Just Show Up-- Plus a Tried & True Friendship Giveaway!

Just Show Up:
The Dance of Walking
Through Suffering Together
Kara Tippetts & Jill Lynn Buteyn
(David C Cook)
ISBN: 978-1434709530
October 2015/192 pages/$15.99
Kara Tippetts’s story was not a story of disease, although she lost her battle with terminal cancer.

It was not a story of saying goodbye, although she was intentional in her time with her husband and four children. Kara’s story was one of seeing God in the hard and in the good. It was one of finding grace in the everyday. And it was one of knowing “God with us” through fierce and beautiful friendship.

In Just Show Up, Kara and her close friend, Jill Lynn Buteyn, write about what friendship looks like in the midst of changing life seasons, loads of laundry, and even cancer. Whether you are eager to be present to someone going through a difficult time or simply want inspiration for pursuing friends in a new way, this eloquent and practical book explores the gift of silence, the art of receiving, and what it means to just show up.


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

The late Kara Tippetts was the author of The Hardest Peace and blogged faithfully at mundanefaithfulness.com. Cancer was only a part of Kara’s story. Her real fight was to truly live while facing a crushing reality. Since her death in March 2015, her husband, Jason, is parenting their four children and leading the church they founded in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Jill Lynn Buteyn is the author of Falling for Texas, an inspirational novel, and a recipient of the ACFW Genesis Award for her fiction work. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Bethel University. Jill lives near the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her husband and two children. Find out more about Jill Lynn Buteyn at http://jill-lynn.com.



MY THOUGHTS

As a nurse and someone who has served as Care Minister for my church for several years, I am passionate about reaching out to folks during the hard seasons of their lives. I followed Kara's journey intermittently at mundanefaithfulness.com and more consistently as her earthly life ebbed to a close, and I was touched by the community that surrounded her family--and that continues to walk this difficult road with her husband and children. Just Show Up, which Kara began writing before her death with her close friend Jill Lynn Buteyn, is a moving and practical guide for ministering to those in hard places. It also provides wise counsel for those who find themselves on the receiving end of care. Whether the hard is illness, death, job loss, infertility, divorce, or a host of other issues that upend one's life, Just Show Up will not only encourage you but equip you with realistic advice. Jill and Kara's warm and authentic styles made me feel as if I were sitting in the room with them as I read. Though Kara's illness was heartbreaking, the love and community experienced in the midst of unspeakable sorrow is a beautiful picture of God's grace and the way he designed the Body of Christ to function. Don't miss this gem!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from David C Cook and Litfuse Publicity as part of a blog tour. 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.”



What does friendship look like in the midst of changing life seasons, loads of laundry—and even cancer? Kara Tippetts and Jill Lynn Buteyn teamed up to write Just Show Up, a story of their close friendship and walk through Kara's battle with terminal cancer. Whether you are eager to be present to someone going through a difficult time or simply want inspiration for pursuing friends in a new way, this eloquent and practical book explores the gift of silence, the art of receiving, and what it means to just show up.

Celebrate the gift of friendship with a Tried & True Friendship giveaway—a prize for you and for a friend!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Just Show Up
• Two Ombre Layer Necklaces—one for you and one for a friend

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 23rd. The winner will be announced October 26th on Jill's blog.

Is one of your friends going through a tough time—maybe you need some encouragement? Stop by Kara and Jill's author page, click on the reviews bar, and read through some bloggers' stories of how their friends got them through suffering.

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Tender & Poignant, With Much to Ponder

All My Belongings
Cynthia Ruchti
(Abingdon Press)
ISBN: 978-1426749728
May 2013/320 pages/$14.99
A new life and a new identity can’t protect Becca from a past that refuses to go away.

After spending years running from the shame her father put on her family, Jayne is determined not to let him steal her future in the same way he stole her childhood. Changing her name to Becca Morrow, she moves to California and settles into a new life and new job caring for ailing mother of handsome young businessman, Isaac Hughes.

But just as she’s wondering if she and Isaac are headed for a relationship, Becca’s patient passes away under unusual circumstances. Suddenly, her past catches up with her and the unnerving details of her heritage threaten to destroy all sense of home and all hope for love.

Even if she could clear her name, a phone call wraps a suffocating shroud around her heart. Her estranged father needs her help. But can Becca open her new life to the man who ruined her past?



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories of Hope-that-glows-in-the-dark through her novels, novellas, devotions, and nonfiction, and through speaking for women’s events/retreats and writers’ conferences/workshops. She draws from 33 years of experience writing and producing the 15-minute daily radio broadcast, “The Heartbeat of the Home.” Her books have received recognition from the Selah Award, RT Reviewers’ Choice, Retailers’ Choice, and Family Fiction Readers’ Choice as well as finalist honors in ACFW’s Carol Awards and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, among others. She serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, is a board member of the Deliver Hope ministry, and is part of the worship team at her church. She and her husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.

Find Cynthia on the Web at www.cynthiaruchti.com.

MY THOUGHTS

Stirring. Tender. Grace-filled, Poignant. These words describe Cynthia Ruchti's novels and particularly her latest release, All My Belongings. Fully expecting to be engrossed, I was nevertheless unprepared for how deeply touched I was by this exquisitely crafted tale. As a master artist brings a canvas to life with an abundance of color, Ruchti skillfully touches on an array of life issues in this story, issues which on the surface might seem unrelated but which all speak to the heart's deepest longing. And while some authors might focus on message to the exclusion of story, Ruchti avoids that by creating compelling characters, a bit of intrigue, and a series of unfolding events that will make you pause and consider what you would do in such a situation. I don't think I've ever wanted to hug a character as much as I've wanted to hug Becca. And Isaac. And Geneva. I may have to read the book all over again! If you only read one book this summer, let it be All My Belongings! It will stay with you long after you turn the final page.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Abingdon Press & Litfuse Publicity as part of a blog tour. 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.”


Cynthia Ruchti asks what it takes to overcome your past and become who you were meant to be in her latest novel, All My Belongings. Cynthia has woven a heart-wrenching tale of forgiveness, grace, and learning what it means to truly belong.



Cynthia is celebrating the release of her latest novel with a fun giveaway and a live webcast event!

 

One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa cash card
• All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 11th. Winner will be announced at the All My Belongings LIVE webcast event on June 11th. Connect with Cynthia for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Cynthia will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of All My Belongings and join Cynthia and friends on the evening of June 11th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via 
FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Hope to see you on the 11th!

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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.

Follow us on Facebook!

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.”

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Who Cares?!

As the Care Ministry Coordinator at my church, I am currently evaluating with the pastor at how we provide care and support to members and visitors - including but not limited to: times of illness or surgery, death of a family member, job loss, childbirth, caring for aging parents, etc.

I am interested in knowing how your church handles this. Please answer in the comments, with or without your name, or you may email me.


1. Size of church - what is your approximate weekly attendance? (Sharing your denomination is helpful for trends, but optional)

2. Under what umbrella is care organized and provided? (e.g., through Sunday School/Bible Study classes, general announcements, organized team of care givers, deacons)

3. Do you use a specific system such as Stephens Ministry or something else?  If so what is it and how effective is it?

4. What is the pastor and other ministerial staff involvement in care/crises?  Does he/they make hospital visits/rotate being "on call", etc.?

5. Is there a person at your church whose primary role is ministering to folks needing care, those in the hospital, etc.?  Is that person a paid staff member or a lay person?

6. Do you provide classes and/or support groups on care issues?  (caring for aging parents, grief, cancer support or other types of support groups.

Hopefully, none of our churches look like this!

Thank you SO much!

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Hearts - Happy & Heavy

I keep starting this post, deleting it, and starting again. Too many thoughts are swirling around that won't form cohesive sentences, and I've been too tired to chase then down!

Yesterday I finally gave up and found the puzzle quiz. Now that was certainly enlightening!

In the fun category, school kicked off to a smooth start here last week. And for my girl, that meant volleyball tryouts after school Wed-Fri. (Last year she was heartbroken that she didn't make the team, but she also learned a sweet lesson about God's sovereignty when she later discovered it worked out for her best.) She told me after the first day of tryouts that she didn't expect to make it this year either. Her nemesis has been that pesky overhand serve. She just never has been able to give it enough power to get that ball over the net more than just occasionally.

In tryouts on Friday, she got 7 overhand serves over the net. SEVEN. I do believe there was some divine intervention and some divine numbering at work! At least once every day on this long weekend she has smiled (or squealed) and said, "I made the volleyball team!"

It's nice to have some cheer in the house. Because things are not so cheery with my mom. Today she was discharged from the hospital and transported back to what was to be the short-term nursing home. However, it is likely she will not leave there, and tomorrow we will take steps to involve Hospice. After 3 hospitalizations in 5 weeks, it is apparent that her body is rapidly giving out.

The nurse in me saw it coming, recognizes it, and accepts it. Yet it is hard to watch my mom's decline and to wonder when and how her last moments will be. To pray that God will minimize her suffering and take her home soon and yet feel the internal conflict that such a prayer brings.

There have been difficulties in our relationship and unhealthy emotional and spiritual issues in her life for years. But she's my mother. I've never known life without her.

How thankful I am that I do not walk this road alone.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. II Corinthians 1:3-4

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Prayer Request - Progreso & Personal

I have 2 prayer requests on my heart tonight. Hurricane Dolly is heading straight for South Texas. Even if the eye lands a little further north, the Progreso area is expected to get a deluge of rain. Although it is "just" a Category 1 storm, the folks of Progreso do not live in well-built, sturdy, complete houses. It will not take much to make life even more difficult for these folks. Additionally, the area received some heavy rains a week or two before we were there, and there were numerous fields which had their crops decimated by the rains. Those crops which managed to survive that rain may not withstand this storm.

The second request is a more personal "hurricane." I need to postpone the Progreso post I had intended to write tonight. I've been at the hospital ER all day with my mom and finally got her settled in a room tonight. She's been having increased weakness, and a CT scan today revealed an area of bleeding in her brain. Fortunately it is very small and should resolve on its own. But I still need to email my sisters and I am pretty tired. Those hospital chairs are not designed for comfort. And I didn't even have a book with me!

Thanks for your prayers.

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True Love

In my past experience as a nurse in the Home Health setting, and more recently as we are supporting my mother-in-law in the journey of my father-in-law's Alzheimer's, I've learned some wonderful lessons about love. Commitment. What it means to serve your spouse, in sickness & in health, for better or for worse. When age & illness have taken up permanent residence, and when "better" and "worse" are only relative terms that can change on a daily, or even hourly, basis.

And as the annual "wedding season" is upon us, with its blushing brides (I pray that there are still a few who DO blush!), nervous grooms, tender vows, and dreams of "happily ever after," I've been thinking about how I've seen love in the waning years demonstrated .

When all that remains is a shell of the person you married, what then?

As I was with my mother-in-law this weekend, and we made daily trips to the facility where my father-in-law currently is, these words came to mind:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. I Corinthians 13:4-7

Familiar words, no doubt. But they have taken on a whole new meaning to me now:

• Love is patient. When you can't understand what he says. When you tell him "Hi, honey, it's me" 3 or 4 times in the same visit. When his condition is the same day after day after day.
• Love is kind. When he doesn't know or care if you are there, you go anyway. When he can't manage his basic needs, you willingly do it for him, whether it is brushing his teeth, wiping his nose, or other personal matters. Love speaks kindly of him to others.
• Love does not boast, it is not proud. It's about his needs being met, not about you receiving accolades.
• Love is not self-seeking. You do what you do because because you love him and it is the right thing to do, not for attention. Nor for martyrdom.
• Love is not easily angered. When he's confused and agitated, you don't take it personally. You know he doesn't understand or intend what he says or does.
• Love keeps no record of wrongs. You let go of what happened 10, 20, 40 years ago, not thinking "he deserves this" or "I don't deserve this."
• Love always protects. You "go to bat" for him, making sure he gets the best of care. Even if you'd rather not make that phone call or confront that staff member.
• Love always perseveres. You "keep on keeping on," with God's grace, strength, and presence, fulfilling your vow 'til death doth us part.

(Of course, this demonstration of love isn't limited to marriage relationships. These examples are also ways we honor our parents and our husband's parents in their twilight years. Much easier to type than to do, 'tis true. I struggle with this on an almost daily basis with my mom.)

All that I learn, all that I know, all that I expound upon, are worthless trash if I don't live in this "most excellent way." The key, I suspect, is to use opportunities to sacrificially show love to my husband now as a dress rehearsal, so to speak, for the grand finale, so that by then it will be second nature.

Impossible? Absolutely -- in my flesh! -- but God's grace is sufficient, and His power provides all I need.

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Recognizing & Recalling Wonders

Amy is celebrating her 100th post and giving away some goodies. If you hurry you can join in - the deadline is today, and you can enter by commenting at her blog or posting about a sign, miracle, or wonder in your life.

In our overview study of the entire Bible this school year, I was convicted by how often the Israelites recounted God's faithfulness -- even including the details of their disobedience -- many years after the event. (I discussed it here if you're interested.) Those thoughts came back to me as I tried to think of some spectacular "thing" that I could relate that qualifies as a sign, miracle, or wonder.

And then I thought: "Why do we I always require an earth-shattering event to get our my attention?" God has declared His wonders in so many ways in my life. How often I have taken for granted....

• Waking each morning to a new day
• The intricacy of the physical body; I don't have to tell my heart to beat or my lungs to breathe or the myriad of cellular functions to do their "jobs."
• His faithfulness, grace and mercy.
• The steadfast love of my husband
• The wondrous blessing of being a mom to my son and daughter
• Spring's fresh newness following winter's dormancy
• Food, clothing, and a roof over my head
• A church family and the freedom to worship
• Laughter
• Tears
• Friendship

I could go on and on and on.

A specific wonder in my life came when my mom's health declined and we moved her from Houston to an Assisted Living facility near me in 2001. Because she was in a health crisis, things needed to be done rather quickly. She initially was hospitalized in Houston and then transferred to a hospital here. I looked into several Assisted Living places while she was in the hospital, and the one only 5 minutes from my house just "happened" to have the best type of room become available right when we needed it and in the most convenient spot in the whole place!

Next, my attention (with my siblings' help) was turned to cleaning out her house and preparing to sell it. (My dad had died 4 years previously and not much had changed since then - I think she had gotten rid of his clothes.) My folks were classic Depression-era Pack Rats. They had fortunately moved when I was in high school and so had "only" lived in that house about 24 years. They had saved not only every bill they had received (and most other pieces of mail), but kept them in their envelopes as well as all the little junky inserts that are included in them! We are talking major volume of stuff!

We made a few weekend trips to do a little and move the things my mom would need up here. I figured it would take months to clean out the house. My brother and my husband and I tackled it with a vengeance that Memorial Day weekend. Wow! People were knocking on the door to buy furniture and kitchen items, and by the end of the weekend the house was empty; my brother got it on the market by Thursday, and within 24 hours we had 3 offers.

This was just a nutshell version - it was uncanny the way every detail just clicked into place. Almost before we knew a need, it was answered and supplied abundantly.

The significance, besides the obvious comfort and easing of our way, is this: Years before, when I had related a divine "coincidence" to my mom and said "God handled that one", her reply was that "God's awful busy to be worried about your {insert minor detail}." Having been raised with that mindset, even though my folks were believers, I was now convinced as never before that God was indeed involved in the details of my life!

But there is a wonder that exceeds -- or maybe just demonstrates & encompasses -- all this. I must piggyback it onto my Then Sings My Soul Saturday post. This beautiful song, written by George Beverly Shea, depicts it perfectly. What a blessing to hear him sing it here:

There's the wonder of sunset at evening,
The wonder as sunrise I see;
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is the wonder that God loves me.

Refrain
O, the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all!
Just to think that God loves me.
O, the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all!
Just to think that God loves me.

There's the wonder of springtime and harvest,
The sky, the stars, the sun;
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is a wonder that's only begun.

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A Timely Program Wednesday Night!

As evidenced by the responses to my Family Squeeze post just below this one, many of us are currently in the role of caring for our parents or anticipate that happening in the not-too-distant future.

I just heard about a timely program produced by AARP: Caring for Your Parents will be airing on PBS stations across the country on Wednesday, April 2, and will also be available for viewing online here beginning April 3.

Although I obviously haven't seen it yet and don't know enough about it to unequivocally recommend it (and it undoubtedly will not be from a Christian perspective), it appears to be a program worth watching.

Acording to the website, the first portion of the program "underscores today's struggle to keep parents at home, tensions between siblings, and the complexity of shifting caregiver roles through an intimate look at five American families. In the end, the documentary contends successful caregiving requires one primary ingredient‒love." The final half-hour will provide practical tips on how to initiate the difficult conversations that must be had among family members regarding caregiving.

The National Alliance for Caregiving, which provides online resources for families, recommends this program, stating it "is a moving two-hour special that draws much needed attention to this universal reality."

You can check your local listings here to see if and when your PBS station will be showing this program.

And if you haven't already, be sure to comment in the Family Squeeze post by 2:00 PM CDT Wed. (April 2) to be entered in the drawing for the book giveaway!

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Family Squeeze

I may have mentioned that my mom is in an Assisted Living 5 minutes from my house, and I am the one responsible for her care. My FIL has Alzheimer's which has recently been complicated by falls and resulted in my MIL making the hard decision to move him into a facility where he can receive more care than she can provide at home. My man spent a couple of weeks down there in January helping out, and it continues to be a source of stress for us.


With our children still in their growing years, we are in the throes of what is known as The Sandwich Generation: adults caught between two generations, caring for our parents at the same time that we are caring for our children.


Interesting that it's called a Sandwich - that brings to mind a vision of two soft and pliable pieces of bread on either side. I think it should be called a Vise, as some days I feel like each inflexible side is pressing in until I'm going to be squeezed to death!

Some of you may relate as you are in this same situation.


I just received this marvelous new book by Phil Callaway called The Family Squeeze: Tales of Hope and Hilarity for a Sandwiched Generation.


He has absolutely nailed this whole situation! I love how he sums up this station in life in the first chapter: ". . . wedged between the demands of elderly dependents and energetic teens -- neither of whom think you know too much." Yep, that pretty well describes it! Some days I can't please either end of the spectrum!


But even more importantly, he has given it an eternal perspective and a reminder of the hope that God's presence brings in the midst of what can be a very frustrating time.


He made me laugh. And he made me think. And he reminded me to be thankful for the opportunity to honor our parents in their last days. And "to form each and every decision in light of eternity, mindful that our lives pass quickly but decisions made here last forever." [from the Epilogue]


Because I have enjoyed this book so much, (and ahem, since I myself have benefited from several giveaways!) I purchased an additional copy of this book which I would love to pass along to one of you, especially if you are in this Sandwich Generation. Just leave me a comment by 2:00 p.m. CDT Wed. (April 2), and I will draw that evening. Please feel free to let others know about this by linking to this post on your website as well.


May each of us turn our squeeze into a hug with God's help!

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