This is episode 89, and today we're catching up and talking about what's ahead! 

In today's episode, Lauren shares a life update about her one word for 2022 accompanied by an announcement. May this be an encouragement to you about refocusing, surrendering, and receiving unexpected, new beginnings. Shownotes: http://www.abidingcaregiver.com (http://www.abidingcaregiver.com/)

In this week's episode, Lauren is joined by her husband, Brock, for a conversation about marriage and disability parenting. They discuss intimacy, grief, and the challenges that continual exhaustion and stress tend to have on a marriage. Brock and Lauren open up about their struggles and share the hope they have found in Jesus through all the ups and downs.Shownotes: http://www.abidingcaregiver.com (http://www.abidingcaregiver.com/)

In this episode, Lauren and Sandra talk about the caregiving community they have found through social media. It seems harder and harder to connect with other special needs moms in real life but easier and easier to connect online. These internet friendships provide real support and encouragement in our hardest seasons. We can celebrate that while keeping social media boundaries that make our time on social media worth it! Shownotes: http://www.abidingcaregiver.com (http://www.abidingcaregiver.com/)

Especially in light of the changes so many of us are experiencing through the pandemic. How do we live at the intersection of what we enjoy doing as a vocation and what we have to do to make a certain amount of money or keep a flexible schedule? And if we don't love the jobs we do, how can we still feel fulfilled? Shownotes: http://www.abidingcaregiver.com (http://www.abidingcaregiver.com/)

This is episode 84 and in this episode, Lauren shares her experience with Caregiver Burnout and how she is currently recovering from it. This episode is not about how to prevent burnout or a guide on recovering from it. Rather, the purpose of this episode is to encourage you and give you hope that you are not alone in managing the stress, anxiety, and exhaustion of caregiving. Lauren shares what God did that she could not throughout her journey and gives hope for your heart to hold onto. Shownotes: http://www.abidingcaregiver.com (http://www.abidingcaregiver.com/)

In order to make room for all God has planned for us in 2022, we need to say no to some things we've been holding on to. Listen as Lauren and Sandra share what they won't do in 2022 and pray about what God is leading you to say no to as well! Shownotes: http://www.abidingcaregiver.com (http://www.abidingcaregiver.com/)

This week I (Sandra) had an appointment with my therapist. It was the first appointment I've had since November, so we had a lot to talk about. I thought it would be helpful to share the kinds of things I talk to her about to help take a little of the mystery out of it if you've been thinking about whether visiting a therapist would be helpful for you. Shownotes: http://www.abidingcaregiver.com (http://www.abidingcaregiver.com)

As they are working with our kids, doctors and therapists often help us as parents as well! In today's episode, Sandra and Lauren share lessons they have learned from their kids' therapists that they are applying to their own goal setting in the new year. If you're feeling overwhelmed about setting goals this year, listen in and be encouraged. For episode notes, visit our blog at abidingcaregiver.com (http://abidingcaregiver.com/)

As we wrap up 2021, it's time to look ahead to 2022! One way we do this is picking "one word" for the new year. In this episode, Sandra and Lauren walk through their processes for picking one word, including reflecting on what God has done this year and talking about what we hope He will do in the new year.There's also an invitation to join Sandra, Lauren, and their friends at the One Word for 2022 online conference! Listen to the episode to learn more and get a code for $5 off the conference ticket price! For episode notes, visit our blog at abidingcaregiver.com (http://abidingcaregiver.com)Get your ticket for One Word here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/onewordfor2022 (https://vimeo.com/ondemand/onewordfor2022)

In today's show, Lauren shares how Advent integrates into our special stewardship journey and why it is actually the solution we need for this season. Listen in as she shares what her son really wanted, but she could not give him and what happened next. For episode notes, visit our blog at abidingcaregiver.com

This is episode 78, and today Lauren and Sandra are talking about hosting the holidays as a caregiving family. Together they share genuine challenges they have faced in the past and tips for not only surviving the holidays but enjoying them. Find the shownotes here: abidingcaregiver.com (http://www.abidingcaregiver.com/)

This is episode 77, and today we're talking about putting everything on auto pilot. We talk a lot about decision fatigue on the podcast and in our Facebook group. So we know that eliminating the number of decisions we make is helpful in making life go smoother for our families. But there are seasons when you need to take that up a notch—when you need as many decisions and routines as possible to be on auto pilot. There are lots of reasons when just doing the next thing is all you have the energy to do. So let's talk about how to set ourselves up for that kind of season so we can still care for our families and abide in Christ. Find the shownotes here: abidingcaregiver.com (http://www.abidingcaregiver.com/)

In episode 76, Sandra and Lauren share gift ideas they think you will love as much as they do! Whether you're making a list of ideas for someone else to buy for you or looking for gift ideas for others, they have you covered. In the episode you'll hear ten gift ideas they love for abiding caregivers. And in the show notes at abidingcaregiver.com, they also share ideas for husbands and kids. Sandra and Lauren have you and your family members covered when it's time to start making those gift lists!Find the shownotes here: abidingcaregiver.com (http://www.abidingcaregiver.com/)

This is episode 75 and in today's episode, Lauren holds space for those carrying spiritual pain with them throughout the holiday season. Caring for our souls includes acknowledging and processing the spiritual pain that accompanies the caregiving journey and is elevated during this time of year. Listen in as Lauren offers honesty, compassion, truth, and hope for your heart this holiday season. Find the shownotes here: abidingcaregiver.com (http://www.abidingcaregiver.com/)

This is episode 074, and today we're talking about rest during the busy holiday season. Three big holidays are coming, jammed into an already busy work-ministry-family schedule. The dots on my Google calendar are multiplying like a mogwai when he gets wet (pre-gremlin stage). But this year I want to remember one big lesson from last year about the most important thing that usually gets left off the to do list—rest! Find the shownotes here: abidingcaregiver.com (http://www.abidingcaregiver.com)

October kicks off three months of big holidays—Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. But for caregiving families, these holidays can also kick off a season of unmet expectations and unfulfilled goals. In today's episode, Sandra and Lauren talk through how they have learned to create holiday traditions that work for their unique families. Their advice will help you celebrate the holidays with more grace for yourself, your kids, and your extended family. Find the full show notes at abidingcaregiver.com (abidingcaregiver.com )

This is episode 72 and in today's episode, Lauren shares 3 ways we can care for our souls!With the new routines and various commitments the fall season ushers in, it is easy to forget to care for our souls which leads to feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. However, there are some simple ways we can prioritize our spiritual health that will help us flourish! 

This is episode 71 and in today's episode, Sandra and Lauren talk about the struggles they are having adjusting to a new and very full fall routine! Lauren is juggling therapy appointments, Sandra is juggling work and ministry commitments, and it all feels like too much some days! They share practical ideas that help, but their big focus is on how God sustains us through changing seasons as we abide in Him. 

This is episode 70, and today Sandra is sharing five fall self care habits! Something about the transition from summer to fall makes me feel all cozy and relaxed, so it's the perfect time to focus on some self care habits that will carry you through fall and into winter. I'll start with one of the simplest habits I started over the summer that makes a huge difference and even share some skin care recommendations. Shownotes: abidingcaregiver.com (abidingcaregiver.com)