Book Review: Because You Care

" 'I couldn't do what you're doing for him,' a friend says.... You can express that reason in a single sentence: 'I do it because I care.' "

And so begins one of the most touching, beautiful books I have ever read.  I suppose it's especially so because it's about caregivers, like my husband.  Parts of it were difficult to read, almost like I was spying into the mind of my husband, because he has cared for me since the second we were married, and will have to continue to do so for the rest of my life.

Like Cec Murphey and Twila Belk, and so many others to tell their stories in this book, it goes back to their wedding vows:  "In sickness or in health, til death do we part."  They said it, and they meant it.  My husband said it, and he meant it. And I'm so thankful he did.

Because You Care: Spiritual Encouragement for Caregivers is a gift book that any caregiver would love.  It's encouraging, it's supportive, it's a little sad without being depressing.  At the end of the book there are practical suggestions for the caregiver.  One of my favorites from MY perspective as one being cared for is, "Don't let the person you love 'become the disease.'  That is, remind yourself that the person is more important than the task."

My favorite for the caregiver is, "Ask for help when you need it.  Don't wait until you are exhausted or sick.  Ask now.  You don't have to be superwoman or superman; you only have to be human."

You can get all the information about the authors and how to get this wonderful book by clicking HERE.

Oh, and I would be remiss if I failed to mention the amazing photography by Betty Fletcher in this book.  It is truly stunning.

Blog Tour! Because You Care: Spiritual Encouragement for Caregivers

I have the privilege of being involved in a blog tour about this book, Because You Care:  Spiritual Encouragement for Caregivers  by Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk.

Being chronically ill, I have several caregivers in my life, but my primary caregiver is my wonderful husband Doug.  Doug and I were married for 6 weeks when I ended up in the hospital on life support.  Thank God I improved, but until there is a cure for MG, or God decided to heal me this side of heaven, I will be sick for the rest of my life.

I can't wait to review this book, but for now, here is some information to get you anticipating the rest.

Blurb from back of book

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.

Sales Info

Because You Care: Spiritual Encouragement for Caregivers

Harvest House Publishers

Gift Book

ISBN 978-0-7369-4328-4

Retail Price: $12.99

Release Date: February 2012

Authors: Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk

Find Us on Facebook:

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

Articles by Twila Belk on Caregiving:

·         Waiting and Wondering: http://www.encouragementcafe.com/2012/04/16/finding-peace/

·         Insensitive Remarks: http://www.encouragementcafe.com/2012/04/17/quick-to-listen-slow-to-speak/

·         Toenail Love: http://www.encouragementcafe.com/2012/04/18/humble-example/

·         Because You Care, You’ll Care for Yourself: http://www.encouragementcafe.com/2012/04/19/to-do-list-for-caregivers/

·         Caregivers Need Encouragement: http://www.encouragementcafe.com/2012/04/20/support-system/

Bios

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. 

This is an awesome giveaway!!  Make sure you leave a comment by October 11th, because I have to randomly select one person to enter the main drawing!

 

 

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.

The blog tour host will notify the winner and collect the mailing info so the author can send out the prize.