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Sharing The Sweet Joy of the Lord without Even Trying

Sharing The Sweet Joy of the Lord without Even Trying

by myconcretedove | Dec 12, 2021 | Advent, Blog, Christian, Joyful Living, Reach, Teach

It is the third week of Advent, and this week we focus on Joy. We’re talking about the sweet joy of the Lord, who is the joy in Christmas that lasts all year long. I don’t know about you, but I think it’s pretty easy to recognize a joyful person. I mean, there’s...
Behold the Good News of Great Joy

Behold the Good News of Great Joy

by myconcretedove | Dec 10, 2021 | Five Minute Fridays, Grace and Truth, Inspire Me Monday, Joyful Living, Reach, Teach, Uncategorized

One starry night in Bethlehem, shepherds saw the glory of God through visiting angels, who shared the news — a Savior is born! Picture a star-filled night over pastureland outside of the city where shepherds are resting, with their flocks, after a long...
The Names of God – We Are Complete When God Is With Us

The Names of God – We Are Complete When God Is With Us

by myconcretedove | Oct 8, 2021 | Blog, Christian, Five Minute Fridays, Joyful Living, October Free Write, Prayer, Reach, Teach

Hello Friend, Did you know that you can be complete in Christ? It’s ok to go for that promotion, finish that degree, run that marathon, or marry the person of your dreams. All of that is great, but it isn’t what completes you. We become complete when, by...
How My Son’s Simple Act of Love Reminded Me of God’s Great Love

How My Son’s Simple Act of Love Reminded Me of God’s Great Love

by myconcretedove | Aug 6, 2021 | Blog, Christian, Family, Five Minute Fridays, Joyful Living, Prayer, Reach

Let’s take a look at how a walk in the park with my son reminded me of God’s great love. After each paragraph, I’ve added short bible verses to call attention to how His word provides comfort in so many life situations. Here we go. A few weeks ago,...
Fear of Rejection Makes Life Feel Out of Order

Fear of Rejection Makes Life Feel Out of Order

by myconcretedove | Jul 23, 2021 | Blog, Christian, Five Minute Fridays, Reach

Ever feel like your life is out of order? For example, I stopped going to church in March of 2020 and haven’t returned to in-person services yet. That’s not typical for me, and church has been in-person for months now. So why am I still watching online (and only...
God is Listening – Your Prayers are Worth His Time

God is Listening – Your Prayers are Worth His Time

by myconcretedove | Jun 22, 2020 | Christian, Prayer, Reach

Today I’m posting on Five Minute Fridays writing prompt link-up. One-word prompt, five minutes of writing. The prompt this week is WORTH. Matthew 7:7-8  “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For...

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🎨 Creativity can be powerful when processing gr 🎨 Creativity can be powerful when processing grief. 🌸 Spring is finally here! I decided to have fun painting spring flowers since I can't see any in my garden yet. But painting is becoming more than fun to me. 👩‍🎨 I took up watercolor painting not long after moving my sister into a nursing home. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Painting seemed to help with the stress of it all. 🕊 It was a self-care practice for the soul, bringing me snippets of peace in the midst of turmoil. Now, painting has turned into a grief-processing exercise for me. 🌼 Painting these bookmarks reminded me of the whimsical things my sister and I enjoyed together and, for the moment, replaced my sadness with joy. 💜 I'm not an artist or a therapist, but I find creating art very helpful as I work through the grief of losing my sister, Michelle, to Alzheimer's disease. ✍️ I used to enjoy writing about my sister and our antics together. But writing doesn't come so easily now that she's gone. 🖌 So, I'm thankful for this new creative outlet and the many benefits I'm discovering. since picking up the brush. 🫂 I'm sorry if you're working through a season of grief right now. I encourage you to take care of yourself. Eat, get good sleep, drink water, talk to someone if needed, and consider incorporating a creative outlet into your life. Here are a few ideas: Writing Crochet/knit Painting Flower arranging Home décor Macromae (it's back) Cake decorating Collage Photo organization Gardening Sketching 👉 Will you give creativity a try? . . ❤️ Thanks to my daughter for introducing me to the idea and encouraging me to pursue it. . . #creativeoutlet #beingcreative #bereavement #processinggrief #grieving #yourcreativeside #arttherapyheals #caregivergrief #alzheimerssucks #alzheimerscaregiver #alzheimersjourney #caregivinglife #caregiver #caregivers #watercolorpaintingart #findwhatworks #takecareofyourself #selfcareisnecessary #grievingprocess
🎂 Happy 94th birthday, Mom! Mom can get quite 🎂 Happy 94th birthday, Mom! Mom can get quite serious about her desserts. Can you tell? At 94, she still loves to laugh, eat chocolate cake, and have a good time. That’s what we did today while celebrating her. Happy Birthday, Mom! . . #happybirthdaymom #happybirthdaycake #momsbirthday #celebratemom #celebratingmom #birthdaycake🎂 #birthdaygirl👸 #lovemymom❤️ #nonagenarian
📧 It's newsletter time! 🗓 Once a month, I s 📧 It's newsletter time! 🗓 Once a month, I send out a newsletter full of encouragement, inspiration, and information about family caregiving. 👂Pssst, it's not only for family caregivers. ✅️ If you know a family caregiver, this newsletter is for you. ✅️ Show them your love by sharing the newsletter with them. ✅️ Click the link in bio to sign up and enjoy The Family Caregiver's Survival Guide (free download) just for giving it a try. . . . #newslettersignup #newslettertime #emailnewsletter #monthlynewsletter #familycaregiverlife #familycaregiving #CaregiverAnd #caregiverstrong #lovecaregivers
Here's a little Friday inspiration for you. Rejo Here's a little Friday inspiration for you. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Romans 12:12 CSB For some of us long-term, full-time caregivers, this verse can seem impossible. But, with God, nothing is impossible. If you are a believer, you can live in joyful hope. Even if we don't always feel joyful, we always have hope. We pray because we believe God hears. If we believe he hears us, we hope for an answer. Because we have hope, we can find patience, a fruit of the Spirit, grown in us out of god's love for us. God knows what we need for this caregiving journey. Trust Him. . . . 📧 Sign up for my monthly newsletter to receive a regular dose of encouragement & inspiration. . . Thanks for the graphic- https://bible.com/bible/1713/rom.12.12.CSB . . #fridayinspiration #fridayinspo #scriptureverse #prayerispowerful #caregiverstrong #caregiversjourney #newsletters #newslettersignup #newslettertime #bibleversefortoday
💜 It's International Women's Day I'm celebrati 💜 It's International Women's Day I'm celebrating you today! . . #womensday2023 #internationalwomensday2023 #bestrongandcourageous #strongandcourageous #CaregiverAnd #caregiverstrong #womenareamazing #amazingwomen
❓️I've got a question for you... How can you s ❓️I've got a question for you... How can you support a caregiver to help lighten their load? That’s what my friend, Michele Bowman, @confidentchristianwomen asked me today. Sometimes the emotional load a caregiver carries can be easily lightened with something as simple as a text message. That’s right! It’s not complicated. You can support a caregiver you know by simply reaching out to them on a regular basis. Being consistent with your support is important and often the greatest challenge for family and friends. You see, relationships often suffer for the long-term caregiver. Due to the nature of caregiving, they don’t have much time or energy to participate in outside activities. Therefore, friends and family stop calling or including caregivers in their plans and isolation sets in as friends drop off. It’s not intentional. It just happens, but in time the caregiver’s world can shrink down to the immediate household. A place they might only leave for the occasional doctor’s appointment. While you can’t change their situation, you can do simple things to help: Send a card or text, Drop off a meal. Send flowers and chocolate covered strawberries work, too. Arrange a short visit. Listen. Your support doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated but try to make it consistent. I hope this information motivates motivates you to reach out to a caregiver today. Your presence in their life will make all the difference. What can you do for the caregiver you know? I'd love to hear your ideas. . . Check out my new FREE download-Link in bio! . . #caregiverstrong #monthlynewsletter #besttips⁠ #alzheimerscaregiver⁠ #alzheimerscaregiving⁠ #alzheimerstips⁠ #alzheimersjourney⁠ #caregivertips⁠ #caregiverlife⁠ #caregivinglife⁠ #caregivingfortheelderly⁠ #caregiving⁠ #downsyndromelife #makeyourlifeeasier #caregiversupport #supportcaregivers #downsyndromcaregiver
💜 Caregivers, you have a lot to do, and your fo 💜 Caregivers, you have a lot to do, and your focus is usually on someone else. That doesn't mean you can't fit some fun into your life. 🤗 It's just one way you can take good care of yourself. 💜 I know because I was my sister's caregiver. Now, together with my brother, we take care of my 93-year-old mom (94 in two weeks). 👉 But on that rare occasion when you can get out of the house and enjoy time with a friend or a family member you don't have to take care of--DO IT! Today, I did just that. My youngest son and I spent the afternoon together at one of the countries best art museums, the Detroit Institute of Arts. We even got the inside scoop on Industry Murals, Diego Rivera's famous frescos, from one of the guides on duty (you'll see him in one of the photos). He's also the photographer on one of these shots. Thank you, @diadetroit. Then we had a wonderful lunch together and made our way home before the big snowstorm hit.❄️🌨 🥳 Caregivers get to have fun, too. It might be spontaneous or planned, something new or something you've always wanted to do. Let me know in the comments-- ❓️What fun will you fit some into your life this weekend 🙂? . . . #alzheimerscaregiver #alzheimerscaregiving #alzheimerstips #alzheimersjourney #caregivertips #caregiverlife #caregivinglife #caregiverstrong #selfcareisnecessary #caregivingfortheelderly #detroitinstituteofarts #enjoyart #enjoyfamily #friendsandfamily #livelifetothefullest❤️ #caregiverselfcare #selfcareisntselfish #havefuneveryday #havefuninlife
✅️It's always good to have a backup plan. 🌨Just because it's freezing rain outside doesn't mean you can't practice self-care inside. Even though I won't be walking outside today, I can choose another form of self-care. Having a backup plan helps. What I mean by that is, try something new. Find out what else works for you. That way, when freezing rain washes away your plan A, you can move seemlessly to plan B. Don't be afraid to tap into your creative side even if you think you're not creative. 🎨🖌Today, I chose painting with watercolor. It's very grounding for me and allows me to be mindful in the moment. Paying attention to the details and focusing I'm only what I'm doing. This sort of activity can reset your thinking for the rest of the day and give you a sense of calm. 💜 Caregiving friend, whatever you do, please don't let a little weather deter you from taking care of yourself. What is your self-care backup plan? . . . #selfcare101 #selfcareforcaregivers #caregiverstrong #caregiversjourney #caregiverburnout #preventburnout #selfcareisntselfish #selfcareisnecessary #mindfulnessissimple #mindfully #beingmindful #alzheimerscaregiving #elderlycaregiving
✅️ 3 Tips about walking for self care: 1. No ✅️ 3 Tips about walking for self care: 1. No barriers - One of the easiest ways to take care of your body is simply to walk. Other than sneakers, there’s no equipment needed. I used to take my sister to a nearby nature trail, but your neighborhood works just fine or even a treadmill. 2. Make it challenging - Set a goal in steps, distance, or time. Vary your pace, e.g. slow to fast, fast faster, fast to slower. If you’re on a treadmill, try varying the incline or speed. 3. A fresh perspective - Walking is great for clearing your mind. You can sort out a lot of things in a 30-minute walk. ⏬️ Download the full shownotes for more on self-care for the mind, body, and spirit. Link in bio. 🎙You can listen to Ep 2 of the Caregiver Strong Podcast Spotify, iHeartRadio, iTunes, Stitcher, and please leave a review. It will help get the message out to more family caregivers. 💜 What are you doing to take care of yourself? . . . Both of these books were thoughtful Christmas gifts from my son and daughter-in-law (I know she picked them out🙂). Thanks 💜 . . #alzheimerscaregiver #alzheimerscaregiving #alzheimerstips #alzheimersjourney #caregivertips #caregiverlife #caregivinglife #newpodcast #newpodcaster #limitedseries #downsyndromecaregiver #selfcare101 #selfcareisnecessary #caregivingfortheelderly #walkingisselfcare #walkingisgoodforyou #makeyourlifeeasier #caregiverselfcare #selfcareisntselfish
💜 Caregivers need your love and support. 💜 💜 Caregivers need your love and support. 💜 Caregiver numbers are increasing, so it's very likely that you know a caregiver. 💜 Share this with them. Better yet, give them a hug in person, bring them a meal, or send them a card. 💜 Let the caregivers in your life know that you care. . . . FREE Caregiver Survival Guide-link in bio . . #nationalcaregiversday2023 #caregiverburnout #caregiversupport #caregiverlife #familycaregiverlife #familycaregiver #seniorcaregiver #alzheimerscaregiving
😨 Are you ready to try something new? Does IT 😨 Are you ready to try something new? Does IT scare you? Well, IT scared me, too! Maybe for you, IT's changing jobs, going back to school, starting a business, writing that book, recording that music, or starting a Podcast. Or something smaller, like starting a new exercise plan, taking a writing class, learning to play piano, going vegetarian, or going to a new church. 🤯 Don't be afraid! It won't be pretty or perfect, and you may need to ask for help. And with a little practice (maybe a lot of practice), it will get better and better. But nothing happens if you don't try. 👉 I tried something new... For me, IT is the technology involved with blogging. Ugh! My website needed an update, and I decided to try it myself. After a little trial-and-error, I managed to: 💜 Updated my blog header 💜 Add the new logo 💜 Installed an instagram plugin 💜 Created a page for the Caregiver Strong Podcast (that's another new thing I learned-catch it on your favorite listening app). 💜 And a new resource for family caregivers. I hope you'll check it out. See the Linkbio. You could stay stuck where you are, OR try something new instead. What have you wanted to do but you're too afraid to try? It is OK. You can tell us here in the comments. 💜 Here's a lesson I learned from caregiving…. don't be afraid to ask for help. A short-list of people who are always teaching me something new: @fistbumpmedia hosts my website (SEO course & more) @patfenner (a podcast manager with magic skills) helped with the podcast capsule @authenticonlinemarketingpod teaches me ALL about Instagram & online marketing . . . #caregiverlife #caregiving #caregiverjourney #newpodcast #newpodcaster #newpodcastalert #learnsomethingnew #lifelonglearner #dontbeafraidtolearnsomethingnew #keeplearning #bloggersofinstagram #bloggersofIG #christianbloggers #YouCanDoIt #tryingsomethingnew #bestrongandcourageous #doitafraid #alzcaregiver
❤️ Happy Valentine's Day to my favorite Valent ❤️ Happy Valentine's Day to my favorite Valentine. Dinner & desert with two spoons. 🍨 💗 Yay! My kind of date What's your favorite dessert? #happyvalentinesday2023 #myvalentine❤️
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