Finding Comfort as a Weary Caregiver and Homemaker

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finding comfort as a weary caregiver and homemakerHow I found hope and comfort as a weary caregiver.

Caregiving can be lonely, very demanding and seemingly unappreciated by others including the one getting care.

Oftentimes, when we are in the midst of a situation, we feel we are the only one going through it. We feel isolated, rejected, and forgotten by all. We lose sight of what help we have, however small it may be. We turn our thoughts inward instead of upward and easily lose focus

How do we cope with all the daily changes?

For me, changes in medications, behavior, and daily patterns increased the stress. I became physically, emotionally, and mentally tired. I cried out with the Psalmist:  “Lord how long will you continually forget me? How long will You hide Your face from me?” Psalm 13:1

Total responsibility caring for someone day in and day out, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is overwhelming . At times, I seriously wanted to walk away; let someone else take over for awhile. More than being physically exhausted; I was tired of making major decisions by myself. I felt there was no one else to do the job and no way out for me.

Where to turn when we all resources fail.

My calendar once filled with exciting adventures, shopping or visiting family had long since been closed up and put away. My usual stress management techniques (shower, exercise, music, or step out for a breath of fresh air) were of no avail.

It was on one of those days when I turned to the Psalms for comfort and relief. Psalm 13 seemed to speak directly to my heart. “Consider and hear me, O Lord, my God … I have trusted in your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.” From verses 3-5.

Two things became very clear as I read and meditated upon these Scriptures.

#1 God had not forsaken me; He knew what I was going through, and

#2 I was not the only one who had this struggle. From the beginning of time and into the present, man has yearned for peace and rest for a weary soul and body.

Psalm 13 continues by reminding us the Lord does hear and answer our prayers; we can trust his mercy. Verse 6 closes with “I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.”

When your way gets rough, and hope is not in sight, consider these words taken from Proverbs chapter 3. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and HE WILL DIRECT your paths.”

How often I laid my head upon the pillow and found comfort in His arms.

I’m grateful for all those in my life who lifted me up in prayer when I could not go on. Be assured my prayers are with you as well. God hears and answers our prayers. I look forward to hearing from you.

Hugs,

To read my story and find more in encouragement for your journey, check out MY MOTHER MY CHILD.

Cut Sodium Add Nutrition With Herbs and Spices

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herbs and spices

herbs and spices

Herbs and Spices enhance the flavor of foods and add nutrition.

Eating enough vegetables is a challenge for many families, especially those needing to cut sodium. Making meals pleasing provides opportunity to perk up old standbys with herbs and spices.   

Is the vegetable dish you are serving really healthy for your family?

The standard seasoning is lots of salt, pepper, and perhaps bacon grease. Health conscious cooks cringe at adding grease. Vegetables too often are overcooked as well which deletes many of the nutritional value. This is especially true of canned vegetables which are loaded with sodium.

Consider this simple plan of action for your kitchen as you work toward a healthier lifestyle.

As you work toward losing the salt shaker, choose one or two new spices or herbs each week. Here is a small list I have found to be great additives to a vegetable dish.

1        Garlic – a widely used herb and will compliment many vegetables if used in moderation.

2        Basil – an aromatic green leaf, member of mint family. Basil is especially good with tomatoes.

3        Celery seed – ground or whole, has a strong celery flavor. Too much can create a “hot” spice effect.

4        Marjoram – gray green herb from mint family, flavor similar to oregano but milder.

5        Parsley – delicate sweet flavor. Chopped fresh parsley livens up a plate of roasted veggies.

6        Rosemary – very aromatic leaf resembling pine needles, strong flavor.

7        Nutmeg – sweet, aromatic kernels of nutmeg fruit. Used often in desserts and breads, nutmeg can be a fun way to liven up vegetables. Just a small shake will have your family wondering what that fantastic taste is.

A word of caution: use herbs and seasonings sparingly so the true flavor of the vegetables comes through. As you cook more with herbs, you will determine what flavors your family enjoy and learn to use more or less accordingly.

As with any food item, fresh is best. Consider growing your own in a small pot and be prepared to tantalize your taste buds.

Hugs,

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Tight Budgets: How to Identify Your Greatest Need

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tight budgets

Most homes today are challenged with tight budgets.

Food prices and gasoline prices are rising again! Kids’ summer activities means tighter budget-yikes! Mom’s sparing buy clothing at resale shops. The car breaks down and budgets are stretched again; will the stress ever end?

Stop! Does rising costs and dwindling finances really identify your greatest need?

Pause a minute, take a deep breath, and remember it is God who wills to do your good pleasure. Thank Him for the blessings you have. Trust Him for what you do not have, for your needs. He is a God of miracles; look what He did with a few fishes and loaves of bread.

Your immediate need may not be tight budgets reflected in money or things. It may be as simple as time to leave the situation for a few hours to rest and refocus. I am constantly amazing what God can do in and through us when we learn to lean more on Him.

How pausing to refresh made a big difference in our lives.

We recently put everything on the back burner, scratched a few things off our “must have today” list, and invested in a day of play at a local theme park. For us, this is monumental. We seldom just “go out to play” all day.  As over-crowded trams continued to fill on this beautiful spring day, I pondered the idea of going back home instead of walking the distance up hill.

“Come on up, we can make room for you here.” The young man smiled gingerly as he shuffled his family around on two facing benches to accommodate us.

“Thanks, but we will crowd you too much; we’ll wait for the next tram.” I thought of how those little bodies must feel anticipating all of me squeezing in beside them. I not only do not walk much, I take up a lot of room (nicely put, don’t you think?)

Before I could say more, he grabbed my hand and lifted me to ‘my’ seat. As I settled in comfortably, his face was aglow as he confidently stated, “I believe sometimes our Loving God simply makes more space to meet our needs”.

Whatever your needs are today, know that God wants to meet them.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

For today, lay aside your burdens, whether financial or other, and go outside and play awhile. It’s good medicine for the soul!

Hugs,

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