Category Archives: Hope

3 Simple, Doable Resolutions for Caregivers

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3 Simple, Doable Resolutions for CaregiversThinking of you, dear friends, today. Wondering how it is in your world. Have you taken time to reflect on the season or are you weary, worn, and ready for a break!

Christmas, with all its activity, is still a time of wonder.

I pray that in the hustle and bustle of the season, you have not lost sight of the wonder of the Christ-child, born in a lowly manger so long ago. How he freely came, dwelt among us, gave his life for us, and paid the ultimate price that we might be free.

I pray today that you can and will enjoy that freedom regardless of the circumstances that surround you. If you are in a warm home reading this on your computer, you are far richer that many.

Even if you are stretched to the limit caring for others, you can count your riches: a chair to sit in; food to eat; a warm blanket at night.

And, should you feel you have nothing to give, you are giving everyday. Your life given to help others; your smile when nothing else will do; a gentle hug to one who needs to feel loved. You have much to give.

You, dear friend, are not just another name on a list. For me, you are a very special person; chosen to care for others.

You are an Answer to Prayer! Wow!

My heartfelt prayers today are for you, your family and those in your care. I ask for you peace, rest, and contentment.

I’m looking forward to a new year of sharing with you. Please do let me know what your needs are; how I can help you.

God bless you and keep you; and Merry Christmas!

Hugs,

I am so looking forward to hearing from you personally in the new year. I have a few surprises up my sleeve; you won’t want to miss out!

Caregivers: Giving Thanks in Stressful Times

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Caregivers: Giving Thanks in Stressful TimesThanksgiving is a time to pause, enjoy family, and give thanks. For caregivers, families going through trying times, elderly and others, it can be difficult to see past the stress and count blessings.

Plans can change quickly, without warning.
A family going through trying times this week reminded me of the many reasons I have to be thankful. He had learned he has inoperable, terminal cancer. He is often in pain.  They were making plans to finally visit family in other states this summer. She is saddened and confused as their earlier plans are on hold and she perhaps faces a future without him.

How can you give thanks when tragedy strikes?
What do they have to be thankful for? To celebrate? We had barely expressed our love and concern when each of them beamed through tears as they voiced their thanksgiving thoughts.
She: “Praise God, we have some months together; he is home for the holidays and winter. Our friends and family can visit often and we can enjoy what time we have together.”  He: “God has been good to me through the years. I’m thankful for a good wife and family and a comfortable home to enjoy.”

A look at others gives hope and purpose.
She: “I am thankful for our good church family and friends who have brought us prepared meals so I don’t have to be concerned with how to feed everyone. I can turn my attention to him and to those who visit and call.”
He: (with tears streaming down his face) “More than anything else, I am thankful to say it’s okay, I know where I am going.”

If you get within hearing distance, he will ask you about your journey. “Are you going to Heaven? Are you sure?”
And she will give you hugs and ask how you are. “Can we do something for you? Are you okay?”

Turning our thoughts toward praise.

Do you find yourself grumbling or complaining when problems arise? It’s easy to get into that habit and lose sight of all we have. This Thanksgiving I’m determined to turn every single complaint, discouragement, or bump in the road into a “Thank You, Lord!”
Join me?

Hugs,

” … singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Ephesians 5:19-20  Happy Thanksgiving!

Tips for Handling Grief during the Holidays

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Tips for Handling Grief during the HolidaysDealing with death of loved one and holidays.

Holidays are difficult for those who have lost loved ones. It becomes especially difficult to celebrate with family and friends when the loss is someone close, a parent, grandparent, spouse or child.

Adding to the difficulty is those feelings of “if only …” or “I wish I …” Often those feelings are not recent, but have been nurtured for months or even years. We can think “if only I would have done more, been more available, listened more closely, made better decisions,” Or, “I wish he/she were here for this gathering. I wish he/she could meet everyone, or see the beautiful decorations.”

We can be hurting others as we grieve.

When we dwell on the one who is absent, without realizing it, we may be cheating those who remain and even hurting them.

For instance, if you are at a holiday gathering or celebration and your thoughts and your conversations are continually dwelling on the one who has died, you are telling the host and the rest of the family that whatever they do will never be enough.

Tips to help face the seemingly unbearable during holidays.

Here are some ideas to help turn your thoughts away from yourself and onto others.

1. Accept the situation as it is: that person is gone; wishing it were different will only bring more sorrow and no solutions.
2. Remember fondly what your loved one enjoyed about the gatherings and honor them by expressing that joy for yourself and others.
3. Do not dwell on their absence. Everyone knows they are gone and sorely missed. Determine to love and honor those who remain and focus on their needs and preferences.
4. Occupy yourself with finding things to do for others. This could be real simple small projects or offers to help others prepare for the holidays. (A word of caution here, when someone says they really don’t need help, they may really prefer no help. If you sense that happening, move on.)
5. Volunteer during the holidays. Find some projects at church or in your community that you could help with and occupy your mind with others’ needs.

You can honor the one who is gone.

You will never forget that loved one, but you can honor his/her life by giving 100% of yourself to those who are present today.

Sending prayers your way as you prepare for a blessed and exciting time of Thanksgiving and fun.

Hugs,

For more tips on facing holidays with less stress, click here