Abiding Caregiver

What words would you use to describe 2021? What words do you hope will describe next year? As we move into 2022, I’m asking God for one word to focus on—one word that He will use to help me grow in godliness and keep me abiding in Him. I want to share that one word with you, and I’ve invited friends of mine who are special-needs moms to share with you what their One Word for 2022 is in this virtual conference! We’ll hear how 2021 went for them and what they are praying for in 2022. They will share the Bible verses God has put on their hearts and how…

This is episode 78, and today Lauren and Sandra are talking about hosting the holidays as a caregiving family. Together they share genuine challenges and tips for not only surviving the holidays but enjoying them.  Listen in your favorite podcast app! Quick Links: The Lazy Genius Abiding Caregiver Facebook Group Quotes from this Episode: Decide one time how you’re going to do it and don’t second guess yourself, just enjoy. Lauren D Crow We have a saying in our house, ‘Clear communication is kind.’ If I want to be kind to the people coming over, even the people in my house, the clearer I can communicate, the easier it is. …

This is episode 77, and today we’re talking about putting everything on auto pilot. We talk a lot about decision fatigue on the podcast and in our Facebook group. So we know that eliminating the number of decisions we make is helpful in making life go smoother for our families. But there are seasons when you need to take that up a notch—when you need as many decisions and routines as possible to be on auto pilot. Maybe it’s a busy season at work. Maybe someone in the family is having an extended hospital stay. Maybe it’s an especially busy holiday season with the kids out of school. There are…

In episode 76, Sandra and Lauren share gift ideas they think you will love as much as they do! Whether you’re making a list of ideas for someone else to buy for you or looking for gift ideas for others, they have you covered. In the episode you’ll hear ten gift ideas they love for abiding caregivers. And in the show notes at abidingcaregiver.com, they also share ideas for husbands and kids. Sandra and Lauren have you and your family members covered when it’s time to start making those gift lists! We are so excited to share these gift ideas with you! If you listened to the episode, you heard…

This is episode 75 and in today’s episode, Lauren holds space for those carrying spiritual pain with them throughout the holiday season. Caring for our souls includes acknowledging and processing the spiritual pain that accompanies the caregiving journey and is elevated during this time of year. Listen in as Lauren offers honesty, compassion, truth, and hope for your heart this holiday season.  Quick Links: Abiding Caregiver Facebook Group You May Also Like: 059: Caring for Yourself As You Manage Other Peoples’ Emotions 051: Caregiving Characters and Comforting Stories We Love, with Katie M. Reid // Ep. 51 050: Reflection Questions for the End of the Year 038: Managing Your Mental Health with Gillian Marchenko Quotes from…

This is episode 074, and today we’re talking about rest during the busy holiday season. Three big holidays are coming, jammed into an already busy work-ministry-family schedule. The dots on my Google calendar are multiplying like a mogwai when he gets wet (pre-gremlin stage). But this year I want to remember one big lesson from last year about the most important thing that usually gets left off the to do list—rest!  Quick Links 024: Letting Yourself Feel All the Feels Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortland (affiliate link) 055: Celebrating the Sabbath as Abiding Caregivers You May Also Like 044: Creating a Bucket List for the Rest of 2020 040: Changes We’ve Made to…

October kicks off three months of big holidays—Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. But for caregiving families, these holidays can also kick off a season of unmet expectations and unfulfilled goals. In today’s episode, Sandra and Lauren talk through how they have learned to create holiday traditions that work for their unique families. Their advice will help you celebrate the holidays with more grace for yourself, your kids, and your extended family.  Quick Links: Abiding Caregivers Facebook Group You May Also Like: 067: Supporting Special Needs Siblings 061: Read, Watch, Listen Recommendations from Winter 2021 049: Navigating Complicated Family Relationships with Diane Dokko Kim 034: Social Media Self Care Quotes from this Episode: Figure out what it…