Widow Warriors

 Widow Warriors

A group of widows who love one another and build strength together. 

Belinda Cowdrey thoughts to fellow widows. 

Do you feel lost, all alone, even in a crowd, like no one truly understands how you feel or how difficult this journey is?

Then I ask you to join me in a new ministry here at Edmond Church called Widow Warriors.  It will be a two-part ministry for Widows by Widows. 

Once a month, we will meet as a support group. We will also have a social part  that will meet once a week for various activities. 

Our first meeting will be Sunday, August 10th at 6:15 pm in the parlor after the SMFM meal and devotional.  Thursday, August 14th will be our first social meet up at 4:00 in Fellowship 1. 

Back in April of 2025, Belinda attended a Christian Widows Conference in Denton, TX.   It was a pure leap of faith as I knew no one there. While there I found so much peace. Surrounded by 45 other widows in various stages of their new journey.  I finally found a place where I felt accepted, loved and understood.  A lot of the focus was on how much God loves us and cares for us. God has put it on my heart to help other Widows I come in contact with. I am praying through this new ministry that we can find the peace amongst ourselves. Even if you have been widowed for a while consider joining us as your experiences would be invaluable to those newer on this journey. Together we are better!

 

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The following is a fuller description is in a letter to widows.

Hello.  My name is Belinda Cowdrey.  I am a member of the Edmond Church of Christ and attend the Upwards class.  I am excited to tell you about a new ministry that is being started and would like to invite you to participate.  It will be a two-part ministry.  Support group portion will meet on the 2^nd Sunday of the Month and social group will meet weekly on Thursdays.

On August 10^th at 6:00 p.m. in the Parlor, Widow Warriors support group will meet for the first time. This will be right after the Sunday Night for the Master Meal and Devotional.  Snacks and water will be provided.  On August 14^th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in Fellowship Room 1, Room number 131 will be the first social group meeting.  We will be having a potluck that day.

I feel that since I became a Widow myself last year that God has put it on my heart to help out my fellow Sisters in this new journey that we face after losing our husbands.  It can be a very lonely journey as most people do not understand things that we go through. 

I attended a Widow’s Retreat in Denton, TX back in April.  It was a pure leap of faith on my part as I knew no one there.  God brought it to my attention through a Grief Support Group that I was following on Facebook.  I had been looking for a group locally but did not find anything that would work for me.  I cannot describe how much peace I received for those 3 days.  Being surrounded by others who had lost their husbands too was so comforting to me.  It was at a peaceful retreat center that had lodging and a cafeteria.  Several times I walked down to the crosses at the edge of the water and poured my heart out to the Lord.  I would like to try to bring that peace to you also through this group.  We need to be in community with those who can truly understand one another. Galatians 6:2

I am enclosing a Get to Know Me Questionaire that I request you file out before our first meeting if you would like to participate.  You can either bring it that night or get it to me in advance by taking a picture of it filled out and texting it to me at 815-262-5553.

Even though I am starting this group, it is not MY group.  I am just the facilitator.  It will be OUR group.  I have lots of ideas but that does not mean we have to follow them.  I want us ALL to feel like it is OUR group and have your input be heard. 

Since we are a new group, I request that you do not invite anybody outside of our church family at this time.  Once we get things going, I believe it can be great outreach opportunity for us to invite others we know who are struggling too and help them to see a Christian way to grief from those who have hope of heaven.  The goal is to open it up to all starting in January.

I would like to put together a directory of us for only us.  When filling out your form, be sure to mark whether you are willing to have your information shared amongst us.

I really would like to make this a safe space for us ALL.  Unless someone gives you permission to share their information, please keep it within this group.

I look forward to getting to know you all and “Bearing one another’s burdens”.  You do not need to do this journey alone.  We’re better together.

 

In Christian Love,

Branson Trip 2025

Branson Trip

 November 13-15, 2025

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 

Grand Oaks Hotel, Branson, MO

• Grand Oaks Hotel (moderate) has interior corridors, elevators, a deluxe breakfast, a fitness center, an indoor pool with two hot tubs, and a zero-entry outdoor pool. All of the rooms at the Grand Oaks Hotel have microwaves and refrigerators. Grand Oaks Hotel has meeting rooms. Grand Oaks Hotel is located just off Highway 76 behind Ripley's Super Fun Zone. It is within walking distance of Ripley's Super Fun Zone, McDonald's, Price Chopper Grocery Store, and Wal-Mart (up a hill). www.grandoakshotel.net/

Nov. 13                 Thursday

7:30 am                Leaving the church building
12:30 pm             Arriving at Lambert's Café, Ozark, MO for lunch
3:00 pm                Arriving individually – check into the hotel
                                Free time with dinner on your own
6:30 pm               Depart for Sight & Sound Theatre
7:30 pm               David Show
10:15 pm             Return to hotel

Nov 14                  Friday

                             Deluxe breakfast (eggs, sausage or bacon, biscuits & gravy, waffles, cereal, pastries, fruits, beverages)

                            Morning free time and lunch on your own

1:15 pm               Depart for Clay Cooper Theatre
2:00 pm               Clay Cooper’s Country Express Show
4:30 pm               Return to hotel
5:15 pm               Depart for Grand Country Buffet
5:30 pm               Dinner at Grand Country Buffet
6:45 pm               Depart for Grand Shanghai Theatre
7:30 pm               Texas Tenors Christmas Show
9:45 pm               Return to hotel

Nov. 15                 Saturday
                                Deluxe breakfast (see above)
                                Depart for home

Rates for shows and lodging:

# in Room	Cost per person
Single	$469.00 / person
Double	$325.00 / person
Triple	$279.00 / person
Quad	$259.00 / person

At least 1/2 is due by August 5, 2025

The remainder is due by September 6, 2025

If you have questions, please call Kevin or Katie Rayner at the church office at 405-341-3353

Transportation (Being updated as I get information)

Many people drive their cars and carpool with others.

Shows

• David Show (Sight and Sound Theatre): Master Poet. Fearless Warrior. Anointed King. The production focuses on the biblical story of David and Goliath. From still waters to shadowed valleys, David's ascent to the throne is filled with towering giants, wild animals, and Philistine soldiers. After unprecedented victories lead to devastating failures, this passionate warrior will face the biggest battle of all: the one within himself. Experience one of the most legendary Bible stories as it comes to life with spectacular special effects, massive sets, and live animals in this brand-new original stage production.

• Clay Cooper's Country Express Show: Clay and his cast of 25 incredible entertainers show their versatility while performing all styles of music, including country, rock n roll, gospel, and patriotic. The singing, dancing, and hysterical comedy will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish! Clay and his gang guarantee a family-friendly show that is great for all ages! Clay Cooper's Country Express is MORE than country! In November and December, Clay Cooper's Country Express features an Ozark Mountain Christmas Celebration that has become a "MUST SEE" in Branson. The first half features highlights from our regular season show, and the second half is all Christmas!

• "The Texas Tenors Show - Deep in the Heart of Christmas," is a sensational Branson show designed to bring out that feeling of a traditional family Christmas. Everyone loves to hear them any time of year; singing everything from country ballads to opera's favorite arias, but something about the amazing vocals displayed by "The Texas Tenors," with that incredible harmony, that sounds extra fabulous during the holidays! The Texas Tenors are the most successful music group and third highest selling artist in the history of America's Got Talent. In 2019, they were honored to be included among the top 50 acts in the world and the only vocal group from the United States invited to compete on NBC's prime time series "America's Got Talent: The Champions." There's truly no place like Branson for the holidays, and no show with quite the same appeal as "The Texas Tenors - Deep in the Heart of Christmas!"

WE HAVE A GROUP FOR TEXTING IF YOU WANT TO BE ADDED FOR COMMUNICATION PURPOSES.

Caregiving Quotes

Quotes to spark your thinking, and then my link to many more quotes on caregiving.

20 Inspiring Quotes for Caregivers

Caring for someone else is one of the most selfless acts any of us can make, whether it be for a loved one, a friend, or even a stranger. From an extended hand to a kind smile, the smallest show of support can make an immeasurable difference to those who need it most.

As caregivers, however, we also must look inward and be aware of our own needs. Self-sacrifice is what makes looking after others such an admirable task, but that doesn’t mean anyone should put their own lives or well-being on hold in the process. The healthier and happier the caregiver, the more love, attention, and energy they have to give.

For those who can afford to do so, stepping up to better the lives of others is a beautiful and rewarding act of kindness.

• Kindness can transform someone’s dark moment with a blaze of light. You’ll never know how much your caring matters. --Amy Leigh Mercree
• Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. --Maya Angelou
• Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible. --Tia Walker
• Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. --Leo Buscaglia
• No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another. --Charles Dickens
• Caring for our seniors is perhaps the greatest responsibility we have. Those who walked before us have given so much and made possible the life we all enjoy. --John Hoeven
• We rise by lifting others. --Robert Ingersoll
• Doctors diagnose, nurses heal, and caregivers make sense of it all. --Brett H. Lewis
• Be helpful. When you see a person without a smile, give them yours. --Zig Ziglar
• The more alert and sensitive we are to our own needs, the more loving and generous we can be toward others. --Eda LeShan
• The happiest people are those who do the most for others. The most miserable are those who do the least. --Booker T. Washington
• If you’re someone people count on, particularly in the difficult moments, that’s the sign of a life lived honorably. --Rachel Maddow
• My caregiver mantra is to remember: The only control you have is over the changes you choose to make. --Nancy L. Kriseman
• It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving. --Mother Teresa
• Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel. --Eleanor Brown
• Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of your arm. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others. --Sam Levenson
• We’re all just walking each other home. --Ram Dass
• Offering care means being a companion, not a superior. --Judy Cornish
• They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel. --Carl W. Buechner
• The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. --Mahatma Gandhi

 

Links to More:

Illustrations and Thoughts about Caring & Two Horses

Many Quotes With Links and Encouragement about Caregiving

My Blog Dedicated to Being Servants Who Care Because of Christ

https://inspiringquotes.com/20-inspiring-quotes-for-caregivers/?lctg=5a79be5e-f5eb-42c8-b987-689da228e9fb

Caregiving Truth: You Can’t Force a Bath"

https://youtube.com/shorts/gtoQXPcck-U

What Caregivers Don't Talk About

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZUtk4A5eX0s

Dementia Care

This should be hung in every dementia care home and in hospitals where there are patients with dementia.

If I get dementia, I’d like my family to hang this wish list up on the wall where I live. I want them to remember these things.

And I would add one more:

Every time you enter the room announce yourself.

“Hi Mom- it’s Margaret.”

NEVER ask- Do you know who I am??? That causes anxiety.

1. If I get dementia, I want my friends and family to embrace my reality.

2. If I think my spouse is still alive, or if I think we’re visiting my parents for dinner, let me believe those things. I’ll be much happier for it.

3. If I get dementia, don’t argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you.

4. If I get dementia, and I am not sure who you are, do not take it personally. My timeline is confusing to me.

5. If I get dementia, and can no longer use utensils, do not start feeding me. Instead, switch me to a finger-food diet, and see if I can still feed myself.

6. If I get dementia, and I am sad or anxious, hold my hand and listen. Do not tell me that my feelings are unfounded.

7. If I get dementia, I don’t want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am.

8. If I get dementia, I still want to enjoy the things that I’ve always enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends.

9. If I get dementia, ask me to tell you a story from my past.

10. If I get dementia, and I become agitated, take the time to figure out what is bothering me.

11. If I get dementia, treat me the way that you would want to be treated.

12. If I get dementia, make sure that there are plenty of snacks for me in the house. Even now if I don’t eat I get angry, and if I have dementia, I may have trouble explaining what I need.

13. If I get dementia, don’t talk about me as if I’m not in the room.

14. If I get dementia, don’t feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s not your fault, and you’ve done your best. Find someone who can help you, or choose a great new place for me to live.

15. If I get dementia, and I live in a dementia care community, please visit me often.

16. If I get dementia, don’t act frustrated if I mix up names, events, or places. Take a deep breath. It’s not my fault.

17. If I get dementia, make sure I always have my favorite music playing within earshot.

18. If I get dementia, and I like to pick up items and carry them around, help me return those items to their original place.

19. If I get dementia, don’t exclude me from parties and family gatherings.

20. If I get dementia, know that I still like receiving hugs or handshakes.

21. If I get dementia, remember that I am still the person you know and love.”

Hope For Haiti's Children - Project Hope Breakfast

 

Project Hope Breakfast Hope for Haiti's Children invites you to join us for a complimentary breakfast   Saturday, May 3, 2025 9:00 - 10:30 AM   Oklahoma City Zoo Roughneck Pavilion 2000 Remington Place Oklahoma City, OK 73111   Join us as we celebrate 30 years of bringing hope to Haiti. Hear about Project Hope’s impact, our vision for the future, and how you can help make it a reality! We can’t wait to share this special milestone with you! CASUAL ATTIRE WELCOMED. Register to Attend Make a bigger impact—become an event sponsor and help maximize funds for our mission! Become a Sponsor In addition to our complimentary breakfast, you will receive a zoo ticket which will allow you to enjoy the zoo following our event. Unable to attend, donate at www.projecthope2030.org 12020 Southwick Lane | Cincinnati, OH 45241  Questions? Email us at info@hopeforhaitischildren.org

Senior Singles Dinner

We will start again on Thursday, March 20th, 2025

• @ the Edmond Church of Christ
• 11:30 a.m. in Quad #1. 
• We will have a meal that is provided for you.
• The plan is to have a good time of fellowship and prayer for one another.

The Upcoming Dates Are:
There was a time before COVID when we did this most months, we are going to try to do this quarterly and schedule it during the daylight.

Bill would help seniors with taxes

https://edmondlifeandleisure.com/bill-would-help-seniors-with-taxes-p24918-98.htm

Tue, Jan 21, 2025

Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, has filed House Joint Resolution 1001 aimed at providing financial relief to Oklahoma senior home-owners. This initiative seeks to stabilize property taxes for those aged 65 and older who meet certain criteria, ensuring that they can remain in their homes without the burden of rising property taxes. 

"This measure is about protecting our seniors and eliminating the worry about property taxes skyrocketing as they retire,” Manger said. "By freezing taxable property values for qualifying seniors, we are helping them maintain stability and control over their financial future." 

This measure was filed as a House Joint Resolution which, if passed by the Legislature, would give Oklahoma voters the opportunity to decide whether to incorporate the provisions of HJR1001 into the Oklahoma Constitution. 

Under HJR1001, homeowners would need to meet specific eligibility requirements, including being 65 years or older, occupying their home for at least 10 years and ensuring the property’s fair cash value does not exceed $500,000. Temporary absences from the home, provided they do not exceed 365 days within a 10-year period, would not disqualify eligibility. 

HJR1001 states that the fair cash value of a qualifying senior’s homestead would be frozen at the value it held when the senior turned 65. This freeze applies even if property values in the area increase. The measure would also eliminate income-based eligibility, ensuring that all seniors who meet the age and occupancy criteria can benefit, marking a significant departure from the existing rules. Additionally, any new improvements to a senior's home would be added to the taxable value and once adjusted, the fair cash value total would remain for as long as the senior continues to own and occupy the property. 

"Oklahoma’s seniors often live on fixed incomes, and rising property taxes can strain their finances," Manger said.  "This resolution would ensure that older homeowners are protected from these increases while maintaining fairness in the state’s property tax system." 

Rep. Manger encourages Oklahomans interested in this bill to reach out to their legislators and urge them to co-sponsor the legislation. 

HJR1001 will be eligible for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 3. If passed, Oklahomans could see it on the ballot in 2026.

What Happens to Your Debts When You Die

What Happens to Your Debts When You Die

https://lifehacker.com/money/what-happens-to-your-debts-when-you-die