April 2020

Well friends, we have been going through a rough time, haven't we?  Spring is here and we want to think on good. Do we have a positive and uplifting word to say? If so, let's speak them. 

I put a picture of my back door here to say  "welcome" and come on in and visit a time with me. We may not be able to actually meet in person with one another, but we can meet in spirit - so come on in!

You may be like me and would love to sit with someone and visit. After this crisis is over we will all be more appreciative of other people in our lives. We will be thrilled when we can hug again and get closer than six feet.

I have been thinking of the positive things this virus scare has done for us.  It seems to have caused people to think of other people and do good things for them.  I see this in my own community and in other parts of the country as well.

I heard today from a friend who is staying at home and taking care of her granddaughter.  Her daughter, the mother of this child, is in the medical profession and  has to work. We pray for the medical professionals.

She is having to home-school the first grader, and as a grandmother that is difficult.  School work is much different than when we were in school.

We both agreed this is a blessing which she and her granddaughter will always remember. She is blessed, while at the same time challenged. She is using this precious time to teach her granddaughter Bible basics; books of the Bible and such. 

If you are in social isolation with a child use this time wisely. Spend time with them and create special bonds. Children may be frightened with all of this going on. They  need encouragement and reassurance.  Some scriptures which  might be good to memorize or use  in create paintings to place around your home are:

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer."

- Psalm 18: 2

"He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

- Deuteronomy 31: 8

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."

- Psalm 56:3

In the mornings the birds in my yard have been singing like crazy and this makes me happy to hear them. 

Easter is celebrated on April 12th. Whether we are out of seclusion or still confined let us celebrate Easter.  As so many have said, the church building is not the church, but we the people are the church. Many churches have been able to have sermons put on Facebook or other social media outlets, which is a glorious blessing to us. 

I know for the past few Sundays, I have sat in my sunroom and listened to sermons. While I do miss the fellowship with other Christians and especially have missed the music, it has still been a blessing.

I have started singing around the house while listening to Christian music. God wants us to make a joyful noise and worship Him.  Singing and making melody in our hearts is a form of worship. 

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation."

-Psalm 95: 1

"Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord."

- Ephesians 5: 19

"My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you."

- Psalm 71: 23

"Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts."

- Psalm 105: 2

Even in these days of stress and sometimes fear, we can feel better by singing to the Lord and praising Him.  Keep up a joyful spirit of thanksgiving and praise. Do not let the circumstances get us down -

 Sing On!!!

Another good thing which has come out of this virus crisis has been many professional singers have gone on Facebook and sang songs of encouragement and uplifting lyrics. It has been a blessing to many to hear and see the artists' concern and love for their audience and followers.  

What do we do when the world around us seems to be spinning out of control? First, we must realize we are not in control; God is! He has us and this thing called our life in His capable hands. Our hope and our trust must be given to God. We can relax and rest even in the midst of turmoil and conflict. Let's look at what God has to say, because this is the way to have peace in a chaotic world.

Isaiah 41: 10 tells us, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

God is holding on to us by our hand. Lighten up and let go of other things - hold on to God!

During this virus scare we find ourselves feeling uncertain and possibly afraid of the unknown; of what might happen. Instead of being frightened let us think with a positive outlook. Let us make a choice to choose faith rather than fear.

"I think this a time where we need to feed our faith. If you feed your faith your fears will starve. If you feed your fears, your faith will starve."

- Max Lucado

How can we feed our faith?  

1.  Think on hope. Smile on.

2. Get out of ourselves & help others.

3. Pray and ask God for His help.

4. Memorize encouraging scriptures.

5. Replace fear thoughts with faith thoughts.

"Your problem isn't that you're afraid. It's what you do with the fear that really matters."

-Rick Warren

We are all afraid sometimes, but do we choose to live in fear or do we choose to trust Jesus? He promised He would be with us through this.

"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."

- Isaiah 43: 2 (NLT)