By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., speaking before the Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1968

Every third Monday in January is a national holiday to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK Jr. Day). Dr. King is best known for his leadership during the American civil rights movement of the ‘50s and ‘60s (a wave of activism contesting racial segregation, discrimination, disenfranchisement, and injustice). From 1955 to 1968, Dr. King led several efforts to eliminate Jim Crow laws and other forms of systemic racism that hindered the mobility of people of color in the U.S. From sit-ins to marches, Dr. King championed demonstrations that combined nonviolence with direct action.

“NOTHING IN ALL THE WORLD IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN SINCERE IGNORANCE AND CONSCIENTIOUS STUPIDITY.” Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963, Strength to Love)

Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech from the 1963 March on Washington is one of his most celebrated. In it, Dr. King envisioned a world with equal justice for all people under the law. He went on to earn a Nobel Peace Prize and see the passing of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. Towards the end of his life, Dr. King’s advocacy emphasized the importance of economic justice in the fight for equality and racial liberation. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, where he was supporting Memphis sanitation workers in their strike for union recognition, better safety standards, and livable wages.

MLK Day matters because it recognizes Dr. King’s legacy of service while inspiring us to serve in our own ways. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), MLK Jr. Day is a federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service, and Americans are encouraged to spend this day volunteering to improve their communities.

Many things Dr. King advocated for during his lifetime (racial justice, economic equality, affordable housing, labor rights, etc.) are issues we continue to grapple with in 2023. The fight for justice is ongoing and we can use this day to reflect on the work Dr. King started and take responsibility for the work we still have left to do.

National Day of Service

Trinity Woods invites residents and employees to participate in a food drive for Restore Hope. There will be boxes set-up in the Community Life Center Ehlers Entrance and the Spann Wellness Center seating area to collect donations. Please make sure to drop off your nonperishable food items between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on January 16. Please see the Wellness supplement for specific types of items that are needed.

Trinity Woods is proud to announce Jerome Steele as the new CFO and Vice President of Finance. Jerome has been serving as Director of Finance. Prior to joining the staff of Trinity Woods Jerome was the Vice President of Finance and CFO of Bacone College in Muskogee, where he oversaw the business office and led strategic planning and implementation of financial policies and procedures. He comes to the position with a wealth of knowledge in business consulting and developing corporate business plans and marketing strategies for his clients.

Steve Dickie, CEO at Trinity Woods, states, “Jerome has over 30 years of experience in management, finance, marketing, and manufacturing. He is a welcome addition to our leadership team.”

Jerome earned his bachelor’s degree and his master’s in business administration from Oral Roberts University. He is married to Yourlunda and has four children Olivia, Michala, Montavion and Alayah. The Steeles are founders of Amazing Grace Christian Center in Tulsa. Jerome has volunteered with Youth at Heart, a not-for-profit organization that helps teenage boys and girls develop life skills. His hobbies include reading and golfing.

“I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the financial oversight of Trinity Woods as CFO and VP of Finance,” said Jerome. “The company’s mission of serving the Trinity Woods family in the spirit of Christ is what inspires me to promote continued financial accountability and integrity as we care for our community members.”

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

There is a wonder about Christmas as well as a tyranny. There is a wondrous briskness in the air and a rosy glow on the cheeks of early shoppers. There seems a purposefulness in those in the stores, though the planned buying lists of “Thanksgiving Friday” shoppers disintegrate into a mad frenzy by December 24th. Just grab at anything that Uncle Fritz can smile at when he unwraps it, even though no one can think of anything he really wants or needs.

The season also imposes its tyranny on many of us. Instead of being able to give out of thoughtfulness and love, we often give because it is “expected.” I heard of one couple who had 85 people they felt obligated to remember with a gift. No wonder the joy of giving falls away to a sort of panicked despair.

So, the question I ponder is – Can we give cheerfully and thoughtfully this Christmas?

Only through cheerful giving can we emulate the great “gift” of Christmas, Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16, KJV

Jesus Christ the true “gift” gave Himself completely to and for us. While giving is important, it should not overwhelm or overly stress us during this season when Christ should be the focal point.

And so, God gave, not reluctantly or because He was forced by popular opinion, but because He loved. No store-bought gift would do for those He held dear; it must be home-made. Nor was His choice of “gift” an optional trinket for the “man or woman who has everything.” He gave the only possession that we did not have and really needed. He did not give a thing or object. He gave Himself – a costly “gift” in the extreme. A gift so expensive that many never comprehend His true worth in their lives. Herein lies a Christmas mystery. Only by opening the first “gift” may we truly comprehend the real significance of giving and receiving. May this season not capture us in its tyranny but release us in an eager cheerfulness to give.

Adapted from www.joyfulheart.com

It is the time of year we all count our blessings –family, friends, our health. It is also the time of year that we say “thank you” to the employees of Trinity Woods. As you may know, our policy at Trinity Woods does not allow employees to accept individual gifts or tips throughout the year, but this time of the year, we actively reach out to our community and solicit donations for the Employee Appreciation Fund. This year the residents of Trinity Woods are leading the charge and inviting you to express your gratitude and give thanks to those special people who are here each day to serve.

It’s not too late. Please consider a gift to express your gratitude for the wonderful Trinity Woods Team.

https://bit.ly/TrinityWoodsGiving

We recently dedication the newest outdoor space on the Trinity Woods campus, Owens Park. This area was made possible with a gift from the Owens Family and many others who donated to provide trees and benches. This park features a lighted walking trail, fountain and in the near future will have outdoor fitness equipment. Owens Park is not only a blessing to current residents and their families, but will be a blessing for many years to come.

Trinity Woods is a mission driven organization and has one purpose. Our reason for being is clear – we serve the Trinity Woods family in the spirit of Christ. Every year we search for people who are willing to dedicate themselves to advancing our mission by serving on the Board of Directors.

Board members are expected to commit their time, talent, and treasure:
• The time commitment involves preparing for and participating in a Board monthly meeting.
• The talents of the Board member are called upon as they off er their expertise through involvement in
committee work.
• The treasure acknowledges the responsibility of Board members to include Trinity Woods as they
make decisions about their charitable giving.

We encourage the Trinity Woods community to submit nominations to the Governance Committee. If you wish to nominate someone, you must fill out the Nomination Form and submit it by Friday, December 16, 2022. Every nominee that is submitted will be reviewed. If they are not selected for this year, the committee maintains a list of prospective Board members for future consideration.

To receive a Nomination Form, contact Heidi Garrett, at 918-346-6671 or hgarrett@trinitywoodstulsa.com.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…Christmas in the Woods! The trees will be lit, the halls will be decked, and hot chocolate will be steaming. Mark your calendar for Thursday, December 8th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. It will be a night of good holiday fun.

“This year’s Christmas in the Woods has some exciting additions,” said Irene Brown, Life Enrichment Coordinator. “Also, everyone’s favorite, amazing food from the Trinity Woods chefs. There will be so much for everyone to see, taste, experience and enjoy!”

Over the years this has become a tradition for everyone – residents, families, employees. Christmas in the Woods is a campus-wide celebration. In addition to great food at several venues, horse drawn carriages, live music, and the beautiful living nativity, there will also be a candy shop, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a huge Christmas train display!

“This event is the core of who we are as a community and brings everyone together is a special way,” said Steve Dickie, CEO. “Christmas in the Woods is a wonderful way to expand your Christmas traditions.”

To purchase an admission wristband, visit the Crestwood Concierge or Holliman Center Receptionist –$12 members, $15 guests, and $7 children ages 3-12. Children under 3 are free. Wristbands will be charged to your member account. For more information call 918.346.6614.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

It has been said that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. However, that is only partially true because the distance ultimately depends on the geometric shape of the object. In life, the shortest distance between your starting point and destination is not a straight line. Though you may be able to see your destination, there may be many paths you can travel to arrive. Life is filled with uncertainty. What road do I travel? Will it be straight or filled with many twists and turns, hills and
valleys, smooth and rough patches, U-turns, circle backs, and on and on? In the end, it is important to decide to move forward knowing that, at times during the journey, moving forward may mean backtracking.

Author C.S. Lewis said, “Progress is not simply moving forward. It is moving closer to the desired destination.” Here are a few Biblical examples, which demonstrate that life is not a straight line:
• When the children of Israel were freed from bondage in Egypt, they turned an 11-day journey to the Promised Land into a 40-year expedition. Why? Primarily, because they would not follow the direction of God. Yes, they eventually arrived but not without some major struggles and several rough patches.
• Abraham received a promise from God, if he would leave his homeland, his people and his father’s household, that God would make him into a great nation and bless him. His journey took 25 years before he received the ultimate promised seed. In between, his life faced many challenges, twists and turns
before reaching his destination.
• Joseph had a dream which took 13 years of ups and downs, twists and turns before it came to fruition.
• David was anointed king but it took several years of trouble, struggles and victories before he was eventually crowned king over all of Israel.

“Progress rarely happens in a straight line. It typically unfolds in loops. Day by day, it can feel you’re spinning your wheels. If you look back on your trajectory over months or years, you can see forward movement. Major growth is the result of many seemingly minor turns. ” ~ Amy Grant

Life in each of these stories was moving forward but not in a straight line. Even though you could say that life always moves forward, forward doesn’t always mean in a straight line. Enjoy the journey ahead of you even if you need to take a detour at times.

The holiday season is upon us and if life isn’t busy enough the holidays can bring on extra stress. In order to stay on top of your health during holiday season it is important to stay on track with your health goals. If you don’t have health goals or you need some tricks to get back on track, here are a few things to remember and programs to take part in at Trinity Woods.

Practice Gratitude – Gratitude is a simple tool that is at our disposal to improve our well-being all the time. Practicing gratitude increases positive emotions and encourages you to reflect on what is good in your life. It helps you shift your mindset from the bad things going on to look and appreciate the
good in your life. “Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity. It makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie

Senior Fitness Test: Measure It so you can Manage It. The Senior Fitness Test (SFT) is a series of seven tests that assess the functional fitness of older adults. Taking the Senior Fitness Test helps to set physical and personal goals. Please join us on Thursday, November 18 as we shoot for 50% participation
in the 2022 Senior Fitness Test! Call Delisa Gray at 918-346- 6642 to sign up!

Maintain Don’t Gain Challenge
Just in time for the holidays, we are hosting our Annual Maintain Don’t Gain Challenge for employees and residents of Trinity Woods. This six-week challenge runs from November 21 to January 2. It encourages weight maintenance and healthy habits during the holiday season. The goal is to help you stay motivated
and on track when all of the goodies and temptations are always around during the holidays. Call Delisa Gray at 918-346-6642 to be a part of this challenge!

Veterans Day is a time to honor those who served, those who still serve and especially those who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms in our country’s wars. Military veterans have a special place in the American heart and definitely the hearts of the Trinity Woods community.

“Armistice Day” was started in 1919 as a way to commemorate the end of World War I. In 1928, Congress passed a resolution to make an annual observance. November 11 became the official date for the observance and a National Holiday in 1938. In 1954, the holiday officially became Veterans Day to celebrate the service of all veterans living and dead.

Thanking veterans for all they do and have done is a way to express our collective gratitude. The sacrifices they made deserve our recognition. America’s veterans have done everything asked of them in their mission to serve our country and it is never too late to celebrate their dedication and service. As Veterans Day approaches a quote by George S. Patton Jr. comes to mind. “It is foolish and wrong
to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.”

Each year Trinity Woods takes time to celebrate and thank these very special people, both men and women who have served, with a special program. We encourage you to attend this annual service. This year’s service will be held Friday, November 11 at 2:00 p.m. in the Fleming Center.

By Jennifer Rawlings, VP of Wellness

Tranquility is the state of being calm and at peace.

This was the goal for what people would experience when they visited the Tranquility Wellness Spa on the Trinity Woods campus. When we envisioned bringing the multiple salons on campus together, it was very purposeful. We wanted the spa experience to be available for everyone at any level of care. Our dream has been exceeded and the Tranquility Wellness Spa has been a perfect avenue to bring the whole campus together for a tranquil experience.

The Tranquility Wellness Spa is a state-of-the-art space that allows residents to freshen up their hair style, receive a manicure or pedicure, or truly relax with a massage, all while never leaving campus. The Spa has licensed cosmetologists who are ready to style, cut, and color your hair as well as provide waxing services. The licensed nail technician is available for hand and foot treatments and the massage therapist can provide consistent quality treatments for tired or sore muscles. The team is led by a spa coordinator who’s main objective is to make sure each client receives a high quality experience.

“The Tranquility team is so passionate about making their clients look beautiful on the outside and even more importantly, help them feel beautiful on the inside,” said Jennifer Rawlings, VP of Wellness. “The ladies in the Spa take pride in genuine, personal relationships and want to make each client feel special the minute they walk into the Spa.”

If you or your loved one haven’t experienced the Tranquility Wellness Spa, now is the perfect time. Each month there are specials and, with the holidays approaching, a gift certificate just might make the perfect gift! For more information on services or to book an appointment call 918.346.6659.

Spiritual Wellness is generally considered to be the search for meaning and purpose in human existence, leading one to strive for a state of harmony or contentment with oneself and others, while working to balance inner needs with the rest of the world.

The path to spiritual wellness can involve meditation, prayer, affirmations, or specific spiritual practices that support your connection to a higher power or belief system. Having compassion, love, forgiveness, altruism, joy, or fulfillment, helps you to enjoy your spiritual health. Your religious faith, values, beliefs, principles, and morals define your spirituality.

Taking care of ourselves spiritually can help us approach life more positively and build a resilience that can help us through many of life’s challenges, which in turn can help us to age more healthfully. Across different religious backgrounds, the strength we fi nd from our faith is universal. For many, faith has
often been the anchor that reminds them that no matter what storm comes their way, they will not be broken or completely overcome.

Spiritual wellness is important for many reasons. First, it allows you to think about your purpose in life and really establish your “why”. We’re all put on this earth for a reason. Some of us discover that reason earlier than others. However, taking the time to explore your purpose and why you do the things you do
is a strong foundation for living a meaningful life.

Create a life that feels good on the inside, not one that just looks good on the outside.

Another reason spiritual wellness is important is it allows us to connect with a higher power through religion and faith. Personally, I am a Christian and therefore believe in an all-powerful, all-knowing and ever-present God. Therefore, I pray daily, read the Bible and attend church/worship services in
order to grow my relationship with Him.

Lastly, spiritual wellness allows us to clear our minds and learn to accept the things that are out of our control. The reality is, we live in a fast-paced, crazy world that is only getting more complicated by the day. Having the ability to detach from the world and accept that what happens is often out of your control
is a powerful life skill.

For my spiritual wellness, I choose to adhere to what the apostle Paul said (paraphrased), “I have learned contentment in every situation.” Philippians 4:11-13

By Jim Ginther, Senior Vice President of Finance

Before you put your hard-earned cash into an investment vehicle, you’ll need a basic understanding of how to invest money the right way. However, there’s no one-size-fi ts-all answer. The best way to invest
your money is whichever way works best for you. Here are some tips when considering investing.

Your Style – Active or Passive
Active investing means taking time to research investments yourself and constructing and maintaining your portfolio on your own. Passive investing involves putting your money to work in investment vehicles where someone else is doing the hard work for example a mutual fund.

Your Budget
How much money do you have to invest? You don’t need a large sum of money to start. You can begin with just $100. The amount of money isn’t the most important thing. It’s making sure you’re financially ready and that you’re investing frequently over time.

Your Risk Tolerance
Not all investments are successful. Each type of investment has its own level of risk. This risk is often correlated with returns. It’s important to fi nd a balance between maximizing the returns on your money and finding a risk level you are comfortable with.

One important step to take before investing is to establish an emergency fund. This is cash set aside in a form that makes it available for quick withdrawal. Most financial planners suggest an ideal amount for an
emergency fund is enough to cover six months’ worth of expenses.