Tag Archives: caring

Sharing a Blessing and Encouragement for the Season

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Sunbeams bounce off crystal dogwood trees in my front yard as I sit inside by the warm, glowing fireplace. All the colors of the rainbow are captured in bright sparkles on ice-covered branches. A bright red cardinals looks like an ornaments as he lights on icy limbs seeking food. It’s warm and safe inside and I am blessed.

It is not so in every home my letter goes into; and I know that full well. You may realize Christmas has come and you have not had time or energy to accomplish what you wanted for yourself or your loved ones. Some of you are caring for someone who may be difficult at times; or someone failing daily although you do all in your power to help them. Maybe a parent no longer recognizes you and you long for a familiar Christmas hug.

The same winter storm that painted my surroundings with beauty may have left some of you without power or provisions you need. Some may have meager pantries and little warmth for the winter.

Observing the world around us on television or real life, we are led to believe this holiday season is on shopping, spending, getting fancied up for some occasion, decorating and eating, eating, eating. If not careful, we can grow tired, frustrated, and feel abandoned.

I want to spend this few minutes thanking God for you who allow me into your homes each week. We’ll start again in January with some good helps and hints and always a word of encouragement.

I wish I could visit each home and let you know you are appreciated for all you do and you are loved for who you are. There is One whose birth we celebrate this week who loves you more than my words can possibly say. May His peace rule your heart and give you rest.

Contrary to the world’s view, Christmas is about giving, not getting. “For God so loved (you) that He gave His only son … ” The greatest joy of Christmas is in giving.  You show that throughout the year as you give of yourself to care for your family and others. I pray for you to have those around who care for you; appreciate you, offer you the support you need to do your job well.

I know One who will always be there for you; may His unfailing Love fill your life and spill out to those around you. “The Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” John 1:14

God bless you!

Merry Christmas!

Hugs,

Next letter: shopping tips – stretching your time and money for the next year’s shopping needs!

Holiday Stress Part One Cards and Letters

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For my caregiver friends busy with family,  elderly parents and others, does it seem the holiday season landed over night? With it more responsibility is added to our over-filled calendars. Can you relate?

Before you stress thinking about extra work,  grab a pen and paper. We’ll spend a few minutes looking at things that bug you when left unattended.  I have found my life goes much smoother if I can keep the bugs out!

List things that seem to eat up your time and thoughts.  Look objectively at the whole picture. When you finish,  circle no more than three things that bother you most. If you are like me, it is the little things that seem to weigh heavy day after day, not unlike a tiny gravel in your shoe.

My top three will seem as nothing compared to yours. That is what we are wanting, to identify the things real and personal to you. Using mine as an example should encourage you to work on your list. (Remember to contact me anytime.)

Number one on my list used to bug me every year. Energetic, organized friends and family sent out wonderful, newsy cards right after Thanksgiving. Immediately I felt guilty for not having done mine. I barely had time to read the letters, certainly not answer them, make a call or send a card.  They seemed to stack up all over the place and I could never imagine throwing them away unacknowledged.

I need to say here that I love getting cards and letters, anytime. People spend time to write a letter or choose a card. They spend money on cards and stamps and trips to the mailbox. I value each precious card I get. It isn’t the cards or letters, it is what to do with them. I don’t want them lost in a bunch of junk mail or tossed out when read.

Here is a simple solution I began a few years ago.

1. Provide a place for them. I found a colorful basket with a handle at a thrift shop that is perfect. The cards can stand on end and be easily seen.

2. I keep an inexpensive address book at the back of the basket to jot down current addresses or personal information gleaned from the letters. I put return addresses on the back of the card so it’s ready to answer.

3. I put the “Blessing Basket” on the same table each year for all to enjoy. I have read them many times over to those in my care. The colorful pictures are good conversation starters with children or elderly patients. When appropriate, share stories about the sender.

4. In  January and February, I often answer the cards, a few at a time. Simply pulling one out at random is like entertaining an unexpected guest. As time permits, I write notes even to those who simply signed their cards. What beautiful “visit” I’ve had on dreary winter days. When I cared for Mother, I wrote letters for her in January, it was a fun time.

5. My basket of cards is also a prayer reminder; thankful to God for each person who took time to send one. Praying for their needs at least once or twice a year makes me feel closer to them. Now I look forward to those early birds and their notes.

We’ll take on #2 on my list in our next visit. I think you may have a similar item on your list; it has to do with gifts.

In the meantime, I want to say I am so very, very thankful for each of you taking time to “listen” to my chatter. I pray for you and do hope to be a help an encouragement in your journey.

Hugs,

Let me hear from you soon. And do sign up for my newsletter at the top of this page.

 

 

A Reality Check When Facing Signs of Exhaustion

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I felt totally exhausted today. Plain ole exhausted!  Exhaustion is defined as being completely used up and that is how I felt. The routine of caring for family needs and home seemed overwhelming, and my ‘free time’  was never enough. Time, energy, and the will to push on were gone.

Are you there today? Ever been there? Wow, it’s hard to pull yourself out of that mode. I didn’t want to do anything, see anyone, talk on the phone, and eat — well, let’s re-think that last one!

Deciding I needed—deserved—a break, I poured myself a steaming cup of Hazelnut coffee, grabbed a chocolate protein bar, propped my feet up on a pillow and turned on the television hoping to find some music or lively show to motivate me.

Before I could switch the dial, I was mesmerized by the screen. A young man seemed to be on top of a desk as he spoke to an enormous crowd. His face literally lit up as he shared the joy in his heart from serving others. As he talked freely about how blessed he was and how much God had done for him, the camera scanned the audience.

As the cameraman turned his focus to the speaker, I realized he was literally speaking from the top of a desk. This was my first encounter with Nick Vujicic. Nick was born in Australia without arms or legs. His parents had worked hard to get him accepted in a public school where he accomplished with no limbs what seemed impossible from an early age. He learned to use his one “foot” to type on a computer and perform many other tasks.

Within a few minutes, my feet slid off the stool and onto the floor. I sat straight up in my chair staring in disbelief as he continued talking about how anything is possible if you want it badly enough. His early days, I am sure, were extremely difficult. I realized my present tiredness would not hold a candle to his true exhaustion as he worked hard to strengthen and train what muscles he had to achieve his goals.

I struggle with finding time to meet writing deadlines, to read more books, to become a more faithful witness and friend to others. It doesn’t seem to take much to pull me away from my goals and I wonder how committed I am to finding my purpose.

According to this young man, life without purpose is no life at all. Living without limbs, he is an author, musician, actor, and his hobbies include fishing, painting and swimming. Nick says, “If God can use a man without arms and legs to be His hands and feet, then He will certainly use any willing heart!”

Well, dear friends, that program sure did a lot for my exhaustion! I turned off the television, finished cleaning the room, washed and put away another load of laundry, and sorted the stack of papers lining the dining table. (My husband will be in shock!)

You know me well enough to know, I believe we need to rest when we are tired. I believe we need to care for ourselves as we care for others. I believe there is a time to work and a time to play.

However, there is also—at least in my life—a form of tiredness that comes from “stinkin’ thinkin’” and I am choosing to change that attitude every time it appears.

I pray for you to find rest and renewal in your life today.

Hugs,

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