In the frustration of your caregiving have you lost control of your tongue?  Have you said things you wish you could take back?  Do you feel like you are nagging?  Have you called someone a “something” that attacks their dignity?  How can we be more mindful with our tongue?  What are your tongue issues?
Readings for today Matthew 5:22-23, “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.  Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin.  But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”   Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”  James 3:8-9, “But no man can tame the tongue.  It is restless evil, full of deadly poison.  With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.  Out of the mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers, this should not be.”  We do and say many things from habit.  The first step in changing a habit is mindfulness of our own actions and setting some ‘trigger’ to catch ourselves so we might respond differently.  Okay, scripture says, “No man can tame the tongue!”  Maybe we can bridle it a little.  What ‘trigger’ might you set to bridle your tongue?  Can you find a different way to express yourself that might be more like a blessing to your loved one?  I know caring for those who desire independence but need our love and care can bring conflict.  Try not to get drawn in to a battle.  Pray that God might show you a better way to communicate.  Your heart really wants to bless.  
Lord, help me with my tongue.  May the words of my mouth be a good reflection of the blessings I want for the one I love, especially in the difficult times.  

Yesterday at the Christian Caregiver Support Group at Christ Lutheran Church we were discussing how difficult conversations about transitions can be among family members.  Having a third party without the  strong emotional ties of family can be very helpful.  One  of those difficult times can be the need to move to a place that provides more assistance and safety.  I know with my mom, it was a very hard decision and I had the help of the pastor from her church who told her she needed to move.  He had been a  hospice chaplain and was sensitive from his experience to both the changing needs and the difficulty of making that kind of decision.  

I met Todd at the Senior Expo held at Grace Fellowship Church on May 18th.  He provides a valuable service during the difficult time when a loved one can no longer live independently.  

Todd M Seidl is the Owner of Senior Living Placement, Referral, and Advisory Services (913) 735-7780.  This free service that aids families in the personal assessment of social, financial, physical, emotional and geographic preference needs for senior care.  Following the assessment recommended options that match the needs are suggested along with scheduling and accompanying families on a visit to selected senior living communities.  A transition plan is made collaboratively with the family and additional  resources such as moving assistance are included.  He serves the South Kansas City area.

My move with my mother was from the Texas Valley to San Antonio.  Fortunately, Karen  and I had been visiting facilities for several years before her move and we were familiar with the options because we could see the day coming.  If you have not done that research and need to do something soon, Todd could be a great help.  

Moving is very hard on most seniors.  Be sensitive and know that they will probably  grieve their loss of home and some independence.  Lift the whole matter up in prayer, hold on to the love of Christ, and seek wise counsel.

Since 2011 Sharon has written weekly devotions for caregivers.  She ws a caregiver for her husband for 4 1/2 years.  This journey (with the Lord) in caring for her husband has given her an appreciation for the gifts and blessings God gives, even in the midst of suffering.  What a wise woman to look deeper than the obvious and see he hand of God.  Her compassion for caregivers is evident in her blog.  She writes in an inviting style to help caregivers see the hand of God.  Our caregiving journey does have an end.  Sharon help us come to a good place in our journey's end.  I encourage my readers to visit her site for her weekly devotions.  Visit her at http://christiancaregiving.blogspot.com/.