By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

February is Black History Month. February is also said to be the month of love.

First John 4:7–10 deals with the theme of love. Here, John explains how true, godly love in a person’s life is a sign of being born again. Those who sincerely love God will act on that love, towards other people. Those who don’t demonstrate love have no fellowship with God. Love is something God showed us first,
by sending Christ. Our love for Him is ultimately rooted in His original love for us. We are reminded that true love involves acting, not just feeling. It is through this loving action that we live and have access to eternal life. Ultimately, Love is the Key to Life and Living.

John begins by addressing his readers as “beloved.” First, believers are to “love one another.” This reflects both the commandments of Jesus (John 13:34–35), and John’s prior teaching on recognizing a life influenced by Christ (1 John 2:7– 11).

Second, the reason we are to love one another is because “God is love,” therefore, “love is from God.” The ability to act lovingly towards others is one of the benefits of a close relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ gave us the greatest commandments in Mark 12: 30-31, “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love you neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope. Maya Angelou

Third, the person who truly loves God has “been born of God and knows God.” The person who is “born of God” is a born-again believer (John 3). This should result in that person “knowing” God. No person can truly love others apart from God’s love. Those who demonstrate Godly love prove that they belong
to God. My hope is that we live out the command to love, this month and forever.

Emi Baggett, LPN, Household Manager Chapman Heights/ Buehler Place

» Start Date: May 2022
» Raised: Welch, Oklahoma
» Education: Crowder College, Neosho, MO
» Wanted to be as a Kid: Nurse or Teacher
» One Meal Forever: Spaghetti
» Described by Friends: Tenacious and Vivacious
» Hobbies: Watching her kids play sports
» Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving – family and food!
» Favorite Quote or Bible Verse: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela
» First Car: Ford Mustang
» Favorite Movie: The Blind Side
» Fun Fact: Competed in dance at a national level starting at the age of six.
» Family: Engaged and have three children
» What her supervisor says: “Emi’s energetic presence creates positivity wherever she goes. Emi is an
advocate for Trinity Woods’ elders, their families, and staff.” – Cheryl Hrdlicka, Director of Nursing

Make A Plan: If you’re like most people, you’ve probably entered this year with a burst of anticipation
and motivation to make new changes and positive resolutions.

This is a great time to look to the past and plan for the future, but planning takes time, effort, and sometimes a little expertise, especially when it comes to developing your estate plan. If you already have an estate plan in place, and it has been more than several years, it may be a good time to have it reviewed as there have been many tax law changes. Think of it as a “second opinion”.

Did you know on January 1st noteworthy tax changes take effect? These changes can represent net tax reductions and other tax cuts. In the past two years as states have had to respond to burgeoning revenues, greater tax competition in an era of enhanced mobility, and the impact of high inflation on residents.

This month Trinity Woods is offering an opportunity to learn more about tax changes, reviewing your plan, and planning for your legacy. Join us on Thursday, February 23 at 10 a.m. for a “Brunch and Learn.”

Our guest speaker will be Mark Loeber. Mark partners with Trinity Woods to assist our residents and their families with these types of conversations. He has over 34 years of specialization in the areas of estate, financial and charitable gift planning. There is no cost to attend or obligation to use our services.

At Trinity Woods, we understand the value of proper planning and the impact it can make today as well as tomorrow. As a service to you, we are here to discuss starting a plan or reviewing your existing plan. For more information or to RSVP to the event, please call 918.346.6671 or email hgarrett@trinitywoodstulsa.com.

Irene Brown, Life Enrichment Coordinator

» Start Date: October 2012
» Born and Raised: Tulsa, OK
» Education: Emory University, majored in music and French
» Wanted to be as a Kid: General Director of an Opera Company
» Favorite Sport: Tennis
» One Meal Forever: Cheese
» Hobbies: Swimming, cooking and regaining piano skills
» First Job: Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa
» Favorite Recipe: Asparagus Casserole
» Favorite Movie: Babette’s Feast
» Favorite Book: The Song of the Lark by Willa Cather
» Free Time: Reading, crosswords and exploring new places
» Fun Fact: Recently won 3rd Place in a poetry contest by the Rural Oklahoma Museum of Poetry.
» Fun Fact: Competed in dance at a national level starting at the age of six.
» Family: Married with two children
» What her supervisor says: “I have had the pleasure of working with Irene for 10 years. She is always willing to jump in and take care of whatever is needed and when we need it the most. She is the definition of “team player” and is a true blessing to our community. Irene upholds the Trinity Woods mission and vision in all her planning and programs.” – Dennis Graham, COO