It's been a crazy week, hasn't it? No matter where you live the pandemic news (some of it very sensationalized!) is everywhere. It seems there is no escape. Yet I firmly believe God has us in the palm of His Hand and He still wants us to look for the blessings among the trials. Having an attitude of gratitude really does help the spirit.
Let's share FIVE of our FAVE blessings from the week and link up over at Susanne's site who continues to host this each week. I'm thankful she still does this!
FIVE FAVES
- CLAIRE's CALL! How thrilled I was to know last Sunday that Claire is doing ok on her spring break at the off campus apartment in NH. While we were on the phone, Dave helped her figure out a couple things with her taxes and she was able to file them with no problem (a plus is that she only had to file federal and NYS, not NH cause they don't pay state tax...yet another reason to retire there!). I'm so thankful she's doing well, considering they won't be able to finish classes on campus and we will have to move the rest of her stuff out of the dorm whenever the university figures all of that out. So thankful to be able to stay in touch with the phone calls and texting!
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| under one of the cherry trees in our front yard |
- COLOR! Sunday brought us church services online due to the pandemic guidelines and when I stepped out into the glorious sunshine to get the morning paper, I spied these crocuses were open! First of the blooms in our yard. I'm so thankful it's Spring now and that color will soon be popping up all over.
- MY COLLEAGUES: Monday was difficult. We had no students per CDC and NYS Health Dept guidelines so we all went in for a site meeting (as did our other 3 sites) and planned what our course of action was going to be. Well, we were supposed to be open for students on Tuesday but due to more recommendations arout this virus pandemic, it was decided that we would officially close until at least March 31st. This is difficult and it will be tough on the parents of these children with disabilities. The therapists have a plan on how to help via teleconferencing, Zoom, and video chat. We had to wipe down each and every item in the classroom with bleach solution and organize materials for when we return. I'm thankful for my colleagues and that we can continue "working" from home by taking on line courses (so we can continue to get paid!) and the master teachers are helping parents plan activities.
- BOOKS! I'm so thankful for good books. I'm in the middle of a good thriller mystery, in the middle of the book of Jeremiah for Scripture reading, I finished up a nice devotional about Grace and Easter, and my small group is getting towards the middle of our study book. I just received the latest Max Lucado book in the mail and will start that once my small group ends in May. Now with forced time at home and hubby working from home, I have to have some activities while he's on conference calls that are quiet. So I've been doing a lot of reading in between house work, online trainings, and walks.
- POWER OF PRAYER: Need I say more? Seriously, this whole pandemic is an opportunity to pray fo,r and with, people. I actually had a good conversation with the executive director from our agency when she called to check on things the other night and I was bold enough to tell her that I believed in the power of prayer and was keeping the center in prayer and praying for her also as she faces long days and figuring out what the long term plan will be if this pandemic doesn't lift soon. I also had the privilege to pray for my oldest daughter Courtney last Saturday evening. She spent the entire afternoon working on her taxes with some software she had downloaded (for free). There was a glitch and she was on hold for 2.5 hours with H & R.. (they never did get to her) NOT cool but it is tax season so..... I prayed for her, suggested she log out and then begin again and when she did, everything went through!! Glory to God! So she was finally able to just hang up on them! The power of prayer is something I never want to take for granted.
That wraps up my faves.
Please stay well, follow your government's guidelines and pray!
9 comments:
Hi Faith. Lovely list of Favorites. I know we will get through this time staying positive and grateful for all things. There are so many good things and people out there in this crazy world. Have a good weekend.
Our gov't has moved the deadline to the end of June rather than the end of April for taxes. It's taking a lot of pressure off. This is truly an unprecedented time. I too am praying and finding it easier and easier to ask people if the want prayer or let them know I'm praying and Whom I am clinging to in this time. I just flew through a great 3 book series but am unmotivated to review books right now. I think my head is too full of other things. Like what I'm going to do with my parent's dayhome payments. As of this minute I am still working but that could end at anytime. I'd appreciate prayer for that. Glad you're girls are well wherever they are at. It is hard when they are not right near us.
So much going on it's hard to keep up with it all. Our schools closed today - not sure if they've been given a date to reopen - but they will open again on Monday for a whole range of children - those of key workers who can't keep them home, vulnerable children, children with additional needs. I think there will be some rationalisation so that some stay open in an area while others close so the kids may not be going to their usual school but one nearby.
Our schools and Universities are closed only daycares remain open. It's indeed a big help to have internet and to be able to stay in contact with family and friends.
Prayer is our best weapon against this and God is definitely in control! Stay well!
Good afternoon, Faith, you wrote on my blog asking if Inwas homeschooling my grand daughters, no I live 7 states away. I am a retired elementary teacher, but I’d love if m6 daughter would homeschool the girls all the time, but .im doubting she will. These gals are very smart and pretty precocious. They are both leader types, and I expect someday soon the four year old will start to kick big sis’s you know what. Therefore, they can be a handful. But they are precious and each one is a STAR. BOTH TOGETHER CAN BE DAUNTING, But I love to spend time with them, but just don’t get too very much!
I've enjoyed talking with my kids and Facetiming this past week. So thankful for technology. We welcomed Spring with 10 inches of snow! My daffodils are buried underneath. Looking forward to warmer temps this week, and being outdoors.
We've had daffodils for several days now, and flowering trees are beginning to blossom. I so love to see spring color coming in. Glad Claire is doing well. Hope she'll be safe home soon.
When we had my husband's mother here staying in his office and he worked at the kitchen table, I had to be careful of noise, too.
I'm glad you're able to keep being paid and that there may be ways to connect online with your students.
Amen to the power of prayer. If I didn't know God was in control, I'd be frightened out of my wits.
I agree that prayer is our best weapon and opportunity in all situations.
There are so many ways to connect! During this time, our church is working out ways on zoom for small groups to get together so we don't miss out on our weekly meetings. And we have been in more contact with our kids which I love.
We have been enjoying all our spring colors here, and as you know, I'm sharing them on facebook. I know you are looking forward to your NYS spring!
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