Clean fiction and nonfiction book reviews March 16, 2023 In these past few months, I’ve invited you to read more in 2023. Why? Because reading offers a different kind of escape than staring at a screen. Reading triggers a brain response that watching TV or surfing the internet can’t duplicate. Studies show that reading keeps…
Maria cared for my dad when he needed more help than my mom, Mike, and I could give. She was a nursing student with a huge heart in a tiny body. Fast forward eight years. Maria was getting married and our entire family was to attend the wedding. It’s all my mom talked about for…
I have experienced the sandwich generation – facing challenges I could have never imagined. This is an update to the original article published in 2016. I was my dad’s favorite. I don’t think my brothers will argue with me. He was hard on them, easy on me. That’s my girl is a phrase I heard…
I had the privilege of talking with Dr. Freda Crews of Time For Hope. Her television program inspires and informs Christians who struggle with physical, emotional, and spiritual issues. Dr. Freda V. Crews, D. Min., Ph.D., is the Director of Time for Hope Ministries and the host of Time for Hope, the internationally syndicated television…
In my father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:12 “I’m afraid to die.” I’ve heard this comment from more than one older person. And all are professing Christians. What is going on? Christians have an abiding belief…
Rarely does a novel catch my attention as much as this one. As a west coast girl from birth, I was ignorant of how other cities and states were established. Ms. Green’s extensive research was an eye-opening glimpse into the people who settled in New Orleans. These brave souls battled Native Americans, the British, and…
When an older adult loses their hearing, they face the same fears as anyone with a different kind of disability. They worry about being marginalized, or seen as incompetent, or even stupid. Sometimes they lash out at the ones who try to help. Since Mike is semi-retired, he spends more time with my mom on…
Aging and isolation, helping elders cope with seclusion when they start losing loved ones. I met Alene when she lived with her son, Greg and his wife. She is another elderly woman who struggled with loss and loneliness, but her story is different. When Alene became too frail for Greg and his wife to provide…
As we look to a brand new year, it brings to mind new beginnings. A fresh start. Maybe do things differently this year. Here are some resolutions I’ve made to make 2017 better than 2016 in my role as caregiver for my ninety-three-year-old mother: Give more grace. I need to remind myself that she’s 93,…
How many times have you been asked “Are you ready for Christmas?” in the past two weeks? A dozen? More? My day job as a branch manager for a bank brings me into contact with many people each day. Seems like I get asked that question at least once a day. I also care for…