My book See Me Hear Me Know Me from The Heart of a Caregiver I share my journey of being a caregiver for my husband. Next month will be 10 years that I have been his caregiver. It has been quite an interesting journey to say the least. With the fluctuation of his condition you would think it would make my job easier.  Well, sometimes it does but to be honest most of the time it does not. It’s the not knowing what to expect that has been one of the great challenges for me. One day he is quite independent than the next day he is dependent.

Scott, my husband has just come home from nearly a one-month stay in the hospital. With this new discharge brings new challenges. When I wrote this book, my goal was to give a voice to caregivers. To add validation their emotions and let them know that they are not alone.

It has been one of my great joys to hear from caregivers who have read the book and to learn how much it helped them. Sharing our story has opened doors for me to speak to Caregiver Support Group where I have met some amazing individuals. Caregivers work hard doing a job that no one really asks for.

2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 

The answer that Apostle Paul received in this Scripture is not the answer we seek when we go to God with an issue, but it was a good answer. The Apostle was assured that God’s grace was sufficient for all his needs. Even in his infirmity that could have hindered his effectiveness, the grace of God was sufficient. As caregivers, know that whatever demands your role as a caregiver puts on you, the grace of God will see you through. His grace is often in the form of tools and resources that come to assist caregivers.  Be wise and take advantage of every opportunity to receive the help you need. Caregivers must take care of themselves so that they can continue to care for the most vulnerable among us.

 

Have you ever had a day when you thoughts, “I’m not going to make it?” There is not a day that goes by that I am not thankful for the grace of God.  I see His grace upon my life daily. The ultimate gift of grace is demonstrated to us when we remember the sacrifice of God giving His Son and the sacrifice of the Son giving His life for the sins of the human race. Grace speaks of God’s divine favor and influence upon the heart of mankind. Grace is not only His favor but grace is God doing for me what I could not do for myself.

I grew up in a Christian home with parents who loved us and loved God. We were taught the principles of the Scripture from a very young age.  But the truth is the love of Christian parents would not redeem me from the curse of sin.  It would take the grace of God to do for me what no one else could do. I deserved the penalty that accompanied sin but He who was sinless took my place.  The sins of mankind were placed on Jesus and in exchanges we can become the righteousness of God if we believe and accept Jesus Christ as Lord.  “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21(NKJV)

Grace is continually being extended today, not only for salvation but for daily living. In those times when I walk outside of God’s plan for my life, His grace is available to forgive and restore.  When I totally mess up big time, His grace is not taken away but it remains.  In the midst of life’s challenges when I feel like throwing both hands up in walking in another direction, God is there, doing for me what I cannot do for myself. He is encouraging me, strengthening me, and empowering me for the journey. That’s the grace of God.

Evelyn Johnson-Taylor

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The road of the caregiver brings lots of challenges and many opportunities for sadness, but keep your eyes on Jesus and maintain a heart of gratitude. Remember, it could always be worst and the best is yet to come. I tell myself almost daily that “my best days are ahead of me and not behind me” and that puts a smile on my face and joy in my heart. No, I am not happy about my 10 year journey as a caregiver and the many situations that come up. But once I cast my eyes beyond the present, my strength is renewed because I know in who I trust.

Caregivers must learn to take care of themselves. In my book See Me Hear Me Know Me, from The Heart of a Caregiver, I shared what has been helpful to me over the past decade as a caregiver for my husband.

 

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To contact Evelyn click here she would love to share with your group regarding care for the caregiver.

 

Sending love to caregivers everywhere! You are a special person.

 

I love beginnings, new life, new ideas, new focus, new energy, and the list goes on and on.  At the beginning of each new year, I like to take some time to focus on the old before moving into the new. While 2017 brought many new things I am ready to embrace the newness of a new year.

So what am I looking forward to most. I am looking forward to the new people I will meet in 2018 and the new opportunities God will give me to share His love with those I meet.  I want to share with you the Scriptures that  have affected my thought process for the new year. 

1 Corinthians 2:9

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Philippians 1:6

Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your path straight.

 

Happy New Year

 

Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor

 

 

I love Christmas! This is the day that we received the best gift ever.  Christmas is a time of God showing His great love for us. Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child. God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born, who would later die for the sins of mankind. Always remember that Jesus is the reason we celebrate.

Luke 2:4-19 (NIV)

 

 

Merry Christmas from Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor

 

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

References:

Gaventa, Beverly Roberts. The New Interpreter’s Bible: One-Volume Commentary. Abingdon Press, 2010.

Strong, James. The New Strong’s Expanded Dictionary of Bible Words. T. Nelson, 2001.

http://“Holiday (n.).” Index, http://www.etymonline.com/word/holiday.

There will always be those who will tell you what you want to hear. Webster’s definition of accountability refers to “an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.” Everyone needs to be accountable to someone, even when it comes to spiritual matters.

Yes, we are responsible for our own actions and must give an account to God for our deeds. But God has also placed ministry leaders in the church in part for this purpose.  Pastors have a responsible to teach the truth to the people God has given them to shepherd. Not to lord over the people but to be an example. (1 Peter 5:2-3 NIV) “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” A true shepherd will nurture, lead, and protect God’s people.

It is important to have someone in your life who will tell you the truth.  Everyone needs someone in their life who will be honest and not feed the ego. It maybe necessary to give people permission to speak truth into our lives. Scripture teaches in Proverbs 11:14 “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”

Just as the shepherd has a responsibility to the people, the people have a responsibility to submit to God’s designated authority. (Hebrews 13:17 NIV) “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” Christians are to obey their leaders and submit to them, and the leader is accountable to God for how they care for God’s people.

It is important that we stay humble at the feet of Jesus. Correction may come through your spiritual leader, or a trusted friend depending on the situation you maybe dealing with. If someone really loves you they are willing to speak the truth in love even if it hurts. Correction given in love is better than insincere acts of affection.

Has anyone ever corrected you in love and it proved beneficial to you?

Evelyn Johnson-Taylor

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Conclusion of Kingdom Assignment Series

Never-ever compare yourself to others. When we act as if there is only one path to fulfill God’s plan for our life we are missing it. That way of thinking is not wise. Each of us is unique. Each one of us needs to focus on who we are and allow God to lead us accordingly. While we all have the same purpose, which is to fulfill HIS purpose there are multiple ways to achieve our Kingdom Assignment.

God has called each of us and His will for us is that we live a Holy life. Paul writes in Romans 12: 1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Our service to God is one of dedication to His Word and His purpose. As believers we do not follow the world’s trends. We seek God’s plan and purpose through prayer and reading His Word.

Each of us are to use our strengths, gifts, and passions to represent the Kingdom of God.  The Kingdom of God is best represented when we are ourselves and not trying to duplicate anyone else. The Kingdom of God is best represented when we are functioning and prospering in whatever season of life we are in at that moment. When you can embrace who God has made you to be individually, you are better able to be a blessing to others and be part of bringing His Kingdom to earth.

Not everyone will function in the ministry gifts that Paul writes about in Ephesians 4. Some will be used in areas of church ministry and others will not. Notice I used the term “church ministry” because real ministry takes place outside of the church. Do not get hung up on titles, God does not need you to have a title  in order for Him to use you.

In Eph 4: 11 The gifts that Paul writes about are gifts given to a particular person. They are what we  call concrete gifts, (they are what they are) They are not titles. In other words if God has not gifted me to be an apostle, I can’t give myself that title. These gifts are given to the church for: the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  The word perfecting speaks of being complete furnishing, equipping.  These gifted leaders are to equip others to minister. The word equip has its etymology in a word which deals with mending or restoring. On the journey to fulfilling your Kingdom Assignment there will be times when you need a gifted leader to assist in mending, repairing, and in some cases restoring you. Working for God will sometimes include harsh treatment from people you love. You maybe wounded in the battle, but have a gifted leader who can encourage and pour into you so that you can get right back into the fight.

You have a Kingdom Assignment. How God decides to use you in ministry many times is in direct reflection of what you have experienced in life. Whatever you are enduring now, it is part of the process to operating in your Kingdom Assignment. My ministry gift is teaching, and my areas of teaching usually deal directly with what I have experienced in some way or another.  In fact I strongly believe that before God releases me to teach something there is an experience. The experience bring clarity to the message so that I can share it with passion and understanding.

May you be blessed as you move forward. If I can assist you in anyway in fullfiling your Kingdom Assisgnment, please do not hestiate to reach out to me.

Evelyn Johnson-Taylor Ph.D.

 

To contact Evelyn

Part III  Kingdom Assignment Series

As you go through life, learn to use your experiences as a teaching tool. Don’t look at them as wasted time rather consider them a time of information gathering.  While you are waiting get busy with Kingdom work. Don’t sit around waiting for the glamour and the lights. Some of your most effective Kingdom work will be done away from the eyes of the public.

As you go about functioning in your daily life, God will use you. The obstacles you encounter along the way will bring you to the place God is taking you. There are valuable lessons to be learned in the process. Learn to use every experience good or bad to proclaim the message of the Gospel.

Our experiences can sometimes be our best teachings, not only for us but for those we share them with. You are called to fulfill His purpose in the earth. We are called to a place of service in His Kingdom. God sees you as who He has destiny you to be. You’re not just an anything; you are the righteousness of God, called to be holy. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV) Our sins were placed on the One who knew no sin. In return the righteousness of God is credited to all who receive Him.

The road that leads to fulfilling our purposes maybe different but the end result is the same.  Our assignment is to fulfill His purpose in the earth. Each of us have been uniquely crafted by God to impact the lives of others.

Whether you find yourself in the place of a stay at home mom, do it to the glory of God. If you can train your children to love Jesus you have accomplished something that is eternal. If you are head of a corporation, lead as unto the Lord. The focus of our calling is to God first and everything else follows. Seek God in prayer, asking Him how He can best use you to fulfill your Kingdom Assignment?

Evelyn Johnson-Taylor Ph.D.

 

To learn more about Evelyn

Part II Kingdom Assignment Series

Fulfilling your Kingdom Assignment has much to do with timing.  God’s timing is different from man’s timing. David was the youngest of eight sons of Jesse. Bible historians say he was between the ages of ten and fifteen when he was anointed king by the Prophet Samuel. (1 Samuel 16:10-13 KJV)

“Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. ”

David had to wait before he could move into his anointed positon. He was about thirty years old when he became king.  (2 Samuel 5:4). You would think once Saul was dead that David would automatically become king, but it was seven years after the death of Saul before David would reign as King of Israel.

The Scripture records that the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from the day he was anointed by the Prophet Samuel. Even though the Spirit of the Lord was upon him, he was still a shepherd boy. What if David had sat around waiting for his appointment? He would have waited a long time, but instead he continued to work taking care of his father’s flock. During his waiting period David kills a giant named Goliath.

It seemed so unbelievable that this shepherd boy would become a king with all the cruelty he endured by King Saul. When people looked at David, they only saw a shepherd boy, not a king. When God looked at David, He saw more. God looks at the heart while man look on the outward. God saw David’s destiny, the warrior king who would one day rule a nation.

You may still be working a job you don’t really like but that does not mean that you have not been anointed by God.  You may wonder when God when? Let me encourage you to keep moving forward. You may not be on the throne now, but you can function in your Kingdom Assignment right were you are. In your home, on your job, in your community, in your local church. God is using this time of waiting to build you.  There must be a time of preparation, development, maturing, and character building.

More to come on Kingdom Assignment

 

Evelyn Johnson-Taylor Ph.D.