Summary:

In this conversation, Carole Leathem reflects on her personal journey, emphasizing the importance of finding joy in life's imperfections and cherishing meaningful connections with loved ones.

Rachel shares poignant moments with her mother and highlights the significance of creating lasting memories together.

Takeaways:

Life is often far from ideal, yet joy can be found.

True joy can emerge from challenging moments.

Cherishing small, imperfect moments can lead to happiness.

Connections with loved ones are invaluable.

Creating memories is essential for personal growth.

Laughter can arise from unexpected situations.

Singing together fosters a sense of community.

Experiences shared with family are deeply meaningful.

Finding joy in simplicity is a powerful lesson.

Life's challenges can lead to profound insights.

Chapters:

00:00 The Advent Journey Begins: Embracing Joy and Pain

00:13 Gratitude as a Pathway to Joy

00:43 The Healing Power of Laughter

Connect with Rachel:

Website: https://rachelearp.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racheree/

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

Social Media -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Summary:

In this episode of the Caretakers Journey podcast, hosts Carole Leathem and Danielle Chambers discuss the theme of finding peace amidst chaos.

They share personal stories of grief and loss, emphasizing the importance of trusting God during difficult times.

The conversation highlights the power of prayer, stillness, and creating sacred pauses in daily life to invite peace. T

hey explore the illusion of control and how music can serve as a source of comfort.

Ultimately, they encourage listeners to embrace the invitation of peace and the role of community in navigating life's challenges.

Takeaways:

Peace is not a feeling, it's a promise.

We learn peace the hard way.

Peace comes from anchoring ourselves in Christ.

Control is an illusion.

Peace pauses are really important.

Jesus meets us in our doubts.

We find peace when we slow down and find God.

The Lord is not surprised by your chaos.

Peace is always available to us.

His peace is strong enough to hold us all.

Chapters:

00:00 Finding Peace in Chaos

02:38 The Journey of Grief and Loss

05:33 Trusting God in Difficult Times

08:24 The Illusion of Control

11:02 Listening to Jesus in the Midst of Chaos

17:10 Finding Peace in Chaos

18:19 The Importance of Pulling Away

20:37 Rhythm Over Routine

23:12 Creating Peace Pauses

23:34 Sacred Pauses and Grounding

27:22 Inhale Peace, Exhale Anxiety

29:09 The Invitation to Rest

Connect with Danielle:

Instagram: https:

//www.instagram.com/danielleonthedaily_/

https://www.instagram.com/tcanddanielle/

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

Social Media -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Summary:

In this episode of the Caretakers Advent Series, Carole Leathem and Rebecca George explore the themes of hope, waiting, and trust during the Advent season.

They discuss the importance of reflection, the role of community, and the active engagement required in waiting for God's promises.

Through personal stories and shared experiences, they emphasize that hope is not merely wishful thinking but a confident assurance rooted in God's faithfulness.

The conversation encourages listeners to embrace hope, practice patience, and support one another in their journeys.

Takeaways:

• Advent is a time of reflection and longing.
• Hope is a steady living hope that anchors us.
• Trusting God is essential in the waiting process.
• Personal stories of hope can inspire others.
• Community plays a vital role in nurturing hope.
• Active waiting involves engaging with God and others.
• God's timing is perfect, even when we struggle to wait.
• Practicing hope can be done through daily rituals.
• Sharing hope with others multiplies its impact.
• Hope is alive because Jesus is alive.
• "Hope is not wishful thinking."

Chapters:

00:00 The Season of Advent: Reflection and Longing

02:44 Hope in the Waiting: A Caregiver's Perspective

05:44 Trusting God in the In-Between

08:28 The Power of Hope: Personal Stories

11:41 Finding Unshakable Hope in God's Word

14:37 Community and Connection in Caregiving

17:43 The Challenge of Waiting: Timelines and Trust

18:47 The Idols of Our Hearts

20:12 Walking with God in the Waiting

21:50 Finding Hope Through Helping Others

24:53 Active Faith in the Waiting

27:36 Taking Steps in the Meanwhile

29:50 Practicing Hope and Trusting God

32:53 The Power of Community and Prayer

Connect with Rebecca:

Website:

https://www.radicalradiance.live/

https://www.nottoolatebook.live/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rebeccageorgeauthor

NEW Book: https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Not-Too-Late-Trusting/dp/0830784373

Podcast: https://www.radicalradiance.live/podcast

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community

Social Media -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Summary:

In this episode of the Caretaker Journeys podcast, host Carole Leathem speaks with Julie Sunne, an author and caregiver, about finding hope amidst life's struggles.

Julie shares her personal journey of writing and faith, discussing the challenges of caregiving for her daughter with significant disabilities.

The conversation delves into the importance of authenticity, self-care, and understanding God's nature in the face of suffering.

Julie emphasizes the need for hope and encouragement for caregivers, highlighting the lessons learned from her trials and the role of music and faith in her life.

Takeaways:

• Julie Sunne emphasizes the importance of hope in caregiving.

• Writing became a way for Julie to share her experiences and encourage others.

• Faith can be a rollercoaster during difficult times.

• Caregivers often feel overwhelmed and alone in their journeys.

• Music and self-care are vital for emotional well-being.

• Authenticity in sharing struggles helps connect with others.

• Understanding God's nature can help reconcile suffering and faith.

• Finding joy in small moments is essential for caregivers.

• Surrendering expectations can lead to peace in difficult circumstances.

• Community and connection are crucial for caregivers.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:01 Finding Hope Amid Life's Struggles

06:59 Authenticity and Encouragement in Tough Times

13:02 Reminding Yourself of God's Truth

18:00 Self-Care for Caregivers

22:45 Finding Blessings and Lessons in Trials

27:36 Navigating Difficult Circumstances with Faith

35:14 The Importance of Self-Care for Caregivers

Connect with Julie:

Website: https://juliesunne.com/

Book:https://www.amazon.com/stores/Julie-Sunne/author/B01M305KRB

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

Social Media -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Summary:

In this conversation, Laura Smith discusses her book 'Holy Care for the Whole Self' and the importance of addressing mental health issues.

She shares her own journey of healing from childhood trauma and the impact it had on her mental health.

Laura emphasizes the need for caretakers to prioritize their mental well-being and seek help when needed.

She also highlights the connection between faith and mental health, explaining how biblical principles align with mental health practices.

The conversation touches on the significance of rest, community, prayer, and gratitude in caring for one's mental health. In this conversation,

Carole and Laura discuss the importance of self-care for caregivers and individuals struggling with mental health.

They explore the role of faith and scripture in mental health journeys and highlight the need for open conversations and support networks.

Laura shares practical tips for caring for mental health, including finding the right therapist, incorporating self-care practices into caregiving, and prioritizing physical health.

They emphasize the power of prayer, creativity, and community in maintaining mental well-being.

The conversation concludes with a reminder that caregivers are not alone and that there is a supportive community available to them.

Takeaways:

• Caretakers need to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed.

• There is a strong connection between faith and mental health, with many mental health practices aligning with biblical principles.

• Rest, community, prayer, and gratitude are essential for caring for one's mental health.

• Addressing childhood trauma and seeking healing can have a significant impact on mental well-being.

• It is important to acknowledge and validate the struggles of mental health, rather than dismissing or minimizing them. Self-care is essential for caregivers and individuals struggling with mental health.

• Finding the right therapist may require trying multiple options.

• Incorporating self-care practices into caregiving can be done through creativity and outdoor activities.

• Prayer and scripture can provide comfort and guidance in mental health journeys.

• Physical health, including sleep, nutrition, and hydration, is crucial for mental well-being.

• Sharing one's story and seeking support from trusted individuals can help combat feelings of isolation.

• Caregivers are not alone, and there is a supportive community available to them.

• Prioritizing Mental Health as a Caretaker

• "It isn't supposed to be this way."

• "Jesus never wanted that for us."

• "There is something that happened. It was traumatic. I can name that. I can claim that. And because now I know what it was, I can grow and I can heal."

• "God wants to use the journeys that we've been on ourselves."

• "Medication has made all the difference because it has taken away the suicidal ideation."

• "God has created scientists who have created things that help brain chemistry."

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Overview

02:25 It Isn't Supposed to Be This Way

06:24 Healing from Childhood Trauma

11:01 The Intersection of Faith and Mental Health

13:27 Biblical Principles for Mental Health

16:21 Qualifications and Sharing Personal Stories

19:23 Finding the Right Therapist and Incorporating Self-Care Practices

21:21 The Power of Prayer and Scripture in Mental Health Journeys

25:05 Sharing Stories and Seeking Support

29:46 You Are Not Alone: Building a Supportive Community

Connect with Laura:

Laura’s Website: https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurasmithauthor/

Laura’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Care-Whole-Self-Well-Being/dp/1640702776

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

Social Media -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Summary:

In this episode, Carole Leathem and Dustin George delve into the complex topic of suffering from a biblical perspective.

They explore why God allows suffering, emphasizing that it serves a purpose in building character and strengthening faith.

The conversation highlights the importance of understanding God's perfect nature, omnipotence, and omniscience in the context of human suffering.

They discuss how suffering does not eliminate our eternal relationship with God but rather redeems it, leading to a deeper dependence on Him.

The episode concludes with reflections on the hope of restoration and the glory of God revealed through our trials.

Takeaways:

• Suffering is a common question in faith discussions.

• God's ways are perfect, even when we don't understand them.

• Our eternal relationship with God does not eliminate suffering.

• God uses suffering to fulfill His purposes.

• Trials build character and strengthen faith.

• Dependence on God is crucial during suffering.

• Faith is displayed through our responses to pain.

• God's glory is revealed through our suffering.

• Suffering points us towards the hope of restoration.

• The ultimate purpose of suffering is to bring us closer to God.

Chapters:

00:00 Understanding Suffering from a Biblical Perspective

10:48 The Redemptive Nature of Temporal Suffering

17:59 God's Perfect Ways, Power, and Knowledge

28:30 Becoming Cultivators in Our Relationship with God

30:15 Introduction: The Purpose of Suffering

32:25 Chapter 2: The Analogy of Forging Metal: Shaping and Tempering through Suffering

36:39 Chapter 3: Dependence on God in the Midst of Suffering

44:08 Chapter 4: The Ultimate Solution to Human Suffering: The Sacrifice of Christ

46:02 Chapter 5: The Expectation of the Coming Restoration

52:35 Conclusion: Encouragement for Caregivers

Connect with Dustin:

Website: https://www.dustingeorge.com/

New Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKL18KSX

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

Social Media -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Summary:

In this conversation, Gaye Lindfors shares her journey as a caretaker and how she shifted her mindset from trying to fix everything to seeking God's guidance.

She emphasizes the importance of saying yes to God and finding new reasons to trust Him in difficult situations.

Gaye also discusses the challenges of caretaking and the need to let go of control.

She shares personal stories and highlights the importance of finding humor in the midst of caregiving.

Overall, the conversation encourages caretakers to change their thinking and rely on God's faithfulness.

The conversation explores the themes of identity and self-care in the context of caregiving.

The speakers discuss the challenges of adjusting one's identity as a caretaker and finding ways to maintain a sense of self while caring for a loved one.

They emphasize the importance of intentional connection with others and the need to settle setbacks and show oneself grace.

The conversation also touches on the idea of starting a movement to encourage women to stop waiting for life to show up and instead show up and find life.

Takeaways:

• Shift your mindset from trying to fix everything to seeking God's guidance

• Say yes to God and find new reasons to trust Him in difficult situations

• Let go of control and rely on God's faithfulness

• Find humor in the midst of caregiving to lighten the load

• Change your thinking and embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth

• Caretaking can lead to a shift in identity, and it's important to find ways to maintain a sense of self while caring for a loved one.

• Intentional connection with others is crucial for caregivers to avoid isolation and maintain a support system.

• Settling setbacks involves confessing and repenting of any hindrances to fully surrendering to God's plan.

• Showing oneself grace is essential in the caregiving journey, as it can be challenging and overwhelming at times.

• Instead of waiting for the perfect circumstances, caregivers are encouraged to show up and find life in the midst of their caregiving responsibilities.

• Starting a movement involves encouraging women to stop waiting for life to show up and instead take action to pursue their passions and purpose.

retaking

09:56 Finding Beauty in the Challenging Moments

14:58 The Importance of Letting Go of Control

19:02 Gaye Lindfors' Book: 'Getting My Ducks in a Row and Other Stories of Faith'

23:50 Changing Identities and Adjustments

28:47 Showing Up and Finding Life

33:37 Settling Setbacks and Showing Grace

37:05 Encouragement for Caretakers

Connect with Gaye:

• Website: https://gayelindfors.com/

• Book: https://www.amazon.com/Anticipate-Gods-Goodness-Letters-Encouragement/dp/B0DFGZFGLP

• Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Gaye-Lindfors/author/B087K1975R

• Social Media:

• https://www.facebook.com/GayeLindforsAuthor

• https://www.instagram.com/gayelindfors/

Connect with Carole:

• Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

• Social Media -

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

• Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Summary:

In this episode of the Caretakers Journey podcast, Carole Leathem and Jane Daly discuss the complexities of caregiving for aging parents, emphasizing the importance of grace, understanding, and self-care.

They explore the emotional challenges faced by caregivers, the dynamics of sibling relationships, and the long grief that accompanies the decline of loved ones.

Through personal stories and insights, they highlight the need for compassion and support in the caregiving journey, reminding listeners that they are not alone in their struggles.

Takeaways:

• Grace isn't just something we extend to others.
• You are not alone. Grace meets you right where you are.
• Caring for aging parents is like caring for a toddler.
• God doesn't waste anything that we go through.
• The long grief starts before the final goodbye.
• Sometimes we just have to love them and let them make choices.
• You won't have regrets when she dies.
• I need to give myself a pedicure.
• Our journey as caregivers can be really hard.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Overcoming Distractions

04:42 Jane Daly's Journey and Living in a Motorhome

07:43 Choosing the Motorhome Lifestyle

09:29 Writing 'The Caregiving Season'

11:41 The Need for Caregiving Resources

13:27 Navigating Changing Roles in Caregiving

20:01 The Challenges of Dealing with Siblings in Caregiving

22:15 Caring for Aging Parents and Building Better Relationships

25:44 The Long Grief of Watching Parents Decline

28:12 Dealing with Crankiness and Showing Grace

31:35 Personal Growth and Empathy Through Caregiving

38:05 Connecting with Other Caregivers and Self-Care

Connect with Jane:

https://bit.ly/4f093Mg Link to website

https://amzn.to/3yHyamM Link to the book

https://www.amazon.com/author/janedaly Link to Amazon Author Page

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

Social Media -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book