Hope for the Caregiver

Stephen Ministries founder, Dr. Kenneth Haugk called the show to discuss the work of this extraordinary organization. Dr. Haugk, along with program director, Joel Bretscher, share the scope and vision of Stephen Ministries, as well as the way they are adapting to the social distancing challenges currently facing the world.  If you want to know more about Stephen Ministries, please call:  314 428 2...

Do you feel you've lost yourself in someone else's story?  As a caregiver, it's easy to do. Hooking up a keyboard for the show, I demonstrate how losing the melody  served as a teachable moment for me.  From HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER , the nationally syndicated radio program through American Family Radio. 5/16/2020  

Years ago, I listen to a preacher tell the congregation, "Don't you want to go to Heaven?"Well ...who doesn't?  But is that the reason I trust Christ?  If the whole point of this is "fire-insurance" then why are we left on this earth? With that in mind, I wrote down, "Heaven's Not the Reason." At the piano, I developed a melody ...and then asked my long-time friend, Hank Martin, to help me finish...

On this podcast, I like to include special features ...and one of those is a sermon a week from my pastor back in Nashville, Jim Bachmann. Although Gracie and I left Tennessee to move to Southwest Montana, Jim and I talk several times a week. Jim's been a HUGE part of my journey as a caregiver and as a Christian, and I felt my subscribers would also find his messages meaningful.  This is part of a...

From HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER 5/9/2020 A reporter once asked me, What's the toughest issue for you as a caregiver? "Hands down," I replied. "Knowing What is Mine and Not Mine." All too many times, because I felt out of control, I tried to insert myself into things that were not mine to control (or attempt to control). Is that a common feeling for you as a caregiver?  We discussed this on the show .....

For a special Mothers' Day episode, I invited my mother, Mary, to join me on the show. Along with Gracie and producer, John Butler, this is an episode that will touch your heart, inspire you, and demonstrate the importance of praying mothers.    Hope for the Caregiver's podcast contains nearly 400 episodes in our library. We want to make it free to any who needs to connect...so, please consider be...

On this podcast, I like to include special features ...and one of those is a sermon a week from my pastor back in Nashville, Jim Bachmann. Although Gracie and I left Tennessee to move to Southwest Montana, Jim and I talk several times a week. Jim's been a HUGE part of my journey as a caregiver and as a Christian, and I felt my subscribers would also find his messages meaningful.  This message is f...

There's a reason Gracie's new CD is titled RESILIENT.  80+ operations, both legs amputated, multiple MRSA infections, pulmonary emboli, and then she gets the Corona virus. (not to mention being married to me for 34 years!) But she's lived to tell about it ...and sing about it.  Gracie joined me on the show, and we also performed a few songs LIVE.  Take a listen, share it with friends who need a bi...

We love our callers, and Bill in VA offered some great insights from his journey caring for his father with dementia. In addition, Kerry from OH shared how much the show means to her and wanted to find the archives. Hope for the Caregiver's podcast contains nearly 400 episodes in our library. We want to make it free to any who needs to connect...so, please consider being a patron today. For as lit...

As the country begins the reopening process, many remain concerned about hospital visits and postponing surgery. As the Chief of Staff at a major urban hospital, Dr. Jones brings a strong understanding of the challenges facing medical staff, patients, and caregivers. In our discussion, he describes the measures he and his colleagues continue to take to keep patients, families, and staff safe in th...

When Chuck and Sharon Betters learned of the son's tragic death twenty-five years ago, they had no idea how God will minister to them in such a brutal heartache  ...and then lead them into ministering to countless others.  They've assembled resources for hurting individuals, families, churches, and communities.  Just a few of the topics they address include: Post Abortion Guilt Infidelity Death In...

It's hard to look at the things we face as caregivers ...and now, as a nation. What sustains you when you look at painful circumstances?  What sustains when you daily struggle with harsh and brutal challenges. I find it helpful to ask those who live with a lot of scars and painful things ...and yet live to laugh, sing, and LIVE despite those things. My go to person ...is my wife, Gracie.  A friend...

The Foxworthys are two of my favorite people in the world. For twenty years, I've had the privilege of calling them friends ...and they have both been great mentors to me as I've built the show and our message to family caregivers.  Is it OK to laugh ...even when dealing with harsh realities? Yes! Keeping a sense of humor is imperative. Every caregiver will admit the tears are never in short suppl...

Fear is one of the 7 Caregiver Landmines, and it can lead us down dark paths as individuals ...and as a nation.  While Americans put collective shoulders to the wheel to protect fellow citizens, an age-old problem now emerges—one I recall my father cautioning against more than forty years ago. "Beware of small people with authority." A sad consequence of America's drastic efforts in dealing with t...

Children often ask the best questions. When only 9-years-old, our oldest son asked me, "How can I trust God to care about my hurts when I see what He allows Mom to go through?" For a lifetime, Paul Young wrestled with that kind of question and more. That journey led him to write the hugely popular book, "THE SHACK." The question "is God Good?" serves as the centerpiece for nearly everything he doe...

"They [caregivers] don't practice self CARE, because they're so self-LESS. We see it in Arthritis...but other people see it in other areas, as well."  - Dr. Jeffrey Hodrick Dr. Jeffrey Hodrick (Southern Joint Replacement Institute) called the show to discuss the economy opening up and "elective" surgery for those struggling with hips, knees, and shoulder issues.  OK ...so are you safe from COVID-1...

Melissa Strickland (Sr. Director of Communications for Samaritan's Purse ) called the show to share the work of Samaritan's Purse in NYC (and other places). Melissa's also a caregiver herself for a husband with high-risk issues ...so going to NY was not easy task. Listen to: Why she did it, and what she discovered there about: the people they treat the reception from New Yorkers the push back from...

Watching the decline of a figure who looms large in your life brings a pain, melancholy, and sorrow.  Gary Chapman understands those in deeply personal ways. Yet, he also understands faith, hope, and God's faithfulness.  As journeyed with his father all the way to the end of life on this earth, Gary relates a powerful message of that experience ...and the profound transformation that occurred in h...

Part of my ongoing series to invite special guests to the show to share encouraging thoughts about faith, life, the COVID-19 virus, and even a chuckle or two.  Joni and Ken Tada are two of my favorite people in the whole world, and Gracie and I are grateful to call them friends. Joni and Gracie have recorded several duets , and Ken wrote the forward to my book , Hope for the Caregiver.  This remar...

As Gracie battles the COVID-19 Virus herself, these hymns she recorded bolster her heart.  Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side; bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; leave to your God to order and provide; in ev'ry change he faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: your best, your heav'nly Friend through thorny ways leads to a joyful end. Be still, my soul: your Jesus can repay from h...

"I wish had a different testimony, but sadly I do not!"   One of the reasons I wanted Chonda to call the show, is because she brings such candor and authenticity to her humor ...to the delight of hundreds of thousands.  While no stranger to heartache and grief, Chondra continues to open her life and see it with tear-filled eyes and a whole lot of laughter. In this frank and funny interview, Chondr...

With vast numbers either working from home or losing their job, many are asking the question, "Should I Change The Way I Work?" Caregivers have struggled with this issue for years as we've tried to juggle a job while caregiving. For nearly ten years, David Asarnow and Bob Sears  have helped mentor me as I built a national broadcasting platform and message to my fellow caregivers ...all while I sti...

"Our Country Is Resilient and Resourceful."   With his customary calmness and reassuring manner, Gov. Mike Huckabee shared his thoughts on the challenges facing families ...and our nation during these difficult times.  Drawing on his vast experience from behind pulpits and podiums, Gov. Huckabee offers leadership and perspective in ways few can.  https://www.mikehuckabee.com/ Click to listen to pr...

Comedy Superstar Larry The Cable Guy calls to share his humor, heart, and his thoughts on a whole bunch of things!  Gracie and I first met Larry nearly 20 years ago ...and wait until you hear that story!   If "Laughter Is The Best Medicine", then Larry The Cable Guy is one of the best healthcare providers in the world!  For more information on Larry The Cable, including his wonderful foundation, "...

My pastor for 20 years, Jim Bachmann, shared that phrase with me many times as Gracie and I journeyed through her severe medical challenges. It's a powerful statement that strengthens mine and Gracie's heart as she endures the COVID-19 Virus ...in addition to her other challenges.  This podcast is from our show that aired on March 28 2020. Hope for the Caregiver is the family caregiver outreach of...