God Is Good and Worthy of Our Praises

My husband and I are taking one day at a time. The care facility is comfortable and staffed with gentle people. The residents seem like family after sharing meals together in the dining room for several weeks. Most are Alzheimer’s patients, but not all.

God has given me a special friend and neighbor. She has been there for me and Johannes, and I praise God for her. Family are welcome in the dining room and are served delicious meals along with their loved ones. This is a special blessing for me and my friend. Both of us may sit with my husband and be included. I have the privilege of feeding my hubby while I enjoy a good meal.

This is a small exaggeration; the dining area is almost this lovely.

Sometimes when I feel downhearted the Lord reminds me that He has provided a veritable vacation resort for me to enjoy, and He wants me to be grateful and thank Him for it. He never reminds me of this when my heart is cracking and bleeding from watching my husband suffer. At such times He sends His angels to minister to me, and I am sure, to Johannes as well. But when I get whiny, remembrance is brought to my mind of the goodness He gives us. God knows how to reapair my perspective.

My gasoline expense has risen sharply with running back and forth, but my grocery expense has decreased and balanced it out, allowing me to carry on financially, at this point, as though nothing has changed.

Our future is unclear. We humans don’t like unclear, do we? And we are all experiencing a future that is unclear in our world today. Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. I hope to be back into the routine of posting and reading blogs and commenting soon. I am expecting God’s blessing. Blessings to all of you…

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Matthew 24:36-41 – The Bible (NIV) – But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

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As signs of the times suggest the end may be near, I’m comforted by the clues that Jesus gives us in Matthew 24 concerning the end times. Recall in this passage the reference to the days of Noah, remembering that the flood of God’s judgment came upon the earth. Then…

Ask yourself this: Where was Noah and his family during the flood? He was safe in the ark. So will believers be safe in the Ark of the Rapture, taken out of harms way, before the Tribulation judgment begins.

(Taken out of harms way…)
Matthew 24:40-41
: Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

May we reach many with the gospel of Christ before the Tribulation period begins. Blessings…

About Carol Ann Ritchey

Life is good because God is good.
This entry was posted in Alzheimer's, Bible Verses and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

66 Responses to God Is Good and Worthy of Our Praises

  1. pattisj says:

    It’s good to see a post from you, Carol, though I know your days are full. “Unclear” is definitely not what we like to see ahead of us. “Take therefore no thought for the morrow…” Mt. 6:34
    Love and Hugs–for you, Johannes, and your friend. And all the caregivers, too.

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    • Yes, Patti, “take therefore no thought for the morrow…” What a perfect answer to our innate wish to know our future. The sufficiency of our God and all that He has revealed in the Bible give us all the clarity we need. I read the last page of Revelation, too, and we win. Praises to the name of Jesus. Thank you for your friendship. Blessings to you…

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  2. Cristine Grote at blog “random thoughts for midlife’ is caring for both parents with Alzheimers. You may find strength and comfort there.

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    • I find strength and comfort from Christine’s posts. Thank you for pointing me in her direction. Lately I’ve been unable to keep up with reading and commenting, but I hope our lives will settle down when my husband comes home. Blessings to you, Carl…

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  3. JoDee Luna says:

    Although I love your poetry, this post reveals the source of your inspiration. I must say that I especially enjoyed getting a peek at what is happening behind the scenes. By you letting readers into your most personal of life circumstances, our appreciation of your poetry soars. I vote for more posts like this one and can envision a memoir, if God ever stirs your heart to do so.

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    • I have a category in my blog for memoir and one post in it. It’s hard not to think of myself as a failure in life. When I get past feeling that scourge, I may write my failures and victories for the record. I must pray about that. 🙂 Would my life story appear as tragedy or comedy or both? It all depends on my viewpoint when I think about the seasons and episodes of my life. Thank you for stopping by and for your sweet encouragement. Blessings to you, JoDee…

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      • JoDee Luna says:

        I’ve often thought my memoir would read like a sordid romance novel. People would not believe the story was true. It is one crazy tale. In fact, I got half way through writing it and hit a wall. That’s why I enjoy living vicariously through Christine Grote’s memoir process. I’m trying to glean the courage to continue.

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      • When the time is right, the words will flow, perhaps. I am waiting for that to happen. Will it? I don’t know. I would love to read your story. Finish it. Blessings to you, JoDee…

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  4. Your faith at such a time as this Carol truly inspires me. You strengthen my faith. Praying for you dear friend.

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    • Our Good Shepherd takes us all through the waters of trial at times, and we draw strength and comfort from one another. Thank you for your prayers. My husband had an incredible morning. I arrived at the rehab center after posting, and when I saw his alert countenance across the room, I immediately thought of the prayers of my blogger friends having made a difference. Blessings to you, Christine…

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  5. planejaner says:

    Carol Ann…
    your post made me smile, weep, nod my head, and feel–so much.

    you are such an encouragement to all of us, even as you walk this challenging road.
    blessings,
    jane

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  6. Blessings to you, dear Carol, and to Johannes as well, along with my prayers for your peace within the loving will of God. If you have never read Catharine Marshall’s book, “The Helper,” it would be a wonderful one for you to read right now. In describing the Holy Spirit, she uses a great word: “He is my remembrancer.” I thought of that when I read this line in your post: “But when I get whiny, remembrance is brought to my mind of the goodness He gives us. God knows how to reapair my perspective.”

    Keep on keepin’ on, Carol – you are greatly loved!

    XO Paula

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    • Thank you, Paula. We appreciate your prayers and blessings. It looks like “The Helper” is an audio book. I took a quick look on my Kindle to put it on my wish list. I will look into it more later. I’m sure I would like to read it. Thank you for your comment and book suggestion. Blessings to you…

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  7. jannatwrites says:

    I’m glad God has put the friend in your path to help you through this tough time. You are right – unclear is unsettling. Your faith in God is such an inspiration. I pray He continues to watch over you and Johannes and provide you with the strength you need.

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    • Thank you, Janna. I appreciate you and your prayers very much, and I am very thankful for my friend that supports us in this time of distress. God is a wonderful provider. Blessings to you…

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  8. elizabethre says:

    Carol Ann, I’ve just returned from taking care of my mother in Scotland. A stroke caused her dementia and that along with her heart disease and all the rest of her infirmities have left her
    worn out and paper thin. So I have an idea of what you and your darling hubby are going through.
    Your faith is a strong tower and reading your latest posts (earlier ones too) I can see you’ve run into it many times. I will be praying for you both. Stay strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Love, hugs, and blessings, Elizabeth

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    • Thank you, Elizabeth. I pray for you and your mother. I’m glad you could go spend time with her. Yes, I can imagine how difficult life has become for your mom. I appreciate your kind thoughts and blessings. Love and hugs to you, too. Blessings, also…

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  9. Carol Ann, I’m glad Johannes is in a place you can enjoy being together while also getting help taking care of his physical needs. I’m praying God will continue to comfort and bless you both during this difficult time of life.

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    • Thank you, Carol. It amazes me how wonderfully God has provided for us. I very much want to bring my husband home, but until then, we are in a good place and we praise God for it. Thank you for taking time to stop by, and thank you for your prayers. Blessings to you…

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  10. Bonnie says:

    You’re so right Carol Ann, we humans don’t like ‘unclear’. I am always inspired by your faith and trust in our Lord to guide us in those unclear times. I continue to keep you and Johannes in my prayers, my friend.

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  11. lesliepaints says:

    I am thankful that you have been provided an atmosphere to heal and adjust and that a friend is near and dear as you face all these changes in your life, Carol. Your faith is admirable and your strength a blessing. I wish nothing but the best and a trip home! for both of you.

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  12. Laura Best says:

    You’ve been in my thoughts so often this past while, Carol Ann. It’s nice to see you posting.I have missed you. Will continue to say prayers for you and your husband.

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    • Thank you, Laura. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and your prayers very much. I miss being able to post, read blogs, and comment. I hope to bring my husband home within six weeks or so and to get back into blogging again. Blessings to you…

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  13. gloryteller says:

    Thank you for your very personal post. It helps me to get to know, in a way that ‘counts’ in my life, a sister in faith whom I have come to care about. I haven’t “known” you long, Carol Ann, but in that short time you have enriched my life in addition to, I’m certain, many others through the years. In my book, that makes your life a huge success. My continued prayers for blessings upon your family.

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    • Thank you, Len. Such a kind comment. I appreciate your comforting and encouraging words. Thank you for your continued prayers. I appreciate you, my brother. Blessings to you and yours…

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  14. Sharmishtha says:

    my heart is with you. i can feel what you are going through and i truly respect your strength, courage and optimism. I hope and pray the fog will settle down and a life full of sunshine will unravel itself.

    do take care of yourself my dear friend. we all are with you by our prayers.

    lots of love.

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    • Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers. I appreciate you very much, Trisha. Love and blessings to you…

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      • Sharmishtha says:

        it feels so bad when something goes wrong with a person like you. i am so proud of your courage and devotion. I know your boat will be protected by God.

        lots of love and hugs.

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      • Love and hugs to you, too, Trisha. Blessings as well…

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      • Sharmishtha says:

        how are you now? i have been offline for a few days. will be waiting for your news impatiently.

        lots of love.

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      • My hubby comes home today! I am getting ready to go there and attend to his discharge. He will be transported home for me. I’ll be receiving today the equipment I need to care for him at home. God is GOOD! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

        I hope to be back to blogging soon. There will be a time of adjustment, and then I expect to begin again with as much time devoted to my blog as God gives. Blessings to you, Trisha…

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      • S Basu says:

        I hope and pray God never, ever disappoint you. This was a great relief for me too, i have been worrying about you a lot.

        You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers.

        blogging, being with us will help you relax.

        lots of love.

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      • Thank you, Trisha. I am very grateful to God. He has not disappointed me. Jesus saved me from my sins. God is good.

        I hope to be back blogging soon. I’ve been working hard learning the skills to care for my husband at home. Blessings to you.

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      • S Basu says:

        may angels hold your hands to guide them in caring johannes. i wonder if you have committed any sin as per my dictionary. God helped you because you are an adorable angel.

        take care of yourself. hope johannes gets well ASAP.

        lots of love.

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      • I most assuredly have committed sin, Trisha. All have sinned. The entire race of human beings has sinned. I’m sure in your dictionary that I have sinned. That said, I am washed in the blood of the Lamb. Jesus shed his blood for us. Trusting in Jesus, the Lamb of God, we are blameless and sinless in the sight of God, who give their hearts to Jesus. Blessings to you, my sweet friend…

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  15. fivecats says:

    I’m glad to read of the improvements made by your husband. The power of God is great.

    Finding the right care facility is not an easy process. I’m glad that you were able to find that right place where they treat everyone with care and dignity.

    Continued blessings and grace from God …

    Like

  16. Tammy says:

    No, we don’t like unclear at all and I’m probably doubly affected that way. Blessings Carol. I’m happy that you’ve a friend and that the facility appears to be working for you.

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  17. Tracy says:

    My thoughts, prayers, and well wishes are with you. When a loved one is sick we have to sometimes train ourselves to not look past the moment into the blurry future and to simply be thankful for and enjoy where we were and who we are at that second in time. Your post indicates that you are trying to do that. Be clear in the moment and the future will come into focus in due time.

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    • Thank you, Tracy. You have given me excellent advice. Each day has its own blessing. I cannot see past the moment, and if I try, I quickly suffer until I get my eyes on the Lord and off my troubles. I appreciate your taking time to comment. Blessings to you…

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  18. tekia says:

    No, we humans don’t like unclear. We like to control everything at all times. One thing is clear and that is as you have put it in a post: God is in control and He is good. Blessings to you and your family!

    Like

  19. lbdiamond says:

    Hi Carol!!!! Hugs and prayers to you. 😉

    Like

  20. elizabethre says:

    Praying for you both carol Ann.

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    • Thank you, Elizabeth. God is answering prayer. I am bringing my husband home on August 29. I can’t wait. On that day some serious caregiver duties begin. I am hoping to be able to post on my blog again and to read posts of others soon after I get into a routine that allows me some personal time. I believe it will happen. Blessings to you…

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  21. planejaner says:

    “It is good to wait upon the LORD” 🙂

    I am so excited for you and your husband. Please know I will be praying for you both during this time of transition. God will strengthen you.

    blessings
    jane

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    • Thank you, Jane. Every fiber of my body hurts right now, but I’m thankful to have my husband home. I need more supplies, and I’ll get them. I need more physical strength and energy, and I’ll get it. I’m up in the wee hours of the morning right now. I changed his entire bedding and his pajamas as he slept. It’s amazing what can be done while a man sleeps. Ha! I’m learning as I go how to use the lift to transfer him from wheelchair to bed and bed to wheelchair.

      Most of all I am thankful for my neighbor and friend that has stuck with me and Johannes through his stay at the facility and is making herself available to get us through this learning curve. A team is more effective than one person. Praises to Jehovah Jireh, our God who provides! Blessings to you, Jane…

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  22. Today I “Enter into God’s gates with thanksgiving, and into God’s courts with praise!”
    Blessings to you both in this new chapter of your lives together. It might not always be happy, but it will always be filled with joy!

    XOXO Paula

    Like

  23. fivecats says:

    I’m glad to read in the most recent comments that you have your husband home. And, having a friend to help out is an extra blessing. Changing the bedding and pajamas while your husband sleeps, that’s extra special skill! 🙂

    Continued blessings and prayers.

    Like

    • Thank you, fivecats. I appreciate your blessings and prayers and your encouragement. I’m not very skillful yet, but I’m learning and getting better at it each day. I’m grateful to have my husband home again. I don’t care how much work is involved in it. He’s worth it to me. Blessings to you…

      Like

  24. I’ve been away much of the past few weeks so am just getting caught up with my reading. I’m glad to hear Johannes is able to be at home with you again, and I continue to uphold both of you in my prayers.

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    • Thank you, Carol. I’m full of happiness with blisters on my toes and joy buds bursting in my spirit. I have a new respect for caregivers working in facilities. I’m finally getting the exercise I need, but I lack time to sleep. I’ll gain skill in this pursuit. Then I’ll have time to sleep.

      Johannes is doing well. He’s trying with all his might to speak. He is Johannes, the quiet man, but he is working on telling me something. Blessings to you…

      Like

  25. elizabethre says:

    Just wanted to send you a hug (((((Carol Ann)))))

    May the Lord grant you the Joy of His strength and may He rejoice over you
    with singing. Love and hugs, Elizabeth

    Like

    • Thank you, Elizabeth. What a cheerful blessing! Hugs and love back to you.

      Johannes was a caregiver many years of his life. Now it is his turn to receive and my privilege and pleasure to give. He is a sweet man. Blessings to you…

      Like

  26. Yvette says:

    Blessings to you Carol, I take my faith and prayer for you, for strength and courage, to see as you do see, the beauty still around you and know although he may be distant from you, your husband feels you near, feels your heart and signs of your enduring love. God is good,…you’re both in my prayers. Yvette x

    Like

    • Please, forgive me for not replying sooner. I didn’t realize I had comments. I watch for comments, but I’ve never been so overwhelmed in my life. I missed yours and others. My husband is home. I am learning how to care for him. It’s a job, but I don’t mind. I’ll get better at it. I’m in boot camp, so to speak, and my body is finally getting into shape. I’m sore, tired, and grateful that Johannes is here. Thank you, Yvette, for your sweet comment and prayers. Blessings to you…

      Like

  27. becca givens says:

    Many blessings for you and your husband … God has given and will continue to give both of you strength in this journey. May your energy level soar soon ~~

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    • Thank you, Becca. I appreciate your blessings and your comment. I surely need energy. I am amazed that I am getting along on 5 to 6 hours of sleep each night. I am surprised at the energy I have, and I know it comes from our faithful God and Savior. I am grateful to have my husband at home. It make my heart soar. Thank you again and blessings to you…

      Like

  28. CMSmith says:

    I don’t know what happened, Carol Ann. I lost my subscription to you somehow and have missed a ton of posts. I’m going to have to go back through and catch up. Hope all is well. Stay strong.

    Like

    • I’ll catch you up in a nutshell. My husband, who has Alzheimer’s, suffered a very severe stroke. He was in the hospital for one week and in a rehab facility for five weeks. His entire right side was paralyzed by the stroke, his left side is not working without the right side, his back is wobbly, he cannot speak, and the bottom line is that he cannot stand or walk or talk and must be moved with a lift. (Some very tall, strong people can move him with their muscle and grit.) I have a fully electric hospital bed and a hydraulic lift to get him in and out of bed, and my precious husband is back at home where he belongs. Thanks for stopping by, Christine. Blessings to you…

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