Signed, sealed, delivered

5:00 p.m. Today's project was to go to Bright Star, the agency that will be providing a caregiver for Steve, and sign a contract. I had been in discussion with the owner and his nurse manager over the last week, and now it was time to "get it all down on paper."

Contract signed and sealed--now for the delivery!



They have selected a 60 year old caregiver, licensed and bonded, a specialist in Alzheimer's care. I wondered about the age of the gentleman, but apparently he is very healthy, fit and able to walk with Steve and the dogs. As a peer for my husband, they will be able to enjoy doing the same things. I had written "Christian" in the application blank for religious preference, so I know that the one they are sending won't be promoting another faith, at least, and may be a Christian himself. As evangelicals, we will count it a joy and privilege to open up that conversation! We agree with Romans 1:16-17, NLT:



For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes--the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in His sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. as the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."



In all of our dealings with the agency and its personnel, I will want to hold to a high standard of Christian demeanor, speech and action. On Thursday our aide, Frank, and the nurse-manager Lisa will be here for two hours to get acquainted with Steve and his daily routine. A process that I began last spring, no, actually 10 years ago when we bought our policies, will now be set in motion. Yesterday's fiscally sound decision for Steve's care is no longer a safety net, but a reality.



It's hard to figure out how I feel about this today. Steve is not in need of physical assistance in personal care, even though confusion about the proper clothes to put on for yard work or church (not switching the two, as he has done!) and never knowing left from right, the time, day, or what to do first in a task will only get worse. Before we get into a phase where hygeine or eating becomes an issue, I want Steve to get used to his aide and follow his directions with trust and a feeling of security similar to how he listens to me. On June 25, Heidi gets married. An aide for Steve to help him get dressed, lined up, and ready to walk down his daughter down the aisle, Lord willing, would be a blessing indeed, allowing me to be the very busy mother of the bride that day!

Not one of us is privy to what God has planned for our future, but we are to be wise stewards of the light that we have today. And like manna in the wilderness, God gives us what we need daily in our travels through this wilderness called Alzheimer's!

God's people have the seal of the Holy Spirit upon us, for daily guidance and all that we need to live, and a guaranteed delivery into the arms of Jesus for eternity. Ephesians 1:13b-14 says,

You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession (us),

TO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY!