“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.”—Matthew 25:40 Reflection Caregiving doesn’t feel like ministry, but Scripture tells a different story. Jesus identifies Himself with the vulnerable, the weak, the hurting, and the dependent. When you care for your parent or loved one, you are tending to the heart of Christ Himself. Your ministry isn’t loud or public. It’s quiet, often tear-stained, and sometimes frustrating. Yet it is deeply spiritual. Each task—no matter how ordinary—becomes holy when done with love. The world may overlook the small, faithful acts...
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.”—Matthew 25:40 Reflection Caregiving doesn’t feel like ministry, but Scripture tells a different story. Jesus identifies Himself with the vulnerable, the weak, the hurting, and the dependent. When you care for your parent or loved one, you are tending to the heart of Christ Himself. Your ministry isn’t loud or public. It’s quiet, often tear-stained, and sometimes frustrating. Yet it is deeply spiritual. Each task—no matter how ordinary—becomes holy when done with love. The world may overlook the small, faithful acts...
The Hidden Ministry of Caregiving
in Encouragement & Prayer, Faith & Family Life, Faith & Heart, Raising Parents
Caregiving rarely looks like ministry. It doesn’t announce itself with a sermon or begin with a worship song. Most days, it looks like wiping down counters for the fifth time, waiting through doctor’s appointments, repeating instructions, navigating hard emotions, and trying to hold your own heart together while caring for someone whose world has shifted. But heaven sees what the world overlooks. And caregiving—quiet, exhausting, intimate caregiving—is one of the most profound ministries a person can offer. When Ministry Doesn’t Feel Holy We often picture ministry as confident, polished, and purposeful. Caregiving feels like the opposite—messy, weary, and unpredictable....
A Grace-Filled Thanksgiving
November 17, 2025 in Family Life, Holidays, Printables, Traditions & Celebrations, Uncategorized
The Heart of Thanksgiving Thanksgiving has always been more than a date on the calendar. It’s a season of gathering — a time to pause, to breathe in the scent of roasted turkey and cinnamon, to fill our homes not just with food, but with laughter, love, and gratitude. In our family, Thanksgiving is a symphony of togetherness — the clatter of dishes, the sound of kids running through the house, and the familiar warmth of a kitchen in full swing. It’s when the farmhouse table becomes a place of connection, where stories are shared and grace is spoken...
Finding Joy in the Mundane
November 10, 2025 in Encouragement & Prayer, Faith & Family Life, Faith & Heart
The Same God in the Ordinary The same God who positioned Esther in a palace “for such a time as this” and who anointed David in a pasture long before he wore a crown is still at work — even in the quiet, ordinary moments of caregiving. It’s easy to forget that truth when the days blur together — when the laundry never ends, the doctor appointments pile up, and exhaustion seems to set up camp in your bones. But God’s presence isn’t reserved for grand miracles or mountain-top moments. He’s just as present in the mundane — in...
When Coming Home Isn’t the End: Navigating Mom’s Homecoming After Rehab
November 4, 2025 in Family Life, Personal Reflection, Raising Parents
When Mom finally came home from the rehab facility, we expected progress — or at least stability. After all, she’d spent nearly two months there following her hip fracture, receiving occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. We assumed there would be a care plan, measurable goals, and ongoing communication to ensure she was regaining strength. What we didn’t expect was to find her weaker than before she went in. The Reality of “Rehab” During her stay, we raised concerns about the lack of communication from staff and the absence of a clear care plan. We asked questions about...
The Financial Squeeze on the Sandwich Generation
October 27, 2025 in Family Life, Raising Kids, Raising Parents
The Financial Squeeze on the Sandwich Generation: Caring from Both Ends Without Losing Your Balance When You’re the Bridge Holding Everyone Up For many of us in the sandwich generation, life feels like a constant balancing act—financially, emotionally, and spiritually. We’re supporting aging parents who rely on us for care, while still helping our children launch into independence. Add in rising costs of living, medical expenses, and our own retirement planning, and the squeeze feels real. But you’re not alone—and with planning, faith, and a few smart strategies, you can protect your financial stability while caring well for those...
Note: This post includes affiliate links. A Sacred Space in a Busy World In a world that moves too fast, having a quiet corner to meet with God can anchor your soul. Whether it’s a cozy chair by the window, a corner in your bedroom, or even a small nook in the kitchen, your Bible study corner becomes a sacred space — a place to pray, read, and listen. The beauty of this practice is that it doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. What matters most is your heart and intention. The Bible Study Corner Choose a spot...
Peace isn’t found in perfect circumstances—it’s found in perfect trust. When Frustration Feels Like a Constant Companion We all have those days when it feels like life is testing our patience at every turn. The kids are arguing, the to-do list is endless, the dog’s muddy paw prints are on the freshly mopped floor, and your heart just feels weary. In those moments, frustration can creep in fast—quietly at first, then all at once. But here’s the truth: frustration is often an invitation. It’s a signal that something deeper is stirring—a reminder that we can either lean into our...
Tech-Enabled Caregiving: Giving Mom Freedom and Safety
October 9, 2025 in Family Life, Raising Parents
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly use and trust. Thank you for supporting With Love Leslie. Caring for our parents isn’t just about keeping them safe — it’s about helping them thrive.When we began setting up Mom’s little farmhouse apartment, I wanted it to feel like her own haven — full of independence, comfort, and quiet confidence. Technology, when used thoughtfully, can do just that — creating a space that protects without intruding. A...
We live in a world that moves fast. Notifications buzz, calendars fill, and somehow the quiet moments — the ones that really matter — slip through our fingers. Yet there’s a quiet movement growing in the cracks of our busyness: a call back to slow living. Slow living isn’t about laziness or doing less just for the sake of it. It’s about doing what truly matters — with intention, peace, and gratitude. What Slow Living Really Means Slow living is the art of being present in your life rather than racing through it. It’s choosing to savor your morning...