Living in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic

Living in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic

 March 21, 2020

 If social distancing has taught me anything, it is that social media has not connected us as much as we have thought. We have said in the past few years that social media connects us more with people (which is true to an extent), yet we are lacking true connection, deep connection, face-to-face connection. Social media provides us with a method to communicate, but doesn’t make communication and connection happen.

Now that we are forced to be a part from each other, we are becoming more creative with how to connect better and use those methods to connect.

For example, before we had family friends that we typically got together with each week (in person) and talked on the phone with during the week, now we FaceTime (almost daily).

Before the “seeing” didn’t matter, now being able to see them (even through a screen) is huge. 

Before we were seeing nieces and nephews occasionally in person, now we are making time to FaceTime.

Before I was just posting whatever struck my fancy on social media, now I’m trying to share positive posts and every day life.

I am struck by the before and after. Before there was a possibility of COVID-19 and now after it has hit our country. Each day of the past week or so, our lives have changed and yet it also feels like it happened overnight. And now it is figuring out how to live in this new world. How to make time for the people in your life.

This is a defining moment in our history. We have an opportunity to live it to the fullest, to share our hope, and to give God the glory, or we can let this moment pass, live in fear, and just keep plugging away on our own.

If this is going to be the point we look back to in our lives, then let’s remember it well. Let’s remember it by making a difference in people’s lives. Let’s remember it by sharing Jesus and the hope He brings. Let’s remember it by actually writing it down.

I’m not sure how many people still journal in this day and age, but now is as good a time as any to start. I personally use a bullet journal every day. Some days have a lot more info than others. Some days are just to-do lists. But bullet journaling is one way you can chronicle these times. There are multiple apps you can use such as Day One. Or you can simply pick up a notebook or open a document on your computer, and just start writing. Start recording.

My current bullet journal

This past week, I decided to start a separate “I’m thankful” journal. I’ve been wanting to do this since January 1, but haven’t made it a priority (I did use an app for part of January to record my thanksgiving). I saw on Instagram that someone was using a 5 year journal for their thankful journal. I love this idea. So I decided I would just make my own, with the month and day at top and the year in front of each entry. As I go through the years, I think it will be really cool to see what I was thankful for on the same day the year(s) before.

My thankful journal

I have started this practice by simply writing a couple things down before I go to bed. I literally have been putting the notebook on my pillow when I leave my bed in the morning so I have to move it before I go to bed, making it so I write in it!

Lastly, while you may or may not have more time on your hands, take some time to reflect. Take some time to look at what is really important in your life.

Make time for the people in your house. Get off social media for awhile. Go for a walk (my puppy has really been enjoying that). Play a game with your family. Try something new. Read your Bible. Sing a praise song. Write down what you are thankful for. FaceTime a friend (or use Google Hangouts or Zoom or...). Or pick up your phone and just call someone. Send a text.

We aren’t going to remember all the specific things we did during these strange and different times, but we are going to remember who cared, who was there for us, and how we reached out to those around us.

Remember, in this moment that may define us, shine the light for Jesus. Write down how He is working in your life and around you. Give thanks. And connect with people. God is with us, we need only to rely on Him for our strength, our peace, and our hope.

My new mug that features my word of the year: peace

Book Review - She Walks in Majesty by MaryLu Tyndall

She Walks in Majesty by MaryLu Tyndall

She Walks in Majesty is the third story in MaryLu Tyndall’s Protector of the Spear series. This story is full of action, romance, and friendships. If you haven’t had a chance to read the first two in the series, I recommend you start with those first. The whole series takes you on a journey of growth and strength, challenges and joys. You will truly see good versus evil in this story. I love how in the end, the good always ends. 

This story has a lot happening in it and, as always, Tyndall does a great job weaving all the elements and writes a fast-paced story that is sure to keep you up late reading! 

The ending of this story was so good and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did!

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Book Review - A Mother’s Secret by Gabrielle Meyer

A Mother’s Secret by Gabrielle Meyer

I love the setting of A Mother’s Secret. It is set in an old historical mansion! As you begin the book, you will feel as if you, too, are entering this house. The contemporary story takes place in a small town in Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River. 

Out of all of Meyer’s books, this might be my favorite. It has so much heart in the story. The mother in the story feels so much connection to her family, her community, and this house. She will do just about anything to keep everything together.

I love the small town setting and family life that this story is all about and I think you will enjoy it, too!

 (I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Book Review - The Solid Grounds Coffee Company by Carla Laureano

The Solid Grounds Coffee Company by Carla Laureano

I was excited to read the third story in the Supper Club series by Carla Laureano! The Solid Grounds Coffee Company did not disappoint. I couldn’t wait to hear Ana’s story and it was a story I connected with. Ana is battling a lot in this story. Troubles with her job, family, friends, and relationships in general. I loved watching how this story developed and the redemption that happens. 

I also enjoyed the hero’s backstory. Bryan is also going through a lot and I love the journey you see him take and how both Ana and Bryan connect at the heart of the Solid Grounds Coffee Company. It is a sweet story of love, strength, and the journey of life that includes both ups and downs. 

This story can be read as a stand-alone or as part of the series. If you haven’t read the first two, I would also recommend them! It is a fun series of friendships, food, and journeys!

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

2020 Word of the Year

It took me some time to come up with a Word for 2020. Usually, a word comes easily to me. Many times I know in December what my word will be. This year, I just couldn't figure it out. I had a couple different words, but I just wasn't sure. I really didn't feel like God was leading me to a specific theme for the year.

The words I had written down just didn't seem possible. Words like rest and peace and still and live, all sounded good and all sounded like things I wanted...I just wasn't sure how I would live them out.

When I looked towards 2020, all I could see was busy, full, committed...

In 2020, we have many commitments including politics, campaigning, helping with the local homeschool co-op (I am also teaching this semester), hosting a reader's retreat, VBS, graduations of close friends and family, a major election, work, family, to name just a few.

So how was I going to choose a word like peace or still? It really didn't seem possible or practical. It seemed like I would just be setting myself up for failure.

But I then felt God pointing me to the word "peace."

Could this really be the word for 2020? I didn't really want it to be. It seems too hard. (And besides "vision" would be a much cooler word for 2020!)

But yes, "peace" is my word for 2020. God made it quite clear to me. And in kind of a round about way.

I recently read this article from DaySpring called A Prayer for Peace. I would recommend you read it for yourself, but I really enjoyed this line from it, “God’s peace comes when we accept His amazing love and respect His mighty power, when we allow Him to direct our steps and soothe our broken hearts, when we acknowledge Him and sit with Him and turn to Him when the winds start to blow.”

Another part of the journey to peace was this challenge I was feeling to seek gratitude, to make an effort every day to be thankful. I heard a couple sermons and even a workshop that mentioned these verses from Philippians 4:4-9 (ESV):
⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵ Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹ What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (highlighting is my own.)

Somehow I had never connected the "do not be anxious" with "prayer...and thanksgiving" and ultimately, with "the peace of God."

It was like all of a sudden I saw the big picture!

I had recently been reading about the Enneagram and I think I fall in the "6" category. It was bothering me because the downside of a "6" is worry or fear. (Probably the fact that it was "worrying" me confirms that I am a "6.") Anyway, I don't want to live in that place of worry, but in a place of peace. So this year, I am choosing "peace" because I don't want worry to be a part of my life. I want the worries of this world to fade away. I want my focus to be on Jesus. I want to always remember that He cares for me.

1 Peter 5:7
...casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Jesus is our Prince of peace and He offers us peace. He has overcome the world!

John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

There are so many scriptures that talk about peace. So many reminders from God's Word about the peace He offers and the peace we can have as Christians. I pray that as you go into 2020, you, too, will find peace, true peace that comes from Jesus. 

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Over the next year, I hope to share some more scripture on peace. Stay tuned!

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I will also be posting about my New Year's Resolutions.

Goals - Looking ahead

It is usually around this time of year, around Thanksgiving and Christmas, that I start considering what some of my goals will be for next year. I take some time to look back over the year and see what I have accomplished of the goals I set in January and I look to the new year and what I would like to accomplish in the next year.

However, I haven't spent very much time thinking about my goals for next year. I really like picking a "word of the year," even better than making New Year's resolutions. I like the "word" because it becomes a theme. I see God using it in my life. It makes me more intentional and it sticks with me all year long!

In 2019, I chose the word "embrace." God has used this over and over in my life this year. I have chosen to embrace life. Embrace things I wouldn't normally do. Embrace experiences and opportunities. Embrace people (literally and figuratively).

One of our sayings at our house this year became "people over things." People are more important, so putting our focus on them. Even when we were busy. Even when the house wasn't perfect. Even when we didn't feel up to it. Making an impact on someone, not something. 


So as I look to the new year, as I look to 2020...I am not sure of what my goals will be or of what my word of the year will be. I will spend the next month and a half pondering and praying over what God has for me for 2020.

One thing I do know is that I want to live by His plan, His agenda. I want my plans to be shaped by His will and plans for me. I don't want my ideas to just be my ideas. I want them to be what God wants for me.

So as you look to 2020, are you planning on making some new goals/resolutions for the year or not? Are you picking a "word of the year?"

As always, I will be sharing some of mine in the coming months!

Take Back Your Time by Morgan Tyree - Book Review

Take Back Your Time is a helpful resource. When I heard the name of the book, I was instantly interested. In Morgan Tyree’s book, she talks about how to figure out what your goals/purposes are and then how to achieve them. She also provides helpful information about how to schedule your time. I like that she offers practical tips on how to apply all her suggestions, but specifically on picking a calendar that will work for you. Looking back at the book, Tyree is very good about giving you lots of suggestions, but then making sure that you do what works for you. If you are looking for a book that will help you get on top of your busy life, this might be it! 

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)