Welcome
Michelle, kimmieduck, Maryn Joseph, and charjohnson2207!

So glad you joined us.  I have been praying for our group and I am excited about what God wants to do in our hearts.

"I look forward to learning from the collective wisdom of this group"

That is what I like as well, reading the powerful and sometime very convicting insight of the other ladies. It really challenges me to go deeper in my relationship with God.

kimmieduck wrote:

Hello, I am so looking forward to joining in on this bible study and digging deep to gleen knowledge. I have never been in a group study online before but I am so thankful for the opportunity. I am 38 years old and married to a wonderful and God fearing man. He developed early onset Alzhiemer's 3 years ago and it makes it hard for us to get out a lot of times. God always makes a way. Thank you all.

My mom developed early onset dementia when she was in her early fifties. We've only had an official diagnosis for 8 years but it began 4 or more years before that. She is still hanging on although she can no longer speak coherently other than a few random words here and there and she is immobile. This was difficult for me as she was not 100% herself for my wedding and was not there for the birth of any of my children because we had to place her in a home when I was pregnant with my first. Her and I were very close and I felt that she could not not be there for me like she wanted and at times when I felt I needed her wisdom most. I'm still a work in progress but God has used this to bring me closer to Him as my mom would have wanted. She lived her life for God and others and she would want her homecoming to be the same. A turning point for me was when I realized that there was a reason in my moms suffering. Rather than being gone in an instant her homecoming has taken years during which people have experienced the love my dad has for her, his unwavering faith in God, and we have experienced the love of those that she once served. If one person's faith is strengthened by her suffering then my mom would say it was worth it. I am committed to being that one person and I'm not wasting this gift she has given me.  I'm using it to grow my relationship with the Lord.

One of the most difficult parts was watching my dad deal with this because while losing a mom is difficult, losing the person you have chosen to spend your life with and devoted yourself to is almost impossible. He celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on Saturday and she probably did not know who he was. God grants a special grace to him and people like you because the road is tough and you can only get through it by the grace of God. There will be low times and times when you have to find the humor in certain situations to simply keep from crying.  This disease is so far removed from a cancer diagnosis where there is hope because with dementia there is no hope, except the hope we have in God and his plan for our lives. I pray that you have an amazing support system to help you through and that God's grace envelopes you and carries you through this difficult time.

kennejb wrote:

kimmieduck wrote:

Hello, I am so looking forward to joining in on this bible study and digging deep to gleen knowledge. I have never been in a group study online before but I am so thankful for the opportunity. I am 38 years old and married to a wonderful and God fearing man. He developed early onset Alzhiemer's 3 years ago and it makes it hard for us to get out a lot of times. God always makes a way. Thank you all.

My mom developed early onset dementia when she was in her early fifties. We've only had an official diagnosis for 8 years but it began 4 or more years before that. She is still hanging on although she can no longer speak coherently other than a few random words here and there and she is immobile. This was difficult for me as she was not 100% herself for my wedding and was not there for the birth of any of my children because we had to place her in a home when I was pregnant with my first. Her and I were very close and I felt that she could not not be there for me like she wanted and at times when I felt I needed her wisdom most. I'm still a work in progress but God has used this to bring me closer to Him as my mom would have wanted. She lived her life for God and others and she would want her homecoming to be the same. A turning point for me was when I realized that there was a reason in my moms suffering. Rather than being gone in an instant her homecoming has taken years during which people have experienced the love my dad has for her, his unwavering faith in God, and we have experienced the love of those that she once served. If one person's faith is strengthened by her suffering then my mom would say it was worth it. I am committed to being that one person and I'm not wasting this gift she has given me. I'm using it to grow my relationship with the Lord.

One of the most difficult parts was watching my dad deal with this because while losing a mom is difficult, losing the person you have chosen to spend your life with and devoted yourself to is almost impossible. He celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on Saturday and she probably did not know who he was. God grants a special grace to him and people like you because the road is tough and you can only get through it by the grace of God. There will be low times and times when you have to find the humor in certain situations to simply keep from crying. This disease is so far removed from a cancer diagnosis where there is hope because with dementia there is no hope, except the hope we have in God and his plan for our lives. I pray that you have an amazing support system to help you through and that God's grace envelopes you and carries you through this difficult time.

My father passed away last year. He was suffering for several years from dementia and Parkinson's Disease. It was very difficult watching my mother try to deal with the physical, spiritual and emotional devastation. All I can do is try to look at what God wants me to learn from that and how I can grow spiritually from that. Very difficult situations. Thanks for sharing kennejb and kimmieduck just keep clinging to God and I hope our group can be a small encouragement to you.

kbee123 wrote:

My name is Kristi Follett. We have 6 chldren and 1 grandchild. Our children range in ages from 22yo down to 18 months old Our granddaughter is only 2 months younger than our youngest. I have been homeschooling for 12 years. We currently live in Texas, where my husband and I are both from, but in less than 2 weeks, we are moving BACK to Alaska. This is so crazy! God had us there for 9 years, and back here for 3. I'm super excited to be part of this group, especially as we move, so I will have a place to go to every day that is consistent. Thank you for letting me be a part of this group! 

kbee123,

What a lovely family you seem to have. How fun to have little grandchildren and at the same time as little ones of your own

Moving can be so emotional and very spiritually challenging as well. I hope you can find some community here to provide support during all that you have going on. Are your adult children moving to Alaska as well, or will you be away from your grand-kids?

Welcome and glad to have you with us.
 

My name is Linda. I am 57 years old and have been married for 32 years. We have two daughters (married) and two sons.  Oldest son is a college sophomore and oldest son is a boomerang college grad.  Our two daughters are married and we have 5 grandchildren.  I'm in dire need of accountability and Bible Study.  We lead a very busy life and I need focus to keep my walk strong!  Work full-time and serve at church and on our City Commission.  Currently have a little granddaughter in Children's hospital with Staph infection in her pelvic bone and bloodstream.  Also helping husband shepherd his 90 1/2 year old father!

Last edited by Choosetoshine (9/07/2015 9:33 am)