Tag Archives: encouragement

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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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.

Need Help Keeping up with Friends?

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Need Help Keeping up with Friends?Need help keeping up with friends?  Today I received a Valentine card from a sweet friend; a caregiver with far less time than I for what we often call the “extras”. Yet, somehow she knew I would need that touch of encouragement and hug.

I have a long list of cards I wish to send; calls I want to make; letters to write. I’m sure you have as well so here are a few tips to help us through the month feeling good.

These five simple steps will add hours to your week while keeping you in touch.

1. Place a large February calendar on a desk or counter where you will see it every day.
2. Set realistic goals for yourself. Will you be able to send one a day? Every other day? One or two each weekend?
3. Write on the calendar the names of those you plan to send. On the same calendar, write names of people you would like to call and encourage this month (only one per day).
4. Gather together blank note cards or postcards, pens, and adequate postage stamps. February is a great time to find inexpensive hearts and other small stickers to dress up your envelopes or cards.
5. Keep your address book nearby; if you find yourself with a little extra time one day, you could address several cards ahead. Note: we still have our old trusty Rolodex! As I type this, I realize some of you don’t have a clue what that is—ask someone older!

I found my calendar invaluable just this week; read details below.

J.C. on Facebook mentioned her father in another state whose failing health keeps him confined to his home. She included his address and asked her friends to send him an encouraging note, including a little about how we knew his daughter. When J.C. visits him in a few weeks, she plans to read all the letters and cards to him.  I added his name and address to my calendar so I will not forget to send the card. I will schedule another card later for both of them to encourage her as she helps him make decisions concerning his health and well-being.

Caregiving is a full-time job; whether family caregiver or not. It requires much planning and thought to include the outside world in your caring. It can be done; in fact, it can be fun!

Try it! You will soon observe others wondering how you ever get it all done! Just pat your calendar and smile. Way to go, girl! Take time to celebrate!

Hugs,