Hope for the Caregiver

The Old Rugged Cross

A while back, I invited my friend, Daniel Fisher (an exceptional violinist), to perform a duet with me at church.  During the serving of communion, we played a medley of The Old Rugged Cross and Near the Cross.

Each time I listen to this, I’m stunned by his playing.  While playing the piano …I just try to stay out his way.  At the end you can faintly hear the communion trays being returned to the table. I felt that even that added value to this performance.  

As caregivers, our lives can be filled with such stress and anxiety.  The holidays are not exactly an antidote for those things. I put this LIVE recording on my CD, Songs for The Caregiver.  The entire project was

 meant to be a calming and inspiring one for my fellow caregivers.

Take a listen, and follow along with the lyrics. I think you will agree it’s soothing to your heart. The CD is available to download on ITUNES, AMAZON, etc , or you can Call Logos Bookstore in Nashville (615 297-5388) and they will ship one to you ….or as a Christmas gift.

If you find these podcast meaningful, consider a tax-deductible gift to Standing With Hope.  Through our prosthetic limb outreach and the family caregiver ministry, we are reaching "...the wounded and those who care for them." 

 

 

The Old Rugged Cross
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame,
And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
To bear it to dark Calvary.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see;
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

Near The Cross

(Lyrics by Fanny Crosby - one of my favorite hymn writers)

Jesus, keep me near the cross;
There a precious fountain,
Free to all, a healing stream,
Flows from Calvary's mountain.

Refrain: In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever,
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.

Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me,
There the Bright and Morning Star
Shed its beams around me.

Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Brings its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadows o'er me.

Are you "sowing in tears?" This this episode is for you!

Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him. - Psalm 125:5-6

Are you sowing in tears? What does that even mean to us a caregivers. Take a listen to this episode as we unpack this Scripture and talk about it in the context of serving as a family caregiver.

 Autism, Alzheimer's ...Addiction:  There's always a caregiver.

Whenever you find someone with a chronic impairment, you always find a caregiver.  That's why we do the show. 

This episode is from our December 7 show and features, callers and a special song from Gracie. Her recently released CD is titled Resilient.

For a tax deductible contribution to Standing With Hope ( the presenting sponsor of this show) for any amount, we will send you Gracie's CD as our gift to you!. 

 

Camp Southern Ground

Almost a decade ago, Grammy winner Zac Brown envisioned creating a life changing camping experience similar to his own ...but one that was inclusive for children (and families) struggling with challenges. His heart also went out to the wounded warrior community and his answer was to create Camp Southern Ground.  

"As a former camp counselor and camper, I know how a positive camp experience can transform a child’s life. My dream is that children of all abilities will have an opportunity to grow and learn from each other, while experiencing the magic of the outdoors. It is also important to me that we take care of the families that protect our freedoms and keep this country safe. Camp Southern Ground will be a haven for children of family members serving in the military, as well as be a respite for our active and veteran service members. Through our partnerships we’ll be able to welcome military families to our camps year-round. Thank you for supporting our efforts and for helping us create an amazing place that is much more than the typical camp experience." - Zac Brown

Jake Dukes, VP of Strategic Initiatives, called our show to discuss this extraordinary camp and the programs that are available to families with children on the spectrum.  He also detailed their amazing veterans' programs that step into their families to offer a path towards healing and growth. Whether it's a veteran struggling to transition from active service to civilian life ...or those struggling with PTSD, Camp Southern Ground is ready and eager to come along side those veterans and their families and play an important role in their journey following their service. 

 

About Peter Rosenberger and HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER

A 30+ year caregiver for his wife, Gracie, who lives with severe disabilities, Peter Rosenberger understands the caregiver’s journey and is committed to strengthening the family caregiver.  Through his books, music, and weekly radio show heard on Sirius XM's Family Talk Channel and 180 additional stations, Peter demonstrates an unswerving commitment to those who put themselves between a vulnerable loved one and even worse disaster.

For More Information visit: www.hopeforthecaregiver.com 

 

Miserable Caller Wants Advice, But Doesn't Want Counseling, Church, or a Recovery Program."

Caller states he is the patient, caregiver, and addict ...all wrapped into one, and is miserable. But he doesn't want any of the things we point him to on this show.  Then, he pivots and wants to tell a joke ...and gets mad at me for not laughing. 

Listen to see if you like the joke. Clearly, according to this caller, I just don't have a sense of humor. 

 

A Conversation With My Brother, Dr. Richard Rosenberger

"I didn't even know what Cerebral Palsy was until we received the diagnosis for our daughter." - Dr. Richard Rosenberger

For this special edition of HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER, I invited my brother to call in and share his vast journey as a caregiving father for 30+ years ...and as an educator.  Richard is the Superintendent for Anderson County School District #2 in Upstate South Carolina. 

In this interview he candidly shares his lengthy journey, mistakes, wisdom, and passion for education.  

Hope for the Caregiver is heard Sunday Evenings at 6 PM Eastern on Sirius XM Channel 131 (FAMILY TALK) and Saturday Mornings at 8 AM Eastern on American Family Radio.

 

Gratitude for Fleas?!

My favorite reminder of gratitude is this story of a remarkable woman who learned to thank God in all things ...including FLEAS while in a concentration camp during WW2. 

Sponsored by: 

Standing With Hope

Near to the Heart of God

Cleland Boyd McAffee, a Presbyterian minister, provided the church with one of the most treasured and enduring hymns. Like many great hymns, however, this one also came from great sorrow. 

Two of his young niece died of diptheria, but in the family's grief, McAffee penned this great hymn that continue to bring comfort and strength to millions. 

One could reasonably state that McAffee's greatest sermon can by found in the countless hymnals around the world. 

There is a place of quiet rest,
near to the heart of God,
a place where sin cannot molest,
near to the heart of God.

Refrain:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
sent from the heart of God,
hold us, who wait before thee,
near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet,
near to the heart of God,
a place where we our Savior meet,
near to the heart of God. [Refrain]

When selecting songs for my CD, Songs for the Caregiver, I knew this hymn had to be on the project. I've always loved it, and made it the first song on the album. 

It means something to me as a caregiver, and i felt it would encourage, comfort, and strengthen my fellow caregivers. 

While I've served as a caregiver for more than 33 years, I've been a pianist for much longer. Sometimes, I don't always have the words to express my feelings, and that's when I find myself at the piano. I can't take away my burden ...or yours, but i can play for both of us.  

Enjoy ...

Peter

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