Val shares about people who have inspired and encouraged her with simple acts of love like holding her hand, praying with her, praying for her or by writing about their faith and spirituality.

She shares about how fortunate she's been to have a Christian faith community wherever she's lived and friends who follow through with the nudge to pray with her. Once, when things looked discouraging for her loved one who was getting surgery, Val felt paralyzed by fear. Her pastor visited and asked her to let those who love her be like the friends in the Bible story who carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus to be healed and be able to walk again.  Later, after looking at an MRI to prepare for surgery, the doctors found a safe way to operate and the surgery was a success.

Val shares about authors of books she's read that inspired her as a caregiver over a 30 year period. There was something about the way the words came across to Val that just made sense. Or, they offered specific things she could do to make her life more fulfilling and abundant.

CS Lewis inspired her with his books, Mere Christianity and The Four Loves. Richard Foster provided practical ways to practice a life with God in his book, Celebration of Discipline. Maryanne Williamson shared about her insights from A Course in Miracles in her books A Return to Love and From Tears to Triumph. David Hawkins was a medical doctor facing death with he called out to God in prayer and was saved. He is able to explain spiritual things in concrete and scientific ways in the book, Transcending the Levels of Consciousness. Val shares that when she doesn't know what to think about what's going on in this crazy world today, David Brook's opinions encourage her, as does his book, How to Know a Person.

Val finishes this podcast with a story about PAGL, a concept brought to her attention by her friend, which stands for Peace, Assurance, Gratitude and Love. It is a way to existentially validate decision making. 

Val shares that even though there are times she's felt alone, she believes we are never really alone and we can encourage one another by reaching out and lifting up each other in prayer.

Additional information and links can be found at:

https://www.caregiverteatime.com/

Look for the full version of Val's theme song, Nothing But the Good Things on your favorite music streaming service now!