Category: Life is fragile (body)

  • Two Sleeps Before Christmas

    I’m flooded with thankfulness from family, friends, and neighbors who volunteered their time and energy sacrificing to go out in this blizzard. Volunteer of whatever we needed whether food or supplies. Specialty potato puff appetizers arrived from my brother and his wife from out west. Steve’s friend-brass music group founder gifted us with an amazing goodie box. Our hearts rejoice with these thoughtful actions! Thank you!!!

    Many are praying for health and healing for which we’re most grateful. You truly are the hands and feet of Jesus.

    I’m seeing progress in Steve. He left the recliner for a bit yesterday and did a few minor tasks. Yay! Baby steps, little steps we are celebrating.

    Here I go out to brave the blustery, blizzardy cold world out there. Skipper is calling for me to take a walk. To the mailbox and back again—that is my limit for now. Will take me longer to suit up than to accomplish the walk.

    Hunker down, stay warm, and safe. CHRISTmas blessings to you & to yours 😊

    “You might be thinking you don’t have the power within you to accomplish great and mighty tasks. Think again. Then fill in the blank below.” [From my book, “The Child becomes The Parent: Coping with Grief.”]

    I can accomplish ____________________.

    “I can do all things through Christ who strengthened me.” – Philippians 4:13

    How are you coping in this weather? Doing anything different/special this Christmas season? Love to hear from you.

    I can accomplish ___________________________.

    “I can do all things through Christ who strengthened me.” – Philippians 4:13

    ***How are you coping in this weather? Doing anything different/special this Christmas season? Love to hear from you.***

    Post by Teresa K. Lasher, author of:

    “The Child becomes The Parent: Coping with Grief” and

    “Life is: Good, Fragile, and Precious–Loving yourself so you can love others”

  • Three Sleeps Before Christmas

    “Fear not for I have redeemed thee, I have called Thee by name; thou art mine,” Isaiah 43:1

    Maybe like me, your Christmas holiday plans are not going as expected. I’ve been in physical therapy since October trying to help mend some worn body parts. Hubby Steve tested positive for Covid Christmas week and is really sick. This obviously put a kibosh on being with family and friends. No shared food or gift giving for now.

    He’s stuck with me and our dog Skipper. We’re stuck with each other in a COLD climate with a winter stay-at-home blizzard approaching.

    My expectations. My thoughts. My ways. Notice all the “My’s” in this paragraph? I keep saying, “Your will, God; not mine.” If I’m being honest, I still want My way and My expectations fulfilled. Forgive me, Lord!

    A long-distance friend wrote that it will be a “Silent Night Christmas for us.” Another friend wrote, “Peace. Quiet. Serenity.”

    Not the thought that came to my finite brain cells. More like: Really? At Christmas? This can’t be! Big-time Bummer. Waiting to see how it all turns out is more nerve racking.

    I shared with a friend how I woke early with thoughts of a story. I propped myself up in bed with my heating pad on my neck and shoulders and penned some words. She suggested that this book idea is “for such a time as this. Maybe this time of pain and suffering the Lord will use to grow you and so many of your loyal readers into being more like Him…believe the best rather than assume the worst. I’ll be praying.”

    She also quoted an older man from her church who’s known for saying, “The Lord knows.” All these up-in-the-air decisions, celebration gatherings, physical and mental anguish, broken and failed relationships—the Lord knows. In fact, He knew about all of these areas of our life long ago. My part is to trust and believe He’s working all these things out for my best. He knows and cares.

    That’s another thing I love about my friends. They’re honest, loyal, and not afraid to point me to the Light, my Saviour. Isaiah 43:1 is a great reminder, to fear not for I am redeemed. He knows me on a first name basis. I am His and He is mine. What more do I need?

    How about you? Do you fear certain things especially this time of year? Can you call on the Great I am, God, to rescue you from those fears? There’s no better time than now to say, “Here I am, Lord. I believe in You and want you to be my redeemer-friend-Saviour.” It’s as simple as that.  

    post by Teresa K. Lasher, author of:

    “The Child becomes The Parent: Coping with Grief” and “Life is: Good, Fragile, and Precious–Loving yourself so you can love others

  • My Busy, but Blessed Day

    While enduring physical therapy, I began feeling sorry for myself. My headaches persisted, leg ached, and my neck and shoulders complained often.

    “Should I keep coming if I’m not sure this is doing any good? You’re adding another exercise?!” Yes, you’d probably say I was grumbling.

    My therapist paused, then replied, “Consider the man in here earlier. He had only one leg, and wonders if he’ll ever return to work, or earn enough money to pay the bills for the family.”

    Oh. I guess I have nothing to complain about, do I? A good reminder to be thankful for what I can do and what I do have.

    We did some deep breathing and slowly releasing my breath. He continually reminds me to relax and loosen my shoulders. Relax? Are you kidding? This is December! Who relaxes in December?

    “You’d better or you’re gonna wind up feeling even worse. Be positive. You’ll never mend until you allow your body time to re-generate and mend.”

    Next on my agenda: Fresh Thyme to capture gluten-free onion rings for a holiday green bean casserole. This stop helped me temporarily forget my next appointment. These are tough to find, but I was grateful that a kind sales clerk led me to the shelf where there was a supply of them. This store is a specialty shop and I love to wander. Near the deli a young Dad was scooping up chicken noodle soup. His son was pushing a mini cart full to the brim with items.

    “Looks like you’re a great helper,” I commented.

    Dad smiled, patted his son on the back and said, “He’s a great helper!”

    “Good for you. Merry Christmas you two.” I said with a smile as I walked away.

    I couldn’t stall any longer so I took off for a dreaded dentist appointment. I’ve spent too much time in a dentist chair ever since my automobile accident just five months after I got married. Upside: felt good to have fresh, clean teeth. Downside: they discovered a fracture in a molar which requires a crown. In the waiting room, I noticed a Christmas tree adorned with ornaments for sale. Proceeds would go to help Women at Risk—a most worthy cause. I chose several for my Christmas list. 😊 Score!

    Drove home after my dentist appointment, connected with my husband where he reminded me of his Christmas concert at an assisted living facility. I could sit with the groupies or band-aids—spouses whose husbands play in the Celebration Brass band. I was tired and came up with excuses, but in the end I did go and am glad I did.

    Soaking in the joyous, meaningful Christmas melodies helped me unwind; relax just like my PT advised me earlier in the day. I started the evening tired and defeated. When I left the concert, I felt refreshed and renewed. The music reminded me of a baby boy born in less than ideal circumstances, raised and walked this earth healing, sacrificing. Christ gave His own life for mine so we might be free and whole enjoying heaven after this body gives out. His birth night was a Holy night—the most special Christmas gift of all.

    Hark! The herald angels sing,
    “Glory to the newborn King;
    Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
    God and sinners reconciled!”
    Joyful, all ye nations rise,
    Join the triumph of the skies;
    With th’angelic host proclaim,
    “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

    post by Teresa K. Lasher, author of:

    “The Child becomes The Parent: Coping with Grief” and

    “Life is: Good, Fragile, and Precious–Loving yourself so you can love others”

  • November, 2022 Newsletter

    Grateful & Thankful ! 🙂

    Darlene Larson & Teresa Lasher with her new book!

    I’m so grateful this season for many things. As you can see from our smiling faces, I’m privileged to know a famous author and life coach, Darlene Larson. Her name, along with others, is listed on the acknowledgement page in the front of my new book, The Child becomes The Parent: Coping with Grief.

    Listen to what Darlene has to say:

    “About two years ago, I had the honor and joy of coaching Teresa Lasher (thank you, Teresa). A slice of her and her father’s story was talked about. It grabbed my heart. Then COVID steam rolled in and more of her story with her father unfolded. She published her book this fall and it covers MUCH in a loaded 50 page book about her father and her journey.”

    We continue as friends and write together in community. What are you thankful for today?

    Who would choose to walk a path of loss and grief? This path became Teresa Lasher’s story as caregiver to her elderly father. She wrestled with helplessness and exhaustion. Fighting for his physical, emotional, mental well-being and safety, he continued to slip further away during the Covid pandemic mandated isolation.

    Desperately needing wisdom and preparation for existing and unforeseen battles, Teresa had to learn coping strategies. Granting herself permission to take time off, she often escaped outdoors to write and muse. She chose to exercise forgiveness where needed. When dealing with fear, doubt, and grief, God sent people who showed kindness at just the right time. In Teresa’s story of incredible hope and insight, she learns there are unexpected blessings in the midst of her grief journey.

    If you’d like a copy for yourself, as a gift, or to be used in a group setting, local copies can be obtained through Kregel Parable Bookstore or online.

    What folks are saying about the new book:

    • This is a very well written book, straight from the heart. It’s very easy to read and very relatable, having also gone through the slow loss of a parent as they struggled with dementia…”
    • This book was well written and easy to read. Teresa shared a very personal, difficult journey. It was a great encouragement to me, and showed God’s faithfulness each step of the way. Highly recommend!

    Also available is my 90-day count your blessings & live life in the present devotional book, Life is: Good, Fragile, and Precious—Loving yourself so you can love others. What others are saying:

    • “A story of bravery in the midst of uncertainty…an inspiring and truth told book for those that are walking through a fearful and pain filled health diagnosis.”
    • “Teresa Lasher’s book has been written not only to tell her story of surviving a brain tumor but to give each of us hope and encouragement as we find our way through each day. It inspires us to live our lives to the fullest by learning to love ourselves so we in turn can love others.”
    • “This is a carefully crafted book that step by step helps readers look in the mirror and assess their own life journeys – especially when those tumultuous moments arise.”

  • Dad’s Presence – the Best Present

    I see my breath in the brisk air. Frost covers the green grass where light snow once rested. Large ornaments hang from our 40-foot evergreen tree sheltering a life-size nativity scene. Faithful Joseph and Mother Mary hover close and guard precious baby Jesus—the baby who will be crowned King. Mary and Joseph know of expectations not working out as originally planned. Yet, their story unfolds exactly the way it was meant to.

    Reminds me of our family story. We thought Dad and Mom would age together holding hands and watch our children and grandchildren grow. Instead we lived out a completely different story where Mom passed just short of their 40th wedding anniversary. Dad wandered from us like a lost puppy dog. I wish I could erase the years missed after he remarried and moved 900 miles away. We tried our best to connect with him, but his new family thwarted our efforts. After his wife’s passing, we became aware of the neglect he’d endured and extent of his dementia. Armed with prayer and support, we rescued Dad and brought him home.

    That was then; this is now—Christmas Day. Dad is here with us!

    From the closet, I bring down the white tablecloths and napkins: linens passed down from my Mom and her Mom. Running my hands over the fabric creases, I imagine those who’d broken bread together over these cloths. I set the table with our light blue china plates edged with petite white flowers—gifts from our wedding day 45 years ago. The night before an event, Mom and Dad brought out the special occasion best, set the table, and ponder where each person should sit.

    I lift my husband’s Grandmothers’ orange and blue flowered serving bowls and gravy boat from the shelf. A few age stress marks give the pieces character. Just like us. Together, our family weathered sickness, death, re-marriage, and estrangement. We persevered.

    Showering Dad with hugs, we talk of his old farm days, the appreciated tips he received for bussing tables as a teenager, and vintage cars.

    Dad’s favorite foods adorn the Christmas table: ham, turkey and stuffing, and all the rest. Like old times, Dad and my brother-in-law fight for who gets the coveted turkey neck. Dad and my hubby’s Mom talk in their own little world. I smile as they share their aches, pains, and memories.

    After dinner, we clear the table and prepare for the reading of Jesus’ birth.

    For unto us a child is born … and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – Isaiah 9:6

    Dad settles into a  recliner and nods off. I hope he dreams good dreams. He might not remember our names or recognize us, but he still tells goofy jokes with joy in his eyes. Knowing he’s safe and having him here with us is my favorite Christmas present.

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  • FootPrints

    Gull Foot Prints in Sand

    We all leave footprints. Heavier prints in mud or wet areas. Lighter, fainter ones in sand or drier surfaces. Some take time to disappear. Other footprints, such as those created in sand, take merely a wave and they’re gone for eternity.

    While etched on whatever surface they land on, they make an impression. Question is: will it be a good, bad, or neutral impression?

    Will people remember me and you as being a positive encourager? Or, a Debbie-Downer, talk about herself and her life, all the time?

    Do you see signs of pride or humility? Helpfulness or selfishness? I LOVE being around and talking to folks who don’t have to be center stage. Someone who shows they care by listening and not filling in all the blanks for me. (I’ll admit that I struggle with this concept. My brain tends to go forward and search for the next thing I plan to say.)

    I attended an event where the speaker had the privilege of working with Mr. Rogers, host and producer of the popular kid’s television show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Earlier in life Fred Rogers studied for a pastoral ministry, but decided on a different career path. The lack of wholesome, educational television for our youth caused him to do something about what bothered him. He chose to devote his life’s work to creating wholesome, educational television programs for kids. What an impressive legacy he left behind!

    I learned from this event that everyone who came in contact with Mr. Rogers felt special. Young or old, able bodied, mentally or physically challenged, they were #1 in his book. He zeroed in on that one person—whomever was in front of him at that moment in time. Rogers possessed a gift. You felt you were the only one on Planet Earth. You mattered. Your thoughts, fears, dreams counted. Top Priority! Was he perfect? Of course not, and he’d be the first to admit his imperfections.

    At the symposium, the speaker highlighted a trailer scene where Mr. Rogers struggles to pitch a tent. He tried and tried to set the tent up properly. It turned out all wrong. The audience laughs and Rogers tries again to set it up, but it still doesn’t work. Rogers laughs along with the audience, admits defeat, and asks for help. He then patiently moves on to something else.

    We miss you, Mr. Rogers! Your positive influence, drive, concern for humankind will not be forgotten.

    He left a footprint wherever he walked, whenever he spoke. I came away from the event inspired and motivated to do better, be a better person, and be attentive to my neighbor. My neighbor is whomever God places on my path. Encourage, pray for, brighten the way for those in my sphere of influence.

    • What kind of footprint or mark do you want to leave for the ones you love?
    • Name some ways you plan to leave those kinds of footprints.

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  • How much time do you spend worrying?

    If you’re like me, you spend a fair amount of the day worrying. Especially during these uncertain times in the middle of a pandemic in an election year!

    On day two of the writers’ conference, I became feverish and sick which landed me in bed wrapped in blankets. My caring roommate, Noreen, attended to me bringing what food and drink I could handle. She even offered to drive me home if I wanted to go. I chose to remain at the conference in hopes the bug would pass quickly. Deferring her own needs and health, she compassionately cared for me. Thankfully, I recovered and was able to enjoy the remainder of the conference.

    When I regained strength, I marched into the conference with my head held high expecting God to disclose His vision and great truths. My desire is to carry on with His mission of writing through me. Regardless of anything and everything going on in my life, I just needed to be at the conference. I needed to let it all go and be present here and now.

    Maybe you or a loved one has or is experiencing the flu or COVID-19. Your body is worn out, dragged down, and tired all over. Try and take this time to rest and relax your physical and emotional muscles. Use this time to reflect on your blessings.

    “If you worry about what might be, and wonder what might have been, you will ignore what is,” unknown

    • In your spare time, what do you immediately turn to first … your computer, social media blitzes, news on the television, your Bible, devotional, etc.?
    • When did you last spend time engaged in a productive, positive activity? What did you do?

    Prayer of Encouragement: 

    Dear God, thank you for putting guardian angels in my life to care for me. I know You are in control of my life even though the entire world seems to be spinning out of control. Help me put aside issues which might cause me to forget You and concentrate on what You’ve prepared for me. I willingly accept the path You’ve charted in my life. Whatever the outcome, I choose to praise You. Amen.

    ** excerpt taken from Life is: Good, Fragile, Precious—Loving yourself so you can love others book; Day #20.  

    “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” —Luke 12:22–26. 

    *****

  • How Well Are You Taking Care of YOU?

    Are you taking care of you? Really taking care of you? Looks like this COVID-19 virus plans to hang around for a while longer. Now more than ever is a good time to begin to care for your own mind, body, and soul. Because if you don’t take care of you, no one else will. And that leaves no one to take care of your loved ones. No time like the present to begin.

    As a young mom, I remember the first time I heard an airplane stewardess explain the proper use of an oxygen mask. Since I’d never flown before, I listened intently wanting to be sure I knew exactly what to do in the event of a plane crash. She instructed us to first place the mask over our own face and mouth prior to helping a child or an elderly person. After a mask was securely fastened to our own face, then we should place the mask over the child’s face. Put my own mask on first? Did I hear her correctly? Isn’t that selfish not placing my child’s wellbeing into consideration first?

    As I pondered the instructions, it dawned on me that if I did not take proper care of attending to my own oxygen needs, I would not be alive to help a dependent child or elderly person in an adjacent seat. The same guidelines apply here today. By attending to my basic needs, I’ll be available to help others in need. So it is with life.

    I see the correlation between taking care of my body, mind, and soul. When I do this, I’m able to be a part of witnessing and enjoying my children, grandchildren, and family grow older and prosper. It makes sense to take care of our bodies in order to be alive, fit, and available for others. If you do not take care of you, then who will? Taking care of you is not a selfish endeavor, but a wise and necessary one.

    Jewish commentator, Rabbi Hirsch, interprets Psalm 23:1 this way: “The Lord is my shepherd therefore I suffer no want. I do not miss what I do not have. I do not feel its lack, since it is God, my shepherd, who had seen fit to withhold it from me. He shows me His love by denying me that which I desire, but which if I was to have, it would cause me harm.”

    *In what ways do you feel you’re taking care of you during these uncertain, trying times? Maybe taking a walk outside observing fall colors or even a trip to a special store? What refuels your emotional/spiritual tank?

    *Can you think of one or two ways that you can begin to take care of you better?

    ** excerpt taken from Life is: Good, Fragile, Precious—Loving yourself so you can love others book; Day #5.

    *****

  • Rush

    5-Minute Friday

    the word’s: RUSH. Go …

    RUSH here. Rush there. RUSH everywhere. Never felt more aware of the term RUSH than during this month of the year. December should conjure up scenes of happiness, joy, peace, but it really doesn’t at least not for me. I need to work on this. God and I need to work on this together. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

    My life coach, Darlene, suggests: Simplify Christmas. Simplify Life. I try to cram too much in too small of a space. Results: sorrow, unrest, grief, regrets, and even anger. I’m guessing you feel the same way too. This is no way to live a life. Particularly in this season of love, grace and mercy. A season that our Heavenly Father chose to send His only son to come to earth, be born in a lowly manager, live and serve among humankind, die a horrible death on a cross for you & me. This month of all months should be a grateful, kind, and looked forward to (not dreaded) event of the entire year!

    Lord, guide me/us to what needs to be done, what can wait/be deleted, and what is the best for my life, my reader’s, and their loved ones lives too.

    We love you, Lord Jesus.

    This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday link-up.  Join me and others as we reflect on, and write about one word each week for only 5 minutes.

  • Sheep are Valuable

    Round #3 … the Resume of a Sheep taken from Psalm 23. First, we talked about sheep being vulnerable. Our second session: sheep go astray.

    This time let’s move to Sheep are Valuable!        

    Being a curious person, I looked up the definition for the word valuable: having considerable worth, bringing a high price, having qualities worthy of respect, admiration or esteem.

    Wow! Our Heavenly Father is speaking about me and about you! You are precious, treasured, cherished and appreciated, my dear sheep-friend.

    The next time someone flings you a sarcastic remark or circumstances throw you for a loop—remember that He deems you dear. He respects you beyond all measure.

    When you have a few minutes, ponder Psalm 139.

    “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful”

    *****