Seriously?

Have you ever had a plate full of life and thought you couldn't handle any more just to have one more thing piled on top? Of course you have, you're a caregiver! That's the story of our lives - of our days, day after day! While our days can seem routine and mundane at times, it's those unwelcomed surprises that keep us on our toes! 

You know the drill, you finally made a coffee date with your friend, but the aide doesn't show. Or you're down to almost no supplies, but the shipment got delayed. Maybe you actually have a couple of hours to chill in the afternoon, but the nurse calls and needs to schedule a visit. We could go on and on. And on and on. Am I right? While the world sees our lives as boring and not interesting, we know how important it is to never let down our guard and stay aware and engaged. That's what wears us out sometimes.

Our plates are full. No doubt. The good thing is that God's specialty is full plates! 1 Peter 5:9 reminds us to bring all our cares and worries to God and to let Him do the caring for us. He never tells us that it's too much or too little for Him to handle. Nothing is off limits or on limits - it's more like whatever we have, He will take.

I love that He allows us to bring all our crazy thoughts, rollercoaster emotions, and unimaginable situations to Him - and He cares. He can carry all our woes, concerns, and cares - and He can carry us too! He does not complain - instead He values the relationship and steps up for whatever we need in the moment. I love that about Him. 

Today, I'll do my best to bring Him all my concerns, even though my real work will be to leave them there with Him. That's the ultimate trust. I will express my thanks to Him for riding this crazy journey with me and never even giving a thought to leaving me stranded physically, emotionally, or spiritually. I'll be thankful that He's got me covered securely by His grace and I will trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?

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Affirmations for Caregivers

I wrote Affirmations for Caregivers because it was what I needed to hear! This 31-day journal includes 31 scripturally based affirmations. Each day, the affirmation is followed by a short writing prompt and a verse or two to read. I also have videos on YouTube that coincide with each day's affirmation.

 Here is an example from Day 16:

Day 16: I Am Embraced

Affirmation: I will find grace to help me in my time of need today. I will bring my cares, concerns, weaknesses, and needs to the throne of grace. I have an open invitation. God will meet me there with the grace I need for today. He is not afraid of my weaknesses, He embraces them and strengthens me by His grace.

                                Write an invitation to God inviting Him into your day. Then, write an invitation

                                from God inviting you to trust His strength and grace.

                            Read Hebrews 4:14-16

New Release! Peace Out!

I just released the 31-day devotional Peace Out! It's in the Bible. Each day's scripture has something to do with peace - and how we can continue to enjoy it and walk in it - no matter what! It's available on Kindle and print in my Amazon bookstore and in printable ebook form on my new website Dove's Fire Publications.