Faith

Today is Good Friday and our world situation looks very dark right now. I take comfort in the fact that “Sunday’s coming” and that this is only a temporary situation. One of the best things we can do for ourselves right now is to set aside some intentional time with God. Don’t make a chore out of this though. At the beginning of Lent my intention was to follow She Reads Truth as they read through Jeremiah. Then when things started to heat up in the world I was having trouble focusing.

Read more about finding peace during troubled times.

What I’m reading right now is reading Streams in the Desert, the Morning & Evening edition. It’s short but just meaty enough to reflect on. It’s really encouraging at this difficult time. I also take time throughout the day as I’m doing yoga, walking my dog in the yard or other activities to practice centering prayer or even just repeating parts of the Lord’s prayer over and over. Words are not coming easily right now and I take some comfort in knowing that I’m praying just as Jesus did. Another great read right now is On Earth as It Is in Heaven: How the Lord’s Prayer Teaches Us to Pray More Effectively

Making Time for Prayer

Making time for prayer in a busy life is hard any time, but it’s even tougher now because our minds are all over the place and it’s hard to get away from the news. Our kids are home, we have more responsibilities and more fear. By the time we sit down for some quiet, we find ourselves struggling with what to pray about and have limited focus and words. Here’s a few simple ideas to get you started.

Breath prayer. This gets me through crazy busy times. Don’t complicate it. Just breathe in and out with something like the Jesus prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Eleventh Step Prayer

Lord, make me a channel of Thy peace; that where there is hatred, I may bring love; that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness; that where there is discord, I may bring harmony; that where there is error, I may bring truth; that where there is doubt, I may bring faith; that where there is despair, I may bring hope; that where there are shadows, I may bring light. that where there is sadness, I may bring joy. Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort, than to be comforted; to understand, than to be understood; to love, than to be loved.  For it is by self forgetting, that one finds. It is by forgiving, that one is forgiven. It is by dying, that one awakens to Eternal Life. Amen.

These three prayers alone get me through most days. But I also like to use some guided prayer at the beginning of the day or the end of the day since I’m not very good at formulating prayers when I’m tired. There are lots of prayer books to be found but my own very favorite prayer books are by James Banks. They are so mellow, comforting and don’t take long to read through.

I also use the Divine Hours off and on. This is a great way to pray at fixed times throughout the day and evening. I always find these prayers to be really comforting and “hit the spot” to help me express things that I was struggling with but couldn’t find the words for.

Create a Personal Retreat for Quiet Contemplation

This period of lockdown and self isolation is a great time to think, plan, and learn. Difficult as it is, try to unplug, read and think. Carving out time for quiet contemplation isn’t a waste of time…it’s actually how you get ahead of things.

This is a fantastic time to regroup, rest up and destress. This rest is what gives your mind the time and ability to simply renew. It’s what makes you a better partner, a more patient mom, a more creative entrepreneur…you get the picture!

This simple act of self care should be one of your highest priorities right now. You owe it to yourself and those you care for to recharge. Keep it as simple as you need to, but just do it. You’ll see a big difference in the way your day plays out once you get into the habit of contemplation.

Remember that this strategy has worked for some of the most brilliant creative souls throughout history (and previous pandemics). So give it a serious try!

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” –  John 14:27

Just one month ago I took a long awaited trip to Disney World with my youngest daughter. Our family bought an RV and I began brainstorming and planning my bucket list road trip to Montana this summer. I was nervously following Coronavirus on the news, trying to make sense of the differing perspectives and holding onto hope.

Like everybody else, our lives have been turned upside down the past two weeks. My 18 year old son with Down Syndrome is home until April 15, at this point probably longer. His senior prom was supposed to be in May, and his graduation in June. His older siblings have brought plane tickets so that they could be here. He’s anxiously asking about a graduation party and seeing his friends. I don’t know what to say or do right now. We’ve been blindsided.

We also have to make a serious decision about his transition years considering that the virus is probably not going to go away any time soon. What will be in the best interest of his health as a heart patient and as a person with Down Syndrome who is anatomically wired to get sicker than the general population?

We’re all standing in the midst of troubled times unlike most of us have ever had to experience over the course of our lives. This horrendous Coronavirus is a rapidly spreading pandemic, affecting people across the globe from every walk of life. From the very young to the old, everyone in between, the disabled and the chronically ill, we’re all at risk.

It’s tempting to give into panic and worry in this trying place. You may have been tempted to hoard supplies, watch the news 24/7 and worry about all the awful things that might happen to you or your loved ones.

Fear and worry are natural and normal human reactions to events we have no control over. Fear and worry might be the most tempting reaction, but it’s not your only choice. There’s another option that is easy to overlook – peace.

Peace is a Choice

We often think of peace as an occasional state of mind that we stumble across every now and then, usually when things are going the way we want. It’s easy to feel peaceful when we’ve had a nice day at the beach, or a loved one’s cancer battle is going well.

But it’s also important to remember that we can choose to walk in peace, no matter what’s going on around us. Even in the midst of a terrible pandemic like Coronavirus. Even when we’re afraid of losing our jobs and are worried about feeding our families and keeping them safe.

What God Says About Going Through Hard Times

Finding peace always begins with turning our eyes upward. It starts with turning your eyes upwards to the throne of God.

I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all evil, He will keep your life. (Psalm 121)

Friends, God is the same yesterday, today and forever. It might not look like it right now, but He’s still on the throne. He still reigns. Take a minute to  meditate on that truth for just a moment. No matter how crazy things get, despite the chaos pain and heartbreak that is occurring at this very moment, God is still in control.

Where is God in All This?

In Matthew 10:29, Jesus said “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Remember how very precious you are to God. From the very beginning He knit your cells together. He knew all about you before you were born, what you would look like and what struggles you would have to face. He loves you and those that you love.

Does God Care about the Coronavirus?

Matthew 14:14 reads, “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, he reached out to people with every kind of disease and disability in a variety of ways. Some of those people were healed by simply touching the hem of His garment. Remember that the very same Jesus who had compassion on the sick and frail thousands of years ago still has compassion for those who suffer. He knows about every physical struggle and chronic condition that we have to encounter in this life and on this earth.

Get Out of Your Head & Serve Others

One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to serve others. As a Christian, you’re standing in the middle of an amazing opportunity to let your light shine. Right now, people are desperate for words of prayer, encouragement and hope.

Here’s some practical ways to serve others:

• Be kind to those around you, especially to those who are serving the public during this difficult time.
• Don’t hoard critical supplies.
• Share your resources with those who don’t have any.
• Send a text to a friend.
• Pray for those in your circles – family, friends, neighbors, professionals.
• Post positive things on social media.

If you start to struggle yourself, remember God’s care and provision in times past. He didn’t fail you then, and He’s not going to fail you now. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member or pastoral staff. Some churches have lay ministers that you can meet with. Don’t feel that you have to walk through this frightening time alone.

Let’s Pray

God, today we choose to rejoice in Your Sovereignty. We are reminded that You are ultimately in control and no virus, flu, or illness can enter our lives without Your Divine permission. You alone hold the power of life and death.

We lift up all of those who have been affected and will be affected by Coronavirus. We ask for complete healing over their bodies and continual peace over their hearts and minds. We pray for speedy recoveries without complications and hardship.

We also pray for those who are working on the front lines including medical professionals and first responders right now. These servants are certainly close to Your heart. Father, please protect them from this awful disease. Comfort them as they comfort others. Encourage them in the midst of this battle and remind them that the armies of God are greater than our earthly foes.

You are Lord over your creation. Father, we plead with you to stop this deadly Coronavirus in its tracks. We pray for the development of good treatments to shut this virus down.  Just as You have full control over every virus, Father, we ask You to stop this one.

Finally, God we pray for those who have lost or will lose loved ones to the Coronavirus. Walk with these precious souls. Let us be compassionate to them, come alongside those who are grieving, and comfort them in their affliction.

Father, we thank You for who You are and for all You’ve done. We know You’re in control even when the world feels chaotic and crazy. Let us remember to fix our eyes on you in this trying moments. Keep our gaze fixed on the Cross. We pray in Jesus name, Amen.

Practical Tips for Soul Care During the Pandemic

• Create a routine. When you get up, resist the urge to check your social media feeds. Take some time for prayer, meditation and devotional reading. Then take a shower and put some light makeup on.
• Get moving. Take a walk outside if you can or do some in home yoga or other fitness activity.
• Eat well and stay hydrated. It can be tempting to indulge on the quarantine snacks, but don’t. You’re going to feel ten times worse at the end of this if you’ve added on pounds. Try putting on your regular jeans every few days to remind yourself of how you’re doing.
• Reach out to others. Text friends and family. Connect with online ministries and recovery meetings.
• Create something. Whether it’s cooking, art, gardening, journaling or something else, creating something with your hands is one of the best ways to take your mind off your worries.
• Spend real time with your family. Play an actual game, do a puzzle, cook or bake. Take a walk together. The memories that you’re making during this difficult time are priceless. This is our moment to rise up and shine for our kids. We can model inner peace, strength and resilience to them.

Do you have any tips for coping during this difficult time? I’d love to hear them!

Summer’s almost here…how did that happen? We’re all relieved to have a more relaxed schedule of no school, car pools and vacations (well, hopefully…) However, it’s important that our prayer and Bible study don’t get so relaxed that we neglect our relationship with God.

Have you thought about easy summer bible study ideas? Here’s some simple, low-key (and non-workbook) suggestions to stay on track this summer.

She Reads Truth – This is my favorite Bible Study app that I’ve been using for about a year. I usually do my devotions on my iPad in the morning before I get out of bed. You can either read the devotion online or download their app and purchase the individual studies which range from free to $2.99.

Another app worth considering is First5, a study designed to help you give God the first five minutes of each day. No matter which one you choose, take the time to invite God into your day before your feet hit the ground.

Write the Word – I’ve found that the simple act of putting a gel pen to paper and writing the Word helps me to meditate on it longer and not rush through it like I might on a tablet. Get a pretty journal, write your verse in it and decorate as you wish with stickers, rubber stamps or other mixed media. Plans and prompts are available from Sweet Blessings and  The Architect and The Artist.

Color the Word – Like writing the Word, coloring the Bible can help you to meditate and think about it longer. I’m currently using the Inspire Bible (New Living Translation) which has beautiful line illustrations that I don’t get tired of. You might also want to explore bible journaling.

Read a Christian Classic – Take advantage of some of the summer down time and read a classic. Here’s some suggestions:

Sometimes we forget that Bible study is more than something we have to get done and cross off our to do lists. It’s important to create the time and space to think about what we’ve reading and studying.

Go For a Walk – If you live with a loud family, getting outside and praying may be the easiest way to gather your thoughts, reflect, pray and meditate on what you’ve been reading. Of course you’ll reap the physical benefits as well.

Turn Your Car Into Your Prayer Closet – We live in an area that’s pretty spread out and I’m trying to use some of that time more productively than I have in the past by listening to worship music more often. (Pandora keeps things more interesting. Some cell phone plans like T-Mobile offer unlimited music streaming.) You might also want to listen to Bible audio, books and podcasts. And sometimes, you just might want to turn everything off and pray.

Take a Digital Fast – I’m pretty guilty of rarely doing this but have been convicted about being plugged in 24/7 every day. Turning the electronics off helps to create margin so that we can process the past week, what we’ve read and just be. Those who take weekly digital fasts say that they come back to their workweek feeling more refreshed and creative.

How do you keep your Bible study time going during the summer?

SaveSave SaveSave SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

 

As a child of the 60’s and ’70s, I grew up participating in Halloween every year. I have lots of happy memories trick or treating as a kid. As I got older, the celebrations got more raucous. Fast forward a few years on what was probably my second sober Halloween I rescued a frightened dog who had been pelted by eggs, cowering in front of my apartment house. I named her “Spooky.” After she recovered from her trauma she started to display an amazing fetch instinct and a few months later she became a star bomb dog for the Atlantic City Police Department. As far as I know, Spooky remained her name. It’s a sweet memory.

Christians and Halloween

As a new Christian and a new parent, I was anxious to do all the right things. It was strongly urged in my church for families to stay away from anything having to do with Halloween. I felt a little bad about this but wanting to do the right thing, we completely abstained from anything having to do with Halloween except for some harvest festivals throughout the years. Luckily we live in a rural area so there were never any trick or treaters who would brave the dark, two acre lots and wildlife on my street anyway. (I was quietly relieved to avoid the potential conflict.)

One year a friend at church who lived in a subdivision privately confided to me that her family participated in Halloween on their street. She saw the opportunity for fellowship, reaching out to neighbors and didn’t want to lock themselves in the house. I had to agree with her.

Fast forward again a few years…my husband I both privately felt (but never said to each other until recently) that neither of us ever really had a problem with costumes or trick or treating. I went to a (different) church’s Halloween festivities and realized how much I missed it (kids dressing up, candy and yes…carved pumpkins.)

As my frequent readers know my youngest son with Down Syndrome has caused us to rethink a lot of things and Halloween has been one of them. As is typical with kids with Down Syndrome he is all about FUN and he is all about the OUTFIT. He’s a simple little guy but in a very profound way. I don’t know how I could try to hammer in “Halloween is bad” without making a lot of trouble for him understanding school celebrations or what he sees in stores. It just seems terribly unnecessary. The kid just wants to wear his cowboy hat and score some candy.

To Each His Own…

Being around the Christian homeschooling community for over 20 years, I’ve seen a variety of opinions about holidays celebrated and not celebrated, often accompanied by intense debates and opinions. I listened to them all but over time, I came to understand that there are pagan in roots in Christmas, the days of the week, the months of the year, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and probably plenty more than I can think of. I started to find it all somewhat inconsistent and began to think that Romans 14 was the best application here.

We can respect everyone’s convictions, remembering that what we do or choose not to do is between ourselves and the Lord (within reason and while remembering we are as lights to a dark world). We don’t want to judge others and certainly don’t need to be anybody else’s Holy Spirit. Speaking for myself, I don’t give power to Halloween as being “Satan’s Day.” Everything belongs to the Lord and I believe any day of the year can be redeemed. We are, by His grace, overcomers after all. There are so many ways to enjoy and decorate this time of year and I try to focus on the beauty of the season, to celebrate life and not death. That being said, my husband will watch an occasional zombie movie and finds some of the decorations hilarious.

If I lived in a more populated area, I’d be glad to give out candy. What about Reformation celebrations? Probably a great idea for some families but in our family…it’s just not happening for a variety of reasons. That’s just us.

For our family, it’s been far better to engage than retreat. For the last several years we’ve gone trick or treating and trunk-or-treats at local churches. My son loves socializing and I’m happy to feel part of things again instead of feeling like I had to hide in October!

 

Feel free to leave comments…but please be respectful!

SaveSave

SaveSave