Because You Care

Because You Care: Spiritual Encouragement for Caregivers
Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk
(Harvest House Publishers)
ISBN 978-0736943284
February 2012/48 pages/Hardcover Gift Book/$12.99
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 Murphey 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, too little, or nothing at all
Answering other’s well-meaning but insensitive questions
Watching someone you dearly love suffer or die

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

Book Excerpt:
(from the beginning)

This Is Who You Are
From Cec and Twila
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 compliments. 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. Regardless of how you express yourself, you’re determined 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.”

Taken from: Because You Care. Text Copyright © 2012 by Cecil Murphey, Twila Belk. Artwork Copyright © 2012 by Betty Fletcher. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon. Used by permission.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Twila Belk and Cecil (Cec) Murphey are both long-term caregivers for their spouses. Twila, aka the Gotta Tell Somebody Gal, is a writer and speaker who loves to brag on God. She works fulltime with Cec as his manager, personal assistant, and biggest fan. Cec is a veteran author who has written or co-written more than 125 published books, including the bestsellers 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands (with Dr. Ben Carson). His books have sold in the millions and have brought hope and encouragement to countless readers around the world. Cec and Twilas’ second co-authored book, Heavenly Company: Entertaining Angels Unaware (Guideposts Books), released in August 2012.

For more info about Twila, visit: www.gottatellsomebody.com .

For more info about Cec, visit:
www.cecilmurphey.com.

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Because You Care Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Because-You-Care-Spiritual-Encouragement-for-Caregivers/250527628357568

Helpful Articles by Twila Belk:
Waiting and Wondering
Insensitive Remarks
Toenail Love
Because You Care, You’ll Care for Yourself
Caregivers Need Encouragement


MY THOUGHTS

This is a nice little gift book containing encouragement for those walking the journey of caregiving. Because caregivers don't have the time or energy for lengthy reading, this is perfect to pick up and read in quick snatches as time and situations allow. Serene pictures and brief prayers accompany the readings that address authentic issues that caregivers face. Encourage someone you know who is faithfully caring for a loved one by taking them a copy of this book along with a pot of soup (or other comfort food) and a hug!

CONTEST

Grand Prize Giveaway Description:

• Book—Because You Care: Spiritual Encouragement for Caregivers
• Book—Hope and Comfort for Every Season
• Hallmark journal, list pad, and memo pad stack
• Glade “Angel Whispers” candle
• Hershey’s Bliss dark chocolate

Instructions to Enter the Grandprize Drawing:

1. Leave a comment about the book or author on the blog post during the blog tour.
2. Each blog tour host will draw one name from those comments to send to the tour coordinator by October 12.
3. The coordinator will put all the names into a drawing, and select a winner, using an online randomizer.
4. The coordinator will notify the blog tour host who submitted the winning name.
5. The blog tour host will notify the winner and collect the mailing info so the author can send out the prize.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers and Kathy Carlton Willis Communications as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”