Hope for the Caregiver

Author John Eldredge. wildatheart.org

All too often, caregivers fly under the radar and are often overlooked. Even when seen, many don't know what to say. Sometimes, it's not about what you say, but how long you stay.

My friend Kathy Harris, ( www.divinedetours.com ) talks about her books and the writing process, the long career she's had in the Nashville music business, and her journey as a caregiver.

American Family Radio's Jim Stanley shares his thoughts on grief, sorrow, and ministry.

How many caregivers put their lives on hold until their caregiving journey improves or ends? Is that a good idea? I recently discussed something I am doing - while serving as a full-time caregiver, and invited fellow caregivers to do the same.

We can always live in the wreckage of our past and wonder what could have been - but is that helpful? Hoping for a better past is futile. C.S. Lewis stated, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” www.hopeforthecaregiver.com

Roll With It Discussing the impact of his wife getting the flu, I heard a man commiserate, "The whole system shut down." He lamented his plight by referring to housekeeping, meals, laundry, the children and missed time from work, and their physical relationship. Asking how long her sickness lasted, he exasperatedly replied, "Four days!" Calculating internally, I considered that I'd logged more than twelve thousand days caring for a wife with significant medical challenges. In a moment of...

From our broadcast 02/11/2023. Sometimes, law enforcement is required to help with caregiving challenges. Drugs, alcohol, mental illness, cognitive impairment - whatever the challenge, sometimes the cry for help is a 9/11 call. My friend Lance (*30 years as a police officer in Seattle) called the program to share some advice and insights for family caregivers facing those circumstances.

Ever feel like a plate spinner as a caregiver?

Mary Tutterow, author of The Heart of the Caregiver, shares her insights gleaned from 30+ years as a caregiving mom. https://theheartofthecaregiver.com/ From our broadcast 2/4/2022

From Hope for the Caregiver 01/28/2023 www.hopeforthecaregiver.com

From our broadcast 1/21/2023 with special guest Hans Scheil, host of the FINISHING WELL podcast.

From our broadcast 01/14/2023

Many caregivers are in a relationship with an alcoholic or addict - and spend enormous energy trying to "fix" or just contain the drama and challenges of that loved one. We eventually discover we're powerless over their condition - sometimes after causing or experiencing great harm ourselves. Can we accept that - and if so, what do we do about it?

From the 1/7/23 broadcast. Plus, a preview discussion of my new book hitting stores in May.

Looking at 2022, I take time for an assessment - and the opportunities for us as caregivers to improve.

"If we didn't need a cross, we wouldn't need a manger. This fresh, engaging look at the beginning of Jesus's life and ministry will change the way you comprehend Christ's early years. With unique, thought-provoking insights and commentaries from many of Christianity's leading theologians interspersed throughout, Epperson unwraps, layer by layer, a new understanding of the young boy who was the Son of Man." -

My wife, Gracie, joined me for this special Christmas interview and discussed why she loves the snow so much.

How are those four things connected? Take a listen to my opening monologue from the broadcast 12/17/2022

Colleen Swindoll Thompson's caregiving journey has included abuse, sexual trauma, and physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities. Through it all, she's learned to run to Christ and anchor herself in God's faithfulness and provision - while helping her family and others do the same. See more at her website: Reframingministries.com