Because You Care by Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk

Be sure to read to end of the post for giveaway offer

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

 From the Back of the 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.

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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.
 

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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.

Follow us on Facebook!

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

Helpful Articles by Twila Belk:

• 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/

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: Leave a comment about the book or author on the blog post during the blog tour. Each blog tour host will draw one name from those comments to send to the tour coordinator by October 12. The coordinator will put all the names into a drawing, and select a winner, using an online randomizer. 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.

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for this post by....

You changed my Life by Max Lucado

Is there someone in your life that has change your life? Made a difference in what you have become for the better? Someone you'd like to thank and you just don't know how. This is the book for them. It is full of inspirational stories of people that have made a difference. The themes run from compassion to commitment, kindness to hope, courage and wisdom to friendship. The author has the bases covered in every area. There are quotes intermingled as well as scripture verses. What a cool way to say thank you to someone who has made a difference in you life. It is the perfect size, gift size (approx. 7x7) nice enough to leave lay out on the coffee table.

Listen to an author interview at CBD.

For more information about this book click here.

A copy of this book was provided for this review by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews

Have you ever thought about if what you did or are doing really makes an effect on others? Well author Andy Andrews will help you to see that even the one small gesture has a ripple effect in the lives of those that come after us. In the Butterfly Effect, the author takes us through the life of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and how Chamberlain has actually had an effect in some way on you and how you live today. Whose Chamberlain you ask? and How does he have an effect on my life? Well, I just can't give it away.

This book is a little gift book size. Very nicely put together. A quick read. A very powerful message is wrapped up in this little book. Christmas is coming what a way to celebrate those that have mattered in you life. Give them a book to remember you by. Better yet give them this book, The Butterfly Effect.

As you go about your life just remember you are effecting others' lives in more ways than you can imagine. Everything you do MATTERS to all of us FOREVER. Now that's big shoes to fill.

Watch a video book trailer, author interview and speech about the Butterfly effect from the author at cbd.

The Butterfly Effect How Your Life Matters

By Andy Andrews

The decisions you make and the way you treat others have more impact than you may ever realize.

Speaker and New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews shares a compelling and powerful story about a decision one man made over a hundred years ago, and the ripple effect it’s had on us individually, and nationwide, today. It’s a story that will inspire courage and wisdom in the decisions we make, as well as affect the way we treat others through our lifetime. Andrews speaks over 100 times a year, and The Butterfly Effect is his #1 most requested story.

Also included with the purchase of the book is a link to view a 9-minute message of Andrews telling The Butterfly Effect story to a live audience.

For more information about this book click here.

A copy of this book was provided for this review by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Amish Proverbs by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This tour has three different contest/giveaways to enter.

1.) You may enter to win a book right here on my blog get details farther down in this post.
(Drawing: Aug. 31st) leave comment here by following instructions for winning book.

2.) (Aug. 14-31) Win a Kindle reader plus Suzanne's two books: Amish Proverbs (featured book) and The Choice contest with Suzanne Woods Fisher details farther down in this post.

3.) Join in A Wrap-Up party on Facebook with fun, prizes, and more details farther down in this post.

This book has been a nice pick up and read here and there book. Good, interesting, inspiring words. Love the lay out with a Amish-style picture on almost every double page spread. The book is divided into themes or chapters. You'll find words of wisdom about Time, Money, Faith, Children & Family, Words & Deeds, Work, Adversity, Education, Community, Character and Just some Fun Wisdom. Each chapter starts with a short little inspirational story about the theme and then you have about a 5 - 2 page spread with a picture on one page and three or four nuggets of wisdom on the other.

Here's a few sample pages of the book:




This is a very lovely book. Nice size about the size of a CD case. An inch or so in depth. It is a nice little gift book for those that you wouldn't know what to get them or those that have everything. Put is in a gift basket with some other goodies, the receiver will love it. Find out how you can win a copy below.

Through firsthand research and personal relationships, Suzanne Woods Fisher has collected more than 200 proverbs that uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Plain People. These proverbs serve as teaching tools and maxims for practical living--but they're not just for the Amish. They're for anyone who seeks God's wisdom and truth for everyday circumstances.

Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with you through life's joys and sorrows. With beautiful full-color photos throughout, Amish Proverbs is the perfect gift for any occasion.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the CBA bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, Amish Peace, and Amish Proverbs. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California. Find out more about Suzanne at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com





Litfuse has provided me with one copy of Amish Proverbs to giveaway. To enter my giveaway share a proverb or saying that your family likes to share. Or some family advice or tradition. Be sure to leave a way of contact. This is open to US/Canada residents only please. I'll draw a winner on Aug. 31st.

Bonuses
(be sure to leave a separate comment for each bonus)

1. be a follower of this blog
2. subscriber of this blog
4. visit my Scraps of Life site and become a follower
5. leave a comment on my Scraps of Life site.
6. post a blog about this giveaway be sure to leave the link where you posted

to winner

Here are your random numbers:

12

Timestamp: 2010-08-31 13:41:53 UTC






It has been said that if you want to know a people, know their proverbs. Suzanne and Revell Books have pulled the wisdom of the Amish into a beautiful gift book perfect for any occasion. Amish Proverbs is in stores now and to celebrate Suzanne is hosting the Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway. One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle preloaded with Suzanne Woods Fisher titles. The Prize Pack (valued at over $205.00) includes:

* A brand new KINDLE, Free 3G, 6", Latest Generation

* Amish Peace by Suzanne Woods Fisher

* The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on September 1st.

Join Suzanne for a Wrap-up Party on September 1st! She’ll be announcing the winner of the Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway, chatting with readers, and giving away copies of Amish Proverbs and The Choice! Be sure to join us on Wednesday , September 1st at 8PM EST at Suzanne’s Author Page.
Share your family proverbs (or wisdom, advice or tradition) during the party too. During the party Suzanne will be chatting with readers, giving a sneak peak of her next book, The Waiting, and giving away lots of prizes.


Buy book at Amazon

A copy of this book was provided for this review by litfuse

The Right to Lead by John C. Maxwell

The Right to Lead is a nice little gift book for those in a leadership position or that desire to lead. In his book, Maxwell, explains that leading comes with a price and can only be earned through time. Maxwell shares with his readers quotes and saying about leadership, statistics and facts about leading, and stories of how leaders rose in their position. You will gain insight from Biblical leaders as well and modern leaders, such as George Washington, Schwarzkopf, Nelson Mandela, Harriet Tubman and others. Each chapter deals with a different aspect that it takes to become a leader. The book is very masculine and would make a very nice male graduation gift or Father's Day gift for any man in your life that is seeking to lead or is presently leading, of course women can learn from it too but it more with male leaders in mind. I as a woman enjoyed reading the book.

Book Description

John Maxwell offers key principles, stories, and reflections on preparing a leader's mind and heart to lead both themselves and others.

Leadership is something you learn and earn the right to do. Renowned business writer, motivational speaker, and NY Times bestselling author, John C. Maxwell, shares insight on what it takes to be a leader. The Right to Lead is a character study of outstanding men and women throughout history, focusing on the qualities that are consistent in the lives of these great leaders. Perfect for gift giving for a graduation, Father's Day, or year-round for business or church leaders.

Get more information about this book here.

A copy of this book was provided for this review by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Words of Comfort for Times of Loss by Cecil Murphey and Liz Allison

Read to the end. Giveaway with this tour.

My review:
This book has 12 short inspirational stories with scripture and a brief prayer for those that are grieving. No matter if you are grieving yourself or you are wanting to reach out to someone who is grieving this book will bring insight to the reader on how they can help those that are grieving and experiencing loss. Everyone grieves differently and the healing process is slow says the authors.

This book's illustrations add a nice soft comforting touch in water color. A very nice inspirational gift book.

About the book:

Through great personal loss, authors Cecil Murphey and Liz Allison have gained insight to share with others who are going through uncertainty, depression, and loneliness after losing a loved one. They also offer advice for those comforting someone who is grieving.

Among comforting paintings by artist Michal Sparks, brief stories, personal experiences, and prayers offer a meaningful path toward healing for readers when they:

• feel alone and lost in their grief and want to reconnect with others and to life
• seek to make sense of their loss alongside their sense of faith, purpose, and God
• want to honor their loved one without clinging to the past in unhealthy ways

Readers are given gentle permission to grapple with doubt, seek peace, and reflect on loss in their own way without judgment and with understanding and hope. A perfect gift for a loved one dealing with loss and grief.

Practical Tips to Comfort and Encourage Those Who Grieve

Cecil Murphey and Liz Allison, co-authors of Words of Comfort for Times of Loss, offer the following suggestions to those who want to comfort and encourage their friends who have lost loved ones. As you read the list, many of the suggestions will depend on your relationship to the person in grief. If you don't know the person well, the authors suggest you focus on the first nine tips.
1. Don't worry about what to say. Those in grief don't need words, but they need love and support during their bereavement.
2. Never say, "I understand exactly how you feel." You don't; no one does. If you feel you must say something, try this: "I don't know how you feel but I care about you." That's honest and it conveys the right message.
3. Listen more than you speak. Those who grieve may want to talk about their pain. They don't need opinions or advice. Become a safe haven where they can release their grief, vent, or say nothing.
4. Sit silently with the grieving. Many people try to fill the space with words when the hurting person needs only a warm body with a caring heart.
5. Don't hold to preconceived ideas about personal loss or the grieving process. Individuals grieve differently. Think of grieving as a sacred place and treat it that way without intrusion or instructions.
6. Here's a wrong question to ask: "What can I do for you?" They may not know and practical things may be beyond their thinking at the moment.
7. Don't say, "If there is anything I can do. . . " Unless you know something specific, keep silent. The question may add a burden to the grief-stricken person.
8. Don't discuss the feelings and/or information the grieving person has shared with anyone else.
9. If it seems important for you to communicate information, ask for permission. "May I tell. . . ?"
10. If you know the person well, make a list of work around the house or errands that others can do. Show the list to your loved one before you arrange anything.
11. Leave the list for others who visit and let them write their names if they want to do specific tasks. You can help others by providing a list of things they can volunteer to do.
12. Never assume the grieving person wants help; always ask first. If the person wants help, follow through and do it as soon as possible. Don't add aggravation to the pain.
13. Help ensure that the person sets aside rest times and do what you can to protect the time from all visitors. Sleep and rest may not come easily, but it's needed to deal with the added stress of grieving.
14. Give the person spiritual space. The grieving may need time to be alone. Ask, "Do you want time alone?" If the person says yes, volunteer to handle visitors or answer the phone during those periods or help arrange for someone else to do those tasks. In the midst of chaos and noise, the hurting person won't be able to hear God or receive divine comfort. Depending on their need, help them have quiet time to listen for God's gentle and loving voice.
15. If little children are involved, ask if and how you can help care for them.
16. Don't neglect the children. They may not understand everything and feel confused. If the children are old enough to communicate, listen to their concerns. Answer their questions simply and honestly.
17. When appropriate, pray for (and with) your grieving friend or loved one. When the words come from your heart, the hurting person can sense your love. Don't expect the grieving person to pray aloud unless he or she indicates a desire to do so.
18. Allow loved ones to feel and to express their emotions—no matter what they are. Grieving is like a wild roller coaster ride of ups and downs. Good friends learn to lead when needed or to take the back seat and go with them for the ride.

About the Authors:

Liz Allison was married to NASCAR driver Davey Allison until his tragic death in 1993. Widowed at 28 with two young children to raise, Liz faced the long journey of pain, loss, and grief with great faith. Committed to encouraging others, she returned to her work in TV reporting, has published eight books, and hosts a weekly radio show.
www.lizallison.com

Cecil Murphey is an international speaker and bestselling author who has written more than 100 books, including the New York Times’ bestseller 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper). No stranger himself to loss and grief, Cecil has served as a pastor and hospital chaplain for many years, and through his ministry and books he has brought hope and encouragement to countless people around the world. www.cecilmurphey.com

Why We Write About Loss

On the morning of July 12, 1992, my husband, Davey, left home like any other morning—he kissed my forehead and hugged our kids.That afternoon I answered a knock at the door, sensing something wasn’t quite right. When I glimpsed the faces of Davey’s two best friends—they didn't have to speak—the looks on their faces said it all.

That day, after lunch with his race team, Davey had hopped into his helicopter and taken an unplanned trip to the nearby Talladega Superspeedway to watch a buddy practice. Attempting to land in the infield, he had lost control of his helicopter and crashed. Although paramedics airlifted Davey to a Birmingham hospital, sixteen hours later he was pronounced dead.

Immediately following Davey’s death, I had to work through my grief enough to plan his funeral and make hundreds of small-but-significant decisions, all while maintaining the time and energy to care for our two young children, ages one and three. Well-wishing friends hovered around me and frequently asked, “What can I do for you?

Most of the time, I could only respond with a blank stare. Looking back, my friends could have done many things for me, but they didn’t know what to do, and I didn’t know what to tell them.

I hope the insights I have gained during the aftermath of Davey’s death will help you as you struggle with your own grief.

—Liz

---------------------------------------

Two weeks after my father suffered a ministroke, a massive stroke took his life. On the day of his funeral, my older brother, Ray, died of cancer. Over the next eighteen months, I lost two brothers-in-law and my mother.

On the Sunday after Dad’s and Ray’s funerals, a parishioner rushed up to me, hugged me, and said, “Pastor, I heard about the deaths. Were they saved?”

I honestly don’t remember what I answered, but I wanted to shout, “Does it matter right now? I hurt. I’m so filled with pain that I’m not sure I can handle the worship service today!”

In 2007, our house burned down. Our son-in-law, Alan, died in the fire. The next day, a neighbor pulled up in front of our burned house, got out of his car, and started to look around. “Where did he die?” he asked.

Through the years, I’ve met many like those two people. Maybe they didn’t know what to say. Perhaps they were so focused on what they cared about that they were unaware of my pain. Instead of helping me, those comments made me feel even worse. What I needed was compassion. I didn’t get that from either of them, but I can offer it to you.

That’s why we’ve written this book.

—Cec

Book's Table of Contents

Little Joys

You're Not Alone

One Simple Thing

Accepting Help

Make It Go Away

Why Did You Leave Me?

If Only I Had

What's Wrong With Self-pity?

Perfect Grieving

Am I Crazy?

Material Possessions

Facing Those Special Days

Grand Prize Giveaway includes:

Words of Comfort for Times of Loss

Heaven Is Real

Gift Edition, 90 Minutes in Heaven

Journal

Pens

Potato soup

Oyster crackers

Dove silky smooth milk chocolate

Dove silky smooth dark chocolate

Ultra-plush spa socks

Large gel eye mask

This special grand prize giveaway is designed especially for someone going through a difficult time. The winner can keep or pass along to someone who could use the pick-me-up.

For this giveaway I'm going to ask you to take a look at the authors' web site and come back and tell me another book they have written that looks interesting and why. Here are the sites to check out www.lizallison.com or www.cecilmurphey.com
This drawing for USA/Canada residents only please. I will draw one name on April 8th for the grand drawing. Be sure to leave a way of contact.

A copy of this book was provided for this review by KCWC.

This blog tour is through:

I Wish you Enough by Bob Perks

If you know of someone that needs encouragement then I think this book would be a delight. Hope, inspiration, encouragement mixed with valuable lessons for all to learn. We can learn lessons from many things ~ the sun, rain, flowers (what some think are weeds)-it's all in one's perspective. We can learn from the happy times as well as the times of pain. In the end you'll find that it is God that will help you get through. There is something He wants you to learn.

There are 8 topic chapters with short inspirational stories based on themes from the poem below:

I wish you enough sun, to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain, to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness, to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain, so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain, to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss, to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough "Hellos", to get you through the final "Good-bye."

If you don't know exactly what a person needs this book should meet it in one way or another. I highly recommend it. I was very impressed with the stories, the layout and pictures. A nice gift book for anyone who just needs a pick me up.

For more information about this book click here.

A copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson for this review