Carmela Snelbaker

Author of "Thank You For Your Service, Sheep!"
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  • Tag: Hospice Care

    • “Help Me”

      Posted at 3:24 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Aug 13th

      “Help me”. When physical energy is extremely low and life’s burden is heavy, verbal requests are condensed to the most powerful, heart wrenching simplicity. I cannot tell you how many times I have sat with someone facing end of life when the simple request “Help me” is repeated.

      As a caregiver I have had the honor of taking care of and meeting many people of many different faiths.

      Our lives are so enriched by listening to stories, experiences and traditions of different cultural belief systems and religions. I try very hard to honor each individuals beliefs and show great respect for family wishes and traditions.

      The common thread that flows through each experience is that of Love. Love is the great universal connection we all share and we all need.

      Divine Love shines through with a beauty, purity and selflessness that is recognizable no matter what “label” it may come wrapped in. As the sweetness of sugar is the base for candies of endless recipes and names, Divine Love is the common ingredient in countless religious denominations and beliefs.

      1 Corinthians 13 : 13 Now faith, hope, and love remain—these three things—and the greatest of these is love.

      Inspiration and Wisdom will always find us when we ask for it. It does not have to be requested in lengthy prayers.

      There are so many songs that contain so much encouragement and inspiration. I am sharing two of my favorites below.

      The simple request “help me” reminds me of the song from the Sidewalk Prophets : Help me find It

            Help Me Find It
      (The Sidewalk Prophets)
      I don’t know where to go from here …..
      It all used to seem so clear….
      I am finding I can’t do this on my own….
      I don’t know where to go from here
      As long as I know that you are near
      I’m done fighting
      I’m finally letting go
      I will trust in you’
      It never failed before’
      I will trust in you
      If there’s a road I should walk
      help me find it
      if I need to be still give me peace for the moment
      whatever your will
      whatever your will
      can you help me find it
      I am including the song below I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. This group will be coming to York PA for a free concert. The link to more information and tickets for the event can be found by clicking here look for York PA west york middle school August 26
      Another favorite is Come as you are. Teaching us to forgive ourselves for not being perfect and to reach out for guidance and support in making better choices.
      “Come As You Are”

                Crowder

      Come out of sadness
      From wherever you’ve been
      Come broken hearted
      Let rescue begin
      Come find your mercy
      Oh sinner come kneel
      Earth has no sorrow
      That heaven can’t heal
      Earth has no sorrow
      That heaven can’t heal
      come out of saddness
      from whereever you’ve been
      Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal…….

       

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,  Carmela

       

       

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #Life, Blog, blogging, caregiver, caregiving, child loss, Christianity, Divine, divine guidance, Divine Love, faith, family, Grief, grieving, Health, help, Holy Spirit, hope, hospice, Hospice Care, inspiration, love, Mental health, Religion and Spirituality, self help, spiritual connections, Spirituality, Truth
    • “Angelic First Responders” I’m Glad Our Paths Cross

      Posted at 7:33 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Aug 5th

      Somewhere someone is saying a prayer for help, somewhere someone is praying for Divine Guidance to lead them and somewhere else someone is praying for all those in need.

      Perhaps there are no accidental encounters in life. Perhaps every person we encounter is a miraculous unfolding of “angelic first responders” unknowingly responding to “911 prayer requests”.

      Perhaps Heavenly souls direct us, connect us and cause necessary paths to cross. Those in need of wisdom with those who may unknowingly possess bits of wisdom. Like miraculously answered prayers that calm fears and provide hope and peace during difficult storms in life.

      Perhaps it has nothing to do with any level of human intelligence only the willingness to allow our feet to follow and our heart and minds to be open to transmitting angelic messaging.

      Yesterday upon completing my daily lunchtime visit I tell my sweet friend “I must go now but I will be back to see you on Monday”. “I won’t be here on Monday” she tells me. “You won’t? Where will you be?” I ask. “I will be with the angels” she tells me.

      As a hospice support worker I know that the changes she speaks of are always a looming possibility for many of my patients. It is at this point that my angels in heaven take over and speak for me. I somehow am able to very calmly tell her beautiful stories of my grandson who also traveled this transitional road from earth to heaven and the beautiful messages and signs of hope and strength he shares with me of a Love that is so strong that it can so easily and continuously transcend the distance between Heaven and Earth. Her eyes open with an attention that unquestionably asks for more. “Angel first responders” take over and speak with an eloquence and confidence we humans don’t possess.

      Overhearing our conversation a facility aid kindly stops what she is doing and enters into the conversation. I am able to tell her memories of how my grandson loved taking care of the newborn baby that blessed the neighbors family a few months before his departure. How he very quickly earned the title as the “baby whisperer”.  How whenever he would hear the baby cry “Give me the baby, guys” he would say. His ability to calm the baby from the hospital bed that had been brought into the home to provide comfort for him was nothing short of amazing.

      Even though we attempt to plan our futures, life has a way of dealing us unpredictable surprises. It is within these tragic painful events that we are exposed to an UN-measurable level of education that a person would never choose to experience, but the beauty and depth of faith it can leave us with is life changing.  We can gather strength from deep sorrow and an ability to recognize and empathize with others who are experiencing similar difficulties, and when our loved ones in Heaven feel the connection of spirit they intervene and quietly and humbly take over and speak through us with a confidence otherwise unknown to us.

      2 Corinthians 1:4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

      We are all teachers as well as students. Divine guidance leads us to those who have the wisdom that we need. The most profound messages often reach us when we least expect them.

      Even when we may not be intentionally attempting to teach others, our actions and responses often share lessons much greater then words are capable of. Possibly through an angelic blessing being sent to a another soul requesting a message of wisdom.

      Thank you Lord for the continued conversation! and for the beautiful army of “Angelic First Responders” answering the emergency prayer requests!

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,   Carmela

      sharingthecross

      The wool crosses are needle felted from my sheep’s wool. They were inspired by a beautiful lady and her family who I had the privilege of meeting as she traveled the transitional road from earth to Heaven. Her Spirit continues to bless others as I continuously make and share the crosses with others who cross my path. I think of her often and am forever grateful for all the beautiful souls who brighten my life and leave me much wiser and stronger by sharing their thoughts and Wisdom with me.

       

       

       

       

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #Life, angelic connections, Angels, blogger, blogging, blogs, Carmela Snelbaker, child loss, Christianity, comfort, Divine, divine guidance, Earthly journey, faith, heaven, hope, Hospice Care, Inspirational, joy, love, miracles, peace, Prayer, respect, sharing the cross, signs from heaven, spiritual connections, the cross, Truth, Undying love, wool felted crosses
    • Are You A Human Doing or Human Being?

      Posted at 11:55 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Apr 5th

      How many times do we find ourselves at the end of a day feeling as though we haven’t “accomplished anything”?

      The list of things we wanted to get done still hovers in that thought bubble waiting to be crossed off and marked as completed.

      How many conversations do we have with friends or family that contain only descriptions of what we’ve done or what we’re planning to do next?

      I came upon a sign today saying “There is a reason that we are called Human Beings and not Human Doings”. What an interesting thought to ponder!

      As a very active person who likes to stay busy the word human doing did not sound so bad to me, however I realize the thought behind the expression is much more about the emotional and spiritual absence in a person’s life.

      A heart that feels like it has to prove its worth will make lists and check off tasks, striving to build a life of meaning. We busy ourselves making to do lists, checking off tasks and constantly talking of our daily accomplishments.

      Seeking a feeling of worthiness from tasks and performance leaves you running like a hamster on a wheel never to arrive at your final destiny.

      I am sure every person has experienced living as a Human Doing at some time in their life and most likely it is something a heart can slip back into even after recognizing the beauty, peace and importance of learning to BE rather than DO or perform.

      A wounded and heavy heart can lie dormant without feeling, almost as if choosing numbing blindness will keep it from seeing pain.

      No amount of work or accomplishments will ever make an empty heart feel whole.

      Meditation is how we can wake our hearts and learn to be. When we seek to awaken the Divine Spirit within our hearts our hearts and minds are attuned and in harmony with other spiritual beings. Recognizing and accepting Divine Unconditional Love awakens a contentment within us. We experience an Ease of Well-being.

      If I share words that awaken a message within you, it is only because an experience or message was awakened within me from another spiritual being. The harmony and positive energy spiritual beings share with each other can only be explained as Miraculous Divine Love and guidance.

      As a caregiver who has had the honor of giving care to those approaching life in heaven  I am constantly amazed by the wisdom they share.

      Psalm 90:12  So Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

      Each individual is unique and no Human Being is ever perfect. When we are facing end of life perfection and accomplishments no longer seem to be the focus. Imperfect moments are acceptable and there is a genuine purity and honesty in being that is very comforting.

      Finding and developing a personal connection with Divine Spirit is not always an easily traveled journey. In sharing end of life experiences with departing souls I’ve found it can also be a lengthy and difficult journey of separation for the soul.

      The amazing thing is that, among the disoriented busy activity the brain and body are experiencing, it is possible to reach beyond the physical activity mental confusion and fear to awaken the heart and bring peace with a familiar hymn, scripture reading, rosary or cross.

      Like heavy stones beneath rushing water the heart and soul seems to stay anchored in Love and Peace even though the body and mind busy themselves restlessly searching and preparing themselves for the separation of the soul.

      With Respect, Joy, Peace, and Love,   Carmela

       

       

      contentment

      beautiful mindset

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #Life, blogging, Carmela Snelbaker, Christianity, contentment, divine guidance, Divine Love, hope, Hospice Care, human beings, inspiration, Inspire, joy, love, Mental health, positivity, Truth, Worthy
    • Naked Time….. The Ticking Of The Clock

      Posted at 7:46 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Jan 4th

      Something that I have learned to love as a caregiver is the simplicity of a quiet house. A number of different times now I have found myself with someone who prefers a quiet home.

      All external noise is turned off and from the inside of the home we find ourselves truly appreciating the tick of the clock, the clicking on of the furnace keeps us warm.

      The music of the birds and the most simple blessings all disappear when TV, radio and the busyness of the world is allowed into our environment with one push of a button.

      Sometimes there is nothing better than being in a silent room and truly appreciating the simplest and most basic blessings in life.

      In the fast paced world as we know it today, multitasking and hurrying through each day trying to meet deadlines, due dates and appointments is not only an accepted way of life it has become an expected way of life.

      The phrase “don’t over think it” seems to be a very popular and a somewhat accepted thought in our busy society. What if though, a moment never really truly happens until we process it through our minds and into our memories. Or in simpler terms “think about it”.

      When we go through our days on “auto pilot” multitasking like robots in a routine of waking, pushing the ON button of our favorite form of access to the busy world, as we ingest all of the newest and latest updates and outrages from society, the moments that we are existing in are all being clouded by chaos and confusion.

      What if the very reason we sometimes cling to STUFF (for memory sake) is because we never allowed ourselves to be fully present in the moment, so we cling to a reminder as if it holds the same value as the experience itself.

      Quite possibly the Wisdom these beautiful Souls, I have the privilege of caring for, have shared with me is the preciousness of each and every second. It truly does not matter if the clock ticking next to us is an antique grandfather clock masterpiece or a battery operated wall clock. The true treasure is the time we are experiencing.  The true naked time…..undressed from current day distractions, news reports, chaos and opinions of doom.

      Like a shadow being cast on an object from the light before it, although it may appear to elongate our existence it can disappear in a second once the light is removed.

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,  Carmela

       

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #blog4peace, #FindingHope, #loveoneanother, #StopTheNoise, Be In The Moment, Blog, blogging, blogging for peace, blogs, Christianity, Earth, Enjoy Life, faith, happy, Health, Home, hope, Hospice Care, inspiration, joy, love, Mental health, naked time, Palliative Care, poetry, positive energy, positive mental health, positive outlook, positivity, respect, Time, Truth
    • Why Am I Still Here? They Ask

      Posted at 8:05 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Dec 8th

      A caregivers ears hear many things. No-one’s life is ever free of difficulties of some sort, and each life has a path and a purpose only they will be able to fulfill.

      “I don’t know why I am still here.” a 90 year old says to me. “That must mean you still have wisdom to pass on to us.” I tell him.

      Wisdom however, is not always passed on easily. Quite possibly the wisdom our own life possesses may not even be apparent to us while we’re living.  Is this what frustrates our existence and stirs up anger or restlessness in us?

      Attempting to live out our purpose and understand why we are still here is often a struggle.

      Although some pretty bits of wisdom are sometimes spoken sweetly, and appear to come with ease. A number of my experiences could be better explained as a scavenger hunt. The Wisdom may only be revealed to me after being preceded by many long days of hearing statements such as “Clean out your ears” “don’t you listen?” “Get the hell out of here.” It is only when I  continue to go back for more, when the beauty finally is revealed.

      I wholeheartedly believe in Divine Guidance. When we follow our inner voice and bravely do as we feel it is leading us to do, amazing things happen. The Journey may not always be easy and carefree but most assuredly the individuals you meet along the way are a blessing  not just a chance encounter but a divine introduction.

      As the majority of the world is enduring the busy responsibilities that everyday life often demands, others are faced with the seriousness of palliative care or hospice care. The differences in these two worlds are huge.

      This is a journey one enters into kicking and screaming with resistance! As with anything that hurts, it is most natural for our heart to want to turn away from and run as fast as you can to escape the pain of loss. Not being able to distance yourself from it’s approach can leave a soul angry and confused.

      A heart that Truly loves others grieves with profound sadness when the journey of another Soul begins a new path of life and leaves it’s earthly body, friends and family behind.

      Messages of Wisdom come most profoundly from the heaviest of hearts. Life on earth is not always happiness and joy. Great Wisdom and Growth often happen in the midst of great pain and sorrow. The silent moments that unfold as a Soul is nearing the end of their earthly journey are moments in time like no other.

      This past week several Beautiful Souls have completed their earthly journey and entered into their new life beyond earth. I feel truly honored to have met them and spent time being their caregiver. My heart aches along with their families.

      Like a fingerprint on a piece of glass, every Soul is unique. The Wisdom and Love they leave upon the earth could only be passed along by them.

      I will hold dearly their unique wisdom and will continue sharing their memory and wisdom with others here on earth. Although my heart is heavy now, getting to know them and sharing time in their presence has left a very positive influence on my life.

      Among the still and quiet moments we spend with someone on this journey profound messages are communicated. Even when the moments feel only like silent helplessness their wisdom will eventually reach you and become clear.

      It is an honor like no other for our hearts to be able to facilitate the wisdom of an Angelic Soul beginning life anew, Peaceful and Free of pain and sorrow.

      A song miraculously found its way to my ears during heartbreaking outcries of grief and confusion this week. With each loss we experience, each one so drastically different and unique, it often feels overwhelmingly hard to make sense of the details and circumstances.

      My heart finds strength from those I give care to. I will continue on, being grateful for each and every Soul my life’s journey introduces me to. Each and every Angelic Soul holds a very special place in my heart.

      Once a Soul’s message of wisdom is released it is impossible to contain it once again. It will float freely to influence many others who long to understand it’s message.

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,   Carmela

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged Angels, blogger, blogging, blogs, blogs for peace, Carmela Snelbaker, Christianity, divine guidance, Divine Love, Earth, heaven, Hospice Care, inspiration, love, Mental health, Palliative Care, Souls, Truth, wisdom
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