Category Archives: All Posts

Caregiver Parent Friend Change Will Come

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Tiny white snowdrops have pushed their way through the dead leaves to greet winter’s end. Two chattering wrens perch on the banister as if considering where to make a nest and a family of grey squirrels frolic in the trees.

As I write this it is sixty degrees here in the Ozarks–soft breezes call me outside. Yet it’s not winter’s end and a blizzard is forecast for the weekend with frigid temperatures and snow and ice.

Change – it is inevitable although usually not so drastic, or is it? Have you faced unforeseen changes in your life in the past year? Are you aware of some changes you will have to make this year in order to care for your family or others?

Many of you have been called to step in and help in areas you felt ill-equipped for and yet have done a great job. Others perhaps have had your schedules changed due to work, illness, or other issues. Sometimes change can be hard.

As sure as there is a God in heaven, the flowers will bloom again; the birds will find a home; and we, too, will find our places in the scheme of things. In thinking of  your changes (past and future) pause to find something praiseworthy and give thanks for those.

It’s easy for me today. I simply pause, breathe deeply, and give God thanks for each of you reading this letter. I am so thankful we have a few minutes together. I pray that this year I can offer real hope and helps to you as you care for others.

I continue to learn of exciting avenues to explore and plan to share new ideas each month. You know, I would love to hear from you as well. What do you need me to do for you? What changes are you facing?

Remember to find good thoughts to focus upon and trust the One Who holds you in His hand.

Hugs,

Have you read my book, MY MOTHER MY CHILD? Filled with helps and hope, it’s a great gift to pass along to someone.

 

Help for Your New Year

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Are you a goal setter? Do you make New Year’s resolutions? What do you plan to achieve for you and your family in the coming year?

I have a challenge for you; join me in making this our best year ever. No matter how busy, stressed or worn out we are, we can do this!

Perhaps you’re reading this and thinking, “Susie, I just hope to get through one more day with a little sanity left. I am not really ready to look at an entire year before me. I’m bone tired, worn out, and physically and mentally empty. I cannot think of making a resolution for next year!”

Maybe, like me, you watch the news and wonder how anyone will make it. We can so easily get weighed down with our daily struggles and the cares of this world there seems no way out.

Consider joining me this year on a journey. We will set one personal resolution (goal) we can keep for the entire year. I promise this simple goal can change your life, give you a new perspective,  ease your burdens and lighten your load.

Here is the deal. My one major goal this year is taken from God’s Word in Philippians chapter 4 (paraphrase):

“…fix your thoughts on what is honorable – right – pure – lovely – admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Let’s not plan to change our doing, let’s work on changing our thinking, one day at a time. For me, as my thoughts head for old familiar territory-I Can’t Hill, They Won’t Road, Trouble’s Coming Village, We’ll Never Make It Curve,  I will fix my thoughts on lovely, pure, good things. I will look into the mirror and smile at myself until I laugh out loud at that silly woman staring back. I will hug someone nearby or call a friend or simply raise my hands high and breathe deeply as I sing aloud.

Yes, precious friend, I will have other goals. I have to make them for my work and for my family and for me. However, this one goal will be my priority and all else will follow.

Let me hear from you. We can make this a great year.

Hugs,

Idea: Get a friend to sign up for the newsletter and encourage each other this year.  Check the box at the top right of the page.

Preparing to Give When You are Give Out

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Christmas came early this year, I am sure of it. Holidays are often  stressful times for caregivers. We may not be able to follow traditions, give as we usually do, or keep everything going smoothly.

Giving can be a big struggle at Christmas. We often are stretched to the limit on finances, time and energy. There is not time to shop or the money to buy what we want.

Here are some simple ideas to move you and your household into the giving spirit without the stress.

First, take a minute to be thankful for what you do have; for life and freedoms, for air to breathe, water to drink, eyes to see. Be thankful you can be there for someone else in their time of need.

Second, be cheerful about establishing new traditions if need be. Life is full of changes, make them fun and exciting. Simply say to friends and family, “We are celebrating differently this year.” It may mean pot luck family meals instead of you doing all the cooking.  It may mean spending much, much less on gifts this year.

Third, plan ahead to be a lavish giver this season. (No, it is not too late to plan ahead-see quick shopping list below.) We know from experience that is more blessed to give than to receive, so go for it. Here are some fun things to have on hand so you can be a cheerful giver in trying times.

  1. Cookies. Just one cookie in a small sandwich bag tied with inexpensive curly ribbons can be an encouragement to the clerk at the store.  Purchase cookie mix or slice and bake when on sale. Package them soon and tie with ribbons so your resident “mice” will know they are spoken for!
  2. Candies. I keep a bag in my purse of hard candies (pretty ones for the season) and give them out to people I meet. It may be a couple in McDonald’s or the weary lady waiting in line at the counter. Add a sincere smile and a “God bless you” and you have made someone’s day special.
  3. Little ‘pass it on’ cards with cute pictures and sayings. These are usually found at the book stores priced at just a few cents each. Again, I watch for the sales and keep a big stash in my bag. Giving, after all, is always in season!
  4. Fix some gifts with an herb tea bag and 2 or 3 hard mints.
  5. Note cards. When cards are on sale, I buy several boxes and have them ready. Three or four cards with envelopes and tied with a ribbon make a quick, useful gift. If possible,  invest in stamps and add them to the envelopes.

Here’s your quick shopping list:  box of sandwich bags (fold flap kind), big bag of pretty candies; cookie mix or slice and bake; herb teas or cocoa mix. And if time permits, visit the book store for ‘pass it on’ cards.

I give gifts to everyone who serves us from the trash man to the mail carrier and the guy that brings our propane. And, I spend very little money.  I always carry a stash of gifts in my bag (not just at Christmas time either.) Now you will have a gift for each person who enters your home.

Hugs,

Have a great week of giving!  P.S. Be sure to share this link with others who may need these tips and sign up for the newsletter.