Category Archives: Issues

Thoughts or experiences on senior adult issues

False Reading…Please Try Again

Posted on May 29, 2018 by rstaples2013

Before I get to the point of this post, I need to share some of the background thoughts that have led to this moment of awareness. As a nurse, although my practice dates decades, I have a distinct memory of … Continue reading →

Posted in Issues, Prayers and Devotions, Stories, Thoughts and Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged confession, doubt, God is good, Honesty, life, prayer, spiritual struggle, suffering, trials, Victory, vulnerability, worship | Leave a comment

Do YOU like it?

Posted on February 14, 2018 by rstaples2013

For the past few weeks I have been on a mission to make curried butternut squash soup. My passion to do this was launched when my friend, from India, brought me some that she had made. After tasting it, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Issues, Thoughts and Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged adventure, approval, cooking, creativity persitance, excitement, Just try, mentors, new thing | Leave a comment

Cancel the Dementia Screening

Posted on February 13, 2018 by rstaples2013

One of the “companions” of aging is the unspoken question, “Am I starting to forget things that I should be remembering?” This question is a bit comical to me in that, having worked as a pastor in a church, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Issues, Stories, Thoughts and Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged aging, cooking, dementia, doubt, driven, forgetful, humor, memory, new experience, relax | Leave a comment

End of the Third Quarter

Posted on February 3, 2018 by rstaples2013

In a few days I will be 75 years old. Another way to say it is that I am beginning my 76th year. My husband always adds 9 months to his age as he believes life starts at conception. But, … Continue reading →

Posted in Issues, Prayers and Devotions, Thoughts and Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged aging, birthday, eternity, God's Voice, hope, intimacy with God, prayer, time | 2 Comments

We Know Each Other

Posted on January 24, 2018 by rstaples2013

I knew I would be walking on Holy Ground as I prepared a brief Memorial Service for my friend who has just learned that her daughter has taken her life. There is no such thing as routine circumstances for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Issues, Prayers and Devotions, Stories, Thoughts and Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged Always, faith, faithful, Fellowship, God, grief, Holy Groudn, intimacy, memorial, pastoral work, suicide | Leave a comment

Jesus Rescues Broken Worship

Posted on January 15, 2018 by rstaples2013

I knew I wouldn’t be joining a group for corporate worship today, although that is what I usually do on a Sunday Morning. But just since last Sunday, I am looking at life through a new lens. My husband, (age … Continue reading →

Posted in Issues, Prayers and Devotions, Stories, Thoughts and Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged God sings, humility, Jesus Helplessness Worship Grief lifeAging Change, Praise learning, Prepare, shock encounter with God | Leave a comment

Exchanging My Gear

Posted on February 23, 2017 by rstaples2013

I went to the Outfitter with a list for what I would need for my new journey. I needed a new backpack so I started out searching for the perfect one. Other than shoes, the backpack is the most important … Continue reading →

Posted in Issues, Thoughts and Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged Attitude, gratitude, grief, Outfitters, Process, Transitions | 2 Comments

Where is the Gate to God?

Posted on September 23, 2016 by rstaples2013

I can’t seem to follow the directions for connecting with God this morning. It’s not that I think He has moved. It’s not that I haven’t found him from this very spot many times before. It’s just that this morning … Continue reading →

Posted in Issues, Prayers and Devotions, Thoughts and Reflections | Tagged alone, broken heart, faith, faithful, friends, God, isolated, Jesus, knowing, lost, prayer, spiritually stuck, surrender | 1 Comment

Black, White and Red

Posted on August 14, 2016 by rstaples2013

I woke up this morning to news of the racial unrest in Milwaukee being expressed during the night by protesters burning buildings. My mind took me back to the race riots of 1967. How long ago was that? Is it … Continue reading →

Posted in Issues, Stories, Thoughts and Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged diversity, ethnicity, friendship, heart, identity, learning, love, peace, racial tension, reconcilliation, riots, unity | 2 Comments

Putting Grandma in the Grave

Posted on April 23, 2012 by jroesler728

Originally posted on June 24, 2011 (A graveside service for children) There is no way to make what we are going to do here now easy. As we actually put the body that your Grandmother used to live in into … Continue reading →

Posted in Issues | Tagged bodies, children's memorial service, death, grandma, grave, heaven, Jesus, sin, tent | 3 Comments