answers for living
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| Seniors and their families often have questions about the challenges of life in
our later years. We have addressed some of these questions below. Simply click
on the question to go to the answer on this page. New questions are added
periodically so please check this page in the future. |
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Death is always a difficult subject. How
do you counsel people on this sensitive subject?
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Do you think we will know each other in heaven?
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And what will our glorified bodies be like?
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I am a senior citizen and I don’t have much money to spend on others
at Christmas. What are some ways that I can minister to those around me on a
limited budget?
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My mother lives alone in an assisted living community in another
state, and she tends to get very lonely during the holidays. How can I help
her?
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My wife and I have been married for over 30 years, and it seems like
we’re in a rut. Can you give us any practical advice on how we can spice up our
marriage?
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Now that our kids and grandkids are grown, my husband and I are
having a hard time reconnecting. Is this normal?
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My sweet husband of 57 years passed away this past fall, and I’m not
sure what I will do on Valentine’s Day this year.
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What is one way that I can overcome the fear I have in my heart?
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Are there any other ways to defeat fear?
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Death is always a difficult subject. How do you counsel people
on this sensitive subject?
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The first thing I do is remind people of the hope we have in Jesus Christ..
Jesus said in John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who
believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes
in Me will never die….” Christ promises victory over death to everyone who
believes and trusts in Him. Now, if a person hasn’t placed their faith in
Christ, of course, I help them understand the importance of this decision and
seek to lead them to accept God’s free gift of salvation in Christ.
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Do you think we will know each other in heaven?
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Absolutely! In fact, we will know each other better in heaven. On the Mount
of Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John knew that the two men standing with
Jesus were Moses and Elijah. In the same way, we will know our loved ones who
have accepted Christ and gone on to heaven before us.
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And what will our glorified bodies be like?
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We need to remember that death is not the end, but rather the separation of
body and soul. While our earthly, temporal bodies will be buried in the ground,
our soul will go to be with the Lord. And when Christ returns to earth, our
bodies will be resurrected … perfect, glorified bodies that are
imperishable…free from sickness, fatigue, and death. What an incredible and
sure hope!
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I am a senior citizen and I don’t have much money
to spend on others at Christmas. What are some ways that I can minister to
those around me on a limited budget?
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First, one of the best ways to minister to those around you is through
prayer. James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and
effective.” Second, not only can you pray for your friends, but perhaps you
could drop them a note or e-mail to let them know you are doing so! Also, use
your note to give a word of encouragement.
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My mother lives alone in an assisted living
community in another state, and she tends to get very lonely during the
holidays. How can I help her?
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It is very easy for those who live in assisted living centers or nursing
homes to feel isolated—especially during the holiday season. Until you are able
to go visit your family member, it’s important to make the extra effort to show
them you love and care about them. A care package, an extra phone call, the
occasional flowers, or a Christmas card are good ways to show your loved one
that you are thinking about him or her.
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My wife and I have been married for over 30 years,
and it seems like we’re in a rut. Can you give us any practical advice on how
we can spice up our marriage?
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Absolutely! After many years together, there comes a time when it seems you
know each other so well you can finish each other’s sentences! And it’s easy to
begin to take each other for granted.
One thing you could do to let your wife know you love and appreciate her would
be to take your wife to a quiet restaurant (with your cell phones turned off!)
and read her a love letter you have written her.
Or, bringing her home a small bouquet of flowers on an ordinary day will make
her feel special, too. Whatever it is, it’s important to remember to do
something thoughtful and unexpected for each other on a consistent basis.
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Now that our kids and grandkids are grown, my
husband and I are having a hard time reconnecting. Is this normal?
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Yes, it is. Many older couples find this to be the case. One thing Virginia
and I have done for many, many years is to have a weekly date night.
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but you’d be amazed how enjoying a quiet
night out, a walk along the beach, or a stroll through the park will help you
and your mate reconnect. And if it rains, there’s always the mall!
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My sweet husband of 57 years passed away this past
fall, and I’m not sure what I will do on Valentine’s Day this year.
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I know that this time of year can be especially difficult when you’re dealing
with the loss of a spouse. But one great way to celebrate your husband is to
take the time to focus on expressing your love for someone who may be lonely or
perhaps unable to get out of the house.
One idea is to send a nice Valentine’s card, or to visit your friend with a
picnic lunch. This simple act of service will bless your friend…and will honor
the Lord as you seek to serve others.
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What is one way that I can overcome the fear I
have in my heart?
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Well, I have often found that quoting Scripture is a great way to defeat the
enemy when I start to worry or have fear.
In fact, it’s a great idea to write down a promise from God’s Word about fear
(Philippians 4:6-7, Isaiah 41:13, 1 Peter 5:7) and carry it around in your
pocket wherever you go. Eventually, you’ll have it memorized and can use it
when you’re tempted to doubt or fear!
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Are there any other ways to defeat fear?
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Yes, one way is to praise God in any and every situation.
Now, I know this isn’t a natural response to stress and fear, but learning to
be thankful for whatever circumstance you’re in will help you see things as God
sees them…and He will encourage you as you learn to trust in Him.
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