By Allison McMillan, Wellness Manager

As December rolls in, it ushers in a mix of excitement and challenges. With festive celebrations, colder weather, and shorter days, this month is a blend of joy and potential stress. Prioritizing wellness during December helps you enjoy the season while maintaining your physical, emotional, and mental health. Here’s how you can embrace winter wellness this month.

Stay Active in the Cold – The drop in temperatures can make it tempting to hibernate, but staying active is crucial. Whether it’s a brisk walk, an at-home workout, or yoga, regular physical activity helps boost your mood and energy.

Prioritize Rest and Sleep – With holiday planning, social gatherings, and end-of-year responsibilities, it’s easy to skimp on sleep. Yet, rest is essential for immune function, emotional balance, and overall wellness.

Manage Holiday Stress – The holidays can be a source of joy, but they can also bring stress. Practice mindfulness through meditation or deep breathing exercises to stay grounded.

Foster Connections – The festive season is about connection. Reach out to loved ones, whether through a family gathering, video call, or a heartfelt message. Volunteering your time or resources to those in need can also foster a sense of community and gratitude.

Reflect and Reset – December is a natural time for reflection. Take stock of the year’s achievements and challenges and set intentions for the new year. Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-awareness and goal setting.

Protect Your Immune System – With winter comes cold and flu season. Strengthen your immune system with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep. Wash your hands frequently.

In conclusion, December is a time of celebration, reflection, and preparation for the year ahead. By prioritizing wellness, you can make the most of this special time while maintaining balance. With a little intention and self-care, you can thrive through the winter and enter the new year feeling rejuvenated
and inspired.

Make this December not just about surviving the cold and chaos, but about truly thriving.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

As December arrives, many individuals begin to feel the spirit of the season — a mix of joy, anticipation, and deep reflection. For Christians, this time of year is marked by Advent, the period of preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It is a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, to reflect on His
significance in our lives, and to remind ourselves of God’s great love for all.

The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” During Advent, we anticipate the coming of Jesus, both as the infant born in Bethlehem and as our Savior who will return one day. Each week in Advent centers on a theme—hope, peace, joy, and love— encouraging us to grow in faith and draw closer to God.

At the heart of December’s celebrations is the wonder of God’s gift to us—His own Son. As John 3:16 beautifully expresses, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Christmas is more than a holiday; it is a reminder of the profound love God has for each of us. He sent Jesus to be Emmanuel, “God with us,” so we might know His love firsthand and experience the joy of salvation.

December can be a busy month, filled with shopping, planning, and family gatherings. Yet, in the middle of all the activity, we are called to seek the peace that only Christ can provide. Philippians 4:7 promises us, “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We are encouraged to make space for quiet prayer, to focus on His peace, and to share that peace with those around us.

During this season, let us also remember those who may find this time of year challenging. December is an opportunity to share joy by reaching out to those in need, offering encouragement, and spreading the hope of Christ. Through acts of kindness and generosity, we can embody the love and compassion Jesus
showed and share the message of the Good News.

As we journey through this season of Advent and prepare for Christmas, let us open our hearts to receive God’s love and share it with others. May we carry the light of Christ within us and reflect His hope, peace, joy, and love in all we do.

By Alison McMillan, Manager Spann Wellness

With the holidays just around the corner, we likely have a lot on our minds. Social engagements, quality time with friends and family, delicious foods, as well as increased stress, increasingly busy schedules, and the worries of falling off the wagon. Worry not! There are ways to stay on track through it all and avoid the holiday gain:

Practice Mindful Eating Habits: Whether its eating slower, choosing smaller portions, eating until only 80% full, or removing distractions during meal time, you can find ways to not overindulge this holiday season.

Select Healthier Recipes: Did you know that you can make small changes to your recipes to make them
healthier? Use low/no calorie sweeteners, low/no fat dairy products, and research tips for adding protein to recipes to increase your protein intake. Speaking of, check out the High Protein Chicken Pot Pie recipe.

Track your progress with the Senior Fitness Test: The Senior Fitness Test is a series of seven tests that check your balance, strength, flexibility, endurance, speed, and agility. Your results can be compared to norms of others in your age and gender demographic to see where you’re at and used to set goals for where you’d like to be.

Take the Maintain Don’t Gain Challenge: With the goal of helping you stay motivated to keep active and take charge of your health this holiday season, Trinity Woods is again hosting its annual Maintain Don’t Gain challenge! Spanning from mid-November to the beginning of January, this challenge is a great way to stay motivated to keep your healthy habits.

Maintaining healthy eating habits during the holidays doesn’t have to be difficult. By planning ahead, practicing moderation, and being mindful of your choices, you can enjoy the festivities without compromising your health. Focus on balance, indulge thoughtfully, and stay active to make the most of the holiday season while feeling your best.

By Garrett Lee

When I first arrived as the new CEO at Trinity Woods, one of the first things I was exposed to in my onboarding was the Culture of Courtesy Guidelines. In reading through these guidelines and learning about the history and their implementation, my decision to come here was once again confirmed.

In my experience with being a part of a senior living community, I have found courtesy is the single most effective expression of extending grace to one another. That is what makes the difference.

Over time, courtesy has been defined in various ways, but at its core, it refers to polite behavior that reflects respect and consideration for others. The term has roots in medieval chivalry, where it initially referred to the manners expected in a royal court or among the nobility. Its meaning has broadened to encompass general good manners in social interactions that still stand to this day.

I believe the courtesy that is woven into the Trinity Woods resident and employee culture is important and is what makes us special or as we like to say “neighborly”. For our community to thrive and continue to be home to everyone who lives here, courtesy must be organic to our communication with each other and to our way of life. I am committed to prioritizing a culture of courtesy, always, as a core personal practice and as a core belief of Trinity Woods.

I leave you with these influential words from the great Maya Angelou “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, Philippians 3:13b

In the tapestry of life, we often find ourselves clinging to threads that no longer serve us—threads woven from memories, expectations, low self-confidence and fears. But what if we could unravel those threads, allowing space for growth, renewal, and freedom? That’s precisely what the power of letting go offers us.

The Bible teaches us that surrendering control is not a sign of weakness but rather an act of strength and faith. It requires us to relinquish our own desires and ambitions and trust that God’s plans are far greater than our own. Use the example of Jesus, who surrendered His heavenly rights to redeem humanity—a powerful act of letting go.

In Philippians 4:6-7, we are urged not to be anxious about anything but instead to present our requests to God through prayer, with thanksgiving. This passage reminds us that letting go of fear and anxiety involves trusting God with our concerns. When we surrender our worries and fears to Him, we find peace that surpasses understanding. It’s an invitation to release the burdens we carry and embrace God’s peace.

Ephesians 4:31-32 instructs us to let go of anger, bitterness, and resentment. Instead, we are to show kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to others. Through forgiveness, we experience healing and find freedom from emotional burdens. Jesus modeled this when He forgave those who crucified Him, demonstrating the power of letting go and embracing grace.

The power of letting go lies not in our own strength but in our willingness to yield to God’s wisdom and grace. It allows us to participate in God’s redemptive work, unshackling us from self-centeredness and opening our hearts to love, service, and transformation. As we release our grip on the past, fears, hurts,
low self-esteem and unfulfilled dreams, we make space for God’s healing touch.

So, as we enter the last quarter of 2024, consider what you need to let go of today—whether it’s control, bitterness, self-doubt or worry—and trust that God’s love will carry you forward.

Remember, what the Apostle Paul says in Philippians 3:13b.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10 NLT

We all know what a masterpiece is. It’s a creator’s prized piece, his or her most valuable work. Artists are blessed if they have a single masterpiece. Few throughout history are fortunate enough to have had more. Beethoven is one of them. So are Vincent van Gogh and Michelangelo.

No artist, of course, compares to God. Imagine the most beautiful sights you’ve ever seen in creation. Maybe the snowcapped mountains, the northern lights, a field of brilliantly colored wildflowers or waves crashing into a towering cliff. Out of nothing, God brought forth these masterpieces. He saw them for what they were long before anyone else could – that’s how God sees you.

Today you may be surrounded by obstacles, and your greatest features might be hidden under layers of insecurity, fear, struggle or shame. Even as you read this, God is working to remove those layers. Just know that there is a masterpiece in you that you don’t have to prove, you just have to reveal. When
you do, the right people will recognize the masterpiece you are.

God chose you and molded you. Then He set you apart for His great purpose. The thing about a masterpiece is that it’s made to stand out. As many masterpieces as Beethoven, van Gogh and Michelangelo created, not one was the same. They each were wildly unique and were crafted to express a unique part of their creator’s heart. As are you!

You are no mistake, nor the product of some random chance. You are the outcome of God’s choosing, the result of His steady hand. Yes, you belong as you are with all your quirks and qualities, because with them, not despite them, you reflect something about God that the world needs to see. So, do not be afraid to stand out because that is what masterpieces do – “stand out.”

“You Are God’s Masterpiece!”
Partially adapted from kylewinklerministries.org.

By Weldon Tisdale, Interim Director of Wellness

Many people think about “wellness” in terms of physical health only. The word invokes thoughts of nutrition, exercise, weight management, blood pressure, etc. Wellness, however, is much more
than physical health. Wellness is a full integration of not just physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing
but so much more. It is a complex interaction that leads to an enhanced quality of life when fully embraced.

Trinity Woods has adapted the seven dimensions of wellness model: Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social, Environmental and Vocational. Each dimension contributes to our own sense of wellness or quality of life, and each affects the others. Here’s an overview of each of the seven dimensions.

Spiritual Wellness: Encompasses exploring one’s sense of purpose, meaning, and connection to someone larger than oneself. Living with meaning and purpose in life, guided by personal values, is key to feelings of well-being and connection to the larger world. Group and individual faith-based activities,
Bible study, prayer, journaling and meditation create the opportunity for spiritual growth.

Physical Wellness: Centers around maintaining a healthy body through regular exercise, proper nutrition, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, regular check-ups and following medical recommendations. These lifestyle choices help maintain or improve health and functional ability.

Intellectual Wellness: Involves engaging in lifelong learning, mental stimulation, and challenging oneself to stay mentally active. Engaging in creative pursuits and intellectually stimulating activities is a proven approach to keeping minds alert and interested.

Emotional Wellness: Focused on managing emotions, developing coping skills, and fostering a positive mental state through peer counseling, stress management, humor/laughter and personal histories. Coping with challenges and behaving in trustworthy and respectful ways signal emotional wellness.

Social Wellness: Involves nurturing relationships, building social connections, and contributing to the community. Social interactions with family, friends, neighbors and chosen peer groups can be valuable for maintaining health.

Environmental Wellness: Incorporates being mindful of one’s impact on the natural world, conserving resources, recycling and promoting sustainability. Good environmental stewardship means respecting, protecting and caring for our God-given resources.

Vocational Wellness: Focuses on finding purpose and fulfillment in one’s work, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and developing a sense of accomplishment. Leisure-time vocations in the arts and through hobbies as well as mentoring and volunteering help maintain vocational skills.

Embracing wellness means shifting your mindset to prevention and employing proactive strategies to thrive, rather than just survive. Wellness is a conscious and self-directed process with the goal of achieving your full potential. The Trinity Woods community desires to see all reach their full potential by embracing the seven dimensions of wellness. This will help drive Trinity Woods towards achieving its vision of “redefining aging.” For more information on ways you can get more involved in wellness programming reach out to any member of the Trinity Woods Wellness team.

By Alison McMillian, Wellness Manager

As we enter the final quarter of 2024, sometimes we are feeling the need for a refresh, rejuvenation, or a renewal. After all, September is a time of transition from Summer to Fall, and it also kicks off Healthy Aging Month.

Healthy Aging Month, recognized officially by the Senate in 2021, sprouted from the Healthy Aging Organization’s National Healthy Aging Campaign started in 1992 by the President of Healthy Aging.
This campaign is intended to focus on positive aspects of growing older to draw attention to healthy active lifestyles at any age. It also has been helping to chip away myths of aging.

According to a Harris Poll of over 900 adults over the age of 50, there has been a dramatic shift in the way that aging is defined and perceived, with almost 80% of those adults reporting being more active and almost 60% of them reporting being more open minded and curious about aging. The poll reports more modern older adults feeling happier, freer, and less anxiety ridden than before.

As they say at the Healthy Aging Organization, it’s never too late to take charge of your wellness! So take time this month to prioritize your wellness and refresh yourself going into Fall. Here’s some tips
from the Healthy Aging Organization to get you started:

Move more, sit less! It’s recommended to get about 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week. That’s only 20 minutes a day!

Watch your salt intake and eat more fiber. Adding fiber into the diet will help maintain good digestive health. Things like whole grains, broccoli, legumes, nuts, and more.

Be proactive with your social life. Set up lunch dates, outings, or meet-ups with new and old friends to combat loneliness.

Plan for your Next. Take up a new hobby, plan travels, forge new goals to accomplish.

Trinity Woods is celebrating Healthy Aging Month with Active Aging Week at the end of the month. Be on the lookout for fun activities, challenges, tips and tricks, and more from the Wellness Team.

By Garrett Lee, Trinity Woods CEO

I am pleased to welcome Emilie Creswell to Trinity Woods as the new Vice President of Health Services. I have had the pleasure of knowing Emilie for several years and have been impacted by her passion for serving older adults, their families as well as the employees who care for them. Emilie comes to Trinity Woods with a wealth of experience in aging services. She has been a licensed long-term care Administrator for over 26 years!

“I am excited to develop meaningful relationships with and serve alongside the remarkable team at Trinity Woods as we continuously improve both personalized quality of care and the employee experience,” said Emilie.

Emilie is a highly knowledgeable senior living professional. Her balance of operational insight and relational style is a perfect fit for advancing and sustaining our health services.

When asked about what she wants people to know about her first and foremost, Emilie says “I am honored and blessed to be a part of an organization whose mission is to serve others in the spirit of Christ. I believe the secret to a meaningful and fulfilled life is simple: love God and love people.”

Emilie began her new role at Trinity Woods on August 28th. She is looking forward to getting to know the residents and their families and the Trinity Woods team. She will office in the health services administration hallway just across from the Therapy gym. Please stop by and introduce yourself in the coming days and weeks.

Thank you all for your prayerful involvement as we searched this summer for the new VP of Health Services. The future continues to be bright for Trinity Woods!

By Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

This month, I took time to sit down with someone who needs no introduction to most people in the Trinity
Woods community – Philelle McBrayer. Philelle holds the honor and distinction of being the person who has lived here the longest – 29 years! In fact, the home she currently resides in is the place she has lived in the longest throughout her life.

Philelle’s ties to Trinity Woods, and Oklahoma Methodist Manor, are strong. Her parents built a villa on Sandusky back in 1979 that is still in use. She remembers them moving in on her birthday.

When asked about all the changes since then she will tell you, that the feeling of community has never changed. “The people are great and it is has been a wonderful place to live then and now.”

She remembers every time there has been a new building project on campus wondering how it would change things, and appreciating how it has always added something that was needed and important, making things better.

This year Philelle will turn 99 and she credits her long life to being blessed with good health. She has helped that along by being active – she walks and exercises, she still teaches piano, and is active in campus programs, as well as in her church community.

Looking back at her 29 years in the community, Philelle mentions her love of playing the piano with her most beloved friend Ann Dorff. Most people probably don’t know that this community is what brought this dynamic piano duo together. They have played over 25 programs together throughout the years.

Perhaps my favorite part about my time with Philelle was her words of wisdom…“Be active and accumulate friends.” And to that I say, well done, Philelle!

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and
you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28–30 MSG

Do you feel as though you are trapped on a never-ending treadmill based on your own efforts to try to earn God’s forgiveness, approval and acceptance? If you are trying to earn your own forgiveness and thinking that God is constantly mad at you, I am here to tell you that is not the heart of God.

When Jesus spoke of “the unforced rhythms of grace,” He means that there is an ease and enjoyment when you walk in His grace. This contrasts with the struggle and strain found in self-effort. There is rest when you know there is nothing you can do to earn His forgiveness. It is freely given. Receive His forgiveness and stop punishing yourself, because your sins have already been punished on the body of another—His name is Jesus. No wonder the Gospel is called the Good News.

When you understand God’s grace and forgiveness, you will understand the difference between religious obligation and relationship. Under the old covenant of the law, right-living is done out of religious obligation. Under the new covenant of grace, everything we do today is birthed out of an inward
motivation that flows directly from a love relationship with Jesus.

God is not a legalist. He doesn’t want you to read His Word just because He said so, as a religious obligation. He wants you to experience His love and spend time in His Word because you want to enjoy His sweet presence. The reality is, when you don’t read the Bible, you should not feel guilty; you should feel hungry.

Jesus invites you to walk, work and watch in rhythmic timing as He does, and experience “the unforced rhythms of grace.” Keep company and in sync with Him and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly!