Recognizing God’s Best When Facing Life’s Worst 
M.Esther Lovejoy 
Discovery House 2013

This newly published book is full of scriptural truths about the character of God in our suffering.  In the introductions she says “Times of suffering can be times of tremendous darkness of soul.  It is my prayer that these pages will help poke holes in the darkness and bring God’s light and encouragement to those who are in the midst of the dark night of suffering.”  She uses example in her life of various difficulties she has experienced showing us how God’s love has brought light into those times through ways such as His voice, His care, His comfort, His shared suffering, His grace and hope. 

Her examples may differ from your experience but the words that she shares help bring out a response that can only come by the help of God.  She pulls together stories from throughout the Bible for us to see the way God speaks and can be present in the rough days that come with caregiving.  Some days you may not look at your caregiving as suffering but other days may feel like misery.  Drawing on the writing of Lovejoy may help you to lean on your heavenly Father in dark times to sweeten the bitterness of life’s struggles.
Guest Review by Sue Brettmann

Joy Boosters
120 Ways to Encourage Older Adults
Missy Buchanan
2012 Upper Room Books

How do you put a smile on their face?  How can you cheer up someone experiencing an unwanted move?  How can you encourage an elderly man who must put his wife in memory care?  How can you make the most of a visit with an elderly person?
These are the question Missy responds to in her helpful book.  She has 120 thought provoking suggestions that children and grandchildren can adapt to their situation.  She begins with discussion starters (especially helpful for grandchildren) to learn more about the past of their parent or grandparent.  I know my mom loved to tell the story about how she met my dad and what her childhood was like.  Missy has suggestions on what church members might do if the “adopt” someone to visit at home or in a facility.  She has suggestions for making a move into a facility a blessing time.  If your loved one is a distance away, Missy make suggestions in keeping a relationship active.  Perhaps your loved one would appreciate a special photographic treat.  Trips, music, hobbies or any “doing it together” time help you to honor your loved one.  Laughter and holiday celebration build great memories to hold in your heart.  Missy’s suggestion cover a broad range of possibilities to make time intentional.  Perhaps there are ideas that can help you.  
Missy Buchanan co-authored the book My Story, My Song with Robin Roberts of Good Morning America.  Author of several other books, Missy also writes a monthly column for the United Methodist Reporter, as well as Presbyterians Today, Mature Years, Mature Living and MinistryMatters.com.

May I Walk You Home
Sharing Christ’s Love With the Dying
by Melody Rossi
2007 Bethany House Publishers

What a helpful and inspirational book for families and caregivers supporting someone who is dying without a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Melody’s mother, father and step-mother were either hostile to Christianity or not interested in faith.  Over a short period of time all three died and Melody was their caregiver.  Through her love and service, each of these people became open to talking about God and ultimately to faith.  This journey is not just a story of faith sharing, but an example of good Christian caring.  She says, “There is nothing that will melt away disbelief faster or more efficiently than plain, ordinary, utilitarian, rubber-meets-the-road serving.”  She lists 22 question to find you path to service.
Melody includes very practical information in organizing and using emergency information.  She suggests finding you support people to help you deal with stress and personal helps.  You may discover a spiritual warfare as you seek to speak of spiritual truths and she guides the reader through helpful scriptures.  Her description of the signs that death is close can help with our fear as death approaches.  I experienced the same awe and wonder (holy time) at the moment of death with my mother.  She concludes the book with what to do after the death and the importance of grieving.
If you are a Christian this is a must read, not only to serve to an unbelieving family member, but to find resources in facing the death experience with someone you love.