Gathering Graces 3/19/2020 God Bless Our Healthcare Workers!!

We are trying to stay home as much as possible, but when my sister-in-law arrived home and looked at her dog Charly's toe nails, she knew something must be done.  We were contacted, and Paul, Zoe and I went over to Bill and Debbie's backyard and performed an emergency mobile toe nail trim.  Plus Paul was able to put up Christy and Everett's backyard swing while we were there, too.  (My brother and sister live next door to each other.)

Our little outing let us say hello to Debbie and Bill and Christy and their neighbor Jane, who was in her backyard having her apple trees trimmed.

Our backyard continues to come to life, not only with plants, but as Paul starts adding things that have been stored away for the winter.

Our little dancing garden lady my cousin Lura made us got a new paint job, as did some other items around the yard.

The patio table came out as well as the chairs, so we can sit out on the patio when the weather is nice enough to do so.  

We also added the chairs under the arbor.  I am so glad for this lovely mild weather.







Some things, like my roses, continue to be covered up for a few more days.

My friend Nikki and I continue to walk in the morning, but keep our distance.

Paul had to go to the store for a few items, but it was a short trip.

A puzzle has been set up in the living room.

Zoe continues with her homework for her Master's school work.  Fortunately, her classes were already online classes.

I go some writing and some reading done today.

And I continue to read about the seriousness of this virus. Many states are locking down.  We seem to be about a week or two behind, so it wouldn't surprise me if they lock us down in the next week or so. In most of those states, it mean non essential businesses are closed.  You can basically go to the store and pharmacy and can get gas.  You can be outside, but keep distance from others.

My thoughts today are with the healthcare workers.  They do not have the luxury of closing down.  They do not have the luxury of working from home.  Their job is to help the sick, and be available at all times.  I read in just Italy along that, as of today, ten physicians have died from this virus.  And that is only those we know of, not taking into account other healthcare workers that probably have also been affected.

I think we should stay home, if for no other reason than to lighten the load for these healthcare workers.   If we stay home, we lessen the risk of infection.  The less people are infected, the less strain on the healthcare system.  The less strain on the healthcare system, the safer our healthcare workers can be.  I pray for them each day.

I found this list of ways to pray for health care workers.  It is a way to pray with them using scriptures, and a way to keep me focused on their needs.  Feel free to use this as well.

How to pray for health care workers:

1.     Pray for them to have discernment for correct diagnosis and to look to God for His wisdom.

Jeremiah 33:2-3

^2-3 “This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’

James 1:5

⁵ If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it.

·         2. Pray for compassionate hearts toward the hurting and for patience in dealing with the never ending needs of people.

Luke 7:13

¹³ When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 

Luke 10:33

³³ But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.

3. Pray for a strong work ethic to do their best as unto the Lord.

·         ²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

·          

·         4. Pray for rest and relaxation from their work so they can stay fresh and alert when on duty.

Mark 6:30-31

³⁰ The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. ³¹ Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”