Friday, October 29, 2010

Sesame Chicken Breasts

My mom gave me this recipe, not sure where she found it. It has become one of our favorites. I often make it using diced chicken, and I serve it with steamed broccoli and rice. It's a keeper!


2 t. sesame seeds
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 T. honey
2 T. reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 t. ground ginger
Vegetable cooking spray

Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add sesame seeds, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until seeds are toasted. Remove seeds, and set aside.

Place chicken breast halves between two sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap, and flatten to 1/4-inch thickness, using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

Coat skillet with cooking spray; place over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken, and cook 3 minutes on each side, or until chicken is lightly browned.

While chicken cooks, combine toasted sesame seeds, honey, soy sauce, and ginger. After chicken browns, add sesame seed mixture to skillet, and cook 3 additional minutes, turning chicken to coat with sauce. Serve sauce over chicken.

I usually double the sauce because we like a little extra on the rice. My whole family loves this meal... and since I usually keep diced chicken in the freezer (I buy 20 lbs. or more when there's a great sale, dice it up and freeze in 1 lb. portions in freezer bags)... I can make this in about 20 minutes. Start the rice first... and all is done at the same time. Simple.

Enjoy!  :)

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Chicken and Vegetable Pasta

This dish will inspire compliments for its taste and colorful appearance. This is my favorite recipe from the book "Quick Meals for Healthy Kids and Busy Parents". I serve this over egg noodles and my family loves it. I usually add more vegetables than the recipe calls for.... I just go by what looks good to me.

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup broccoli - chopped
1/2 cup onion - chopped
2 cloves garlic - minced
1 carrot - thinly sliced
1 celery stalk - thinly sliced
2 cups cooked chicken - cut up
16-oz. can chopped tomatoes
4 cups cooked pasta (any shape)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon parsley - optional

In large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Stir-fry broccoli, onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Add chicken and tomatoes. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.

While chicken is cooking, prepare pasta according to package directions.

Spoon chicken and vegetables over hot pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.

Copyright: "1995 by Sandra K. Nissenberg, M.S., R.D., Margaret L. Bogle, Ph.D., R.D., and Audrey C. Wright, M.S., R.D."


Plain, simple, healthy... and great flavor. I serve this with simple dinner rolls. Makes a great meal. :)

Monday, October 25, 2010

Our Government. If I Could Change The Rules...

I get so frustrated when I watch the news. And the political ads... don't even get me started! Now, no matter what side you are on, there are a few things that I believe should change. This is only my opinion based on what I see going on today. You may not agree with me. That's ok. I may be wrong... I'm not a professional. Just an average American citizen who would like things to run a little different. Sometimes I would love to boot them all out and start over. But I can't. So....

If I could change the rules... this is where I'd start.

  • Candidates would run their campaign by telling me how they can make our country better. They would tell me what qualifies them for the job... yes, JOB... that they were running for. Fill me in on their ideas and how they intend to accomplish their goals. They would NEVER say anything negative about another candidate. They would be required to be professional! Have a little class and respect for their competition and for themselves. Didn't their mom's teach them anything. "If you can't say something nice... don't say anything!" I'm not stupid and I'm not blind. I can figure out who the bad guys are for myself. And if I can't... then I need to educate myself a little more on the subject.
  • Campaign promises... they would NEVER make promises they can't or don't intend to keep. They would be forced to think of what they're planning to do... beyond getting elected. If promises were made, they would have a set time period that they were required to follow through, or at the very least, show that they were actually working on fulfilling those promises. If neither happens... Bye, bye!
  • There would be a limit on advertising. It wouldn't go on for what seems to be FOREVER... just for a pre-determined time period. Political ads are the new 'spam'... you can't get away from them no matter where you go. (They aren't selling anything, and frankly, I don't want to buy anything they have to offer.) They would spend more time interacting with the real people they claim to want to represent. If they're up for re-election, then their record of the time they spent in office should be enough to get the votes to keep them there. If not, then apparently they don't deserve an extended time in that position.
  • There would be a limit on what a candidate could spend on a campaign, weather it be personally funded or from donations. A realistic limit. (The first one who says the money can be put to better use gets my vote!) Money would not be an issue and elections would NEVER be bought! I'm sure there are many 'poor' candidates who could better relate to the 'average Joe'. Our government should not be run only by those who can AFFORD it, yet haven't got a clue how to budget like the 'little people'. If we can take care of ourselves and our families on the little we make, there is no reason they can't make it work with what they have. They're just used to having so much, that cutting back on the 'little' things seems like it's not worth the effort.
  • Term limits. Every position would have term limits. Just because they're doing a great job today... doesn't guarantee they'll be doing it tomorrow. They need some accountability! They need to EARN their spot!
  • Health insurance. Our government is part of 'we the people.' Even if they don't think so. They would have the same health insurance that we do. If that were the case, I'm sure the health care offered to the public would be much better.
  • And who in the world thinks it's a good idea that they can vote to give themselves a raise? They want a raise... put it on the ballot. Let the people decide if they deserve it. We would know... they do work for us!
  • What about their pension plans? Why do these people get paid when they leave office? Ok... maybe if they put in 20 years or more, maybe. But once you're out, you're out. America can't afford to pay you when you aren't working for us anymore.
You know the kind of candidate I would vote for? The one who says... "We're going to cut back. We pay ourselves way too much and we're allowed too many luxuries. We're going to tighten our belts and be the example of what we are asking all Americans to do!" Or the one who says..."I just don't know the answer." instead of making empty promises and giving false hope. I want leaders who will do what is best for our country.

Democrat, Republican, Nonpartisan... whatever they may be... I want a candidate who is there first and foremost to serve our country. Not themselves. Is that really so much to ask?

As I said before, these are just my opinions. What do you think?

Oh... and don't forget to get out and vote! :)

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Tagged... I'm It.

I was recently tagged by Mary on her beautiful blog, Mary's Heart, to answer the following questions. Tough ones at that... I actually had to think. :)

1. Why do you blog?

I blog because I love to write. Share my thoughts. I want to help people, and mostly... I want to be used by God and share what He has taught me and what He has done in my life. (A work in progress...)


2. What traits should a church look for in a pastor?

Well, if I were choosing a pastor, I think I'd be looking for someone who is faithful and honest... someone who will teach the Word of God with no apologies and no watering down the truth... weather I like it or not. Someone who has a thankful and compassionate heart so he can show mercy and grace to others.

3. Do you believe in Global Warming?

No. Here's a great article Why I Don't Believe In Man-Made Global Warming. And that's my best answer.

4. Do you think health food people are any healthier than other people?

No. I've known vegetarians who are sick often and I've known people who eat only 'organic' foods and take many vitamins who still get sick and have physical problems. I haven't really seen any difference. I believe all things in moderation.

5. Do you believe in the Rapture? If yes, do you think it will be soon?

Yes. I pray it will be soon. I keep thinking "How much worse can it get?" But I'm sure every generation before me thought the same thing. It's all in God's timing. We just need to 'watch and pray'.

6. Do you like to watch any TV preachers?

I don't watch any one on a regular basis, but I do enjoy hearing Charles Stanley and Chuck Swindoll (he's on the radio, does that count?). I think they are great Bible teachers. I also enjoy Joyce Meyer for her teaching Christians how to 'grow up' in the Lord. And I like Joel Osteen... although I believe his gift to be more of an encourager than a biblical teacher.

7. Do you go for yearly check-ups at the doctor and dentist?

No. Trying to get into the habit now that I'm getting older. I've always made sure to keep up with the kids appointments though.

8. Do you like to talk to friends on the telephone or would you rather write or e-mail?

I like to talk on the phone... it just seems that I'm always pressed for time. Get me on the phone and I'm likely to be on for an hour. (Love adult conversation!) But mostly it seems I just send a quick email or facebook message after the kids go to sleep.


Thanks Mary... this was a challenge! But a fun challenge! :)

Please visit Mary's blog...  Mary's Heart. It's a beautiful blog that I'm sure you'll enjoy as she share her heart with you.

God bless!
Mary Ann :)

Monday, October 18, 2010

Homemade Chili

When the weather is cold outside there is nothing like a nice bowl of chili. Especially if it's been cooking in the crock pot all day and has the house filled with it's delicious aroma.

Sunday is my favorite day to have a crock pot meal. Start it early in the morning... dinner's done. No more wondering what to make for dinner and you're free to enjoy the morning at church and time with family.

This is really easy to make because you just eyeball it... add the ingredients to suit your own taste. Use as much or as little as you like. More veggies, or less. More beans or ground meat, that's ok too. If you like mild chili use less seasoning. Or use more if you want to spice it up a bit.

This is the chili I've been making for years. I don't have an actual recipe... the amounts are just approximately what I use for my 5 quart crock pot. You can cut it in half if you'd like, but it freezes very well... you could freeze the rest for another meal.


Homemade Chili

3 lbs. ground turkey
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium onions, diced
2 large green peppers, diced
3 large cans chili beans (or... I buy the bulk size can, use what I like, and freeze the rest)
2-3 8oz. cans tomato sauce
1-2 6oz. can tomato paste
2 pkgs. chili seasoning (recipe below)

Brown the ground turkey in a large skillet. Add garlic, onions and green pepper and cook until veggies are beginning to soften. Drain if necessary.

In your crock pot, add the meat with the veggies. Add the chili beans, with their juice, to the pot. More or less is fine... just add what you prefer. I like to stir the beans into the meat mixture to be sure I have enough. Next, add 2 cans of tomato sauce and 1 can of tomato paste. Add the chili seasoning and mix well.

At this point, I like to leave it and let it cook on low for a few hours before I add more tomato sauce or paste. Sometimes there is more liquid in the pot than you realize when it cooks down. If after a few hours it seems too thin, add more tomato paste. If it's too thick, add tomato sauce or a little water.

My family likes this with shredded cheddar cheese on top and served with saltines, oyster crackers or cornbread. It's great that way. We also like to make taco salads.... spoon chili over chopped lettuce, top with diced tomatoes, sour cream and cheddar cheese and serve with tortilla chips. Makes a great meal.


And if you'd like to make your own chili seasoning... here's the recipe. It's from the book "Marnie's Kitchen Shortcuts".  It's a great little book that I've had for years, and I still return to it often.

Chili Seasoning
1 1/8 c. flour
3/4 c. onion flakes
3 T. chili powder
2 T. salt
1 T. ground cumin
1 T. sugar
2 t. Cayenne pepper
1/2 t. garlic powder

Mix together. Store in a cool, dry place. Makes 30 Tablespoons.

3 T = 1 pkg. seasoning mix.


I buy spices in bulk and save the containers when they're empty. I use them to keep similar spice 'mixes' in. I use an index card to write the ingredients on and the book I got the recipe from, and I tape it to the outside of the container. Works great!

Enjoy!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Hope For A Child

A couple of weeks ago we had a 'Ladies Tea' at our church. It was a great time of fellowship with lots of great food. The picture below is just a portion of what was available and it was all delicious.


See the little mini tart in the upper right-hand corner? That was my absolute favorite! Everyones favorite! It was a pastry shell filled with the best chicken salad EVER. I am going to hunt down the recipe and hopefully share it here. You will love it!

The 'Tea' was actually a kick-off for the annual Operation Christmas Child event through Samaritans Purse. Those who wish to participate fill a shoebox with items for a young boy or girl. Choose an age group, follow a list of recommend and restricted items, write a note or enclose a picture if you'd like, label it and send it off. After we finished with our meal, it was time for the guest speaker. A beautiful young lady named Oksana Nelson.

Oksana was an orphan in Russia until the age of ten. She spoke of her life there... She told how all of the kids in the orphanage had to share the same toothbrush. They didn't have one of their own. She told how they could only take a bath every other week and when they did... they had to boil and carry water from next door that would most often be frozen on top before they got it into the tub. A place so dark and void of love that none of them had any hope for their future.

That is until some missionaries came and delivered shoeboxes filled with gifts for each of them. For the first time, Oksana had something that was her own. She had her own toothbrush. Doesn't seem like a big thing to us... but to a child who has nothing, it means the world to them. For once in her life, Oksana felt that she was loved and that she had a future.

And God gave her a future. She was soon adopted by a couple in Texas, has been living with them for almost 10 years, and now she is involved in blessing other children with Christmas shoeboxes the same way she had been blessed herself. Below is a short video of her story. Please watch...




If you would like to get involved and send a Christmas shoebox of your own, please visit Operation Christmas Child for more information. This is a great way to give hope to a child. I encourage you to get involved today.
 
If you'd like to learn more... please watch this promotional video from Operation Christmas Child from Samaritan's Purse. It's just a few minutes... but it can make a lifetime of a difference.

Thanks for reading and God bless!
Mary Ann :)

Thursday, October 14, 2010

"Illegals" by Darrell Ankarlo

Illegals by Darrell Ankarlo takes an in-depth look at the cost of not controlling our American borders. Not only the cost to us, but to the illegals and their families as well. Darrell Ankarlo, a radio talk show host, goes inside the Mexican border to discover the true story behind the millions who would risk their very lives for a chance to live in America.

This book was very well written and informative. In the past I have only seen the burden that the illegals place on Americans, which is reason enough to enforce our laws already in place. But after reading this book and now knowing what goes on on the other side of the border... I can hardly imagine why anyone would support the coming of illegals into America.

Ankarlo gives true accounts of people who give money in return for a promise of freedom and prosperity... only to be left to die in the desert. Or those who were promised protection on their journey to the border only to be kidnapped and ransomed for an even greater amount of money. Unimaginable to me is the fact that this is allowed to happen. Allowed by our own government because they won't protect our borders, and allowed by their government because it is such a huge money-making industry.

If you really want to be educated, read this book. Not that it will be the last book you read on the subject... but if you want to know the facts on both sides of the border, start here. It is a well written, well researched, and easy to read. Lending your support to anyone coming to this country illegally may not be in their best interest... or ours.

*Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.-Thanks Thomas Nelson! :)

Thanks for reading!
Mary Ann :)

Now more than ever before...

"Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature....If the next centennial does not find us a great nation...it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces." 

                                                           --President James Garfield, 1877


So much to say... but I'll leave it at that. Kind of speaks for itself.


Have a great day!
Mary Ann :)

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

"Which None Can Shut" by Reema Goode

What an amazing story Reema Goode has to tell. Many stories actually. And while the actual names of people and places were changed for the safety of all those involved, it by no means took away from the truth of how God is changing lives in the Arabian Peninsula.

With so much attention on Muslims in the news today, and negative at that, "Which None Can Shut" sheds some much needed light and truth. This was not a book of facts. It is a book that brings personality to the Muslim people themselves. It tells of their daily lives and makes them 'real'. Reminds us that they are human, people, just like us... only with different beliefs. God loves them and wants them to be saved as well as you and I. I was amazed page after page at what God is doing through Reema and her family.

Not only that, but I feel I have a greater understanding of the Muslim community and their beliefs. Reema did an amazing job of portraying the views of the Muslim people. They truly are an unreached people group. I could never imagine not having the freedom to choose my own religion, my own beliefs, and be restricted from hearing the truth of God's word. Thank God for missionaries like Reema and her family who are willing to go and bring Jesus to these places where many of us would be afraid to go. They are truly called by God... it is by His grace that they can do what they do.

Which None Can Shut was very well written. I read it in just a couple of hours... didn't want to put it down. I'm so glad I choose to review this book. It really blessed me. I highly recommend it.

*Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. -Thanks Tyndale House!  :)

Monday, October 11, 2010

Chicken and Broccoli Chowder

Fall is here!!! Are you as excited as I am?

I love the Fall and Winter! Sweaters, cozy pj's and hot chocolate. Yesss!

Oh, and don't forget all the great meals... soups, stews, and chowders.
                                                                                           Mmm, mmm, good!

And did I mention the holidays? Yep. Don't forget about the holidays.

To celebrate the new season and all the coming months of cool weather, I thought I'd begin sharing some of my favorite recipes for this time of year.

To begin with...

One of our most anticipated meals of the season is a nice chowder with a Swiss cheese and potato base. It is definitely a family favorite! (Right up there with Chicken 'n Dumplings!) I like to serve it with homemade dinner rolls. Mmmm...

Chicken and Broccoli Chowder

2 c. chicken broth
1/3 c. chopped onion
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped broccoli
1 1/3 c. dry instant mashed potatoes flakes
2 c. cut-up cooked chicken
2 c. shredded Swiss cheese (8 oz.)
2 c. milk
1/2 tablespoon salt

Heat broth, onion, and broccoli to boiling in 3-quart saucepan. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 min. Stir in potatoes until well blended; stir in remaining ingredients. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and cheese is melted, about 5 min.

Note: I prefer to make this using a whole chicken. I just boil it and shred the meat. That way I have fresh chicken broth as well. Shredded or diced... it's a great meal.

*I've had this recipe for so many years that I have no idea where it came from... otherwise I would give credit.
 
Even the kids like this chowder. It's great for leftovers in their lunchboxes. Just ask my youngest daughter. She'll take it to school every day until it's all gone.

And another bonus... it freezes very well.


Enjoy!
Mary Ann :)

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Captured: America in Color from 1939-1943 – Plog Photo Blog

I absolutely LOVE American history. Well, most history in general. I guess I'm quick to say American history since I am an American.

Color America

When I was younger, I could sit and listen to stories from my Grandpa about the days when he was a young boy during the depression, and even now I enjoy listening to my Dad share stories of his own. His childhood, the family farm, grandparents and great-grandparents that I'll never meet. I can still learn about them.

Take me anywhere and I'll probably make friends first with the older folks. I love them. I love hearing what they have to say... what they think about life... what they've experienced. I mean... they're living history! What could be better than that!

As a child, my mother took us kids for regular visits to a convalescent home to visit a family friend. We befriended several of the 'tenants' there and I've been hooked ever since. Work, school, wherever... I always made friends with people much older than I.

The younger generations of today will miss something great if not taught to value those who have lived before them. Those who have worked so hard and endured the hardships of life. There is so much to learn.

These are some amazing pictures that capture our American history. I love them! If you love history... or even if you don't... take a minute to check them out! You might enjoy them as well. Just click on the link below:




Thanks for reading,
Mary Ann :)

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Dogs Don't Bark At Parked Cars

It's been a great morning! God has been giving me so many things to write about. So much that I was a little late getting out the door to take my kids to school. I just couldn't stop typing. Thankfully my kids are used to getting to school just at the bell (...I know... I'm working on that!) and they are such troopers! Gotta love 'em!

Anyway, I had to make a quick run to the bank before I headed home. And often I'll stop at the little park on the way home to have my Bible time before I get started with my day. I decided not to do that today. Which was fine because I wouldn't have been listening to the radio this morning. I heard such a great message... it was one of those quick 5 minute messages, but it was packed! Exactly what I needed to hear.

The speaker (wish I could remember who is was) said that his father used to say

                    "Dogs don't bark at parked cars!"

What does that mean?...
Well... he went on to say that as long as we do nothing, there is no opposition. If you are doing nothing, going nowhere, stagnant... then no one cares. They have no reason to oppose you or disagree with what you are saying or doing.

But once we start moving, all the 'barking' begins. We are met with opposition. People who tell us we'll fail, we won't succeed. People who say we're waisting our time.

Often I'd be doing just what I know God called me to and I'd be happy doing it... and then someone would come and offer their 'opinion' as to what I should be doing. Or how they would do it. Or how I could do it better. Sometimes they even tell me that what I'm doing just doesn't work... when it really does. Or maybe I just shouldn't do it at all.

Sometimes the 'barking' gets so loud that I can't ignore it... I begin to listen... and I slow down. As I back off of what I should be doing, the 'barking' decreases. Life becomes a little quieter. I begin to savor the quiet. So I slow down some more... until I STOP doing what the Lord has led me to do. And that's when I begin to feel like a failure. Why? Because I took my focus off of God, and put it instead on the opposition.

Remember what it was like to learn how to ride a bike? Most likely your parents (or whoever taught you) were telling you to keep peddling... you can do it. And they were right. You did it. But then as you gained your confidence... here come the 'dogs'! Did you do anything wrong? No. You did it right. Just like you were supposed to. But here they came barking at you anyway. It's was tempting to look back and pay attention to them. I mean... did you see the size of those teeth! But you didn't. You kept looking ahead for fear of falling off your bike... and becoming a snack. You stayed focused.

And that's what we need to do. Stay focused on God and what He's called us to do. Let me encourage you to keep going. Keep doing what you're called and gifted to do. No matter what anyone says. The only one we need to please is God. We need to keep our focus on Him.

Are there gifts and talents that God has given you but you don't use them because of all the 'barking'? The opposition? Other people's opinions? USE THEM! Don't let yourself become stagnant. Let God use you!

Thanks for reading and God bless!
Mary Ann :)

Sunday, October 3, 2010

What are you made of? ...from eCare Diary

This following is an article from eCare Diary. They have a lot of great articles and information on being a caregiver. Even if you aren't... you may still find something interesting. I really love the story included in the article below... so I thought I'd share it with you. It's a great site. Check it out. Here is the article from eCare Diary...


What are you made of?
Jane Meier Hamilton - September 26, 2010 11:26 PM

The years when I filled both professional and family caregiver roles were difficult. Caring for my patients and my parents was a joy and a burden, deeply inspiring yet sometimes repetitiously boring, filling my heart and also draining my energy. I felt proud of what I could do, yet guilty about how negative I sometimes felt.

One time when I was at a low point, my sister, Wendy, sent me an email. It was one of those stories that circulate on the web, author unknown. Somehow, this anonymous little tale really spoke to me, as if Wendy had written it just for me. The story from the web is titled Carrots, Eggs or Coffee? It goes like this:

A young woman went to talk with her mother and share how hard her life was. She didn’t know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up; she was tired of struggling. It seemed as if when one problem was solved, a new one arose.

The girl’s mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water, and put them on the stove to boil. In the first, she placed carrots. In the second she placed eggs, and in the last pot, she placed ground coffee beans. The mother let them sit and boil without saying a word.

After twenty minutes, Mom turned off the burners. She fished out the carrots and placed them in a bowl, removed the eggs from the second pot, and poured the steaming, aromatic coffee into a large mug. Turning to her daughter, the mother asked, “What do you see?” “Carrots, eggs and coffee,” the young woman replied, wondering where this was going. The mother asked her daughter to feel the carrots, peel the egg, and sip a cup of coffee.

Finally revealing the meaning of this odd exercise, the mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same “adversity,” boiling water, but each had reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, firm, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile, with a thin outer shell protecting its fluid interior. Like the carrots, the egg was changed by the boiling water. Its soft interior became hardened. The mother pointed out that the coffee was unique; it alone had changed the water in which it had been boiled and turned it into something quite wonderful.

Then she asked her troubled daughter, “Which one are you? In the face of adversity will you wilt and go soft, like the carrot? Will your fluid spirit harden, or, like the coffee beans, will you release the potential within you and turn the boiling waters of your life into something you savor?”

We caregivers all need to answer the question, “What are you made of?” Faced with adversity, are we like the carrot, eggs or coffee? Will we have the energy, judgment and grace to persevere with caregiving? By centering ourselves, we can tap into the calm energy at our core and be like the coffee. Some ideas to help you stay centered:

• Remember that you are a human being, not a caregiving machine. You need to balance involvement in caregiving with times of rest and relaxation.

• Conserve your energy for caregiving by clarifying your priorities. Save your energy for what is important to you, not just what seems urgent or important to others.

• Simplify your life. Eliminate what is unimportant or overly complex so you can devote time and energy to your priorities.

• Let go of what you do not control. However hard you try, well you plan or carefully you communicate, you control very little of the caregiving situation. Accept the limits of your humanity. Do your best and let go of the rest.

Caring for others can be both a joy and a burden. It can fill your heart and drain the last drop of energy you have. Caring for yourself helps you continue to care for others.

Jane Meier Hamilton MSN, RN, a nurse for 35 years and family caregiver for 20 years, founded Partners on the Path www.partnersonthepath.org to help professional and family caregivers preserve their health, well-being and capacity to care. Read her book, Journey of a Lifetime: The Caregiver’s Guide to Self-Care (Infinity 2010) to learn sensible, effective ways to cope with your caregiver stress.



Thanks for reading and have a great day!
Mary Ann :)

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