Listening to the Question

Did you ever notice that people weren’t afraid to ask Jesus questions. Both his friends and enemies felt free to ask. Even though people sometimes didn’t much like the answers they were willing to ask because Jesus was always ready to listen.

In nursing home ministry I am learning that the real ministry of change only happens when people begin to ask questions. For that to happen my prayers as of late are that God will help me to slow down and listen more. Are we ready to hear uncomfortable questions? When we listen to the question then God will be able to give people His answers through us. Have a blessed week!

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Matthew 18:1 NIV

Nursing Home Week

If you are not involved with Nursing home ministry you may not know but this week is national nursing home week in America. I would love to see many more people getting connected with nursing home ministry but not for the wrong reasons. We don’t go just because we feel sad or sorry for people. We go as an expression of the love of Christ. Nursing homes are not just a location, they are a needed part of our community.  People who live in nursing homes carry the memories, experiences and wisdom of an entire generation that is entering the final chapter of their lives. The most important part of any story is its conclusion and we stand in danger of missing it if we forget them.

If you would consider getting involved in nursing home outreach where you live but aren’t sure where to begin then Nursing Home Ministry – The Heart of Jesus Christ

is a resource that offers an inspirational look into the basics. Nursing Home Ministry thumbnailYou may feel you don’t have a lot to give but Jesus told us that if we gave even a cup of cold water in His name we would be doing something of value to God. God has given each of us a cup and it doesn’t matter the size or shape of our cup. What matters is if we are willing to give it away!

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Reflections of Hope

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Maybe your first memories of Mother’s day are of coming home from school with a hand written card and kisses. Later it meant a special dinner at a restaurant and flowers for her. After leaving home we probably gave Mom a phone call and sent her favorite chocolates in the mail. But for some this Mother’s day is a little bitter sweet because it means just another visit to her in the nursing home. Being a part of the “Nursing Home Community” makes us different. Whether we are residents, visitors, volunteers or staff we face a challenge to our hopes every day.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

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Having had the wonderful privilege of serving as a volunteer nursing home chaplain for almost 25 years, I have learned much about hope from people I have met there. If you are a nursing home resident Reflections of Hope is written for you. If you are a shut-in, a nurse, a therapist or a care giver these pages are dedicated to your hopes. If you are a family member struggling with the decision about what to do for your mom or dad, brother or sister, these 50 days of hope are your invitation to trust God with all your struggles and to hope again. Why not begin with me a journey towards hope today? Jesus knew what it means to be caught out in storms, suffer rejection and even abandonment. He willingly chose to pass through all of these things so that today we could be filled with hope through Him!

Reflections of Hope is available in softcover or E-book format on Amazon.

Reflections of Hope