Religion
I am stockpiling antibiotics for the Apocalypse, even as I await the blossoming of paperwhites on the windowsill in the kitchen, Anne Lamott admits at the beginning of Almost Everything. Despair and uncertainty surround us: in the news, in our families, and in ourselves. But even when life is at its bleakest--when we are, as she puts it, doomed, stunned, exhausted, and over-caffeinated--the seeds of rejuvenation are at hand. All truth is paradox, Lamott writes, and this turns out to be a reason for hope. If you arrive at a place in life that is miserable, it will change. That is the time when we must pledge not to give up but to do what Wendell Berry wrote: 'Be joyful, though you have considered all the facts.' In this profound and funny book, Lamott calls for each of us to rediscover the nuggets of hope and wisdom that are buried within us that can make life sweeter than we ever imagined. Divided into short chapters that explore life's essential truths, Almost Everything pinpoints these moments of insight as it shines an encouraging light forward. Candid and caring, insightful and sometimes hilarious, Almost Everything is the book we need and that only Anne Lamott can write.
Barbara Essex reveals a side of the Bad Boys of the Bible not usually reflected upon or even considered in most preaching and teaching. Adam, Cain, Abraham, Lot, Jacob, Jephthah, and Samson are well-known men of the Bible who were strong and faithful, yet also weak and challenged. In Bad Boys of the Bible: Exploring Men of Questionable Virtue, Essex takes readers on a journey to explore these male giants of faith. Bad Boys of the Bible includes seven Bible study units, reflection questions, suggestions for using this resource in preaching and teaching, and a bibliography for further study.
This book is a beautifully illustrated book, with 13 mixed media paintings addressing children and adults alike to explore attributes of character. It also tells the stories of the biblical matriarchs of the Bible. It is appropriate for the classroom, and can be used as a coffee table art book as well.
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.