Staying Strong

“But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”—2 Chronicles 15:7 (ESV)

I love how God uses a scripture to speak to me when I need it the most. When the English Standard Version of 2 Chronicles 15:7 was in my morning devotion, it was exactly what I needed to read before my doctor appointment on Tuesday.

Two things I enjoy doing the most are working out and knitting. They help calm my restless soul as well as keep my mind and body strong.

Last February I had surgery on my right middle finger. It was 5 months before I had full range of motion. Unfortunately, now my ring finger on that same hand now has trigger finger. I really don’t want to have another surgery, so I asked what I needed to do to avoid it.

The doctor told me I should avoid any repetitive motions. Well, that would be working out and knitting! This is not what I wanted to hear. I have osteopenia, so I need to do some sort of weight bearing exercise. I have been doing a group training class for 4 years that I love as well as the community we have with each other. I have never been a part of a workout group like this where we pray for each like we do.

However, with my husband retiring sometime this year, we have been talking about going to another gym. It has more class options that would be gentler on my hands. But for now, I will really have to modify what I am doing in the gym and with my knitting.

There is another knitting method which was suggested to me called Portuguese knitting. It would probably help with my trigger finger. It is supposed to lessen the strain on your fingers and hands with minimal hand movement, so I am going to give it a go.

God knows my passion for knitting, so I felt as if he was telling me to not lose heart with my weakened hands by giving me that scripture. The Good News Translation reads: “But you must be strong and not be discouraged. The work that you do will be rewarded."

In the big scheme of things, this is a little hiccup. As much as I love to knit, my worth isn’t in my craft, it is as a daughter of the King who has plans for my future. I trust Him with whatever His will is for me. A thankful and trusting attitude shifts my eyes to see things through God’s eyes.

Father God.

Forgive me when my faith wavers and I doubt Your faithfulness. Your Word tells me my work will be rewarded when I stay strong and don’t get discouraged when life isn’t happening as I would like. I ask for strength and healing in my hands to continue my knitting ministry. You know the bigger picture. I trust You to use me exactly where I am today to glorify You and share the love of Jesus with those who don’t know Him. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

April Verse
“The LORD is near to everyone who prays to him, to every faithful person who prays to him.”—Psalm 145:18 (GW)

If you are knitting or crocheting gifts to give away, please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make.     

Trust in all Times

“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.—Psalm 62:8

I’ll be honest; this past week I haven’t been good about trusting God in all times. I have no problem pouring out my heart to Him, but letting it go and trusting God with the outcome has been more of a challenge for me.

My head tells me to God is omniscient. His plans and purposes are beyond my own human understanding. I know this, but I have been letting my emotions fuel my actions.

My mom’s move to memory care near my brother all fell in place. I was so at peace with her move knowing the background of some of the key people. However, the facility was recently bought out so now there are some major staffing changes as well as staff shortages in the memory care area.

Up until March, my brother also had a job where he was able to check on her every morning around breakfast. He unexpectedly had a career change which has him on the road traveling so he is unable to make a daily appearance. I feel as if the staff isn’t as attentive with my mother now since they know he won’t be checking on her in person daily.

My most recent visit with my mother was quite unsettling. She was still asleep in bed at my early afternoon arrival. They told me she hadn’t slept well and wanted to let her sleep.

Had they checked on her, they would have seen her beet red face. I felt her forehead and it was hot. I had them take her temperature. It was 102. I made sure they gave her medicine for it as well as fluids.

And…her room reeked of urine. Dirty laundry overflowing in both her hampers as well as dirty sheets thrown on a chair. Thankfully my mother has no sense of smell, but it hurts my heart to know she is living in such disarray, especially with her personal appearance. She would be mortified.

I stroked her arm and told her, mom, you know it is okay if you want to go be with Jesus now. I know you wouldn’t want to be living this way. She didn’t know who I was either. One of the resident’s wives that is there every day visiting her husband, said to her, do you know who this pretty young lady is? Her response was, no, I don’t know her. I said, that’s okay. I’m your daughter, Lisa.

The following morning, one of the outside aides that has been visiting her told me, They are not caring for her like they should. The reality is, it isn’t just my mother. There are other residents being treated the same way She also said to me, if it was my mother or grandmother, I wouldn’t want them living here. I told her, it wasn’t that easy because any kind of move is going to make her disease progress.

Of course, that was when my emotions went into high gear. After a few days, I was making phone calls about moving her back here. I was having some sleepless nights trying to figure out what I needed to do. Let me tell you, was I convicted when I woke up after one of those nights and read Psalm 62:8.

Before I started my morning quiet time, I said, Lord, let the Holy Spirit speak to me through Your Word. Well, that is exactly what He did! I felt as if God was telling me, Lisa, you are having no problem crying and pouring out your heart to me, but you aren’t trusting me. I know the bigger picture. Stop trying to control this.

Shortly after that, I spoke with her hospice nurse after she visited my mother. She recommended we hire a private caregiver for a few hours a day until the new management makes some changes. That does sound like a better plan that having to get hospice to make a 3–4-hour drive transfer setting her up somewhere closer to me.

I did put out my feelers for a few places in my area, so we have a back-up plan. I forgot to mention, we also got a letter from her facility preparing us that they may no longer be able to meet her care needs due to her needing so much assistance now. The next level of care for her is skilled nursing.

This has all been a lot to process, but thankfully, I have two brothers and their wives who are also part of this decision making, so it isn’t all on me. What sustains me is knowing one day my mom will be at home with Jesus and no longer in pain and suffering.

 Father God,

Forgive me when I let my emotions guide my actions rather than trust You with the outcome that You already know. I may not understand it, but I know You have a plan and purpose in all of this. Thank You that I don’t have to carry this burden alone. Thank You for blessing me with supportive family and friends. I pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

April Verse
“The LORD is near to everyone who prays to him, to every faithful person who prays to him.”—Psalm 145:18 (GW)

If you are knitting or crocheting gifts to give away, please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make.