I spent most of my adult life as a caregiver and I complained a lot at the beginning of the journey. I complained then, yet now, I thank God for the positive outcomes and who I have become as a result of the caregiving. I never imagined how hard it would be, yet how rewarding it is. Looking at it from this other side, I know you are probably right in the midst of it and it could be hard to focus on the positive.

Someone has said that hindsight is 2020 and, in my situation, as being a caregiver, that is truly accurate because I can see so many positive outcomes from the opportunities that I had and the choices that I made to care for loved ones. The first one is I became the hope lady and wrote a book about it. If you allow God to enter your circumstance, no experience is ever wasted. When you learn from it, it will take you to a new level. So much of my testimony revolves around the initial experience of moving in with my little feisty mother in love. It was not an easy time, yet I would not be the person I am today without those stories to tell and the common experiences that I can have with you. Another very positive outcome is that I learned to honor fully and will receive the benefits of honoring for the remainder of my life.

What are some active things you can do? Here's what I suggest.

• Make a list of your benefits of caregiving. I love to mind map. That's where you put a circle in the middle and spokes out. And this is the basis for how I gain the content to start writing, because it allows me to capture my thoughts as they're occurring, and it helps me to get them all down without organizing them without stopping.
• Rewrite the end of your own story. Make the decision today to change the end of your life script. No matter what has been done to you today, you can take control of the rest of your decisions. Choose to give to yourself freely, yet establish boundaries. Forgive and let go of past hurts.
• Take care of yourself. When rested and balanced you bring about a positive outcome for those you care for. Make a list of the benefits, rewrite the end of your own story and take care of yourself. Zoom on into those possibilities. And here's another part. It may seem like it right now, but this will not last forever.

Prayer:

Thank you Lord, that I have been taught the true meaning of honor and I ask you, Lord, that this message will resonate with my listeners. Thank you Lord, that you provide a special blessing when I honor those I care for and I'm looking forward to the blessing of a really long life and the favor that comes along with it. I also choose to forgive freely and move forward with confidence in your goodness and the plan you have for me and everyone in my family. Stand tall and honor fully, because that's what you're looking for. I ask this in Jesus name. Amen.

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Rate and review this podcast to spread the hope to others who need to be reminded they can go from rock-bottom to the mountain top one step at a time.

So let God work His will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and He’ll be there in no time. James 4:7 MSG

Every single person I know wants to make a difference in the lives of others by doing something special and unique. Within you are seeds of a dream to do what only you can do. It is the legacy that you will leave behind. Unfortunately, I had gotten so busy with my job and caregiving responsibilities that I did not make room for my gifts of writing, speaking and music. God was closing doors so He could open others.

Define your gift

The first step in finding your gift is to define it. A great way to start is to ask yourself, “What would you do if you had unlimited resources (time, money and education)? Your mind is free to explore once you remove the self-imposed limitations that often lead you to talk yourself out of what you would love to do. You can always make time – even if it’s just a few minutes

Follow what you love to do

Your gift will be centered around the things you like to do. Have you always had an inclination and innate ability to do certain things? Often you don’t recognize your gifting because you think that everyone has the same capabilities you do and it’s easy for you. It is the unique pattern and combination of talents and attributes that makes your gift rare and precious. There may be others who do the same thing you do, yet you add a flair that distinguishes your gift from others.

Share your gift

Your gift brings you joy, especially when shared with others. There is no better feeling than to do what you were created to do. It does not seem like work because it is a pleasure. There will be those areas where you will need to grow to support that gift. In fact, you might feel most disqualified in the area where you would like to go. For example, I have always loved to sing and play worship songs. I can get lost in time as I sit down at the piano. I struggle with recording these and sharing with others. It’s my goal to move in that direction because others have told me these songs are a blessing to them.

Grow in your gift

Your gift will open doors and make room for you. Once you define your gift, look for ways to use it and improve your skills in that area. Even if it seems far-fetched right now, take steps in the right direction. This is where you can really get out of your Comfort Zone (or CZ as I like to call it). Volunteer to do something that you don’t feel quite sure about doing but have always wanted to do. You’ll figure it out and can have a lot of fun. Your gifts expand as you use them.

Prayer

Lord, I am so thankful for the gifts You have given each of us. I pray that You will grant us the courage to take a good look at them so we can expand and grow in these areas. With Your help we will step outside of our ‘comfort zone’ and take some risks. Thank You for those around us that encourage us to ‘go for our dreams.’ In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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For more hope inspiration you can follow her posts on:

https://www.instagram.com/the.hope.lady
https://www.facebook.com/hopeispowerful

Rate and review this podcast to spread the hope to others who need to be reminded they can go from rock-bottom to the mountain top one step at a time.

She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. Proverbs 30 :17. ESV

In the verse I chose to add to this series is a fascinating one from the well known Proverbs 31 woman. When it says she dresses herself with strength, that means that she rolls up her sleeves and approaches her responsibilities with force. She's going after it. She's secure in who she is. But the Hebrew word there also means praise.

Put praise music on every morning as you start your day. Raise your arms in praise, making your arms strong. Put on the strength that you will need for that day. She makes her arms strong. That means to me that she does her part to increase her stamina every day. She is alert mentally and physically and has the courage to face whatever lies ahead because she trusts in God's good plan for everyone in her life. Hope says that I have the courage to face today with energy and strength. That is so important.

1. Start today. Stop putting it off. Research suggests that everyday physical activity like walking and gardening are a great place to start. Even household chores, if you do them rapidly enough, such as sweeping or vacuuming can get your muscles going. Increase your physical activity by using your own muscle power.
2. Start small. Do frequent short exercises instead of those that require large blocks of time and find activities that you enjoy. One other thing you can do while brushing your teeth is stand on one leg. Go for at least 10 seconds each time.
3. Stay consistent. It's okay if you miss a day or two, if you have an emergency. Obviously that will happen. But just get back into the routine. It can be as simple as if you have your loved one in the hospital. Park as far away as you can so you can walk and get the steps in. Set reminders on your phone to take posture breaks or hold yourself accountable with a friend. Walking is such a great way to get the exercise that you need because it's easy, it's available, it's free, and besides its physical benefits, walking helps to reduce stress.

What other exercises would you recommend?

Prayer:

Thank you Lord, that you have given me the ability to choose to do something for myself. And I pray for my fellow caregivers that they do not feel that this is selfish, but instead they know that you have given them the gift of health. Let them maintain it. I ask for wisdom so they'll know when to take a break, when to incorporate it, when to do it. Thank You, Lord, that you give them hope. They have the courage and mental and physical strength to rise above what might seem overwhelming right now. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.

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For more hope inspiration you can follow her posts on:

https://www.instagram.com/the.hope.lady
https://www.facebook.com/hopeispowerful

Rate and review this podcast to spread the hope to others who need to be reminded they can go from rock-bottom to the mountain top one step at a time.