Describe your 2025. My year and my 2025 podcast releaseschedule can be wrapped up in this Yiddish phrase, “Mann tracht un Gott lacht.” Man plans and God laughs.  Sounds much like Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”I had planned to share a podcast episode each month in 2025.After April, that didn’t happen! Listen in as I reflect on God’s provision around my work life and my personal life in 2025. Consider the unexpected joys in your year as well as themesses that occurred, despite your hopes or your planning. Where was God while your year was unfolding? That question is worthy of our reflection as we consider the yearahead.Let’s talk about a “posture” for 2026. Posture isn’t a goal;it’s an intention. Especially when life is messy, I’ve found adopting a posture to be so helpful. Consider your posture for the New Year. I’ve got an idea toshare, and I hope it encourages you to think about God’s presence in your life in the past and the way you’d like to approach the future, knowing he’ll meet you in every circumstance…the joys as well as the messes.Happy New Year!Resources:Proverbs 19:21: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2019%3A21&version=ESVInfo about GriefShare: https://www.griefshare.org/Lowen message on Surrender: https://www.wschurch.org/watchMy website: www.lorischlosser.comMy Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lorischlosserspeaksMy Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/lorischlosserspeaks/Blessed in This Mess can be accessed on all major streamingplatforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

Peace of mind is a hot commodity. I’m betting you would agree. So many circumstances (and even some people we know) can steal our peace!The Apostle Paul talks about “peace that passes understanding.” What is that, and how do we access it? Peace that passes understanding is NOT…Easily obtained…it requires a willingness to study, to confess, to be humbled, to let go of control, and to believe.A vending machine of blessing…I put in so many prayers and out pops my solution!“Worldly peace” that comes from healing on the world’s terms or winning on the world’s terms or seeing those who threaten our peace punished.Peace that passes understanding IS…Only found in one place, that is a relationship with God that is deep and trusting. A lifelong pursuit to know God more.Trusting that God is at work. He is never a passive bystander.A result of being broken and humbled by our situation so that we are prompted to look for God.Counter cultural, no, it’s “other worldly.”The foundation for all hope in our lives, no matter what peace stealers threaten us.So, today, here’s your gentle reminder that the God of the universe is at work in your life, even as you feel peace stealers all around.Yes, he wants our prayers and our gratitude, AND he desperately wants a relationship with us. Think of this imagery. He’s got you by the hand, and he is walking it out with you. That’s the imagery in Josh Wilson’s song, The Things That I’m Afraid Of, from 2022. This song is a powerful reminder of God’sintention to walk through life hand-in-hand with us.Until next time, may the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your heart and mind focused on knowing and trusting God is at work in your mess!Have a blessed Easter! Resources:Bible Gateway: Philippians 4: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204%3A4-7&version=NIVJosh Wilson on YouTube: The Things That I’m Afraid Of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JATpsO360bYMy website: www.lorischlosser.comMy Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lorischlosserspeaksMy Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/lorischlosserspeaks/Blessed in This Mess can be accessed on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

I know a number of caregivers or spouses who are going through some really hard changes right now. Maybe that’s you; maybe it’s someone you love. You’re exhausted, sad, angry, or just numb.You’re coming to terms with a new diagnosis, a deteriorating condition, hard changes in a relationship, a difficult move or adjusting to the loss of someone central in your life, someone you love very much. I’m amazed by the number of friends I have who are caring for parents whose lives have changed in hard ways.What does God’s word say about the idea of change in the lives of his people? It didn’t take me five minutes to come up with a list of 100 verses about a heavenly perspective on change. God has a lot to say about it. In invite you to think on these things.God is unchanging. Let him be your anchor.Malachi 3:6 – “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”Following Christ involves a continual process of change, where we grow in holiness and leave behind our old ways.Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”Life is full of transitions, but God is sovereign over them all.Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” When facing change, we’re called to trust in God’s guidance rather than their own understanding.Isaiah 43:19 – “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Even when change feels overwhelming, God is faithful to complete the work He has begun in us.Philippians 1:6 – “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” According to the Bible, change is inevitable, but we are assured that God is in control and that His purposes will be fulfilled.Today I’m encouraging you to believe God is with you and he goes ahead of you wherever life is changing…in the positive changes and in the hard changes. Especially when change is hard, lean into the people and the places that will remind you of this. Guard what goes in your ears and your eyes. All of that affects your spirit and your outlook. Look for his hand. Trust his provision and his good plans for you. That’s a focus on gratitude. Sending you love and light today. I hope you can feel it, and I hope you share it, even as seasons change, as sunlight comes and goes, and you reflect on the blessings in your mess.Resources:My website: www.lorischlosser.comMy Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lorischlosserspeaksMy Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/lorischlosserspeaks/Blessed in This Mess can be accessed on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

Even before I was married, I inherited a china cabinet that held special table settings from both of my grandmothers. As a new bride I added the china my husband and I selected to that cabinet. Over time, and with a lot more life in the rearview mirror, my philosophy about using our family china has certainly changed. In this episode I explain why I use our china every chance I get, and I encourage you to consider doing the same. Time passes so quickly. The faces around our tables change, as do the opportunities to honor and nurture the relationships that mean the most to us. May the moments you share around your table be a blessing, no matter what dishes you choose to use, even as the seasons of life roll on. Resources: My website: ⁠www.lorischlosser.com⁠ My Facebook page: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/lorischlosserspeaks⁠ My Instagram page: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lorischlosserspeaks/⁠

It's January, the perfect month to pivot the podcast in a slightly different direction. I'm excited to share this first episode of 2025, when I'm expanding my focus to offer encouragement and support across the board...to family caregivers AND anyone who could use gentle reminders about self-care, faith formation and maintaining a posture of gratitude, especially when life is messy. What’s been your approach to a new year? Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Researchers say most resolutions don’t last four months. Consider this idea. What if we use the entire month of January to do these 3 things? The first is to practice solitude. The second is to spend a little extra time in prayer, Bible study, and reflection. Third is a specific reflective exercise offered by one of my favorite authors, Emily P. Freeman. She suggests January is an excellent time to reflect on something we want, something we need, and something we hope for in the New Year. I share an example to get your wheels turning on this suggestion. I used to loathe the cold, gray days of winter after the holidays. Now I see the wisdom and purpose in God's gift of January. This episode focuses there. Blessings on your January! Resources: Abide Meditations: https://abide.com/ The Bible in a Year Podcast with Pastor Jack Graham on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bible-in-a-year-with-jack-graham/id1646273281 The Bible in a Year Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tNxjFCSoruX1vNFgicWEH My website: www.lorischlosser.com My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lorischlosserspeaks My Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/lorischlosserspeaks/ Blessed in This Mess can be accessed on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

New year, fresh vision, new focus for the Blessed in This Mess podcast, "Encouragement for Every Season." I’d like my digital footprint to reflect the positivity and light I carry with me, on my best days, yes, but especially when life is messy. Can you relate to a messy life? When the check engine light comes on and you smell oil. When an adult child accepts a fabulous new job...800 miles from home. When a little one’s development is marked by unexpected changes or challenges. When you’re cleaning out the house that holds so many memories, preparing for your next chapter. My goal is one post each week on the socials and one 7-12 minute podcast episode a month, with content that supports your faith journey, whole body wellness, and a focus on gratitude. Let’s do this together. Grab that basket of laundry or your morning coffee. Put the car in drive or put your earbuds in for a walk, and join me! Let's do this! My website: www.lorischlosser.com My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lorischlosserspeaks My Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/lorischlosserspeaks/ Blessed in This Mess is available on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

This is the year in review, with a look at my top three lessons learned as I focused on “strengthening relationships in person” in 2023. It has been a wonderful year, filled with unexpected blessings as I connected with other caregivers and translated my experiences into podcast episodes. Lesson #1: There is no substitute for being fully present with each other, face to face, heart to heart. Check out Episode 31, “The Gift of Time” for more on this topic. Lesson #2: Self-care is the single most elusive piece of family caregiving. We all need daily reminders, fresh ideas, and inspiration to get this done. Self-care topics are sprinkled throughout episodes from 2022 and 2023. Lesson #3: Gratitude may be the most powerful weapon in our arsenal against anxiety, fear, depression, and pessimism. Check out Episodes 9, 32, and 33 for more on this topic. In 2023 these practices, being fully present with others, self-care, and daily gratitude have been so life-giving for me and for the caregivers in my world. Please consider “gifting” yourself in each of these areas in the new year. After much thought and prayer, I’m pivoting again in 2024. My website, lorischlosser.com, has been updated and will remain a point of contact for speaking engagements and for listening to all the content I’ve recorded over the last couple of years. In 2024 you can still reach me via Facebook at Lori Schlosser or on Instagram at lorischlosserspeaks, but I’m unplugging the boom microphone on my desk for the time being as I step in faith into the promise of 2024. I’m so grateful for your support of this ministry and for the way you share it with others. Thank you for encouraging me along the way with your notes and messages. They have meant the world to me. Behind every successful podcaster is a devoted crew. Mine includes my husband and our sons (my "editorial board") who have believed in this ministry even when my energy wavered. Special thanks to our son, Noah, who created my digital footprint in so many places, taught me how to use recording software, and professionally engineered every episode. I can’t tell you how much his support has meant to the quality of the finished product.     In 2024, as always, you will remain on my heart and in my prayers. May God richly bless you with strength, patience, wisdom, and peace in the year ahead. If you need me, you know where to find me. Thanks for listening! Happy New Year! Resources: My website: www.lorischlosser.com My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lorischlosserspeaks My Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/lorischlosserspeaks/ Blessed in This Mess can be accessed on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

I'm flipping the script this Thanksgiving week, with this special prayer for family caregivers. Mara Botonis was a caregiver by profession until her work became personal when her grandfather, who had raised her, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Mara penned this prayer, which is really an exercise in unspoken gratitude, in her book, When Caring Takes Courage. I believe the sentiments shared in her writing apply to family caregivers in all circumstances, whether your care receiver is a parent or grandparent, an aunt or uncle, a spouse, a sibling, or a child. These sentiments may be shared often between you, or you may seldom hear these words spoken. I hope you find them life-giving. May the Giver of all good gifts grant you the strength, the patience, the courage, and the wisdom to meet each challenge, wherever you are in your caregiving journey. And may your spirit be renewed as you reflect on all the goodness in your life this Thanksgiving. Resources: My website: ⁠www.lorischlosser.com⁠ My Facebook page: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/lorischlosserspeaks⁠ My Instagram page: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lorischlosserspeaks/⁠ Blessed in This Mess can be accessed on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

November provides an opportunity for us to pause, share our experiences, and be strengthened in our journeys, as it is BOTH National Family Caregivers Month AND Diabetes Awareness Month. So many of us just do what we do day to day, seldom advocating in a public way, seldom sharing our struggles, sometimes too weary to answer another question or educate even interested family members or friends about our journeys or our need for support. Today, as we begin November, a few reminders: 1.    You have permission to be honest… to share your experiences transparently, unashamed. 2.    You have permission to be sad… to remember, to cry, and to grieve. 3.    You have permission to connect…. to rally with your people and to share each other’s burdens. There is blessing in both sharing and listening to someone who trusts you to understand. No matter where you are in your journey, your experience could help someone else. 4.    You have permission to take a breath…. to practice self-care like it’s your job. :) I'll give you some ideas! 5.    You have permission to let it go… to remember you are, ultimately, not in control. You are doing the best you can. I encourage you to hand it all over to God, because He reminds us, time and again, that on the heavenly calendar it is ALWAYS your month, and He’s right there with you in your struggle to care for a loved one and/or to manage blood sugar. We are reminded in Matthew 28:11 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Rest is a wonderful thing, in November and always! Resources: Today’s Bible Verse: Matthew 11:28 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2011%3A28&version=NIV My website: www.lorischlosser.com My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lorischlosserspeaks My Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/lorischlosserspeaks/ Blessed in This Mess can be accessed on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

Has family caregiving changed you? Your personality? Your outlook? The way you view yourself or others? I recently asked this question to a room full of family caregivers, and the response was overwhelmingly affirmative. Caregiving for someone with a chronic illness, extended sickness, or disability is life-changing, and not necessarily in a good way. I suggest we have a choice around the way in which we are changed. The daily challenges of caregiving may make us more pessimistic, anxious, or angry. Or, they may gradually transform us into someone who is more optimistic, flexible, and confident. I believe we have a choice, and the daily practice of gratitude is more powerful than previously understood. Join me as I pick up where I left off in Episode 32 and introduce the concept of neuroplasticity. That's a big word that captures our brain's God-giving capacity to change. Neuroplasticity gives us hope around the potential for positive changes in brain structure and response, even in the face of tough days (or weeks or years) as a family caregiver. I touch on the work of Dr. Andrew Huberman (Huberman Lab Podcast), a neuroscientist who has researched the connection between a daily practice of gratitude and a wide range of positive changes in the brain. I encourage you to a SHARED daily practice of gratitude, which may include your care receiver. It's a win-win! Consistency is key. What have you got to lose? Resources: The Huberman Lab Podcast: https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/the-science-of-gratitude-and-how-to-build-a-gratitude-practice My website: www.lorischlosser.com My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lorischlosserspeaks My Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/lorischlosserspeaks/ Blessed in This Mess can be accessed on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.