By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

There is a phrase I remember as a child that causes me to look forward to the month of May with excitement and enthusiasm. Despite the depression that looms from the hard and long winter of the past several months, the phrase “April showers bring May flowers” brings a sense of hope called springtime.

Following the commemoration of the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus over the Easter weekend, I kept thinking about phrases like: weeping endures for a night but joy comes in the morning; there is a silver lining beyond each dark cloud; these light afflictions are but for a moment; and this too shall pass.

The reality of Jesus’ death producing new life parallels with the thought of sunshine following a season of gloom and sadness. Perhaps you have heard this rhyme at some point, generally having been taught it at an early age by parents or teachers. It is a popular thing to say and hear around springtime.

“April showers bring May flowers” is a reminder that even the most unpleasant of things, in this case the heavy rains of April, can bring about very enjoyable things indeed – an abundance of flowers in May. This rhyme is also a lesson in patience, and one that remains valid to this day.

Many of life’s greatest things come only to those who wait, and by patiently and happily enduring the clouds and dampness of April, you can find yourself more easily able to take in the sights and smells of May. After all, it’s easier to love something if you begin with an optimistic outlook.

Bad thing happen, and sometimes a bad thing, later on down the line, turns out to not be bad at all, even though at the time you wouldn’t have know it. ~ Kenneth Arthur

Have you had a season of setbacks, disappointments, or hindrances? Do not be dismayed. Remember these things: weeping endures for a night but joy comes in the morning; there is a silver lining beyond each dark cloud; these light afflictions are but for a moment; and this too shall pass.

By Irene Brown, Life Enrichment Coordinator

THANK A VOLUNTEER OR, BETTER YET, BE ONE!

The Trinity Woods neighborhood is filled with servant-hearted people! That’s what makes us a caring community. Last year we counted 160 on-campus volunteers! The list below gives you an idea of just some of the work that community member volunteers, as well as some who don’t live here, do on our campus:

• Run the Treasure Chest thrift shop
• Show movies twice a week and choose those movies
• Maintain and improve our two libraries
• Push Health Center neighbors in wheelchairs to events
• Set-up and serve meals at Supper & A Show
• Support fundraising activities – Employee Appreciation
  Fund
• Help with party decorating
• Advise the Chaplain
• Play piano at weekly Devotions and special events
• Advise the Wellness Team
• Teach Summer School classes
• Lead groups and gatherings such as Pickleball, Mah Jongg, Anna Bible Study, Ping Pong and more
• Make and deliver a bear and a prayer to everyone in the Health Center
• Serve on the Board, the Member Council and its committees
• Act as Next Door Neighbors to newcomers
• Host potential new members at events.
• 
  Many community members are also involved in volunteer work off campus, throughout greater Tulsa, in hospitals, churches, schools, and elsewhere, helping make our whole city a more caring community.
  
  Volunteering helps us age better. Research has shown that people who volunteer have higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction than people who don’t. Not only that but the older a person is, the greater the potential benefits of volunteering, making the simple act of giving back an essential part of staying healthy as we age.
  
  THANK YOU, volunteers, for all that you do for Trinity Woods and the Tulsa community!

By Steve Dickie, CEO

In the world of senior living communities, people often ask what sets Trinity Woods apart? Most of the time I focus on the people because I know that is truly what makes Trinity Woods the community God has called us to be. One group of people that have significant impact on the Trinity Woods community is the Board of Directors.

One of the tremendous advantages of living at Trinity Woods is the benefit gained from the governance of a local Board. Everyone who serves on this Board lives right here in Tulsa and their sole purpose is dedicated to advancing the mission of Trinity Woods.

Every Board member supports Trinity Woods by giving of their time, talent and treasure:
Time: Each Board member commits to prepare for and participate in a monthly meeting.
Talent: Board members share their expertise by serving on a sub-committee: Finance and Audit, Development and Public Relations, Governance, Legal, Human Resources, and Property Trustees.
Treasure: Board members are asked to make an annual financial contribution that is significant to them. Trinity Woods relies on the generosity of faithful supporters to fulfill its mission and the Board leads the way with their financial support and by introducing the organization to new donors.

Our Board truly sets the future direction of Trinity Woods by approving and reviewing the organization’s strategic plan. They approve the annual operating and capital budgets, yearly audit, and review monthly financial performance. The support and assistance provided by this group of 24 dedicated volunteers is an essential ingredient to the success of this community.

As a professional in the nonprofit sector for my entire career, I know that a healthy working Board can make all the difference in an organization’s success. Please know the Trinity Woods Board of Directors is committed to working together to serve in the spirit of Christ and THAT is what makes all the difference.

Trinity Woods is making a concerted effort to offer more avenues for culture training and bonding for all employees. Our goal for the coming year is to have all Trinity Woods employees attend these full-day training sessions. These training sessions offer customer service training, Eden Alternative Training*, and
an opportunity for employees to meet other employees from across campus.

*The Eden Alternative Philosophy is a person-centered approach to creating a community where life revolves around close and continuing contact with people of all ages and abilities. It is these relationships that provide the young and old alike with a pathway to a life worth living.

By Don Hertzler, resident Master Gardener

A favorite evergreen tree in eastern Oklahoma is the southern magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora. The native evergreen tree grows to 80-120’ tall and can have a life span of up to 200 years. Recently, dwarf versions have become available. The varieties ‘Little Gem’ and ‘Teddybear’ mature at 16-20’ tall and 10’ wide
and can be found in the new Owens Park on Sandusky. The large white flowers of the southern magnolia often have an intense fragrance that makes a lasting memory. The Southern Magnolia is a native tree of the southeast U.S. but it does well in northeast Oklahoma. Its leaves will burn from extreme cold or
heat, but they will recover during the growing season.

We have a number of examples of Southern magnolias across campus. Pictured here is a flower from a Little Gem Magnolia in Owens Park. This spring when you are out walking in the Trinity Woods neighborhood, take time to smell a magnolia bloom.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

I’ve concluded that spring may be the most profound of the seasons. Its meaning and promise, and how to experience it, are worth dwelling upon. Spring is the season of hope – that things will get better after they were worse.

“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant,” wrote English poet Anne Bradstreet. “If we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.”

After the cold dark days of winter, where life seems to be on the verge of collapse and purpose is blurred, spring comes to the rescue bringing renewed hope, joy, clarity and salvation from the dark.

Spring signifies coming out of the darkness. We’ve tipped the balance from longer nights to longer days. We call the first day of spring the vernal equinox. Equinox basically means “equal night” of light and dark, and metaphorically, we should spend more time in the light.

There’s even some science to the joy of spring. Research suggests that for many people, the extended daylight boosts mood, wellbeing and energy. It’s also the time for spring cleaning and ridding your life of those things you don’t need any more and maybe some bad spirits and bad habits.

Sometimes in order to come into a new season and spring forward in faith, we have to let go of the old season. Isaiah 43:18 NIV says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” One of life’s many lessons teaches us to let go. We should not hang on to past hurts, past struggles, and past relationships. And sometimes this means we must give ourselves time to grieve in order to move forward.

As spring starts to surface and the trees begin to bloom, we can see God’s reminder to align our hearts to the new thing He’s doing. Prepare to spring forward into His purpose.

As we enter a new season, if you would like to schedule a time to meet with the Chaplain or to leave a prayer request, please contact Chaplain Tisdale at 918.346.6607.

By Steve Dickie, CEO

I get asked the above question all the time! Most people have an outdated image of senior living. Many view the aging process as an inevitable sequence of progressive decline and loss. At Trinity Woods we are convinced that does not have to be case. It is possible to gain new friends, find new purpose and meaning, and restore physical health.

• Gaining New Friends: It is true that we all reach the age where our long-term relationships begin changing. People die. People move. Yet one person told me recently, “At Trinity Woods my social network has grown! I’ve picked up many new friends since my move here. The move here has been the best decision of my life.”

• Finding Purpose and Meaning: No one likes to be bored, at any age. Most retirees have led a productive and active life, and then suddenly find themselves trying to find their new normal. Who says you have to be in school to learn a new language or skill? People at any age, physical ability and mental acuity can find new, stimulating interests through a variety of activities. Residents at Trinity Woods are encouraged to find a new or reinvest time in their passion.

• Restoring Physical Health: Did you know that, even in your 80s or 90s, you can benefit from physical training? You can build strength and improve balance. The classes offered in the Spann Wellness Center offer practical coaching that can help improve your ability to do everyday tasks like loading the washer and dryer and carrying groceries.

What are the most common reflections of people who live at Trinity Woods? People say, “I should have made the move sooner.” “I have never had so much peace of mind.” “My kids have never seen me happier. And, I have more friends and I am more engaged than I was in my home.”

The vision of Trinity Woods is to set a new standard for senior living by redefining aging!
You deserve a retirement life that has a style all its own. Your style! Trinity Woods enables
you to live life in the style you want to live.

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