Wondering What to Say When You Pray
Many people struggle with prayer. Many feel that are not eloquent enough to relay the words properly. However, prayer is does not require flowered language or eloquence. Prayer is your communication with God. It is the most personal of all communication. God listens to your heart over your words. We often pray corporately at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Fayetteville often. We know that what we do as a profession has a special purpose. And this purpose must be properly ordered. To ensure that it is,we must seek our God. We also recommend that our employees pray individually about all things because prayer gives you the opportunity to speak to God and listen to God. You can share your inner most thoughts. Jesus instructs us on how to pray in Matthews 6:7-8.
7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6: 7-8
We must open our hearts when speaking to God. God wants us to share our words with not only our minds, but with our hearts. And he wants us to open our souls to allow the holy spirit to provide a response. If we understand the prayer is truly two way communication, we will understand the true power in the practice. You must have faith in your prayers. Faith that your God is bigger than your circumstances. But, not only should you be steadfast in prayer when the waters are troubled, but also when the sea is calm. Often we turn to God in times of tribulations. But, what do we have to say to God in times of jubilation? We should look to King David in 1 Chronicles 29 :10-13.
“Praise be to you, Lord,
the God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.
Never feel there is nothing to talk about with God. Give praise to God in your prayers. Tell Him how much you love Him. Tell Him thank you. God wants to hear from you in bad times, good times, and okay times. He wants to hear you speak your heart in prayer at all times. We must not think of God separate from from our every day comings and goings. God is omnipresent. He is not removed from us, but is within us. Many of our residents here at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Fayetteville will tell you that the key to good life is and faith in God to praying continously . So seek him in your prayers. He is waiting for your call.
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Resident Mary Pincombe Shares Fond Memories
There are two things that are special about me. I am 100 years old and Jesus and I share the same birthday.
My name is Marie Pincombe. I enjoy Big Band music, dancing, makeup, fashion and for the love of God I am a committed Chocoholic. My life has been an adventurous one because living this long keeps me looking for new things to keep me busy. As a kid I sung while my sister played the piano. We were a dynamic team. My father could listen to us for hours.
I finished Ohio State University and then became the Administration Assistant to the President of the University. Through my travels I have learned and seen many wonders that keep me laughing all day.
I have one son that thought it was time for me to settle down a little and be close to him and his family so that is why Dogwood Forest’s senior living community here in Fayetteville, GA was chosen and I could not agree with him more. The more entertainment and Bingo the better I say. To anyone living or dead I hope you do it the way I am “Big Band Style.”
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Dogwood Forest of Fayetteville Host Annual Spring Brunch
Spring has definitely sprung! Dogwood Forest Assisted living in Fayetteville, Ga brought the season in full bloom as they celebrated the annual Spring Brunch in April. Residents and families were invited to enjoy a smorgasbord of food. Families enjoyed a fabulous brunch that consisted of breakfast chef stations with omelets, pancakes, eggs, bacon, and turkey sausage, biscuits, danishes and muffins. Lunch chef stations included roast beef, baked chicken, fried chicken, mac and cheese, summer salad, green beans and rolls. The community was decorated beautifully with spring pastels and flowers. Residents, families and team members enjoyed all of the festivities. Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Fayetteville in Ga. is well known for its wonderful events in the community. The community often host the Fayette Chamber of Commerce and other community events.
Stay tune for more events in the summer months!
Dogwood Forest of Fayetteville's Annual Spring Brunch
Brunch at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Atlanta, Ga
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Start Moving to the Music for Exercise
Dancing for exercise is not just for the young, but also the young at heart! It is a fantastic way to stimulate the whole body. Formalized dancing programs have been around for many years. In the 80s, I recall seeing “Sweating to the Oldies” infomercials with Richard Simmons dancing to 50′s rock classics . Now ZUMBA, the Latin flavored dancing program, is on the scene. Zumba is aerobics that is infused with Latin flavor. The programs incorporates both resistance and interval training. But, you don’t have to do Zumba to get started. All you need is music. Turn on your favorite song and get moving! Many people are getting healthy moving to the music including residents at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Fayetteville, Ga. Some of our residents are not able to dance on their feet, so they will work their upper bodies by doing chair exercises. Chair exercises are still affective for seniors all while having fun!
Why Cardiovascular is Important
For seniors, doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Exercise alone, has been linked to improvements in cognitive health. Dancing is great for cardiovascular exercise and circulation. Improved blood circulation is great for an older adult’s cognitive health. I’ve discussed the wonderful power of music in weeks past, and how it stimulates the brain and could drastically improve moods. We have certainly seen this affect on our residents at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Fayetteville, Ga. Our residents love to dance!
Check out this 97 year old.
Get moving today!
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Music Therapy for Cognitive Impairments
We’ve all heard a song we’ve recognized from years past that has triggered some type of emotion or memory. Many of us have used music in way that could be considered therapeutic. However, did you know music therapy is actually used in healthcare for people with many disorders and diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other cognitive impairments?
Engaging the memory impaired through music has been studied extensively in the last few years. Many studies have shown older adults making significant strides while participating in this type of therapy. I’ve written before on the benefits of music therapy for seniors with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s. The therapy is truly remarkable, and so is the video below about Henry. Henry, a resident at a nursing home, had been virtually incoherent and minimally unresponsive for 10 years due to the affects of Alzheimer’s disease on his brain. However, when staff members would place headphones on his ears that was connected to a iPod playing his favorite musician, Cab Callaway, his cognitive senses were awakened. His love for music was resurrected, and the melodies coursed through his mind, arms, legs and feet wholly igniting his spirit. Henry was instantly transformed. This video is proof of just how beneficial music can be to someone living with Alzheimer’s disease. We believe in music therapy for seniors here at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Fayetteville, Ga. Check out the video below to see why.
Using Music to Engage the Mind
Music Therapy is considered alternative health care in the geriatric field. Music therapist work to improve an individual’s health in areas of kinesiology, cognitive function, behavior, mental health and disorders by stimulating the mind and spirit through emotion. Through this therapy, music is used in a variety of ways including singing; clapping; listening; moving to music (dancing); and free improvisation. Some of our residents at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Fayetteville, Ga. participate in a music therapy program. Residents in both of our assisted living and inspirations neighborhoods at our assisted living in Fayetteville, Ga. as well as Dogwood’s across Atlanta, have engaged in music therapy for cognitive needs and occupational and physical rehabilitation.
Music Therapy is unique because it is considered both an art and science. There are qualitative and quantitative data to measure outcomes. This therapy involves several fields such as musicology, music therapy, and clinical therapies. Music therapy can be prescribed by a physician, psychiatrist, or recommended by a psychologists, physical therapists, or occupational therapists.
Benefits of Music Therapy
- Improved awareness and concentration
- Improved memory and recollection
- Happier outlook on life
- Increases mobility and coordination
- Diminishes pain and improves recovery time
- Promotes relaxation and reduces stress
- Enhances interest levels and social interaction
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Jesus Sacrafice
As we prepared for Easter here at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Fayetteville, Ga, I reflected on the true meaning of Easter, the sacrifice of my Savior and how Jesus died just so I could truly live. Many of us may not realize the pain Jesus went through on this day. Execution by crucifixion was a slow death. Our Savior went through unimaginable anguish and agony. Its important to put the actual crucifixion into perspective, so that our human minds could better understand his sacrifice. Its important that we don’t sanitize his death.
Hemathidrosis, which is the phenomenon where the body is under so much stress that capillaries break and is mixed with sweat, was evident as drops of blood poured from his skin. His back ripped from repeated flogging until what was left was a bloody mass of torn flesh. A crown of thorns was driven into his scalp and cape was thrown on his back of exposed flesh and muscle, then ripped away. He was then forced to walk with heavy wooden beams aligned like a cross further lacerating his skin. The palms of his hands were then affixed to both sides of the wooden beams with thick raw iron nails. One foot was placed on top of the other as a another thick iron nail was driven through the arch of both feet. A sign with the words “The King of the Jews” placed upon the broken body of Christ our Savior. For 9 hours, He hung on the cross while his human body began to die a slow death.He was ridiculed-mocked with many asking why he wouldn’t save himself if he was indeed, King of the Jews.
Luke 23:39-43 emphasizes the sacrifice of Jesus.
39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ,save Yourself and us.”But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” (Luke 23:39-42)
This verse not only applied to the criminals that hung on either side of Christ. It applies to us as well. Through Christ, God gives us mercy. God loves us so much that he gave Himself in flesh to save us from our own sins so that we would not receive “the due reward of our deeds.” Christ dying a worldly death on the cross confirmed our salvation if we do not mock like those on Calvary, but believe in Him. Through salvation we are protected from the things we might have brought on ourselves. Through salvation we are given resurrection power. In concurrence, Christ had done nothing wrong, but he died for all of us who have and who will.
Give thanks to Jesus on this Easter. For He gave his life on earth, so that we could have abundant life in heaven.
Happy Easter from Dogwood Forest Assisted living in Fayetteville, Ga!
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Our Interview with Resident Tom Munson
My name is Tom Munson. Some call me free spirit, Mr. outgoing, Mr. Doing my thing-that’s me.
I was raised in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida as a Navy brat. I was always on the move all the time. In high school, me and a buddy saved our money and decided after graduation we would travel before college. So, we got a 1940 Ford Coupe, put a mattress in the back seat, and 14 states later, including Canada, we did the guy thing. After all adventure, it was time to take the coach up on a scholarship to play ball for Florida State University. In 1957, the state legislation passed the law that University of Florida schedule Florida State every year in sports. My freshman basketball team were the first to beat them, also having 16 girls to every one guy was not bad either. I enjoyed and played every sport through my school years. I have so many good memories playing football, baseball, basketball, tennis and running track. Sports now keep me in front of the television watching the sport channels all night and day. After leaving school, I joined the airline industry starting as a cargo boy for United Airline and working my way up the runway to Sales Manager handling the transportation schedule for the St. Louis Cardinals basketball and football team. My other past time enjoyments is reading about sports, working crossword puzzles and playing bingo. I am a friendly people person and here at Dogwood Forest’s senior living community in Fayetteville, GA, it’s just like working at the airport - there’s a smile and a helpful hand on every floor.
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Believers Should Embrace Optimism
My industry allows me to work with a special population of people. People like the residents who live at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Fayetteville, Ga. give me optimism as I read their stories and see their faces, imagining that the crevices I see our simply life’s experiences etched across their skin. They give me hope that with the right attitude and wisdom, I can one day wear my many experiences too. When I encounter many of our residents, their spirits shine with optimism. Regardless of their decreased mobility or health issues, the glass always seems half full. I received a interview recently on a resident who is turning 100 years old next week. Her daughter shared with us in the interview, that when asked how she feels, her mother always replies, “I am still here.” While humorous, I believe her reply is founded in wisdom.
I have been more conscious of my attitude towards life recently. I am doing my best to go about life seeing the glass half full as well. I have decided to fully embrace optimism, shying away from negativity and negative people if I have too. We all have encountered folks with the “life stinks, and there is no way to freshen it up” persona. If we think about, I am sure we have all been that person at some point in our lives. Maybe nothing was going right or according to your plan. Maybe there was a layoff. Or perhaps a marriage you thought would always be, but no longer was. Maybe your finances were in shambles. Maybe you lost someone dear to you.
It is hard to see when the rain is pouring. I have certainly been in the “rain” with no raincoat, umbrella, not even rain-boots. But, the one thing that has kept me optimistic through life’s ups, downs and turnarounds was God’s Word. His Word is also his promise to all of his believers.Believers must be optimistic because God calls us to be. We are all assigned to spread the “good” news. We are assigned to speak positively because of our faith in God. Paul said, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29 NKJ) I really like the NIV’s interpretation of this scripture, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV)
However, I do understand sometimes life will introduce you to dark places, and it is hard not to be pessimistic. But, we must not be distracted by deception. The enemy is a deceiver and wants us to stay in the darkness because he has seen the beauty of the light, but no longer can. The enemy needs company in his misery. And guess who he is preying on? Each and every one of us.
People who exhibit negative thinking and situations that exude negative energy are what the enemy wants us to focus on because if we are focused on the darkness, we will be blind to the light. But, remember humans can not see in the dark. God’s intention for us is not to live in the dark.
I encourage you to go about your life optimistic manner. Equate optimism with God’s light. Be careful of the energy you produce and the energy you allow in. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.” (Proverbs 4:23-24) Regardless of your situation God sent his son to overcome everything in this world many, many years ago. Jesus won and because we are believers we are also winners. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:25-35)
Think of it like this, even if the glass is almost empty, it is only almost empty. Regardless of what life hands you, remember that God is always there to help you handle it. Keep your head up, and your thoughts towards the God’s light.
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God’s Care for Detail
When you think about the size of the universe, we are so small really. Our planet crawling with tiny creatures only make up such a small part of God’s magnificent universe. From the heavens, I’m sure we look like tiny worker bees going about the earth. If we had God’s angle, we would probably seem so insignificant compared to the phenomenal universe God has created. Our carnality would not allow us to understand or comprehend the love, hope and faith that God has in each of us. It is amazing how much faith and hope He has in the little planet with the little creatures crawling about. Regardless of the darkness that travels the earth, His light shines like slivers of hope, confirming that as dark as it might seem, we are far from alone. We are part of God’s plans, and His plans are never left incomplete.
Contrary to what some believe, the earth and the universe do not exist by chance, but by supreme design. Many of us in the senior living industry have a purpose or calling from God to serve seniors, including those working at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Fayetteville, Ga. God loves us so much that He gives us divine purpose. He watches over his creative design and is ever present with each of us because nothing is left unfinished. Psalms 147:4 describes how detailed He is, “He determines the number of the stars and calls them by each name.” I’m personally in awe of God’s detail. And what gets me even more excited is the fact that if He takes such care with the billions of stars in the sky, how much care has he taken with each of us?
Although, God has made this extraordinary universe, and we were made from just a speck of dust, God has a very special purpose for us. With all of God’s careful planning, we were created to reflect His Glory.
Psalms 8:3-9 NIV
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
5 You have made them a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Did you know you are the gleam in His eye? With attention to detail, let our spirit reflect God’s glory each and every day.
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Our Interview with Resident Joseph “Jack” Jackline
I am a second generation family from Yugoslavia. My grandparents came here not speaking a word of English and it was with them and 9 siblings that I enjoyed life and church living in Pittsburgh. I attended University of Pittsburgh where I earned my PhD of internal medicine. I served my country through the Air Force under the Berry Plan and also studied Aerospace Medicine. I was a Base Surgeon with DASA from 1959-1972.
I truly believe my best accomplishments have been raising my nine kids, (6 girls and 3 stooges) and being married to my best friend Ellen Lynn of 18 years. As for now I enjoy 24 grand kids, flying and gardening.
With the state of the world now, I tell the young people continue to study and extend yourself to your church and your country. Work hard, be honest pray always and be happy.
Living here at Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community in Fayetteville, GA is just an extension of my original home with my extended new family.
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