Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 31

5 Christian Trends You May Want to Re-evaluate

According to recent style magazines, the shag haircut of the 1970’s has come roaring back! All the groovygirls are wearing it. Yes, trends come and trends go. And many even come around again. In fact, I’ve noticed a few Christian trends popping up in the church.

I believe that each of these trendy practices are rooted in good motives. And some of them may even be beneficial if properly used and correctly viewed as the limited tools they are. But before we jump on the bandwagon and do something because everyone else is doing it, let’s always set any practice beside God’s Word to evaluate it.

5 Christian Trends to Consider or Reconsider

Choosing a Life Verse– Many Christians choose one verse or short passage to reflect the primary focus of their lives or serve as sort of a life mission statement. While I have spent extended periods studying and meditating on specific sections of Scripture, I’m not sure what God may have for me next year or even next week! (I expanded on this trend in “4 Cautions about Choosing a Life Verse.”) I’m afraid people would think me wishy washy because I’d be changing my life verse constantly!
Focusing on One “Word” for the Year– I noticed this trend starting about five years ago – of course it may have been around a lot longer and I just missed it! According to one article I read, the “word for the year” is a single word a Christian chooses as a “framing word that will be my focus for the year ahead.” Words like gratitude, joy, hope, grace,and peaceare popular choices. Another Christian blogger said that choosing “one word” for the year helps her “focus on what truly matters and what will make an eternal difference in my life and the lives of those I care about.” There is a possible benefit here. If we are really struggling in one area of our Christian walk, perhaps it would be helpful to intentionally focus on that area for a while. But, seriously, does anyone else see a caution here?? I have trouble simply keeping my focus on Jesus! I really don’t think I need to add another I’m afraid that would simply take my eyes off the Prize!
Taking Spiritual Gifts Tests– While I believe a spiritual gifts test can be a useful tool, it is a limited, manmade tool. And we should precede with caution. (See my recent post, “3 Concerns about Spiritual Gifts Tests.”)
Boycotting Businesses–As our culture moves further and further away from biblical principles, the policies of more and more businesses reflect the change in the culture. A boycott is when, in an attempt to intimidate or change a business’ policies, Christians refuse to buy or use a company’s goods or services. Sadly, boycotts are seldom – if ever – successful in changing policy. And often, the boycott only serves to negatively impact the spread of the Gospel. (For more information and a biblical perspective, see “Should Christians Boycott?”)
Blasting the Culture on Social Media– Yes, we live in a culture that has shifted far away from biblical principles. The American culture calls good, evil and calls evil, good. Our culture is in desperate need. It is soul sick. However, the answer is not to treat the symptoms. Raging at our culture and its practices only closes ears. Our moral diatribes only sound like foolishness to the world (1 Corinthians 2:14). We must offer the world around us its only chance of salvation – JESUS. (Note: Please don’t get me wrong. As God’s people, we must live holy lives and encourage holiness in other Christians.)

Let’s talk. Have you found any of these trends helpful or successful in your own life? What other Christian trends have you seen?

5 Christian Trends You May Want to Re-evaluate by Kathy Howard.

Free 6-Week Bible Reading Plan to Explore God’s Lavish Grace

Read this post to discover a free, new resource – a 6-week Bible Reading Plan all about God’s lavish grace!

I can’t get through a day without God’s grace. Just as water is essential for my physical life, God’s grace is essential – and thankfully, abundantly available – for my daily life.

Like a spring-fed river, God’s divine grace flows constantly. Sometimes His grace is quiet and deep, patiently soaking into the dry nooks and crannies of our souls. Other times it surges, cascades, and pounds, working to smooth our sharp edges and wash away deposits left behind by the world.

No dam can stop it. No bank can contain it. God’s grace knows no bounds.

Do you want to experience more of God’s lavish grace?

A 6-Week Bible Reading Plan All About God’s Grace

Get the new “Lavish Grace” Bible reading plan delivered to your inbox.

You, too, can dive into the depths of God’s lavish grace with this 6-week Bible reading plan. This doable, 5-day a week plan follows the life and teachings of Paul to help you recognize, rest in, and share the glorious grace of God.

The Apostle Paul understood God’s grace in a way most of us never will. This man who persecuted and killed Jesus’ followers received His grace in lavish abundance. Paul, the self-proclaimed “worst of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:16), experienced the overflowing richness of God’s grace. And he was never the same.

Not only did Paul live his life as an expression of gratitude for God’s unbounded grace, but a river of grace flows through his writings as well. In his letters, Paul shows how God’s grace washes through and over every part of a believer’s life. His grace is not “just enough” for us and it’s far more than “sufficient.” It is freely given. Abundantly poured out. Without boundaries or limits.

The 6-week plan is divided into three 2-week sections:

Poured Out (Weeks 1-2) – God woos us to Himself with His grace, calling us into a saving relationship with Jesus. Then He continues to pour out His grace into our lives to spiritually transform us into the likeness of Christ.
Poured Through (Weeks 3-4) – God doesn’t want us to be stagnant pools of grace. He longs for us to be channels of His grace extending it to others in practical ways through word and deed.
Overflowing (Weeks 5-6) – In those inevitable difficult seasons of life, God overflows our lives with His grace to sustain, strengthen, and comfort us.

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Get the Lavish Grace 6-Week Bible Reading Plan

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Two ways to get even more from this new 6-week reading plan

Print this plan, stick it in your Bible and do it on your own time table during your time with God. But if you’d like to take it to the next level, here are two ways:

Do it in community– Get support, accountability, and the insight of others by joining the Bible Study Hub community group on Facebook. Bible Study Hub (an online group just for women!) will begin this reading plan together on Monday, July 9th. Follow the link and request to join the Bible Study Hub closed group.
Do it with the “Lavish Grace” Bible study– You can do the reading plan and study on your own or along with the Bible Study Hub Facebook group. Although the reading plan is 6-weeks and the Bible study is 9-sessions, you can easily do them together by completing 3 sessions of the study every two weeks. The reading plan shows you how to break it down. Order the Bible study now from New Hope Publishers and get 20% off the list price by using the coupon code LAVISH20

Free 6-Week Bible Reading Plan to Explore God’s Lavish Grace by Kathy Howard.

When it Seems Like God isn’t Answering Your Prayer

Please welcome Bible teacher and author Debbie Taylor Williams as my guest today!

“Mommy, why isn’t God answering my prayer?”

I turned and looked deeply into my child’s sad eyes.  My daughter wasn’t being accusatory. Her soft voice revealed her hurt. She felt God was ignoring her.

“Lauren, come here.” Slowly, my daughter made her way to me. “Sit down beside me.”

Opening my prayer journal, I turned to the Week at A Glance section and pointed to her name at the top of the column of the prior week. “Look here,” I pointed, encouraging her to read a prayer request that I’d highlighted when the prayer was answered. I turned to the prior week. “Look here.” Again, I directed her to the yellow highlighted answered prayer request under her name. Thumbing through my journal, I encouraged her, “God is answering your prayers.”

In those moments I watched Lauren’s countenance change from dejection to joy. Her Heavenly Father hadn’t ignored her. He wasn’t withholding good things from her. He was involved in her life and answering her prayers. She’d simply forgotten. I assured her we’d continue to pray over unanswered prayers, keeping in mind that in God’s wisdom, His answers and timing may be different from ours.

Do You Ever Feel Like God is Ignoring Your Prayer?

You’re doing everything you feel God wants you to do. You go to church, read your Bible, and pray. You try to be kind to people. So, why isn’t God answering your prayers? You try to faithfully serve Him, but it seems others receive longed-for answers from God while you don’t.

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget the many times we call on God. We may shoot quick “arrow” prayers heavenward as we dash to work. We may drift to sleep while praying for family and friends. While we work and while we sleep, our Heavenly Father is moving on our behalf. It’s easy to forget all the prayers we pray and the way He does answer them. But, it becomes easy to remember if we record our prayers and His answers in a journal.

What is spiritual journaling and how do you do it?

Prayers of My Heart – Your Book of Remembrance

“Why isn’t God answering our prayers?” The simple answer is, He is. God hears your prayers. And He will answer. In His time, in His way. But, so often, the yet “unanswered” prayers become our focus, causing us to forget all the many ways God has already provided.

One of the best ways to remember God’s faithfulness to us is record it. Like the Israelites set up stones of remembrance after crossing the Jordan River on dried ground (Joshua 4:8-24), we too can create a “spiritual marker” through journaling to remind us of the way God has answered our prayers.

In addition to serving as a reminder, Journaling has other major benefits like the joy of seeing God move in our life and in the lives of those for whom we pray. Our prayer journal, serves as a book of remembrance for us. And it is a book of remembrance to leave for those who come behind us.

God has a book of remembrance. “Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name.” (Malachi 3:16 ESV) Isn’t it time we journal our prayers and His answers in a book of remembrance?

 In the comments section below, p lease share below how journaling has blessed you!

 

Today’s post is written by Debbie Taylor Williams. Debbie is a speaker, prayer mentor, and Bible study teacher. She is the founder of Hill Country Ministries and the author of numerous books including The Plan B Woman in a Plan A World and the soon-to-be released, Prayers of My Heart. In this personal prayer journal, you’ll find help to maintain the focused, meaningful, and intentional prayer life you want. This journal includes twelve Month-at-a-Glance charts, fifty-two Week-at-a-Glance charts, and ample journaling pages, along with complete instructions and examples to help you start recording your prayer requests and praising God for His answers! PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

When it Seems Like God isn’t Answering Your Prayer by Kathy Howard.

7 Things God Cannot Do

Don’t get me wrong. Hear me out first. Yes, God is all-powerful, all-knowing, sovereign, and holy. I fully embrace everything God’s Word says about who He is, how He works, and what He can do.

God is not limited. He has no weakness, flaws, or faults. There is nothing too hard, too big, or too far gone for God to conquer or accomplish. But there are some things that God cannot – or will not – do precisely because of who He is.

7 Things God Cannot Do

These 7 things are not a comprehensive list, but they will all help us better understand our one, true God. I pray they also help you to worship Him more passionately and trust Him more completely.

God cannot be wrong or make a mistake – Everything God does is right. His knowledge is perfect (Job 37:16). All His works are perfect (Deut 32:4). He never even makes an “honest mistake.”
God cannot sin – God is holy. He is “light” and in Him there is no darkness (1 John 1:5). Perfect holiness. Not a speck of unholiness. God cannot do anything against His perfect, holy nature. He cannot do evil or be tempted by evil (James 1:13).
God cannot lie – Yes, a lie is sin, so this one is covered by #2. However, since the Bible makes a point of telling us this specifically, I thought it was worth emphasizing! God doesn’t lie like we humans do. He only tells the truth, all the time, every time. (Hebrews 6:18, Titus 1:2, Numbers 23:19)
God cannot change – Perfection cannot become more perfect. Since God has perfect knowledge and perfect character, He cannot change His mind or improve His behavior. (Malachi 3:6). By the way, we shouldn’t dare to “update” God’s Word or standards to match our times. Our culture may be changing constantly, but God “does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).
God cannot break a promise – We can always take God at His word. He is faithful to keep His covenants. What He says, He will do. (Psalm 89:34)
God cannot get tired – No matter how much God accomplishes, how great and far-reaching His works, He will not grow weary or fatigued (Isaiah 40:28). In fact, He has strength in abundance and is willing to share His strength with us! (Isaiah 40:31)
God cannot stop “being” – Our Creator God is the God who “IS.” His personal name, Yahweh, expresses the nature of His existence. He exists because He is. He exists outside of time. He has not ever “not existed” at any point, in any dimension. By nature of who He is, He must exist. Isn’t that mind blowing? (Exodus 3:13-15, Psalm 90:1-5, Revelation 1:1-8)

So, what do you think? Do you agree that there are some things God cannot do?

7 things #God #cannot do
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Want to know our wonderful God better? The following blog posts/resources can help:

11 Tips for Spending Quality Time with God
5 Probing Questions to Meditate on Scripture
Journaling for the Left-Brained Christian
Prayers of My Heart: A Personal Prayer Journal

7 Things God Cannot Do by Kathy Howard.

5 Prayer Tips from Jesus

Please welcome my guest, Janet McHenry, author of the new book “The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus.” Janet is a mighty “prayer walker!”

When I was crossing a corner as I prayerwalked in our small town in the Sierra Valley, I remembered the gist of a passage from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount about not praying on the street corners to be seen by men. Instead, we are to pray privately behind closed doors.

That moment led me down a twenty-year path of studying the Bible for teachings on prayer—focusing a lot on the prayer life of Jesus. Only secondary to his teachings on eternal life, his teachings on prayer provide much direction as we strive to live a prayer-focused life.

5 Prayer Tips Based on the Prayers and Prayer Life of Jesus

Pray simple prayers – The purpose of the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) was to teach us to pray simply. Jesus prefaced the prayer by telling the listeners not to babble on and on (Matthew 6:7-8). We do not need elaborate vocabulary. We cannot impress God with the number of our words. After all, He knows our heart already. The simple fact that we go to Him is a prayerful act already.
Pray with a clear conscience – Forgiveness seems to be crucial to answered prayer. Jesus said that if we do not forgive others, our Father will not forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15). He also said we should be reconciled with others before making an offering (Matthew 5:23-24). If we want the Father to forgive us, we need to forgive others’ offenses toward us, but we also need to be proactive in seeking others’ forgiveness when we have hurt them.
Be persistent – In Luke 18, Jesus told a parable about a woman who kept bugging a judge to make a decision in her favor. Because she was persistent, that unjust judge granted her request. Jesus said, “And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?” (Luke 18:7). No matter how bleak a situation looks, our Father wants us to continue to take our heart cries to him.
Pray boldly – God also wants us to pray beyond our reach. Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9). Big, bold prayers are statements of our big, bold faith in our God who can do the impossible (Matthew 19:26).
Pray with faith – When Jesus healed a boy from demons after the disciples had failed, He said that we can move mountains if we have faith as small as a mustard seed (Matthew 17:14-21). Faith is belief and trust in a God who has created and sustained all living things. We need not trust in the miracle; we simply have to believe God can do the miracle.

I do not pray aloud on street corners in my little town; I pray silently for whatever God puts within my eyesight. And I’ve been privileged to see marriages saved, sick people healed, and hearts moved to faith. Jesus prayed, so I do, too.

What prayer tips have you learned from the prayers of Jesus?

Other posts you might like:

A Legacy Prayer from My Great-Great Grandmother
5 Reasons Real Prayer is Hard
A Skeptic and a Prayer Warrior

Janet Holm McHenry is a speaker and the author of 23 books, including the best-selling PrayerWalkand her newest book, The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus: What He Prayed and How It Will Change Your Life Today(Bethany House, June 5 release). A former educator, she lives in the Sierra Valley in northeastern California, where she prayerwalks for her town and where she taught high school English. Featured in Health, Family Circle and First magazines for her prayerwalking, Janet is convinced that prayer is the best problem-solving strategy.

 

  The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus  is the only comprehensive guide to the prayer life of Jesus. It is an engaging, vivid journey through Jesus’ prayers, as well as his teachings on prayer and his prayer practices. With reflection questions for small groups, it is available at all online bookstores.

 

 

5 Prayer Tips from Jesus by Kathy Howard.

Dementia Took My Mom Years Ago

My mother was witty, fun, and smart. She danced in the kitchen, talked her way out of every traffic ticket, and ran her own business. She read constantly, created intricate cross-stitched pieces, and could quote baseball statistics like a pro. She loved Jesus and adored my dad.

Mom may still be living, but years ago, dementia took the person she was. The disease slowly changed her personality and tore down her ability to effectively relate to other people. Although it happened over time, the reality hit me one day.

“Mom” was gone; just a shadow remained. And I’ve been feeling the loss ever since.

My mother and I were always close. Even after I married and we moved hundreds of miles away, Mom and I stayed connected with regular, long phone calls. I went to her with parenting questions and friendship issues. She always cared, always listened, and always had some words of wisdom.

I never realized how much I had depended on Mom until I couldn’t. But then I discovered that in some ways, our relationship had hindered my dependence on God. When something happened, instead of turning to Him, I called Mom. When she lost the ability to listen and understand, I began to learn how to take those things to the One who would always listen. Always understand.

Grieving Lost Relationships

The psalmist David knew about personal loss and painful relationships. Yet David learned to cultivate a deep, satisfying relationship with God that brought him comfort in the midst of grief, security in tumultuous circumstances, and joy that surpassed any loss.

In the sixty-third psalm, David emphasized God’s presence with His people. Whether through death, betrayal, or simply change, human relationships will always fail us. But God will never fail us. Our earthly relationships can never meet all our needs, but God can meet every need. He can quench our thirst and satisfy our hunger. His love is better than life itself. (See Psalm 63:1-8.)

When you feel alone, when a sense of loss overwhelms you, turn to the Truth. You are not alone. God is with you. Remember the times He has made His presence known to you in the past. Reflect on those moments you’ve experienced His loving care. Whisper His name and turn to Him. Depend on His strength and sustenance.

Finding Joy in the Changes

Yes, our relationship with our parents is different than it once was. Now they depend on us. Now they need our help. Our guidance. In many ways, we are the parent and they are the child. We grieve the people they were and the relationship we had with them. But, in our grief, let’s not miss what we still have. Who they are now.

Today, my relationship with my mother is drastically different than it was. Yet I’m seeking new ways to find joy in the relationship we do have and to help her enjoy the life she still has. Mom can no longer read, stitch, or dance. But she does like watching planes take off and land. So recently, we drove out and parked next to the airport. And we sat and together we watched the planes.

How has the relationship with your parents changed in recent years? What are some practical ways you can enjoy the relationship you have with them now.

 

30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents

Struggling to navigate the parent/child role reversal? Kathy Howard’s new book, 30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents, explores God’s Word to find hope and encouragement for the wide range of physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges the adult child caregiver may experience. Each of the 30 devotions – which can also serve as a guide for a daily quiet time – includes a Scripture passage, a real-life illustration, biblical commentary/application, and questions for reflection.

Read first 5 devotionals.

Dementia Took My Mom Years Ago by Kathy Howard.

6 Practical Tips When Caring for Aging Parents

Wouldn’t it be great if our aging parents came with an instruction manual? But, no guidebook exists. We don’t have a troubleshooting checklist.

So, here we are struggling to navigate the family role-reversal. The parent, who cared for us, now needs our care. And we are often physically emotionally, and spiritually exhausted. So, how can we excel at this challenging, God-given task?

The first – and best – things we can do are not “tangible.” Things like pray constantly, rely on God for daily strength, and humbly seek His wisdom. And let’s do those things. Every day let’s do those things. (The tips in this post are found in Kathy’s new book “30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents. Read the first 5 days of devotions now. Or order from Amazon!)

6 Practical Tips for Caring for Aging Parents

But practical things are helpful too. And in the little bit of experience I’ve had caring for my father-in-law and my parents, I’ve stumbled across a few things you might find helpful too.

Mark your calendar with a pencil – Like you, I’ve cancelled lunch plans to take a parent to the doctor. I’ve blocked off weeks for hospital stays. But the one that really hurt  was when I had to cancel keeping my grandson for a few days. After I threw my pity party, God got my attention. In this season, my parents needed me most. I can make plans, but I need to hold them loosely. I’ll never regret the time spent with my parents.
Build a network of accountability – My husband has talked me down off the ledge more than once. The night Mom told me to leave her house, she didn’t want me there, sent me running out of the room ready to explode. (It was the dementia talking, but it still hurt.) My husband calmed me enough to pray, then God did the rest. We all need 2 or 3 trusted people who can not only act as a sounding board but also keep us properly on our God-given task.
Help your parents find new ways to enjoy life – Due to Parkinson’s, Dad can no longer fish or golf. But he spends a lot of time beating my brother and me at dominoes. Dementia prevents Mom from doing pretty much everything she used to enjoy, but we color together and she loves beading with one of her caregivers.
Ask for and accept help – Whether you care for a parent full-time, part-time, or share the responsibility with a family member there will be times when you need additional help. It may be ongoing or for a single afternoon, but don’t let pride or self-sufficiency get in the way. There are people who would love to help they just don’t know how. If someone says “Let me know if I can do anything,” give them a time, a date, and a task!
Choose to act in love even when you don’t feel like it -True love, agape love, is love of volition, not emotion. This truth is freeing to me! We don’t have to feel guilty about not always feeling loving toward our parents when caring for them gets hard. Choosing to act in love pleases and honors God!
Practice praise and thanksgiving – The caregiving journey is often deeply discouraging for the parent and the caregiver. Purposefully praising God for who He is and looking for things to thank Him for are not only the best weapons against anxiety, they also foster joy and peace. (See Philippians 4:4-7.)

These ideas are just a start. All of you caregivers have some hard-earned wisdom to share.

What practical ideas can you share with us to help us excel at caring for our aging parents?

 

 

30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents

Struggling to navigate the parent/child role reversal? Kathy Howard’s new book, 30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents, explores God’s Word to find hope and encouragement for the wide range of physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges the adult child caregiver may experience. Each of the 30 devotions – which can also serve as a guide for a daily quiet time – includes a Scripture passage, a real-life illustration, biblical commentary/application, and questions for reflection.

Read first 5 devotionals.

6 Practical Tips When Caring for Aging Parents by Kathy Howard.

We Don’t Have What it Takes to Care for Aging Parents

This article is excerpted from Kathy’s new devotional book “30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents,” which releases today! 

When my husband and I were young parents, our church friends had an ongoing joke that reflected the challenge of raising little humans. We designated that carefree time of life before the arrival of the first offspring as “BC” – before children. Before children, we enjoyed spontaneous outings, a little extra spending money, and a good night’s sleep.

But after the children’s arrival, everything changed. Grocery store trips required hours of preparation. Paychecks often ran out before the next payday. And we regularly navigated our days in a sleep-deprived state.

Caring for little ones was tough. Then they grew to be teenagers and parenting stretched us to new lengths. Now, with our children grown, we can look back and clearly see how God sustained us with His grace through every stage of parenting.

Kids out, parents in

Then we totally skipped the empty-nest stage. The summer our last child left for college, my 80-year-old father-in-law arrived. One young birdie flew out and one old birdie flew in.

Granted, Pappaw only needed a little assistance during the first years he spent with us. Then his health began to decline and he experienced one major problem after another. As doctors, medication, lengthy hospital stays, surgeries, and rehab dominated his life, he needed us more and more.

For a season, I was helping both my husband with his father and making regular trips to care for my own parents. I desperately wanted to do it all right, but the responsibilities felt heavy, draining.

I quickly realized I don’t have what it takes. I’m ill-equipped to make good decisions for my aging parents. I lack the spiritual strength to love and care for them unconditionally. One minute I want to hug them and tell them everything will be alright and the next I want to force them to “listen to reason.”

Read the first 5 days of “30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents”

Are you caring for aging parents?

Many of you are there now – overwhelmed with the needs of your parents. With the responsibility of caring for them. Like me, you don’t have what it takes to do it well.

But I know Someone who has everything we need and more. Caring for ill and aging parents challenges us daily and can stretch us to the breaking point. But, by His power and grace, God will give us everything we need to care for them and live a life that pleases God “through our knowledge of Him who called us” (2 Peter 1:3).

Caring for our aging parents is a joint venture with God

As we abide in Jesus, God’s powerful provision flows through this life-giving connection. The power is Christ in us, working through us to minister to our parents. Caring for our parents is a joint venture with God. As we step out in obedience, God provides the power to fuel our efforts. God doesn’t promise the task will be easy. But He does promise our efforts make a difference.

Today, let’s take a deep breath and settle into the amazing truth that our powerful God willprovide everything we need for this journey. Let us draw close to Jesus and hold tight.

What can you do each day to purposefully stay connected to Jesus? How will abiding in Jesus strengthen you for your God-given task?

More about “30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents”

Are you struggling to navigate the parent/child role reversal? Kathy Howard’s new book, 30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents, explores God’s Word to find hope and encouragement for the wide range of physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges the adult child caregiver may experience. Each of the 30 devotions – which can also serve as a guide for a daily quiet time – includes a Scripture passage, a real-life illustration, biblical commentary/application, and questions for reflection. AVAILABLE TODAY! 

Order the book now on Amazon, New Hope Publishers, or CBD.

We Don’t Have What it Takes to Care for Aging Parents by Kathy Howard.

Special Offers and a Freebie to Celebrate My New Book!

“30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents” officially launches one week from today! We are so excited about this new devotional for caregivers we want to pass along the excitement with a couple of special offers and a free printable!

30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents:

Are you struggling to navigate the parent/child role reversal? 30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents, explores God’s Word to find hope and encouragement for the wide range of physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges the adult child caregiver may experience. Each of the 30 devotions – which can also serve as a guide for a daily quiet time – includes a Scripture passage, a real-life illustration, biblical commentary/application, and questions for reflection.

Free Sample: Read the first 5 days of devotion!
Pre-order Specials

The book officially releases on May 21st, but you can preorder now. And there are benefits in pre-ordering!

Benefit #1: 30% the retail price!

New Hope Publishers is offering 30% off all preorders on their website through May 20th. Just click the “30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents” pre-order button and use “preorder18” for the coupon code.

Benefit #2: Free Prayer Card Printable!

Each devotional in the book ends with a prayer prompt. I’ve used some of these prayers to created a sheet of 10 prayer cards for caregivers. Offer applies to preorders from anywhere – New Hope Publishers, Amazon, CBD, Barnes&Noble, etc. Just email me at kathy@kathyhoward.org with your proof of purchase and I’ll email you the pdf!

Bulk Order Offer

Are you connected with a caregivers or dementia support group? New Hope Publishers is also offering a 40% off retail discount and free shipping on bulk orders for ministry groups. (Bulk order is any order over a case of 36 books.) Email me if you are interested.

Spiritual Encouragement and Refreshment for Caregivers

My prayer is that God will use this new resource to give spiritual encouragement and refreshment to those who care for their aging or ill parents. What is your prayer for yourself or others you know that are caregivers?

 

Special Offers and a Freebie to Celebrate My New Book! by Kathy Howard.

Are you a Caregiver for an Aging or Ill Parent?

If you are a caregiver for an aging or ill parent, check out this new resource and enter for a chance to win a copy of upcoming devotional book “30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents!”

My husband and I skipped right over the empty-nest stage. The summer our last child left for college, my 80-year-old father-in-law arrived. One young birdie flew out and one old birdie flew in.

For a season, I was helping both my husband with his father and making regular trips to care for my own parents who lived four hours away. I desperately wanted to do it all right, but the responsibilities felt heavy, draining.

Many of you are there now – overwhelmed with the needs of your parents. Burdened with the responsibility of caring for them.

No one prepared us for this!

Yet, here we are, struggling to navigate the family role-reversal. The parents, who cared for us, now need our care.

We truly want to excel at this God-given task, but it challenges us at every turn. Many days it demands more than we feel we have to give.  Physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion are constant companions.

Encouragement for the Caregiver Available Soon!

30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents will be released May 21st! The idea for this devotional book flowed from my own need and life experience. My caregiving journey was still fairly new when I realized I needed a regular flow of spiritual encouragement and refreshment to keep going strong. While many resources exist that provide practical tips and help caregivers navigate the healthcare labyrinth, not many speak directly to our soul needs.

Whether you care for your parent full-time, part-time, or share the responsibilities with a sibling or professional caregiver, this book is for you.  30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents goes to the Bible to find hope and encouragement for those caring for aging or ill parents. This daily devotional combines Scripture, biblical insight, life experience, reflection questions, and prayer prompts to help you rest in God’s grace and rely on His strength during this challenging season of life. (

Will You Help Spread the Encouragement?

Do you need some encouragement as you care for your parents? Maybe you know others who need encouragement too? I would be honored if you would help me spread the news about 30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents. Here are a few ways you can find out more and share info about the book with others.

Read more information.
Read and share this PDF sample of the first 5 devotions.
Preorder a copy for yourself or a friend. (Preorders now will give the book more exposure when it’s released!) You can also preorder at New Hope Publishers!
Check out the 30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents  endorsements for the book.
Share this blog post on your social media accounts.
Attend the Facebook Launch Party (more info to come)!

You can enter the drawing up to 3 times! In order for each time to be counted, please make a separate comment for each entry (Note: If you are reading this in an email, click through to the blog post to comment.):

Preorder a copy of the book and leave a comment letting me know you’ve done it.
Share this blog post on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest and leave a comments letting me know you’ve done it.
Leave a comment answering the following question:

In your experience, what has been the most challenging aspect of caring for your ill or aging parent?

 

 

 

Are you a Caregiver for an Aging or Ill Parent? by Kathy Howard.