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  • Rest for Caregivers: Not Optional, Always Intentional
    2025/04/12

    Caregiver fatigue is real—and it’s more than just exhaustion. In this episode, Peter Rosenberger shares powerful insights from 40+ years as a caregiver, including how to handle sleep deprivation, reduce stress, and pursue intentional rest—even from a hospital room. Learn practical tips (like how a $20 box fan helps), spiritual encouragement, and why one physical therapist prescribed something unexpected: sing three times a day.

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    48 分
  • From Elevators to Ebenezer Stones: A Caregiver’s Guide to Hospital Survival and Spiritual Strength
    2025/04/05
    Welcome to Hope for the Caregiver here on American Family Radio. This is Peter Rosenberger and I will be your host today through all things caregiver related. I've been a caregiver so long that the hospital Wi-Fi connects automatically. You know you've been a caregiver a long time when you call 911 and they say, Hey Peter, that's my life. I've been a caregiver so long my idea of vacation is waiting in the car during surgery. And even Siri whispers to me, bless your heart. We are still in Denver, in the hospital. And Gracie now has to go back into surgery on Monday or Tuesday. This left leg just does not want to heal up. This will be her 93rd and her 6th during this particular 10-week stretch we pulled. So yeah, I know a little bit about the journey. And I've learned a few things. I'm going to give you some practical things right now. Okay? Just some practical. We're going to get into some heavy stuff later on in the program. But I've got some practical things. One of them is when you're in an elevator. A couple of points in an elevator. For elevator etiquette. And it's not what you think. But it's... I always let ladies exit and enter the elevator before me. I hold the door and make sure they go in properly. I told one guy, there was a bunch of them, and this guy tried to go in. I said, no, you wait for me. I was raised in the South. I'll help the ladies, but I'm not going to help you. You're a grown man. I actually told him that on the elevator. I mean, I've spent a lot of time in the hospital. So these are things I observed. But a lot of people will line up in front of the elevator on the bottom floor. Now, why is that problematic? Why? Well, I'll tell you why. Because there are people going to be getting off that elevator, and they can't get off if there's some yahoo standing right in front of them. And I'm like, has it not occurred to you maybe to wait over to the side? Another thing is, don't be on speakerphone and having a conversation while on the elevator. I understand being on the phone. I'm often on Bluetooth, giving updates and so forth. But when I get on the elevator, I will tell whoever I'm talking to, I'm getting ready to get on the elevator. You keep talking, I'll listen. I got a buddy of mine I was talking to back in Montana. And I said, all right, I'm getting on the elevator. You talk, I'll listen. So he started asking me questions. And I'm like, you didn't understand the point. The point is, I'm getting on the elevator. I'm not going to talk. You talk, I'll listen. Well, what do you want me to talk about? Oh, for heaven's sakes. And so I just kind of, you know, but that's another thing. People get on the elevator and they got speakerphone going. And I'm like, I jump into the conversation sometimes, you know, figured it's there. It's a public conversation now. And then here's something else. And I'm not faulting you for this, but be aware that Be aware of a few things when you're walking into a hospital, into a corridor. Number one is if you're going around corners, drive in the right lane. Okay? Drive in the right lane. We're not in Great Britain. We're in America. Drive in the right lane. So hug the wall on your right side. So when you go around a corner, you're not doing like in NASCAR when you're getting way down low there. You got to go up a little high and come around because there's somebody else coming around that corner and they're driving in their right lane. I have been involved in many near collisions because people were hugging the left corner. Now, that may sound stupid to you, but you spend 10 weeks in a hospital, and then you come back and tell me what you think, okay? And this ain't my first 10 weeks in the hospital with Gracie. So these are things I observed that people are, this is a very big hospital, a lot of people, and everybody's busy, and I understand that. Here's another little tidbit. Situational awareness is everything. Be aware of how you are in space and in time as you're moving in and out of this labyrinth of of a place there where a lot of people are. People are very busy. This is, again, a teaching hospital. So it's very busy. It's always going 24-7. And you have to be aware of where you are in space and in time. Not just, you know... ambling along. I was on the elevator with two women, and they were older women, but not that old. Well, now that I think about it, they're probably younger than me, which, now that's just kind of sad, isn't it? They looked older, but I realized they're probably younger than me. Okay, well, all right, let me just go and cry over that one in the pantry. But Regardless, they were on the elevator and one of them had a walker and they were very nicely dressed. They were very pleasant ladies. And I held the door and they started walking. Well, I was in a bit of a hurry. And these two women, one of them was rather large. I mean, she wasn't gargantuan, but she's a big woman. And the other one was a bit hefty as well. And she ...
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    48 分
  • She Didn’t Call in Sick—She Pointed to Jesus
    2025/03/29

    In this powerful episode of Hope for the Caregiver, Peter Rosenberger shares hard-won insights from the trenches of nearly four decades as a caregiver—currently speaking from the hospital room where his wife Gracie just underwent her 92nd surgery. With humor, grit, and deep theological reflection, Peter walks listeners through what it means to endure—and even thrive—through suffering.

    From singing hymns “around midnight” like Paul and Silas, to holding the hand of a broken CNA just hours after surgery, this episode brings raw honesty and gospel truth to the forefront. Peter unpacks how the presence of God—not explanations—anchors caregivers through the storms of affliction. He also offers updates on Gracie’s extraordinary journey, his new Substack reflections, and a preview of his upcoming book, A Caregiver’s Companion: Daily Inspiration for Life’s Toughest Role.

    If you’ve ever wondered, “Do we trust Him or not?”—this episode is for you.

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    48 分
  • Strength, Sanity, and the Heidelberg Answer
    2025/03/21

    What comforts a caregiver when the pain won’t let up and the surgeries keep piling up—91 of them, to be exact? In this Hope for the Caregiver episode, Peter Rosenberger shares deeply personal reflections from Colorado, where his wife Gracie recently endured her 90th and 91st surgeries. From exhaustion and setbacks to faith and grit, Peter pulls back the curtain on life inside a hospital room—and the unshakable hope that sustains them both. His source of comfort? Words penned in 1563: "That I am not my own, but belong body and soul, in life and in death, to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ." That truth, not a platitude, anchors the soul in the storm.

    But comfort isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about being better. Peter explores the real meaning of "comfort," tracing it back to its Latin roots: com forte—“with strength.” That strength doesn’t come from cruises, casseroles, or clichés but from a seasoned, sanctified faith forged over decades in the crucible of suffering. God isn't in the business of pampering; He's in the business of preparing.

    Finally, Peter tackles the cultural fog smothering the next generation. From fear-fueled climate doomsday talk to gender confusion, Peter asks a bold question: What happens when we obsess over carbon footprints but forget how to stand? His answer? Ground them in truth. Offer strength, not slogans. If you're wondering how to speak hope into a hopeless culture, this episode gives you the words and the witness to do it.

    For More Information, visit www.PeterRosenberger.com

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    48 分
  • Caregiving, Crime Scenes, and Canadian Geese
    2025/03/15

    Hope for the Caregiver is the nation’s leading broadcast for family caregivers, hosted by Peter Rosenberger. With four decades of experience as a caregiver to his wife, Gracie—who has undergone 90 surgeries and bilateral amputations—Peter provides practical insights, biblical wisdom, and much-needed humor for fellow caregivers. His approach is candid, often humorous, and always grounded in the reality of caregiving’s daily struggles and triumphs.

    In this episode, Peter shares an update on Gracie’s ongoing medical journey, including her recent surgeries to address severe orthopedic complications that have lasted decades. He describes the challenges of extended hospital stays, navigating the healthcare system, and the importance of advocating for loved ones. He also reflects on the importance of caregiver authority—standing firm in conversations with medical professionals while ensuring that a loved one’s needs are met.

    Amidst these serious topics, Peter brings his signature wit, recounting experiences in Aurora, Colorado, where he’s currently stationed during Gracie’s treatment. From navigating hospital hallways to dodging crime scenes and Canadian geese, he finds humor in the chaos, reminding caregivers that even in the darkest moments, laughter can be a lifeline.

    Additionally, Peter highlights the 20th anniversary of Standing with Hope, the prosthetic limb outreach he and Gracie founded to serve amputees in Africa. This ministry, along with the caregiver outreach, is a testament to their mission: sharing hope with the wounded and those who care for them. Through every challenge, Peter continues to encourage caregivers to stand strong, stay informed, and hold onto the hope that sustains them.

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    48 分
  • You Are Worth Protecting: A Caregiver's Reminder of Value
    2025/03/12

    In this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, Peter Rosenberger shares an update from Denver, where his wife, Gracie, is recovering from her 89th surgery—an unexpected and grueling procedure that has required weeks in the ICU. Reflecting on his four-decade caregiving journey, Peter delves into the ever-evolving lessons of trust, peace, and endurance, particularly in the face of prolonged suffering. He challenges the often-glib encouragement to "just trust Jesus" by asking what that truly looks like in the trenches of caregiving. Through his personal reflections and a deep dive into the Gospel of John, Peter explores the profound nature of Christ’s peace and how it sustains caregivers when words of comfort from others fall short.

    A powerful moment in the episode comes from a street encounter with a troubled young woman fearing for her safety. In a brief yet meaningful conversation, Peter reminds her—and by extension, all caregivers—that she is worth protecting. This story underscores a vital theme: the importance of recognizing one’s own worth amidst the demands of caregiving. Peter also introduces his article on “discretionary valor,” urging caregivers to discern when to act and when to step back, ensuring they do not spread themselves too thin by rushing into every crisis. He emphasizes that caregivers, like soldiers, must learn the art of restraint to preserve their strength for the battles that matter most.

    The episode also features a discussion with author and trauma expert Sandra Allen Lovelace on the impact of trauma in caregiving and family estrangement. Together, they explore the necessity of recognizing and addressing trauma rather than ignoring or suppressing it. Peter ties these insights back to the mission of Standing with Hope, the nonprofit he and Gracie founded to provide prosthetic limbs to amputees in West Africa. As the episode closes, Peter reminds caregivers that healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—is a process that requires intentionality, faith, and community. Through personal anecdotes, biblical insights, and practical wisdom, this episode offers a compelling message of hope and perseverance for those carrying the weight of caregiving.

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    48 分
  • Caregiver Strength: Choosing the Right Voices for Support and Encouragement
    2025/03/04

    In this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, Peter Rosenberger shares powerful insights on the importance of surrounding yourself with uplifting voices, particularly as a caregiver. Drawing from his own experiences and biblical wisdom, he encourages listeners to take inventory of the people influencing their lives—reminding them that while we can't change others, we can change who we allow into our hearts. Through humor, personal stories, and practical faith-based encouragement, Peter challenges caregivers to set boundaries, reject harmful criticism, and anchor their self-worth in God’s truth rather than the opinions of others.

    Peter also welcomes author Kathy Howard to discuss her book Deep Rooted: Growing Through the Gospel of John, addressing the widespread issue of biblical illiteracy and the urgent need for believers to engage deeply with Scripture. In addition, he shares exciting updates on Gracie’s music, his latest book projects, and reflections on caregiving while navigating his wife’s ongoing health journey. With a message of hope, faith, and perseverance, this episode offers practical encouragement for caregivers and anyone seeking to stand firm in the midst of life’s challenges.

    peterrosenberger.com

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    48 分
  • Caregiving, Theology, and the ICU: Finding Solid Ground in the Struggle
    2025/02/24

    In this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, Peter Rosenberger shares deeply personal insights from decades of caregiving, including his ongoing journey with his wife, Gracie, who recently underwent another major surgery. Broadcasting from Denver, he reflects on the struggles caregivers face—physical, emotional, and spiritual—and emphasizes the importance of standing on solid ground amidst the chaos. Through scriptural wisdom, personal anecdotes, and hard-earned experience, Peter challenges caregivers to ask themselves, What do you believe? He discusses the necessity of sound theology in sustaining caregivers for the long haul and highlights the importance of anchoring faith in God’s unchanging grace.

    Peter also provides an update on Gracie’s recovery, sharing both the challenges and victories in her rehabilitation process. With humor and heartfelt reflection, he discusses the fear of pain, the need for self-care, and how caregivers can find strength in their faith. From practical advice to scriptural encouragement, this episode offers a powerful reminder that if He is Lord at all, He is Lord of all. Tune in for a dose of wisdom, encouragement, and a few good laughs along the way.

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    48 分