Listening.......  knowing someone MIGHT need help...... means sleep isn't quite as good as "normal."  This happens to Caregivers - probably more than we think about.  Then again it might be the first time in a while.  Probably also has a nap at least thought of if not planned.  Maybe at least a cup of tea, a book (or the TV) and a comfortable chair -- then the "eyes closed" might be so we can concentrate - right?  Something to think about...........

Free time, time off, time with friends or family for fellowship (and food?) OR at least time for you - when do you get that time?  How do you?  A lot of us seem to work, especially as Caregivers, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  We need to remember to take time for ourselves.  Something to think about.........

Thinking about being thankful for God's presence, strength and guidance and how we each know God IS with us.  Sometimes it is the hymns, or praise music, on our radios.  Sometimes it is the Scripture we read for God time.  Sometimes it is the Scripture we think of "out of the blue."  The Scripture I thought of this morning is: "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb." (Jeremiah 1:5a NLT)   Something to be thankful for AND think about.........

God's beautiful wonders are all around us if we can just "stop" and look.  Stopping is difficult with busy, changing schedules but it is also needed.  Sometimes it means "just" noticing the beauty of the kids playing or skating - even in the snow.  Sometimes it is watching the snow - even for just a few minutes.  Sometimes it is seeing the sun - setting, or rising.  The beauty of God's creation....

What do you see?  WHEN do you see it?  Can you share?  Something to think about.......

It is February.  The groundhog did tell us......  Thankfully the weather reports do give us some warning of storms.  Of course "they" are not always right......  As of right now there is about 6" of snow in our back yard from the storm that was "going to miss us to the south."  Admittedly 6" is nothing compared to the "nor easter" that hit the east coast! 

At the same time......   Outdoor activities need a little more planning with inside activities winning out - if at all possible.  Something to think about..........

Monday and the schedule is hectic.  Thankfully, where I am, it is bright sunshine but colder.  There are other places that are "snowed in" at least for today.  The problem, if you can call it a problem, is in MN we are used to being "snowed in" and can prepare for it.  I'm not sure the east coast was ready.......

So.... How did your weekend go?  How is your Monday going?  So far, for me, it is the 'regular' schedule.  Praise music and quilting is on the schedule for this afternoon.  Something to think about........​

So.... where I live (MN) we are back to COLD, windy weather.  Today the temps are in the single digits with wind chills below zero AND to add to the "fun" we have a very busy schedule - especially for a Sunday.  Basically we will be on the move from worship service to collapsing in our beds.  What does your day look like?  What do you do when the schedule is this busy?  Can you still help someone else?  At least with a smile?  Something to think about.........

Free time is a special blessing.  It doesn't happen very often even when we try to "schedule" it.  Sometimes it happens because the others in the household have to be someplace else leaving one person home alone.  In this case it is me -- having what we call a "jammy day."  It means praise music playing and quilting (surprise!) as I work on projects.  Are you getting "free" time?  Today it is several hours long, for me, but sometimes it is "only" half an hour to an hour.  Are you getting that time for "extra" God time?  Time to re-charge?  Something to think about........

It seems we are "back" to winter - which makes sense because it IS February!!  It also means we can be VERY thankful when someone helps with snow removal!  Sometimes we are the helper and sometimes we need the help.  So........  we can be thankful for neighbors, friends and family who help when the weather changes.  We can be especially thankful when the weather is changing during a schedule change!  Caregivers, are you able to help a neighbor, friend or family member?  Can you drive, or shovel the snow, so they can get out?  Something to be thankful for and think about.......

A gentle reminder it IS February!!  Where I live (MN) it is a mixture of rain and snow -- depending on where you live.  According to the weather report I just watched the snow line has "moved south" so we will get "accumulation" now.  So......  a smile..... a hug........  Something to think about.......