind enough to let me have the window seat. It had been cloudy when we began the flight. At one point our plane seemed to be sandwiched between two layers of clouds. Brilliant light bounced around as it reflected and it was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. God will allow you to see beautiful things if you keep your focus on Him while waiting for things to get better.

Word for Today

For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. Psalm 33:4

Song for Today

Prayer for Today

Dear God,

You know me like no one does. You know my doubts, my fears, my weaknesses and my longing for things to get better. On the days that I don’t see your faithfulness please hold me close and know that I do still believe. I believe you are working and you have a plan for my life.

Thank you for not turning away when I have questions. Help me to trust you that things will get better even if your better is not what I had in mind.

Amen

Today’s post is actual a handout I put together after making several emergency and hospital trips with my parents. Things can happen fast and it helps to be prepared. Remaining calm while being strong can be exhausting. Hopefully this will help you.

Hospital Emergencies: What You Can Do Now

Planning ahead is key to making an unexpected or planned trip to the hospital easier for you and your care partner. Here is what you should do now.

Register your relative for a MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return® bracelet through your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter. People who are lost may be taken to an emergency room. This bracelet will speed up the process of reconnecting you with your care partner. 

Know who you can depend on. You need a family member or trusted friend to stay with your care partner when he or she is admitted to the emergency room or hospital.

Have someone meet you at the hospital if possible so that one person can take care of the paperwork and the other can stay with your care partner.

Pack an Emergency Bag Containing the Following:

Personal Information Sheet

• Create a document that includes the following information about your care partner:

Preferred name and language (some people may revert to native languages in late-stage Alzheimer’s disease)

• Contact information for doctors, key family members, clergy and helpful friends (also program into cell phone, if applicable)

•    Illness or medical conditions

All current medicines and dosage instructions

Any medicines that have ever caused a bad reaction

            Any allergies to medicines or foods; special diets

            Need for glasses, dentures or hearing aids

            Degree of impairment and amount of assistance needed for activities

Paperwork

Include copies of important documents such as:

• Insurance cards (include policy numbers and pre-authorization phone numbers)
• Medicaid and/or Medicare cards
• Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, Living Will and/or an original DNR (do not resuscitate) order

Supplies for the Care Partner

• A change of clothing, toiletries and personal medications
• Extra adult briefs (e.g., Depends), if usually worn. These may not be available in the emergency room if needed
• Moist hand wipes such as Wet Ones; plastic bags for soiled clothing and/or adult briefs
• Reassuring or comforting objects

Supplies for the Caregiver

• A change of clothing, toiletries and personal medications
• Pain medicine such as Advil, Tylenol or aspirin. A trip to the emergency room may take longer than you think. Stress can lead to a headache or other symptoms.
• A pad of paper and pen to write down information and directions given to you by hospital staff. Keep a log of your care partner’s symptoms and problems. You may be asked the same questions by many people. Show them what you have written instead of repeating your answers.
• A sealed snack such as a pack of crackers and a bottle of water or juice for you and your care partner. You may have to wait for quite a while.
• A small amount of cash.
• A note on the outside of the emergency bag to remind you to take your cell phone and charger with you.

By taking these steps in advance, you can reduce the stress and confusion that often accompany a hospital visit, particularly if the visit is an unplanned trip to the emergency room.

At the Emergency Room

A trip to the emergency room may fatigue or even frighten your care partner. There are some important things to remember:

Be patient. It could be a long wait if the reason for your visit is not life-threatening.

Recognize that results from lab tests take time.

Offer physical and emotional comfort and verbal reassurance to your relative. Stay calm and positive. How you are feeling will get absorbed by others.

Realize that just because you do not see staff at work does not mean they are not working.

Be aware that emergency room staff often have limited training in Alzheimer’s  or related dementia.    

Do not leave the emergency room to go home without a follow-up plan. If you are sent home, make sure you have all instructions for follow-up care.

Hospital Stays

You are your loved one’s advocate…never leave them alone.  

Establish a support team.  

• Communications – you alert one person who passes information on to others.  Silence your phone if possible.
• Line up relief persons to allow you to rest
• Have someone bring you healthy snacks and drinks

Helpful Hints

Be polite with staff and they will appreciate you being there to assist. 

Speak to doctors in the hall when possible.  

Eliminate television if it is agitating to the patient.

Limit visitors.

Do not hesitate to ask questions.

Work with the social worker.

Watch for signs of pain and ask for medication if you sense it is needed.

Ask for a cot, pillow, blanket, etc.

Word for Today

But I will restore you to health
    and heal your wounds,’
declares the Lord,

Jeremiah 30:17

Song for Today

Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father,

Sometimes we find ourselves afraid and alone when crisis hits. We thank you for always being with us through the good days and the tough days. Help us to learn to trust you to walk with us even when we face uncertainty as caregivers. Give us strength and peace so we can make the important decisions that arise.

Order the steps of physicians and therapists who step in to provide care in emergencies. Show us how to be an effective advocate while remaining steady and full of grace.

We rest in knowing you are there with us.

Amen

Photo by Nathan Anderson on Unsplash

When someone with Alzheimer’s attempts to communicate we must listen with all of our senses. They will slowly regress from struggling with the right word to not being able to speak in some cases. That is when we watch their facial expressions and actions. Most of the time they are trying so hard to communicate and we don’t understand them. This leads to frustration and possible anger.

In early stages, they can still communicate fairly well. They may struggle finding the right word or describe an item when they cannot find the word. They may lose their train of thought. They will repeat themselves. Give them time to find their words.

As the disease progresses the skills will dwindle and you will have to make an extra effort to have effective communication. They may understand more than you realize. Continue to talk to them. Slow your speech down. Keep sentence and instructions simple. They may withdraw but they still need you to talk to them. Always treat them with dignity and respect.

Understanding the stage of the disease makes it easier to communicate. For example, yesterday I volunteered for story time at a local assisted living facility. This is one I visit often. One of the ladies has quit talking but when I walk in she rushes toward me, takes my hand and smiles. She was a school teacher. I had an 11 year old with me yesterday. When I introduced the two, my friend’s eyes danced and she broke into a huge beautiful smile. The 11 year old’s mother asked her what grade she had taught. Her smile got bigger and she began to laugh as she kept pointing at the girl. Her answer was clear to all of us. She had taught children that age. My heart was full because I had never heard her laugh before.

There are resources to explain the stages and how to better communicate. One book that I find helpful is Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s by Joanne Koenig Coste. It is critical to watch behavior and seek the reason behind it. In the books she mentions learning to read their eyes. Emotions are expressed through the eyes. When we identify the emotion we can come alongside and validate it. If they seem frustrated, it is alright to sit beside them and say, “I know it is frustrating to not be able to tell me exactly what you want to with your words. I will try my best to understand”.

Parents learn to understand an infant’s needs by their cry. There is a hungry cry, an angry cry, etc. This is a skill mastered through patience, love and attentiveness. Someone with Alzheimer’s deserves that same patience, love and attentiveness. They feel helpless much like a new baby.

Creating a calm and safe environment makes communication easier. Limit distractions and noise pollution. Make sure you have adequate lighting and maintain eye contact. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature and toilet on a regular schedule. These sound like strange things ,to relate to communication, but they matter greatly.

There will be days that you simply cannot understand their words or behavior. This can be frustrating and heartbreaking. Tell them I really want to understand and I know you are frustrated. I am too. Then try to simple sit by them and hold their hand. Reassure them of how much you love them. If tears come, let them.

Song for Today (lighthearted after such a serious post)

Word for Today (back to serious)

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, My rock and My redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Prayer for Today

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come today asking for your guidance as we communicate with the one we care for. As we search your Words and meditate on them give us wisdom and understanding. When we simply cannot understand give us compassion as we show love anyway. Help us to be patient and kind when tensions mount.

On the days that we dissolve into tears help us to remember that you see those tears and wrap your loving arms around us both.

Amen

Pure exhaustion after heroic deeds can lead to emotional overload. If you find yourself in this place then you are not the only one who has been here. On the day my mom passed away I was ready to collapse. I had been by her bedside for ten days and nights. This was a choice I made because it was where my heart lead me to be. I had survived on very little sleep and was trying to help my dad accept the fact that Mom was leaving us. Dad was living in an assisted living near me and we were having to plan to travel for the funeral service back in their home town.

As soon as Mom passed I had to comfort dad, make travel plans, notify family, do laundry and pack. I could barely function. A fear of not being able to make it through the next few days tormented me. My precious husband took my phone, walked me to our bed and I was asleep before he walked out of the room. After sleep, a meal and shower I was refreshed enough to keep going.

Many of you put in overtime as a caregiver. Some days are intense and challenging. You may become fearful of not being able to maintain the pace. You may fear the coming grief. You may fear life after caregiving.

There was a man in the Bible named Elijah who had performed mighty feats for God. He was so overcome with fear after one of these that he ran for his life. He even prayed to die. God sent an angel to nourish him and he went into a cave. While in the cave there was a mighty wind, an earthquake and a fire. Then finally he heard the still small voice of God. He was challenged and basically told by God that he still had things to do.

I survived and made it through the service and the passing of my dad. God refreshed me and reminded me that I still have things to do. God will refresh you and erase your fears just like He did mine and Elijah’s. Just trust and wait on the still small voice.

Word for Today

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Song for Today

Prayer for Today

Our Most Loving Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the refreshing when we feel as if we have given our all. Hear our cry for a little hope, a little peace and a whole lot of love. When we are ready to throw in the towel, remind us through your still small voice that we still have things to do. Reassure our hearts that you are enough and we can face our fears.

Thank you for choosing to work through me as I follow after you.

Amen

Imagine riding in one of these colorful balloons. That is as far as it gets with me. The very thought of riding in a car that drives itself scares me. Frankly, I just am not that adventurous and like to know I have some control. My comfort zone has perimeters that I like to stay within. My husband accuses me of being a very rigid rule follower. I don’t enter through exit doors. Yes, I guess that makes me weird.

There are days that I stay so busy just doing the necessary that I don’t have any free time to write. Prayer time happens as I make jelly, can tomatoes, freeze berries and tend to animals. We currently have 2 dogs, 12 hens, one rooster and 11 rabbits. Moving to the farm is wonderful but it takes work. Today I knew I needed to carve out a few minutes to share my thoughts.

We have big dreams for our farm. Dreaming was put on hold when I was an active caregiver. Most of you find yourselves with your dreams being placed on hold or even shattered. This often leaves one feeling empty. As I reflected on this I thought about Joni Eareckson Tada and her incredible testimony. She allowed God to turn her shattered dreams into a beautiful ministry.

I am finding myself in a place of transformation. Making myself available to caregivers and offering encouragement and tips part of picking up my shattered dreams. I am making myself vulnerable and honest so that you know you can dream again as well.

It is so reassuring to know that when I feel empty God is the auto pilot determining my steps. If I keep taking each step day after day the empty feelings will fade and I will begin to notice the moments of joy that can occur in the ordinary and mundane tasks at hand. God will put a song in my heart and make the load lighter. The dreaming returns and I feel excitement.

My hope for you is that when life overwhelms you, you will look to God and say “take over”. God still has plans for you while you are a caregiver. He is shaping and molding you through the process. You are learning more about yourself and growing. Remember Joseph had a dream but God took him through a process and then fulfilled the dream.

Word for Today

My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.

Psalm 108:1

Song for Today

Prayer for Today

Dear Heavenly Father, You are the God of all my days even the ones that don’t feel great. We are so thankful that when we struggle with our shattered dreams, you are lovingly holding us in your embrace. You remind us that this life has trouble but you are the one who stills our doubts and sorrow. Give us a song in our hearts as we think about the tender grace and mercy you show us.

Amen

Tender petals represent gentle touch.

Water drops represent tears of pain and joy.

Leaves represent outstretched arms that care.

Thorns represent the pain we feel.

Stems represent the strength required to support it all.

Today I want to share from my heart.  On the day that my mother received her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease I knew it already, but hearing the words from the physician’s mouth seemed to drive it home.  As I walked to my car I was struggling. My phone had a message from my husband asking me to call him as soon as possible. That was highly unusual but I was hours away and heading to my parent’s home after the appointment.  So I called him.

HIs first words were, “Honey, I hate telling you this now but I am losing my job.  I have nine months with this company”. For a few brief moments it felt as if all of the air in the car was gone and I felt fear overcome me.  Then I cried out to God and knew everything was going to be alright.

There were moments that my faith grew faint such as the evening I had to admit my mom to the hospital due to a culmination of a horrible week for her.  We had moved her to an assisted living memory care unit. She developed a urinary tract infection and yeast infection within days of the move. This resulted in uncontrollable behavior.  I sat in the emergency room in the middle of the night fighting tears for her sake. They allowed me to stay with her until she was calm. I tucked her into bed, gave her a kiss and walked away with a broken heart.  I blamed myself for moving her.

When I walked back through the hospital to the emergency room entrance to leave, a nurse opened the door to let me through.  Instead of stepping aside she walked into the hallway and wrapped her arms around me. Then she began to pray. That was the beginning of God showering me with love on the long journey that lay ahead for my family.

Tears did flow many days when I poured my heart to God.  I always felt as if I was failing my parents, my husband, my children and grandchildren.  My emotions and physical strength were stretched to their limits. Often a card, word of encouragement or act of kindness would come reassuring me that everything was going to be alright.

I bid my parents a final goodbye as a stronger woman than I was before.  The trials had produced fruits of patience, compassion and gentleness and had transformed me to be more than I was before.

I promised God that He would receive all of the glory for seeing me through. This thing I know beyond any shadow of a doubt, He will see you through as well.  Give him your fear, anxiety, anger and pain. He stands with open arms waiting for you. He wants to make you stronger than you were before.

Word for Today
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7

Song for Today

Prayer for Today

Dear Heavenly Father, you are our strength. Today we ask for faith to believe and strength to continue as a loving caregiver. Grant us patience, tenderness and encouragement as we go about our daily tasks. When we need it, please send reminders that you are with us and care deeply for us.

We thank you that you hold our broken hearts on the rough days and put joy in them on the good days. When we feel the most fragile you are where we can open ourselves up and be honest in a safe place. Continue to hold us in that safe place throughout our journey.

We will give you the glory. Amen

Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash

My kitchen looked a lot like this yesterday. I am freezing and canning vegetables for the fall and winter. The summer squash is abundant and tomatoes are beginning to ripen. Of course, we are enjoying them fresh but I like knowing some of these lovely foods will be prepped and ready for soups and meals later. It takes effort and time now, but it will be so convenient this fall and winter to have them on hand.

I choose to grow and preserve food so that I know where it came from and that it is not packed full of chemicals. When I prep my food I dehydrate, freeze and can. I learned the hard way that freezing food as my only method can result in a loss of everything should a power outage occur. With sadness I tossed the spoiled food that I hard worked so hard to put away.

As we face changes in life it is so important to plan ahead. Realizing our circumstances can change, caregivers always need to plan ahead. There will be changes in the future. The areas of change include mental, emotional, financial and physical.

It is very critical to have multiple plans in place for different scenarios. You need these plans before a crisis arises. Planning requires gathering lots of information. This may involve meeting with physicians, social workers, ministers, neighbors and family members. Their input can help you make plans.

When it comes to caring for a loved one, you want them to have the best quality of life possible. Planning ahead gives you more than one choice. You can prayerfully seek God’s guidance and seek advise from others.

All of the hype about preppers makes them look foolish sometimes; however, a caregiver can never be over prepared for the coming changes. The biggest change to prepare for is the one of deciding what happens if you can no longer be the caregiver. This post is not meant to scare you. It is meant to encourage you to think ahead. With plans in place you will be free to relax and enjoy the moment you are in.

I always tried to have plans A,B and C when I was a caregiver for my parents. These were revisited and adjusted as their needs changed. Fear was replaced with peace when crisis hit. I once heard someone say that you should never make decisions when your decision maker is broken. When emotions run high, your decision maker is often broken. Make the decisions now while you can think clearly and hear God clearly as He offers guidance.

Word for Today

A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way. Proverbs 20:24

Song for Today

Prayer for Today

Our Heavenly Father, you alone know everything our future holds. Your word tells us that our thoughts are not your thoughts. Guide us as we make plans for the future for our loved one. This is an emotional time and we need to know you are the strength of our life and that you make a way in the darkness. We will follow you holding the hand of the one you have asked to stand by until they meet you face to face. Help us to make decisions that will honor and respect our loved one. Give us your peace that you are in this with us.

Amen

Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash

My caregiving journey with my parents began after my own children were young adults and out of our home. Many of you are juggling your busy home with active children and caring for aging parents. There is a balancing act going on that must leave you feeling like you are juggling balls, spinning plates and riding a unicycle at the same time. When you get out of balance the balls bounce and the plates shatter leaving you with a sense of failure.

While I can’t say that I know how you feel, I can bring a smile to your face with my balancing act. We have an almost 16 year old Westie in our home. She is partially blind, deaf and incontinent. Some days she circles for long periods of time trying to figure out how to lay down. Other days she walks herself into a corner and stands with no idea of how to get out. Our hearts ache for her but she still eats well and seems to be in no pain.

Our newest addition to the farm is a rambunctious 4 month old German Shepherd. His favorite thing to do after chasing balls is to herd our Westie. As I write this he is running laps around my family room.

Watching one struggle with the simple acts of living while the other overflows with energy and excitement probably describes your home life. There are times that conflict results when the two age groups collide. Then there are the priceless times to treasure when they compliment each other and connect in beautiful moments.

You seldom have time to do anything except feed, clothe, bath, referee and clean. The parents time with you will be brief and the children will mature. Life will get better. While you are in the situation of being sandwiched between the two, take a deep breath and know you can make it through. Call a friend who cares and ask them to remind you of this when you get frustrated and have tied a knot in the end of the rope and are just holding on.

Even as I continue to write my house has gone silent. I checked to see and to my amazement both the old dog and the pup are asleep. Hope you get some quiet time for yourself today as well.

Word for Today

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Song for Today

Prayer for Today

Dear Heavenly Father, you are the shelter we run to when we are overwhelmed with the demands of life. We thank you that you provide peace even in the midst of storms. You gave us emotions and sometimes ours include sadness, joy, fear, excitement and more. Just as our demands require balance so do our emotions. We are so grateful that you are a safe place to pour our hearts out. After pouring our hearts out we are able to just sit in your warm embrace and rest. Thank you for being our refuge.

Amen

Yumm!  Sweet sensations  are flooding my taste buds as I suck on fresh honeycomb.  It is so good that I can almost forget how hot the beekeepers jacket, veiled hat and thick gloves were a few minutes ago in the blazing  sun. It is so good I can almost forget the sound of angry bees popping against my veil while harvesting the honey frames.

Those little bee girls can sure turn angry when they feel threatened and have to defend their honey.  Their happy steady hum begins to change into an angry roar. You feel them popping your protective veil and will feel their sting if you remove it.

Keep that in mind when being a caregiver of a person who feels threatened.  They are losing control of their life. They feel robbed of independence, dignity and being a person of value. They sting with their words and actions out of anxiety and fear. You can’t hold this against them.  We might sting too if we were in their position.

One morning I received a call from a woman staying with my mom.  Mom was angry because my father had left for a while. She was yelling and beating the phone against the wall when I first talked to her.  I calmed her by telling her I knew she must be lonely with my dad gone. I reassured her that I would call him and have him return home right away.  She settled enough to talk calmly before I hung up. I learned to validate her feelings by experience. In the past I had tried to explain where he had gone but it only made her more fearful and angry.

With honeybees a little smoke brings calm.  With people a little love and patience brings calm.  Never forget that the one you care for has many sweet rewards to offer.  These include smiles, hugs, laughter and love. You might have to endure the stings sometimes but it is so worth it.

Word for Today

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24

Songs for Today (Paul Simon borrowed from The Swan Silvertones)

Prayer for Today

Our Loving Heavenly Father we come to you knowing there will be days of troubled waters and emotions will run high. Please calm us with your peace so that we can calm those we care for. Lead us together to find the sweet rewards of joy and peace. Teach us to validate feelings and listen with our hearts just as you listen to us when we pour out our fears and frustrations to you. You listen and then hold us close until we feel your calm. Help us to listen and hold others close as well.

Amen