Bring Your Fruit Basket ®
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23
Have you ever eaten a perfectly ripened peach in the summer with the juices running down your chin? How about a tomato just picked still warm from the sun with a tad of sea salt? (Yes, technically, tomatoes are a fruit!) Sweet cantaloupe juice? You get the idea. Fresh ripened fruit enjoyed at the height of its season appeals and tantalizes the senses and satisfies the hungry.
How much more wonderful and beautiful are the fruits of the Holy Spirt! They are God-like qualities that make us look like Him. The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit should and can be embodied by every caregiver. We encourage each caregiver to “BRING YOUR FRUIT BASKET”TM to each shift to meet their clients’ many needs.
Love is the first of the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. Real, mature, God-like
love is not red hearts, that early honeymoon stage and conditional – if you do
this, I will love you. Feelings will come and go, but love is a decision.
People in your life – your spouse, a child, a family member, a neighbor, and
even your client may do something to hurt or lend you. You cannot control
what they do, but you can control how you respond.
I remember covering shift years back for one of my favorite clients, T. Rae.
I was making a healthy green salad for her and she was yelling at me because
I put too much lettuce or dressing on the plate. I leaned on the kitchen
counter to be eye-level as she was hunched over at 92, and I said, “T. Rae, I
love you. I’m trying to help you by making you dinner. Why are you yelling at
me?” She quickly calmed down and apologized. I believe my loving reaction
to her verbal attack diffused the situation.
People can do ugly things – they can call you names, make untruthful
accusations, insult you, and be dismissive. It’s easy to love people who are
nice to you. Where’s the challenge in that?
Love the unlovable, be forgiving. Remember the phrase from the 90s, What
Would Jesus Do or otherwise known as WWJD? It is a reminder to act in a
the manner that demonstrates His love. So be Jesus with skin on. Your loving
the response will determine the outcome of many situations
With Christ’s love,
Roberta Velichko,
President and Co-Founder
As Louie Armstrong said, “Grab your coat and grab your hat! Leave your worries
on the doorstep. Just direct your feet, to the sunny side of the street!” There is
often a general misconception that joy and happiness are one in the same
thing…but what really is the difference?
Happiness is something situational and joy is giving yourself permission and
access to a deeper feeling connected to something beyond ourselves. Being
joyful can be a part of who you are… a fruit of the Holy Spirit! And it is ever so
important to bring your joy to your clients.
There is a client that I will call regularly on the phone and every conversation
they ask how I am and how is my family. In reality, I might have a headache that
day, maybe my neck hurts or I couldn’t sleep the night before, and let’s be
honest, everyone always has some drama happening with someone in their
family. (If only everyone could behave!) But with every conversation, I say that
everything in my personal life is wonderful, and I’ll redirect her saying that the
mailman was late in the morning or they were out of my favorite brand of bread
at the store earlier! I share a rather unimportant, petty problem rather than what
my real concerns are in my life. She really cares about me, and if I share a real
problem, SHE might not sleep that night with anxiety being worried!
My job is to alleviate stress and anxiety for our clients – not add more to their
plate. So, like Louie Armstrong, leave your worries on the doorstep. Be the
highlight and pinnacle of joy for their day…not the hourly drama leaving them
concerned for your wellbeing after you leave…they can watch Doctor Phil or
Jerry Springer reruns for that crazy entertainment!
We can be joyful with the gentle reminder that all things happening in our life
happen for a reason and that there is a plan. The ride is taking us to a destination
and yes, sometimes there are high points and sometimes there are low points.
But things could always be worse…so enjoy the ride and take in all the views!
Happiness is situational and joy is a choice. Just direct your feet,
to the sunny side of the street!
Many Blessings,
Stephen Velichko, Director of Operations
According to Webster, the definition of Peace is: “a state of tranquility or quiet.”
Vocabulary.com says: “Peace is a stress-free state of security and calmness that
comes when there’s no fighting of war, everything coexisting in perfect harmony
and freedom.”
Peace is something we all want in our life and it is certainly something that was
and is very important to Jesus as he spoke about it many times. Peace is
mentioned in all four Gospels. The New Testament mentions peace over 100
times and throughout the entire bible, peace is mentioned over 400 times.
Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you
as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.” John
14:27. These are the words that Jesus gave to his apostles before he was arrested
and crucified.
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his apostles:
“It was the first day of the week, and that very evening, while the disciples were
together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood
among them. ‘Peace be with you!’ He said to them. After He had said this,
He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw
the Lord.” John 20:19-20
If peace was and is so important to Jesus, it makes sense that it is something
treasured by everyone else. I’m sure you have experienced a time when you just
wanted “some peace and quiet.” We all have. Well certainly this is no different
for your senior client that you have been entrusted with. And the peace that you
possess can truly be a gift to that special person you are caring for.
I encourage you to let your peace shine for all to see. Your peace is contagious.
When you walk in peace, people enjoy being with you. Most people have more
than enough chaos in their lives. Try not to share yours with them. Wear your
peace like a crown and you will be a blessing to all who know you.
Amen.
Stephen Velichko, CEO and Co-Founder
In the early years of our marriage, my wife would always say to me: “Steve, you have the
patience of Job.” I was familiar with the saying, but
it got me curious as to why that
saying was used to describe patient people. Let us explore this.
Job is known in the Old Testament of the Bible as a man of serious perseverance and
faith. His story is extreme in the amount of suffering he endured. His faith, perseverance
and patience were legendary, even in biblical times.
The expression “the patience of Job” has its origin in the New Testament, “Brothers and
sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke
in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered.
You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought
about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” James 5:10-11
Sometimes, the people we care for require us to show an extra helping of patience.
Sometimes, the people we are helping the most will still lash out at us. This is often
because they are in pain or unhappy. Maybe their entire family and all their friends are
gone. They are all alone now and do not understand why God has left them on earth with
no family. When you look upon those you care for with the compassion of Christ,
patience abounds, and love pours out because patience is a form of love. “Love is
patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” 1 Cor 13:4.
If only all the world had more patience for each other, imagine the world we could live
in. Patience is not necessarily something we are born with. Often, we develop and work
hard on it over time. This is very likely how the phrase “Patience is a virtue” originated. It
reflects someone’s ability to wait for something. A virtue is often defined as a state of
moral excellence.
The phrase could date back as far as the third or fourth century to “The
Distichs of Cato,” also referred to as “Cato.” This is a Latin collection of proverbial
wisdom and morality from the Middle Ages. It is assumed to be written by Cato the
Elder. There is also a line that reads, “Of human virtues, patience is most great.”
In today’s world filled with so much turmoil and hate, the quality of patience shows much
needed tolerance and passivity. We all know people who are easily irritated. Sometimes
that’s us! I have found, that when I relentlessly pray for patience and wisdom, God is so
gracious. He pours out His Spirit and miraculous things happen. People reconcile and
forgive each other. Joy is shared, and compassion is shown to one another. Let us use
God’s example as the Psalmist writes: “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to
anger, abounding in love.” Psalm 103:8
Amen.
Stephen Velichko, CEO & Co-Founder
We are here to help you.
Which Fruits Are In Your Basket?
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Love
Some clients will be easy to love, others may be not so much. People can do ugly things. Love even the unlovable. One day you may be old, cranky and have
chronic pain too. And remember you cannot judge and love at the same time. Love is a decision. A
loving response to a verbal attack can diffused many situations. So, love up on your clients and help them “feel the love.”
“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
Joy
Many clients suffer from depression or may be
having an isolated bad day. Life isn’t easy for them anymore and they can be discouraged
and down and out. You may be going through your own personal trials but leave your troubles
at the doorstep. Don’t share your problems. Be the sunshine! Always be cheerful, smile and bring a joyful attitude to your client.
“Rejoice in the Lord always again,
I will say, rejoice!” Phil. 4:4
Peace
Many clients are frightened of not only their future, but how they are going to get through just another day! Your being there should bring a reassuring and calming presence to your client letting them know everything is going to
be okay – there’s no need for fear or worry. Together, you’ll get through it.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
Patience
Your client most probably is moving a lot slower than they used to and lost their get up
and go! It’s gotten up and gone! They may have forgotten how to do a task and require verbal
cues, or you may need to do the task yourself. Speak calmly and slowly to your client. Take your time with your client and be patient with them.
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” James 1:19
Kindness
Perform small and random kind gestures for your client that let them know you are thinking
of them. A simple act of kindness can touch your client’s heart and bless them immensely. Get to know their special favorite items and surprise them.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ
forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
Goodness
Be righteous, do what is morally right, have integrity, do good – this will help you win your client’s trust and confidence. This word relates
to not only being good but doing good things. Go forth and
do good!
“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.” James 3:13
Faithfulness
Faithfulness is a character trait which combines dependability and trust. Your client is depending on you for help and expecting you
to honor your schedule. So, show up! Your faithfulness will help your client grow to trust you. Faithfully, go to your shifts and even arrive
a few minutes early – five minutes early is on time!
“Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck;write them on the tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 3:3
Gentleness
Many clients feel vulnerable, defenseless, powerless, and not in control as they age and as their physical and mental capabilities decline. Be gentle in both word and manner – be mindful of your speaking tone and body language.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1
Self-Control
We really care
Praise From Our Caregivers
“am truly excited to be part of your family“
God bless you, Roberta and Steve for all you are doing to make our clients reap the blessings of your labors! I am truly excited to be part of your “Angel “ family!! Thank you
“thank you for giving me the opportunity“
It has been an absolute pleasure working with you and all the angels, and I look forward to it only getting better. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to become an even better angel
“ thank you for the gas gift card“
Thank you for the gas gift card. What a wonderful surprise! I was very happy to be able to change my schedule so I could step in and help out with Phyllis.
Join our team
Our Angels
“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. And over all these virtues, put on love.” Colossians 3:12, 14