When God Anwers...

Have you ever prayed for something and it seemed like the Heavens were shut tight?  But, you kept praying and one day the phone rang.  When the call ended, the answer was HERE!

What?  Tomorrow?  How will we get ready?

You do.  You fix two rooms.  You rearrange your schedule, your relatives, your life because God answered your prayer for children and they are on their way.

Our family added Chas and Timothy.  When my daughter and son-in-law adopted these two children, life took on an added dimension.  He puts us in families and these two were chosen to be raised in our circle of love. 

If you are praying for something, allow God to give you peace and direction.  When He does things, He does them well!

Psalms 68:6

Sustenance...

They say we are what we eat. 

Most of the time I choose healthy foods and do my best to avoid salt and sugar.

BUT, there are times I just need a pick-me-up from Buckees or McDonalds or Panera Bread.  I know that one of the highlights of my mother's week was our visit to Arbys.  She loved their sandwiches and if I wanted to make her happy, we scheduled a stop at their closest location.

Do you know something simple and easily accessible that your loved one enjoys?  If you do, take a few minutes and invest the time and energy to make sure it happens.

What about you?  What makes you happy?  There are so many inexpensive things that provide just a few minutes of joy and make us feel loved.  It really is the simple things that make a big difference.

This Memorial Day, reflect on what makes your life worthwhile.  (Actually LaborDay...)

Sustenance not only comes from the foods we eat, but the music we listen to, the friends we encounter and the peace only God can place in our hearts.  Read the 23rd Psalm and give thanks for the opportunity you have to become healthy in every aspect of your life...and that of the one you are caring for.

He says the funniest things!

Siblings...

Some times you love them.  Some times not so much!

It is imperative that brothers and sisters communicate well when caregiving.  Usually, there is one of the family who takes over the majority of the care duties.  That person has the main schedule and the biggest adjustment to the new lifestyle.  It is very important that everyone finds what they can do to make the situation the best it can be.

There are always little things that can be shared.  If you are not the main caregiver, share the duties of taxi driver.  Take turns going to the doctor.  Go to the store.  Sit with the loved one a while so that the host is able to go buy a hamburger, or see a movie, or go to a church function.

We need to remember that love is a healer.  Laughter can ease a tense moment.  Hug each other at least once a week.  Make a phone call.  Talk about issues, don't allow them to destroy your family.

Phone Home...The Long distance caregiver.

Are you an out of town caregiver?  Do you share responsibilities from afar?  Are you involved in the day to day challenges of a loved one who lives in another city, another state?

Please phone home.  Even if you are not in a position to help up close, your interest and love will bring happiness to the care receiver and peace to the caregiver.  You are needed in any way you can contribute.  Just being able to talk over a difficult problem with someone who loves that person as much as you do is essential to the health and wellbeing of both of them.

"But, it only frustrates me", you say.  "What can I do?  I have a life here that I am responsible for."

You can care.  I have been at many funerals where the deepest grief is felt by those who did little.  Regret is a heavy cross.  Do what you can when you can and you will never have a sleepless night due to regret.

Yes and No...

Is that not the answer you wanted?

Sometimes we ask questions and the answer is exactly what we wanted and expected.  Then, there are other times that life sends a different solution and our brows knit together and our expression isn't pleasant.  We are in a quandary to make sure things turn out the way they should.

If there is a struggle in your life and you are just not happy with the way things are, step back.  Take an assessment of the situation.  Ask for help.  Look for that person in your life who has your back and loves you. 

If you do not have a support system, please let us know.  We will work to help you find that answer to your situation.

God bless  Read Psalms 136...God's love is faithful and forever!

Jst Can't Get it Right?

 Well... I wanted to use this picture but couldn't get it to turn right side up.  It started me thinking about life as a caregiver and the times I "just couldn't get it right!"  I struggled and pushed and stressed and nothing seemed to change or get any better.  I found myself exhausted and retreating into myself.  I went through the motions and survived, but failed to thrive in my situation.

There is a way.  Philippians 4:13

I found that when I included Him in my challenges, there was a way.  I was able to find the answer I needed for that moment.  He gave me the strength to persevere to an answer.


Have a good day!

 

 

The Grands...I am grateful.

I remember the day Johnathan was born.  I remember the day Kamri was born.  Life changed dramatically for our family when these two individuals became a part of the mix.  We were putting two families together, and when Johnathan came along, we had a focus that was like no other.

 

Kailee came into our lives much later.  She has proven to be a force of nature and marches to her own drum. . She is talented and I can only guess what God has planned for her future! 

 

 Chas and Timothy.   What joy they have brought into our lives.  They are each a unique and special gift to me.  Chas has grown into a beautiful young woman.  Timothy is strong and has chosen wrestling as his sport.

Why tell you about my Grand kids?  When life was difficult and I could not see any hope, I would look at them and realize that God places us in families.  With each child came a challenge and a hope.  Watching them grow and becoming a part of  their life plan has evened out the good and the difficult. They are the future.  They are my promise.

Psalm 68:6     I am grateful for the family God has placed me in.