Category Archives: Caregiving

Jun1

Trusting Jesus in the Storm: Peace Beyond Understanding

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In Mark 4:35-41, we find Jesus and His disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee when a sudden, furious storm arose. The waves were crashing over the boat, threatening to swamp it, while Jesus slept peacefully on a cushion in the rear of the boat. The disciples were terrified and woke Him up, exclaiming, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Jesus stood up, rebuked the wind, and commanded the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Immediately, the wind subsided, and the sea was completely calm. He turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

This passage not only illustrates Jesus’ divine authority over nature but also His complete and wholehearted trust in His Father’s plan. Despite the terrifying chaos around Him, Jesus slept peacefully – a visual example of perfect peace in the midst of the storm and a faith that transcends the circumstances surrounding Him. 

As I read this story, I imagined the terror the disciples must have felt during the storm. (If you have ever been in a boat out at sea-or even on a lake-during a sudden storm, you know exactly how they must have felt!) But Jesus modeled the example for the disciples (and us) of how we should react to storms in our own lives.

Over the past 15 years, my husband and I navigated the turbulent waters of illness, caregiving, and, most recently, his passing. The storm hasn’t fully subsided; grief comes in waves, and some days feel more stormy than others. Yet, I continue to cling to my anchor of faith, trusting that it will hold me steady until the waters calm.

Just as Jesus slept through the storm, fully trusting in God’s sovereign plan, I strive to find rest in that same assurance. Even when the tempest rages, and the boat feels like it’s sinking, I remind myself that Jesus is in the boat with me, offering peace that surpasses understanding.

Perhaps you find yourself in a similar situation? God’s promises are true for you, too.

Hebrews 6:19 tells us, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” This hope is not just wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in God’s unchanging promises. It’s the anchor that holds us steady when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm.

In the midst of grief and uncertainty, I find comfort in knowing that my anchor is not in my own strength but in God’s love and faithfulness. He is the one who calms the storms, who brings peace to the chaos, and who holds us securely in His embrace.

If you’re facing your own storm today, know this: You’re not alone in the boat. Jesus is with you, offering His peace and His presence. I pray that you, too, will find comfort in His unwavering love, His unfailing promises, and the hope that anchors your soul.

If you would like me to pray for you, please leave a comment here.

A Prayer for Peace as We Face Life’s Storms

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we endure the storms of life, we seek Your peace that surpasses all understanding. When waves of grief and uncertainty crash around us, please remind us that You are right beside us in our “boat,” and You are our refuge and strength. Just as Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, please calm the storms within our hearts. Help us to trust in Your sovereign plan, even when we cannot see the way forward. Anchor our souls in the hope of Your promises, and let us find rest in Your unwavering love.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

Scriptures for Peace and Strength in Life’s Storms

If you need reminders of God’s unwavering presence and peace in the midst of life’s most turbulent storms, read these verses aloud. Meditate on each promise. God’s word is powerful and true – it’s a healing balm for your broken heart.

  • Isaiah 43:2
    “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”
  • John 14:27
    “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
  • Psalm 107:29–30
    “He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.”
  • Philippians 4:7
    “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
  • Psalm 46:1–2
    “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way.”
  • 2 Corinthians 4:16–18
    “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day… For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
  • Psalm 61:2
    “When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
  • Matthew 11:28–30
    “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
May30

Sacred Seasons: Trusting God Through Life’s Transitions

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“For David said, ‘The Lord, the God of Israel, has given rest to His people, and He dwells in Jerusalem forever.’

And so the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the things for its service.”

—1 Chronicles 23:25–26

In seasons of transition—especially one as life-altering and heart-breaking as losing a loved one —it can feel as though the very ground beneath us has shifted. Roles we once embraced, routines we once carried out with love, and identities that shaped our days are suddenly no longer the same. The world continues moving, but we’re left holding the pieces of a life that no longer looks the way it used to.

As I step into this new chapter after the loss of my husband, I was surprised to find comfort in a passage I’ve rarely lingered on before: 1 Chronicles 23:25–26. At first glance, it may seem like a simple historical note about temple duties. But as I read it with the lens of personal grief, I began to see something deeply meaningful.

David is preparing the people for a new season. The wandering is over. The battles are behind them. God has given His people rest. And because He now dwells in Jerusalem—no longer in a mobile tent—the Levites no longer have to carry the tabernacle or the holy items they once transported from place to place.

That change didn’t diminish the sacredness of their former role. In fact, it honored it. The years of carrying, protecting, and moving with God’s presence were not wasted—they were holy. But now, God was doing something new. Their burden was lifted. A new chapter had begun.

Surprisingly, a glimpse of my own life jumped off the page in those verses—and perhaps it does for you, too, if you’re in a season of transition or loss. (I love how God speaks to us through His word—often in unexpected places like this!)

God gently reminds me through this passage:

  • You no longer have to carry what you once did.
  • That doesn’t mean you’ve lost your purpose –
  • It means I’m leading you into something new.

For so long, I carried the role of a wife and caregiver. It was sacred and weighty, filled with both joy and heartache. And now, I no longer carry those same daily duties. It’s a tender release, not one I asked for, but one that life brought—and one that God sees. Now that season has shifted. That role has changed.

This scripture reminds me that God is not only the God of our past—of our marriages, our memories, our familiar roles—but also the God of our present and our future. He still dwells with us. He is not far off. He sees us and cares about our new role. Even as the landscape of our lives changes, His presence remains steadfast and near.

So if you find yourself in a new chapter—whether through grief, change, or an unexpected shift in your life—I pray this passage brings you peace:

  • You do not carry what you once did.
  • That does not mean you failed or you no longer have a purpose.
  • It means God is doing something new.
  • He’s still right by your side.

The same God who was with us in the carrying is the One who is with us in the releasing. He is still near, and He is still dwelling with us.

A Prayer for Today:

Dear Lord, thank you for being with us through all seasons in life. Help me trust You to be with me and guide me on navigating this change. Give me peace as I lay down what I no longer need to carry, and strengthen me to walk forward with You. In Jesus’ Name I Pray, Amen

Related Verses:

  • “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
  • “Behold, I am doing something new; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 ESV
  • “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5 – 6 NIV

Feb25

1000 Goodbyes

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I lose you in whispers, in fragments, in haze,

A slow aching drift through the passage of days.

Your laughter still lingers, yet fades from your eyes,

And I grieve you in echoes, in silent goodbyes.

~

I see you in glimpses – some moments so clear,

When time folds its hands and you’re suddenly here.

You reach for my hand, but the grasp slips away,

Like a tide pulling memories out further each day.

~

You search for the past like a book with lost pages,

A story rewritten, in sorrowful stages.

The moments you lose, I will tenderly keep,

Holding them safe as I mournfully weep.

~

Life’s tapestry woven with love through the years,

Unravels so slowly in heartache and tears.

Each thread that is lost holds a memory so dear,

Yet love still remains, though the fabric grows sheer.

~

I’ll gather the moments and keep them inside,

The laughter, the love, the years filled with pride.

I’ll hold all our memories for both me and you,

A keeper of stories, of all we once knew.

~

If you lose your way, if you feel alone,

I’ll always be your compass home.

A constant light when the path is unclear,

A love that whispers, “I’m always here.”

~

I walk this slow road, though burdened with pain,

Through shadows that linger, through sorrow’s refrain.

Through a thousand more losses, a thousand goodbyes –

Yet love, never fading, still brightens my skies.

~

Note from the Author:
This post is different from what I usually share here on Everyday Encouragement, but if you’ve ever loved someone with memory loss, you understand. Dementia is a slow, heartbreaking goodbye—one that comes in pieces, fading like whispers over time. If you’re walking this road, you’re not alone. When our own strength fails, God is our refuge, our steady rock, and the One who carries us through. His grace is enough, even in the hardest moments. May you find comfort in His presence and in love that never fades, even when memories do.

If you need an understanding friend, please feel free to reach out here. I may not have all the answers, but I can listen, pray for you, and walk alongside you in spirit. You are not alone. 💙

Nov22

Empowering Family Caregivers with Faith, Love, and Hope

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November is National Family Caregiver Month, a time to honor and celebrate the selfless dedication of those who care for their loved ones with love and compassion.

The role of family caregivers often goes unrecognized, but your unwavering dedication and loving actions are deeply valued in God’s eyes. Love is the fuel that powers your caregiving, inspiring you to rise each morning with a heart full of compassion — to comfort, listen, and be present, even on the most challenging days. Let this love remind you of the boundless love God has for you. He equips you with strength and grace to keep pouring into others even when your own cup feels empty.

Every act of kindness and sacrifice you make is a reflection of His grace through you. In 1 Thessalonians 1:3, Paul emphasizes the importance of faith, love, and hope in your “labor of love”: “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Your endurance and hope are not just admirable, but they are also a source of inspiration for others.

This journey can be long and challenging, but your faith in the Lord can sustain you. Remember, you are never alone; God walks beside you, providing peace, resilience, and strength. You have an immeasurable impact on your loved one’s life as a vessel of God’s love, serving as the hands and feet of Jesus.

Dear caregivers, take heart—your efforts are not in vain. They are seen and deeply appreciated. Let’s lift each other up in prayer, encouraging one another as we navigate this beautiful yet challenging journey together.

A Prayer for Today:

Dear Lord, Thank You for reminding us that our caregiving efforts matter to You. Please bless all the caregivers reading this today with strength and endurance as they navigate their journey. Fill their hearts with hope and remind them that their labor is not in vain. You see their efforts and honor their sacrifices. Surround them with Your love and give them moments of rest and renewal. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Related Verses:

  1. Galatians 6:9 (NIV): “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
  2. Colossians 3: 23 – 24 (NIV): “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”