Tag Archives: encouragement

Caregiver Hope: Yearning for Greener Grass?

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Caregiver Hope: Yearning for Greener Grass?

Help, I’m drowning!

“…is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow…when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.” (James 1:2-4, TLB)

Okay, so I admit it! I can almost see your expression as you read that verse. Your thoughts are running something like this:

“Hey, lady! The first part is correct. My life IS full of difficulties and temptations; and you don’t know the half of it. I’m at my wits end and no help in sight. You really expect me to find a blessing? And top that off by being happy?”

This week’s drastic weather changes have added to the daily stress of caring for family and others. Here in the Ozarks we can literally wade in our back yard and might consider building a boat. On the other hand, some of my readers would pay a big price to get a few drops of precious rain on their parched lands.

Some days are just plain too long!

I recall those days when the only blessing I could envision was my bed at night; that is, if I thought I would be able to muster the strength to get into it. Through the years I learned the value of identifying at least one blessing before I went to bed. Maybe my blessing was simply surviving another day. As time went on, a blessing might be remembering a soft smile when I kissed a cheek. Sometimes it was simply the smell of freshness on that last load of laundry for the day.

Close your eyes for even two minutes–yes, just TWO minutes! Sit up straight, breathe deeply and exhale slowly. Relax. Thank the Lord that He has promised never to leave you or forsake you. Thank Him for fresh air and freedoms and abilities to help others. Thank Him for His blessings.

News Flash: For You!

By the way, did you know that YOU are one of His blessings? Yes, you are!

As we continue this journey together, I trust I will be an encouragement to you; just a nudge to let you know you are not in this alone. Be assured I have prayed for each person reading this including you. Thank you for caring and sharing.

For more encouragement and practical help, consider working through the discussion guides in the second edition of MY MOTHER MY CHILD with a friend or family. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Hugs,

Feel free to share this trailer with others who have not yet read MY MOTHER MY CHILD. Thanks.

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.

P.S. If you’ve enjoyed this blog, please sign up for my newsletter at the top right hand corner of this page.

 

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.