Review and Giveaway for "Because You Care"

CONGRATULATIONS TO
JENNIFER HALLMARK
WINNER OF "BECAUSE YOU CARE"

"BECAUSE YOU CARE: SPIRITUAL ENCOURAGEMENT FOR CAREGIVERS"

by Cecil Murphey

and Twila Belk

I saw this book on a friend's FB page. "Because You Care: Spiritual Encouragement for Caregivers" and wanted to find out more about it. I've been a caregiver all my life and I can use all the encouragement I can get. My mother had Rheumatoid Arthritis and I helped care for her as a child. I still take care of my adult disabled daughter as well as my dad for the ten years before he passed away. I think I have pretty good creditials as a caregiver.


 I wanted to know how the authors faced their life as caregivers. Twila Belk and Cec Murphey are the co-authors for this book. Both of these authors are prolific writers and speakers. How do they do it. How do they manage to keep thier own sanity and also have a productive life of thier own?  I hope to have an interview with Twila to add to this post. I'm sure she has a lot to add for other caregivers who are also trying to be writers.


This is a little book, but it packs a whollop. Stories of trials and faith from both Twila and Cec. There are beautiful and tranquil photographs by Betty Fletcher. This book would make a great gift to someone who has the job of being a caregiver to someone they love. It is also nice just to buy for yourself if you are the caregiver and need a little boost.

BACK COVER: As someone caring for an ill or elderly loved one, you understand that your role can push you to the limit, press on every nerve, and yet fill you with a deep sense of love and peace of mind.

Beloved authors Cecil Murphy and Twila Belk know this, too. Beautifully written and full of gentle wisdom, their personal stories of caregiving will help you face some of the ups and downs of your journey.

   

                                               Feeling guilty for doing too much, or nothing at all.

                                               Answering others well-meaning but insensitive questions.

                                               Watching someone you dearly love suffer or die.

Here the stories from those living the life. Let their encouraging words lift your heart.



From Cec and Twila

(excerpt from first page)

Others may call you brave. They'll use words like noble or sacrificial. They'll admire and applaud you because you've offered your life to make yourself available to someone who needs a long-term caregiver.

"I couldn't do what you're doing for him," a friend says.

You listen to the words your friend speaks, and you like hearing the compiments. Yet as you listen and smile, you don't see yourself as exceptional. You're doing the right thing for someone you love, and that gives you peace. You also know the reason you've devoted your energies to another person.

You can express that reason in a single sentence: "I do it because I care." You might say it's because you love the person, or you may do it because of a strong sense of commitment to God and to your loved one. egardless of how you express yourself, you're determinded to give yourself as fully as you can.

Some days you may not feel like loving anyone. You get tired, lose your temper, or think of the things you didn't accomplish. During the worst times, you wish the situation would change. And in those dark moments, you've probably prayed, Dear Lord, please take this burden from me.

The situation probably won't change for a long time - perhaps years. It's not the kind of life you would have imagined. You probably  envisioned living out your years in blissful peace. Caring for your loved one wasn't part of your dream, but this is the life you have. Despite the moments of sadness, perhaps even regret, your answer remains the same: "I care."

TO ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THIS BOOK PLEASE:

1. Be a follower or become a follower. Please leave your email address so I can contact you.

2. Sign up to recieve my blog posts by email. (these are only a couple a month and usually giveaways you don't want to miss)

3. Let me know if you are a caregiver or if you know someone who is a long term caregiver. What is something you do to cope?
4. The giveaway ends April  30, 2012.

HAPPY READING