Tag Archives: prayer

How God says to respond during the pandemic….

Posted on by
1

Paint Photo Gift Guide Blog Graphic

“I feel like everyone, everywhere has lost their minds…..”

This is  a quote that came out of my mouth several times during the past week and a half. Between the Facebook posts, conflicting news reports, and aggression from people over small things, I had come to the conclusion that the world has lost it’s mind. Things seemed so out of sync.

Once, only a few short weeks ago,  this pandemic had started bringing out the best in people like when we saw millions of hearts in the windows of homes across the country in support of our essential workers and to lift the spirits of those who saw them. People were social distancing even though it was hard to not see loved ones. We were protecting each other because we cared about each other. Everyone was coming together, regardless of political, religious, or other belief systems. The world recognized ourselves as the human race – a united group of people who together would help defeat a virus called Covid-19.

Fast-forward a few weeks to the present…..People are playing politics even though the virus doesn’t care how you vote. People are condemning others because of the choices they are making for their family. Others are name-calling and arguing back and forth like they were on an elementary playground. So many are only focusing on themselves and what affects them – selfish behaviors are becoming the norm.

Because I am a rule-follower, ever since I could walk and talk, I have been on the receiving end of these comments. Because I am continuing to shelter in place I have been told that I am “caving to the political agendas instead of fighting for my rights and freedom.” Because I wear a mask, I have been told that I am letting fear get the better of me. Because I am not “bucking the system” I have been called a sheep. And the lowest blow of last week was being told that I wasn’t really a Christian if I was allowing myself to be told what to do by those in power. That because I don’t speak out against the leaders of my state and nation, I must not be a true Christian. (mouth drop)

As a child I was always taught to respect those in authority. From my parents, my elders, teachers at school, etc. I was taught the important lesson of respect and how to follow the rules.

Titus 3:1-2 says “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” (NIV)

The Message puts it more bluntly…. Titus 3:1-2 (MSG) “Remind the people to respect the government and be law-abiding, always ready to lend a helping hand. No insults, no fights. God’s people should be bighearted and courteous.”

Romans 13:1-7 says this “Every person must obey the leaders of the land. There is no power given but from God, and all leaders are allowed by God. 2 The person who does not obey the leaders of the land is working against what God has done. Anyone who does that will be punished.

3 Those who do right do not have to be afraid of the leaders. Those who do wrong are afraid of them. Do you want to be free from fear of them? Then do what is right. You will be respected instead. 4 Leaders are God’s servants to help you. If you do wrong, you should be afraid. They have the power to punish you. They work for God. They do what God wants done to those who do wrong.

5 You must obey the leaders of the land, not only to keep from God’s anger, but so your own heart will have peace. 6 It is right for you to pay taxes because the leaders of the land are servants for God who care for these things. 7 Pay taxes to whom taxes are to be paid. Be afraid of those you should fear. Respect those you should respect.” (NIV)

Scripture says this over and over again.

1 Peter 2:13 Obey the head leader of the country and all other leaders over you. This pleases the Lord. (NIV)

Instead of condemning our leaders, God actually says we should be PRAYING for them! We need to be praying for wisdom for our leaders. Even if we don’t agree with what they are choosing to do, God commands us to pray for them.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 says “First of all, I ask you to pray much for all men and to give thanks for them. 2 Pray for kings and all others who are in power over us so we might live quiet God-like lives in peace. 3 It is good when you pray like this. It pleases God Who is the One Who saves. 4 He wants all people to be saved from the punishment of sin. He wants them to come to know the truth.” (NIV)

God even shows us what to do when we disagree with someone else. In 1 Peter 3:15 He says, “Your heart should be holy and set apart for the Lord God. Always be ready to tell everyone who asks you why you believe as you do. Be gentle as you speak and show respect.”

As we go about our weeks and months ahead, I pray that everyone can be a little bit kinder, thinking about others, and representing themselves as Christ has asked us to. God gave us the two most important commandments:

  1. You must love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
  2. You must love your neighbor as you love yourself.

So whether you agree with someone (leadership included), let’s move forward with a lot more love as we get through this pandemic together.

 

Advertisement

When will this be over?

Posted on by
Reply

After being “sheltered in place” for over a month now I often think, sometimes multiple times a day, “When will this all be over?”

I long for the days when I can get in my car, without my Clorox wipes and face mask, to go to the grocery store.

I yearn for the day when we can come together as a community of believers in our church building and give endless hugs and handshakes.

I get misty-eyed when I think of things I just knew would happen like taking my daughter to her dance lessons,  waving to the kids as they left on the school bus, and going out to a restaurant as a family.

I miss lunch dates with my friends, our weekly small group meetings at church, going shopping to find a new outfit, and other things that we normally just take for granted.

So when I am watching TV and see all of the sitcom characters doing all of the things we “used to do” in groups or gathering in various locations that are now closed – I say to myself…“When will this all over over? I wish it were over now.”

So many times in life we “wish things were over” quicker. When my daughter was born, she was very colicky and screamed 24-7 for 3 months straight. I couldn’t wait for those days to pass quickly, even though many parents love those first few months. I was wishing them away with every fiber of my being. They couldn’t go fast enough. I just wanted to rock a quiet, cooing baby, instead of the screaming baby that couldn’t be soothed.

I also remember in college that while going through “those classes” (you know the ones…. with the boring professor that went on and on about things that didn’t seem relevant to your life, let alone your degree.) I just wanted to get through my classes so I could get started in my career and with living my life. I was wishing away my college years, even though they were some of the best in my life.

Then there are the hard times that you wish you could get through by snapping your fingers so you were through them. Like losing a loved one, being laid off, breaking up with a significant other, or going through a season of illness. We just want to close our eyes and wake up with things being okay and normal, where there is no more pain.

So often we wish away these things, but don’t see the value in going through them. There are life lessons to be learned and good things to come out of every season like the ones above.

When my daughter was colicky I learned how to cherish those quiet moments that came after, to really appreciate the sweet moments that eventually came. It caused me to really try to learn many techniques in calming her that worked later on. It also caused my husband and I to work as a team and to communicate through this difficult season.

If I had rushed through my college classes and jumped straight into my career, I wouldn’t have built the skills needed in my profession. I wouldn’t have had the hands on experience that really made the difference in my teaching career. I also wouldn’t have built the amazing friendships I did when I was at college, some of which are strong today! And most importantly, at college I really found out who I was and found my identity in Christ for the first time on my own.

If we didn’t have to go through the hard seasons in our lives, like going through the grieving process, we wouldn’t heal. Sometimes it takes hard moments to bring us closer to God. He wants us to be able to lean on Him, not on our own strength. So it takes our moments of weakness to allow Him to be our Rock and Strength.

During this season of the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be days we want it all to be over. But maybe instead of wishing this time away, we could rest in some of the lessons we are learning while we are “sheltering in place.” Here are some I have already discovered:

  • I need to take time to rest from the busyness of life. (My calendar has been wiped clear so I need to rest and enjoy that.)
  • I need to be thankful that my family is together and healthy. Not all families are able to be together right now, and many are worried about loved ones in the hospital or isolated that they can’t be with right now.
  • I am thankful to have time to really invest in my children’s education in a new way. It’s amazing what I am learning about my kids that I could only see from this perspective!
  • I am also learning to rest in the promises God has for me in His Word.  His Word has become fresh and alive for me during this time as I have been writing scriptures daily. His Word has become my anchor. Would it have been so desperately needed if I wasn’t going through this? Yes, but I may not have recognized it.
  • I am also thankful that I know there will be an end to this someday. Not sure when, but either we will find a vaccine for this virus, or Jesus will come back. Either way an end of quarantine will come.

What lessons have you learned during this time of isolation? 

March Verse of the Month: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 | KendraNicole.net

Verses to consider about enjoying the present and not wishing away time:

2 Corinthians 4:16 New International Version (NIV)

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

 

Romans 8:22-25 (The Message)

All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it’s not only around us; it’s within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We’re also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.

COVID-19 Isolation Journal Week 3

Posted on by
Reply

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Number of COVID CASES in Illinois: 3491 (23 in the tri-county area)

Number of Deaths in IL: 47

USA cases – 104,700 cases across the country now making us #1 in the number of COVID-19 cases

*The first infant has died of coronavirus in Chicago. Sad day in Illinois.   Today we got stuff done around the house and the kids just played. No school work today! Chad worked in the yard clearing out dead leaves and other things so our newly growing spring flowers and plants can flourish!

It’s a dreary day and we are constantly watching the weather because they keep reminding us bad weather is on the way. Central Illinois is at a high risk for severe weather including hail and tornadoes. Chad went and purchased a weather radio for us since our old one had quit. He also stopped by and delivered one to Grandpa Knapp. The two talked on the phone but could see each other through the glass storm door. It’s such a different way to communicate but necessary to keep everyone safe.

After a delicious dinner of pizza and salad, we retreated to the basement with a sugar free fudge bar in hand to watch Heavyweights on Disney+.

IMG_2458Then we turned on the news to see that bad weather was in fact coming our way with a tornado warning in place for the tri-county area. So we stayed put in the basement until 10:00 when it all blew over. There was a touchdown from a tornado in the Bartonville/West Peoria area. Scary but we are ok.IMG_2459

The kids stayed in the basement for a sleepover and Chad and I continued watching a new show on Netflix that we are completely hooked on…. Tiger King! The world is now obsessed and so are we!

 

 

 

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Number of COVID CASES in Illinois: 4596                                 Number of Deaths in IL: 65

After a late night with storms and tornado warnings, everyone slept in a bit to recover and rest. We were all up and ready for Crossroads Kids zoom call at 9:15! The kids had a chance to learn about the 5 finger method to praying – Praise, Ask, Repent (say I’m sorry), Thanks, and Share! Jennifer Sakata led this kids through the lesson and it was a beautiful thing to see all of them learning together, even from a distance.

Then at 10:00 we started worship online with our church. It was a great message about the Holy Spirit and how He gives us supernatural protections and grace. Then afterwards we went on a “heart hunt” around Washington to search for all of the hearts people have put up in windows. We picked up Michael’s for lunch and went home. Chad and I met with our small group via Zoom and it’s always a highlight to see everyone.

IMG_2472

In the afternoon, I turned on Space Jam for the kids and I to watch while Chad went to work on a “heart” project in the shop. I fell asleep within 20 minutes because I am just so tired. I think the anxieties and uncertainties that keep me awake are catching up with me – so my body just needed a time out to sleep. Upon waking up from a great nap in the recliner, I made a comfort food meal of Tater Tot Casserole which was delicious!

Chad set up the two hearts he made in the shop with lights on them so people could see them as they drove by. Since we are in the country its hard for people to see our hearts in the window – but this makes it more visible.

We ended the night with a “living room concert” by Elton John on FOX. IT was full of celebrities sharing their talents from their living room and raising money for 2 great causes. Some of the celebrities included The Backstreet Boys, Alicia Keys, Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) , Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day), Camilla Cabello, and Mariah Carey. There were more too…. It was just an uplifting event!

Monday, March 30, 2020

Number of COVID CASES in Illinois: over 5000       Number of Deaths in IL: 73

Today Chad had the day off from work which was a great way to start the week! We began the day by finishing one of Lucy’s school projects that we hadn’t had a chance to send in since school was cancelled. She made her solar system mobile and was so proud to send the pictures to her teacher!

Daddy got to join in on our movement/workout time this morning which was extra special! Jack made his English Muffin pizzas with sauce, green peppers, and no cheese. He is such a picky eater and has some funny taste buds, but glad he is exploring new ideas.

We ended the evening by watching Mary Penn, one of our favorite local church ladies who happened to be part of the Washington Children’s library for many years! She is such a fun storyteller, reading with great inflection and doing all of the fun voices. Watching her has been a treat!IMG_2486

IMG_2487

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Number of COVID CASES in Illinois: 5,994 cases   Number of Deaths in IL: 99

This morning was officially the beginning of distance learning at Dee-Mack! We picked up learning packets from the front door today at the Intermediate school in Deer Creek. Every week they will get a new packet, complete it, and return it the next week.

We also Facetimed with Grandma and Grandpa Waughop today. Lucy and Grandpa like to get “up close and personal.” LOL Grandpa doesn’t have a smartphone so he uses Lori’s instead. We enjoy these chats and it usually results in laughter and fun! I know it has to be hard on all of the grandparents who can’t see their grandkids up close or give them hugs. That’s what being a grandparent is all about. This is a tough time for sure. The rule and guideline set by the CDC and government is “If they don’t live in the same household as you; don’t visit and have physical contact.”IMG_2489

Around mid-morning Lucy had her “PE time” with her dance teachers on YouTube. They had prepared her recital dances up to this point for them to work on. So she joined in the class and practiced. I know she misses her classes and teachers so much. Every time I walk by the recital costumes hanging up and “fluffing,” it makes me so sad because I know there is a chance that they may not even have a recital this year if the social dista

 

ncing continues through the summer. Same thing with competitions. Everything has been rescheduled and thought through, but we all know, even though we aren’t saying it… this may not happen at all.

On the bright side, we made a new bread today — Bread Bowls! It’s always been something on my bucket list in the kitchen, but I had never taken the time to make it. Today was the day!  We were going to have Tuscan chicken and white bean soup so it was a great time! They turned out halfway decent (tasted great!) but next time I want to do a Broccoli cheese creamy soup….Would be better than a broth based soup.

 

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Number of COVID CASES in Illinois: 6980 cases    Number of Deaths in IL: 141

Today is the first day of Spring and we are still stuck at home… but we will make the best of it! The sun is shining and that makes things dramatically better.

Today I made cloth face masks with a pattern put out by a local hospital. It was challenging in ways, but super fun to see the final products. For an extra treat today, we purchased the movie Sonic the Hedgehog for Jack since he was unable to get his movie reward since the theaters closed down first. So while I made masks at the kitchen table, Jack and Lucy watched a new movie. Super cute!

IMG_2505

Lori and I also ventured out to Sam’s tonight to get moe groceries in bulk. I spent a lot more than normal but should be good for 3-4 weeks from what I purchased tonight. I will still have to get milk and fresh produce, but that’s about it.

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Number of COVID CASES in Illinois: 7695 cases    Number of Deaths in IL: 157

More school work again today! Getting into a routine has been a good thing.IMG_2508IMG_2509

We also got a surprise package from Uncle Bruce and Aunt Debbie in Texas today! They got Jack and Spiderman hat and possum stuffed animal. Lucy got a dog that spins around singing “You Spin Me Right Round Baby.” We love getting surprise mail. Makes the day fun and exciting! Good news is always welcome because the local news isn’t always good. I have to try to not watch, but how can we when things are changing every single day.

Friday, April 3, 2020

Number of COVID CASES in Illinois: 8904 cases    Number of Deaths in IL: 210

Today was a day for fun! We finished up that last page of our social distancing packet, then the fun began! We cut out several hearts for Grandpa Knapp’s window at his house. Aunt Carol and Grandma Wurmnest had requested them. We also made him Easter Cards to make him smile.

When we went to deliver them we help them up to his window. He eventually came out because it was a beautiful warmer day. But we maintained the social distance recommendation of 6 feet. Afterwards we got a sweet treat of ice cream at Culver’s. Then dinner was a drive-thru fish fry at Chanticleer in Eureka. It was delicious!

The evening we enjoyed watching Onward which was newly released early to Disney+ just for our time at home of isolation. It was really cute and I may have teared up a time or two.

COVID-19 ISOLATION WEEK 2

Posted on by
Reply

Monday, March 23, 2020

Number of COVID CASES in Illinois: 1285    Nocases in Tazewell yet.      Number of Deaths in IL: 12

National Count: 33,404 – over 400 deaths.

Back to homeschooling today! We started reading “Little House in the Big Wood” on audiobook since we are also in isolation. The kids are enjoying it. There was also regular school work with reading and math. We also got to use our new math game – POP for addition and subtraction. Amazon has been helpful in delivering educational materials to keep the kids interested in topics and giving us new things to look forward to .

90353340_10104080349049902_1055639370071015424_n90239014_10104080349439122_5211305333175091200_n90705336_10104080349499002_2009350718007279616_n

Once Chad got home, I took off to Sam’s Club in Peoria to pickup our “curbside order.” They put everything in my car and off I went. When I got home we wiped everything down with Lysol Clorox wipes which is  a safety precaution put out by the CDC. It amazed me all of the people out and about last night. You wouldn’t even know anything was going on . Except for the empty parking lots at the mall, long lines for drive-thrus since the dining rooms are closed. Many people are taking this seriously, but not enough. I have a feeling we are going to be doing this for quite a while.

At the end of a long day we all sat down to watch the first part of The Great Muppet Caper on Disney+.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Number of COVID CASES in Illinois: 1865                Number of Deaths in IL: 19

Today we started off by filling up our “Snack baskets” to help ration the snacks. Apparently the kids have left their “school stomachs” at school and now are ravenously eating through all the snacks because they have been “starving.”  They can have unlimited fruit and veggies from the fridge and as much water as they want.

90597100_10104081730745972_2261487915580260352_n

We also had a fun day of baking and cooking along with school work. I made homemade Amish Sweet Bread. Unfortunately I killed off the yeast so it didn’t rise to where I would have liked it to be, but it was still delicious (and the smell in the kitchen was amazing)! I also made ham fried rice in bulk for leftovers – YUMMY! It was a pretty typical day around here – typical is a word I wouldn’t use to describe this two weeks ago but this is becoming the new norm fast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

USA confirmed cases: 59, 434  Deaths – 786         Global confirmed cases – 430, 607 deaths – 19, 479

Congress is trying to pass a $2 trillion dollar coronavirus relief package to help out the states, small businesses, and families across the USA. Hopefully this will pass and they can get relief checks to families that need it quickly. So many people are out of work — over 3 million applied for unemployment this week. So much of the country is seeing this virus spread across their states.

IMG_2415

The kids got to Facetime with 2 of their friends who live just a few houses from us. They don’t really know how to hold a conversation with each other this way yet, but are happy to see each other. Annabelle and Lucy talked about books they have read and activities they have done. Bentley and Jack also shared what they have been doing lately. It was cute to see and we are so thankful for the technology that allows us to do this.

IMG_2422

As we get used to our new normal of homeschooling for the time being we have things that we are loving like “Lunch Doodles with Mo.” I also have used quiet time as the time I listen to the governor speak every day. The TV is on but for purposeful things. It should be used to get our mind off this – but most of the time it just amps up my anxiety. Trying to release everything to God and breathe. Just when my anxiety from the SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) should be getting better, it is getting worse. Trying to release this to God tonight and rest on the promise in Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.” This too shall pass…. God has this! These are the things I have to repeat in my mind daily as we watch the numbers climb. At least the sun came out and it was a little warmer. It’s the little things that make these days go much smoother.

IMG_2414

 

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Number of COVID CASES in Illinois:2538                 Number of Deaths in IL: 26

Today Illinois added over 700 cases of COVID-19 bringing the total to 2538 confirmed cases and 26 deaths in Illinois. The US now leads the world with 82, 404 confirmed cases. IMG_2424

Today I am beginning my day by praying over my friends across the country who have symptoms of COVID-19 but can’t get tested. It’s so frustrating because they want to know if they have it or not, but tests are reserved for those that are in respiratory failure, being admitted, or those in healthcare that have to come into contact with patients. Or the occasional celebrity who needs a test….not sure what to think about that?! Robin and Megan Bielefeldt in MN, Meg Sanchez in Bloomington, Jaime McGrath in NC, just to name a few. Beth is home after recovering from the hospital and doing well. Her interviews were on the Iowa news tonight so we could see how she doing.

Today it’s a gloomy and rainy day but we brightened up our day by cutting out paper hearts and making a window display to show our support to all of the workers that still have to go out and do essential work during the pandemic. This is something that is popping up all over the country. There is even a Facebook group called Heart Hunters. It originated when kids needed to take walks outside so they have hearts to look for like a scavenger hunt. How cool is that?! We also continued e-learning and other fun things with homeschool.

IMG_2418

Facetime and Zoom calls are the way we socialize nowadays. Lori has been snapping screenshots as we talk because they make her smile and bring her joy, so I snapped a few today as well.

 

And another thing in today’s big news is… “Lucy lost another tooth!” She got to share it with grandparents via text message/photo. Hopefully the tooth fairy can still get here on time?IMG_2425

Friday, March 27, 2020

Number of COVID CASES in Illinois: 3026                Number of Deaths in IL: 34

More schoolwork today, but we took the afternoon to get out the Easter decorations and to watch “Peter Cottontail” for a special movie time.

Today was also “errand day!” Chad picked up prescriptions at the pharmacy on the way home and I picked up groceries at Kroger through their pickup service. While I was waiting, I had to snap this picture of the Monical’s pickup drive up service. This was only half of the line up at dinnertime. Since no one goes in the restaurants except the staff this is the “new normal on a Friday night at dinner.”

IMG_2450

Tonight we ate Arby’s which was a nice change and I didn’t have to cook. I did back some cookies today from Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Table cookbook! It is a new FAVORITE recipe. So yummy! After dinner we got PJ’s on and watched Phantom of the Opera (the musical). The kids loved it!

IMG_2447

Tomorrow we will keep our eyes to the skies. Because the COVID-19 isn’t scary enough we have a high alert for tornadoes and hail tomorrow afternoon/evening. Great…..? I just keep repeating Philippians 4:6 over and over…. God has got this!

 

 

Finding the Good…

Posted on by
Reply

Well here we are on Day 3 of our quarantine at home and we are finding our “new normal” for the time being. The kids and I have been working through homeschooling. (Thank goodness for my degree and 7 years of teaching before I became a mom! It truly has helped.) Chad goes to work each day but is staying in his own office and conducting most of his work from there via phone calls and conferences. We are trying to figure life out in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic.

So many people have begun to document their daily happenings in journals for posterity sake because we are truly living a piece of history right now. This is a historical event that will be remembered for years to come. The idea of journaling and writing is a great idea. I too, am documenting some of the kids journal entries, our activities, etc for historical purposes in our family. But when I thought about what I really wanted to write I came up with something a little different to document our quarantine experience.

A few weeks ago at a moms conference I was volunteering at, I was talking with one of the co-founders, who is one of my favorite speakers/authors, someone I have the privilege of calling a friend. As I was having her sign her newest book release that I was on the book launch for, she was amazed that I hadn’t written or highlighted in the book. I told her that instead of doing that, I had to write things down in another notebook to truly retain them because that’s how I learn best. She totally understood that statement and proceeded to sign my book. So as I was contemplating what to write down to document our quarantine experiences, I decided that I didn’t want to write down all of the scary thoughts, the numbers, and the fearful facts. Instead I wanted to document all of the good things coming out of this scary time.

Just like my journaling thoughts,  I wanted to remember to continue to praise God for all the good that He is, the good that IS happening, and not just ask things of Him in my prayer time. So before I petition anything of concern to Him, I am thanking Him for all that He is and all that He is doing right now in the midst of this time. I praising Him through this storm! But then I do ask for certain things on behalf of those around the globe as we fight this invisible enemy together.

286252137d98a7798781c9f96ca7259e

So what is going on this list of good things happening you may ask? Here is a sample from just the past 3 days:

  1. Monday, March 16 – Today a neighbor from down the road that we have never met rang our doorbell today. Her family wanted to do something nice for the neighbors so they were going to make cookies. But because of the risk of contamination right now, they decided to make homemade disinfecting wipes instead. So after we had a few minutes to chat (6 feet apart at the door of course,) we are now Facebook friends and hope to build a friendship! What an interesting way to meet your neighbors!
  2. Tuesday, March 17 – I am so blessed to be able to stay home with my children and continue their education. So many families don’t have an option to stay home and many don’t know where to begin with the education. Thank you God for allowing me this opportunity to have this time with my kids.
  3. Wednesday, March 18 – Today I am seeing what Mr. Rogers called the “helpers.” Stories are pouring in from around the country of people helping other people, even perfect strangers. What a beautiful picture! When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
  4. Wednesday, March 18 – Last night I sent a prayer request out to several of my villages that looked like this: “Dear Prayer Warriors,My aunt’s step-daughter is in urgent need of your prayers. She was sent to Mayo’s ICU in Minnesota from another hospital because she has pneumonia and is now on a ventilator. They think it is from Coronavirus but are waiting for test results. She is there alone because her immediate family is quarantined and she cannot have any visitors. Please pray for her recovery and for a shield of protection for her family, the medical staff and anyone she may have had contact with. I’m asking the Holy Spirit to surround this young lady and her family and to show us supernatural healing.

    Thank you in advance for your prayers. She is in her mid-30’s and has young kiddos and a husband being isolated at their home (they cannot go with her!)”

     

    Today I got to write this update: UPDATE: Wednesday, March 18
    “Her dad heard this morning that Beth’s night nurse felt like she was doing better. Your prayers are working! Please continue to bless Beth and her family with more.”

I am highly anticipating what the next few weeks/months will look like as I continue to look for the good. While I will continue to watch the news and stay informed, I will continue to make sure to find the good in each day no matter what else comes.

March 15, 2020 National Day of Prayer

Posted on by
Reply

NDOP_Header_1528x920-765x460

As we come together as a nation for this National Day of Prayer, specifically to pray over those who have been diagnosed, are waiting testing, or are quarantined from COVID-19, let’s be specific as we come before the throne.

Take a moment to pause and pray:
🌎 For our world as we all come together to fight off this virus. Also pray for the world to turn to Jesus because He is our ultimate comforter, healer, and strength.
🇺🇸 For our government leaders: That they will make decisions based on wisdom and not fear. That they will also be able to protect our citizens as best they can.
⛪️ For our churches: as churches are closed to protect us from large gatherings of people, pray for the technology to be on their side as they are still continuing to try to preach the gospel and reach as many people with the word. Also pray that people continue to give their tithes and offerings so the church can continue to run.


🏥 For our healthcare facilities and hospitals: that they will be able to care for those that come through their doors and continue to find the stamina to keep going when they are tired. Pray that the supplies are plentiful and that we are able to meet the needs of all that come in need of care. This includes all medical personnel from the doctors, nurses, techs, and custodial staff.


🚑 🚔 🚒 For our paramedics, police force, and firemen: pray that they will continue to stay safe as they continue to do their jobs. They cannot work from home and will be on the front lines in many of these situations.


🍎 ✏️ For the schools: even though many of the schools are shut down continue to pray for those that are still providing educational opportunities for our students via e-learning. Pray for our administrators as they continue to make decisions through the closures. And pray for the students that do not have access to food and make sure they are provided for.


👧👦 For the kids across the nation: pray that kids everywhere have an understanding of what is going on and while it is serious they do not need to be afraid. Pray for those kids that are left in abusive situations and whose safe zone was the school. Please protect them while they don’t have a place to go that may be safe.
I’m sure there’s so many other things we could pray for but those are the ones that came to my heart this morning! Above all I am praying that even in the wake of these scary times, I am praying that all people get to know Jesus Christ who has been my rock and comforter during these uncertain times. I pray that they find him in the midst of these unsettled times and make a life-changing decision to follow him the rest of their days.

 

Election 2016: My Point of View

Posted on by
Reply

Yesterday I am proud to say I went to the polls and cast my vote for president. I am proud of the fact that I had the right and responsibility to do so. As I got into my car after submitting my ballot I breathed a sigh (not of relief) but just took a moment to collect my thoughts. As I took a moment I sat to breathe in the presence of God. I had asked him to help me in making my decision and He did just that. 
What a privilege to be able to voice my opinion and make it count. However I was still disturbed and unsettled that I couldn’t get behind a single presidential candidate whole-heartedly. It was a decision that I could stand behind because I had put so much thought and energy into it this election. I have never been one to like politics – but I couldn’t get enough of this election (at least until the last month of so when it totally went out of control). 

As my husband and I sat and watched the numbers on election night I was hopeful yet my heart was broken, not because of who was and wasn’t winning, but because the United States looked broken. We are so divided (not United)! My heart was also very saddened by the tone of the media…. they weren’t reporting the results — they were throwing in their opinions and bias. It all felt so negative and disheartening. Shouldn’t they be more positive???? Around 11:00 I decided to call it a night and went to sleep (after taking melatonin and a Benedryl). 

This morning I woke up to the sun shining beautifully in the sky and was reminded that God, creator of the universe, was still in control. My heart began to feel joyful again! Then I made the mistake of getting on Facebook……. what a cesspool of negative energy. People that I consider friends were using language that wasn’t kind or civil. It was a very gloom and doom situation. So what did I do?? I started to pray. I prayed for our country. I prayed for my friends. I prayed for all of the candidates on all sides of the aisle this morning. I prayed for unification and love to prevail. Then I heard the pitter patter of little feet…..and my children came into the room. So innocent and naive to the brokenness in our world. Oblivious of all that was going on in their own country. They were just happy to be alive at home with their family. God gave me a sense of joy and peace yet again. 

My boss, Jill Savage, posted a great article that no matter what side of the aisle you are on it made sense….Please take time to read it. http://www.jillsavage.org/the-one-question-you-must-ask-yourself-today/  She asked the one question you must ask yourself today and everyday. Instead of asking yourself “How are you today?” ask “WHO are you today?” She gave some examples of what she hopes answers were.

 “I measured my words and resisted needless arguments on Facebook.”

“I was kind, no matter how those around me were acting.”
“I was grace-giving and allowed others to have different opinions. If it was appropriate to share thoughts and opinions, I did it in a respectful way.”
“I was loving to even the most unkind person I came in contact with.”
“I was a prayer warrior. One who absolutely believes that God is still in control.”

So I asked myself the same question… WHO AM I TODAY? So what can I do as a mom, a wife, a daughter, and a friend?? Here is what God laid on my heart throughout my pondering and praying today. 

  • I can be a light in the darkness. This world is a dark place right now. No matter what happened in this election we know the world isn’t in a good state right now. We have evil in the world like ISIS, a divided country, hatred pouring in….. But God calls us to be salt and light. He calls us to LOVE each other even through disagreements. We can have different opinions but we are all God’s children and he loves us all.

  • I can be an example for my children. They are watching constantly and it amazes me how much they try to emulate what I say and do. So I need to be an example of love for my neighbor. I can agree to disagree peacefully. I can be intolerant to hate. 
    • Yesterday we talked about why I voted. I was a good citizen and used my right and responsibility to vote for my candidates. I hope they understand how important that is and that they will continue to exercise their privilege to be counted in the vote. 

  • I can love my country. My son who is 4 years old and in his second year of Pre-K can say the pledge word for word because he was taught at school. We continue to support him learning the pledge and songs like “The National Anthem.” We want our kids to be proud of the United States of America. 

  • Last but not least I can be a prayer warrior. The most important thing we can do for our country is pray. Prayers for unity, prayers for peace, prayers for solutions, and prayers for each other are what should be in our daily prayers. We need to pray for Mr. Trump as he gets ready to take on this new position. We need to pray for our other leaders within our government. We need to pray that we become the UNITED States of America again!