embrace

St. Paul’s words offer us guidance, reminding us to guard our hearts, as we attempt to stand firm in faith. As caretakers, we try to do all with love, but mostly fall short. Perhaps you have been given the example of your parent caring for their parent and now their aging is calling you to do likewise. Unfortunately, my grandparents predeceased me, so I did not have that example. Nor was I always shown unconditional love. Yet my love for family and the Lord, calls me to ‘show

This Scripture brought comfort in my years of active caretaking for my widowed, ailing Mother. It was a long journey, that included four years in two nursing homes and there were many moments where these words strengthened me to press on. God knew what I was going through and that my faith and hope would remain unshakable. How personal, He grasped me by the hand and I could go on, even if it was only a few minutes at a time. ​ I am forever grateful for the gift of faith and

I’ve read that when fear knocks, to answer with faith and if self-doubt comes, answer with confidence. Barbra Streisand said in a recent interview, she succeeded because she followed her gut. “You have to have both qualities – the self-doubt and the confidence.” There is probably no way to be totally free of self- doubt, (even the disciples doubted, John 6:16-21.) As we rely on the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we grow stronger, believing in ourselves and God’s grace to hold

St. Paul wrote these words long ago, reminding us the Holy Spirit’s presence is unmistakable and one day we, along with creation, will be renewed. We have God’s Word telling us there will be suffering, while reminding us we are not alone and will be restored, strengthened and given courage. While suffering is not God’s desire for us, it occurs in the process of life and is a reality we are called to accept for those we care for and ourselves. Whether unexpected tragedy, ove

One of my favorite lines from Les Miserables is, “to love another person is to see the face of God.” How might our lives be improved if we would remember that as, we look at one another, we are In our frustration and exhaustion caring for our loved ones, we easily forget this and sadly often lash out because we too are overwhelmed and possibly ill ourselves. Yet God understands and in love reminds us to rely on His might and power to carry us regardless of difficult circums

A wonderful sentiment – love is patient, kind and not boastful, yet we all know this to be untrue, perhaps more than it is true. Being a caregiver can try anyone’s patience and if our loved one is ill and cranky, kindness can also be in short supply. Times like this, we are called to ‘believe in the enfolding, nurturing, transforming Love of God.’ (S. Ruth Burrows, Essence of Prayer) Even when we fall short, our hearts intention is to live in God’s will as a loving and com