Tuesday, April 19, 2022
My Kitchen Cabinets Reminded Me
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Monday, April 18, 2022
5 Steps to Increase Every Day Faith
Do you feel like you're being eaten alive? Daniel may have thought the same thing when he found himself thrown into a lion's den. Do you feel like you're drowning? Moses may have thought the same thing just before the Red Sea parted. Are you burned out asking what's the use? The three Hebrew children may have considered eating meat to get out of the flames. Instead of caving to unbelief, Daniel, Moses and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego exercised their faith. They confidently waited on God to deliver them. We can do the same when we exercise faith in our every day life.
1. Meditate on God when you first wake. I find communication is best with God first thing with a clear, renewed mind, without all the demands of the day pulling at me. I thank God for who he is and what he's done for me. I thank God for the day. I ask God to guide my day. Think about his goodness. Things he has done you. Request some things from him. Then, listen...
2. Listen for God to speak. My believing friend shocked me when she asked me "How do you know God speaks to you?". I know God is speaking to me when I have a "new elevated" thought. Something I would never think of on my own. It's kind of like letting God do your thinking for you, allowing him to guide you through the day. There's so many ways God speaks. If you'd like more, let me know in the comments.
3. Learn to Recognize God is speaking. I always recognize God speaking to me in my thoughts. We carry many conversations, because I'm continually asking him for advice or answers or something. My seeking heart is always open to recognize him. He may confirm what he spoke through someone else's conversation with me. The Sunday Sermon might cover my questions for the week. I may read my answer. The other day on my way to lunch with a friend, God popped an idea into my head. I thought about turning a project into an Air B&B rental. I'd never had that thought before. During lunch my friend said, "Why don't you turn your house into an Air B&B rental?". Coincidence? Not at all. God spoke and confirmed quickly!
4. Take Action. I remind myself all the time, faith is an action word. The Bible says faith without works is dead. We need faith action in our every day life to keep our faith building and strong. My definition of the word "works" in that scripture is simply a response to my faith. There are spiritual "works" responses and physical "works" responses.
Spiritual example: God asks me to believe. If I choose not to believe, my faith is dead. Belief is the works or action required from me.
Physical example: God asks me to bake my neighbor a cake. If I choose not to bake it, my faith is dead. If my faith were alive, I'd bake the cake and deliver it, recognizing God will accomplish his work with the cake. Another physical example. Will I turn that project into an Air B&B rental?
5. Ask, Believe, Receive. Do this exercise every day to increase your faith. Ask God for something small, very specific and personal. Ask for something tangible so you know God answered your prayer. Ask for:
- a friend to call or text you today
- your empty gas tank to make it to the station
- to find something you've misplaced
- to understand a scripture you've struggled with
- to curb your appetite (this is a favorite of mine)
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
The Chest or the Bosom
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Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Giving Back: How to Practice Self-Care as a Caregiver
I don't personally know Jason Lewis, the author of this guest post, but he astounded me with his intuitiveness. Thank you Jason, this article is personally touching. I cared for my husband during his double lung transplant on October 7, 2020. Lung transplant was/is an incredibly difficult yet amazingly miraculous journey. Today, we enjoy 17 months post transplant. My husband, Steve, is doing well. I'm still learning to care for myself...
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| Caregivers are extraordinary |
It’s crucial, even after a long day at work, to push through the exhaustion barrier and get out to do some exercise. The mental health benefits of exercise are innumerable, but beyond the improved confidence, decreased stress hormones and distraction from stressors, exercise will also help to provide you with the long-term energy you need to cope with day-to-day caregiving grievances. Even a short jog can be enough to break a negative cycle and release some of those ever-important endorphins.
Diet
If you can partner a positive exercise regime with a nutritious diet, you’ll be well on your way towards a healthier work/life balance. Changing your diet is often less complicated than you might think - a good first step is to wean yourself off junk foods high in salt, carbs, and trans/saturated fats. You can do this using replacement methods - by trading sugary foods or fruit and healthy alternatives and gradually lowering its demands.
Social Life
Like anything else, it takes time and effort to maintain a healthy social life. Although it can be difficult to find that time away from work, diverting your attention to spend with friends and family is crucial if you want to stay emotionally stable as a caregiver. The main key for unlocking a fulfilled social life is to organize and plan ahead - make sure you’re using apps and calendars to write down any plans and try to agree on dates well ahead of time to ensure that everyone can make it.
Music
The importance of music as a tool in battling stress, anxiety, and depression is too often overlooked. Studies cited on Pulse TMS show that music therapy leads to reduced muscle tension, increased self-esteem, and self-expression. Live music has even been linked to the release of oxytocin (the love or trust neurotransmitter). If the stresses of caregiving feel overwhelming, try finding some music that complements your mood and spending an hour just listening.
Art
The arts have long been an outlet for those who are troubled by mental maladies. If the weight of caregiving feels too heavy, try off-loading some of it via painting, sculpture, or physical crafts. Art and colors are shown to improve mood and, oftentimes, provide a more pleasurable way to explore and confront internal issues.
Time Management
It’s difficult to engage with any of the above if you haven’t got the time to do so. That’s why it’s important to bring in help to free up some of your own time. Some services will help you to keep things orderly in your life as you’re dedicating your time to others’ - for example, lawn care maintenance tends to cost between $30 to $80 (although this can go up if irrigation, fertilizing, pruning and hardscaping are included) but can save you hours on the weekend for you to spend on yourself. If in doubt, just Google: lawn care companies near me.
The value of caregivers is incalculable. By sacrificing your own time, you’re making the time of the receiver and people around them far more enjoyable. Just remember that if you’re not in a good mental or physical state, your ability to help others will always be impeded.
Caring365,
The Tammy365 blog shares faith, recipes, humor, and encouragement. Reach out to Tammy today! tammy.stafford@hotmail.com
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
3:16 Day 2022
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| Donor Letter |
His bloodwork is good. His kidneys are stable. No medicine changes. After going over everything, the doctor looked at Steve and said “You’re on auto-pilot now!”. He then directed his eyes at both of us to say “Congratulations on a job well done!”. I didn’t look at Steve but I’m sure he was holding back tears like me. All the tears, sweat, restless nights, rehab, pill schedule, prayers, trips back and forth to Atlanta, blood draws, infusions, bronchoscopies, vitals three times per day, hospital stays, I could go on…ALL were worth those six powerful words!!!
Sunday, February 13, 2022
Compassion for an Egg
Monday, January 10, 2022
Don't Spend Too Much Time Taking It Easy
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| Image by pexels.com |
Happy New Year 2022
The New Year is all about a new you! Now that you are retired or an empty nester, you might be thinking it is time to relax and take it easy. It's okay to sit on the couch for a day or two, but you should find ways to enjoy life and start moving again because your physical and mental health depend on it. Promote a healthy and inspiring life by committing to these three words: exercise, energize, and socialize. We can't spend too much time taking it easy...
Exercise
As you get older, your muscle mass decreases. You might not think this is a big deal, but it is. If you want to maintain your balance, strength, and mobility, exercise is a must. Physical activity on a regular basis helps you sleep better, improves your mood, and aids in the prevention and management of some diseases, blood pressure, anxiety, and stress. Even if you have never had an exercise routine before, starting today can improve your future. Bike, walk, join a gym or take up yoga. Invite your spouse or a group of friends and have fun with it. You will all reap the rewards of a longer, independent lifestyle.
Energize
Keep your mind active. You can always learn something new, including a second language, a musical instrument, or a sport. Study for that certification or college degree you always dreamed about and use it for a second career.
If continuing to work fulfills you and makes you happy, take those years of experience you gained in your career and start your own business. Research the best way to form your company and organize a business plan. Consider setting up as a limited liability company to take advantage of the flexibility, minimal paperwork, and tax benefits an LLC offers. Understand the regulations for Georgia LLC formation before you go too far in the process, and get assistance through a formation service if you don't want to pay an attorney or file the documents yourself.
Socialize
Per a recent study, 60-year-olds who frequently visit friends have a 12% less chance of developing dementia versus those who see friends only once in a while. What does this mean? Have a regularly scheduled breakfast or brunch, plan weekend cookouts, go on trips, meet for dinner, or video chat. Regardless of the distance and everyone's schedules, find a way to stay in communication with your friends and family.
Friendships can change as you get older due to relocation, divorce, or the death of a spouse. It can be difficult finding new friends, but don't let yourself become idle and alone. Research shows that loneliness and isolation put you at a higher risk for depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, Alzheimer's disease, and a weak immune system. Join a club or enlist in a class that pertains to your hobby. These are great ways to satisfy your creative spirit and meet new people with the same interests.
Being a senior doesn't mean hanging up all the fun. Your quality of life can actually be enhanced with all the free time you have. Use these extra hours in your day to get physically fit, take on a new learning experience, and attend special events and gatherings with friends and family. Everyone needs time to relax — just be active while you seek happiness.
Moving365,
Thank you to Jason Lewis for contributing this guest article. He can be reached by email at info@strongwell.org.
Sunday, November 28, 2021
The Days Were Accomplished
I woke this morning with the phrase "the days were accomplished" scrolling through my brain like an LED threatre marquee, over and over, I repeated it to myself as it crossed my mind. I began to drift back over the last 12 days, then 12 months, then 12 years. I googled the bible verse to refresh my memory of specifically how it is written. Luke 2:6 reads "And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered."
Friday, August 21, 2020
Practical Tips for Resolving 5 Common Self-Isolation Issues
Please welcome Guest Writer Emma Brown from emmagracebrown.com to the blog today. During this very unusual year of social distancing and quarantine, she shares with us Practical tips for resolving 5 common self-isolation issues. Thank you Emma for your contribution!
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Practical Tips for Resolving 5 Common Self-Isolation Issues
My Partner Is Hogging the Television
Relaxing with your favorite shows can be a good way to unwind. If you have family at home constantly hogging the TV, those screen habits could be causing more tension than relaxation. If gaming is an issue, you could compromise with the guilty party by encouraging them to play games on a computer instead. You could even provide a gaming monitor (there are plenty of solid budget-friendly options if you’re struggling financially). You might also choose who gets to pick the programming for each night. One person takes Monday, another Wednesday, for example, and then plan one or two nights each week without the television. When all else fails, grab a controller, and play their favorite games with them.
My Kids
Are Distracting Me from Work
If you’re working from home for the first
time, getting used to a remote office can be a major struggle. That’s
especially true when you have kids at home who are causing distractions during
work hours. Spouses can be distracting as well,
even if they are also working from home, but there are a few strategies you can
employ to keep yourself from feeling anxious and overwhelmed. First, if you
just picked up gaming essentials for your partner or children, schedule their
gaming time during your regular work hours to help keep them occupied. You can
also find other kid-friendly activities to keep
your little ones busy but you may need to rely on compromise and communication
when dealing with a distracting partner or spouse.
My Boss
is Asking for Constant Check-Ins
Trust can be a huge issue when it comes to
managing remote employees, and your boss’s requests for frequent check-ins may
be a result of this lack of trust. It’s also helpful to remember that your boss
is also adjusting to COVID-19 changes. While you can’t necessarily refuse those
requests for check-ins, you can take action to reduce your boss’s anxieties and
build trust with her/him while you are working from home. If your boss
simply wants to be able to communicate with you in real-time, you can suggest
using a chat app for your remote team instead of relying on emails and phone
calls. While it may seem trivial, dressing professionally for video
calls and team meetings can also help your coworkers and supervisors trust you
when working remotely.
De-clutter and Clean
Juggling work and children at home can be a
challenge. To eliminate extra stress, enlist the whole family to help with
organizing and de-cluttering your home. Once
everything has a place and is in its place, you can avoid that nagging feeling
of an overstuffed linen closet that’s been calling your name. Plus, all of that
cleaning and de-cluttering can make your home a more inviting, positive space.
My
Schedule Is Too Busy to Pick Up Essentials
Even if you and your spouse are both working
from home, finding time to get out and get
groceries can feel like a major chore. In fact, working from home can keep you
even busier than working in an office, especially when your kids are at home
and childcare is not accessible. So, instead of stressing yourself out about shopping
for essentials, which can put your family’s health at a greater risk anyhow,
consider using delivery or pick-up services. With
so many people staying at home, these services can be pretty busy, so you will
need to plan your orders out in advance, and the savings in time and stress
will be well worth any extra effort. Also, be sure to disinfect purchases, as needed,
before putting them away to keep your family protected.
Don’t let struggles inside your home add to pressures that are coming from outside. Instead, find practical solutions to these issues so you can self-isolate in relative peace.
Peaceful365,
