The Caretaker's Journey

Surprise! Christmas Isn't Going According to Plan! 🎄😂

Introducing Making Room for the Unexpected: When God Shows Up in the Middle of Our Mess

What happens when Christmas doesn't go according to plan? When the holiday to-do list gets longer, family responsibilities pile up, and the picture-perfect Christmas you imagined feels completely out of reach?

Welcome to The Caretaker's Journey with Carole Leathem!

In this special Christmas introduction episode, Carole invites you to join her for Making Room for the Unexpected, an eight-week Christian Christmas podcast series filled with faith, laughter, biblical encouragement, and hope for caregivers navigating the holiday season.

We'll take a fresh, sometimes hilarious look at the Christmas story—from Mary's unexpected announcement and Joseph's surprising circumstances to the shepherds, the Magi, and the extraordinary birth of Jesus.

You'll also get a sneak peek at our weekly Christmas features:

🎄 Can You Imagine?! — Funny, imaginative moments inspired by familiar Bible stories.

🎁 The Unexpected Gift — Discovering meaningful blessings in life's unplanned moments.

☕ Your 15-Minute Christmas Escape — A little rest and refreshment for busy caregivers.

❤️ The Unexpected Christmas Challenge — Eight weeks of recognizing and collecting unexpected blessings.

🙏 Scripture, prayer, and practical caretaker encouragement to help you find joy, peace, and hope even when life gets messy.

Whether you're caring for an aging parent, supporting a spouse, experiencing caregiver burnout, navigating grief, or simply feeling overwhelmed by holiday expectations, this Christmas devotional series is for you.

And because this is Carole's first Christmas in Florida, expect a little sunshine, plenty of coffee, a Bengal cat, and perhaps even a Christmas appearance from Gary and Mariah Carey—her two backyard alligators!

Our Christmas adventure begins with this special introduction on October 30, 2026, followed by eight weekly episodes every Friday from November 6 through Christmas Day.

Grab your coffee, pull up a chair, and let's discover how God brings hope and joy into our beautifully imperfect lives.

Because Christmas doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful. And neither does your life.

🎙️ The Caretaker's Journey with Carole Leathem

🌐 www.thecaretakersjourney.com

Finding Joy in Caregiving, Faith, and Everyday Life

What if the joy you've been waiting for has been right in front of you all along?

As caregivers, we often tell ourselves we'll find happiness when life gets easier, the appointments slow down, or our responsibilities become more manageable. But what happens when that perfect moment never comes?

In this heartfelt finale of the Finding Joy in the Journey series, Carole Leathem, host of The Caretaker's Journey, explores how to find joy in caregiving, recognize God's blessings during difficult seasons, and celebrate the small moments that make life meaningful.

Through Christian encouragement, biblical wisdom from Psalm 118:24, practical caregiver self-care strategies, and a little humor, we'll discover that finding joy doesn't require perfect circumstances.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How to find joy and gratitude during challenging caregiving seasons.

• Why happiness doesn't have to wait until life gets easier.

• Simple ways to recognize God's presence in everyday moments.

• Practical tools for managing caregiver stress and emotional exhaustion.

• How to create a personal Joy Emergency Kit for difficult days.

• The power of celebrating small victories and practicing gratitude.

• How faith can provide strength, hope, and encouragement for family caregivers.

Whether you're caring for an aging parent, supporting a spouse with chronic illness, experiencing caregiver burnout, or simply navigating an overwhelming season of life, this episode offers faith-based caregiver support and a reminder that you're not alone.

Scripture for this episode: Psalm 118:24 — "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

Your Joy Challenge: Start a Joy Jar and record the little blessings you notice throughout your week.

And before you go, ask yourself our favorite question:

Where did you find joy this week?

Because maybe joy wasn't waiting at the destination. Maybe it was scattered along the road the whole time.

Join Carole Leathem on The Caretaker's Journey for Christian caregiver encouragement, practical caregiving tips, faith, hope, and honest conversations about life's challenges.

It's all about Him.

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community

Email - [email protected]

Social Media - 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Finding Joy Through the Gift of Presence | Finding Joy in the Journey

Are you so busy taking care of everyone else that you've forgotten how to slow down and enjoy your own life?

As caregivers, we're experts at multitasking. We juggle doctor's appointments, medications, family responsibilities, and endless to-do lists. We're physically present, but our minds are already worrying about tomorrow. And somewhere along the way, we forget to enjoy the little moments happening right in front of us.

And let's talk about that poor cup of coffee we reheated three times and STILL never finished!

In Week 7 of Finding Joy in the Journey, Carole Leathem, host of The Caretaker's Journey, invites you to slow down, take a breath, and discover how to find joy in everyday moments...even in the middle of the challenges of caregiving.

Through heartfelt encouragement, practical caregiver self-care tips, a little humor, and biblical wisdom from Psalm 46:10 — "Be still, and know that I am God"—we'll explore why being present matters more than being productive.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How to stop worrying about tomorrow and embrace the present moment.

• Why caregivers struggle with slowing down and resting without guilt.

• How to recognize God's presence in the ordinary moments of life.

• Practical mindfulness and Christian self-care techniques for caregivers.

• Why meaningful connections matter more than completing another task.

• How to create a simple 10-minute daily ritual for peace, rest, and spiritual renewal.

• The importance of caring for yourself while caring for someone you love.

Plus, don't miss our special segments!

☕ Caretaker Tip of the Week: Ask yourself, "Where are my feet?" A simple way to bring your wandering mind back to the present.

🌊 Mini Vacation: Escape to a peaceful beach café, enjoy the ocean breeze, and spend a quiet moment with Jesus.

📖 Journal Prompt: Where am I rushing through a life God is asking me to notice?

💛 Joy Challenge: Spend 10 minutes each day doing absolutely nothing productive. Yes, you have permission!

Here's your reminder for this week:

"You do not have to solve tomorrow while your feet are still in today."

Whether you're caring for an aging parent, supporting a spouse with chronic illness, navigating family caregiving responsibilities, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, this episode offers Christian encouragement, caregiver support, and practical ways to find peace in the present moment.

Because sometimes the greatest gift we can give ourselves, and the people we love, is our undivided attention.

So pour yourself a cup of coffee, find a comfortable spot, and join me.

And before you go, ask yourself:

Where did I find joy this week?

Remember, you're not alone on this journey.

Connect with The Caretaker's Journey for faith-based caregiver resources, encouragement, practical tools, and The HUB — Hope • Understanding • Belonging.

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community

Email - [email protected]

Social Media - 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

#TheCaretakersJourney #FindingJoyInTheJourney #CaregiverSupport #ChristianCaregiving #CaregiverSelfCare #FaithOverFear #FindingJoy #ChristianEncouragement #CaregiverBurnout #MindfulLiving #BeStillAndKnow #FaithBasedPodcast #CaregivingJourney #CaregiverWellness #PresentMoment #Psalm4610

Finding Joy in the Journey — Week 6: Learning to Dance in the RainFinding Joy Without Pretending Life Isn’t Hard

What if you didn’t have to wait for life to get easier before you could experience joy?

For caregivers and caretakers, life can feel like one long season of waiting...waiting for the diagnosis, the next appointment, a better day, more help, or simply a moment to breathe.

It’s easy to believe that joy will come after the hard season is over.

But what if God has joy for us right here, even in the middle of the rain?

In Week 6 of Finding Joy in the Journey, Carole Leathem, host of The Caretaker’s Journey Podcast, talks about finding genuine joy without pretending caregiving isn’t hard.

This isn’t toxic positivity. It’s learning that grief and gratitude can coexist, that exhaustion and laughter can share the same day, and that difficult circumstances don’t have to steal every beautiful moment.

Whether you are caring for a spouse, aging parent, family member, or someone you love, this episode offers Christian caregiver encouragement, practical caregiver support, faith-based hope, and permission to experience joy without guilt.

You don’t have to wait for the storm to pass to start living again. Sometimes finding joy in the caregiving journey means trusting God, noticing the small gifts around you, and learning to dance right there in the rain.

🎧 In this episode:
• How to find joy during difficult caregiving seasons
• Why joy doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay
• Letting grief and gratitude exist together
• Overcoming caregiver guilt when you take time for yourself
• Finding hope and strength through faith
• Recognizing small moments of joy in everyday life
• Encouragement for overwhelmed and exhausted caregivers

The Caretaker’s Journey Podcast is a faith-based caregiver podcast offering encouragement, practical support, hope, and resources for family caregivers navigating the challenges of caring for someone they love.

#CaregiverSupport #CaregiverEncouragement #ChristianCaregiver #Caregiving #FamilyCaregiver #CaregiverBurnout #CaregiverSelfCare #FindingJoy #FaithOverFear #ChristianEncouragement #CaretakersJourney

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community

Email - [email protected]

Social Media - 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Recognizing Gifts You Never Would Have Chosen
Finding Joy in the Journey | The Caretaker’s Journey Podcast with Carole Leathem

What if some of life's greatest gifts come wrapped in circumstances we never would have chosen?

When you're caring for a loved one, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the daily responsibilities, emotional exhaustion, stress, and unexpected changes that come with being a family caregiver.

Whether you're caring for a spouse, aging parent, or family member facing physical or mental health challenges, the caregiving journey can leave you wondering where joy fits into your story.

In Episode 5 of our Finding Joy in the Journey series, Carole Leathem explores how we can discover unexpected blessings, spiritual growth, renewed strength, and meaningful moments of joy in the middle of life's most difficult seasons.

This isn't about pretending caregiving is easy, ignoring caregiver burnout, or forcing ourselves to be grateful for painful circumstances. It's about recognizing that even when life takes an unexpected turn, God's presence and goodness remain.

Through biblical encouragement, practical caregiver support, and honest reflections on faith and caregiving, Carole reminds us that joy and hardship can exist together.

In this episode, we'll explore:

• How to recognize unexpected gifts in difficult seasons.

• Finding joy while caring for a loved one.

• The difference between gratitude and pretending everything is okay.

• Discovering God's presence during caregiver stress and exhaustion.

• Embracing small moments of hope, peace, and encouragement.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or simply searching for hope as a caregiver, this episode is for you.

You may not have chosen this journey, but you can still discover gifts along the way.

Join Carole for another encouraging conversation about finding faith, hope, strength, and joy in the everyday realities of caretaking.

Visit: www.thecaretakersjourney.com

The Caretaker's Journey Podcast — Encouraging, Equipping, and Supporting Caretakers Through Every Season.

James 1:17 — Every good and perfect gift comes from above.

#TheCaretakersJourney #CaroleLeathem #FindingJoyInTheJourney #CaregiverSupport #CaregiverEncouragement #ChristianCaregivers #CaregiverBurnout #CaregivingJourney #FaithOverFear #FindingJoy #CaregiverSelfCare #FamilyCaregivers #CaregiverHope #FaithAndCaregiving

Episode 4 — Finding Joy Right Outside the Window

Learning to Notice the Ordinary Gifts We Almost Miss

What if the joy you're searching for isn't somewhere in the future, but is already right in front of you?

As a family caregiver, it can be easy to become so focused on appointments, medications, responsibilities, health concerns and the needs of the person you love that you stop noticing the small, beautiful moments happening around you.

In Episode 4 of Finding Joy in the Journey, Carole Leathem shares a simple but powerful invitation for overwhelmed and exhausted caregivers:

Look again.

Caregiving trains us to notice what needs attention. We notice the next appointment, the prescription that needs refilling, the change in someone's behavior, the phone call that needs to be made and the problem that needs to be solved.

But what if we could also train ourselves to notice joy?

A beautiful sunrise.

A cup of coffee in the quiet.

A text from a friend.

A favorite song.

A moment of laughter.

A peaceful view outside the window.

Even an alligator named Mariah Carey swimming through the backyard pond.

Joy doesn't have to be big to be real.

Isaiah 43:19 says:

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

That question matters: Are we noticing?

In this episode, we're talking about becoming “joy detectives”—learning to intentionally look for God's goodness in ordinary moments without pretending that caregiving isn't difficult.

You'll discover how to practice gratitude during hard seasons, create small moments of caregiver self-care, slow down enough to notice what's good and begin finding joy without waiting for your circumstances to change.

Because finding joy in caregiving doesn't mean ignoring grief, stress, exhaustion or uncertainty.

It means refusing to let the hard things become the only things you see.

If you're a family caregiver, spousal caregiver, caregiver for an aging parent, or Christian caregiver struggling with stress, burnout or overwhelm, I hope this episode reminds you that you don't have to wait for life to become easier before you experience something beautiful.

Sometimes we need to stop asking:

“When will things get better?”

And start asking:

“Where is God showing me something good today?”

🎧 Episode 4 — Finding Joy Right Outside the Window: Learning to Notice the Ordinary Gifts We Almost Miss

Part of the eight-week Finding Joy in the Journey series from The Caretaker's Journey Podcast with Carole Leathem.

The Caretaker's Journey offers faith-based caregiver support, Christian encouragement, practical caregiving resources, Scripture and hope for people caring for someone they love.

This week's challenge: Become a joy detective. Look for one small thing each day that makes you smile, brings you peace or reminds you that God is near.

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community

Email - [email protected]

Social Media - 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

#CaregiverSupport #ChristianCaregiver #FamilyCaregiver #CaregiverEncouragement #FindingJoy #CaregivingJourney #FaithInHardTimes #TheCaretakersJourney

Episode 3 — The Great Caregiver Circus

When You’re Juggling Way Too Much

Do you ever feel like caregiving has turned your life into a three-ring circus—and somehow you're expected to keep every ball in the air?

Doctor's appointments. Medications. Meals. Work. Family. Bills. Phone calls. Insurance. Paperwork. Household responsibilities. Someone else's needs and emotions.

And somewhere in the middle of all of it, you're supposed to remember to take care of yourself too.

In Episode 3 of Finding Joy in the Journey, Carole Leathem talks about the invisible load family caregivers carry and what happens when we begin believing that everything is our responsibility.

Caregiver overwhelm and burnout don't always happen because of one big crisis. Sometimes they happen slowly as we keep adding one more responsibility, one more appointment, one more request and one more thing we believe we should be able to handle.

But what if you weren't meant to carry all of it?

Jesus offers a beautiful invitation in Matthew 11:28:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Notice He doesn't say, “Finish everything first.”

He says, Come.

In this episode, we'll talk about recognizing the difference between what truly needs your attention and what can wait, releasing unrealistic expectations, asking for help, creating healthy caregiver boundaries and making room for rest and joy—even when caregiving is still demanding.

You'll also discover a simple way to look at everything you're juggling:

Which balls are glass—and which ones are rubber?

Some responsibilities truly cannot be dropped.

Others?

They'll bounce.

And learning the difference may be one of the most freeing things you can do as a caregiver.

If you're a family caregiver, spousal caregiver, caregiver for an aging parent, or simply someone who feels exhausted from carrying everyone else's needs, this episode is for you.

You don't have to do everything to love someone well.

You don't have to hold everything together.

And you don't have to wait until your responsibilities disappear to experience joy.

Some things genuinely need you. Not everything needs you.

🎧 Episode 3 — The Great Caregiver Circus: When You're Juggling Way Too Much

Part of the eight-week Finding Joy in the Journey series from The Caretaker's Journey Podcast with Carole Leathem.

The Caretaker's Journey offers faith-based caregiver support, practical caregiving encouragement, Scripture, hope and resources for people caring for someone they love.

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community

Email - [email protected]

Social Media - 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Episode 2: The Closet Full of Seasons

Learning to Recognize the Season You’re Actually In

What happens when the life you’re trying to live no longer fits the season you’re actually in?

Just like a closet full of clothes from different seasons, we can hold onto old routines, expectations, responsibilities—and even versions of ourselves—that simply don’t fit anymore. For family caregivers, recognizing that life has changed can be especially difficult.

In Week 2 of Finding Joy in the Journey, Carole Leathem explores what it means to recognize your current caregiving season, release expectations that no longer fit, and give yourself permission to need something different now.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us:

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

Caregiving has seasons too. Some require more of your time and energy. Some bring grief and uncertainty. Others bring unexpected freedom, healing, growth and joy.

The problem comes when we keep trying to live according to the expectations of an old season.

Maybe you’re exhausted because you're trying to maintain the schedule you had before caregiving became more demanding. Maybe your relationships have changed. Maybe you've lost pieces of yourself along the way. Or perhaps you're entering a new season and aren't quite sure who you are without the responsibilities that once filled your days.

This conversation is about recognizing where you are now—without guilt—and asking God what He wants to do in this season.

We’ll talk about caregiver identity, changing expectations, letting go, caregiver burnout, faith during change, and finding joy in the life you’re living today.

Because sometimes the question isn't:

“How do I get my old life back?”

Maybe the better question is:

“God, what are You inviting me into now?”

Your season may have changed, but your story isn't over.

Different seasons require different things—and that's okay.

🎧 Episode 2 of Finding Joy in the Journey, an eight-week series from The Caretaker’s Journey Podcast with Carole Leathem.

The Caretaker’s Journey provides faith-based caregiver support, Christian encouragement, practical caregiving resources and hope for family caregivers navigating the unexpected seasons of life.

This week, ask yourself: What am I holding onto that belonged to another season?

Summary:

In this episode, Carole explores how recognizing and embracing the current season of life can lead to greater joy and peace. She shares practical tips on releasing what no longer fits and finding joy in the present moment.

Takeaways:

Joy lives in the present tense, not in the past or future.

Identify what no longer fits in your life and release it.

Adjust your expectations to match your current season.

Comparison can rob joy; focus on your unique season.

God is present in every season, offering grace and guidance.

Chapters:

00:00 Recognizing the season you're in

02:07 How old routines no longer fit

04:21 The importance of identifying your current season

10:14 Ecclesiastes on seasons of life

16:16 Releasing what no longer fits

22:39 Living joyfully in the present

28:04 A garden visualization for acceptance

32:14 Making room for what fits now

37:13 Carrying joy into your current season

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

Email - [email protected]

Social Media - 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

When the GPS Recalculates: Finding Joy When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan

What do you do when life suddenly takes a detour you never expected?

A diagnosis. A health crisis. A change in your caregiving journey. A move. A loss. A delayed dream. Sometimes we make plans for our lives only to hear the figurative GPS say, “Recalculating.”

In this first episode of the Finding Joy in the Journey series, Carole Leathem shares what she’s learning about finding joy when life doesn’t go according to plan.

Together, we’ll talk about grieving the life you expected, releasing expectations, navigating change as a family caregiver, trusting God when you can’t see what comes next, and discovering that joy doesn’t have to wait until life gets easier.

You’ll learn practical ways to identify what truly has to happen and what can be flexible, create breathing room in overwhelming seasons, and begin noticing small pockets of joy right where you are.

In this episode:
• Finding joy during difficult seasons
• Coping with unexpected life changes
• Navigating caregiving and a spouse’s health challenges
• Grieving the life you thought you would have
• Letting go of expectations
• Caregiver encouragement and practical support
• Trusting God through uncertainty
• Christian encouragement for caregivers
• Finding joy while life is still hard
• Proverbs 16:9 and trusting God with your next step

“A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.” — Proverbs 16:9

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: Life's Detours and the Search for Joy

02:17 The Journey Begins: Finding Joy in the Present

05:14 When Life Doesn't Go as Planned

08:11 Biblical Examples of Trusting God's Leading

13:12 Postponing Joy and the Danger of 'When'

15:14 Joy in the Midst of Pain and Hardship

18:09 The Power of Flexibility and Letting Go

21:14 A Visual Journey: The Mountain Road and God's Presence

24:40 Trusting God with the Road Ahead

25:37 Practical Joy Challenge: Spontaneous Acts of Joy

27:55 Closing Prayer and Encouragement to Keep Looking for Joy

Your plans may have stalled. Your route may have changed. But that doesn’t mean God has forgotten you.

A changed route doesn’t mean a ruined journey.

🎧 This is Week 1 of Finding Joy in the Journey, an eight-week series from The Caretaker’s Journey Podcast with Carole Leathem.

Learn more, find caregiver resources, and explore the Embracing Change workbook at The Caretaker’s Journey.

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

Workbook - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/shop/p/mbracing-change-a-caregivers-workbook

Email - [email protected]

Social Media - 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Summary:

In this episode, Carole explores the profound process of transformation during seasons of change, grief, and caregiving.

She shares biblical insights, personal stories, and practical encouragement to help listeners embrace growth and faith in difficult times.

Topics:

• The difference between change and transformation
• Biblical perspective on suffering and growth
• The role of patience and endurance in spiritual maturity
• Practical steps to embrace current season and trust God
• The importance of self-reflection and journaling during transition
• Growth often feels invisible but is happening beneath the surface
• God works through all circumstances for good, even the hard ones
• Transformation is a gradual process, like roots growing underground
• Reframing seasons of hardship as opportunities for spiritual development
• Creating new rhythms and routines that honor the present moment

Chapters :

00:00 Embracing Transformation in Seasons of Change

09:22 The Process of Refinement and Growth

11:05 Finding Joy in the Midst of Imperfection

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community

Email - [email protected]

Social Media - 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Resources:

• ⁠Where's God? The Grief Journey by Dr. Alan Gates⁠
• ⁠You're Not Too Late by Rebecca George⁠
• ⁠Are You Ready to Find Joy When Life Gets Messy? by Carole⁠
• ⁠⁠Embracing the Change Workbook (Coming Soon)⁠