Shining the Light
of Hope
into Dark Places
Hope is Powerful
Welcome to the Blog!
Do you need an infusion of HOPE? The blog is where I share personal anecdotes and testimonials of the faithfulness of God in the midst of struggles such as – serious health issues, infertility, a prodigal daughter, caring for her disabled spouse, and becoming a widow – that could cause despair. I share from my heart how God gives me transforming hope to, not just survive these difficult situations, but to overcome and enjoy an abundant life even before the circumstances change.
X-eXercise Every Day
She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. Proverbs 31:17 ESV Exercise was the last thing on my mind in the flurry of activities of caring for my first husband, Bill. This is a common situation for full-time caregivers. It may seem like it is the...
W-Wear a Smile
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart. Proverbs 15:30 NLT One of the hardest things about my first husband's illness (FSHD - Facioscapularhumeral dystrophy) was that it affected the muscles of his face making it hard for him to smile. The other day, as I was looking...
V-Verify Truth
What You're after is truth from the inside out. Psalm 51:6 MSG Oh, what I would say to my younger self all those years ago as I was beginning my long, arduous caregiving journey. The lies I was believing made it so much harder than it needed to be. I has been hard to...
U-Unplug
Those who humbly serve will see and rejoice! All you seekers-after-God will revive your souls! Psalm 69:32 Voice There is no exhaustion quite like the one you may feel as a caregiver. It feels like it will never end and you don't know how you keep going - yet, you do....
T-Take Breaks Consistently
Jesus said, Let's go to the a quiet place and rest awhile. Mark 6:31 NLT I would like to share with you a quote from the upcoming book The Power of Hope for Caregivers: Honor the Ride because it summarizes well how much you need to take consistent breaks: My heart was...
S-Stay Connected
If one person suffers, all suffer together; if one person is honored, all rejoice together. 1 Corinthians 12:26 ESV It was never my intention to isolate myself. It basically happened because I was so consumed with caring for my husband that it was easier to stay home...
H- Have a Good Cry When You Need it
You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 NLT I had the honor of being my husband's full-time caregiver for the last two and half years of his life. As an entrepreneur, I had a...
R – Receive Help Graciously
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven. Matthew 5:16 ESV My first husband, Bill, was finally being released to go home after an extended hospital stay. They had wanted...
Q-Quit Complaining
Do everything without complaining. Philippians 2:14 NLT I woke up early that morning with a heavy weight on my heart. I didn't know at the time that this would be the end of a season. The caregiving cycle can feel like a hamster's wheel of repetitive doctor's...
P-Prepare for Power Posture
Be fully prepared to hold your ground. Ephesians 6:13 Voice I sat listening to my friend talk about her caregiving situation with her mother-in-law. "I need to share with you what is going on with my mother-in-law right now," she started hesitantly. "What's going on?"...
