"It's a great thing when you realize you still have the ability to surprise yourself.  Makes you wonder what else you can do that you've forgotten about."  Alan Ball

There are a lot of changes happening very fast.  Some of the things require we change the way we are doing things -- like working from home instead of the office.  Some of the things mean we have to learn "new" things but some are "re-learning" things we have done before - like "shelter in place" means stay home.  Each, and all, of these things can be both surprising and scary.  

It can also make you wonder....what else can I do?  Yes, we are Caregivers and we need to be taking care of OURSELVES as well as our recipients. We can, however, be trying to help with the things we each know how to do.  One example is those of us who can sew are making masks for the people who should be having masks.  Another example is putting the "bears" in the windows for people to see - easy but a special joy also!

So...... how are you surprising yourself?  What are you learning?  What have you "forgotten" you could do that might help?  

"I have discovered I always have choices, and sometimes it's only a choice of attitude."  Judith M. Knowlton

There is a lot of confusion right now because of all the things happening around the world - most of which are causing changes for us, personally, and for our care receivers.  One of the changes, for me, has been no "in person" worship on Sundays.  This means we record on Sat. so it can be "on line" on Sunday - which throws my whole week out of wack.  I know a number of people are now working from home with probably throws their week crazy also.

All the changes, the ones we can choose and the ones we can't, mean we have to decide how the change is going to happen.  What is our "attitude" going to be?  Can we remember our strength comes from God -- Emmanuel?  Can we continue to move forward even though most days it is "only" one step?  Can we THANK God for God keeping God's promises?  Can we stop to feel God's presence WITH us (Emmanuel?!?)

I heard a speaker a number of years ago, about the changes happening within the church, and the attitude we would have.  Were we the Titanic and "we were going down"?  OR were we the Mayflower "charting a new course to a new land"?  The choice, and the attitude, is ours to decide. 

"So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is......fear itself -"  Franklin D. Roosevelt

Roosevelt said this at his inauguration on March 4, 1933.  He had a depression and a world changing all around him.  We have a world changing all around us, and our care recipients, virus and adjustments for said changes and virus.   At the same time there are probably changes, even new things, we need to be doing as Caregivers.  "New" can be even more scary!  Especially if it means learning something (especially with technology!) new!!

One of the blessings we have, as believers (faith not fear!), is to know God IS with us.  When things are starting to 'come in on' me I turn to my friend Isaiah.  "Don't be afraid, for I am with you.  Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold your up with my victorious right hand."  (41:10)

​So..... as we face the changes, and the fear, what verse(s) to you go to?  Can you feel God's presence with you?  Like I asked in the last blog - is our focus on Christ while we "glance" at what is happening around us?