Category Archives: Hope

Tips on Offering Hope Caregiver to Caregiver

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Tips on Offering Hope Caregiver to Caregiver

Are you an exhausted mom, family caregiver, health care provider?

“Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He  helps me do what honors him the most.” (Psalm 23:1-3 TLB)

Does it seem you cannot get your own work done? Do you know someone in the same boat? Have you given any thought to the other person’s situation and how you can be of help and encouragement to them?

Now, I just re-read the above paragraph; I know how impossible it sounds. I also know from personal experience, the more we learn to reach out to others, the easier our own work becomes. We please the Lord when we take our eyes off our own situations and seek to help others.

Is there someone who could use a little encouragement? As you consider their needs, recall what others have done for you.

1. Do they like to write? Drop a pretty journal in the mail to them (add extra pencils).
2. Get a few extra fresh foods from the local market and drop them by on your way home.
3. Send a beautiful bouquet of flowers (to the caregiver); it will give everyone in the household a lift.
4. As you fix meals, make an extra dish to send or bake a pan of cookies or brownies. If you can’t do that, consider having a pizza delivered.
5. If they could use financial help and you are able, consider hiring someone to sit with the loved one so the caregiver could take a day away.
6. If time permits, offer to write cards or thank you notes for them. Be sure to bring stamps. Offer to find addresses.

Our faithful prayer is the most important gift we can give. Our Father in Heaven knows our needs and He hears and answers our prayers. And, as you determine to reach out, He will multiply your time and your energy.

For more great tips sign up for my monthly newsletter and receive “Eight Basic Tips for Caregivers” free.

hugs,

Portions of this article taken from my book, MY MOTHER MY CHILD. The latest edition contains a useful discussion guide suitable for individual or group study.

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Overwhelmed Caregiver: When Spring isn’t so Grand

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Overwhelmed Caregiver: When Spring isn't so GrandSpring is one of my favorite seasons, a time of blessing.  I’ve spent hours watching the birds scurry around to build nests and hunt worms. The world seems to awaken overnight; animals attack every new blade of tender grass as we would a plate of chocolates. It’s a happy time, a great reminder of God’s everlasting care for His creation.

Even the splendor of spring can’t hide our pain!

I recall a particular spring day when my thoughts were not so favorable:
“Little Robin with your head held so high, do you know my heart is breaking? You strut proudly and sing … chirping along, grabbing a bug to eat as you go. I’m almost mad at you for being so happy! Doesn’t the whole world need to stop and feel my pain … Some would say you’re here to cheer me up. Well, sorry little birdie, it’s not working!”

Feeling overwhelmed as a caregiver, mother, friend, is inevitable.

I had been watching Mother lay in a hospital bed for days, wondering each day if it would be her last breath. Her window opened to beautiful, flower laden lawns filled with cheerful little robins. My feelings stormed inside; I wanted to chase the birds away, to cry, to scream, to do something to let the world know my heart was breaking inside. Making it doubly hard was memories of Mother and I often rejoicing together at God’s creation and enjoying the beautiful robins at play.

There is help and there is hope.

There are times when we all feel overwhelmed with circumstances around us. I deal with some of those thoughts in My Mother My Child  in the chapter called “Going Home”. It was difficult to live through; hard to write, but important to share.

One of the greatest helps I have found is simply a listening ear. I hope you have someone you trust to share your feelings with. When I cared for Mother, I often felt so alone. I did not realize so much of what was happening with her was a natural part of aging, and yes, of dying. If you care for anyone at all, find some support; you need it and so do those in your care.

Psalm 40:1 says it best: “I waited patiently for God to help me; then he listened and heard my cry.”

Hugs,

My Mother My Child will make a thoughtful gift book for all ages. I am grateful for  testimonies from young and older who have been helped and encouraged.

Snowed In, Worn Out, Winning Over Stress

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Snowed In, Worn Out, Winning Over StressThe entire world seems snowed in and stressed out. Winter at its best takes a toll on family caregivers and homemakers as we strive to keep our families healthy and happy.

It is said, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Does it follow that when life gives you snow, make snow ice cream?  Well, we are not making snow ice cream today; but I do want to challenge you to change your mindset in that direction. Here is how my morning went today; perhaps it will be an encouragement to you.

Between snow and ice covered ground, and weeks of the “stuff” that’s going around, I am hungering to be outside; to put my feet on solid ground, to smell fresh, dry air. Today it’s warmer; the weatherman promises our snow should all be gone by tonight. Before I even rejoiced, he continued, “tomorrow brace yourself for another cold front. We will have snow, sleet, and ice by nightfall, perhaps six inches or more.”

And my short-lived joy plummets. I cannot bear another snowed in day; my burdens are too heavy, my responsibilities too great. How can we care for others, keep a household going, and endure these winters. Now, I know some of you are buried under feet of snow and wonder why I’m complaining. Sometimes a tiny cloud can be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Determined stress will not win today; I close my eyes, sit up straight, breathe in through my nose to the count of five, stretching taller as I inhale. Counting slowly, I exhale to the count of ten. Relax. Repeat.

Regardless of how stressed or stretched you are, join me for this short exercise. First, sit up straight and breathe deeply as I did above. Now, hold your arms out to the side; count them. Yes, there are two!  Now move your fingers and count: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 on one hand; 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.  Thanks, Lord, for ten wiggling fingers!  Relax

Sit comfortably in a chair. With legs stretched out in front of you, count … one leg, two legs. Thank you, Lord. One foot, two feet, thank you, Lord. 1, 2 3 … 10 little toes. Wow! Thank you Lord.
I can see the snow; thank you Lord for eyes to see the snow. Thank you Lord for ears to hear the birds singing.

Today, I will wrap my arms around my loved ones, those in my care and I will find more ways to rejoice. I will spend my time praying for the many who are in worse conditions than I.

Let’s vow to  “make snow ice cream” again tomorrow when it comes down again.

Please let me hear from you; how are you weathering winter?

Hugs,

The photo is Kitty doing her stretches! Actually, I think she was begging to come inside. Who do you know that needs my newsletter? Have them sign up in the box at the top right hand of this page.