All the Thankfuls

Good morning! It's my day off, my only one in an 8-day stretch. There are some things I know I will have to do, but truthfully...it's probably not going to be a real go-getter of a day. It feels so darn good to just be sitting here in my pj's at 8:45 in the morning. I suppose I will have to get dressed soon so I can make a run to the store before the rain and storms move in later on. But before I get on with things there's time to offer up some thanks for all the blessings the good Lord sees fit to bestow on me.

Linking up with Rebecca Jo for Thankful Thursday.

This week I am thankful...

** to have today as my day off so I can watch the testimonies of Brett Kavenaugh and his accuser, Dr. Ford. So much has been hashed and rehashed in the media. It will be interesting to hear it straight from the principals.

** that no matter what direction this country takes, how far it slides, or even if it completely falls...God is in control and is the author of the story. Resting in him affords me the peace of knowing that come what may in this life I have the hope and promise of heaven before me.

** that Daisy and Hank (the grandpuppy) have settled down a bit. Poor Hank has to stay in his crate because I am afraid he will seriously hurt little Daisy in his eagerness to play with her. He's finally stopped crying and barking. He's a sweet boy, but he has to learn to behave and control all that energy.

** fall weather is upon us! I love fall. Even the cooler temperatures and rain that go with it. Actually, I'm extra thankful for the cooler temperatures this year as it is always so stinkin' hot in the nursing home. Most days I'm dripping with sweat and the residents are still hollering about it being cold and asking for more blankets.

** that while my arthritis and foot pain is still there it has been staying at a level I can handle throughout the work day. It is only at night, after I am home, and have removed the ankle braces I wear, that the pain comes rushing in. It's not fun, but ibuprofen and Bio-freeze get me through.

** my turn at leading our Bible study this week (our regular leaders have been on vacation for the last 2 weeks) went well. Actually, both weeks we've met and had fantastic discussion, sharing, and encouraging. The Spirit has been evident in it all! I just can't say enough about what a blessing this group of people is. We are texting blessings and encouragements even as I write this post.

** for the great teachers and writers that the Lord uses to teach we, who are willing to hear and learn. I just finished reading The Harbinger, only a few years after everyone else read it. I agree with so much of what it says. I've been saying for years that as a nation we have turned away from God and that the only thing that will save us is returning to Him. If you read The Harbinger and found wisdom in it, I recommend you also read The Book of Mysteries, also by Jonathan Cahn. He will help you to see things in the Word that you hadn't seen. It is so awesome because he has the Jewish training and background to draw from.

** for Tuesday morning in the dementia wing. I've shared how nearly all of the residents are in decline right now and it's very hard to do any type of structured activity because they can't see well, some don't hear well, and well, with the dementia there are "holes" in their minds and they just can't think, process things, or remember most things. They often have behavior and anger problems born out of pain, fear of what they are experiencing, or frustration.

Well, Tuesday it was obvious that there was no way they could or would participate in the designated morning exercise so I decided to wing it. I put on a big band/swing play list and got out a big balloon to bat around. (For whatever reason, when they can't do anything else the ability to do that remains.) One woman, who has been sleeping all the time and has seemed so frail, got up in the middle of the group circle with me and pretty much led the activity. She batted that balloon all over the place and the other residents fed off of her energy. The whole group woke up and played along and the laughing and smiling... Oh my heart!!! They had the best time and all of us on staff were just so encouraged and filled with joy by it.

** for the call that just came from the kids. They are on their way home. Hank should be back in his own home early this afternoon!

** as always for each one of you!