"And you will say on that day: "Thank the LORD; call on God's name; proclaim God's deeds among the peoples; declare that God's name is exalted.""  (Isaiah 12:4 CEB)

Once again many changes are happening - school has either started or will be starting, summer activities are ending, the leaves are starting to change and (sometimes) it is even starting to cool down.  All changes we know about, expect and can even begin to prepare for -- like making sure we know where the winter coats ended up and finding the winter hats and scarfs.  Of course moving has "moved" all of the winter things so it is more interesting this year.  We have also found, in the move, quite a few more hats, scarfs, mittens and even coats -- do we REALLY need so many?!?!??

Through all these changes and challenges, however, has been the strong guidance, strength and PEACE of God's presence.  Even with the sorting,  and cleaning out, of everything from clothes to dishes to crafting supplies God has given a "peace that passes understanding."  Yes, there have been major changes as a four bedroom house has gone to one bedroom.  Yes, adjustments are still being made to fit crafting supplies into an already full house.  But, even though things are happening s-l-o-w-l-y they are happening.  We DO see God at work and we are sharing about God's presence.

My friend, Isaiah - from God time this week, is also calling for us to be sharing.  Are we proclaiming God's name?  Are we sharing when we feel God's presence, strength and guidance?  Who are we sharing with?  Are we "exalting" God's name as we share?  Something to think about.......

"Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past.  Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it?"  (Isaiah 43:18-19a  NAS)

A friend just gave me these verses.  She knows about my friend, Isaiah, and how I tend to go to Isaiah in the middle of a lot of changes.  She is one of the memories I do "call to mind" as we discuss what is happening in each of our lives.  We have known each other over 20 years now, we meet online, weekly, to hold each other accountable for self-care as we continue in our respective ministries.

I love how my friend, Isaiah, reminds us not to "call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past."  The "former things" have brought up a lot of memories as we work on "reducing" things TO move.  Sometimes the memories are so special the item gets packed to move.  Sometimes the memories might be just as special but we realize we will not be able to use whatever item we are holding, no one else (in the family) will want to use it AND someone else might be able to use it...so into the packing for the recycle store it goes.

​Yes, God is doing a new thing, it IS springing forth and we are slowly becoming aware of it.  The changes are happening, the boxes are getting unpacked and we are becoming more aware of the direction God is leading.  Caregivers, are you also making changes?  Are you aware of the "something new"?  Do you feel God's presence (and strength) with you?  Something to think about....