Opinion

My goal in life with my work at Hosparus and in my ministry projects is to care for others with great conviction and passion. But sometimes I have to be reminded by my dear wife to take care of myself. Sometimes I have to tell other hospice workers and ministers to take care of themselves.

Many of us who are care providers are far more anxious about having to confront whatever will come up in the empty space, when we are quiet and alone. Who knows what terror lurks in the anonymous solitude? What voices will arise in the silence?

Ed. note: Ask the Expert is a column submitted by the Oldham County Chamber. The question and answers are solicited by them.

QUESTION: My arthritis is worse in cold-weather months. Tips on how I can manage this?

ANSWER: “Many people experience a worsening of arthritis symptoms in cold, wet months during the fall and winter,” shared Jeremy Statton, MD, who is with Baptist Northeast Orthopedics, part of Baptist Health La Grange. “The arthritis itself isn’t worse but the pain associated with arthritis is often more intense.

The prophet Isaiah writes, “This is what the LORD says to me: “As a lion growls, a great lion over its prey - and though a whole band of shepherds is called together against it, it is not frightened by their shouts or disturbed by their clamor - so the LORD Almighty will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights” (Isaiah 31:4). Who is this great lion, the Lord God Almighty, who fights these great battles?

The holidays are just around the corner, bringing many joyous gatherings and heaps of delicious treats that show up everywhere. Often, we resign ourselves to the many weeks of inevitable indulgence and resolve to get back on track after ringing in the New Year. This year, why not make a resolution now to adopt some healthier habits through the holidays?

I tried to hold onto what I knew to be absolute truth, but the hardcore facts were staring me in the face.

I pride myself on my vast knowledge of Barry Manilow lyrics. I became a fan over 30 years ago, at an age when my hearing was intact and my thirst for pop culture knowledge was at its strongest. So, I was a bit surprised when someone stated that “dictuend” is not a word.

“Oh, yes it is,” I argued. “It means to dictate or orchestrate.”

“Use it in a sentence,” they challenged.

There are four dimensions of life (length, breadth, depth and height) that we must consider as we take advantage of continued learning. The beginning of power and wisdom is consciously opening our minds and being receptive to the countless wonders that abound.

Length

In response to the question, “How long do you want to live?” I always reply, “As long as I can.” One dimension of life is length, and most people want to live in that dimension.

Oldham County has been issued a $250,000 challenge. If this challenge is met, it will help set more Oldham County youth on a strong path toward higher education and career success. It also will ensure the county’s current and emerging workforce and training education needs are addressed for many years to come.

Last weekend, my daughters and I were invited to a fancy tea party at a fancy house in a fancy neighborhood. I kinda always wanted to be fancy, but it doesn’t come naturally to me. Truthfully, it doesn’t come at all.

Example: I recently had an extremely important business meeting. So, I forced myself out of my blue jeans and into my fancy business clothes, complete with silk stockings and black pumps.