tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10202705860043858652024-03-18T07:15:13.668-07:00Daily Devotions for CaregiversI was thrust into caregiving when my son was in a tragic accident but soon found that there's a whole world of "us" out there! Many times we find ourselves alone. Even the church can disappear quickly and good friends distance themselves because our world has changed. But God does not change with circumstance. My faith is what has carried me through and these devotions will hopefully help us all make one more day - encouraged in Him.Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.comBlogger1381125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-21631564049003410712024-03-18T07:14:00.000-07:002024-03-18T07:14:12.690-07:00The Stare<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUyrVAxCKORGv-svhyphenhyphenDiELcr2j49pPyIW21l-S2vA-Hm_KTi-Z3fEJigDxCV2L5StxSJKfW8ZDJEbZYUppIg7PnPj8Zr5xdkZzUBnQzu0l6jzrKVOsuLhzRUL4e0RD8ZlyweMKMKaVfTYWYINiG7NNO_B3lNiiMCYdU0vtvASSwLw5vTvJYUo_xA9M8mY/s2048/432289686_10231745733815856_1479195618871013738_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chris at the 45th Infantry museum" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUyrVAxCKORGv-svhyphenhyphenDiELcr2j49pPyIW21l-S2vA-Hm_KTi-Z3fEJigDxCV2L5StxSJKfW8ZDJEbZYUppIg7PnPj8Zr5xdkZzUBnQzu0l6jzrKVOsuLhzRUL4e0RD8ZlyweMKMKaVfTYWYINiG7NNO_B3lNiiMCYdU0vtvASSwLw5vTvJYUo_xA9M8mY/w240-h320/432289686_10231745733815856_1479195618871013738_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Do you ever just find yourself sitting and staring at the wall? It doesn't really happen too often because, quite frankly, who has time for that? But there are times during extreme burnout when I feel like I could sit, stare at the wall, and drink coffee all day long. I'm tired of strategizing about my day. I'm totally over all the mundane tasks that have to be done over and over again - but never get "done." My brain is fried trying to figure out which job to invest my time in and who is actually going to pay me on time. I am pretty sure I cannot do one more load of laundry or make one more meal. I'm fried and the stare has overtaken me and my brain. Lol. I really hope you cannot relate!<p></p><p>As caregivers, we have so much on our plates. Yes, I said "plates" because we have more than one full plate to manage and deal with every single day. Caregiving is usually just the biggest plate that's piled high. There's our finances, work, self-care (whatever that is), and our other fill-in-the-blank plates that are piled high, too - because it's different for each of us. </p><p>What's a caregiver to do - except sit for the three minutes we have and stare at the wall? </p><p>It doesn't take us long, as there's always something pressing that has to be done. </p><p>How do we handle it? The constant pressure. The constant "need." The every day, day after day. </p><p>For me - it means bringing it all back to God over and over again. He's quite used to me dumping it all on His lap while I stare at the wall and take another sip of coffee. I often write it all out in my journal, too. That's a nice strategy because it gives me a safe place to process emotions and thoughts. I usually end my rant with a prayer. One that becomes my declaration for the day. <i>I will trust You for one more day, Lord.</i> </p><p>One of the best things though, is that I can totally be honest about my feelings with God. I mean, let's be real - <i>it's not like He doesn't know! </i>Lol. I learned that it was okay to say just about anything by reading the psalms. David and the other psalmists called it like they saw it. They said it like they meant it. And they all ended up trusting God no matter what, too. We are in good company!</p><p>This morning, I read Psalm 46 again to remind myself that God is present in my situation. I also needed it to remind me that He will answer the deepest cries of my heart. He's a safe place to pour our hearts out to. Then, it's up to us to learn how to wait for Him. Wait for His grace to carry us through. Wait for His mercies that were refreshed for us this morning. Wait for Him to carry us as needed. All He is waiting for is for us to trust Him with everything. He gets us.</p><p>Today, I will remind myself that God is present, as the psalm says. My situation doesn't scare Him away, and He has no intention of avoiding it. I'll think about how He is in it for the long haul and I will not be abandoned on the way - He doesn't have anything more important to do than to walk with me through today. That's an awesome thought that will be my meditation today as I trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">________________________________________________________</p><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Paperback, Kindle, or eBook</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlokauvVl8FomVHNW-P8Nagm0eJpL62satQRK_YH9QrQ4IDa_vqxHVEuU9C54GlEHSHt9iJtjp_mQRVGl_5jkz1-DofdNTP6xJpTUAz4iFH4DTomthlUFowEuAUK5bJMz59_XvN23eFDI1XGAlw25evBqA75LSqfSlYEgvyJNRW1jYi2uFDKWuTpEOu1t/s600/cover3d-1john.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="book cover for the 1 John Bible study guide" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="484" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlokauvVl8FomVHNW-P8Nagm0eJpL62satQRK_YH9QrQ4IDa_vqxHVEuU9C54GlEHSHt9iJtjp_mQRVGl_5jkz1-DofdNTP6xJpTUAz4iFH4DTomthlUFowEuAUK5bJMz59_XvN23eFDI1XGAlw25evBqA75LSqfSlYEgvyJNRW1jYi2uFDKWuTpEOu1t/w161-h200/cover3d-1john.png" width="161" /></a></div><br />Please take a minute to check out my <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/">Dove's Fire Ministries</a> bookstore and my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jeanie-Olinger/author/B074DZR725?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true">Amazon bookstore</a>. I have study guides, devotionals, and other materials available, all of which I wrote. Thanks for supporting DFM!</div><div><br /><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-19926541759977547822024-03-11T07:59:00.000-07:002024-03-11T07:59:35.492-07:00Bad Jugglers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlWANnzRo2GestDA3weqFCrF7-tLfjlwxHWTYGz9004KuwHr90hk_7bs_O7qg24CsTQYiEmetoTKBrjQAAIyZa_b6E4ht6RZJdhWxAdkk_w1oUubjEXw3br44lodnUGyr4iO62AvSeoD-_AHLlyYPJJvNVcb4n0zcZqe_LOMfU-7AbTo-5Ug68FDnNkfW/s960/60173891_10218820350689356_1426883814717652992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chris and I at the park" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlWANnzRo2GestDA3weqFCrF7-tLfjlwxHWTYGz9004KuwHr90hk_7bs_O7qg24CsTQYiEmetoTKBrjQAAIyZa_b6E4ht6RZJdhWxAdkk_w1oUubjEXw3br44lodnUGyr4iO62AvSeoD-_AHLlyYPJJvNVcb4n0zcZqe_LOMfU-7AbTo-5Ug68FDnNkfW/w240-h320/60173891_10218820350689356_1426883814717652992_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> Do you ever feel like your days are filled with heroic juggling acts? I do. Then there are days that the juggling isn't so heroic. Actually, that's most days because it seems I'm always backed into a corner trying to figure out the must-dos and what can waits. Maybe I'm just a bad juggler. Lol. There are so many things for a caregiver to do each day. Things do have to be prioritized. And if you, like me, are trying to juggle caregiving, work, and ministry, well, some days just don't end well. Or at least I end them feeling like a huge failure.<p></p><p>One thing I have learned is to shift my focus from the things I chose to leave undone to the things I did accomplish in a day. It ended up being a big help for my mental health. I can spend my evening in the mully-grubs, thinking about the list of items I did not finish. Or, I can change the narrative and begin to list all the things I <b>did</b> get done that day. Our days are filled with shifting moments, aren't they? We have to think on our feet and eliminate some things to ensure our loved ones get the care they deserve and need. It comes down to being flexible and willing to make adjustments on the fly.</p><p>This weekend, I read the book of Ruth. Now, these three ladies went through some stuff. They made huge adjustments, and the book is only four chapters long! Naomi was widowed, and then her two sons died, leaving Ruth and Orpah widowed. I can't imagine the grief Naomi dealt with because of all her loss. She even asked to not be called "Naomi" since it means delightful. She chose instead to be called "Mara" because it means bitterness. Surely life dealt her a bitter hand.</p><p>But Naomi didn't stop and wallow in her pain. In fact, it seems she became anything but bitter. She began to encourage Ruth. Now Ruth was a Moabite, unaccustomed to the Hebrew customs. Naomi stepped up to the plate for Ruth and walked her through her situation so that she was covered and redeemed by Boaz according to the Jewish custom. Instead of becoming bitter, Naomi helped Ruth become better. She was able to juggle her own emotions and show up for someone else's benefit.</p><p>We juggle so many things, from finances to relationships, caregiving tasks to work, and housekeeping to personal care. What we choose says a lot about us! I want to be like Naomi who chose to help another up even in her own pain. I also want to be like Ruth, who made the hard choice of leaving her comfort and family behind to embrace a whole new world. Ultimately, I want to juggle everything in my life so that God is supreme.</p><p>Today, I will embrace the fact that there are lots of things to juggle. While I sort through each task's importance, I'll make sure God lands on top. My relationship with Him is not up to being juggled; it's a given. It's solid, and it's what carries me through juggling and sorting all the other parts of my day. I'll remind myself that I don't have to juggle grace, mercy, truth, and peace. I get them all, and no exchanges are needed. I can trust Him to lead me in my juggling. He'll let me know what to let go of and what is needed every moment of today. I can trust Him with today. I will trust Him with today. Will you join me?</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">________________________________________________________</p><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Get a Free Copy of The Making of a Leader!</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-t26t2G5s9htU9rIWv-v7VUnOd8YFT7t4bGdvUbitt4Z5cSmKvjITEmyHFkzCOBnfXLNGa2wJmv3khpzzq0873-cAhkKikgo8pD6Sfa1Gs1kVfRkQLL4U8rYId8QIZjjQRZHqR_22ibMdkGBJIVLilN6gQFCgFwyVSstyLGEwEH_t3wcwn3T_CwM6icUV/s1000/kindle-238147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cover of the ebook Making of a Leader" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="625" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-t26t2G5s9htU9rIWv-v7VUnOd8YFT7t4bGdvUbitt4Z5cSmKvjITEmyHFkzCOBnfXLNGa2wJmv3khpzzq0873-cAhkKikgo8pD6Sfa1Gs1kVfRkQLL4U8rYId8QIZjjQRZHqR_22ibMdkGBJIVLilN6gQFCgFwyVSstyLGEwEH_t3wcwn3T_CwM6icUV/w125-h200/kindle-238147.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>I'm on phase two and starting phase three in our Pakistan Publishing Project. So far, over 1000 copies of my books have been printed. Making of a Leader is headed to the printer for another 500 copies. If you'd like to help by donating $10 or more or by signing up for a paid tier on Patreon, I'll send you a free eBook of Making of a Leader. It's a hit among the Pakistani churches and Christian groups!</div><div>Currently, 31 Days in Psalm 31 is being prepped for its first printing in Urdu!</div><div><br /></div><div>Cashapp: $JeanieOlinger</div><div>Venmo: @Mary-Olinger-6</div><div>PayPal: dovesfireministries@gmail.com<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-44683716311792124562024-03-08T07:49:00.000-08:002024-03-08T07:49:38.266-08:00The King's Court<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhZckgnG8Nb0zbyAB_gQh34osYi3I7Vr8_fyKxe6081dzD8JNA0nCGYYUWBmOCPPLHoP7lJt9pmrL0ItrgJOGMwpHDNu4nYc5is-fuBotnxgCL0yYRKlizLx0eOYdWD2tNPc0ZdHRJyJeEf5qQfM1PgO3quROVM-dLuFfdq3M4QOW6XFhSwWDgj8LJSqB/s2048/430405244_2322436201288189_8188005064902590742_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chris wearing his Dale Earnhardt shirt." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhZckgnG8Nb0zbyAB_gQh34osYi3I7Vr8_fyKxe6081dzD8JNA0nCGYYUWBmOCPPLHoP7lJt9pmrL0ItrgJOGMwpHDNu4nYc5is-fuBotnxgCL0yYRKlizLx0eOYdWD2tNPc0ZdHRJyJeEf5qQfM1PgO3quROVM-dLuFfdq3M4QOW6XFhSwWDgj8LJSqB/w240-h320/430405244_2322436201288189_8188005064902590742_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> I was listening to some new releases this morning from Zach Williams and Nicole C. Mullen. Over the years, I've written some songs. I'm not a great singer and definitely just get by as a musician. As I listened to these two outstanding artists, I had the thought that I'd never write a song the world would sing. I'm okay with that. But immediately following that thought was another one. It was how I will always have a place in the King's court. I sing for the One who matters. I'm quite okay with that too!<p></p><p>Thoughts of my seemingly broken life ran through my head. Not one second of my life was missed by God, including caregiving. No matter what happens or doesn't happen in life, we still have a place in His courts. My mind went to Mephibosheth. He was Saul's grandson and lived a large portion of his life in hiding and in fear. But David sought him out and gave him his rightful place in the king's court. (2 Samuel 9)</p><p>Mephibosheth had a caregiver. When the battle heated up, his nurse was carrying him and running away for safety, and she tripped and fell. His feet were injured in the fall, and he could not walk. We are caring for our loved ones because, for whatever reason, they cannot totally care for themselves. But we are all invited to the King's table and we all have a place in His court, both the caregiver and the caregivee are welcomed in His house.</p><p>I love that about God because the caregiver soon finds out that they are not always welcomed in every setting. Sadly, it's often even in a church setting. Ask me how I know! Lol. But God never turns us away. He doesn't say we are not worth it. He won't look the other way and ignore us. He opens up His courts, His table, and His arms to welcome us in. I needed to be reminded of that today.</p><p>So, today, I will meditate on how God welcomes us and our loved ones with open arms. It doesn't matter to Him if they can't walk, talk, or perform daily tasks. He loves us, and He loves them. We are all welcomed in His house. As a matter of fact, we are <i>invited.</i> My thoughts will be on His grace, His mercy, and His love for me and my loved one today. I'll let thanksgiving take over my thoughts because He sees past the situations to the persons inside, and He still chooses to hang around. I think I can trust Him for one more day. Will you join me? </p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">________________________________________________________</p><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Paperback, Kindle, or eBook</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/s4025/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bookcover of Affirmations for Caregivers" border="0" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="2500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/w124-h200/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" width="124" /></a></div><br /><i>Affirmations for Caregivers </i>contains an affirmation, a verse or two to read, and a prompt for a very short response for each day for a month or 31 days. You can download the eBook from the <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p14/affirmations-caregivers.html" target="_blank">Dove's Fire Ministries Bookstore</a> right now and print it and and start today! The print version is also now available on<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNZYKVW3?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520&fbclid=IwAR38SIDo3dkhC-CqeH5AiNxGSRv7lw5Q2Sa-DBtbPD_Uoh0vIpgzDfnLG9o" target="_blank"> Amazon</a>! Check it out!</div><p>Don't forget the videos for the devotional are all on my YouTube channel too!</p>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-59039973607805125892024-03-07T07:46:00.000-08:002024-03-07T07:46:21.214-08:00Distracted? Drivers?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFQAip0Fim4ssc86dThqLFPvqPikQ0aKAPRD0E9AARcn_eNQFBiVqT4Hov9hYWmVJgNIE-p_wh85tQf6Sx1qVvlPh3qs-xuaB_JbwAAzZhLTsXtWnvf9cNmxN3Yemrf5wDh38rpqjW5dk7tzj2TiKfpUCYBIS9chw7CL8jm94Fl13xEb8oEnd8ZBggAoD/s2048/431616886_10231713409847777_4869178189552963743_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chris outside in the standing frame" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFQAip0Fim4ssc86dThqLFPvqPikQ0aKAPRD0E9AARcn_eNQFBiVqT4Hov9hYWmVJgNIE-p_wh85tQf6Sx1qVvlPh3qs-xuaB_JbwAAzZhLTsXtWnvf9cNmxN3Yemrf5wDh38rpqjW5dk7tzj2TiKfpUCYBIS9chw7CL8jm94Fl13xEb8oEnd8ZBggAoD/w240-h320/431616886_10231713409847777_4869178189552963743_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Yesterday, I thought a lot about distractions. I was thinking about some of our Bible heroes and how they got distracted from what God had said. First, I thought about Samson. He was totally distracted by Delilah. The important part of that story is that God still fulfilled the promise He had given about Samson. The distraction didn't change God's mind about using Samson.<p></p><p>In 1 Kings 13, a young prophet was given precise instructions from the Lord. He let an older prophet distract him from what God had said. It ultimately cost the young prophet his life. A simple distraction.</p><p>There can be many distractions in our lives, and caregiving can hold our attention and efforts, for sure. But what if we turned the distractions, even those that come with caregiving, into drivers? What do I mean? I think I mean that it's so easy to get distracted by our day-to-days, but we can use those distractions, and caregiving in particular, as drivers. A driver is the total opposite of a distraction. </p><p>Distractions try to direct our attention to a multitude of other things. Drivers propel us right to the heart of God. I think over the years, caregiving has become more of a driver than a distraction. Even though there've been times when I was upset or downright mad at God, I always end back up in His lap. I'm starting to wonder if every situation - good, bad, or indifferent - becomes a distractor or a driver.</p><p>One thing I'm sure of is that caregiving and the related pressures, stresses, and responsibilities definitely drive me to the heart of God and back to His word. That's a good thing. Whether today is a "dark night of the soul" day or it's bright and cheery, God's got us covered. That's where I want to keep my focus. I refuse to let distractions draw my attention away to other things.</p><p>Today, I will cling to Him. I'll try to remember to run to Him before the day gets too busy or I get too burdened down to hear His gentle voice. I will lean in and listen for His heart, which is beating for me (and for you). Nothing is going to distract me from His heart today. In fact, anything that does come, I will turn it into a driver that carries me right back to Him! Will you join me?</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">__________________________________________________________</p><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Paperback, Kindle, or eBook</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/s4025/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bookcover of Affirmations for Caregivers" border="0" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="2500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/w124-h200/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" width="124" /></a></div><br /><i>Affirmations for Caregivers </i>contains an affirmation, a verse or two to read, and a prompt for a very short response for each day for a month or 31 days. You can download the eBook from the <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p14/affirmations-caregivers.html" target="_blank">Dove's Fire Ministries Bookstore</a> right now and print it and and start today! The print version is also now available on<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNZYKVW3?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520&fbclid=IwAR38SIDo3dkhC-CqeH5AiNxGSRv7lw5Q2Sa-DBtbPD_Uoh0vIpgzDfnLG9o" target="_blank"> Amazon</a>! Check it out!</div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-12720969928053085142024-03-06T07:31:00.000-08:002024-03-06T07:31:23.658-08:00Unchanged and Unchained<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EoKaehCgn638cwU20cReVufPxpfmaz06f-e2C7yGKIHuUbF_KHfQnYOnFCiOOy-oBFnCBTPqeWETo2W0BCgrPgaBIxnA7cgUbiMItOC32B89JTtz0Mk_lmJS8GlXXrLp-DGI3w7OvUKFrv3BLjcx8PvwMwMG_2y1ISE5qG930nSipWlJYsg4jrnltVry/s2048/409078854_10231692284839665_1103106378662168973_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Chris and I at Bluff Creek" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EoKaehCgn638cwU20cReVufPxpfmaz06f-e2C7yGKIHuUbF_KHfQnYOnFCiOOy-oBFnCBTPqeWETo2W0BCgrPgaBIxnA7cgUbiMItOC32B89JTtz0Mk_lmJS8GlXXrLp-DGI3w7OvUKFrv3BLjcx8PvwMwMG_2y1ISE5qG930nSipWlJYsg4jrnltVry/w240-h320/409078854_10231692284839665_1103106378662168973_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> One of the biggest life-changing realizations that I have learned on this caregiving journey is that God is unchanged. He didn't throw in the towel when Chris had the wreck. He didn't explain that He no longer knew what was going on and so He'd be stepping down and relinquishing the throne. He stayed God. And more than that - He didn't change one iota. This world would be in a huge mess if God changed in response to my thoughts and emotions. It would be more than a crazy place! lol. <p></p><p>Early on, while we were in the hospital for those initial four months, it dawned on me that God was unchanged. And even though it felt like my heart, hope, faith, and all light and life had been ripped out of my soul - He was still the same. It did take me some time to redefine my faith - and it took me even longer to find a way to trust God again, but He patiently waited until I calmed down and brought it all back to Him. That's when I realized He'd been the one who wiped the tears from my soul and cradled the many pieces of my heart, and nourished it back to health. </p><p>He never left me, even when I was screaming and kicking and yelling about how He'd abandoned my son. He'd failed to protect us and keep all of life's bad stuff away. What arrogance. It was a great day when I realized I still needed Him. I still needed Him to carry me, shield me, keep my soul, and just be near. He was so willing, even after all my rants. I love Him for that.</p><p>We can continue to praise God, even when things don't go our way. As a matter of fact, when we praise Him in the middle of the battle, in the darkest part of the night, while standing in a pool of our own blood, sweat, and tears - it is there we learn to trust Him most. It is during the dark night of our souls that we learn who He really is. That's when He is unchained in our hearts and lives. Right there in that deepest, darkest cave is where we see how the Creator still works with nothing to make something of our lives.</p><p>Today, I will turn my emotions, thoughts, crazy thoughts, and meditations into prayers. I'll start by thanking Him for staying with me on this journey. I will praise Him for carrying me along the way on the rocky cliffside of caregiving. My thoughts will be on how He may not rescue me from the cliff - but He'll never let me fall into destruction. I'll remind myself that He still has me. He still has us. He still has the whole world in His hands, and I'll unchain His work in my life by reminding myself that I can trust Him - the one who is unchanged by circumstances. Will you join me?</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">___________________________________________________________</p><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Paperback, Kindle, or eBook</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/s4025/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bookcover of Affirmations for Caregivers" border="0" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="2500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/w124-h200/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" width="124" /></a></div><br /><i>Affirmations for Caregivers </i>contains an affirmation, a verse or two to read, and a prompt for a very short response for each day for a month or 31 days. You can download the eBook from the <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p14/affirmations-caregivers.html" target="_blank">Dove's Fire Ministries Bookstore</a> right now and print it and and start today! The print version is also now available on<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNZYKVW3?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520&fbclid=IwAR38SIDo3dkhC-CqeH5AiNxGSRv7lw5Q2Sa-DBtbPD_Uoh0vIpgzDfnLG9o" target="_blank"> Amazon</a>! Check it out!</div><p><br /></p>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-41153087239982164742024-03-01T07:05:00.000-08:002024-03-01T07:06:33.579-08:00Circumstantial Evidence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWcyvuZ_nczRPtmmDNX9BqDFQ3V95B761BdWV0R0ZyGxuRrpSaUk7fbAfehouNYJFOU1cmIkmj7Q2L14LWMsoHnSTC_UsyZDkE1tx8Jqx_tN6FCrs2Mjh3cVQ9iDWsByjM5FZ2YnqVUuJXnKBnuZ9nsr2NmqWlZiIGzFHb5-QqbUtY8_lHjDp88QQAMKB/s960/2BE33688-7358-476B-9A26-302C3D6FDF79.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chris standing up looking at a park" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWcyvuZ_nczRPtmmDNX9BqDFQ3V95B761BdWV0R0ZyGxuRrpSaUk7fbAfehouNYJFOU1cmIkmj7Q2L14LWMsoHnSTC_UsyZDkE1tx8Jqx_tN6FCrs2Mjh3cVQ9iDWsByjM5FZ2YnqVUuJXnKBnuZ9nsr2NmqWlZiIGzFHb5-QqbUtY8_lHjDp88QQAMKB/w320-h320/2BE33688-7358-476B-9A26-302C3D6FDF79.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />This morning, I was reading about Caleb in the book of Joshua. I kind of let my mind camp there in the passage in chapter 14. This is the part of the story where the Children of Israel are taking the land that God had promised to give them when they first left Egypt. Caleb was one of the 12 spies sent over to check out the promised land. Of those 12 spies, 10 brought back a bad report based on fear and what they saw. But Joshua and Caleb, who saw the exact same things as the other 10, said they could take the land. The people believed the negative report instead of what God had said. That's why they started a 40-year trek in the wilderness.<div><br /></div><div>In chapter 14, the 40-year excursion has ended and Caleb is standing at the foot of the mountain God promised him for bringing back a good report, one based on faith, not the circumstances. He begins explaining to Joshua (who, remember, was the other spy who brought back a faith-filled report) that God has been with him, and he has followed God completely. (v.8)</div><div><br /></div><div>He goes on to explain that he wants what is rightfully his. He makes a lot of positive confessions or declarations as he presents his case to Joshua.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>I am just as strong as I was back then...</i></li><li><i>I can still travel...</i></li><li><i>I can still fight...</i></li><li><i>I will drive the enemy out...</i></li></ul><div>Sometimes, we focus on the faith statements, and that's a good place to be. But Caleb wasn't ignoring his circumstances. In verse 10, he acknowledges the obvious - <i>I am 85 years old. </i>In that one statement, he summed up what others were most likely thinking about him as he stood before Joshua. He had some circumstantial evidence to overcome in order to win his battles.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>As caregivers, our circumstantial evidence is a much longer list than just our age, although that is on my list. Most likely there are a lot of other pieces of evidence or excuses why we can't walk in victory and have the things God promised us. In this passage, I learned that it is okay to acknowledge the situation. It's tough. It's an uphill climb. It's draining emotionally and physically. But we still have the promise of a God who is with us. </div><div><br /></div><div>Caleb's final plea in verse 12 was this: <i>If the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the Lord said. </i>I love that he sandwiched his declaration between two attributes of God. <i>God is with me.</i> That's such an important truth for the caregiver, and we talk about it a lot! And the second part was: <i>Just as the Lord said. God didn't tell Caleb, "Never mind, I forgot you'd be 85 when you got here."</i> God didn't take back the promise because of the circumstances. And He's not going to change His mind about us, either.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today, I will remind myself that my circumstances did not take God by surprise. I'll meditate on the things He promised me, from the simple stuff like peace, love, grace, mercy, and His presence to the big personal stuff! I'll make a point to put the truths of what God has said and that He is with me before and after my declarations as I trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?</div><div><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">___________________________________________________________</p><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Paperback, Kindle, or eBook</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/s4025/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bookcover of Affirmations for Caregivers" border="0" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="2500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/w124-h200/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" width="124" /></a></div><br /><i>Affirmations for Caregivers </i>contains an affirmation, a verse or two to read, and a prompt for a very short response for each day for a month or 31 days. You can download the eBook from the <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p14/affirmations-caregivers.html" target="_blank">Dove's Fire Ministries Bookstore</a> right now and print it and and start today! The print version is also now available on<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNZYKVW3?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520&fbclid=IwAR38SIDo3dkhC-CqeH5AiNxGSRv7lw5Q2Sa-DBtbPD_Uoh0vIpgzDfnLG9o" target="_blank"> Amazon</a>! Check it out!</div><p><br /></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-74678461839461014862024-02-28T07:10:00.000-08:002024-02-28T07:10:14.865-08:00Undisputable<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wjcSaC94tOeLH8Rb1Y127yg70ecTQwJ2o622ghZF4a_VrGnkDERcVRHUP3POB_uvSMvC-cJlZHQz4512q8BLXxrCNObteHAgvDxY3atVCV1sc9kwHDM8srAdVrdFuEWNtfWfqzpZdnLKMy1A364Ewg-mJp2Er-1RqGHbDJDGFrd8CQs_Ntn5u5laOyn3/s2048/409058699_10231649610852842_8362900226159285526_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Chris in his batman shirt" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wjcSaC94tOeLH8Rb1Y127yg70ecTQwJ2o622ghZF4a_VrGnkDERcVRHUP3POB_uvSMvC-cJlZHQz4512q8BLXxrCNObteHAgvDxY3atVCV1sc9kwHDM8srAdVrdFuEWNtfWfqzpZdnLKMy1A364Ewg-mJp2Er-1RqGHbDJDGFrd8CQs_Ntn5u5laOyn3/w240-h320/409058699_10231649610852842_8362900226159285526_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> If you've followed along with this blog for a long, then you know I have quite a few favorite scriptures. I reserve the right to pick new favorites whenever it suits my fancy. Lol. I say this because this morning, I discovered a new favorite scripture during my morning studies. I was actually taking another deep dive into Psalm 23 when a reference sent me off onto a rabbit trail. It turned out to be a great trail to be on! Lol.<p></p><p>I found myself in Ezekiel 34. Odd place, right? He's perhaps one of the most misunderstood prophets in the Old Testament. I mean, really, a lot of his visions are foggy at best, and it can seem as if Ezekiel is disconnected from reality. But he demonstrates the heart of the prophet in this passage. That has always been to turn people's hearts back to the God who loves them.</p><p>In Ezekiel 34:11 in the New Living Translation (1996), it says <i>For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: </i><b style="font-style: italic;">I myself will search and find my sheep. </b>He's not going to pawn it off on His hired hands, angels, pastors, or anyone else. God is actively looking for His sheep. And the fact that He <b>will</b> find them (us) is indisputable.</p><p>When God says that He will find His sheep, who is going to try to dispute that? Only a fool! It's indisputable truth like this verse that keeps driving me to the heart of God. Knowing that He can't leave me - doesn't even have the capacity to leave since He's literally everywhere - He chooses to walk with us through time. He offers us a constant flow of His strength, peace, love, grace, and mercies. These indisputables are definitely what carry the caregiver through each day. At least, it's what carries this caregiver.</p><p>Today, I'll remind myself of the undisputable characteristics of God. My meditations will be on how He provides for me and keeps my soul safely tucked inside His heart. My thoughts will be on His protective power and His willingness to walk through the nitty-gritty of caregiving with me. I'll remind myself that He's not just waiting "on the other side," but He is actively pursuing a relationship with me - with us. Today, I'll let Him catch me, and then, I'll trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">____________________________________________________________</p><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Now Published in Paperback!</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/s4025/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bookcover of Affirmations for Caregivers" border="0" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="2500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/w124-h200/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" width="124" /></a></div><br /><i>Affirmations for Caregivers </i>contains an affirmation, a verse or two to read, and a prompt for a very short response for each day for a month or 31 days. You can download the eBook from the <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p14/affirmations-caregivers.html" target="_blank">Dove's Fire Ministries Bookstore</a> right now and print it and and start today! The print version is also now available on<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNZYKVW3?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520&fbclid=IwAR38SIDo3dkhC-CqeH5AiNxGSRv7lw5Q2Sa-DBtbPD_Uoh0vIpgzDfnLG9o" target="_blank"> Amazon</a>! Check it out!</div><p><br /></p>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-66916103766509718962024-02-27T07:14:00.000-08:002024-02-27T07:17:40.712-08:00Wash, Rinse, Repeat<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg063gJEgg1U8tiPxjIGAug-kGGrHqUVfdu01STLWng9Sz7fFy1cbKDykK0vDTxm0y_zkZlInypl7Eyg4It5wZapNZc1uW3jEsPkd80dBs-tPyJSIxB22ZZH695M4yEVMKW4hdUTeDTJydNq017QgxwymEpYeovANj8qCQDsuQ-Umcne4RXIhIOG63bzb4t/s2048/428607398_10231645641513611_8521724478439952649_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Chris at the pickle ball courts in our complex" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg063gJEgg1U8tiPxjIGAug-kGGrHqUVfdu01STLWng9Sz7fFy1cbKDykK0vDTxm0y_zkZlInypl7Eyg4It5wZapNZc1uW3jEsPkd80dBs-tPyJSIxB22ZZH695M4yEVMKW4hdUTeDTJydNq017QgxwymEpYeovANj8qCQDsuQ-Umcne4RXIhIOG63bzb4t/w240-h320/428607398_10231645641513611_8521724478439952649_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> Caregiving days can often seem a bit like the classic movie hit <i>Groundhog Day. </i>Honestly, I've never watched the whole movie, but I get the idea that the star lived the same day over and over again. I think caregiving can seem that way sometimes. We get up each morning and start doing the same tasks that we finished yesterday. But at the same time, it can go crazy. Doctor visits, home health nurses, and even respite care can interrupt our "schedules." No matter how many interruptions we have to work through, welcomed or not, there are so many caregiving tasks that are must-dos, period.<p></p><p>Sometimes, I look back and wonder how I've got as much done as I did, but still, I feel that so much is left undone. It's a vicious cycle, at best. </p><p>The good thing is that no matter how hectic our days are or how mundane they seem - God walks them with us. There's no dispute that caregiving is hard work. But while we are washing, rinsing, and repeating our daily tasks, there are some spiritual applications that need to be washed, rinsed, and repeated, too.</p><p>Anxieties come. Problems develop. Situations get sticky. Need I go on? I think you get the point! Lol! The key is to put our minds and hearts on autopilot, too. How does that work? As soon as a situation arises, prayer should kick in. Anxiety rares its ugly head? Give it to God. If we can figure out how to put our prayer life and trusting God with everything on a wash, rinse, repeat cycle - we can close the gap between when things go south and His peace reigns again in our hearts and minds.</p><p>Today, I am going to task myself with shortening the distance between the crazy caregiving stuff and giving it to God in prayer. Before I let my head run off with crazy scenarios over something that does or doesn't happen, I'll turn it into a prayer and hand it off to God. My meditations will be on how He is always right here - waiting for me to wait on Him. And today, I plan on closing the gap between my fears and His hope, between my doubts and His mercy, and between my anxiety and His peace. I will trust Him for one more day, will you join me?</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">__________________________________________________</p><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Are you enjoying the Caregiver Affirmations and Videos?</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/s4025/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bookcover of Affirmations for Caregivers" border="0" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="2500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/w124-h200/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>I have created a video series on my <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLnKCaBeFN2zsmGgBHobNfOyomoEX_SzZD/videos" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>. It goes over the affirmation each morning. The videos are only a couple of minutes long. You can get the Affirmations for Caregivers book in several places. You can download it and have the eBook right now from my <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p14/affirmations-caregivers.html" target="_blank">bookstore</a>. It's also now available on Kindle or in print from<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNZYKVW3?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520&fbclid=IwAR38SIDo3dkhC-CqeH5AiNxGSRv7lw5Q2Sa-DBtbPD_Uoh0vIpgzDfnLG9o" target="_blank"> Amazon</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><p><br /></p>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-83190035083635137172024-02-20T07:10:00.000-08:002024-02-20T07:10:15.299-08:00On the Other Side<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkxHX3xLCGDm9JIqi1EN8LBCpTWE-3yZU93rejhk88lGF7aZAPHdqz-AMcXUFdvI0YuDCFgBX6knHBiKqFozm_FOsMmhaqJmITxWflBnnE6b3Wzw9HX4sYJYrX8nqKtG7VYQFoSofcVOjpikZh0X0m8MCKry8ZTXagCKxY_hle86DlHEveOl3fnNv5kNX/s583/428302470_10231627552701402_3592623694803297324_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chris in his standing frame - giving me "the look"" border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="370" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkxHX3xLCGDm9JIqi1EN8LBCpTWE-3yZU93rejhk88lGF7aZAPHdqz-AMcXUFdvI0YuDCFgBX6knHBiKqFozm_FOsMmhaqJmITxWflBnnE6b3Wzw9HX4sYJYrX8nqKtG7VYQFoSofcVOjpikZh0X0m8MCKry8ZTXagCKxY_hle86DlHEveOl3fnNv5kNX/w203-h320/428302470_10231627552701402_3592623694803297324_n.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><br />Caregiving is not easy, no matter what the situation we are in. As caregivers, we deal with so many layers of emotions. We also have a wide variety of circumstances and responsibilities that make up our days. Each day is oddly the same and very different at the same time. It can certainly keep us on edge! I'm pretty sure that wasn't the edge Aerosmith was singing about when he sang <i>Living on the Edge. </i>Lol. But it sure seems like we can find ourselves there over and over again. (Maybe it's just me?)<p></p><p>No matter what the specifics of our unique caregiving circumstances, on the other side, is a testimony. When my son was injured in that car accident over 15 years ago, I couldn't even imagine the future. Those initial 4+ months in the hospital were dark days. But now they have become my testimony of how God's grace carries us through those cave-like experiences life can put us in.</p><p>In Psalm 77, Asaph is evidently going through a very difficult time. He is crying out in the first part of the psalm and asking if God can still hear him, why it seems like God is not helping, and wondering if God sees his trouble. He was searching for God, just like we search for Him during our caregiving days. I do not know what Asaph was going through, but it seemed to be dark and troubling. </p><p>Asaph expresses his emotions and asks his questions (yes, that is allowed!!!). Then in verse 11, Asaph decides that since he cannot see God doing anything in his present - he'll draw from his past. He begins to remind himself of all God has already done. I wonder if this is how David "encouraged himself" in the Lord, too?</p><p>No matter what we are walking through today, it will soon be our testimony. We'll be able to look back on it and see how God brought us through - even if we can't see anything from here.</p><p>Today, I will spend some time thinking about this amazing caregiving journey. My thoughts will be on how God has been with me all along, and I've never spent half a second without Him near me. I'll encourage my own heart with stories of how He showed up and showed out on my behalf in days gone by. I'll rejoice that today will just be another day that He carries me through. Will you join me?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">_______________________________________________________</p><div><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Book of the Week!</h3><div><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_37F4SmCtSI0k7BnLnYQ7-wAKgXliT8wkxmjzpjdaCFK7mDhCXD2h7nELq48d3P6gSfWSph7BgWgJ6cIjp0zThduDI4g-62_ztLauSBwB2deufvbbtzh39DsRluFGGVwJ0QZPsi_yiX7OdO4EWOSurDmlm5tTMTWoCNYfDEZS_74gc6YagcqN5ITLowu/s600/cover3d-1john.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cover of the 1 John Bible Study guide" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="484" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_37F4SmCtSI0k7BnLnYQ7-wAKgXliT8wkxmjzpjdaCFK7mDhCXD2h7nELq48d3P6gSfWSph7BgWgJ6cIjp0zThduDI4g-62_ztLauSBwB2deufvbbtzh39DsRluFGGVwJ0QZPsi_yiX7OdO4EWOSurDmlm5tTMTWoCNYfDEZS_74gc6YagcqN5ITLowu/w161-h200/cover3d-1john.png" width="161" /></a></div><br />This week's book of the week is my 1 John Study Guide. <span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The
questions are open-ended, hopefully making you think about the scriptures so
you can apply them. There are no right or wrong answers, just applicable and
practical ones. Take a discovery trip through 1 John and let the truths
challenge your heart and deepen your walk with God. Order the print or Kindle version through my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/John-Study-Guide-Jeanie-Olinger-ebook/dp/B08T8D66MP?ref_=ast_author_dp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.C9LH1i_cQVFItEsxN8sfThEU9IqNesENeqIM5d9vB6dJT9rkt0fX45KEZyzKpgQnNhmYqqR2sdaN_uVwIT4Q0zkuyC2oWxIsRB9uV-h_fYNbaE6N1tC1zE1jXl58OW6o1lpSAbrsir7qxm9XTrv3TqWEwRm3pNSfhSy-KKqdZAnvvZHLUuLBVw7WBikHeaLR.PB5fPxPrITGcP9maDr8Duwj7zqOKg2zdXrb8EZeKih8&dib_tag=AUTHOR" target="_blank">Amazon</a> bookstore, or download the eBook from my <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p3/1john-bible-study-guide.html" target="_blank">DFM bookstore</a>. You'll enjoy it!</span><p></p><span style="font-family: "Aptos",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
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<!--[endif]--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><i>. </i></div></div><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br /></h3></div></div><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br /></p><div><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br /></h3></div></div>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-30337444411525006142024-02-17T06:54:00.000-08:002024-02-17T06:54:30.090-08:00Good Company<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN41q-m4BxjB18VFucWLb7kbpQD_mpcYRwYO8U42aoesJ_q1vIxC6aEurOctFyrdGVHKOyIhvj5lLwSo2XXRWnB9jcijSbbQWFlzadME_63T5oSDZmb859u_ZQnQOn-qOxGkBbdCBzdH8LCN5qIi0gY4pU0ZHrKAqcUtf40Zb58tfUCeAbUugBy-hXXvoe/s701/chris%20101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chris getting ready to go out" border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN41q-m4BxjB18VFucWLb7kbpQD_mpcYRwYO8U42aoesJ_q1vIxC6aEurOctFyrdGVHKOyIhvj5lLwSo2XXRWnB9jcijSbbQWFlzadME_63T5oSDZmb859u_ZQnQOn-qOxGkBbdCBzdH8LCN5qIi0gY4pU0ZHrKAqcUtf40Zb58tfUCeAbUugBy-hXXvoe/w240-h320/chris%20101.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> Do you ever just get tired? Lately, I've been the kind of tiredness that goes way beyond the physical tiredness. I'm soul tired, from the inside out and the outside in. I don't <i>feel</i> like doing anything. Of course, that cannot happen because we are caregivers. We can't just decide to take a day off. Shoot. We can't even just take an hour or a minute off some days. The good thing is that I have built a few strategies for myself that help out a little bit when I am overloaded. Before I head down that dark spiral that my soul is trying to pursue, I can stop it by doing a few things.<p></p><p>Sometimes, I just stop and watch a movie. That helps me get outside my own head for a few minutes. It may sound silly, but sometimes, it gives my brain just enough of a break to help. I also try to get up and move. Cleaning and organizing can be helpful for redirecting my energy outward. It also has some lasting benefits for at least a few days. Lol. I can either walk on my treadmill or ride my cheapo stationary bike for some helpful exercise. Increasing circulation can help improve your mood and actually release endorphins. But when those strategies don't work, or it's already too late - then what?</p><p>This morning I was just feeling tired through and through. It started yesterday, actually. I watched a movie last night and enjoyed it - but now I am behind on work. Lol. No worries, that's just how I pay the bills, right? Lol. I made my coffee and opened my Bible, as my custom has been most of my adult life. A few things sparked my interest in Deuteronomy, believe it or not. So, I did a little studying and wrote down a few notes. Then a verse spoke of Abraham's promise. That sent me to Galatians, where I knew it said we are also his seed and fruit of his faith. </p><p>Ultimately, I found the perfect verse for today. It's in Galatians 6:9. In the NLT, it says this: <i>So, don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessings at the appropriate time. </i>This verse grabbed me and encouraged me this morning. I started thinking about all the other don't-give-uppers in the Bible. Just a few:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Moses, who had an identity crisis - am I Egyptian or am I an Israelite?</li><li>Joseph, who was betrayed and sold into slavery by his own brothers.</li><li>Paul and Silas, who were in jail, but not for breaking the law.</li><li>Daniel, who was a captive all his life.</li></ul><div>Thinking about these Bible heroes reminded me that I was in good company. They all had many reasons to give up and waste away. And no one would have blamed them, right? If they can hold on and continue to trust God, surely I can too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today, I will encourage myself with the stories of the things they walked through with their faith intact. </div><div>My declaration will be that I will continue to trust God no matter what I see, feel, or experience. I've trusted Him this far, right? I think I can trust Him for just one more day. Will you join me?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">_______________________________________________________</p><div><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Book of the Week!</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha69YsHdeke4-T7_ztnmX3T80ZFylDtDR9H19AbnYvCT2gMYMXvn10F7RMC0W5TT6oWgXP25xaWOJiGbJQl7Pp_BizK_cUTdmdnK3GZIuqstR1hYhNwiaH3lqhCaUGIwE7uQL1R95OCMt2sDSrXNrZuLtRtPZiBJAs72ZU_5d14BXUG-fCOHS-jpMlLzHh/s4025/project-1438140-cover%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cover of my book "The Year Orange Juice Saved My Life"" border="0" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="2500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha69YsHdeke4-T7_ztnmX3T80ZFylDtDR9H19AbnYvCT2gMYMXvn10F7RMC0W5TT6oWgXP25xaWOJiGbJQl7Pp_BizK_cUTdmdnK3GZIuqstR1hYhNwiaH3lqhCaUGIwE7uQL1R95OCMt2sDSrXNrZuLtRtPZiBJAs72ZU_5d14BXUG-fCOHS-jpMlLzHh/w124-h200/project-1438140-cover%20(1).jpg" width="124" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br />The book of the week for this week is <i>The Year Orange Juice Saved my Life. </i>It's the story of the year I was very sick with a mystery illness. It was a rough road, but God carried me through that time, and I just started getting better one day. The only explanation is my testimony of how He healed me. You can read this moving and encouraging story on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Year-Orange-Juice-Saved-Life-ebook/dp/B0CQHFVW77?ref_=ast_author_dp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.C9LH1i_cQVFItEsxN8sfThEU9IqNesENeqIM5d9vB6dJT9rkt0fX45KEZyzKpgQnNhmYqqR2sdaN_uVwIT4Q0zkuyC2oWxIsRB9uV-h_fYNbaE6N1tC1zE1jXl58OW6o1lpSAbrsir7qxm9XTrv3TqWEwRm3pNSfhSy-KKqdZAnvvZHLUuLBVw7WBikHeaLR.PB5fPxPrITGcP9maDr8Duwj7zqOKg2zdXrb8EZeKih8&dib_tag=AUTHOR" target="_blank">Kindle</a>. You can also download the eBook from my <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p15/orange-juice-miracles.html" target="_blank">DFM bookstore</a>.</div></div><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br /></h3></div></div><p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-21093655601563705142024-02-14T07:05:00.000-08:002024-02-14T07:05:36.774-08:00Small? Thanks Paul<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiV4sbA7NWpeJ0veRpL5PZvRj-iSpXd1Mzx1sqNbV_E1asJwAmlRVCl9JHcrFsM7Vsbh4P2oJmVaB-ooawUA99NwwEJzoyZfD3_KSm_pO0_2K72R_ck8pcBcUE7T3tH6FaN77YQnXc97UQxb_3Wz0lFsHI-X5XmiVr_jfbihgG14OMNLKQoEOY53R4RZV_/s960/Aunt%20Polly%20and%20Mama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My mama and Aunt Polly" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiV4sbA7NWpeJ0veRpL5PZvRj-iSpXd1Mzx1sqNbV_E1asJwAmlRVCl9JHcrFsM7Vsbh4P2oJmVaB-ooawUA99NwwEJzoyZfD3_KSm_pO0_2K72R_ck8pcBcUE7T3tH6FaN77YQnXc97UQxb_3Wz0lFsHI-X5XmiVr_jfbihgG14OMNLKQoEOY53R4RZV_/w240-h320/Aunt%20Polly%20and%20Mama.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> Even though we are all caregivers, our stories are vastly different. Some of us care for elderly loved ones. Others care for children. Some may care for a sibling or a spouse. We can definitely have a degree of compassion and understanding for one another as caregivers, but the scenarios vary greatly between each of our situations. <p></p><p>The ones we care for may be totally mobile and able to perform some daily tasks. Or they may be immobile and need total care. Others may be somewhere in between as far as the level of care goes. Sometimes, we care for someone who is okay physically but not functioning well mentally, such as dementia. Other times, caregivers care for a loved one who is okay mentally but needs help with daily care due to physical limitations. Those we care for can fall anywhere on the spectrum when it comes to the type and care they need. We are all caregivers, so we can relate. One thing we can't do is compare because no two situations are quite the same. We tend to try to measure our situations to see who has it worse sometimes. But we are each one in the thick of it and dealing with our situations as best we can.</p><p>Paul said it's all <i style="font-weight: bold;">small. </i>I thought about being offended for a minute. Lol. In 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul says <i>For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they <b>produce for us</b> an immeasurably great glory that will last forever. </i>(NLT) He goes on to encourage the believers in Corinth to focus on what they cannot see (God) and not on what they can see (struggles, troubles, distress). I can't take this advice from just anyone if I'm honest. But Paul has enough blood on his testimony that his words bear more weight.</p><p>The dude was beaten several times, stoned nearly to death once, shipwrecked several times, and when he wrote this letter, he was locked up in prison for the gospel, not wrongdoing. I guess maybe Paul understood keeping our eyes on the unseen God rather than our circumstances that we <i>feel </i>and <i>see.</i></p><p>Today, I will task myself with keeping my focus on the God I cannot see with my physical eyes. The struggle comes because of the things we have to carry out, right? Although caregiving doesn't have a pause button, I'll try to shift my focus to the God who is helping me deal. My eyes will be on the God who walks through this with me. I'll meditate on the God of grace, mercy, and peace - the One who is always with me - while I carry out my caregiving tasks today. I believe I can trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?</p><p><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">_______________________________________________________</p><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Book of the Week!</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha69YsHdeke4-T7_ztnmX3T80ZFylDtDR9H19AbnYvCT2gMYMXvn10F7RMC0W5TT6oWgXP25xaWOJiGbJQl7Pp_BizK_cUTdmdnK3GZIuqstR1hYhNwiaH3lqhCaUGIwE7uQL1R95OCMt2sDSrXNrZuLtRtPZiBJAs72ZU_5d14BXUG-fCOHS-jpMlLzHh/s4025/project-1438140-cover%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cover of my book "The Year Orange Juice Saved My Life"" border="0" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="2500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha69YsHdeke4-T7_ztnmX3T80ZFylDtDR9H19AbnYvCT2gMYMXvn10F7RMC0W5TT6oWgXP25xaWOJiGbJQl7Pp_BizK_cUTdmdnK3GZIuqstR1hYhNwiaH3lqhCaUGIwE7uQL1R95OCMt2sDSrXNrZuLtRtPZiBJAs72ZU_5d14BXUG-fCOHS-jpMlLzHh/w124-h200/project-1438140-cover%20(1).jpg" width="124" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br />The book of the week for this week is <i>The Year Orange Juice Saved my Life. </i>It's the story of the year I was very sick with a mystery illness. It was a rough road, but God carried me through that time, and I just started getting better one day. The only explanation is my testimony of how He healed me. You can read this moving and encouraging story on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Year-Orange-Juice-Saved-Life-ebook/dp/B0CQHFVW77?ref_=ast_author_dp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.C9LH1i_cQVFItEsxN8sfThEU9IqNesENeqIM5d9vB6dJT9rkt0fX45KEZyzKpgQnNhmYqqR2sdaN_uVwIT4Q0zkuyC2oWxIsRB9uV-h_fYNbaE6N1tC1zE1jXl58OW6o1lpSAbrsir7qxm9XTrv3TqWEwRm3pNSfhSy-KKqdZAnvvZHLUuLBVw7WBikHeaLR.PB5fPxPrITGcP9maDr8Duwj7zqOKg2zdXrb8EZeKih8&dib_tag=AUTHOR" target="_blank">Kindle</a>. You can also download the eBook from my <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p15/orange-juice-miracles.html" target="_blank">DFM bookstore</a>.</div></div><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br /></h3></div><p><br /></p>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-48554457127320269622024-02-12T07:31:00.000-08:002024-02-12T07:31:43.317-08:00Keep Digging<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAqwXtYdJG7MLhK5vITgGXaT9Zx3G2TQY2VVTmO6U18E630A5iuQPR2w1hQIdqkrOmbHgPV2RKtWtvtcGZNyV6Va2425vEyuxb8-XCjFpSr2UJm2Eete8vUTqnnMAweOqeWZnDw9HqMrKxSvpW1gXJHO2Db1__fqJKvvx5n2_tmvlZXAbFtRDwRZYBe0-/s2048/Chris%20and%20Aunt%20Mary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Aunt Mary and Chris" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAqwXtYdJG7MLhK5vITgGXaT9Zx3G2TQY2VVTmO6U18E630A5iuQPR2w1hQIdqkrOmbHgPV2RKtWtvtcGZNyV6Va2425vEyuxb8-XCjFpSr2UJm2Eete8vUTqnnMAweOqeWZnDw9HqMrKxSvpW1gXJHO2Db1__fqJKvvx5n2_tmvlZXAbFtRDwRZYBe0-/w240-h320/Chris%20and%20Aunt%20Mary.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> Over the last year or so, my son has made significant improvements. I beefed up his diet, kept him on CBD, which helps reduce stiffness and tone, and added a type of light therapy, and he's been working with an exceptional therapist/healer at the 34 Project. And, of course, it's all bathed and covered in prayer! TBIs are not supposed to be getting this much better at this stage, but he just keeps improving. Thank God.<p></p><p>So, over the weekend, a friend asked me how I dealt with the progress. He asked how I was going to feel when my son takes that first real step on his own or starts walking. Then, he asked how I deal with the small steps of progress I'm seeing day to day. His question, in the context of the conversation, seemed to indicate that progress was a stopping point. I told him that I didn't have time to stop. The analogy I used was that of digging a mine. You don't stop when you find a gold nugget - but it inspires you and drives you to keep digging deeper.</p><p>Isn't that what we have to do day after day? Enjoy the light spots, even when they are few and far between, but keep focused on the big picture of caregiving? We don't even have time to enjoy the happy times when we get the opportunity. Of course, we are thankful, but there is still so much to do. We just have to keep digging. We dig until we find the grace we need for the moment, enjoy it for a second, and then go right back to digging. We dig through so much in a day to find His grace and peace. Most of the time, we are digging through tons of emotional stuff and just trying to make it to the end of the day with our faith still in tact. But the best part about it is that He meets us right where we are every single time. He's not tapping his foot, silently signaling for us to hurry up. He's just with. And having that knowledge can't be beat.</p><p>Because when God is <b>with</b> - His peace is there. His grace is there. His patience is there. His strength is there. His everything-we-need-to-keep-digging for the day is right there with us. He doesn't measure the depth or darkness of the cave. He is just with.</p><p>Today, I'll remind myself that God is still right here in my right now. I may take a few minutes to meditate on the power of His with-ness. When we move, He moves. If we sit, He sits with. If we fall due to fatigue - He remains with - and gives us the strength to make it one more step. One more dig. One more day. I will trust Him with today. Will you join me?</p><p><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">_______________________________________________________</p><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Book of the Week!</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha69YsHdeke4-T7_ztnmX3T80ZFylDtDR9H19AbnYvCT2gMYMXvn10F7RMC0W5TT6oWgXP25xaWOJiGbJQl7Pp_BizK_cUTdmdnK3GZIuqstR1hYhNwiaH3lqhCaUGIwE7uQL1R95OCMt2sDSrXNrZuLtRtPZiBJAs72ZU_5d14BXUG-fCOHS-jpMlLzHh/s4025/project-1438140-cover%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cover of my book "The Year Orange Juice Saved My Life"" border="0" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="2500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha69YsHdeke4-T7_ztnmX3T80ZFylDtDR9H19AbnYvCT2gMYMXvn10F7RMC0W5TT6oWgXP25xaWOJiGbJQl7Pp_BizK_cUTdmdnK3GZIuqstR1hYhNwiaH3lqhCaUGIwE7uQL1R95OCMt2sDSrXNrZuLtRtPZiBJAs72ZU_5d14BXUG-fCOHS-jpMlLzHh/w124-h200/project-1438140-cover%20(1).jpg" width="124" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br />The book of the week for this week is <i>The Year Orange Juice Saved my Life. </i>It's the story of the year I was very sick with a mystery illness. It was a rough road, but God carried me through that time, and I just started getting better one day. The only explanation is my testimony of how He healed me. You can read this moving and encouraging story on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Year-Orange-Juice-Saved-Life-ebook/dp/B0CQHFVW77?ref_=ast_author_dp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.C9LH1i_cQVFItEsxN8sfThEU9IqNesENeqIM5d9vB6dJT9rkt0fX45KEZyzKpgQnNhmYqqR2sdaN_uVwIT4Q0zkuyC2oWxIsRB9uV-h_fYNbaE6N1tC1zE1jXl58OW6o1lpSAbrsir7qxm9XTrv3TqWEwRm3pNSfhSy-KKqdZAnvvZHLUuLBVw7WBikHeaLR.PB5fPxPrITGcP9maDr8Duwj7zqOKg2zdXrb8EZeKih8&dib_tag=AUTHOR" target="_blank">Kindle</a>. You can also download the eBook from my <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p15/orange-juice-miracles.html" target="_blank">DFM bookstore</a>.</div></div><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br /></h3></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-50618212644542910032024-02-10T07:11:00.000-08:002024-02-10T07:11:04.825-08:00Caregiver's Cave Life<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3iu_yryUS-K8IskuMId-Wiwbm_fiHBWFyQ2M2shbGDM4E4uxBIrG3GDDIY804uO79iWXsEghCnja-1dC2ZWhK_dgWNFxR1fR8seG9YcKxThadx9lDnr1p9_v5U-D9vIZVqSkwIO7KwSqWdjGgEfMvT1Z5L3BI1mYOzv2-tR94qHlB1YNpeJYOTVGd99n/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="me and chris after our first 5K" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1195" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3iu_yryUS-K8IskuMId-Wiwbm_fiHBWFyQ2M2shbGDM4E4uxBIrG3GDDIY804uO79iWXsEghCnja-1dC2ZWhK_dgWNFxR1fR8seG9YcKxThadx9lDnr1p9_v5U-D9vIZVqSkwIO7KwSqWdjGgEfMvT1Z5L3BI1mYOzv2-tR94qHlB1YNpeJYOTVGd99n/w239-h320/001.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /> Many caregivers feel like they are living life in a cave. There can be a sort of forced solitude that comes with caregiving. Personally, I was living my best life, working 3 jobs, socializing with a new church family, and preparing to go to Africa when it was all jerked out from under me. I found myself suddenly in the back of a dark cave, totally separated from the social life I was accustomed to. It didn't get any better soon, either. In some ways, I felt like life jerked me up by the collar and pulled me away from being a people person, shoving me into the back of a dank, dark, deep cave to figure things out for myself.<p></p><p>Maybe all that is why I love Psalm 31 so much and why I find myself returning to it so often. David wrote this psalm from the back of the cave. God had anointed him as king, so he had the promise of better days ahead, but for the moment, he found himself crouched down and hiding in the back of a cave. He didn't mince any words about how he felt. David used phrases that are taboo in some "faith" circles. He said he was grieving, weak, forgotten, fearful, and broken. (Psalm 31:9-13) It brought such freedom to my soul when I realized that if David could be frank and honest with God about how he felt, so could I. </p><p><b>God gets us.</b></p><p>He can see us even when we are sitting in the back of a lonely cave or lying there in the fetal position, hoping for some sort of normalcy to return. </p><p>At the same time David was voicing his feelings and pouring them all out before God, he declared that he was going to continue trusting God. His thoughts were still running along the lines of there remaining hope with God and He stated that God knew him - even in adversity, literally "adversities" plural! (v. 7)</p><p>This is what I love about God, He doesn't pack up and leave when life takes a rugged turn, the path before us disappears, or we find ourselves sitting in the back of a dark, emotional cave. <i>We can still trust Him. </i>We did <b>not</b> get there for lack of faith, but the cave is a measure of faith in an odd way. Avoiding the cave isn't faith - but continuing to look to God and trust Him from the back of the cave - <b><i>is faith.</i></b></p><p>Today, my declaration is still that I will trust God. Like David, I'll remind myself that God still has goodness stored up for those of us who fear and trust Him. My thoughts will be on how He is the God of hope, the Faithful God, and the One who is going to continue carrying me through the messes of life. I'll just take a few minutes to enjoy the truth that He is still in my here. I believe I can trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?</p><p><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">_______________________________________________________</p><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Book of the Week!</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkDYRHjTW22q0GjXCixrCoKPZqNsWbHi89CUpchyQN5LLP0zctDZJQLiZL7EVbXe4q4FLMynXo4GMTLb_HRp_BpB4VKhKOELkSvXluMemGpVtLkWb5XulJfiEU5-N6t4izUwtF52kSI0IN8oJ2kC2peODxB1ID8tWZWchlpigaOGWoJy7i3fRlC5q8raA/s600/cover%20tablet%2031%20days.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cover of 31 Days in Psalm 31" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="456" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkDYRHjTW22q0GjXCixrCoKPZqNsWbHi89CUpchyQN5LLP0zctDZJQLiZL7EVbXe4q4FLMynXo4GMTLb_HRp_BpB4VKhKOELkSvXluMemGpVtLkWb5XulJfiEU5-N6t4izUwtF52kSI0IN8oJ2kC2peODxB1ID8tWZWchlpigaOGWoJy7i3fRlC5q8raA/w152-h200/cover%20tablet%2031%20days.png" width="152" /></a></div><br />The book of the week for this week is <i>31 Days in Psalm 31. </i>I found myself returning to that Psalm over and over. It brought so much encouragement and I found so many scriptures that were meditation-worthy, I decided it was a good topic. David wrote this psalm while in a cave hiding from Saul. Since much of my caregiving life feels like it's lived in a cave (we talk about the caregiver's cave a lot!), it seemed appropriate. You can get a Kindle or print version in my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/31-Days-Psalm-happens-spend/dp/B08RTLBCFW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Z3164T3Sr0IMMOA1GJjjT2J7wx3hwrTDVW_zS9FW8BFJT9rkt0fX45KEZyzKpgQnNhmYqqR2sdaN_uVwIT4Q0zkuyC2oWxIsRB9uV-h_fYNbaE6N1tC1zE1jXl58OW6o1lpSAbrsir7qxm9XTrv3TqWEwRm3pNSfhSy-KKqdZAnvvZHLUuLBVw7WBikHeaLR.aG_CGqAtEomlbOBtG6YTLaOuL4G8CGFWywr60QHNwdk&qid=&sr=" target="_blank">Amazon bookstore</a>. Or you can download an eBook from my <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p1/31-days-psalm-31.html" target="_blank">DFM bookstore</a>.</div></div><p><br /></p>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-45010414728154347012024-02-08T07:33:00.000-08:002024-02-08T07:33:35.004-08:00Disruptions<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZys6-tSurXGFUvNFVU9pHfCjZO4Pg3sqdf5WSDJY7AJ1GZCD-2j7kbj12ePojdHQ9ziwxvLU3sdELXV49GK9LsnwNl1H-7DhZ6xtfu2Y35ZR1ymR8D8nOhEycD4YKeKOLd0nBmVSWmdGAbHGoge_CMXG_wJGyvMIhtwWQHrHNQxvzNaKx57eqNte0Drix/s2048/400060284_10231138956366799_57762238344993553_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="my son Greg and Chris" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZys6-tSurXGFUvNFVU9pHfCjZO4Pg3sqdf5WSDJY7AJ1GZCD-2j7kbj12ePojdHQ9ziwxvLU3sdELXV49GK9LsnwNl1H-7DhZ6xtfu2Y35ZR1ymR8D8nOhEycD4YKeKOLd0nBmVSWmdGAbHGoge_CMXG_wJGyvMIhtwWQHrHNQxvzNaKx57eqNte0Drix/w240-h320/400060284_10231138956366799_57762238344993553_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />I'm starting to think that caregiving days are to be organized around disruptions. I'm a planner and an organizer, but I do try to remain flexible inside the "plan." Sometimes, I don't have much notice at all about a doctor or nurse dropping by for a visit. Most of the time, they call ahead, but since I started taking Chris to the 34P two days a week and have a respite aide two other days of the week, it has gotten a bit hectic. It hardly ever fails that I carve out a couple of hours to work on a project; whether it's one of my books or a job for a client, there will be disruptions. Smh.<p></p><p>I suppose it's just part of the caregiving package. Here's the good thing, though, disruptions don't disrupt God or His plan. Now, that's some good news because when it comes to Him working on my behalf, I can be His greatest disruption, or at least that is how it feels sometimes. Good thing He isn't thrown off by them.</p><p>In my FaceBook Live devotion this morning, I talked about God's plan. What we may see and perceive as a disruption doesn't move God one iota. (I'll share the video below.) Jonah's direct disobedience could be seen as a disruption. However, God was way ahead of the game. In Jonah 1:17, it says <i>the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. </i>God had already planned for the prophet's disobedience, it didn't throw Him off at all when Jonah went the opposite direction.</p><p>For me, this is comforting. Why? Because He already planned to walk with me through caregiving. God's plan incorporates all of life's disruptions, caregiving-related or not. Nothing throws Him off of His plan and that is to be with us, give us hope (that's a big one, right?), and to give us a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) Before He said, "Let there be light" He had already planned to walk through time with us. Nothing can disrupt that plan. Disobedience, weakness, sorrow, sadness, doubt, or caregiving can't change His plan or His heart to be with us in time. I love that about God.</p><p>Today, in the middle of the disruptions, I'll remind myself that God's right here with me - because <i>He wants to be.</i> My meditations will be on how He doesn't change His mind when caregiving begins. I'll think about how even in my despair, my deepest, darkest emotional states, the back of the cave, or the best days ever, He chooses to be in them. I will trust that He is with me today too. Will you join me?</p><p><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">_______________________________________________________</p><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Book of the Week!</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkDYRHjTW22q0GjXCixrCoKPZqNsWbHi89CUpchyQN5LLP0zctDZJQLiZL7EVbXe4q4FLMynXo4GMTLb_HRp_BpB4VKhKOELkSvXluMemGpVtLkWb5XulJfiEU5-N6t4izUwtF52kSI0IN8oJ2kC2peODxB1ID8tWZWchlpigaOGWoJy7i3fRlC5q8raA/s600/cover%20tablet%2031%20days.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cover of 31 Days in Psalm 31" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="456" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkDYRHjTW22q0GjXCixrCoKPZqNsWbHi89CUpchyQN5LLP0zctDZJQLiZL7EVbXe4q4FLMynXo4GMTLb_HRp_BpB4VKhKOELkSvXluMemGpVtLkWb5XulJfiEU5-N6t4izUwtF52kSI0IN8oJ2kC2peODxB1ID8tWZWchlpigaOGWoJy7i3fRlC5q8raA/w152-h200/cover%20tablet%2031%20days.png" width="152" /></a></div><br />The book of the week for this week is <i>31 Days in Psalm 31. </i>I found myself returning to that Psalm over and over. It brought so much encouragement and I found so many scriptures that were meditation-worthy, I decided it was a good topic. David wrote this psalm while in a cave hiding from Saul. Since much of my caregiving life feels like it's lived in a cave (we talk about the caregiver's cave a lot!), it seemed appropriate. You can get a Kindle or print version in my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/31-Days-Psalm-happens-spend/dp/B08RTLBCFW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Z3164T3Sr0IMMOA1GJjjT2J7wx3hwrTDVW_zS9FW8BFJT9rkt0fX45KEZyzKpgQnNhmYqqR2sdaN_uVwIT4Q0zkuyC2oWxIsRB9uV-h_fYNbaE6N1tC1zE1jXl58OW6o1lpSAbrsir7qxm9XTrv3TqWEwRm3pNSfhSy-KKqdZAnvvZHLUuLBVw7WBikHeaLR.aG_CGqAtEomlbOBtG6YTLaOuL4G8CGFWywr60QHNwdk&qid=&sr=" target="_blank">Amazon bookstore</a>. Or you can download an eBook from my <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p1/31-days-psalm-31.html" target="_blank">DFM bookstore</a>.</div></div><p><br /></p><p><b>Today's Facebook Live Devotion</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N-zQJQep0lI" width="320" youtube-src-id="N-zQJQep0lI"></iframe></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p><br /></p>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-7243881269978460792024-02-06T07:14:00.000-08:002024-02-06T07:14:21.146-08:00The Purpose<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCa0LxsjqfpVEIz9ZRdslVybUEdPlRfAxpnXWoRjZMouMIy4LSrGuAhJeo8hyphenhyphen_TpeSFCxeVvWOnSTu0sTB5kkIhBtoVSX5_gbkoqAf8_I5SidD6MstdrS35nTlDcXyvNzNnOm1eAAkN04l1SOaIm4Gs7W-QHmiyRagwzR1vZs1pRpY_U0C3NBlxffVNu8c/s960/2BE33688-7358-476B-9A26-302C3D6FDF79.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chris standing up and looking across the park" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCa0LxsjqfpVEIz9ZRdslVybUEdPlRfAxpnXWoRjZMouMIy4LSrGuAhJeo8hyphenhyphen_TpeSFCxeVvWOnSTu0sTB5kkIhBtoVSX5_gbkoqAf8_I5SidD6MstdrS35nTlDcXyvNzNnOm1eAAkN04l1SOaIm4Gs7W-QHmiyRagwzR1vZs1pRpY_U0C3NBlxffVNu8c/w320-h320/2BE33688-7358-476B-9A26-302C3D6FDF79.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Throughout the scriptures, we see that God seeks out people. He started this practice in the very beginning with Adam when He would come and walk in the cool of the day with him. We also have many other stories in the Bible, like how He came to Abraham to establish a covenant. He met Hagar two times when she was in distress. God found Moses alone on the back side of the wilderness. And an angel of God suddenly appeared to Gideon. We also have the New Testament story of the woman at the well. Jesus "needed" to go through Samaria, and the only reason we see recorded was to meet with her. These are just a few of the stories that stand out in my mind. <p></p><p>Most of these people weren't specifically seeking God. He was seeking them. Gideon and Moses both seemed a bit surprised and rehearsed all their weaknesses before the Lord. That didn't stop God, not even for a second. Maybe He wasn't looking for someone with a lot of confidence; it doesn't seem that way, anyway. So, what was He looking for?</p><p>2 Chronicles 16:9 tells us that God looks and searches across the Earth, looking for hearts that are seeking Him. Why? Is it just some big game to Him? Does He find it fun to mess with people's minds, especially people who feel less-than? Of course not! The verse goes on to say that when He finds hearts that are "fully committed" to Him - <b><i>so that He can strengthen them. </i></b></p><p>God uses people who feel they can't talk well (Moses), who feel like they are weak (Gideon), those who are lost without hope (Hagar), and those no one else would choose (the woman at the well). This gives me hope that He can use the lowly caregiver, too! He's not looking for perfect, strong, or the person who has it all together, or at least thinks they do. He just wants a heart that is turned toward Him, that is committed to Him.</p><p>Today, I'll remind myself that God sees past my weaknesses, my inadequacies, my failures, and my goofiness. He sees me. My thoughts will be on how He goes to extremes to find hearts yielded and turned toward Him, even on the backside of the caregiving wilderness. I'll look for God in the mundane today because that's where we are likely to find Him seeking us. My thoughts will be on how He walks with us all day long as we carry out our caregiving tasks. I'll welcome Him into my day and celebrate that He isn't leaving. I can trust Him for today. Will you join me?</p><p><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">_______________________________________________________</p><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Book of the Week!</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkDYRHjTW22q0GjXCixrCoKPZqNsWbHi89CUpchyQN5LLP0zctDZJQLiZL7EVbXe4q4FLMynXo4GMTLb_HRp_BpB4VKhKOELkSvXluMemGpVtLkWb5XulJfiEU5-N6t4izUwtF52kSI0IN8oJ2kC2peODxB1ID8tWZWchlpigaOGWoJy7i3fRlC5q8raA/s600/cover%20tablet%2031%20days.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cover of 31 Days in Psalm 31" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="456" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkDYRHjTW22q0GjXCixrCoKPZqNsWbHi89CUpchyQN5LLP0zctDZJQLiZL7EVbXe4q4FLMynXo4GMTLb_HRp_BpB4VKhKOELkSvXluMemGpVtLkWb5XulJfiEU5-N6t4izUwtF52kSI0IN8oJ2kC2peODxB1ID8tWZWchlpigaOGWoJy7i3fRlC5q8raA/w152-h200/cover%20tablet%2031%20days.png" width="152" /></a></div><br />The book of the week for this week is <i>31 Days in Psalm 31. </i>I found myself returning to that Psalm over and over. It brought so much encouragement and I found so many scriptures that were meditation-worthy, I decided it was a good topic. David wrote this psalm while in a cave hiding from Saul. Since much of my caregiving life feels like it's lived in a cave (we talk about the caregiver's cave a lot!), it seemed appropriate. You can get a Kindle or print version in my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/31-Days-Psalm-happens-spend/dp/B08RTLBCFW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Z3164T3Sr0IMMOA1GJjjT2J7wx3hwrTDVW_zS9FW8BFJT9rkt0fX45KEZyzKpgQnNhmYqqR2sdaN_uVwIT4Q0zkuyC2oWxIsRB9uV-h_fYNbaE6N1tC1zE1jXl58OW6o1lpSAbrsir7qxm9XTrv3TqWEwRm3pNSfhSy-KKqdZAnvvZHLUuLBVw7WBikHeaLR.aG_CGqAtEomlbOBtG6YTLaOuL4G8CGFWywr60QHNwdk&qid=&sr=" target="_blank">Amazon bookstore</a>. Or you can download an eBook from my <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p1/31-days-psalm-31.html" target="_blank">DFM bookstore</a>.</div></div><p><br /></p>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-6338847539269823602024-02-05T07:31:00.000-08:002024-02-05T07:31:38.828-08:00The "With" Factor<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhpLuBWc8h6gg04yCT8dKu0QeVgTFxbVbPBAtrAoPEpLLIPTkHhSdvO15Oqx_6XG2Nr9-kvikgoMSXwy79gpaeCson-JkRvuRMEyZJUfXFMuVKf79EH5SGUq-l73_q4anZYGy-oiHUzf49bZXSm4M2xcjo1IPJ7GOWBZOj4X3JJAzK1frtQYuwOJruGBC/s2048/424992813_10231545949941384_1008238534026916121_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chris and Eli having a moment" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhpLuBWc8h6gg04yCT8dKu0QeVgTFxbVbPBAtrAoPEpLLIPTkHhSdvO15Oqx_6XG2Nr9-kvikgoMSXwy79gpaeCson-JkRvuRMEyZJUfXFMuVKf79EH5SGUq-l73_q4anZYGy-oiHUzf49bZXSm4M2xcjo1IPJ7GOWBZOj4X3JJAzK1frtQYuwOJruGBC/w240-h320/424992813_10231545949941384_1008238534026916121_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> I started reading the Bible through in January, and I've made it to near the end of Leviticus. It's not generally the most exciting book, but there are lots of chunks of meat to chew on scattered throughout. One thing that I've been thinking about as I read through Leviticus is the effort God put into it. The book basically records the discourse between God and Moses. God is taking the time to explain all the Tabernacle proceedings, including the various types of offerings, priestly responsibilities, and so much more. It kind of blows my mind that He shares all these little details.<p></p><p>There are also a few recurring topics I have picked up on. For example, God reminds the Children of Israel that He is holy, that He is the Lord, and He is the One who makes them holy. God also reminds them that it was His power (His right arm of strength) that brought them out of bondage in Egypt. But He also keeps reminding them that He is with them. That's what I needed to hear today.</p><p>You know, the Children of Israel were a motley crew, rebellious, stubborn, and they could be difficult to work with. They were quick to create an idol if they thought God wasn't close enough or paying enough attention to them. For the large part, they acted like spoiled little bratty children. Lol. Yet <b>God never left them.</b></p><p>I can draw some comfort from this because it reminds me that He won't pack up and leave when I act all foolish, either! These things were running through my mind as I was writing in my journal the other morning. This poem kind of just popped out.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Lord, my day is going to be busy</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>It's going to be overwhelming at best</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Help me remember that You are with me</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>That Your mercy is woven into my every breath</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>As I focus on the tasks I see</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Remind me that You are with me with each step</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Please give me the ability </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>To see You working in all this mess...</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Today, I will remind myself of the "with" factor. God's not just dragging my backside through a wilderness - He's gone before me, will bring up the rear, and will be present with me for each step. I'll be thankful that God isn't fickle and He doesn't move away at signs of trouble, distress, or hopelessness. He remains <i style="font-weight: bold;">with. </i>I know He is in my today, so I will trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">_______________________________________________________</p><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Book of the Week!</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkDYRHjTW22q0GjXCixrCoKPZqNsWbHi89CUpchyQN5LLP0zctDZJQLiZL7EVbXe4q4FLMynXo4GMTLb_HRp_BpB4VKhKOELkSvXluMemGpVtLkWb5XulJfiEU5-N6t4izUwtF52kSI0IN8oJ2kC2peODxB1ID8tWZWchlpigaOGWoJy7i3fRlC5q8raA/s600/cover%20tablet%2031%20days.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cover of 31 Days in Psalm 31" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="456" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkDYRHjTW22q0GjXCixrCoKPZqNsWbHi89CUpchyQN5LLP0zctDZJQLiZL7EVbXe4q4FLMynXo4GMTLb_HRp_BpB4VKhKOELkSvXluMemGpVtLkWb5XulJfiEU5-N6t4izUwtF52kSI0IN8oJ2kC2peODxB1ID8tWZWchlpigaOGWoJy7i3fRlC5q8raA/w152-h200/cover%20tablet%2031%20days.png" width="152" /></a></div><br />The book of the week for this week is <i>31 Days in Psalm 31. </i>I found myself returning to that Psalm over and over. It brought so much encouragement and I found so many scriptures that were meditation-worthy, I decided it was a good topic. David wrote this psalm while in a cave hiding from Saul. Since much of my caregiving life feels like it's lived in a cave (we talk about the caregiver's cave a lot!), it seemed appropriate. You can get a Kindle or print version in my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/31-Days-Psalm-happens-spend/dp/B08RTLBCFW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Z3164T3Sr0IMMOA1GJjjT2J7wx3hwrTDVW_zS9FW8BFJT9rkt0fX45KEZyzKpgQnNhmYqqR2sdaN_uVwIT4Q0zkuyC2oWxIsRB9uV-h_fYNbaE6N1tC1zE1jXl58OW6o1lpSAbrsir7qxm9XTrv3TqWEwRm3pNSfhSy-KKqdZAnvvZHLUuLBVw7WBikHeaLR.aG_CGqAtEomlbOBtG6YTLaOuL4G8CGFWywr60QHNwdk&qid=&sr=" target="_blank">Amazon bookstore</a>. Or you can download an eBook from my <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p1/31-days-psalm-31.html" target="_blank">DFM bookstore</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-64256105578437564732024-02-01T07:51:00.000-08:002024-02-01T07:51:46.617-08:00Real Life Chaser<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtTxTrduF0eXw9cIhgfIl4hKKg7FXL0Bf8Bb8hdfwcXPJdDOprCF-ubJHoesgfyp381kDuY16ul7vvoj11b6CQjB_4j2lbd3d4jDZfFdiZeKElBbRrfzuSyslmQEiOSYoTlswHJwimZW70ed-GZDmxTRUFaXmLD9fr236GJoiH6QWewxxt4D09Y6Bb810/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chris and me after his first ever 5K" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1195" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtTxTrduF0eXw9cIhgfIl4hKKg7FXL0Bf8Bb8hdfwcXPJdDOprCF-ubJHoesgfyp381kDuY16ul7vvoj11b6CQjB_4j2lbd3d4jDZfFdiZeKElBbRrfzuSyslmQEiOSYoTlswHJwimZW70ed-GZDmxTRUFaXmLD9fr236GJoiH6QWewxxt4D09Y6Bb810/w239-h320/001.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /> My reading this morning took me to Micah. He may be considered a "minor" prophet, but he sure says some big things. Especially in the last two chapters, there are many meditation-worthy thoughts. In chapter 7, verse 18, for example, it says that God delights in showing mercy. What an odd thing to say in the middle of the seemingly harsh spiritual environment of the Old Testament. <i>God delights in mercy? </i><p></p><p>If we think about it, David mentioned that God's goodness and mercy would chase us down all our lives. (Psalm 23:6) It's probably good to stop every now and then to <b>let</b> them catch us! Now Micah reminds us that God <b>delights</b> in being merciful. This statement is on the tail end of some really good stuff, worth diving into for a few minutes.</p><p>In Micah 6, God is using the prophet to remind His people of all He did for them. I love when I get a glimpse of God's point of view. In these last two chapters, He is referring back to the great deliverance He brought about for His people when He went to get them from Egypt's grasp. In verse 5, as God continues to unfold the story, He says this. <i>I, the Lord, did </i><b style="font-style: italic;">everything I could</b><i> to teach you about </i><b style="font-style: italic;">my faithfulness. (NLT) </b>Does that not just blow your mind? His acts were designed to help His people know Him better and understand what a faithful God He was. </p><p> Most of us are familiar with verses 6-8 that talk about what God really requires from us. Love mercy, do what is right, and walk humbly with God. But the rest of chapter 6 and first few verses of chapter 7 is about the wickedness that His people were allowing to reign in the land. But in verse 7, Micah says this. <i>As for me, I will look to the Lord for His help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.</i> Of course, God will hear Micah. Of course, God will hear us. He's standing right here! How do I know that? Because He <i>delights in mercy </i>and sent out both His mercy and His goodness to chase us down. He's never far away, even when we feel separated from Him. He's still chasing us. </p><p>God is purposed and intentional about being a part of our day to day lives. He delights in walking through time with us. It's up to us to stop and let Him catch us. It's something He cannot do for us - but He never calls off the chase!</p><p>Today, I will stop. I will be still. I will let God catch me. Then, I will wait on Him. I'll remind myself that God hasn't gone anywhere. He is still in my here. My meditations will be on how He desires to be with me when most don't have a clue about what my situation really entails. But God is intimately acquainted with all of my ways. He sees every minute detail and still chooses to chase me down to be with me. I think I will trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?</p>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-89880657458365868922024-01-31T07:06:00.000-08:002024-01-31T07:06:28.724-08:00In the Womb of Time<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeX7BBAv5J8ERikgtNC6X_tRmMuM5Tnlh-LXL0RLlUl12aq_T73owW4V9kgeyx0N1cHqaoaUcWbzQZX7mBEhNHOG05rjUSN4TA3kJ6Y60kjy-9b7oS5_ACXcznVIJCF7hyphenhyphenSE1f4QVasXwSv0knldPVpxShoCbT-7dz6_SIwTSJS7f2-zbH1meeoxKm6Ps/s2048/wheelchair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the guys carrying chris in his chair down the stairs" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeX7BBAv5J8ERikgtNC6X_tRmMuM5Tnlh-LXL0RLlUl12aq_T73owW4V9kgeyx0N1cHqaoaUcWbzQZX7mBEhNHOG05rjUSN4TA3kJ6Y60kjy-9b7oS5_ACXcznVIJCF7hyphenhyphenSE1f4QVasXwSv0knldPVpxShoCbT-7dz6_SIwTSJS7f2-zbH1meeoxKm6Ps/w240-h320/wheelchair.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> I love reading the Bible. There's no doubt about that. It's been my habit since I was about 13, and I decided I needed to know what I believed. I had started going to a denomination different from the one I was raised in, and I didn't want to spend my time saying this person or that person, or my mama says this or that. I needed to know what God said for myself. So, at the tender age of 13, I began reading on my own. What a journey of discovery it's been!<p></p><p>One thing I love about reading the Word is how things I know I had to have read before jump off the page and become a brand-new discovery. That happened to me this morning. I was reading Psalm 119, and when I got to verse 73, it grabbed my attention and almost took my breath away. I did my Facebook Live devotion (Peace Out!) on the second part of the verse. But I want to talk about the first part right now.</p><p>In the New Living Translation, verse 73 states <i>You made me; You created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands. </i>My mind camped on the first two phrases. It took me a few minutes to let it soak in that God planned me. He placed me right where He wanted me in the womb of time, and I was born right on time - according to His plan. He wanted me in time. He planned my entrance from the womb of time into actual time before He said, "Let there be light!" Does that not just blow your mind?</p><p>When He looked down through the annals of time, He saw us right here, right now. Maybe He even smiled because He knew we were coming through the storms of life still trusting Him. Still running to Him. Still needing Him. </p><p>Today, my meditations will be on how God planned and placed me in time. I'll turn my thoughts to how He purposed for me and you to be right here, right now. He didn't haphazardly toss us out like dice to see where we would land. He had purpose and intention. And part of His plan was to be <b>with</b> us wherever He put us in time. I'll let my mind be blown as my heart draws near to this intentional, purposeful God who decided for me to be. He made all the days - I can trust Him for this one. Will you join me?</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">____________________________________________________</p><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">The Last Video Posted Today!</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/s4025/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bookcover of Affirmations for Caregivers" border="0" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="2500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/w124-h200/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>I have created a video series on my <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLnKCaBeFN2zsmGgBHobNfOyomoEX_SzZD/videos" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>. It goes over the affirmation each morning. The videos are only a couple of minutes long, and the first one was downloaded this morning! You can get the Affirmations for Caregivers book in several places. You can download it and have the eBook right now from my <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p14/affirmations-caregivers.html" target="_blank">bookstore</a>. It's also now available on Kindle or in print from<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNZYKVW3?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520&fbclid=IwAR38SIDo3dkhC-CqeH5AiNxGSRv7lw5Q2Sa-DBtbPD_Uoh0vIpgzDfnLG9o" target="_blank"> Amazon</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is a video for each affirmation. Here is today's video.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bDLNHjktvCk" width="320" youtube-src-id="bDLNHjktvCk"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-11315153100310420762024-01-30T06:52:00.000-08:002024-01-30T06:52:02.226-08:00Distracted<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylMhyphenhyphen_jjTtwr-y1TSfQUAWiPmNptyLpzvqnoD_0M922WoZmhAclldk7gS-KCQBM5DwGcAIM8sjvla-crwm2LOJz23kENMSPgz7DTWMyRO0b3f0u7Wujmw9f_7pf60SsLRNClJ9kmzr1B0RJtfDcoh7nDhLCshf4ePiTXcuI9NC1HIAZzlHCKuLPuKeTln/s853/Chris%20at%20Bluff%20Creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Chris smiling and enjoying bluff creek park" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylMhyphenhyphen_jjTtwr-y1TSfQUAWiPmNptyLpzvqnoD_0M922WoZmhAclldk7gS-KCQBM5DwGcAIM8sjvla-crwm2LOJz23kENMSPgz7DTWMyRO0b3f0u7Wujmw9f_7pf60SsLRNClJ9kmzr1B0RJtfDcoh7nDhLCshf4ePiTXcuI9NC1HIAZzlHCKuLPuKeTln/w240-h320/Chris%20at%20Bluff%20Creek.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />One of these days, I'm going to make a list of all the tasks that have to be done every single day. Caregivers have so many responsibilities. We understand it's not simple or easy to take care of another whole person. Even our general daily tasks like laundry, cooking, and cleaning are expanded versions of what others have to do. Nothing is simple, really. Lol. On any given day, we may add to the normal craziness of things like mobile X-rays, nurse visits, and sundry other things that we have to work around. Even our easiest days are not easy, right? In the middle of all our responsibilities, chores, work, and everything else, it's easy to be distracted. Rightly so.<p></p><p>I've been thinking about this a lot. Yesterday, I needed to pick up my grandson after school and shuttle him home, and then rush back to my apartment to meet the mobile x-ray tech. It made for a crazy afternoon, but I watched people as I was driving. It's like no one pays attention anymore. We are so busy trying to get where we are going just so we can get to the next stop or task for the day. People don't pay attention to where or how they park. They are preoccupied. And why on earth are people on their phones <i style="font-weight: bold;">while they are driving</i>? They put everyone on the road in danger because they can't put their phones down for a couple of minutes. As a culture, we are so busy. We are so distracted.</p><p>When God brought the Children of Israel out of Egypt, He made them stop on the edge of the wilderness. He gave them detailed instructions for building the tabernacle. In my mind, they could have saved some time walking. But instead, He had them sit still and build Him a place. God had delivered them with mighty signs and wonders, but He didn't want them to be distracted by those. He wanted them to know that He was with them on their journey. </p><p>The miracles were wonderful, but He wanted them to know Him - not just what He could do. They sat there on the edge of the journey until they got the tabernacle built. It took time to learn all about what God liked and didn't like, what He required of them. But He was looking for relationship, which is important for the journey. He wants to be part of our journeys too. Sometimes, we need to close out the distractions and just acknowledge that He is indeed with us - just like He was with them.</p><p>Today, I will remind myself that God is here. He is in my now. In my mess. In my hectic day. In my business. Lol. But it's because He <b>wants</b> to be. My meditations will be on how He wants to accompany me on this caregiving journey. I'll turn my thoughts to how He wants me to acknowledge that He is with me. I'll gladly welcome Him into my hectic day, and I'll ask Him to stay as I trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">____________________________________________________</p><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Just a Couple Days Left!</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/s4025/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bookcover of Affirmations for Caregivers" border="0" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="2500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/w124-h200/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>I have created a video series on my <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLnKCaBeFN2zsmGgBHobNfOyomoEX_SzZD/videos" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>. It goes over the affirmation each morning. The videos are only a couple of minutes long, and the first one was downloaded this morning! You can get the Affirmations for Caregivers book in several places. You can download it and have the eBook right now from my <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p14/affirmations-caregivers.html" target="_blank">bookstore</a>. It's also now available on Kindle or in print from<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNZYKVW3?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520&fbclid=IwAR38SIDo3dkhC-CqeH5AiNxGSRv7lw5Q2Sa-DBtbPD_Uoh0vIpgzDfnLG9o" target="_blank"> Amazon</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is a video for each affirmation. Here is today's video.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rV0jR9esH4s" width="320" youtube-src-id="rV0jR9esH4s"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-44593029508122900422024-01-29T06:59:00.000-08:002024-01-29T06:59:23.204-08:00Time Out!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4d4ArN8R6LRMsa9gykqn-zzRS6CV_hcgu8cTHZJ_gtEepvt27cFUVwOrDHJKoBdRSZoLp09tFRq_s2VXZ6QsOglEvauGz2auNjDpW1ivz9dZIuUT9rs7fxhuBQM3pxiN0vLBWiJJ0azZF_fgDzFMDKoHClCgsn8OztZJV1CROe3-6ya6Hwa9WZPsNjP-I/s853/Bubba%20at%20Sulphur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4d4ArN8R6LRMsa9gykqn-zzRS6CV_hcgu8cTHZJ_gtEepvt27cFUVwOrDHJKoBdRSZoLp09tFRq_s2VXZ6QsOglEvauGz2auNjDpW1ivz9dZIuUT9rs7fxhuBQM3pxiN0vLBWiJJ0azZF_fgDzFMDKoHClCgsn8OztZJV1CROe3-6ya6Hwa9WZPsNjP-I/s320/Bubba%20at%20Sulphur.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> Has your day ever been so busy that you just wanted to take a time out? Who am I talking to? Lol. I think every caregiver has felt that way at one time or a hundred. :-) The day can become so busy as it unravels around us. Sometimes, we just need to call a time out. <p></p><p>I wonder if that's what the psalmist was doing when he penned Psalm 46. He reminded himself of numerous truths, beginning with God being a <i style="font-weight: bold;">very present </i>help in times of trouble. He reminded himself to not fear in the second verse because God is still present. In verse 7 and the closing verse of this powerful psalm, he says, <i>the God of Jakob is with us. </i>Perhaps he was whispering it to his broken soul. Maybe he was grasping at peace. Maybe he was just taking a time out from his hectic, fearful surroundings to remind himself that God was indeed with him.</p><p>One of the coolest things about Psalm 46, though, is that it changes from third person: God is here, God is with us, He is near, to first person, seemingly randomly. Verse 10 switches to first person. <i>Be still and know that </i><b style="font-style: italic;">I am God. </b>That voice is the one that, even as it remains silent, shatters fears, doubts, and circumstances.</p><p>Today, I'm taking a time out to remind myself that God is still God. I can't imagine this day getting much more hectic, but I'm sure it can! Whether it remains at the crazy level or bumps up another notch, I will cling to this truth - God is still God. My heart will be in time out today, meditating on the nearness of God no matter how fast or slow circumstances and situations change. My meditations will be on how God is present. He is a present help - <i style="font-weight: bold;">in trouble. </i>I'll encourage my own heart to cling to this truth today as I trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">____________________________________________________</p><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Just a Couple Days Left!</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/s4025/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bookcover of Affirmations for Caregivers" border="0" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="2500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/w124-h200/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>I have created a video series on my <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLnKCaBeFN2zsmGgBHobNfOyomoEX_SzZD/videos" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>. It goes over the affirmation each morning. The videos are only a couple of minutes long, and the first one was downloaded this morning! You can get the Affirmations for Caregivers book in several places. You can download it and have the eBook right now from my <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p14/affirmations-caregivers.html" target="_blank">bookstore</a>. It's also now available on Kindle or in print from<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNZYKVW3?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520&fbclid=IwAR38SIDo3dkhC-CqeH5AiNxGSRv7lw5Q2Sa-DBtbPD_Uoh0vIpgzDfnLG9o" target="_blank"> Amazon</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is a video for each affirmation. Here is today's video.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m1rkrZRE_A8" width="320" youtube-src-id="m1rkrZRE_A8"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-14920107319903716732024-01-27T07:22:00.000-08:002024-01-27T07:22:38.331-08:00Every Battle<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenUD-4Scwb2So-9Jyy88rE7js2AdT8AV6uwkwFnMmsSrirQQcd4LyqhNGXdi4XScHXknRQaTKZwB7iUCn0tNaKuhEhVSkyR4E2bzh-qUiFvluV6REzPaeMLmvngDvsvEgQwPbI1Ob1hvvd6M0wMh9ym5bqdzqv8CXYMoaW8SWN5qOH30okas-ZOJeDiDb/s640/IMG_3370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Elli walking beside Chris' chair" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenUD-4Scwb2So-9Jyy88rE7js2AdT8AV6uwkwFnMmsSrirQQcd4LyqhNGXdi4XScHXknRQaTKZwB7iUCn0tNaKuhEhVSkyR4E2bzh-qUiFvluV6REzPaeMLmvngDvsvEgQwPbI1Ob1hvvd6M0wMh9ym5bqdzqv8CXYMoaW8SWN5qOH30okas-ZOJeDiDb/w240-h320/IMG_3370.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> As I was reading the passage in Ephesians 6 about the armor of God this morning, a couple of phrases stood out to me. In verse 13, Paul explains the armor is needed so that <b>after the battle,</b> we'll still be standing strong. The second phrase is in verse 16. Paul reminds the Christians that they will need faith <b>in every battle. </b>These two phrases let us know that battles (plural) are promised.<p></p><p>Paul didn't say if we have faith, we can avoid the battle. He didn't even indicate in any way that having faith made the battles easier, faster, or smoother. As caregivers, every day can be a series of battles. Sometimes, it feels like we are simply fighting for our sanity or trying to keep ourselves together emotionally, physically, spiritually... But let me point out the obvious. We <i style="font-weight: bold;">are</i> still standing. We <i style="font-weight: bold;">are </i>still seeking God. We <i style="font-weight: bold;">are</i> still looking for guidance, comfort, and help in the scriptures. Are we not? </p><p>That's a win. The fact that we have not yet just given up or thrown in the towel, even if we feel like it almost every single day, is a huge victory!</p><p>Most nights, as I reflect on the day's caregiving journey, I feel like a failure. I feel like there were "so many" things left undone, skipped, or ignored just to get through the day. I hope you don't know what I mean, but I have an idea you are at least vaguely familiar. There are some real victories in those moments, though. </p><p>For one, I've learned to talk to myself differently. As soon as my thoughts start traveling down the <i>I'm such a failure </i>road, I start listing all the things I <b>did</b> get done that day. But better than that, when I get up in the morning, my first thoughts are prayers for guidance, strength, and power to finish the day in faith. That's still seeking...and that's winning battles one at a time. It must be very frustrating for the enemy of our souls to see us work so hard to pursue God, take hold of Him, and tighten our grip on His grace with each caregiving day. He really wants us to give up - be we have not. We will not! Because we will keep winning every battle through faith in Him.</p><p>Today, I will encourage myself by reminding myself that I'm still trusting Him! My meditations will be on how my spirit is victorious through Christ, and absolutely nothing and no enemy can erase that or make it go away. I'll turn my thoughts to how God continues to be my help, my comfort, and the keeper of my soul - and He's not out looking for another job! I'll remind myself that He is always right here. Always in my now, and that He will fight the battle for my soul today - and He cannot lose. So, I will trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">____________________________________________________</p><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Are you enjoying the Caregiver Affirmations and Videos?</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/s4025/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bookcover of Affirmations for Caregivers" border="0" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="2500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/w124-h200/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>I have created a video series on my <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLnKCaBeFN2zsmGgBHobNfOyomoEX_SzZD/videos" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>. It goes over the affirmation each morning. The videos are only a couple of minutes long, and the first one was downloaded this morning! You can get the Affirmations for Caregivers book in several places. You can download it and have the eBook right now from my <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p14/affirmations-caregivers.html" target="_blank">bookstore</a>. It's also now available on Kindle or in print from<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNZYKVW3?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520&fbclid=IwAR38SIDo3dkhC-CqeH5AiNxGSRv7lw5Q2Sa-DBtbPD_Uoh0vIpgzDfnLG9o" target="_blank"> Amazon</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is a video for each affirmation. Here is today's video.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8fv2RanOfHU" width="320" youtube-src-id="8fv2RanOfHU"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-81072707662339077892024-01-25T07:21:00.000-08:002024-01-25T07:21:30.370-08:00The Rescue<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCh-BkLy7ML0GYwOHdsTcUyQo5bUR3JZdLSawhkgFPEOucqEgGBq8PgjQvm6jBpBxQZYQitwBHaz4J7xgp_9Bl_R9A7N1R8Lg4Qdd8rIljw_-Ian7oBNJktse24yeifLfq23YJRcXgOxWPOnbCmsZ4QC2cuBUIkbatez-l6Ng7x1gFoI9xzPsJ1IDgosyd/s640/15966325_10211560730643392_8604570770249367592_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chris and i in the park behind our apartments in Norman" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCh-BkLy7ML0GYwOHdsTcUyQo5bUR3JZdLSawhkgFPEOucqEgGBq8PgjQvm6jBpBxQZYQitwBHaz4J7xgp_9Bl_R9A7N1R8Lg4Qdd8rIljw_-Ian7oBNJktse24yeifLfq23YJRcXgOxWPOnbCmsZ4QC2cuBUIkbatez-l6Ng7x1gFoI9xzPsJ1IDgosyd/w240-h320/15966325_10211560730643392_8604570770249367592_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> In Exodus 20, right before God begins to give the 10 commandments, He reminds the Children of Israel that He was the God who rescued them from Egypt's slavery. They are not far into what is going to be a very long journey, but He's reminding them that they were worth the rescue. He's reminding them that He's their God, and He's going to remain with them. They have no idea about the journey ahead. Of course, they had to have some idea of how difficult it was going to be to move a mass of people across the wilderness to the Promised Land, but they didn't know what all it would entail.<p></p><p>We know now that caregiving is hard, and maybe some of us had some sort of idea about it when we first started on our caregiving journeys. But we didn't know all those little details, did we? We could only imagine there'd be some sleepless nights, long hard days, and crazy situations we'd find ourselves in over and over again. Now that we are years into our caregiving journey, we still don't know what a day may bring. But we can comfort ourselves with the reminder that God is in it with us.</p><p>Now, we can let our minds wander back through the years and remember all those times He rescued our souls. Our thoughts can walk through all the times we knew He was with us, right in the middle of the mess. We can think about those times we felt like our souls were sitting in the dark, in a boat, in the middle of the storm - and how He walked right out to us on life's troubled sea and brought peace.</p><p>This same God who reminded the Children of Israel that He came for them - is walking through today with us. Doesn't that just blow your mind? The same God who walked through the fiery furnace with the three Hebrew children, sat all night with Daniel in the lion's den, and walked Paul and Silas out of the prison cell, is walking through this day - with us. I'm so thankful for His gentle reminders that He will remain with us no matter what.</p><p>Today, I'll remind myself that the God who parted the Red Sea and dried the ground for His children to walk through - then drowned all of Pharoah's army in the same sea behind them - is walking through today with me. My meditations will be on how He has not abandoned my soul, and He's not going anywhere. I'll think about how He makes a way through seas, deserts, and the wilderness, whether I can see them yet or not. I know He's got my soul in His sight and in His heart today. So, I will trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">____________________________________________________</p><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Are you enjoying the Caregiver Affirmations and Videos?</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/s4025/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bookcover of Affirmations for Caregivers" border="0" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="2500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/w124-h200/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>I have created a video series on my <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLnKCaBeFN2zsmGgBHobNfOyomoEX_SzZD/videos" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>. It goes over the affirmation each morning. The videos are only a couple of minutes long, and the first one was downloaded this morning! You can get the Affirmations for Caregivers book in several places. You can download it and have the eBook right now from my <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p14/affirmations-caregivers.html" target="_blank">bookstore</a>. It's also now available on Kindle or in print from<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNZYKVW3?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520&fbclid=IwAR38SIDo3dkhC-CqeH5AiNxGSRv7lw5Q2Sa-DBtbPD_Uoh0vIpgzDfnLG9o" target="_blank"> Amazon</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is a video for each affirmation. Here is today's video.</div></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fZIblEX9pVk" width="320" youtube-src-id="fZIblEX9pVk"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-22872138400349145142024-01-24T07:17:00.000-08:002024-01-24T07:17:18.263-08:00The Long and the Short of It<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxUNBQ_lF0n4uqNKwPWkvIH75xHG_bUb840yYMJMJh6f83cgk4XBDKbE2O8FIS1lft3Fwo8EpE9k-83nXnzVsX16xXxCmFsCeKLIiydstioG3uK2trILqV8fnbvb2KnO6SISll-y6rhnkOpVGmI5UDrVODUSdlVA69C_PztgOpeK4o8efSkMMRDkJCj8y/s853/Chris%20at%20Bluff%20Creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chris at Bluff Creek Trails" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxUNBQ_lF0n4uqNKwPWkvIH75xHG_bUb840yYMJMJh6f83cgk4XBDKbE2O8FIS1lft3Fwo8EpE9k-83nXnzVsX16xXxCmFsCeKLIiydstioG3uK2trILqV8fnbvb2KnO6SISll-y6rhnkOpVGmI5UDrVODUSdlVA69C_PztgOpeK4o8efSkMMRDkJCj8y/w240-h320/Chris%20at%20Bluff%20Creek.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> Some days feel so long like they are never going to end. The only short days are those rare occasions when I used to get out for a hike (been about a year now...). Those days fly by. Most days feel rather long, and I can easily feel like I come up short at the end of the day. Many nights, I fall into bed and fight thoughts of failure over all I did <b>not</b> get done during the day. The good thing is that I have learned to turn those negative thoughts around. When they start trying to creep into my thought processes, I run through a quick list of what I <b>did</b> get done that day. The battlefield is truly in the mind, and we are standing alone as the front line of defense.<p></p><p>I try to think of scriptures as an available arsenal for when the enemy attacks. Over the years, I've learned to grab scriptures to stand on from time to time, and there are a few that I find myself going back to over and over again. You see them float through the pages of this blog from time to time. Scriptures like Psalm 26:3 (I will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Me.), Psalm 46:1 (God is a present help in the time of trouble), and Psalm 46:10 (Be still...and know I am God) become anchors for our souls.</p><p>This morning, I almost started to feel guilty for cycling back around to Isaiah 40:31. <i>Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. </i>Why should I feel guilty for reminding myself to wait on the Lord? Again? And Again. And Again? Waiting on Him demonstrates the highest level of trust, especially in volatile circumstances that can change on a dime. Waiting on Him is the connection to letting His peace reign in our hearts.</p><p>The good thing is that He didn't put any stipulations on waiting. He didn't tell me I had used up all my waiting tokens for the month. He didn't tell me His patience had run out, and He didn't know what to do either! Lol. It sounds funny to actually say (or type) it, but don't our emotions tell us that sometimes? If we need to wait on Him every single day, so what? It's like He is right there waiting on us to wait on Him. For when we realize our need for Him, it gives room for Him to pour in His peace.</p><p>Today, I will remind myself that His patience did not run out last night. My meditations will be on how He remains a present help - in our present time, circumstances, and situations - in times of need. And He just keeps on being there! I'll turn my thoughts away from my weaknesses and to His strengths. Because my weaknesses just open up the opportunity for Him to shine through! I believe I can trust Him for one more day - will you join me?</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">____________________________________________________</p><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Are you enjoying the Caregiver Affirmations and Videos?</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/s4025/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bookcover of Affirmations for Caregivers" border="0" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="2500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/w124-h200/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>I have created a video series on my <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLnKCaBeFN2zsmGgBHobNfOyomoEX_SzZD/videos" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>. It goes over the affirmation each morning. The videos are only a couple of minutes long, and the first one was downloaded this morning! You can get the Affirmations for Caregivers book in several places. You can download it and have the eBook right now from my <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p14/affirmations-caregivers.html" target="_blank">bookstore</a>. It's also now available on Kindle or in print from<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNZYKVW3?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520&fbclid=IwAR38SIDo3dkhC-CqeH5AiNxGSRv7lw5Q2Sa-DBtbPD_Uoh0vIpgzDfnLG9o" target="_blank"> Amazon</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is a video for each affirmation. Here is today's video.</div></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OGrBsS5tyTE" width="320" youtube-src-id="OGrBsS5tyTE"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-79057502865401690672024-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:002024-01-23T07:05:31.359-08:00Alongside All the Way Through<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOW3coF8-_2Arx6A8ROVINxdBIYU5jw5PKiyovFSmiPVUOeY4gaf5L55heoye5fDnATDJQ3EuUJeT-GSpILcyRNX4ZkB5RZBlRab9eJdXMbAZg8tX9G3HafnBTwKSDY8yN7lesOwjzDupk8pKIoIFn89Vr12i_TcPDAo7F2CaNCplSeuJHOhP2H8gokBjS/s960/32462811_10215940307010064_3804908834581905408_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mama and aunt polly" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOW3coF8-_2Arx6A8ROVINxdBIYU5jw5PKiyovFSmiPVUOeY4gaf5L55heoye5fDnATDJQ3EuUJeT-GSpILcyRNX4ZkB5RZBlRab9eJdXMbAZg8tX9G3HafnBTwKSDY8yN7lesOwjzDupk8pKIoIFn89Vr12i_TcPDAo7F2CaNCplSeuJHOhP2H8gokBjS/w240-h320/32462811_10215940307010064_3804908834581905408_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> This morning, I woke up with Psalm 23 on my mind. Last week, I was very sick and still had to take care of my son! Who knows about that? Lol. Who takes care of the caregiver when they are down? <i>No one. </i>I really think the few days I've been sick are the worst. However, now my son has what I had, and I would trade with him in an instant. I don't know which is worse, actually. At least I know that Tylenol covers a multitude of sins and symptoms. Lol. <p></p><p>This was all running through my mind early this morning as I was praying for him to be better and not take on anything secondary, which is the primary concern for those who are vulnerable. I continued to turn my thoughts into prayers when verse 4 of the 23rd psalm kept running through my head. <i>Even though I walk through the valley of death (or the darkest valleys), I will not be afraid, for <b>You are with me. </b></i></p><p>I began to attempt to comfort myself with these words, <i>for You are with me. </i>I'm so glad that God doesn't measure our valleys or struggles and exclude the ones He may consider trivial. He just keeps on walking through each and every one with us. There are no exclusionary statements. No valley is too deep, too wide, too narrow, too difficult, too anything for God. He just keeps walking alongside us all the way through it.<b> </b>I love that about God. </p><p>He could just wait at the other end and be cheering us on throughout our journey through the valleys. But He chooses, instead, to walk <b>through</b> them right beside us. The NLT says that He is <i style="font-weight: bold;">close beside </i>us. He's not just <i>there, </i>somewhere in the dark or distance. He is close. He is near, never too far away to hear all the emotions behind every sigh. Close enough to sense all the feelings behind every single tear that escapes. And He stays that close - all the way through the valley, the fire, the floods, the caregiving life.</p><p>Today, I will reel in my emotions and worries and trust that He is a <i style="font-weight: bold;">right here, right now </i>God. I'll remind myself that He is in my now. He's not afraid of the darkest, longest valley. He doesn't ignore the deepest, swiftest floods. And He doesn't flinch in the face of the hottest, tallest flames of fire. He remains all the way through <b>with</b> us. So, today, I will trust that He is right here with me. I encourage my soul by reminding my mind that today is NOT the day He will leave, so I can trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">_____________________________________________________</p><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Are you enjoying the Caregiver Affirmations and Videos?</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/s4025/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bookcover of Affirmations for Caregivers" border="0" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="2500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/w124-h200/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>I have created a video series on my <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLnKCaBeFN2zsmGgBHobNfOyomoEX_SzZD/videos" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>. It goes over the affirmation each morning. The videos are only a couple of minutes long, and the first one was downloaded this morning! You can get the Affirmations for Caregivers book in several places. You can download it and have the eBook right now from my <a href="https://www.dovesfireministriesbookstore.com/store/p14/affirmations-caregivers.html" target="_blank">bookstore</a>. It's also now available on Kindle or in print from<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNZYKVW3?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520&fbclid=IwAR38SIDo3dkhC-CqeH5AiNxGSRv7lw5Q2Sa-DBtbPD_Uoh0vIpgzDfnLG9o" target="_blank"> Amazon</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is a video for each affirmation. Here is today's video.</div></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dstzVspaKkQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="dstzVspaKkQ"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020270586004385865.post-61605696371977254032024-01-22T07:38:00.000-08:002024-01-22T07:38:10.523-08:00The Edge<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeL-bo0Rvpewxps87nHOWMDLxfWYbKf-frEn26pLTKoIB8mnAnRRFcDI95POKGT4ilu5SqvMje2FMqkLVfwA0Lht48UHeyEhmzQX5zQ94i0DU_yCEJlZa05UVv4k1LKrq0K6RSI0dF8qEgXvpwdQY80Gy3x1VUJPy0ql9VgbBgUOCdDdtFfSU5a3E8ZRn/s853/chris'%20smile%20at%20Grandpa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chris looking at my daddy" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeL-bo0Rvpewxps87nHOWMDLxfWYbKf-frEn26pLTKoIB8mnAnRRFcDI95POKGT4ilu5SqvMje2FMqkLVfwA0Lht48UHeyEhmzQX5zQ94i0DU_yCEJlZa05UVv4k1LKrq0K6RSI0dF8qEgXvpwdQY80Gy3x1VUJPy0ql9VgbBgUOCdDdtFfSU5a3E8ZRn/w240-h320/chris'%20smile%20at%20Grandpa.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> I don't know any caregivers who would disagree with me if I said we live on the edge. Maybe the first question would be, <i>on the edge </i><b style="font-style: italic;">of what</b>? I'm sure we could come up with some very interesting answers to that question! Personally, my thoughts can run along a treacherous edge, needing to always be pulled back to safer zones. And emotions can run high along a jagged edge. It doesn't take much to spill emotions out of our already, always full cup. Here's the good news, though: God is with us on all of our edges. He makes sure we can find Him. He wants to be sure we can see Him no matter what edge our lives are running on today.<p></p><p>In Exodus 13, God has just rescued the Children of Israel from Egypt's evil clutch. He's brought them out, and they have set up camp. I'm sure their senses and emotions were all on high alert as they had just left all they were used to and headed into the unknown. But in Exodus 13:20-22, it tells us that God guided them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. What a sight it must have been. They were camped <i>on the edge of the wilderness</i>, and God made sure they could see all the time. Better than that - He made sure they knew He was present all the time. </p><p>They were not yet aware that Pharoah's army was on the move. But when the enemy's army got close to the Israelite's camp, they were not afforded the same convenience. As a matter of fact, the cloud and fire <i>became darkness</i> to the Egyptians. (NLT) They couldn't even find the Israelites who were camping right beside them. Yet, God allowed the Israelites the benefit of seeing Him and knowing He was with them, even though they were squished between and army and the Sea. Man, does caregiving feel that way sometimes! We may often feel like we live on the edge of a sea that's ready to swallow us or on the edge of an army of emotions, thoughts, fears, you fill in the blank - that is ready to overcome us. But over and over again, God makes Himself known to us. Sometimes, it's in subtle ways; other times, it's in big, noisy ways. Either way and anyway in between, He is with us on all our edges.</p><p>Today, I will remind myself that God is with me. He did not pack up and leave while I was sick last week, and He's not going anywhere this week either. I'll remind myself of all the times I've felt squished between life's hard places and how <i>He's been there </i><b style="font-style: italic;">every single time. </b>I'll be thankful that He carries me as needed and helps me get through those tight spots. My meditations will be on His ever-abiding presence and the truth that He doesn't have a <i>Get Out of Jail Free! </i>card. Instead, He chooses to walk with me each step of the caregiving journey, no matter how difficult, edgy, rocky, sandy, dirty, or lonely it gets. He remains. So, today, I'll lean into Him and listen for His breath of life as I trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">_____________________________________________________</p><div><h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Now Published in Paperback!</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/s4025/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bookcover of Affirmations for Caregivers" border="0" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="2500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zyn5o14e6haCwtZohakUimjzKYs2z8j1PqgJmdetYCYnMBTG2yF-Lx1LMWUXwkWbpWgtV7Xc1LKdQTNU5gq13RwSBzMDgnFLgmCFEOUfUgak1BeWONZ76M3OL-afFSmaGalcYMqKNlOs1H45jbNq6tq5JqRzqfEVMu6QFv-3HdfNW_l8mBE_Ua96VYG-/w124-h200/AffirmationsForCaregivers-Kcover.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>I have created a video series on my <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLnKCaBeFN2zsmGgBHobNfOyomoEX_SzZD/videos" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>. It goes over the affirmation each morning. The videos are only a couple of minutes long, and the first one was downloaded this morning! You can get the Affirmations for Caregivers book in several places. You can download it and have the eBook right now from my bookstore. It's also now available on Kindle or in print from<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNZYKVW3?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520&fbclid=IwAR38SIDo3dkhC-CqeH5AiNxGSRv7lw5Q2Sa-DBtbPD_Uoh0vIpgzDfnLG9o" target="_blank"> Amazon</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is a video for each affirmation. Here is today's video.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D3vCn2wWgMc" width="320" youtube-src-id="D3vCn2wWgMc"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div>Jeanie Olingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221519789473867001noreply@blogger.com0