Well..... it IS warmer.... positive numbers and not much wind..... but "they" are using the 's' word for tomorrow.  AND, as of right now, there isn't anything on the calendar.  So..... a quiet day!  What do you work on when it is QUIET?  I, personally, have several quilt projects and four knitting projects I can be working on.  The knitting projects would allow watching out the window for the kids skating and playing in the snow.  Sometimes a QUIET day is a GOOD day!!  Something to think about......

New things in the New Year...... hectic schedules, trying to actually keep the resolutions....  All make for busy days when we can start feeling tired.  After "working out" in the morning muscles are saying "SIT" and rest!  It is also good we can wear heavy coats and hats! 

So....... We need to remind ourselves we are moving forward even if the pace is "as fast as a slow turtle."  We can also be reminded to keep trying.  We may not think we are "beautiful" but God thinks so.  Something to think about........

"You know when I sit down or stand up.  You know my thoughts even when I'm far away."  (Psalm 139:2  NLT)

Some mornings waking up, like a song used to say, "is hard to do."  How do you wake up?  An alarm that has your feet hitting the floor right away?  An alarm that gives you some time?  Maybe your alarm, like mine, is a radio so you can listen to music instead of a "buzzing sound."  The other important part of my waking up is my morning God time.  I start every morning with praise music, on the radio, and "Jesus Calling" daily devotional.

This morning the songs were "God Story" and "How Great Thou Art" while I was reading Psalm 139 verses 1--4.    In this crazy world with so much happening it really helps to KNOW God is with us.  So.... know you are loved and strengthened..... be encouraged...... Something to think about......

For something a little different.....  I want you to think about resting.....  Maybe a short nap, maybe a cup of tea (coffee?) and watch the birds out the window....  Just a few minutes to stop and rest.  I read, recently, to think of rest "not as laziness", but as preservation and wisdom.  If you think about it we, especially as Caregivers, are tired for a reason.  It isn't a weakness it is our body trying to tell us something we need.

So.... today..... give yourself permission to slow down, take a deep breath, have a cup of tea (coffee?) and let your mind have some quiet.  You ARE worthy of rest.

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 "I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit."  (Ephesians 3:16 NIV)

I woke up this morning thinking about how to encourage others through the changes, and especially the challenges, happening around us.  My thoughts were with Ephesians - Paul's encouraging words about being thankful, and praying, for the believers. (Ephesians 1:16 NIV)  With everything happening, from changes in health to "winter storm" warnings over most of the country, it is easy to get discouraged. 

God time, in "Jesus Always," was Psalm 73:23 -24 "Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand." (v. 23 NLT) Then the praise music, on my radio, played "That's Who I Praise" talking about "faith like Paul."  This seems like a good time to remember, and remind of, Emmanuel.  God IS with us.  God will guide us and give us strength when needed.    Something to think about, and maybe, share.......

"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them.  For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you.  He will neither fail you nor abandon you."  (Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT)

When schedules are going crazy, the weather is crazy and, sometimes, it seems like the world is going crazy - how long does it take to "see" someone?  A smile?  A nod?  Maybe even a "hi"?  Of course it would be wonderful if there is time to STOP and speak for a moment - to encourage someone.  To let them know they ARE seen.  How long would it take?

As Caregivers we need to remember, even when it seems like no one "sees" us, that God DOES see us.  Emmanuel, God IS with us.  And.... if it helps.....  I see you.  Something to think about.......

 "I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes."  (Psalm 119:59 NIV)

Changes and trying to new things are difficult so doing it carefully, with small steps, seems like a good idea.  Also I move at the speed of a slow turtle most of the time.  How are you doing at moving forward and (or) trying new things?

Following where God is leading is also a slow process.  Knowing Emmanuel IS with us helps us to take the small steps forward.  Going slow enough to feel God's presence, and guidance, is the best way to go.  I remember a song, from a number of years ago, "One Day at a Time,"  So we just need to remind ourselves "one day" and especially ONE STEP at a time.  Something to think about......

This turtle is a gentle reminder..... with a scarf for how cold it is here........

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"For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain."  (Isaiah 54:10a)

So many things happening all around us.....  There is the COLD weather with even colder wind chills.  There are dangerous driving conditions in various parts of the country.  And we are being warned it will be even colder this weekend.  Add this to the changes happening because of a new year, a new month and (for some of us) new schedules and it is good to go back to my friend Isaiah.  Think of it as God giving you a hug....... something to think about......

The interesting part of working with a ministry like this one is to try and reach the most people.  I have recently learned about quite a few who do NOT have, or use, Facebook.  So.... how to reach and encourage those "only" on the website.  This is an idea I'm trying.  

I'm going to start by reminding you YOU are important and needed.  I've seen sweatshirts, recently, with "You are enough" on them.  You ARE enough and you ARE doing a good job.

And..... from my God time this morning..... a gentle reminder.... "My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk to me."  And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming.""  (Psalm 27:8 NLT)