Spiritual Formation Catalyst
Working to help people respond to the Spirit's call in the midst
of their everyday lives so that they may experience what Jesus describes as,
"life to the full."
Nancy’s Caregiver JournalBeing prepared for a snowstorm reminds me of the preparation it takes to be a caregiver.
While wanting to be positive, sometimes making precautions so that we are prepared in case of a time of illness helps me to feel secure.
Being prepared allows me to approach a new issue with calm and be supportive instead of panicked.
Nancy’s Caregiver Journal archives
Following a walk in the woods, Avila and I share some thoughts about the importance of taking time to do those things that feed our spirit and nourish the soul. Self-care is an important part of experiencing a life filled with hope and joy.
Nancy talks about the importance of self-care from the viewpoint of a caregiver here – Life and a Donut
I enrolled Avila in a training class. Little did I know that her training focused on changing me. After three weeks of dog training class, the way I look at the world changed. I have a role to play in helping people on their journey to success.
As I embraced my “retired” life, I decided to find something for Avila and me to do while Nancy worked.
A few weeks ago, we started a beginner’s dog training school.
To be clear, Avila is a very smart dog. She had some training in the past. Avila was housebroken when she arrived just about a year ago.
In a matter of days, she learned that Rayann’s room was “off-limits.” If Rayann leaves her door open, Avila will lay in the hallway looking into the room, never crossing the threshold.
Avila understands she is not allowed on any furniture except her chair. As the family gathers for an evening in the living room, she quickly jumps into her spot.
She is an intelligent dog. So I thought it might be fun if she learned a few more things.
Nancy’s Caregiver JournalWhile Dan has been sick and is often my focus, we have others in our lives that also need my attention. My village, as I call it, can sometimes be busy and require a little juggling. But I am grateful for all those I love and do my best to keep up.
Everyone needs a cheerleader. An individual to come alongside us and say, “I see someone special.” Someone who helps us discover the greatness inside ourselves when we struggle to see anything of value. A good cheerleader will tell us, “I see something special inside you, and I can’t wait till you unleash it on the world.”I have been captivated by Coldplay’s Miracles (Someone Special) for the past few days. There is something about it that tugs at my heart. It fills me with energy to continue growing into the person God would have me be.
We have options when it comes to how we will move through life. It would be easy to give up when things get difficult, and they will. We could listen to those who speak words that diminish or destroy our sense of purpose and being.
We could. [Read more…]
Nancy’s Caregiver Journal
During a recent trip to learn about a liver transplant for Dan, I found myself multi-tasking between work and volunteering. During the day when Dan had many doctor appointments, I told others that I was not available and could not accept phone calls. I wanted to concentrate on Dan and support him during these appointments. It is hard to turn others away when Dan needs my focus, but sometimes I need to make that decision.
Nancy’s Caregiver Journal
During a recent trip to learn about a liver transplant for Dan, I found myself exhausted.
I had not done anything.
How could I be so tired?
Sometimes the emotional drain of information overload is a reality I have to recognize.
Daniel has been a seeker his entire life, seeking a deeper relationship with Abba Father. He has served as pastor for American Baptist churches in New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. His passion is to "help people encounter God in the midst of their everyday lives." He writes with a transparency intended to allow others to see the struggles that lead to healing and life. Daniel currently serves as Spiritual Formation Catalyst for A Place in the Conversation.
Daniel's journey was disrupted when the doctor said, "You have stage IV colon cancer." Questions of "Why" and "If only" crowded his mind. Can one encounter God in the midst of a cancer journey? Join this seeker as he shares the pain and joys of this journey not of his choosing. Daniel's wife, Nancy, joins in sharing some of her thoughts, and feelings as she watches her husband fight his battle.