By Wellness Manager, Alison McMillan

While it may be the end of spring, it’s always a good time to think about fall. No, not fall the season where the leaves change and the weather cools, but rather tumbles, stumbles, trips, and spills. One in four Americans over the age of 65 fall each year and almost 40% of those who fall suffer injury from it. While there’s a variety of factors that can cause an increased risk of falling, such as medications, loss of strength and balance, increased trip hazards at home, and lack of sufficient nutrition, there are also ways to mitigate and reduce your fall risk.

One of those ways is Yoga! Yoga has been growing in popularity in senior Americans. In fact, participation has doubled in the last 10 years; no wonder since yoga can be practiced by virtually everyone!

By practicing slow movements with holding poses, yoga helps to build strength throughout the body – legs, arms, and most importantly the core. It also helps to improve flexibility in stiff muscles and joints. Many poses enhance stability and balance and teach the body how to adjust to changes in its position.
It requires the participant to practice focus and concentration on their body.

Yoga poses improve the mind-body connection through coordination and mindfulness exercises. It requires the body and the brain to speak to and understand each other, which builds stronger neurological connections. The nature of the weight bearing yoga poses help to strengthen bones therefore helping reduce the risk of a fracture should you fall.

To celebrate International Yoga Day, Trinity Woods is offering yoga classes twice-a-week by Julie Clemons! Julie is certified through YogaFit and has been teaching yoga for 18 years. Julie says, “If you want to get out of bed a little easier in the morning and who doesn’t – try yoga!”

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

Psalm 68: 5 – “He is a father to the fatherless…” (Living Bible)

The campaign to celebrate the nation’s fathers did not meet with the same enthusiasm as the nation’s campaign to celebrate mothers – perhaps because, as one florist explained, “fathers haven’t the same sentimental appeal that mothers have.”

On July 5, 1908, a West Virginia church sponsored the nation’s first event explicitly in honor of fathers, a Sunday sermon in memory of the 362 men who had died in the previous December’s explosions at the Fairmont Coal Company mines in Monongah, WV, but it was a one-time commemoration and not an annual holiday.

The next year a Spokane, WA woman named Sonora Smart Dodd, one of six children raised by a widower, tried to establish an official equivalent to Mother’s Day for male parents. She went to local churches, the YMCA, shopkeepers, and government officials to drum up support for her idea, and she was successful: Washington State celebrated the nation’s first statewide Father’s Day on June 19, 1910.

Slowly, the holiday spread. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson honored the day by using telegraph signals to unfurl a flag in Spokane when he pressed a button in Washington, D.C. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge urged state governments to observe Father’s Day.

In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed that the third Sunday in June would be officially known as Father’s Day, saying that we look to fathers to “provide the strength and stability which characterize the successful family.” In 1972, President Richard Nixon made the day a national holiday.

On this Father’s Day, June 16, 2024, our nation will pause to celebrate our fathers. But it might be difficult for some of you to celebrate because your father is no longer around. Or maybe your relationship with your father is broken, or not what you hoped it would be.

Even if you can’t celebrate with your earthly father on Father’s Day, you can still celebrate with your Heavenly Father. King David writes in Psalm 68:5 that God, our Heavenly Father, is “Father to
the fatherless…”

If you belong to God, then you have a great Father. And because you are His, you can never be called fatherless. The Lord even have you His name to wear. Wear it with pride. You are a treasured member of His family.

n a world where youth often takes center stage, there’s an invaluable treasure trove waiting to be discovered in the wisdom of age. Life is a journey, with its peaks and valleys, its triumphs and
tribulations.

One of the most profound lessons we learn from the wisdom of age is the art of resilience. Life is
rarely a smooth sail; it’s the storms that teach us to adjust our sails. Through the lived experiences
shared in these pages, we discover that change does not mean roadblocks but opportunities for growth. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a career setback, or a health challenge, the wisdom of age teaches us to weather the storms with fortitude and emerge stronger on the other side.

Moreover, wisdom underscores the importance of relationships in shaping our lives. From the bonds forged with family members to the friendships cultivated, it’s the connections we nurture that sustain us through life’s ups and downs. Through the lens of age, we come to realize that it’s not the quantity but the quality of our relationships that truly enrich our lives. Investing time and energy in building meaningful connections at all ages becomes paramount, reminding us that love and companionship are the true currencies of life.

Perhaps the most profound lesson gleaned from aging is the importance of living with intention and purpose. The wisdom of age implores us to seize each moment, to savor the simple pleasures, and to pursue our passions with unwavering zeal. Whether it’s pursuing a long-held dream, giving back to the community, or simply finding joy in everyday moments, living life to the fullest means embracing each day as a gift and making the most of the time we have.

Even the Bible tells us that a long life brings wisdom and understanding. Leaning into what we learn over the years is a valuable key to enjoying your life and aging gracefully—something the residents of Trinity Woods excel at. As you will see in this issue, a few members have shared their insights on what makes life satisfying and sweet at any age.

By Garrett Lee, New Trinity Woods CEO

One thing we know for sure is that everything changes, right? Ecclesiastes (and the Byrds, circa 1967) inform us that there is a time for everything under the sun and a time to embrace. We have the privilege of embracing change together with the transition in leadership from Steve to myself.

I’m grateful for the divine timing of this transition and the symbolism that the Spring season sheds over this period; that is, we get to honor and remember yesterday, and experience the new growth and beauty that is possible because of a rich, cultivated foundation. Too deep for my first message to you? Oh, the fun we are going to have!

I cannot tell you how excited I am to join the Trinity Woods family and help continue the good work that has gone on here for many years, making it the amazing place it is today. Perhaps what I am most looking forward to is getting to know and building meaningful relationships with each of YOU.

We each bring a uniquely gifted set of personality, skills and perspective to this community which results in what I’ve experienced so far: a warm, welcoming, friendly and active environment at Trinity Woods. So, my message to you today as we start this new journey is simply thank you!

Thank you, Trinity Woods, for this opportunity to come alongside and serve with you. Thank you for sticking it out this last year through the CEO search and, thank you in advance for everything you are doing and will do to help make this leadership transition a seamless and successful one for everybody. I look forward to meeting each of you!

Blessings,
Garrett Lee
Trinity Woods, CEO

By Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse

Springtime is a beautiful season with bursts of bright greens, pinks, and yellows everywhere you look. However, simply observing it through your living room window may not be beneficial for your overall health. According to the National Library of Medicine, spending time outdoors and in nature can significantly improve your physical and mental well-being.

In just 20 minutes, being outside can improve your physical wellness by increasing your Vitamin D level, which is important for bones, blood cells, and the immune system. Spending time in green spaces, at least 2 hours a week, can help reduce cortisol levels, decrease muscle tension, and lower blood pressure. Walking in nature or doing regular exercise, can lead to improved digestion, heart and lung
health, and weight loss while maintaining muscle strength. Additionally, it positively impacts circadian rhythm, which improves sleep quality.

Being outside in nature can improve mental health by improving our thinking, reasoning, and other cognitive abilities. It brings feelings of pleasure that can reduce stress, anxiety, tension, and mental fatigue. There are many ways to make getting outside part of your routine.

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heaves, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. … I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.”
Ann Frank

For example, if you need to make a phone call, take it outside. Take up a hobby such as outdoor photography or bird watching. Invite a friend to sit outside with you and find a location where you can enjoy nature together such as one of the benches on the Trinity Woods campus. Get outside and enjoy nature and don’t forget to take your shoes off and feel the grass beneath your feet- it feels wonderful!

Life Plan Communities or Continuing Care Retirement Communities (communities like Trinity Woods) can be a wonderful solution for older adults who are independent and active today, but who seek the peace of mind that comes with living in a community that can provide assisted living or health care services if and when needed. But how do you know if a CCRC is right for you?

If you answer yes to most of these introductory questions, then it may be worth exploring your options further:

Do you want to downsize your homeowner responsibilities? (interior/exterior maintenance and repairs)

Do you like to plan ahead to control, reduce or eliminate the uncertainty about future housing and health care costs?

If you ever need assisted living or advanced healthcare services, do you want assurance that such services are guaranteed and provided by the community in which you live?

Would you prefer a social and active community environment—with various services and amenities available to you—that also affords you privacy and independence?

Are you interested in having easy access to a variety of wellness programs and other activities?

Would you like to reduce the number of meals you prepare by having access to a meal plan and possibly bistro-style dining options?

Do you want to reduce the chance that your adult children or other family members will be responsible to provide or coordinate assisted living or nursing care if you need it?

Are you prepared to possibly pay an entry fee and monthly service fees in exchange for the above?

Content provided with express written permission from myLifeSite | www.mylifesite.net

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain
“Just be yourself!” The resounding encouragement most likely to be spoken to someone doubting their abilities. In the smash hit Frozen, Elsa had to learn to be herself, discarding the “conceal” message her parents had instilled in her as a child and harnessing her unique powers for the good of her kingdom.
In the smash hit Coco, young Miguel had to break out of the “make shoes” message of his parents and learn to be himself, a music-loving Mexican singer who brought joy to his village.

How does God feel about this message to “be yourself”? After reading the Bible, I would say that God cautiously loves it. We see God’s love for our uniqueness in Paul’s masterful analogy of the human body “God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be” 1 Corinthians 12:18. Just as God wants elbows to be elbows and eyeballs to be eyeballs, so also God wants you to be you. The idea that we are unique and are uniquely made for a purpose is wonderfully biblical. That begs the question—Who are you?

I’ve come to realize that I can read faster, write more clearly, and speak more easily than the average person. For me, “be you” looks like investing as much of my time into these God-given talents so that more people can get connected to Jesus.

And you? Are you wired for emotion, compassion, or comforting people? Do you have the courage to take that first step as a leader? Do you have the ability to come up with fresh ideas? I don’t know exactly how God made you, but I do know that God made you to be you…for Him. Because when you are who God created you to be for Him, you’ll be the best you possible.

Adapted from Pastor Mike Novotny at timeofgrace.org

By Steve Dickie, CEO

All of us share a common debt to the many others who “prepared the way” for us by shaping our community and giving of themselves in ways which served to our benefit. Because of their kindness and
generosity our lives have been enriched and as they served the greater good. There is a collective blessing we inherit that we are now obligated to build upon and pass on to others. It is true: we stand on the shoulders of giants.

Rev. Elson Hargrove joined the staff of Trinity Woods (then Oklahoma Methodist Manor) as Assistant
Health Care Administrator in 1984. He went on to be Health Care Administrator and later Executive
Director prior to his retirement in 1996.

During his tenure he was involved in the construction of the Fleming Center, the Patio Homes, and the Health Center. Rev. Hargrove had the distinction of hiring Dennis Graham (now Chief Operating
Officer) as a contractor in 1995.

Dennis described Rev. Hargrove as a kind and compassionate leader who was always looking out for the residents and staff.

Elson and Joyce Hargrove now reside in the very Health Center he helped to build. It is an honor and a privilege for all of us to serve those who served us so well.

Legend holds that the Dogwood Tree was once very large and because its wood was strong and sturdy, it provided building material for a variety of purposes. According to the story, it was the Dogwood Tree
that provided the wood used to build the cross on which Jesus was crucified.

Because of its role in the crucifixion, it is said that God both cursed and blessed the tree. It was cursed to be small forever, so it would never grow large enough to be used again as a cross for a crucifixion. Its branches would be narrow and crooked, which makes it no good for building. At the same time, however, the tree was blessed so it would produce beautiful flowers each spring, just in time for Easter.

To remember God’s promise to the tree, it is said He gave it a few traits so that whoever looks upon it will never forget. For example, the petals form the shape of a cross. Upon close examination, the blooms of the tree always have four petals. The middle of the dogwood flower is a tight grouping that resembles a crown of thorns. And the tips of each of the petals are indented, as if they bear a nail dent. There are even colors in the petals that bring to mind the drops of blood that spilled during the crucifixion.

The Legend of the Dogwood Tree. Happy Easter!

By Weldon Tisdale, Trinity Woods Chaplain

In the Bible, Jesus is often referred to as the Passover Lamb. Let’s explore why this analogy is significant as we enter the Lenten Season in preparation for Easter:

1. ORIGINS OF THE PASSOVER:
The concept of Passover originates from the book of Exodus. During the time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, God instructed them to celebrate the Passover as a memorial of their deliverance. In Exodus 12, God commanded the Israelites to take an unblemished one-year-old lamb and sacrifice it during the Passover feast. The blood of this lamb was to be applied to their doorposts, signifying protection from death. The Passover commemorated God’s grace in sparing the Israelites from the final plague that struck Egypt, where the firstborn of every household died. The blood on the doorposts allowed death to “pass over” their homes.

2. SYMBOLISM OF THE PASSOVER LAMB:
The lamb sacrificed during the Passover served as a substitute. Its innocent blood protected the Israelites
from death. This sacrificial provision pointed forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who would be the ultimate and perfect Lamb of God. Just as the Passover lamb’s blood shielded the Israelites, Jesus’ blood would provide salvation for all humanity.

3. JESUS AS THE LAMB OF GOD:
John the Baptist recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God. In John 1:29, he declared, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Isaiah 53:7 also prophesied about Jesus: “He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter.” Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself on the cross, shedding His innocent blood. His death became the ultimate Passover sacrifice. By accepting Jesus as the Lamb of God, we can be saved from spiritual death. His sacrifice offers redemption and eternal life.

4. NEW CREATION AND SPIRITUAL LIFE:
Jesus’ sacrifice goes beyond physical deliverance. He is the Passover Lamb who brings about the true exodus. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus initiates a spiritual new creation. He raises His people from spiritual death to spiritual life. As the Lamb of God, Jesus fulfills the symbolism of the Passover lamb, providing salvation for all who believe in Him.

In summary, Jesus’ role as the Passover Lamb signifies His sacrificial love, redemption, and the opportunity for humanity to escape spiritual death through faith in Him.

By: Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement and Editor

Meet Elizabeth Bartlett or, as many people call her, “Mama Bear.” Elizabeth has taken a small gesture, a teddy bear and an encouraging note, and made a profound impact. If you have never heard of the Trinity Bears (or the Manor Bears, as they used to be called) it is a great ministry and service brought about by the passion and heart of one very special lady.

When Elizabeth moved to Trinity Woods in 2009, she was inspired by a group of women who also lived here that made quilts for people who were sick. “This group of ladies were so impressive. Some of them had trouble with their eyesight, some couldn’t sew but they all found a way to be part of the effort.”

In 2010 Elizabeth started making special little bears for the people living at Trinity Woods. She
originally started making them for the birthdays of residents of the Holliman Center and now she focuses her efforts on residents who are in the Trinity Woods Health Center.

When asked why she spends her free time making stuffed bears, she says, “When someone moves to the Health Center, their life really changes and I think people tend to do better when they know other people care about them.”

When Elizabeth first started her passion project, it was just a team of two – she and her late husband Lynn. Now, nearly 15 years later, there is a team of 20 helpers who cut, draw, stuff, sew and deliver the bears to Health Center residents.

Elizabeth says that over 5,000 Trinity Bears have been given out to residents since they started. The bears mean so much to recipients that, even after they leave the Health Center, they or their families often keep their bears as mementoes of the care that was shown to them. She has even shared her pattern and program with people across the country. “A Health Center family member from Alaska once asked if she could start making bears in her community,” said Elizabeth. “I happily gave her the pattern and told her how I did it.”

Each bear is made by hand with a handwritten scripture and note of encouragement. Elizabeth hopes the Trinity Bears legacy goes beyond just individual interactions and contributes to a stronger, more connected community.

If you are interested in getting involved with this group of volunteers, please contact Irene Brown, Trinity Woods Life Enrichment Coordinator, at ibrown@trinitywoodstulsa.com or 918.346.6614.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

February is the month most often associated with love. We start seeing cupids and hearts in the stores and begin thinking of what to give the one we love. Valentines become available in January for sending to loved ones in February. This is a good month to think about what real love is. There are three kinds of love.

*Eros – This is erotic love. It is the first stage of a romantic relationship. It can be felt when you don’t even know the person who is the object of this love. It is a physical love centered on self.
*Philos – This love is based on a friendship between two or more people. It is based on give and take. It is a love that is centered on self but also others. This is “brotherly” love.
*Agape – This is totally selfless and unconditional love. It is love given without expectation of receiving any benefit in return. This is Spiritual love, and it is the highest form of love.

God is love. Here are examples of God’s Agape love:
*God demonstrated His agape love. Even though we were not worthy of His unconditional love, He sent His Son to die as a sacrifice for our unworthiness. We do not deserve His love, but He loves us anyway. Romans 5:8

*Jesus loves me in the same way that God the Father loves Him. He wants me to feel secure in that love. Jesus wants me to love others in the same way He loved me. John 15:9-13

*I am certain that nothing will ever tear me away from God’s love. Nothing in this life or the next, nothing seen or unseen, not even my own fears or worries, absolutely nothing can separate me from God’s love. That’s indescribable love.
Romans 8:38-39

*God is love. The Bible says that when I live in this love, I live in God and God lives in me. I have seen the ability to love others grow in me. Because I love God, I can love other people. I love because God loved me first. 1 John 4:16,19

*Allow the love of God to overwhelm your life this month and the rest of 2024 and then watch how your love for God and self will extend to loving others.

True love, that is deep, abiding love that is impervious to emotional whims or fancy, a choice. It’s a constant commitment to a person regardless of the present circumstances.
Mark Manson

By Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse

The month of February is famous for the celebration of Love. It’s a time to celebrate relationships with family, friends, spouses, and connections that make life worthwhile. We spend time finding the right gift to show our appreciation of those relationships. However, we often forget one of the most important relationships—the one we have with ourselves. If we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t serve those we love.

Love Your Heart month is an opportunity to care for yourself. One of the first and easiest ways to do this is to be aware of what you eat. Food is, after all, important medicine. Eating well-balanced meals with an eye toward fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, avoiding red meats in favor of fish and
chicken, is essential to protecting your heart. Avoid excessive sweets as well as fatty and fried foods. Choose healthy oils for cooking and in your salads and avoid using butter and excess salt.

Getting enough exercise may be a bit more of a challenge but easy to achieve simply by walking. The American Heart Association suggests you participate in 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. A good test of whether the activity is moderate, is to try the “walkie-talkie” test. If you can talk while exercising but are unable to sing, that’s considered a moderate activity. A good 30–40-minute moderate intensity workout a few times a week can include a brisk walk, dancing, swimming, or yoga. If exercise
isn’t already part of your routine, start slowly and work steadily towards that 150-minute goal.

Sufficient sleep, exercise, healthy food, friendship, and peace of mind are necessities, not luxuries.” Mark Halperin

Lastly, make sure you know your numbers. It’s important to be aware of your cholesterol levels, your weight, and your blood pressure. Make sure your blood pressure is under control. High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because it can exhibit no symptoms and still damage your heart, arteries,
and other organs. Check your blood pressure often and work with your doctor to make improvements. When armed with knowledge about your health, you can make the improvements needed to love your heart and enjoy a healthier you.