Changes

Saturday, August 20, 2016
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "Lord Of All Being Throned Afar"1 (Lyrics)

Approximately six years ago, just after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, my husband had a stroke. Living with a husband who constantly leaves drawers and cupboard doors open, who is always looking for his keys and glasses, and who leaves the lights on in his bedroom and washroom, drives me crazy. I am continuously closing drawers and cupboard doors as well as picking up after him.

On top of this major change in my life, my mother, with whom we were living, ended up in the hospital just before Christmas and was there for over five months with various degrees of illnesses. The time came when a decision had to be made regarding mom's situation. She couldn't come back home, as I could not provide the care that she needed. It was now time to look for a retirement living place that offered the services that she required. I could feel my anxiety level rising. This was all too overwhelming for me. I sat in my chair and cried. I called out to God for help. The only thing that came to mind was, "One day at a time."

Matthew 6:34 – Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (NIV)

I felt relieved, like a heavy burden was being lifted from my shoulders.

I called my brother, who lives approximately two hours away from me, to come and help me look for a place that we thought mom would like. The second place that we looked at was where we felt that mom would be most comfortable. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The residents were happy, and there was a lady living there that mom already knew.

There is a saying which I have heard: "One thing is certain — things must change before they get better." Changes will occur in our lives, but it is usually the person calling out to God who changes.

Are you going through changes in your life right now that you are finding too much for you to handle? Talk to the One who knows what you are going through and Who also knows the future. He knows what is best for you, and He will be happy to guide you along your pathway of change.

Prayer: Lord God, we cry out to You for help. We are at our wit's end. We are confused and anxious. Be with us and guide us to whatever You know is best. Thank You, God, that we can come to You with all our burdens. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Thank You!!


    Praying for you dear friend.


    Comforting thoughts Rosemary.


    Most wonderful Rosemary! Thanks.


    Pray to God about changes in life.


    Thank you for this word of encouragement! I needed to hear this today.


    Thank you so much Rosemary! I needed this at this time again in my life.


    Dear Rosy:
    I pray our Good Lord will continue to bless you with all that you need and that you will rest in His peace.


    Thank you for sharing with us today.
    May God grant you his peace and some respite care for your loved one.
    Blessings.


    Rosemary – “One thing is certain.” – You spend much time with Jesus. Your wisdom and clarity of thought set you apart as a true light in the darkness. Thank you for a superb devotional.
    (NS)


    Hi Rosemary,
    Your story is sad and uplifting at the same time. I am sure many PCC readers will be praying for you and your family now. Thanks for sharing.
    Blessings.


    Thank you Rosemary for your devotional today. l have been in despair and you have pointed me to the way forward. I am terminally ill and have at most 2 years if l am very lucky. I couldnt find a way to go forward but you have helped enormously. God bless you.


    Bin there, gone that — all is NOT easy BUT know God is with you!
    I have a card that reads, I was created for such a Time as This, and on the reverse (You Have Been Created To Fulfill His Purpose … For Such A Time As This )


    Dear Rosemary,
    Your devotional this morning. My heart goes out to you as you go through all the changes in your life.
    We know God will help us. My health is still quite good.
    Blessings, Rosemary. Thank you.


    Dear Rosemary,
    Thank you for sharing your burdens to show us how we can continue when life seems unbearable. As you said: Changes need to happen, but it is often the person who cries out the Lord who changes. May the Lord give you peace and strength.


    Hi Rosy,
    As soon as I started to read today’s devotional I thought that you were the author. I remember the other times your wrote about your mother and you are right, just one day at a time is the best. I can’t even imagine what you are going through on a day to day basis, and my prayers are with you.
    Blessings.


    Hi
    Really appreciated your devotion today. I am personally going through some health issues right now that are making some difficult demands on my way of life.
    Your devotion helps me look at things in a bigger way. It is good to be reminded to look to the One who knows what I am going through.
    Thanks.


    Good Morning Rosemary. You have a heavy load and my prayers are with you. There’s also a saying that a burden shared is a burden halved. I’m betting by sharing your story today, your burden (at least through the support of people on Daily), will be broken up into more pieces than you can count. May God and his angels here on earth be with you in your care-giving, your husband with his Alzheimers and your mother with her illnesses and in adjusting to her new surroundings.


    Dear Rosemary,
    Thank you so much for your encouragement today!
    I am dealing with cancer at an age when few options for healing are available.
    God has taken care of me in most wonderful ways throughout my life,and I can fully commit myself to His care for the future. But I am anxious, because I have a wonderful family, and that includes my Church Family, who will want me to do everything possible to prolong life on earth.
    Your message brought relief.
    I will let God decide, as He is always right.


    Hi Rosy,
    They say Life Happens, but we really have no choice except to grit our teeth in some ways and move on one difficult step at a time with the strength the Holy Spirit provides. We are so blessed to have His constant strength and guidance.
    My prayers are with you as you deal with your hurdles one step at a time.
    Bless you.


    Rosemary,
    Here I am finally catching up on my devotionals. Thank you for your wise words and scripture and I’m on the same page. I said to a friend, remember “One Day At A Time”… My thoughts go to the old gospel song, “One Day At A Time Sweet Jesus” – a favourite of senior folk in the facilities where I have served.


    Hello Rosemary,
    Thank you for your sharing both the trials you face and how God walks those valleys with you. It is so true that God hears our cries for help – as Jesus did throughout His ministry: those who cried out to Him in their great need, He never turned away. May you find strength and peace in Him as your walk continues.
    (BC)

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