Tag: music

Whole Body Health

Donna Hutcherson

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man“ –Luke 2:52 NIV

Never has there been a time in our lives where the emphasis has been so strong on health. Contagions, hand washing, and compromised immune systems are a part of most conversations. For a caregiver, that has been the norm, the ever-present awareness of the health needs of our loved one or patient. If a caregiver also has a compromised immune system, the need is more than doubled. If the one needing care is highly impaired and totally dependent on the caregiver, health awareness peaks.

Humans are integrated beings, created in the image of God – divine design, as Dale used to teach. Psalm 139 reminds us that He formed our inward parts and has many precious thoughts toward us.

When Dale needed to be restored to total health and I needed to maintain my health in order to help him, it quickly became apparent that even with hospital care/help, I had to deal with health-sapping stress, overwhelming concerns, lack of good rest, etc. Since the Word notes that Jesus grew in four areas (His whole being), we implemented that Scriptural approach to health – considering our entire being, not just the area with damage or obvious need. With the advice and support of my family/counsel, we focused on: wisdom (mental), stature (physical), favor with God (spiritual) and favor with man (social).

I will detail each of the following areas in future posts, however I encourage you to address each of them as soon as possible…for your well-being:

  • sound sleep
  • best food choices
  • fresh air and sunshine
  • exercise/movement/touch
  • prayer and encouragement from the Word of God
  • music
  • humor

Holy Spirit, we need Your guidance to care for these bodies You created, no matter the circumstance we are in. Help us to discern what is best for our lives no matter the circumstance in which we find ourselves. (John 14:26-7 NIV)

SONG LINK:
Caleb & Kelsey “It is Well with My Soul”
https://youtu.be/VaxxtIxXKF0

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist

Donna Hutcherson

“For I am not seeking my own good but the good of the many…” -I Corinthians 10:33 NIV‘

When I first considered writing about caregiving, the TV pilot for “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” had not even aired. In fact, I didn’t hear about it until the first of March this year when on a text message, my sisters referred to the show with one of them saying “we didn’t think it would have been good at all for Donna”. WHAT!!! I was in on that text and immediately reacted, thinking “How can you say this isn’t good for me? I need to check this out”. Of course, knowing full well my sisters were concerned about my well-being, I spoke with them and found out they thought it could be too emotional for me.

Fast forward: I immediately watched the first 3 episodes the first chance I had! Poignant – yes; a few tearful times – yes; things with which I disagree – yes; a bit hard to watch the portrayal of Zoey’s beloved dad who is slowly dying from a neurological disease – yes; worth the emotional ups-and-downs – YES! First of all let me say I LOVE MUSIC and this show is filled with music and dance – through a very unique, innovative presentation. That I love! This show is definitely written for an audience younger than I am, however, it speaks directly to the generation/s who have parents who are caregivers or who are receiving help from caregivers. The show’s family relationships are rich and lovingly sensitive to the dad’s situation, and the insights the siblings gain about mom as caregiver are a much-needed dimension in today’s society. That is my reason for continuing to watch this show and why I will proffer that it is worth a try for any adult. Caregivers’ loads and needs are highly misunderstood and therefore often neglected. I am both amazed and grateful that Hollywood has taken this on as a topic to address publicly. Caregivers are not the focus of the show, though, and after the first 3 episodes, played a rather small part, but that could readily vary with any future episode. That being said, anyone who watches the show will at least have exposure to some reality of caregiving.

I am most thankful that my children had a grasp of the needs of caregivers as I found myself in that role. Our family and extended family have all taken care of their aging or ill parents, providing an example and an opportunity to naturally observe and learn about caregiving – the good, the bad, and the ugly. As I participated in the intermittent care of my own parents and mother-in-law, circumspect family conversations that later included my grandkids gave voice to concerns and possible ways to assist caregivers, giving them a measure of respite. Communication and careful observation are key in learning about and then maintaining caregiver health – mental, physical, emotional, and social. In that light, anyone watching “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” will have opportunity to gain from the observation of both the care and the caregiver as well as the ensuing communication.

Lord, you continue to amaze me at the resources You provide, even from unlikely sources. I pray blessings on those who write and produce and finance ” Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”, for Your guidance as they go forward, and that You draw forth the audience who needs to learn about the needs of caregivers.

Chris Tomlin “Good, Good Father”
https://youtu.be/OfJrxvVnmkE