Local Voices
Are you a caregiver? Do you feel isolated, frustrated, sad, resentful, angry, or guilty? Do you feel as if no one understands what you're going through or that others aren't pulling their weight? Do you believe that you can't express your true thoughts and feelings to others for fear of being judged? I get it!
I was one of the primary caregivers for my mother, who had Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. During the course of our journey, I learned that the only people who could really relate were those who had similar experiences... but I didn't even feel safe sharing my feelings with fellow caregivers. I didn't want people to think less of me because of my thoughts and feelings. I had no outlet...until God stepped in.
I was led to begin keeping a journal, which I had never successfully done before. I hated revisiting thoughts and feelings by writing them down and resisted with everything within me. But God didn't let me rest until I began to do what He was directing me to do. Once I obeyed, what was initially a chore became a lifeline.
My journal became my trusted friend. I could write things in my journal that I wouldn't dream of verbalizing to anyone else, and I did so without guilt. My journal soothed and comforted me and I believe that whenever caregivers have information that would benefit others, they must share. That's why I created "Caregiver to Caregiver, a Scripture-Focused, Guided Reflection Journal." This is a fifty-two-week journal that was designed with you in mind, from one caregiver to another.
I want to not only encourage you to journal,l but also to share with you the beloved scriptures that sustained me and practical tips including; self-care, preparing to become a caregiver, alternative care settings, hospice care, and more, that I'm hoping will be helpful for you. I have also included guided reflections for those who have trouble getting started.
All caregiving journeys are unique, but there are some commonalities. We all need support. We all have a desire to feel appreciated. We all need a safe space to express ourselves. We all have a responsibility to reach out our hands to lift someone else up. I pray that this journal is the hand that you need.
May God bless you. I thank you for all you do.
Bryce Blooms has found himself in the children's hospital again, checked-in for yet another short, albeit routine, stint for an unknown and nagging ailment. But when an odd stranger begins wandering the hospital hallways, Bryce and his friends discover they are at the center of an interdimensional hunt and are more than just human; they are Chosen. As the Grim and the hunters of Endland battle at the hospital for the right to claim the Chosen children as their own, the boys are transported to the Realm of Endland, where they quickly discover there are far more than just two sides seeking their abilities. Squabbling wizards, arrogant kings, amusing exiles, and mythical monsters all are vying for control of the young Chosen as well. With the help of an enigmatic hermit, Bryce and his friends look to establish a New Order, one set on bringing balance to the Realm and combating the dark and mysterious forces of the Grim. Should they fail, not only will Endland be ensnared in the shadow of the Grim King, but so too will the rest of the interdimensional space beyond, including Earth and those they left behind.
Trevor McCowen lives a complicated life. Juggling multiple commanders and job requirements - a successful investment planner by day, training with law enforcement and working private investigations on nights and weekends. Nothing too dangerous, just some wild fun and a couple cool guy stories to tell.
While the federal agency FinCEN and Mr. Phillip Daniels are pushing and commanding him for results on local money laundering and Ponzi schemes, Trevor needs the help of Face, his commander at Atlas International Security Corp. Their impending mission will lead their well-trained security team on a dangerous pursuit to capture an old nemesis. Searching for those responsible for the attempt on his life, Trevor discovers international traffickers using drug profits to support local terrorism designed to destroy the very fabric and image of freedom and local government. The team will need all of their combative skills to survive this highspeed mission into unknown territory.
Doug is the founder and president of North Coast Peace Officer Training Foundation (NCPOTF.org), a not-for-profit law enforcement training company, providing training at no cost to the officer or their agency.