Prayers and Promises for Caregivers, Part 9: Today…

Prayers and Promises for Caregivers, Part 9: Today…
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

 

God greets you with new mercies…begin there;
He welcomes you to the throne of grace…pray there;
He guides you in the paths of peace…walk there;
He will be your strength…live there;
He will care for you…rest there.

The following is a special selection of Bible promises to encourage caregivers…

The Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled (Romans 15:4 NLT).

But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV).

And as for you, brethren, do not become weary or lose heart in doing right (2 Thessalonians 3:13 AMP).

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy (Psalm 28:7 NLT).

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully (1 Peter 5:7 AMP).

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28 NLT).

He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength (Psalm 23:2-3 NLT).

Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you (Psalm 55:22 AMP).

…..

#caregiverappreciation #meetinginthemeadow #caregivers #roylessin

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

My Morning Prayer: Prayers and Promises for Caregivers: Part 8

My Morning Prayer: Prayers and Promises for Caregivers: Part 8
-Roy Lessin and Marina Bromley

 

My Morning Prayer: A Caregiver’s Reassurance
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

God wants you to move through this day with a quiet heart,
An inward assurance that He is in control,
A peaceful certainty that your life is in His hands,
A deep trust in His plan and purposes,
A thankful disposition toward all that He allows.

It is important for a caregiver to know that God has not called you to the place of perfect service, but to the place of faithful service; not to the place of work without rest, but to the place of rest in your work; not to the place of making everyone happy, but to the place of pleasing Him.

“I will not give up as long as there is strength in His arm, tenderness in His heart, and truth in His promise.” William Gurnall

My Morning Prayer
-Marina Bromley

Father, let me not forget to exhibit a quiet heart, inward assurance, peaceful certainty, trusting in your plan, and with a thankful heart. With these things I know that I can remain faithful in serving those around me, resting in the work You have set before me, and remain in a place of pleasing You. May Your will be done in my life and in the lives of those I care for. Amen
…..

#meetinginthemeadow #mymondayprayer #caregiverappreciation #caregivers #devotional

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Prayers and Promises for Caregivers: Part 7, The Caregiver's Blessing

Prayers and Promises for Caregivers: Part 7
-Roy and Char Lessin

The Caregiver’s Blessing…
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

May you have the power to understand…how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think (Ephesians 3:18-20 NLT).

#1: God cares for Caregivers.

#2: In weakness I find His strength.

#3: There is grace enough for today.

#4: Love never ends.

Char’s Story: Part 4
-Char Lessin

In spite of all the improvements I have experienced, I am left with limitations which are guidelines as to what I can and cannot do.

 

Each morning I am very aware of the Lords’ mercies which are new every morning—I receive daily of those mercies and live on them!  Without them I would not be able to go through the day, but He is faithful to give me His daily bread.

 

Having gone through my own weaknesses I am able to feel what many others go through in their needs. I do not forget what total loss of strength is. It is real, but the strength of the Lord is also real! I know my strength comes from Him every day.

 

In going through such an experience as Parkinson’s, the thing I have come to appreciate the most is when people listen. For me, a listening heart is most comforting.  I for one, have at times, been insensitive to peoples’ needs rather than being compassionate. I want to be a vessel of caring, because caring is healing to the one in need.

 

To be a caring person one needs to be emptied of selfishness and personal gain so we can be aware of what the Lord is doing in the lives of others. To give of oneself, wholly yielded to Him, gives the Holy Spirit freedom to flow.

 

The body of Christ has been such a blessing to me. My family and friends giving of themselves to my needs in such practical ways leaves me full of gratitude. They are servant-hearted people and this is their ministry. I can’t find the words to express what it means to be on the receiving end of a cup of water being handed to me, when I’ve been too weak to get it myself.

 

Each person knows the calling they’ve had in given moments to ‘minister to Char’! I have been on the receiving end, over and over, of someone’s beautiful hand reaching out to extend the hand of Jesus, and to hold me up in Jesus’ name.

 

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men (Colossians 3:23 NKJV).

…..

#caregivers #caregiverencouragement #parkinsonspatient #parkinsonsstory #charsstory #roylessin #charlessin #meetinginthemeadow #devotional 

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

My Morning Prayer: Prayers and Promises for Caregivers: Part 6

My Morning Prayer: Prayers and Promises for Caregivers: Part 6
-Roy Lessin and Marina Bromley

 

My Morning Prayer: A Caregiver’s Resolve
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

By God’s grace and the strength that the Holy Spirit supplies, I resolve:
To look upon this time as a caregiver, whether short or long, as God’s appointment.
To consider it an honor to be the extension of His love to someone in need.
To do what I do from a thankful heart, with all my heart, as unto to the Lord.
To be quick to extend forgiveness to others, and to guard my heart against bitterness or resentment.
To maintain a quiet spirit that trusts God fully.
To seek those times, whenever possible, to take breaks, be refreshed, and “come aside to rest awhile.”
To choose joy, and not lose the gift of laughter.
To seek God’s strength in my weakness, to receive His mercies when I have fallen short, to draw upon His grace in my inadequacy, to receive His refreshing when I have grown weary, and to keep the eyes of faith upon Him in all I do.

 

My Morning Prayer
-Marina Bromley

Father God, in all these ways equip me, change me, make and mold me. To resolve these things in my life seem so hard, maybe impossible—but with You all things are possible. May it be so…amen.

#meetinginthemeadow #roylessin #caregiver #caregivers #caregiverappreciation 

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Prayers and Promises for Caregivers: Part 5, The Caregiver's Song

Prayers and Promises for Caregivers: Part 5
-Roy and Char Lessin

 

The Caregiver’s Song
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Father, You’re the strength that lifts the burden,
You’re the oil that soothes the pain;
You’re the sunlight when there’s darkness,
You’re the shelter in the rain.
You’re the hand that brings all healing,
You’re the song that calms all fear;
You’re the peace that brings all comfort,
You’re the God who’s always near.

The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory (Psalm 118:15 NLT).

 

Char’s Story: Part 3
-Char Lessin

One evening, Roy invited a man over from work. His wife was also invited. Both were total strangers to me. I learned that she and her husband had just moved to our little town from San Francisco where she had worked with the homeless. 

 

During their visit, while I was walking ‘the loop’ in my home, I heard the Lord’s voice clearly say I was to ask her to pray for me. In obedience, I asked her and she did. Right there in our living room she prayed for my healing! 

 

The following weeks she came to sit with me from time to time, and she would walk the loop with me and cry with me. As we shared with each other I quickly realized I was included in God’s plan for them, when He brought them to our town and into our home.

 

                                          *****

 

Our family doctor had tried to persuade me to go to a Parkinson’s specialist for some time. I did not want to because I did not want to go on any medication.

 

On my next visit to my family doctor he looked at me and said, “It’s time.” I knew he was right and I should trust him. I gave his nurse the go ahead and she got me an appointment. Normally it was a few months wait, but she was able to get me in to the specialist immediately.

 

When I arrived at the Parkinson’s doctor’s office I knew I was squeezed into the scheduling, but I was there and would wait. I learned it was his nurse who was to meet with me because his schedule was too full. However, when the doctor looked out his office window and saw me walking around the waiting room he told his nurse he wanted to see me and to send me in! We spent an hour in his office. He assured me he could help, and sent me home with a prescription in hand.

 

With the first pill my body began to quickly respond. Suddenly, I was able to move about like I hadn’t in a few years! It was as if a miracle was taking place!

 

The next two weeks I spent in an excellent rehab hospital. Anything the physical therapy people asked me to do I would respond, “But, I can’t!”

 

They would respond, “Yes, you can!” They explained that Parkinson’s did not have control over me, but I had control over it!

 

During one of my sessions the therapist asked me to pick up my water bottle. Slowly, I did. She said to me, “Parkinson’s just picked up that water bottle. Now you pick it up.” I saw the difference!

 

When the time came for me to leave the hospital I walked out to the car on my own. My physical therapist clapped as I walked, and she rejoiced with me over the progress that was made while in their care.

…..

#caregivers #caregiverencouragement #parkinsonspatient #parkinsonsstory #charsstory #roylessin #charlessin #meetinginthemeadow #devotional 

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

My Morning Prayer: Prayers and Promises for Caregivers: Part 4

My Morning Prayer: Prayers and Promises for Caregivers: Part 4

 

My Morning Prayer: I Only Need You, Lord…
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

I only need You, Lord, when I rise up and when I sit down; when I go out and when I come in; when I am quiet and when I am active; when I am alone and when I am with others; when I am healthy and when I am ill; when I am up and when I am down; when I am on the go and when I need to wait.

I only need You, Lord, when my lungs need to breathe; when my blood needs to flow, when my body needs to move; when my muscles need to work; when my mind needs to think, when heart needs to love.

I only need You, Lord, for as long as birds need flight, for as long as whales need the sea, for as long as clouds need moisture, for as long as wildflowers need raindrops, for as long as sunflowers need the summer sun.

I only need You, Lord, for this present moment, for the moment when You take me home, for all the moments in-between, and for all the moments ever after.

Amen.

... 

My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV).

#caregivers #caregiverappreciation #roylessin #prayersandpromises #prayersforcaregivers #meetinginthemeadow

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Prayers and Promises for Caregivers: Part 3

Prayers and Promises for Caregivers: Part 3
-Roy and Char Lessin

 

Hands To Serve
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

God will work through your hands…
To support someone who is weak…
To raise someone who has fallen…
To uphold someone who is weary…
To wipe a tear…
To hold a hand…
To give a cup of water…
To embrace…
To carry a burden…
To impart a blessing.

Char’s Story: Part 2
-Char Lessin

The lady that struggled to get out of her car at the post office was me! I was one who used to easily spring up from her car seat, but now I pulled and squirmed in every direction to get out of the car for my mail.

Because I had lost the ability to make upward movements, I would get stuck if I sat down. There was only one chair in our whole house that I could sit on and get myself up from without help. I would briefly sit in it for a breather. Otherwise, I was ‘walking the loop’ through the kitchen, dining room, and living room because my body could not remain still. Balance also became a real challenge, needing to hold someone’s arm or the furniture when walking.

 

The weakness that took over left me nearly helpless. Therefore, Roy had to do everything, including bringing me a glass of water. He assured me that we were in this together and showed me his love in every way, including making baked oatmeal with blueberries! There were times I asked for it 3 times a day as it was so delicious!

*****

I had been one that rarely cried, but there was now a long period of time when I cried a lot. I was being transformed into a new person. I had been strong in my personality and needed softening.

 

During this time the Lord so tenderly sifted out selfishness and pride which had built up in my heart through the years. He gave me a new heart, broken with the beauty of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

 

I learned not to be afraid of the Lords’ dealings with my heart, for I was drawn into His presence. I would not exchange that for anything. His presence became my medicine! His presence is where I wanted to be.

…..

#caregivers #caregiverappreciation #parkinsons #roylessin #charlessin #marriage #meetinginthemeadow

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

My Morning Prayer: Prayers and Promises for Caregivers: Part 2

My Morning Prayer: Prayers and Promises for Caregivers: Part 2
The Caregiver’s Greatest Need
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

What is a caregiver’s greatest need?
It is not skill, although it is a good to get all the training possible.
It is not perfection, although it is good to do your very best.
It is not resources, although it is necessary to have the right supplies and aids.
It is not support, although it is important to have help and encouragement.
It is not more time away, although it is important to take breaks, have leisure time, and be refreshed.
The greatest need of a caregiver is love.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13 NJKV).

Human love, although sincere and sacrificial, has its limitations and weaknesses. God is the only source of love without limits and whose love does not fail. God’s love flows on when human love has been expended, and the resources of His love will never be depleted.

His love is like a cluster of grapes that brings forth the sweet fruit of joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

God, I am in need of Your unfailing love. Pour forth, through my heart, love’s sweet fruit of kindness, patience, longsuffering, gentleness, and self-control. Be in me the love that never stops hoping, never stops believing, and never comes to an end. Amen!

#caregiver #caregiverappreciation #prayersandpromisesforcaregivers #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow 

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Prayers and Promises for Caregivers: Part 1

Prayers and Promises for Caregivers: Part 1
-Roy and Char Lessin

Discovering God’s Care for Caregivers
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Caregiving can mean a short term assignment or a long term commitment. For many, caregiving has come unexpectedly and has changed their plans, challenged their schedules and altered their priorities.

Although different, the needs of a caregiver can often be as great as the needs of the one in their care. To be a caregiver is a reminder that to do good is not always easy; to give sacrificially is not always recognized; and to be available is not always convenient.

Caregivers can grow weary, even in well doing. All Caregivers need strength, patience, support, and encouragement. It is important for the caregiver to know that God cares for them.

(The Lord has been sent)…to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come… To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own glory (Isaiah 61:1-3 NLT).

Char’s Story: Part 1
-Char Lessin

 

I was married with young children, home on vacation in Minnesota, when we went on a visit to see my uncle Norman who was living in a nearby nursing home in Fergus Falls. I hadn’t seen him in a while so I was quite shocked and unprepared when I saw him. He had normally been a story-telling entertaining auctioneer—a friendly and loving man with a hearty laugh, but he was reduced to being nearly expressionless as he slowly walked toward us. I was frightened and didn’t know how to respond to my kind uncle I had known all my life. He had Parkinson’s.

*****

When my doctor told me I had Parkinson’s I was totally filled with peace. For me, this peace was a miracle. 

 

I was the type of person who could ‘do it all.’ I could also do it speedily! It was with delight I set out about my day. Hospitality was a true joy. It was a ministry I loved and the Lord had called me to. But it was a love I eventually had to let go of because I could no longer shop, clean the house, or prepare the meals.

 

My husband, Roy, became the one who did our laundry, the meal preparation, and the shopping.  The thing that was impressed upon me was how he lived before me daily with an attitude of selfless giving and joy in serving. He went from one task to the next with cheerfulness.

 

The caregiver, when committed to serve as unto the Lord, is a vessel of the best medicine available for the person in need.

.....

#meetinginthemeadow #caregiver #caregivers #parkinsons #parkinsonsdisease #caregiversupport #marriage #roylessin #charlessin #dayspring

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

My Morning Prayer: The Caregiver’s Prayer

November is recognized as Caregiver Appreciation Month and we want to encourage and inspire both caregivers and their loved ones. In several posts Roy Lessin’s wife, Char, will be sharing some short reflections about her journey with Parkinson’s and how God has worked in her heart during this time. We will also share some of Roy’s words and prayers for Caregivers. Whether you are a Caregiver or Care-receiver, may you be blessed in reading them—renewed in your strength, compassion, and focus. May you remember how important and loved you are, and that you are not alone in this difficult journey.
-Marina

My Morning Prayer: The Caregiver’s Prayer
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Father, help me, by Your grace, to be a caregiver as You care for us—work through my hands with the touch of compassion, see through my eyes with the clarity of understanding, shine through my countenance with the light of kindness, speak through my voice with the words of comfort and encouragement, minister through my spirit with grace and patience, and give through my heart with the never-ending gift of love. Amen!

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say (2 Thessalonians 2:17 NLT).

#caregiverappreciation #caregivers #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Holding Hands; Caregiver Appreciation Month

November is recognized as Caregiver Appreciation Month and we want to encourage and inspire both caregivers and their loved ones. In several posts Roy Lessin’s wife, Char, will be sharing some short reflections about her journey with Parkinson’s and how God has worked in her heart during this time. We will also share some of Roy’s words and prayers for Caregivers. Whether you are a Caregiver or Care-receiver, may you be blessed in reading them—renewed in your strength, compassion, and focus. May you remember how important and loved you are, and that you are not alone in this difficult journey.
-Marina

Holding Hands
-Roy Lessin

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand...' For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you’  (Isaiah 41:10,13 NKJV).

As a little boy I grew up in the Bronx, New York. Often, my mother would take my hand when we would walk the streets, go to the park, or go shopping. It was the best way for her to let me know I was safe, protected, and secure from all that was going on around me. She was the one who watched the traffic, kept me away from danger, and made sure I wouldn’t wander away. (It was during the times when I ventured out on my own that got me into trouble).

When I was in Bible College I met my wife. I introduced myself, watched her sing in the choir, talked with her on campus, and finally asked her for a date. Most of the times spent with her were in group situations. It took sometime before we decided it was ok to hold hands.

It was a big deal! It meant something special, personal, and affectionate. It sent a message to others that “something was going on between us.” It was a way for each of us to tell the other, “I want to be with you and I enjoy being with you.” 

Isn’t it amazing to know that God is holding your hand! And that He wants to! 

He wants to hold your hand as a parent wants to hold the hand of a child. He wants you to be safe, protected, and secure. He wants you to be assured of His presence and watch-care. He wants you not to worry or fear because He is in charge and in control.

God also wants to hold your hand as an expression of His deep and caring love for you. He is your good, kind, faithful Father. He wants to be close to you, and wants everyone else to know that you are His, and to keep their distance. He wants you to be strong in His love.

Be assured, God’s hold upon your hand today is a big deal!

#holdinghandswithgod #holdinghands #meetinginthemeadow #roylessin #dayspring #caregivers #nationalcaregivermonth #caregiverappreciation

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.