Doubt Erased Through Love

Doubt. How many times has doubt filled your mind? In my case, more then I can count on my two hands and my feet. I am in to more double doubt digits then I can count through the years.

I considered closing down my purposeful passion: "Living Stones Ministries Rock On!" I had a moment of doubt enter my mind: "Am I really serving others through the projects?"

I met Berlena, who is now in her 80's, at Seattle's First Christian Church around 19-years ago. By observing and being in conversation with her throughout the years, she inspires others. 

Berlena took care of her husband at home until she realized it was time for more help with his care. Berlena is a retired Activities Director for a continuing care retirement community. I enjoy when she gets up during the worship service and shares a story before offertory. The people listen. 

Helene was a small child at the same church. I remember Helena in Vacation Bible School tie dying a tee shirt. She is now an elementary school teacher. Helene recently helped with gathering donations for Mary Place's at church.  She drives Berlena to church and maybe other places.

After church I had lunch with Helene, Berlena and, our friend, Carol at local pizzeria. It was joyful. I felt the love between Berlena and Helene.

I reflected upon our lunch and my doubt slowly dissipated. Berlena had taught me how it was to appreciate activities and life enrichment as one ages. Helene gave me hope for an up and coming generation, who will take my place some day.

My doubt left me as I made a hat on Sunday late night and one last that will be complete tonight. Living Stones will continue for one more year and a picture is worth a few words that remove doubt and share love.

Sayng Good Bye & Learning A Lesson

This is me with my friend and big brother, David Deyo. He passed away the first week of December. He came out of homelessness to use his intellect and skills to work for Amazon. He recently started working for a start up. 

David was a man of faith and his light will continue to shine upon all who walked with him on this earth.

I have learned a lesson to share. Many of us do not want to consider our deaths. I encourage you to have your Wills and durable power of attorneys for financial and health completed along with preplanning your funeral.

If you have items that you might use someday, donate them to a thrift shop. Let someone else put them to use and proceeds received from your donation help a nonprofit or others in need. Don't leave them for others to sort. Pay it forward while you can.

Congratulations Living Stones Ministries Rock On! Volunteers

Congratulations to Living Stones Ministries Rock On! volunteers for making, distributing and donating more than 1,000 hats to the homeless on the streets of Seattle. They also donated hats and socks to feeding programs and churches. https://lnkd.in/gicSzu5 hashtag#volunteering hashtag#socks hashtag#hats hashtag#churches hashtag#ministries hashtag#seniors hashtag#purpose hashtag#warmth

Give & Receive

I have made a few Christmas posts as of recent due to those who may be feeling blue as a professional or resident. No matter what has been on my mind professionally or personally, I intentionally set aside time to volunteer or pay it forward during the week. Three years ago, I was consulting with a skilled nursing facility (SNF). I was on a care floor. I felt a tug on my suit jacket. It was the sweetest elderly woman in a wheelchair. She shared about not having living family or friends and how she missed having a gingerbread house. I decided to make her one, and the team members liked the idea. I asked the resident what she would like as part of the house. She wanted reindeer poop on the roof and yellow snow in the front lawn. The resident had passed a couple days before. I was not called since I was not family, DPOA or guardian. I understood. Thinking about the resident. I walked out of the SNF with the gingerbread house. I had an idea. My neighbor, who is in his mid-80's always gifts me See's Assorted Peppermints. I make him a gift, including a hat, bath salts and his favorite: "shea butter Christmas yellow snowflake soap." He was naughty that year! He will find joy and cheer with the gingerbread house.