"When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?"" (Acts 3:12)

How are you with surprises?  Have you had any recently?  Have you planned any as a surprise for someone else?  What kind of surprise was it?  A good surprise, one you have had fun with?  Or maybe, like in my case, it was a change in your health.  Now comes how you are thinking of reacting - like I told someone "you have to laugh or you start crying (or screaming)."  Which brings us back to how are you with all the various kinds of surprises?

This verse, in Acts, is asking about what people believe - how they react to surprises.  These two disciples have healed a man, in Jesus' name, which has surprised the people around them.  Peter uses this as a "teaching moment" to get more of the people to understand who Jesus was AND is.   I think we can also be surprised - both by the various things happening and by remembering (which means we sometimes have to stop and think, study and be in prayer) how God IS with us through all of the changes and challenges.  I know I tend to go to my friend, Isaiah, especially when new things "hit."  Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you: and through the rivers, they will not overflow you....."  What a wonderful reminder of God being WITH us no matter what changes, or challenges, surprise us.

The important thing is to remember to spend the time WITH God - studying God's Word, in prayer and taking time to s-t-o-p and listen for what God is saying to each of us.  Yes, I know as Caregivers time for us is hard to find.  Yes, "more" time for ourselves is even harder to find.  I also know God IS with us and will help us to have the time.  SURPRISE!!  Time WITH GOD!!

"Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you.  He will not fail your forsake you."  (Deuteronomy  31:6)

How are you doing at moving around - walking mainly but "just" moving as well?  After bunion surgery (right foot) and ligament surgery (left ankle) this summer and fall (and this is only October!) I admit I'm moving kind of slow.  My grandson describes it as moving "like a herd of turtles."  Yup, I move about as fast as a turtle right now.  But I do also remind people the turtle won the race AND moving forward is progress!

God time, all this week, has been gentle reminders of Emmanuel -- God with us.  It is also calling us into a better awareness of when we are wandering away.  Time to rest, relax, recharge and re-create is the best way I have found to return to, and strengthen, the relationship we have with God, through God's Son Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Yes, we need time daily with God but we also need the time  to s-t-o-p and rest, relax, recharge and re-create.

This Scripture, in Deuteronomy, reminds us God IS with us, moving forward -- even when we move like "a herd of turtles."  Forward is progress.  The question is......  Are we following where God is leading?  Are we moving forward?  As Caregivers are we taking the time to be with God, listen for what God is asking us to do and strengthen our relationship with God?  Are we taking the time for self care - mind, body AND Spirit?

"Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets,"  (Hebrews 1:1)

Have you noticed any changes recently?  Actually there are quite a few things changing aren't there?  We just changed months, the weather is starting to change, it is getting (and staying) dark earlier and I don't know about you but I have found my long sleeve shirts at least.  I'm not to my sweatshirts and lined jeans, yet...., but I know where they are.  What about the things that haven't changed?  We've been in the "fall schedule" for over a month, we are probably still living in the same place and getting groceries (and eating) regularly.  All of these changes, and the things staying the same, we don't even really notice let alone think about.

The Scripture readings, today, are talking about changes.  Job has had a lot happening to him in a short period of time.  People, including his wife, are questioning Job's faith - but Job does NOT question.  The author of Hebrews, some scholars say Paul, is pointing out new things happening by starting with how it used to work "long ago God spoke....."  Paul is also talking about the new way God is speaking to us - through God's Son.  The Gospel reading has Jesus again answering questions meant to trip him up.  Jesus is prointing out one of the most important things that never changes -- God loves all of us!  Emmanuel - God with us - through all the changes, challenges and questions loves us.

As Caregivers we are watching for changes in our "care" people.  Sometimes we are celebrating change.  Sometimes we mourn, and report to medical people, the changes.  We notice the changes but are we noticing the things that do stay the same?  God's LOVE stays with us.  God's love does NOT change.  Something we can both think about and celebrate.......