FAMILY MATTERS!!

Family does indeed matter---Family (adj) Matters (noun) or Family (noun) matters (verb).

Anyway you say it families matter to all of us. So do naps....when you're the matriarch of the family so I'm heading to take one. The surgeon general, or some such official said it's important to keep on a schedule during this COVID-19 pandemic.

I'm back. Nap refreshed me.

With most our family being miles apart, this coronavirus is taking its toll. Even the ones who are close by can only be seen at a distance, through a window. Our toddler doest's understand at all when he can see his PopPop but can't get to him. A desertion of sorts for him and the tears follow.

The baby who is the furthest away has no idea how much she is missed but Daddy knows that I really want to see her. Lately he's been sending morning pictures to brighten the beginning of my day. They are new every morning, much like God's mercies. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Today I saw her "tooffies" front and center.

A few days ago our son documented our elementary school Texans with such a clever "homeschool" picture. It included the all important date for their first day at their own "Corona Academy". His are attending  the  Pleasant Run Campus.

Family really does matter especially during this unprecedented time in our lives. So grateful that though we are miles apart, our hearts are as close as ever.

HOME CHURCH GLEANINGS

Fellowship is such an integral part of the life of Christians.....mutual encouragement is given when together. (Romans 1:12) Even God's word encourages us, "not neglecting to meet together"....encouraging one another. (Hebrews 10:25)

With the COVID-19 virus directions to be vigilant and practice social distancing, how grateful  I am for the availability of fellowship via our devices,

This morning from our Sunday School class conference call, a YouTube sermon broadcast at my son's church and a livestream from my home church, our fellowship was practiced in brand new ways. 

Many of these presentations were "adjusting" and a few glitches occurred (some tickling our funny bones) but here are a few if the gleanings:

1. All included prayers verbalized over a variety of petitions.
2. God's word was always included---Psalm 91, Roman's 10:9-17, Revelation 21 & 22:1-5
3. Singing was worshipful from a church office as well as a Music Minister's home

My notes: Practices include; 

• FAITH OVER FEAR, 
• CALM OVER CHAOS, 
• PEACE OVER PANIC.

All gleanings enhanced our Serene Sabbath home church.

SMILE OF THE DAY!

CELEBRATING OUR MOMENTS!

HAPPY 7 months BIRTHDAY ---To Marigold aka Goldie and Gogo.

Too cute not to enlarge so her smiles can spread smiles to all of us!

Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children! (Proverbs17:6)

ATTACK-A-STACK

"Plop and Drop" is not usually the best way to study God's words.

But....this past week as "State of Emergency" was declared by our President, I have been using a "stack and attack" method along with my regular quiet times of study and prayers.

During this time of isolation, recommended by the CDC to prevent spread of the coronavirus, hubby declared he had "tested positive" for boredom. Not wanting to give-in to that, I've been reading a different devotional each day---sometimes 2. It's amazing how my eyes have been opened to these familiar entries with new insight.

Have a look at what truths I have seen. Glean truth from them as you read my impressions (sometimes w/ emphasis) or read entire entry if you have that devotional book.

3/13~All to Jesus~We can trust Him with loose ends and unsolved problems ....He expects us to depend on HIm with life's outstanding problems. 

3/14~Streams in the Desert~Do not fear these unknown things, but be content to accept the things you cannot understand and to wait. (Exodus 20:21)

3/15~My Utmost for His Highest~ As they followed, they were afraid. (Mark 10:32)" When darkness of dismay comes, endure until it's over, because out of it will come that following of Jeuss which is unspeakable joy." 

3/16~God Calling~ "My children I am here beside you. Draw near in Spirit to me. Shut out the distractions of the World. In quietness and confidence will be your strength. (Isaiah 30:15)

3/17~St. Patrick's Prayer portions (Allen Bible)~I arise today with God's strength to pilot me; God's might to hold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to look before me--Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,  Christ on my right. Christ on my left,  Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I rise....

3/18~Jesus Calling~ Don't get tangled up in...worry- webs. Trust me one day at a time. Do not be anxious about tomorrow,....Sufficient for the day is it's own trouble (Matthew 6:34) The next entry stated, "Let the Spirit change your mind , combing out tangles of deception."

3/19~Practically Holy~"Hope rises. ...live out the hope of the gospel even in the face of stress and loss, and grimness of this place. ...but I trust God. I choose to hope in God". (Colossians 1:22-23)

3/20~Edges of HIs Ways, I spent lots of time this morning meditating on passage from 2 Chronicles 7:10-16.  As I finished that time of meditation I picked-up Amy Carmichael' daily devotional notes. She began the March 20 entry with a question, "Have you ever noticed this? Whatever need or trouble you are in, there is always something to help you in your Bible, if only you go on reading till you come to the word God specially has for you." Carmichael continued, You will know it the minute you come to it, and it will rest your heart." The words I found this morning during my quiet time had done just that...."humble self, pray and seek God's face....He will hear from heaven and heal our land." 

It was as if I had received a God wink of affirmation for my "attack the stack" endeavor this week.                     

It's been fun trying a new way to "attack the stack" as a way of refocusing on the Lord anew each day!

"Inside Fun" during coronavirus pandemic 2020

PANDEMIC PROTOCOL

To everything there is a season or as Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 3:1, There is a time  for everything and a season for every activity under the sun. He even says in Ecclesiastes 3:8b a time for war and a time for peace.

Yesterday the President in his report on the coronavirus pandemic, used the analogy of being at war with an invisible enemy. The CDC warned that people need to stay home and heed the warning of exposure to others. So.....what does one do?

My grands have been following the protocol from  FL, MA, NY, Tennessee & Texas.

Turning the kitchen table into a ping-pong table....

....the front door into a basketball goal and the hallway into the court.The Texans 5 boys comprise their own team.

Finding a cozy chair for some device time......

......and a chair on the porch just to be outside,

and an inside chair to share with brother.

More sibling time as one reading the same book as her friend for a bookclub which is monitored by Alice's grandmother but takes time to include her baby sister.

Hand washing is important---sometimes one needs the whole sink to do it.

Factoring in fun & laughter (Ecclesiastes 3:4) to keep up brother's spirit! **that video is not working so enjoy J's PT. His breathing shows he is working hard to improve his "walk" . Will post the "funny" video when I can make it work.

Practicing the pandemic protocol is so important to stem the spread of this disease. 

So glad my grands are doing their part.

GOD'S PROCLAMATION

Fearful. Anxious. Apprehensive. Concerned. Suspect. 

Wondering how to help neighbors?

A "pandemic proclamation" gives rise to all those emotions. 

BUT GOD..... PROCLAMATIONS allow His people to find safety and courage as they trust in Him. 

God's proclamation---Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10a)

The Lord's Presence indwelling His own people, should inspire trust and confidence. In quietness and trust is your strength. (Isaiah 30:15)

God's Read Psalm 46 when your world seems to be falling apart.

Continue to be diligent to obey all CDC declarations. Help and encourage others along those guidelines. 

Proclaim God's goodness to offer peace during this time of "Utter Confusion". (Armerding, p.86)

FRIDAY 13TH = BANDWIDTH STRETCHED

Today's third day of my elective homebound status, mixed with cabin fever and way too much TV, including a National Emergency Declaration by our President, has had me stretched!
Stretched out of control.....as if I ever had control!
So...what have I learned.

• First, I am "elderly"----just ask the CDC.
• My pulmonary obstructive airways disease is a risk factor for contracting the coronavirus.
• Pandemics are epidemics jumping borders of countries worldwide.
• Pandemics can cause panic.
• I do not have to panic.

What is the take-a-way?

I, and you, don't have to let extraneous worries of our current pandemic declaration "mess" with our personal bandwidth! As my dotsydetails 2017 entry shared, & as Carol N. often reminds me, our bandwidth can be stretched beyond our energy or mental capacity----even to disabling our ability to  handle our actions appropriately.

Remember God's bandwidth is inexhaustible! Ever present.
Therefore ever-present verses can offer comfort, especially when needed in the night watches.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear......(Psalm 46:1-3)
He is a God who is near.  (Jeremiah 23:23) Omnipresent.

Knowing His Word, reminds me that He holds me fast in love, (Psalm 91:14); He scrutinizes my path and my lying down and is intimately acquainted with all my ways, (Psalm 139:3); having enclosed me behind and before, (Psalm 139:4); and can "instruct me and teach me, in the way I should go; and counsel you (me) with His eye upon you (me). (Psalm 132:8)

God is an ever-present bandwidth. Amen to that on this Friday the thirteenth!

KINDNESS : PAID FORWARD

Saturdays have been a special prayer time for me for 25 years now. As the years have gone by, many young folks have been a part of those prayers. 

My K4K list----Kids for the Kingdom.

Just last month I met an answer to one of those prayers for a godly spouse--Michael, Sara Beth's fiancé. I've loved attending weddings of couples who are answers to those prayers as well. 

For the last couple of years the focus of those prayers has been on kindness. Practicing kindness without prejudice. 

Meet Charlotte one of my Kingdom Kids. A girl with a heart for kindness.

This morning, I received a text from her Grandmother, Linda, telling me that she is one of 10 finalists in the Seasalt Kid's Superstar Search.* When I heard her interview, it was if receiving affirmation for praying for her and other youngsters on my list to practice kindness as a way of paying it forward.

* If you want to hear her "super power" answer just click on the  blue Seasalt Kid's link above---you can even vote for sweet Charlotte, who knows the One who is the true power in her life.

LIFE'S CHALLENGES

We all have our mountains to climb. Challenges and struggles in our daily lives.

For our "little nugget" it seems like play.....but his physical therapist said he needs this challenge each day to aid him in standing with stability, walking more than just 1 or 2 steps, and even squatting,

 The climb to the top might be easier with encouragers cheering along side BUT without doing it for him.

It's just so important to call down from the summit to those below in order to encourage them in their own struggles---that they, too, may see clearly how the climb is worth the struggle. (Michele Phoenix)

There will be applause from heaven or in the case of a child, who speaks "Jack-anese", applause from a loving family. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

WORDS MISCONSTRUED?

Words are often misconstrued. Misheard, especially when similar sounding.

Loath and Loathe---seem similar but adding one little E makes a BIG difference.

Loath--reluctant, unwilling (adj)

Loathe-- feel intense dislike or disgust for (verb)

I am the loath one. Loath to vote because I loathe the political ads, media interviews and tweets filled with so much hatred and insults. 

TV political ads----WORDS. WORDS. WORDS. $-$-$-$-$

Maybe I'm misconstruing their intentions. 

Maybe I'm misinterpreting their meanings.

Probably not. Votes are wanted. Their intention is winning.

After all, it's Super Tuesday in America. 

I, for one of many,  desire a "win" for our country. One nation under God.

I'm more interested in a candidate's character than his/her rhetoric.

My desire is for a President who can work and walk hallowed in a hollow land.

I am praying to that end......... 

hoping that my words are not misconstrued. (2 Chronicles 7:14)