Coping with Dementia? Pray for strength!

 

Hello and Welcome! 

I wonder if you, like me, have seen a loved one slowly transform into someone else who doesn't even remember who you are. I am talking of the effects of dementia. My mother, God rest her soul, suffered from this. I relived a bit of this journey today 23rd January 25 reading Our Daily Bread, in a piece penned by Karen Huang who had witnessed this in her father. 

The writer found encouragement from the Bible and other gifts from God. Watching my mother struggling I tried, through prayer, to make sense of what was happening. Mum had been a very strong and capable woman before her illness. I believe that everything happens for a reason. And also acknowledge that God's ways are not ours. While in that testing time I just kept trusting Him and seeking His help and guidance on a day-to-day basis, as I always do. 

The Alzheimer's Society website says: The word 'dementia' describes a set of symptoms that over time can affect memory, problem-solving, language and behaviour. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. Dementia is a group of symptoms. It’s caused by different diseases that damage the brain. The symptoms get worse over time and include: memory loss, confusion and needing help with daily tasks, problems with language and understanding, and changes in behaviour. For more info take a look at their site: 

I pray that if you are going through this situation either personally, or watching a loved one deteriorating in front of your eyes, or indeed coping with any problem at all right now try saying this short prayer - or one of your own - as often as needed:

"Dear Heavenly Father, please help and guide us through this very testing time. Please help us to keep our eyes firmly fixed on You, and to feel Your love  surrounding and upholding us. I ask this in Jesus's name. Amen." 

Looking through a number of Bible quotes about suffering this one struck a chord: "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." 1 Peter 5:10

I would love to hear how you are coping with this problem.    

God bless,

Teresa

Visit Our Daily Bread

For articles, and inspiration, plus info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk) 

You may like to check out my books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my simple methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God 

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

Please pray for L.A. as it burns...

 

BBC photo
Hello and Welcome! 

I'm sure that you, like me, have been appalled by the scale and ferocity of the wildfires in los Angeles! And just when some of them are being tamed the forecast of strong winds again is the worst news for those caught up in this nightmare. 

The last time I wrote a post like this was about Athens, in the summer of 2021. Actually, when visiting Athens last year, there was a doubt that I could make it to the airport for my flight home as wildfires were threatening the route there. The main problem was the high winds... And so I feel empathy for residents, firefighters, and everyone in L.A. right now. 

I saw on BBC Wales Today, some interviews with Welsh people living there. I have friends who live there and work there regularly. You may well know someone who lives there too as this famous place is a magnet for people from around the globe.

Please will you join me in a prayer for all involved as we say, "Dear Heavenly Father, please look with pity upon the people of Los Angeles as they battle with wildfires. Please be merciful to them and calm the strong winds to a gentle breeze. We beg  this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

May you and your family, wherever you are in the world, cherish each other today and always.    

God bless,

Teresa

For articles, and inspiration, plus info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk) 

You may like to check out my books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my simple methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God 

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

Feeling misjudged? God knows the truth!

Hello and Welcome! 

I'm sure that you, like me, have been unfairly accused of something, and boy, does it hurt! I was reminded of this upon reading Our Daily Bread today 12th January 25, penned by Leslie Koh.

It sent me back to childhood, when, a couple of times, my word was dismissed. Picture this: I am sitting in a classroom, the teacher has told us to stop talking and get on with our work, a friend whispers something to me, I turn my face towards her, and... the teacher having heard a voice presumes it was mine. I was punished both times; once by having to stand outside the classroom on a chair for about an hour and a half. Wouldn't happen today, I presume, but it didn't hurt me. But being blamed for something I didn't do, did hurt. (I realized today that though I protested my innocence, I didn't snitch either time, I'm happy to say.)

Remembering these, admittedly, rather petty incidents, set me thinking about the world we live in today, where people swear black is white and vice versa, and sometimes good people even lose their jobs and livelihoods by speaking the truth. 

I turned to God and said, "Oh Lord, I am so grateful to know that You are Truth itself." Pondering on that fact, holding onto it I continued, "You are the lodestar, the constant, the cornerstone, the unchanging." Tears of gratitude ran down my face. It was so good to remember that God is there knowing the truth of everything - even when I am in the wrong and He knows that too.

Then Christ reminded me, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one can come to Father except through Me..."  John  14:16 

Praise the Lord, oh my soul. And may YOU be comforted and strengthened too by remembering the Constancy of the Holy Trinity.

Please do continue to get in touch as I love hearing your experiences of God.   

God bless,

Teresa

Visit Our Daily Bread

For articles, and inspiration, plus info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk) 

You may like to check out my books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my simple methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God 

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

Wishing you contentment in 2025!

                                       Burry Port, Wales          
 Hello and Welcome! 

Well, though in the U.K. things are rather chilly today the sun has shone brightly and people are cheery! I wonder if you, like me, enjoy all sorts of weather. I love to walk so for that today I wrapped up warmly and donned hat and gloves too. And when it rains I get out the waterproofs and wellies and feel like a kid again splashing through puddles.

I think that one of the one of the secrets of happiness is being contented with how things are. It could well be a secret of longevity too as my dear friend Mary, who passed a while back just before her 102nd birthday, was a shining example of contentment. (See my post headed Secret of happiness by centenarian Mary!) 

And so, in this year 2025 I wish you contentment. It is a choice... 

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Has embracing contentment sweetened your life? I'd love to hear your story...  

God bless,

Teresa 

For articles, and inspiration, plus info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk) 

You may like to check out my books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my simple methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God 

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

Assist to live not die! Disabled and Terminally ill beg MPs

 
Hello and Welcome! 

Well, not long  to go now before the UK government RUSHES Parliament into voting on whether or not to legalise suicide. Well, as another side of the debate here is a statement by Not Dead Yet: a network of Disabled and terminally ill people who are asking you to email your MP to ask them to Vote Against the Bill.

Not Dead Yet believe that, if the Bill is passed, some people's lives will be ended prematurely, due to mistakes and abuse. Vulnerable lives will be at risk. No "safeguards" can guarantee protection from coercion.

They say that evidence from the small number of places around the world that have legalised assisted suicide is deeply concerning. For example, in Oregon - a model often sited by UK assisted suicide campaigners - the latest official data* shows that 47% of people who had an assisted suicide said they were doing so because the were concerned that they were a "burden on  family, friends / caregivers". [See my previous post "Assisted suicide: the slippery slope! about Van Gogh on this.]

Hospice UK has identified that over 100,000* people dying each year without access to the palliative care they need and the Government has said that our NHS is "going through the biggest crisis in its history"*. Against this backdrop, now is not the time to legalise assisted suicide. 

Not one organisation of disabled people has called for this Bill nor supports it. 

For more info on the organisation click this link: Not Dead Yet UK

*Oregon Health Authority -Oregon Death with Dignity Act - 2023 data summary

*UK Parliament POST note - Palliative and end of life care

The NHS is broken: Health and Social Care Secretary statement 

I am well aware that this is an emotive subject. It should be. We are talking about life and death situations!! And let's be clear that if this law is passed it will change our culture completely. An industry of death will spring up almost immediately. 

Right to Life UK say this:

SUICIDE PODS TO BE LAUNCHED IN THE UK IF BILL PASSES

You may have read in The Telegraph that the inventor of the Sarco gas chamber assisted suicide pod, the founder of assisted suicide lobby group ‘Exit International’, Dr Philip Nitschke (who the media nickname “Dr Death”) has announced that he plans to launch an assisted suicide service using the Sarco pods in the UK if the Bill becomes law.

A person can end their own life inside the 3D-printed Sarco pod by pushing a button, which injects nitrogen gas into the sealed gas chamber. The nitrogen causes them to suffocate to death. Dr Philip Nitschke has said that the machine can be “towed anywhere for the death”.

Professor of law and constitutional government at St John’s College, Oxford, Richard Ekins KC said, “If Kim Leadbeater’s Bill passes, and if the Secretary of State approves liquid nitrogen as an approved substance, then the Sarco death pod would be a lawful means to assist suicide in Britain".

TAKE ACTION

We need to make it clear right now to our MPs that it is a real possibility that these horrifing Sarco gas chamber suicide pods could be launched here if assisted suicide is legalised. We must reiterate that they must oppose this Bill.

With just over 2 days to go, it is a make-or-break moment. Even if you have emailed your MP earlier on the assisted suicide Bill, it’s very important that you contact them with this new information.

 That slippery slope, that thin edge of the wedge, that snowballing - however you want to describe the inevitability of the Bill being stretched the net of death cast ever wider will happen. If that makes your blood run cold, as it does mine, please do email and ask your MP to vote against the Bill as Not Dead Yet  Not Dead Yet UK are asking. Many thanks.  

Stay safe.  

God bless,

Teresa 

For articles, and inspiration, plus info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk)

You may like to check out my books which are all available as paperbacks and e-books. Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my simple methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God 

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

 

Assisted suicide: the slippery slope!

 

Van Goch's bedroom

Hello and Welcome! 

Wherever you are in the world, and however you found me, I am so glad that you did! Recently I watched  a docudrama on the life of my favourite artist: Vincent van Gogh. It was a very moving tale, with the role of Vincent being played admirably by Benedict Cumberbatch. On one hand I enjoyed the wealth of colour and scenes that leapt from the artist's canvases. But on the other, witnessing his struggles, both financial and mental, was difficult to watch. However, in the context of the imminent vote to allow assisted suicide in the UK, it was the final scene which unsettled me the most. 

Vincent visited his brother, Theo, and his wife and met their baby son for the first time. Until then Theo had financially supported Vincent. But during the visit Theo told him that, due to the extra financial responsibilities that he now had with his new family, he would be unable to support to him as much. In the docudrama Vincent went home, wrote Theo a letter saying that he did not want to be a burden to him, went into a field, and he shot himself. 

People against assisted suicide state that this 'not wanting to be a burden' - to, say, relatives, the NHS, and so on -  is precisely the kind of reaction that the elderly, the dependent, the sick, the disabled, the depressed, the poor, the homeless, the jobless, and so on, may push them into feeling obliged to voluntarily opt to die. 

But why, you may ask, am I mentioning these kinds of scenarios when, the Assisted Dying Bill, now before the UK Parliament, sets out clear parameters in law to protect people from the unscrupulous, and so on. Hmm. Well. The problem is that assisted dying laws, actually, they are assisted suicide laws, allowed in countries including Belgium, Canada and the Netherlands, have quickly got out of hand. So, the scenarios I mention, are becoming commonplace in these countries, Even vulnerable children are now opting to die

I  say none of this lightly, and everything can be backed up as fact. Here are just a few links for you to check the facts out for yourself.

Euthanasia of children in the Netherlands 

Netherlands backs euthanasia for children under 12

Euthanasia of children in Belgium

The homeless choose euthanasia in Canada

More horror stories of euthanasia from Canada

Once you have done a little research by clicking on any of the above links it will be easier for you to know what, if anything, you can do about this upcoming bill. For instance, if you live in the UK please write to your MP about this. You could use this link: 

You could try the short meditation below to think this subject over. 

1 minute meditation

Breathe in deeply and as you exhale feel the whole of your body relax.

Now  say this prayer, or one of your own.

"Dear Heavenly Father, Your 6th Commandment is 'thou shalt not kill' but there are -  often well-meaning - people who hold a different view. Many of these are very persuasive and powerful.  But please let them be swayed, instead, by the awful broadening of assisted suicide already happening in other countries so that they block this proposed bill. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen."  

In conclusion I want to highlight that some people think that to allow assisted suicide is a compassionate act to guarantee a painless death, however, according to experts, a range of adverse affects may occur during this process  - which can take up to 47 hours!! Anaesthesiologist Dr Joel Zivot says, "I am quite certain that assisted suicide is not painless or peaceful or dignified... in the majority of cases it is a very painful death." Click this link for more info on this reality check:   

Stay safe. 

God bless,

Teresa 

For articles, and inspiration, plus info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk)

You may like to check out my books which are all available as paperbacks and e-books. Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my simple methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God 

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

 

Anticyclonic gloomy? Choose joy instead!

                                                          Roath Park in the sunshine
 Hello and Welcome! 

have you ever considered that you can choose your mood? students of personal development will be aware of this fundamental principle. 

If the concept sounds strange let me give you an example. A week ago the sun shone the whole day long, and though I had plenty of work to do I couldn't resist a walk around my local lake. I was snapping photos of the glorious autumn colours as I went. And the wildlife looked super-happy too so I took some pics of them as well. 

                                                    Happy swans lakeside
After the walk I met up with a friend for coffee and cake. All lovely! My mood was happy and joyful.

The very next day, though, and until now, most of the UK has been blanketed in thick grey cloud. Yes, we are experiencing Anticyclonic Gloom - apparently caused by high pressure trapping the clouds. It is enough to bring anybody's mood down! But I determinedly chose joy instead. Actually, ha ha, I really didn't want to feel bad as well as being surrounded by that greyness. And so, I find myself saying often, Dear God, I am happy just to be alive! (One of the affirmations from my book 9 Days to Heaven -  see below.)

It could be, though, that wherever you are living in the world, it is maybe not a literal cloud that is making you feel low but rather a testing time. But still, I want to reiterate that you do have a choice over how it affects your mood. 

So, your choices are: will you choose to feel gloomy V will you choose to feel joyful? 

If you are wavering towards gloomy here are 3 suggestions to help you choose joyful:

1. Look at your surroundings, stamp your feet, then thank the Lord that you can see and move, and for all your other senses and faculties. 

2. Think of one person in your life who loves you, then thank your Heavenly Father for their love and ask Him to bless them.

3. If you are going through a testing time remember that the Holy Spirit lives with you and loves you.

Then say this prayer, or one of your own,

"Dear Lord Jesus, when life is gloomy please keep reminding me that You are the Light of the World, and as I bask in Your Light help me to choose joy. Amen."

"May the God of joy fill you with hope and peace..." Romans 15:13

Do you have any tips on choosing Joy to share? If you have I'd love to hear them. 

God bless,

Teresa 

For articles, and inspiration, plus info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk) 

You may like to check out my books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my simple methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God 

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven