By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

Life is not predictable. There are ups and downs along the way. Many of us want to trust God. When times are good, it can feel easier. But when times feel difficult and uncertain, it is even more important to trust God. God’s unchanging character can give us a fi rm foundation when things feel unsteady. King
Solomon instructs us to:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart….” (Proverbs 3:5a)

The word “trust” here “expresses that sense of well-being and security which results from having something or someone in whom to place confidence.” The object of that trust is Yahweh. The extent of that trust is “with all your heart.”

The next line is similar but looks at it from the negative — what not to do. It gives us a powerful mental picture.

“Lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5b)

The verb “lean” has the idea of putting your weight on something, trusting that it will not give way. We are to trust in God, but not put our weight on our own limited understanding, insight, or discernment. It is so easy for us to miss a key piece of the puzzle and thus completely misunderstand or misconstrue a situation. We seek wisdom! We desire discernment! But we must realize that our understanding is imperfect and limited.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7a)

Does anything more need to be said?

“In all your ways acknowledge him….” (Proverbs 3:6a)

In English, “acknowledge” means “to recognize the rights, authority, or status of,” which, in practice, often amounts to giving a nod in God’s direction and hoping for his approval. But the word in Hebrew is much, much broader and richer than “acknowledge.” Yāda, “to know,” can describe God’s knowledge of man, a person’s knowledge, one’s skill in hunting, one’s ability to distinguish between, etc. But it can also express acquaintance with a person, describe the most intimate acquaintance, even a sexual relation, and finally one’s relation to God.

A casual acknowledgement of God can mask an arrogance that doesn’t really desire to know. We can develop a practiced deafness towards God when we only want him to rubberstamp our own plans with the word “Approved.” But when we seek to know God and listen for his voice, there is a humility,
an openness. That very humility allows us to listen to him and discern his way.

One thing for certain is that we can “trust God with everything.”

By Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

What does it mean to leave a legacy? Simply put, it means leaving your mark on the future and making a contribution to future generations. At Trinity Woods those people are part of our Tin Man Society. Each member of the Society will be part of this community long after they are no longer living here. Imagine helping a future neighbor at Trinity Woods that you don’t even know and hasn’t even selected Trinity Woods for their home yet.

To join the Tin Man Society, simply inform us that you have provided for the mission of Trinity Woods in one of these seven ways.

1. Will or Revocable Living Trust: Designate a specific or percentage amount to go to Trinity Woods, Inc. A contingency bequest allows Trinity Woods, Inc. to receive the remainder and residue of your estate if other beneficiaries are deceased or cannot inherit.

2. Permanent Endowment: Current gifts that establish a permanent endowment to benefit the
community.

3. Charitable Gift Annuity: You transfer your cash or property in exchange for a guaranteed fixed income (with rates based on your age) for the rest of your life.

4. A Charitable Remainder Trust: This type of gift pays you an income for life. With an Unitrust, there is the potential that your income could increase over time with growth in the trust. An annuity trust pays out a fixed amount each year based on the value of the property at the time it is gifted.

5. Insurance Policy: You can give your life insurance policy to Trinity Woods and receive a charitable income tax deduction. Then make deductible contributions each year that we may use to pay the premiums. You can also designate Trinity Woods as the beneficiary of your life insurance policy.

6. Beneficiary on Investment Account(s): Beneficiary designation on IRA’s, CDs, commercial annuities,
savings accounts, and savings bonds. Also, if you are 70 ½ or older, you can make a gift of up to $100,000 to Trinity Woods from your IRA to meet your annual distribution requirement. By making an IRA
charitable rollover gift, you are able to avoid taxes on the IRA distribution while supporting our charitable
mission.

7. Donating your Membership Fee: A simple amendment to your Membership Agreement is an easy
way to give your eligible entrance fee refund. Contributing your entrance fee refund directly to the
fund of your choice is a simple way to benefit the community you call home as well as, there is no out-of-pocket expense to create the gift.

If you have any questions about any of these gift options, please contact our legacy office at 918.346.6639. By doing any of the above, one becomes a member of the Tin Man Society. We hope you will prayerfully consider leaving a lasting legacy. Trinity Woods is a community of kind and compassionate
people and through their generosity, others will be able to experience it for years to come.

By Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse

When someone takes the time to learn more about what it’s like for a person living with dementia, we move closer to answering the question of “what is a dementia-friendly community.”

People living with dementia often experience their surroundings as disorienting, confusing, and sometimes worst of all, as dangerous. “Where was I going, What did I need, Who was I meeting?” Questions like these can be disconcerting but imagine that nothing you see around you seems to help; people seem irritated or unapproachable; you feel uncomfortable asking for help, and nothing indicates where you are though you’re certain you’ve been there before.

Dementia Friendly America encourages communities to foster the ability of people living with dementia to remain in community and engage and thrive in day-to-day living -basically meeting a person’s needs while maintaining quality of life and dignity.

Now imagine, as someone living with dementia, encountering a friendly face, easy-to-read directional signage, and a clock telling the time and date. Imagine cheerful sounds, and a comfortable place to sit while waiting for the memories to return or a friend to appear. That scenario would certainly provide ease and comfort.

Imagine a neighbor who offers help with compassion and acceptance, brushing aside the temptation to judge and offering a helpful hand in the spirit of Christ. Neighbors who are understanding and accepting of people living with dementia, who cannot change, though most certainly they wish they could. A dementia friendly community is community – it’s neighbor helping neighbor, being aware, concerned and actively working together for the betterment of the entire community.

Trinity Woods is offering a Dementia Virtual Tour on September 26 and 27. This event will give participants a hands-on experience of what a person living with dementia may encounter. It is a
great way to learn how to help make sense of noted behaviors and actions. Call Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse, at 918-346-6618 to reserve an appointment for this experience.

By Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse

When the temperature reaches into the 90’s some of us head for the air conditioning indoors, while others head for the sunny outdoors! The longer days beckon us to enjoy the sunshine and the activities available to us. Whether it’s a barbecue with family and friends, or just a walk outdoors, it’s important to be careful of the greater exposure to the sun’s rays and the accompanying heat. While there might be some precautions we know by heart, there can be many misconceptions.

For instance, sunscreen is helpful but alone is not enough. Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin including, scalp, upper back and other hard to reach areas, a full ounce at least 15 minutes before heading outdoors and again every two hours. Sunscreen becomes less effective over time as well, so reapply regularly.

Don’t forget to grab a stylish pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes as well. If you like your sunglasses, you’re more likely to wear them. Blockage of 99-100% of UVA/UVB rays is standard for sunglasses made in the US today. Single gradient, shaded only on top, are great for driving; double gradient, shaded
bottom and top, are best if you’ll be involved in activities or sports.

Seek shade whenever possible, wear light colored clothing that covers any exposed skin. Consider a wide brimmed hat to protect the delicate skin on ears and neck. Dr. Vernon Sondak, Chair of the Cutaneous Oncology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida has this useful phrase- “slip, slap, slop”. “Slip” on protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirt and long pants; “slap” on a brimmed hat and sunglasses; “slop” on a lot of sunscreen.

Remember to stay hydrated, as well! Start your day with a full glass of water, drinking at least two more before heading to any outdoor activity. If engaging in strenuous activity continue drinking those important fluids. Lastly, try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Keeping these precautions in mind will help make your summer a safe and more enjoyable one!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to play a round of golf at Pebble Beach or St. Andrews, just like the professionals? Well, now you can at Trinity Woods’ new Indoor Golf Experience, located on campus.

“We are so excited to off er this new activity to our residents,” said Steve Dickie, Trinity Woods CEO. “Whether you are an everyday golfer, trying to fi ne-tune your swing, or just trying to do something fun with your friends, this is a great opportunity.”

The Indoor Golf Experience features golf simulator technology that is used by novice and professional golfers all over the world. Residents can play a round of golf on one of 25 golf courses, have a long drive contest, or just practice. The golf simulator can also provide immediate swing analysis data such as
angle and speed.

It doesn’t matter your level of golf experience, whether it’s beginner or experienced golfer, anyone can play. The Indoor Golf Experience is meant to bring people together for a fun opportunity.

“We hope the golfers in the community enjoy the fact that they can get in a round of golf no matter the weather outside and we hope it allows more people to try something new. Who knows, maybe there is a hidden talent on campus waiting to be discovered,” said Dickie.

Highlights:
Stunning reproductions of the world’s best courses – Enjoy the world’s most challenging and beautiful courses, all faithfully reproduced to deliver the most true-to-life golf simulation experience available.

Endless Settings Customization – From player options to weather conditions, there are nearly endless options.

Compete in Skills Challenges, Closest to the Pin, and Long Drive competitions – Power and precision become the focus in our skills challenges. Test your skills against others on a selected par 4, par 5, or the Foresight Sports range.

This new experience available at Trinity Woods would not have been possible without the generosity of Rich and Barbara Lilienthal. Be watching for more information on the Indoor Golf Experience location, times of play, and tutorial sessions.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

When we allow fear into our lives, our thinking gets clouded. Instead of seeing situations from God’s point of view, our fears and worries about what others think (or will think), our finances, our health, our loved ones, our jobs, our school, our homes, etc. cloud our assessments and rob us of the joy of walking in God’s victory.

The opposite of living in fear is living in fearlessness, or boldness and confidence. I got to thinking about some individuals in the Bible who lived fearlessly: Joshua, Caleb, Deborah, Esther, David, Paul, Daniel, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Each of them boldly faced their situations because they were confident in God and in His will…and submitted to whatever that was. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had confidence God could save them from the flames, yet they were surrendered to perish if God chose to allow the flames to consume them (Daniel 3).

On the other hand, the Bible has many examples of individuals who lived fearfully, such as the man who hid his talent in the ground (Matthew 25:14-28). This man was so afraid of making a mistake and displeasing his master that he wasted even the one talent he had been given. Fear immobilized him.

We can’t overestimate the importance of thinking clearly, both physically and spiritually. This month let us remember to check ourselves to see if we are surrendered to God’s will and confident in His love, care, and leading, or if we’re allowing fear to cloud our thinking…and ultimately our actions.

When we have alleviated our fears, we can then begin the process of thinking with a sound mind – “Thinking Clearly”.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

Life sometimes gets hard. Things we don’t want to happen occur. Our plans vaporize. We find ourselves exactly where we never wanted to be—or perhaps we have to sit by and watch a loved one suffer.

Yet God gives rivers in the deserts of life. We want a way around them—for ourselves and for our loved ones. But God doesn’t promise to take us around the deserts of life—instead He promises to give us life-giving, refreshing rivers in the midst of them. Many times, it’s in the desert—in those hard times—we
learn to receive His miraculous provision and strength.

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19

Whatever you’re facing, whether it’s a big or comparatively small hardship, choose to thank God. Thank Him because it can help show you His provision. Thank Him for working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). Thank Him that He knows what it is to suffer—that He came and suffered on the cross so we would one day get to live again with Him in a perfect world. Thank Him for using suffering to refine and work eternal glory we cannot even comprehend (2 Corinthians 4:17), even though suffering was not part of His original creation but came as a result of the fall in the garden of Eden. Thank God for how He has proven His faithfulness to you and others in the past and know that He will be faithful to keep and guide you through this too.

As you choose to “rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16), you’ll find the refreshing rivers of His strength and joy in the middle of life’s challenges.

By Irene Brown, Life Enrichment Coordinator

Wow! Trinity Woods is not only a community of lifelong learners, but we are blessed with an amazing number of talented, educated, and enthusiastic lifelong teachers as well. This year will mark the seventh year of Trinity Woods Summer School and I am excited to announce that it also is the year we have more classes than ever before, all taught by our very own community members in July and August.

The Wellness Team strives to off er lifelong learning programs on a variety of different topics. We recognize that people have a natural drive to explore, learn and grow and we encourage everyone to improve their quality of life and sense of self-worth by pursuing the ideas and goals that inspire them. Kudos to those who have stepped up each year of Summer School not only to learn but also to teach such fascinating classes.

Lifelong learning is good for your brain and for your self-esteem. Trinity Woods Summer School classes promote social wellness as we learn and discuss together. There is such a wide variety of classes offered this year that I know every resident will find at least one class to be of interest. From games to wine to end-of-life planning to science to theology and even more, there is a cornucopia of learning to be enjoyed!

All the classes will be held on the Trinity Woods campus. The classes are all at different times, which makes it easy to take part in as many classes as you wish. Peruse the fascinating course offerings and see what you would like to learn more about. For a full list of the classes offered in July, please see page 4 and 5. Class will soon be in session!

By Alison McMillan

Summer is here bringing many good things like bright sunshine, warm fresh air, and the opportunity to
increase activity outdoors. Summer also brings high temperatures, high UV index ratings, and an increased risk of dehydration. Because water is crucial for bodily functions, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of dehydration, as well as to take measures so you stay hydrated this summer.

Hydration Tips:
Drink more water throughout the day. If you struggle with the taste (or lack thereof), drop some fresh
slices of strawberries, cucumbers, or lemons in to add some flavor. Another alternative is low/no calorie
flavor additives you can find in the beverage aisle of your grocery store.

>Carry a refillable water bottle or tumbler throughout the day to help you remember to drink more, especially if you’re in a place that doesn’t have easily accessible water.
>Drink slowly. Your body doesn’t process water the way it processes food. Excessive water gets sent to the kidneys where it’s turned into urine.
>Get water with your diet by eating more water-dense foods – watermelon, cucumbers, celery, frozen fruit ice pops, lettuce, and dairy products, etc.
>Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol. Drinks like coffee, tea, beer, wine, and spirits all have diuretic effects meaning they make you produce more urine which creates a risk of lowering your body’s water content.
>Plan to bring and drink more water if you’re getting ready for an outdoor activity, such as a sports game, a concert, a picnic, gardening, etc.
>Try low calorie electrolyte drinks. There are several on the market that help hydrate the body as well as replenish lost electrolytes. Look for the ones that have low or no sugar content!