Monday, May 15, 2017

The Verse That Spoke to Me...

 
Last Wednesday we completed our Bible study of David in the book of Samuel. David was a man after my own heart. A sinner, but never doubted the love of God. On the last day we were asked to read one of the 73 Psalms (out of 150) that David wrote and to choose a verse that truly spoke to us. Psalm 40 verses 1-3 truly spoke to me...I quote "I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God."


When my sweetie really began to decline with Alzheimer's Disease, I truly felt I was in the pit of despair, in the mud and the mire. This was not what I had imagined to develop and ruin our golden years together. I was in despair over the very fact that he had been diagnosed with this devastating disease in his early 60's with symptoms beginning when he was in his late 50's. My sweetie will be 78 years old in August. I was in despair trying to find a solution to give myself a little respite from the 24/7 watch and care that was required, I was in despair watching my sweetie turn from this loving caring father and husband into an angry man, I was in despair trying to make the right decisions for an impossible situation. But through that despair, God steadied me, he took my hand as I walked this path and set my feet on solid ground. He was there when I made the decision to place my sweetie in a care facility, He was there when I had to move him into a different place because of the extra care that he required, and He was there showing his love through my circle of friends and family.  My sweetie continues his life in a nursing home not far from our home, I find him always in good care, clean clothes, clean shaven, and regular haircuts. The nurses tell me he has no problems, and eats well. He has not been sick for well over 2 1/2 years and has lived this life in a care facility for almost 7 years.  It's been a Long Goodbye, needless to say, however God continues to steady me.


He has given me a new song to sing when I returned to my former Presbyterian faith and brought me to a church that has reached out and embraced me with its kindness and love. I have developed deep friendships, serve as a deacon, attend Bible Study, and help whenever the need arises.


He has also given me a new song to sing with photography. I began my passion for photography during the period when I had to be with my sweetie 24/7.  It gave me a creative outlet and one that I could accomplish with my sweetie by my side. Now that he is safely in the care of a nursing home, I have expanded my passion through workshops, photography trips, selling my photography thru greeting cards, calendars and framed prints.  Photography has also brought new friends into my life, people I would have never met if it wasn't for this passion of mine. So, yes, I will sing a hymn of praise to our God for bringing all these new "songs" into my life.

And yes, those verses from Psalm 40 truly, loudly spoke to me deep in my heart and soul. "Many will see what He has done and be amazed."  Amen

Until next time....



14 comments:

  1. Oh my dear friend - your compassion and deep love for your Sweetie is such an inspiration. I can only imagine the pain of your goodbye, we have talked of this together, but it is something I can't fully grasp or understand. But I can be there and pray for you and lift you up when days are hard & long. I am thankful for your photography journey as well, for it is through that journey, we became friends and I am forever thankful for that.
    p.s. your work is absolutely amazing -------- I have so much to learn from you.

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  2. "He hath given you a new song . . . "
    I hear you . . . see you . . .
    Beautiful reflecting and sharing about your sweetie . . .
    and finding solid ground, new beginnings.
    Gods Blessings Deanna . . .

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  3. You're outlook on life gives us all inspiration. I know I'm blessed for having met you!

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  4. You are such an inspiration and amazing soul! I love your photography!!

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  5. Your strength and faith always amazing me. You are strong! Hugs to you!

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  6. I recall with joy the phone conversations we had. I cant believe its been that long -- and I admire your loyalty and love and faith. Because my father suffered from this for too long I fear for anyone or anyone's family this test in life. I adore you and appreciate the beautiful life you share with others and him! You are simply a gift!

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  7. A beautiful post Deanna and it is amazing how God blesses us through all the times of our lives ,and in ways we could never have imagined

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  8. What a beautiful post this is, Deanna.
    You are truly an inspiration.
    xo.

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  9. What a beautiful post. One I needed.

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  10. Thank you for sharing this, Deanna. What great hope. I can't even imagine all the ways God is using you to help other people on their journeys. Stories of redemption are being written all over the place.

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  11. When sometimes I think I don't need one more thing on my plate I think of you Deanna. You have been honest in your fears and anguish and humble in your journey. You are such an inspiration not only in your stupendous photography, but in how you find strength and guidance in your faith. Bless you.

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  12. You are such an inspiration and amazing soul! I love your photography!!


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  13. No words of wisdom spoken here but your post encouraged me. Your honesty is refreshing. God Bless you...hugs from Wisconsin.

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