Masks

I missed my usual post yesterday because I had my mind on other things.  I've spent the last couple of weeks reviewing patterns and fabrics for facemasks. Sunday after my Zoom Bible class and my church's Livestream sermon, I jumped into making a mask for my son. He's the only one in my immediate family going out daily for a job. 

I completed 2 masks yesterday afternoon.  It's a slow process because I'm learning and I'm making a more involved mask for extra protection.  I decided on the model from fabricpatch.net, a fabric shop in the heart of Washington - one of the hardest hit states.  The owner is a retired nurse and has 3 videos explaining "how to' and giving options for materials.

A mask may help the spread of this awful virus, but I know that our true protection comes from the Lord.

Psalm 71:7-8 (NLT) My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long. 

Sheltering in Place

We've now completed week two of self isolation. As an introvert, I believe it's easier for me than for many others. I do miss seeking my friends, but we talk on the phone and via Facebook. Some people seem to be getting a lot of projects done, but I've worked from home and find myself with very little extra time. I do think in reading a bit more.  

My daughter is adjusting to school from home, but misses her friends too. My son is working with a plumber. (I suppose all of that excess toilet paper will cause problems.) I do hope you'll join me and pray for his protection each day.

I am thankful for what we have: running water, good, safe homes, electricity, ways to communicate, working from home, sunshine, warm weather, etc. The list goes on and on. Americans are so fortunate in this crisis. We have access to doctors, nurses, hospitals, police, rescue personnel, medicine, etc. We are so very blessed.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Be Strong and Courageous

God knows exactly what is happening in our world. I just participated in a Zoom Bible class and watched my church service online. Both were very helpful in calming my spirit. I encourage you to find an online group.

I think there are many lessons I will learn during this season.

• Need vs. Want
• Sufficient vs. Preferred 
• Kindness vs. Selfishness 
• Faith vs. Fear
• Peace vs. Anxiousness 
• Time for things that matter vs. Entertainment 

God spoke this to Joshua as he was about to take over leading the Israelites following the death of Moses.

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

This is powerful for those who are children of God. I pray that all who read this have given their lives to Christ.

And the World Changed

I've learned a new phrase - social distancing. In a week we've gone from hearing about COVID-19 to a national emergency which encourages each person to stay away from large crowds and only venture out as needed. I've already been informed by my child that she is bored, even though most of her weekends consist of staying at home. Our only change was not attending church, but rather watching online. This we did together using Chromecast on our TV. It worked well.

Monday I'm going to attempt working from home all day. It is an experiment to see if we can get all of the pieces working in order to run the office regardless of location. Although instruction has been halted for two weeks, staff members are still required to work and keep the office open. In my opinion, this defeats the purpose of social distancing. I don't want anyone to catch the virus and I honestly don't understand why universities need to stay open to the public when instruction has halted. In this age of technology, why not temporarily use email for all correspondence? 

I also don't want fear to be a driving force. Instead I want to lean on faith. Faith that we should take precautions and let God take care of us as He always has done. President Trump declared today a National Day of Prayer. This is something that was done in Old Testament times and it is up to us to follow suit.

II Chronicles 7:13-14 When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 

And also, I leave you with this blessing.

Number 6:24-26 

24 “The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.” ’

A Different Kind of Weekend

My normal weekend consists of house and laundry cleaning, and church. This weekend I decided to mix it up a bit. On Saturday I convinced my BFF and my daughter to join me at a book signing. We went to the square in Gainesville, ate burgers at The Collegiate, then met with the author and his wife at the local bookstore. It was fun to reminisce and catch up on life. 

However my daughter only agreed to go if a shopping trip was included, so she did get a couple of items. She also commented that we had a good day and she was happy that she was actually social on a Saturday. I was thrilled! Perhaps I can get her out in the world more often. :)

Sunday after church my BFF and I trekked around Gibbs Gardens. I had never been and it was wonderful. Definitely a place I will visit again many times this year. I can hardly wait to drag the daughter there for a bit of photography!

Sometimes I get so bogged down in what I need to do that I forget to look up and enjoy the great adventures around me. Doing so is like learning to sing a new song. Just trying something different, I was able to soak up a ton of joy! 

Psalm 33:3 Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.

Leap Day and Spring Forward

In a span of 8 days, we will have added 24 hours and taken away 1 hour. February 29th (aka Leap Day) was yesterday and next Sunday at 2 am, we will be springing forward to Daylight Savings Time. I'm just amazed sometimes when I sit back and observe how we as humans put so many constraints on time.

An extra day is added every 4 years to 'catch up' to the fact that the span of a year is approximately 365.25 days, based on 24 hour days. It could have been different - we could have a year of 487 days that lasted 9 hours each and there would be no need to add an extra day to catch up. Just think, you could work 9 hours, sleep 9 hours, be off 9 hours, but still work 162 days or 36 weeks a year (if the year had 487 days). Probably not the wisest plan. Good thing I wasn't on that planning committee. :D

So we added 24 hours this week by extending the year by a day, but wait. Let's not be hasty. Someone thinks we need more sunlight in the evening, so let's arbitrarily create a 23 hour day, then have a 25 hour day in about 8 months to balance out the year. Why? Because that's the way it's been done off and on since WWI. Personally I'm not looking forward to it. (Pun intended!)

Regardless of the length of a day, the number of days in a year or our arbitrary counting of those, I'll focus on two things.

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 

Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. 

Trials

This was a week for one day at a time, one prayer at a time, and one step at a time. It wasn't the most peaceful week, but God's presence was felt in the midst of the troubles. I also felt the love of my friends and family as we prayed through unexpected trials. I know that not every day is sunshine and roses, but every trial comes with resolution and peace if we seek and trust God and his wisdom.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 

Abundant Life

I believe I have missed more blog posts in the past 6 months than at any time in the last few years. It's not that I'm winding it down, it just seems that life is ratcheting up. I find it difficult to write when I'm on the road, so I just save up my stories for the next week. Last Sunday I flew to Norfolk, VA for a conference. It was a beautiful area and the weather was wonderful, with temps in the upper 60s. It was unexpected after driving to the airport in Atlanta with a Freezing Fog Warning, temps in the low 30s and 5 inches of snow on the ground at my house. 

The snow had come in to GA on Saturday morning. In between watching the snow fall, doing laundry, and packing, my nephew got married. I was up at 4 the next morning trying to figure out what in the world freezing fog was and if it would be a problem as I drove to ATL. It all turned out just fine, even if I was a little sleep-deprived later that evening. 

I spent a few days visiting with friends from the southeast as we learned lots of new things at the conference. When I landed back in Atlanta on Wednesday, I had left the cooler 45 degree drizzle in Norfolk for the balmy 75 degree heat wave. Good thing I wore layers!

I've taken a few days to regroup and rest. Now today I celebrate my 54th birthday with family, church, steak, and cake! Life is never dull; it is most definitely an abundant life!

John 10:10b I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 

Palindrome Day

Today's date marks a fairly unique occurrence as a palindrome. It's 02022020, the same forward and backward. I love numbers and this one is very cool. It's also Groundhog Day and I just saw a new Super Bowl commercial for Jeep, which recreated some scenes from the movie "Groundhog Day". (I thought it was awesome, even though my friend Jeff is reserving judgement. :D) Overall, it's just a normal day with some quirky features. 

The uniqueness of this day got me to thinking about how God makes every day special and how I can recognize this and make any day stand out. So many times I find myself just trying to get through the day to get to the next thing. I don't think that is the way I should be treating what little time I have on this earth. What could I change to make every day unique, joyful, and memorable? It's kind of like the movie. If I could relive a day, would I change anything? Would I treat people differently? Would I take joy in the day without pushing through it like a steamroller or like someone being lead through a fire swamp? 

Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor - this is the gift of God. For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart. 

Oh, to be kept busy by the joy in my heart!

Adventures Together

Last weekend was my daughter's 14th birthday. We did something to celebrate that we had never done before. We went out of town on an adventure. I had a work-related meeting in Savannah the day before her birthday, so I talked her into skipping school and going with me. We left on Thursday and drove down. Friday morning we explored River Street and then headed to Savannah State University. During my meeting, she stayed with the staff of the financial aid office and worked on her homework. Afterward, we were free for the next few days.

I had room reservations on Hilton Head Island with a beachfront view. It was so cold when we arrived, I wasn't sure we would be able to do anything except look out at the ocean. The wind was ferocious and I heard it all during the night. However, I awoke on Saturday morning to the sound the waves in the distance. :)  It was her birthday and she was up 7 a.m., eager to tear into her gifts. (I think that day and Christmas are the only two days each year she will voluntarily get up!)

The day was hers and I was her chauffeur and sidekick: chocolate, chocolate chip pancakes at IHOP, a visit to the Maritime Museum on Port Royal Sound, a search for the perfect Hilton Head sweatshirt, shopping at the Tanger Outlet (where somehow she ended up with two more sweaters), corn dogs and fries, an hour strolling on the beach with temps in the 60s, a birthday cake with Grammy and Pop singing on speaker phone, and an evening watching HGTV. 

It was a great adventure, but we were ready to head back home the next day. The highlight of the trip home was stopping in Athens to have an early supper with my son. In just a few short days, we were refreshed by seeing a new place, playing together, and spending one-on-one time to celebrate.

Romans 15:32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. 

Helpers

On New Year's Day, I drove to the store for supplies and my dad rode shotgun. Along the way, I asked him to tell me the best place to have my car's brake pads replaced. The next day he was calling around getting prices for brake pads and rotors. It wasn't long until he volunteered to do the job while I paid for the parts. That was never my intent, but in the end I also knew that no one would do a better job than he would.

He traded cars with me on Thursday and started the process of taking off the wheels and identifying exactly what needed to be done. I was able to help him on Saturday. I don't know much about car repair, but I am a good helper. I hand him tools, move lights, get parts, fetch water, clean up and generally ask too many questions. However, I learned a lot and it made the time pass so quickly. Today I realize that I know how to set the foot pounds on a torque wrench, where to put the jack under the chassis, not to touch the new rotors with bare hands, and that I remember the words to all of the old country songs played on WCON 99.3 from Cornelia.

The best part of being a helper is spending time with the person you are helping. I repeat, the best part of being a helper is spending time with the person you are helping. I bet God thinks the same thing when He helps us.

John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

New Year, New Decade, New Je Ne Sais Quoi

It's 2020, the year with multiple meanings. It's the beginning of a new year and a new decade. I think most people would like to toss out the old and press the restart button on a variety of things. Perhaps it's human nature to never be quite satisfied with the status quo. We look back and wish we had done some things differently, wish we hadn't eaten quite so much over the holidays, wish we were in better physical, mental, and spiritual shape, that we had aspired to learn something new, and had organized the house as if we had it all together and had our lives figured out.

The term 20/20 is used to express visual clarity or sharpness of vision. I know that's what I want in everything that I do. Many people choose a word for their year, so I thought I might try that this year. I used the Dayspring.com quiz to answer 7 questions to help me find a word for 2020. Based on my answers, the word was Abide. That's given me a lot to think about. I'm going to write it down and dig into that word and the Word. I'll be looking for visual clarity.

Habakkuk 2:1-3 I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected. Then the Lord answered me and said: "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Reflecting on the Last Decade

Today is the last Sunday of 2019 and the last Sunday of another decade. So much has happened in these last 10 years, but so much has stayed the same - like having the same job and house. I've had  adventures and heartaches, happy and sad memories, good and poor health...

I've had 3 or 4 different cell phones, bought a car, updated the floors in my house, argued with teenagers, traveled with work, met dozens of people I now call friends, took a dream vacation to Hawaii, attended concerts, bought a bicycle, helped kids with homework, joined a class at church, watched my son graduate high school, watched my daughter earn a black belt in karate, learned how to do needle tatting, lost 30 lbs, let my hair get long again, started a blog to help me work through daily life, volunteered with Backpack Love, and yet...

I still hate to cook, wish I had a good exercise regimen, wish I would eat healthier, wish I could retire and do the vast number of projects I have in my head, wish I knew how to restore an old truck, wish I could read more (even though I read more than most people), wish I had a getaway house at the beach...

Life isn't about perfection. It's not about getting ahead of others. It's not about getting stuff or going places. Life is about relationships with people and acknowledging God so He will direct my path. 

Colossians 1:9-11 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power for all patience and longsuffering with joy;

Christmas Busy

It began last Sunday, hence the reason I had no post. After church my Bible study class got together for lunch, gifts and a hilarious Bible trivia game. Wednesday, my BFF and I attended the Michael W Smith/Marc Martel Christmas Concert with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Thursday brought the office party with hot chocolate, a baby shower and lunch. Saturday I attended Christmas party with the group from the Sonflower Ministries retreat that I participated in last month, as well as a Christmas presentation at a local church. Now, I'm just a couple of hours away from going to another Christmas gathering. 

I'm still not finished with gifts for my family, but I'm not feeling stressed about it either. I'm not attempting to outdo last year, mainly because I don't even recall what I gifted them with last year. I suppose getting a little older helps with that! :D

Even in all of the busyness, I'm trying to stay focused on the reason for the season. I'm thinking about the birth of Christ and the fact that neither Jesus nor his parents received gifts upon His birth. Instead He was God's gift for us. The shepherds who got to see him first had no gifts, but instead made his birth widely known. They were messengers just as we should be. 

Luke 2:10-11,16-17 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord...And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 

Giving Thanks

Have you ever made a list of what you are thankful for? I'm not sure that I have, but I'm willing to give it a try. Here is an incomplete list of things I enjoy, in no particular order. 

I am thankful for Jesus, family, good health, living in the US, friends, home, car, photos, sunshine, rain, crafts, books, church, Bible, plants, Christmas, work, washing machine, bicycles, music, sweet tea, BBQ, snow, math, indoor plumbing, doctors, vacations, Hallmark movies, UGA football, chocolate, hammocks, swings, campfires, Christmas lights, adventures, sweaters, jeans, sand, warm breezes, hugs, laughter, neighbors, hot water, radios, Cracker Jacks, fuzzy socks, streams, trees, garage door openers, rings, ocean waves, travel, and the list continues.

Some are necessities, some are joys, some are gifts, all are from God. 

Romans 11:36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Rainy Day Rest

I may be unlike many people, but I love rainy days. Especially those days when I can stay home. Days like that feel rare because there are always too many things to accomplish, at least in my mind. I view it as a day to choose to rest and I welcome those days when I can curl up with a book and a cup of Hawaiian coffee. I can sit for hours just listening to the quiet of the rain and being captivated by a well-written story. 

Saturday was just such a day for me. There was nothing on the agenda, except for one goal of vacuuming the floors. I was up around 8, sitting in my oversized chair in the bay window, sipping on decaf Kauai coffee, and starting on a Christian suspense novel. I vaguely remember getting up on occasion, but honestly I was completely absorbed. I finished the book by 1:30, but instead of starting on the floors I picked up the sequel to that book and began again. After reading 1/3 of that book, I finally made myself get up and start cleaning - so I really did get that one goal checked off the neverending list. 

I am so thankful for the rain and for the rest. 

Psalm 147:7-9 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praises on the harp to our God, who covers the heavens with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the mountains. 

The Next Friend

When I was in 8th grade, I knew exactly where I would be going to high school and I knew that all of my close friends and acquaintances would be there with me. Not so in this generation. Our county has what is called Program of Choice. That means that an 8th grader can apply to any high school in the county and have their parent drive them to their selected oasis. Except it's not that simple. First they must decide which program is a good fit for them, then apply with essays, video responses, and teacher recommendations. It's like interviewing for a job. Talk about stressful and they are only 13!

We attended a couple of high school presentations and we agreed on the right program for her. It will add an hour of commute time each day, but I'm willing to do that. However that is not the issue. It's friends, or lack of friends that are planning to attend that high school. Yes, I know that is scary. I remember that the first month of high school is a terror. She has a great friend group right now and it's going to be broken up as they go to different high schools. She's worried about meeting and making friends who are believers and will like her. The insecurities at her age are endless and I seem to be ill-equipped to guide her through these choppy waters. 

Proverbs 12:26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray. 

May I appeal to you to help pray for her to be placed in the right school and with at least one friend who is a true believer? 

Adventures Galore

I should always be a little wary of complacency. I've been feeling a stirring for change over the past few months and I certainly received it big time over the past two weeks. Let me just list what I've done.

1. Drove to Savannah to work for 2 days
2. Drove to Clayton State for a conference (also presented a session)
3. Attended a state organization board meeting
4. Participated in a 48 hour ladies retreat (wow!)
5. Visited 2 high schools with my daughter (it's time to choose!)
6. Cooked a couple of meals (that's so rare!)
7. Washed 6 loads of laundry (I couldn't do any last weekend.)
8. Walked in a 5K on Saturday (It was in the 40s!)

Needless to say, I've been busy. However I see it as a grand adventure and I feel very alive now (except for the part where I need a little extra sleep). :D

Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 

Birthday Girl

On the 17th we celebrated my son's birthday and today we are celebrating my mom's birthday. Mom is the planner of details; I believe I get that from her. :D She wants everyone to be happy and she'll do all she can to be sure that we are. She'll make us whatever dessert we want for our birthday, which is a definite plus!

Mom likes to keep up with the whereabouts of dad, her kids and grandkids. Last year my 13 year old and I added Life 360 to our phones so we could track each other. Dad wanted in on it, but mom said no because she didn't want us to know where she was. Within a week, she kept grabbing Daddy's phone to locate us. I looked at her saying, you know, we could add you to our little group. She finally agreed and now she can track all 3 of us. :D

I'm teasing, but it's nice to know that someone cares so much about you that they'll make your favorite dessert and keep an eye out for your safety. 

Psalm 31: 25-29 Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her; "Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all."

Birthday Boy

This week we celebrated my son's 19th birthday. I always think of the week of his birth as the time when summer turns to fall, the leaves change colors and baseball playoffs are in full swing. That's what I remember most about entering the hospital back in 2000. It was warm and sunny, then upon leaving it was as if I had been locked away while the season changed. 

Thankfully my son was able to come home from UGA for a few hours to have dinner and cake. We made the most of our time together. I think I'll recall the laughter more than anything. It was just joyous occasion and I hated for it to end.

One of my gifts to him was a small Bible with a snap to close it. I've had it for many years and used it mostly at church, so he was very familiar with it. I handed it to him and he started to give it back, saying he had a Bible. It was then that I told him that I had transferred all of my notes from my main Bible to that one. He opened it and looked around. I was so happy when he closed it up, put it with his stuff and said "Thank you."

Proverbs 9:9-10 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.