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Newsletter |
MARCH
"Search for the Lord and for his strength, continually seek him." (1 Chronicles 16:11 NLT)
Sometimes it seems like God is REALLY trying to get our attention - doesn't it? For over a week now God time has been about seeking God and God's strength. At the same time I've s-l-o-w-l-y been getting my strength (physically) back which is probably why these verses have meant so much. God's strength IS with us (Emmanuel) through difficulties and challenges. God's strength is also with us for guidance.......
Sometimes it means spending more time "seeking" God and where God wants us to go. Sometimes this, God's direction, is not what "others" think we should be doing. The still, small voice inside us - God's voice - gives us the course-correction we need to make to take care of ourselves. Taking care of ourselves lets us be able to take care of "our" person. So.....can you work out a time to STOP and be with God "first"?
Once again I encourage you to find the way you can stop to take care of YOU. What is your favorite thing to do? For some it is in the garden - or planning for the garden because the snow is still on the ground. For some it is fishing. For some it is reading - either a book requiring thinking like some of Mark Batterson's OR a "no think" book. For some, like me, it is praise music and something to do with my hands - needlework. How do YOU take time for YOU? When do you "seek the Lord"? How do you "move toward God first"? Something to think about..........
Sometimes it seems like God is REALLY trying to get our attention - doesn't it? For over a week now God time has been about seeking God and God's strength. At the same time I've s-l-o-w-l-y been getting my strength (physically) back which is probably why these verses have meant so much. God's strength IS with us (Emmanuel) through difficulties and challenges. God's strength is also with us for guidance.......
Sometimes it means spending more time "seeking" God and where God wants us to go. Sometimes this, God's direction, is not what "others" think we should be doing. The still, small voice inside us - God's voice - gives us the course-correction we need to make to take care of ourselves. Taking care of ourselves lets us be able to take care of "our" person. So.....can you work out a time to STOP and be with God "first"?
Once again I encourage you to find the way you can stop to take care of YOU. What is your favorite thing to do? For some it is in the garden - or planning for the garden because the snow is still on the ground. For some it is fishing. For some it is reading - either a book requiring thinking like some of Mark Batterson's OR a "no think" book. For some, like me, it is praise music and something to do with my hands - needlework. How do YOU take time for YOU? When do you "seek the Lord"? How do you "move toward God first"? Something to think about..........
FEBRUARY
"For I hold you by your right hand - I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, "Don't be afraid. I am here to help you." (Isaiah 41:13 NLT)
So.... how are you doing with the "new" plans, challenges, resolutions - what ever you want to call them. Are you still doing them a month into the idea? Are you still doing at least PART of them? I'm still going to the gym but I can't always go three times a week. Sometimes it is "only" two times. I'm also learning to go "longer" on the treadmill, and bike, not faster. The idea is to strengthen not "win" a race.
So...... I found something that seems like a good idea for all of us. A gentle reminder as it were. "Every step you've taken -- even the missteps -- has brought you here. Every challenge you've faced has shaped you. Every moment of doubt you've pushed through has made you stronger." This is from one of my quilting books.
Yes, with quilting, a mistake can turn into a new design. When I mess up the numbers (which happens regularly) it means a larger quilt (or two quilts when I really mess up) but it is still quilts. So..... I agree with their idea: "Pause today. Look back at how far you've come. Celebrate that. You've earned it."
YES! As Caregivers we have earned the time to stop and look back. We have earned the time to celebrate how far we have come. Definitely something to think about and maybe even share!
"For I hold you by your right hand - I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, "Don't be afraid. I am here to help you." (Isaiah 41:13 NLT)
So.... how are you doing with the "new" plans, challenges, resolutions - what ever you want to call them. Are you still doing them a month into the idea? Are you still doing at least PART of them? I'm still going to the gym but I can't always go three times a week. Sometimes it is "only" two times. I'm also learning to go "longer" on the treadmill, and bike, not faster. The idea is to strengthen not "win" a race.
So...... I found something that seems like a good idea for all of us. A gentle reminder as it were. "Every step you've taken -- even the missteps -- has brought you here. Every challenge you've faced has shaped you. Every moment of doubt you've pushed through has made you stronger." This is from one of my quilting books.
Yes, with quilting, a mistake can turn into a new design. When I mess up the numbers (which happens regularly) it means a larger quilt (or two quilts when I really mess up) but it is still quilts. So..... I agree with their idea: "Pause today. Look back at how far you've come. Celebrate that. You've earned it."
YES! As Caregivers we have earned the time to stop and look back. We have earned the time to celebrate how far we have come. Definitely something to think about and maybe even share!
January
"For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." (Isaiah 43:19 NLT)
New year (remember to use 6!), new schedules, new programs - so many "new" things where we can feel God's presence guiding us. Some of the new things are because of the "new" year but some are because of trying to learn new things and (or) try new things. Some of the "new" things are because of what is happening around us - weather, and things around us.
In the middle of all of this - new things, changes, weather, what ever is happening - we really need to remember to s-t-o-p to take care of ourselves. One of the new things I'm doing is trying to get stronger. The first goal was to be able to stand up from a chair (or get out of the car). I have reached that goal - the "praise God!" you heard. Now I have new goals to work toward. This is just one way to take care of myself. This means three mornings a week I am at the gym - so the change in schedule(s).
There is also the need to have time for you. I especially encourage time for you AND God. I have morning, and evening, every day. I admit they are short but it is still time I s-t-o-p and be with God. My personal devotional, right now, is "Jesus Calling Morning and Evening." I can really recommend this because it is short devotionals for morning and evening.
So.....what new things are you trying? How are you taking care of YOU? Something to think about..........
"For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." (Isaiah 43:19 NLT)
New year (remember to use 6!), new schedules, new programs - so many "new" things where we can feel God's presence guiding us. Some of the new things are because of the "new" year but some are because of trying to learn new things and (or) try new things. Some of the "new" things are because of what is happening around us - weather, and things around us.
In the middle of all of this - new things, changes, weather, what ever is happening - we really need to remember to s-t-o-p to take care of ourselves. One of the new things I'm doing is trying to get stronger. The first goal was to be able to stand up from a chair (or get out of the car). I have reached that goal - the "praise God!" you heard. Now I have new goals to work toward. This is just one way to take care of myself. This means three mornings a week I am at the gym - so the change in schedule(s).
There is also the need to have time for you. I especially encourage time for you AND God. I have morning, and evening, every day. I admit they are short but it is still time I s-t-o-p and be with God. My personal devotional, right now, is "Jesus Calling Morning and Evening." I can really recommend this because it is short devotionals for morning and evening.
So.....what new things are you trying? How are you taking care of YOU? Something to think about..........
DECEMBER
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6 NIV)
First.... winter seems to have arrived. For those of us living "up north" we have snow AND cold but, like we keep reminding ourselves, it IS December. For some of us it is also Advent - the start of the Christian year. If you want to confuse your family and friends start your New Year's Resolutions now instead of the 1st of January. It also gives you almost a month to get used to new "resolutions." Something interesting to at least be thinking about.
Meanwhile.... "Prince of Peace," "Wonderful Counselor"...... do we remember that? One of the resolutions I would suggest is making sure of time for "just" you and God. I, personally, like to take the time before my feet even hit the floor in the morning (and again before I turn out the light) but I know several who meet God over a cup of coffee. The time has to be for you, when it works for you, and that works so you can keep doing it. The difficulty is to continue to take the time for YOU. Time for the "counseling" and to feel the peace.
Starting something new is always difficult. Sometimes the new thing is to actually try the exercise we all keep talking about. Sometimes it is "just" walking farther - as in park at the end of the parking lot instead of next to the door. Sometimes it is actually going to the "gym." Sometimes it is trying to learn something "new" (technology?) or try to take time for "YOU." I totally understand, and agree, it is difficult but the results, and rewards, are what makes it worth the effort.
Yes, I have been working on learning new things - technology(?!!) - and schedules. A new schedule that includes taking the time for the gym AND to work on this website (technology!!). Yes.... I am getting stronger and sometimes I even get technology to work! All of which is why I can encourage you to follow the suggestions. Once again....definitely something to be thinking about.........
November
"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds." (Psalm 9:1 NIV)
This is the month we all think of giving thanks - possibly for the whole month but definitely on Thanksgiving Day. With everything going on around us, let alone what changes we ourselves have, it is good to take time to remember how much the Lord has blessed us. Prayerfully you will be able to take time to be with family and friends for food and fellowship. Our family likes to include those who would "be by themselves" so we will have a few "extras" at our table. What about you? Will you be joining or hosting? Will you be celebrating or sitting quietly at home?
While it is wonderful to be able to celebrate and give thanks it is also easy to get so caught up in the happenings you forget to take time for YOU. I know, from being a primary care giver and from talking to those who are still caregivers, how easy it is to think "later." I will take time for me "later." When I have finished getting ready for the big dinner.... When I have finished the Christmas shopping...... After ________ leaves to go back home..... After any one of these things, or all of them, I will s-t-o-p and take time for me. I also know holidays make the schedule even crazier than whatever "normal" looks like - making it even harder to take time for ourselves.
At the same time.... even if we aren't getting more than a few seconds (at a time) we CAN stop and thank God for God's presence and guidance. We can thank God for (while we ask for more) God's strength through the crazy holiday schedule. Maybe we can even think of ways to share God's loving presence with those around us.
Definitely things to be thinking about................
"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds." (Psalm 9:1 NIV)
This is the month we all think of giving thanks - possibly for the whole month but definitely on Thanksgiving Day. With everything going on around us, let alone what changes we ourselves have, it is good to take time to remember how much the Lord has blessed us. Prayerfully you will be able to take time to be with family and friends for food and fellowship. Our family likes to include those who would "be by themselves" so we will have a few "extras" at our table. What about you? Will you be joining or hosting? Will you be celebrating or sitting quietly at home?
While it is wonderful to be able to celebrate and give thanks it is also easy to get so caught up in the happenings you forget to take time for YOU. I know, from being a primary care giver and from talking to those who are still caregivers, how easy it is to think "later." I will take time for me "later." When I have finished getting ready for the big dinner.... When I have finished the Christmas shopping...... After ________ leaves to go back home..... After any one of these things, or all of them, I will s-t-o-p and take time for me. I also know holidays make the schedule even crazier than whatever "normal" looks like - making it even harder to take time for ourselves.
At the same time.... even if we aren't getting more than a few seconds (at a time) we CAN stop and thank God for God's presence and guidance. We can thank God for (while we ask for more) God's strength through the crazy holiday schedule. Maybe we can even think of ways to share God's loving presence with those around us.
Definitely things to be thinking about................
October
"The Lord, David added, "who rescued me from the power of both lions and bears, will rescue me from the power of this Philistine." (1 Samuel:37)
New season, new month and for some of us a new schedule but, in some ways, it is like facing a "giant." I, personally, am working on increasing (regaining) strength and energy - which means the schedule changes to include time to work on said changes. This is also connected to taking care of ourselves so we can take care of "our" people.
Added to this I have started to reread one of the books I have encouraged (listed on the resource page) called "Five Stones Conquering Your Giants" by Shane Stanford and R. Brad Martin. As I am starting into it, for the third time, I am reminded it is a choice. Are we going to face our "Goliath" or not? Are we going to make the changes needed - or not? Are we going to learn the new things needed to make the changes - or not?
Each of these things also requires at least a SMALL change in the schedule which has made keeping up with other things more difficult. So which way are we going to go? What are we going to decide? It is like the path in this picture....which path are we going to take? What are we going to learn so we can take better care of ourselves AND "our" people?
Definitely things to be thinking about........
"The Lord, David added, "who rescued me from the power of both lions and bears, will rescue me from the power of this Philistine." (1 Samuel:37)
New season, new month and for some of us a new schedule but, in some ways, it is like facing a "giant." I, personally, am working on increasing (regaining) strength and energy - which means the schedule changes to include time to work on said changes. This is also connected to taking care of ourselves so we can take care of "our" people.
Added to this I have started to reread one of the books I have encouraged (listed on the resource page) called "Five Stones Conquering Your Giants" by Shane Stanford and R. Brad Martin. As I am starting into it, for the third time, I am reminded it is a choice. Are we going to face our "Goliath" or not? Are we going to make the changes needed - or not? Are we going to learn the new things needed to make the changes - or not?
Each of these things also requires at least a SMALL change in the schedule which has made keeping up with other things more difficult. So which way are we going to go? What are we going to decide? It is like the path in this picture....which path are we going to take? What are we going to learn so we can take better care of ourselves AND "our" people?
Definitely things to be thinking about........
September
"Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name." (Psalm 103)
OKAY!! Technology is working AND I've learned a couple of new ways to do this - that MIGHT even work again! So.... On this Labor Day (long) Weekend it is good to be able to "build" some new skills. AND I will be "building" a quilt this afternoon...maybe even a scarf and hat (knitting). I am also listening to my praise music and working on some "extra" prayer time.
One slight miracle has also happened as I have gotten technology to work! I'm still not sure what happened to the quilt picture - what I did (or didn't) do - but I have been able to figure out how to add a different quilt picture. This picture, in the August newsletter, is of me and where the quilt is displayed at the State Fair. It will be coming home this week and will be on my bed!
This long weekend I am also blessed to be able to be with family. Spending time "building" a stronger relationship, sharing stories and watching them "build" with Legos. The project, that had been given as a Christmas gift, is now finished but it has been wonderful to watch. They have also been building family - they spent time together talking and sharing while they were building. Now we are all celebrating the finished product and trying to figure out where it will be on display.
So..... are you getting (taking?) time to "build" with family? Time to share stories and memories? Time to "build" the stronger relationship? Are you taking time for YOU - to "build" your strength? To "build" your relationship with God? Something to think about......
Peace,
Barb
"Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name." (Psalm 103)
OKAY!! Technology is working AND I've learned a couple of new ways to do this - that MIGHT even work again! So.... On this Labor Day (long) Weekend it is good to be able to "build" some new skills. AND I will be "building" a quilt this afternoon...maybe even a scarf and hat (knitting). I am also listening to my praise music and working on some "extra" prayer time.
One slight miracle has also happened as I have gotten technology to work! I'm still not sure what happened to the quilt picture - what I did (or didn't) do - but I have been able to figure out how to add a different quilt picture. This picture, in the August newsletter, is of me and where the quilt is displayed at the State Fair. It will be coming home this week and will be on my bed!
This long weekend I am also blessed to be able to be with family. Spending time "building" a stronger relationship, sharing stories and watching them "build" with Legos. The project, that had been given as a Christmas gift, is now finished but it has been wonderful to watch. They have also been building family - they spent time together talking and sharing while they were building. Now we are all celebrating the finished product and trying to figure out where it will be on display.
So..... are you getting (taking?) time to "build" with family? Time to share stories and memories? Time to "build" the stronger relationship? Are you taking time for YOU - to "build" your strength? To "build" your relationship with God? Something to think about......
Peace,
Barb
August Update
Okay..... Technology is NOT working as well today! I'm not sure where the picture of the quilt went but I can tell you the quilt IS at the State Fair. No, it didn't take a ribbon but it is displayed very nicely. You can actually see some of the applique.
The picture that IS here is of the turtle I was watching, at the Zoo, as it overcame obstacles to get to where it wanted to go. I'm still telling people I move at the speed of a "slow turtle" so seeing one actually "overcome" was nice. It is also something each of us can remember, and think about, as we proceed forward toward where we want to go.
How are you doing at getting where you want to go? Have you thought about setting goals? I have, this summer, started with a program available where live. It is called "Silver Sneakers" and allows going to the gym for swimming, exercises or both. When I started I explained I had two goals - being able to stand up from a chair (or get out of the car) and 2) be able to get to my son's (which is at least 2 airports of walking and sometimes a third) and NOT collapse when I got there. I am standing up from most chairs. I am traveling to my son's next week... I will let you know how it goes.
Meanwhile now you have some things to think about.......
Peace,
Barb
Okay..... Technology is NOT working as well today! I'm not sure where the picture of the quilt went but I can tell you the quilt IS at the State Fair. No, it didn't take a ribbon but it is displayed very nicely. You can actually see some of the applique.
The picture that IS here is of the turtle I was watching, at the Zoo, as it overcame obstacles to get to where it wanted to go. I'm still telling people I move at the speed of a "slow turtle" so seeing one actually "overcome" was nice. It is also something each of us can remember, and think about, as we proceed forward toward where we want to go.
How are you doing at getting where you want to go? Have you thought about setting goals? I have, this summer, started with a program available where live. It is called "Silver Sneakers" and allows going to the gym for swimming, exercises or both. When I started I explained I had two goals - being able to stand up from a chair (or get out of the car) and 2) be able to get to my son's (which is at least 2 airports of walking and sometimes a third) and NOT collapse when I got there. I am standing up from most chairs. I am traveling to my son's next week... I will let you know how it goes.
Meanwhile now you have some things to think about.......
Peace,
Barb
August
"Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!" (Psalm 100:1 NLT)
Sometimes we want to "shout with joy".......... sometimes even a "PRAISE GOD!"....... Sometimes technology actually works!!
So...we are trying another newsletter thinking about memories. The quilt shown is my "someday" quilt. The fabric used, for this quilt, is fabric I saved (for more years, and moves, than I like to think about) from my wedding dress, a favorite maternity dress and 3 dresses my mother-in-law made me. I wanted to make ME a quilt "some day." This spring I decided it was "some day." And started the quilt. The "new fabric" is the tartans from my family "clans." The patterns are from my ex-husbands grandmother. The memories have been wonderful! And, yes, it will be going on my bed as soon as it gets home from the State Fair. I promise to let you know if it takes any awards.....
Meanwhile...how are you sharing your memories? What are you doing to celebrate your memories? I encourage you, especially if your person is a family member, to think about the memories you can talk about. Dad and I would talk about memories regularly -- some of them I remembered but many I was learning about. It was especially fun to learn the family "history" ones.
August is a warm (hot?) month - especially this year! Maybe stay inside and talk about family memories...look at old pictures and see if you remember when it was taken, who is in it and WHY the picture was taken......
Something to think about...........
Sometimes we want to "shout with joy".......... sometimes even a "PRAISE GOD!"....... Sometimes technology actually works!!
So...we are trying another newsletter thinking about memories. The quilt shown is my "someday" quilt. The fabric used, for this quilt, is fabric I saved (for more years, and moves, than I like to think about) from my wedding dress, a favorite maternity dress and 3 dresses my mother-in-law made me. I wanted to make ME a quilt "some day." This spring I decided it was "some day." And started the quilt. The "new fabric" is the tartans from my family "clans." The patterns are from my ex-husbands grandmother. The memories have been wonderful! And, yes, it will be going on my bed as soon as it gets home from the State Fair. I promise to let you know if it takes any awards.....
Meanwhile...how are you sharing your memories? What are you doing to celebrate your memories? I encourage you, especially if your person is a family member, to think about the memories you can talk about. Dad and I would talk about memories regularly -- some of them I remembered but many I was learning about. It was especially fun to learn the family "history" ones.
August is a warm (hot?) month - especially this year! Maybe stay inside and talk about family memories...look at old pictures and see if you remember when it was taken, who is in it and WHY the picture was taken......
Something to think about...........
JULY
So learning, and trying, new things can be an interesting challenge! This picture is actually our "day after Christmas" picture because that is how we spend the day after Christmas - making quilts. As I learn more about how to do a newsletter, how to work with this technology and try to encourage more Caregivers the picture will change. Meanwhile enjoy the picture of the quilts and the needlework on the wall behind us.
As for encouragement.....from a friend's newsletter.....
"One thing I have observed and experienced -- change is hard, even if it's a good change. Too much change can be overwhelming. So, take a break and rest! In this season just enjoy every minute of fun! Spend extra time with Jesus and keep prayed up."
AND.... if you have suggestions for the newsletter, or would like to have it emailed to you, please use the email address on the resource page.
Peace,
Barb
So learning, and trying, new things can be an interesting challenge! This picture is actually our "day after Christmas" picture because that is how we spend the day after Christmas - making quilts. As I learn more about how to do a newsletter, how to work with this technology and try to encourage more Caregivers the picture will change. Meanwhile enjoy the picture of the quilts and the needlework on the wall behind us.
As for encouragement.....from a friend's newsletter.....
"One thing I have observed and experienced -- change is hard, even if it's a good change. Too much change can be overwhelming. So, take a break and rest! In this season just enjoy every minute of fun! Spend extra time with Jesus and keep prayed up."
AND.... if you have suggestions for the newsletter, or would like to have it emailed to you, please use the email address on the resource page.
Peace,
Barb
Learning new things means we sometimes feel we are going at the speed of a slow turtle - especially with technology! I'm still trying to figure out how to work the newsletter, what information would be helpful and how to reach more people with said newsletter. If anyone has some suggestions please email them to the address shown on the resource page.
Meanwhile I found a quote I thought might be useful - at least for some.......
"A strong woman works out everyday to keep her body in shape, but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape."
Not sure who said it but good words of advice!
Peace,
Barb
Meanwhile I found a quote I thought might be useful - at least for some.......
"A strong woman works out everyday to keep her body in shape, but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape."
Not sure who said it but good words of advice!
Peace,
Barb