Are you expecting? I have heard of sad and embarrassing stories where well meaning people ask other women if they are pregnant? When they awkwardly say, “no”, it is embarrassing to everyone. The questioner and those questioned. A tummy bulge does not always mean a baby. As we navigate another week of shelter in place many find it difficult to keep on expecting or what they are expecting is negative. More boring days, more difficult times negotiating peace between siblings or getting children to stay on their home schooling tasks. Perhaps as tensions have been building they expect discord with their partners and more complaints about the food. Divisive discussions about the wearing of face masks, who or when should shopping be done and who controls the remote. It can be challenging to keep stirring up good expectations–but that is exactly why we to do it!

We are waiting in expectation for the different “phases” of our state getting back to our old normal. We are in Phase 1 which is for our family, a blessing. My son in law is able to get back to his landscaping business! But there still is so much uncertainty in even knowing when we can expect phase 2, 3 etc. Do we have faith that this phasing in scenario will work, or are we putting more people at risk? I expect we will see a rise in numbers as we move toward more phases. It is my expectation that people will have a difficult time keeping social distancing as they long to be together with their friends and family. I expect it will be hard for some restaurants to keep a watch on their servers and clients to obey the protocols that have been set out. All these expectations are definitely my reality. But what about Godly expectations during this continued Covid challenge?

If truly, Jesus Christ the Same, Yesterday and Today then His thoughts, which are higher than our thoughts are still for us and not against us. His purpose for us to be the Light in this dark world is still His expectation for us. He who has begun a good work in us, has a plan for us to be perfected through this virus. My expectation is that He is using this situation to help conform me to His image. It is my expectation that I will be, as I choose to follow Him, to become more like Him through this situation than ever before.

I must continue to stir myself in Him. It is not easy. There are days when I would prefer to “turtle up” and simply forget about life outside my four walls. However, once again my love for Him and the years of discipline provokes me to seek Him–and there are times He just says, “rest, my daughter”. Enjoy yourself! His yoke is easy and His burden is light. My dear friends, as we seek Him, He will be found. As we knock the door shall open–the door to His wisdom, His certainty, His direction and His grace will open for us to a new season of life. I know I have written on this subject recently, but I feel we (I) need to be reminded once again. We really are blessed to be able to pick up the phone and call our friends and family. To connect through Zoom and video chat is really amazing. Instead of being frustrated when our technology fails, or our knowledge of technology is lacking be grateful we have it at all. Snail mail would make it really difficult to stay as connected as we are.

Once again, I encourage us all to rise in the morning with expectation that He will give us the wisdom we need for the day. We will learn and grow in Him. Our character in this season is being revealed–not always a pretty sight. Let us choose to eat of and manifest the fruit of the Spirit. The hope of the righteous is gladness, but the expectation of the wicked perishes. Proverbs 10:28.

I am not expecting a baby (that would be down right weird!), but I am expectant that God will bring us through this season with His purpose fulfilled. Every expectant mom experiences some good days and some difficult days–so it is the same with our walk with the Lord. Adjusting our expectations to accept there will be struggles is real. But we can do it–who knows what He is going to birth when our time is fully come! Those of you who are quarantined with children, use this time to train them, love them and enjoy them. Married couples spend time together enjoying each other. This is a good time to be alive, as we trust Him.

Proverbs 31: 28 Her children stand and bless her. This is my attempt to honor my two brave moms!

This coming week end in the US is our special day dedicated to Mother’s Day. A day to honor our mothers for birthing us–but for many of us sooo much more. I have two moms. My birth mother, who through no fault of her own and the intervention of the state of Washington, had to relinquish her rights due to mental illness and other issues in our family of origin. I want stand and honor her. With no prenatal care and having birthed five previous, precious children she gave birth to my sisters and I (triplets). Our birth story is unique. We were born in a two room mining camp cabin. My biological father was an assayer for Holden Mines on Lake Chelan. This place was accessible by boat or seaplane. One of the stories we have been told is that she told our dad she thought she was pregnant, and his response was “no you are just getting fat!” She was 40 at the time, so I’m sure it was just difficult to comprehend another child. Because they lived up the lake, she would have had to purchase a ticket on the Lady of the Lake boat that connected the other towns to the main city, Chelan where the doctors and hospital was located. With meager funds and five mouths to feed money was tight. Two of my older siblings were living elsewhere at the time. Our mother did have diagnosed mental illness in which she had been in and out of different mental hospitals. I wonder if my father just did not want her taken away again, so just tried to keep a low profile. She gave birth to us in that cabin with the doctor arriving in time to deliver the last one of us. Then he put us in the seaplane which had brought him and flew us to the Chelan hospital, without her. I can only imagine how hard and brave she must have been to entrust us (we weighed just around 3 lbs. each) to this doctor. I don’t know if she ever saw us again until we were in our late 20’s (another story). She never forgot her “three gems”–she had planned on calling us Ruby, Opal and Pearl. I am sure God heard and answered her prayers for us.

After some months, our perspective adopted parents received a phone call from Medina Children’s home saying they had 11 month old triplet girls who needed a home. Would they agree to bring them into their hearts and lives? They had to answer quickly! One day I asked my mom–how/what did you do after that phone call? She said, “I fell against the fireplace mantel and hung on so I wouldn’t faint!”. My mom was a strong woman, not given to fainting, so that must have been quite a challenge. They said yes and drove the 90 miles to Seattle, where they picked two of us up–my sister Marie was in the hospital at the time. It was such a quick turn around that they had no beds for us–and called the local furniture store at 11:00 p.m. to bring cribs!

My two brave moms–one who trusted God and prayed for us, even though she didn’t see us, hold us or instruct us. One who willingly chose to take us on against the advice of family and friends and taught us so many life skills. (Amazingly, both our moms are named Bertha!) Bio Bertha knew Jesus–and prayed a lot even in the midst of her mental struggles. My Adopted mom came to know Jesus much later in life, but did her best to raise us to be capable wives and mothers. Adopted mom, incidentally was also 40 when she became a mother of three eleven month old lively girls. We’ve all turned out well. I rise today to bless them. They weren’t perfect and that is OK. My adopted mother passed away in 1990, Bio Mom 1991. I live in adopted moms house–so her presence and memories are all around. I am grateful. It has taken me time to appreciate all she taught me, for we struggled in our relationship–but as I grew up and saw the bigger picture of her life, I can only marvel at the woman she was. She was brave to take on three babies, late in life and do it well. She focused on what she felt she lacked as a child. Making sure we were equipped to cook, clean and run a home. These were things she missed learning as she hoed and picked cotton with her father. I miss her. I think we could be good friends if she were still here–I’ve grown up Mother. I thought I appreciated you before–but as the years go by, it is more so. Thank you brave mom 1 and brave mom 2 you shaped my life well.

Happy Mother’s Day to all you brave moms who are still writing your stories. Take a deep breath to continue on–for your efforts will not be in vain.

Proverbs 31: 28 Her children stand and bless her. (NLT)

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10. This Psalm was written “for the choir director”, a song of the descendants of Korah, when the Israelite’s found themselves in a time of trouble. As a Mom and Grandma I know I must have uttered this phrase a lot,”Be Still”. Be still in the car, be still in church, be still when I was brushing hair, be still when I was trying to clean a wound or remove a sticker. Most of the time it came out as more of a command that a gentle suggestion.

The Korahites were part of the Levitical family who served the temple. Their father and associates were swallowed up by their sin, but these faithful ones were spared. They were part of the ‘worship’ team and were encouraged to sing when a strong sound was needed! During times of trouble, we need strong voices to speak God’s truth and insight. As we remember this is part of a song to be sung by these selected voices, we must know they were the ones to set a tone for the rest of the company.

So here we are commanded to “be still and know that He is God”. At times when I teach my grandchildren science it will be “review question” time. Often times it will involved immediate rewards with a Skittle, chocolate chip or other sweet for the correct answer. I have had to use the “be still” command to capture their enthusiasm so they can hear not only the instructions, but the questions. Bringing stillness into our situation allows us to hear the still small voice that will lead and guide us to victory.

The command “Be Still” has more to do with cease your striving or in this scenario “Stop fighting”. The Israelite’s were at war during this time with specific enemies. The scripture is commanding their enemies to cease fire as the True God is fighting for them, and they will be defeated. Today I read Psalm 54: 6 I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good. For you have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to triumph over my enemies. As I meditated on the section–you have rescued me from my troubles and helped me triumph over my enemies, it let me to think about those troublesome little foxes stubbornly keeping me from victory. God is God of our Big enemies as well as our small ones. As I choose to be still before Him, allowing Him to be God in the midst, He often reveals to me how each victory is to be one. Is it anxiety? Is it fear? Is it anger? Waiting on and with Him leads us to solutions we often would not have figured out. Being still is trusting in His ability, not my own. Father, it is not just my body that needs to be still, but my own soul. Teach me how to still my mind before you and allow you to show me how you are truly God in every situation. I know you are fighting for me, and with me, and for that I am very grateful. I choose your ways, not my own. In Jesus Name, amen

I am classifying myself as a shut in. I have not left my home since March 23. Exactly one month ago. As a young person, I remember hearing the pastor and deacons of our church talk about “doing visitation” or taking communion to the “shut ins”. I envisioned people who were bedridden–old and wrinkly without the ability to get themselves to church. Now, here I sit–able to move, drive and go out and about–but due to my “higher risk status” choosing to abide in place.

Isn’t that a better phrase? Abide in place. I am grateful for the choice I have in staying in place. I chose to shut myself in so my children would not be worried about me. I received a call from a crying mom this morning. She had to take her daughter to the ER (on the request of the daughter’s doctor) and leave her there. It was so traumatic for this mother to walk out, feeling she had forsaken her child. Her daughter does not have Covid symptoms, (she is there for other reasons), but still she is impacted by the disease. I do not want my children to have to drop me off at a facility alone, so I choose to abide in place. To me, abide means I choose to accept the limitations our governor and my children have recommended. I choose not to kick at the borders and boundaries. I choose to be a shut in in peace.

However, just because I am shut in, I am not shut out! I can choose to invite people in via telephone, chat and Zoom! I have written letters and cards to other “shut ins” in attempt to encourage them (till I ran out of stamps–ordered more, they are on there way). It has also been a time to shout out to my Heavenly Father–hey I need you…and He has shown up! I bring His Presence in through worship and praise music. Don’t laugh, but I was dancing in the kitchen to other day to Waymaker.

I have chosen to shut up about the inconveniences about my choice. It is my choice. I do it out of love and in faith. It is lonely at times. I won’t lie. I get bored. There seems to be a weariness in the sameness of each day. But I choose to focus on what I can do, rather than what I can’t. I shut out to the best of my ability the lies of the enemy and my own mind about how I am being “too safe”, and that it doesn’t take all that–etc.
I have had to firmly bring captive thoughts about why this or that person never calls me. Self pity is not going to be my roommate during this season. I have chosen to abide in the secret place of the most High (Psalm 91). I have chosen to believe Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy, at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Even in this time of choosing to be shut in, He leads me to find the path of life, right here in my own home by myself.

Those of you who are not abiding alone–I encourage you to be patient, be kind and be generous with your grace and mercy. Take a deep breath–this will soon be a story told and we can enjoy the memories. Do not let Covid 19 rob you of your joy, your relationships, your hope in God but keep on casting your care upon Him, for He does so abundantly care for you. I am grateful for technology and the connection it gives us during this season–but do not use it to separate yourself from those around you. Please use balance. Trust me, I would rather have a human than a phone to spend time with!!

I confess I have never ran a marathon–but I have done some “emotional” races that felt like one! A few years ago I was plunged into care-giving for my husband after his massive stroke. Like it or not I was signed up without much training for 24/7 care duty responsibilities. We as a global family have been unexpectedly plunged into a 24/7 unexpected lock-down–to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. As my time as a caregiver was unknown, so is this season.

The governor of Washington state moved our lock-down date to May 4. It is an arbitrary date–but it does give us some sort of an “end date”. I have not left my home for four weeks. I admit it is starting to feel a bit overwhelming. But God is good. My daughter mentioned to me that there was at least three weeks to go. That seemed like a lifetime at the moment. I thought–Lord, we need a second wind.

Second wind is a persons ability to breathe freely during exercise after having been out of breath. In other words, it is something that we need to push on through after exertion. It has taken determination not to leave my home.

So how do we carry on, when we want to quit? How do we get our second wind?

1. Recognize you need it! Admit you maybe out of breath (life, joy, peace, grace etc.)

2. Talk to the Lord about it. ASK for His help. (Remember you have not because you ask not)

3. Take a deep breath–as much as you can! Do whatever you do to bring in His Presence–and take a deep breath of His love and Life. Read Psalm 47. It is full of different ways to worship the Lord. Clap, Shout, Sing, –try something new. When was the last time you clapped your hands when you were worshiping the Lord by yourself? Haven’t tried a shout recently or ever??? Try it! It will begin to break the old and help you enter into the new. If you just listen to worship music and “worship Him in your hearts”–try to sing aloud! Dance is not included in this chapter–but it shakes off the old stuff and helps us enter into the new. Get your body moving!

4. Phone a friend. May be an old friend–or it may help you make a new one.

5. Try something new! Try dinner for breakfast–or breakfast for dinner. Eat dessert first. I started doing video chat (see #4). I’ve learned how to host a Zoom meeting. Invite a friend through technology!

6. Clean out your closet. Cleaning one area helps you begin to straighten out your mind!

7. Remind yourself there will be an end to this, remind yourself what is good about this season.

8. Keep a journal or diary of the good things you see God doing during this time!9. Remember what God has done. Build a memorial for His glory.

10. Choose not to grow weary in well doing. Keep your mind on the prize of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

When I was in the middle of my care-giving experience I kept thinking, this too shall pass one way or another. After two and half years he joined Jesus, and my job was suddenly over. It seemed strange. I had to find a new identity, figure out a new life. God helped me. Others helped me. He will help us get through this season.

For those of you with children–take a deep breath. Let the little things go that won’t matter this time next year. Take time to read, play and pray with your children. Learn a new game together. Play a modern version on “hide the thimble”–hide something at night or after nap time. Maybe a treat, or a special game piece you enjoy together. Enjoy the treat or play the game after it is found! Simple ideas that can make you laugh. Ask your children to draw a picture of their favorite memory and really listen to their explanations. Fun things that will add joy and laughter to your day. Ask Alexa or Ok Google everyday for a joke. Make it a family time.

It is my prayer that we all receive God’s new strength and energy to continue running this race–no matter how long it takes. It will be worth it.

Jesus said “this too, shall pass”, so will Covid 19. We can do this.

This prophetic word was given in 2008 by Rev. Darryl Rodman. The Lord put it on my heart to share with everyone. God’s Word is so important to stand on in these days. Please do not let your hearts grow weary during this season. Do not cast away your confidence in the Lord our God. He will see us through. We will be changed, of course. But as we allow His Spirit to lead and guide us, we will be changed more like Him. Let us let His Spirit work in us that what He wishes to do, and it is always good. Praying for each other during this time is so necessary. I love you all in Jesus Name. One note: The Spirit said He was the Waymaker long before the song became popular!

I hear the Spirit of the Lord say, “Do not cast away your confidence that you have in who I am. Do not put it from you in the midst of trials and tribulations. Do not look to the left and to the right when things begin to happen that you did not expect, but keep your confidence strong in me, says the Lord. Do not shelve it; do not set it behind you, but lay hold upon your trust and your faith in who I am.

For I know the day that you live in, it does not surprise me, it does not come unexpected. I have known of it before you knew of it, and I am yet the Lord God Creator of heaven and earth and everything that is in it. I am high and lifted up above all principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places.

There is nothing that I cannot do.
My arm is not short that it cannot save.
My hand is not weak that it cannot deliver.
My eyes have not grown dim that I do not see.
My ears have not grown heavy that I do not hear.

I know the days that you live in, and I am in the midst of your day. Keep your confidence in me.

I will walk with you, Immanuel.
I will hold you, I will strengthen you,
I will uphold you, I will lift you up.
And when problems come I will be your problem solver.

Do not cast away your confidence, says your God. Do not grow faint and weary in well doing; for you shall reap in do season if you do not faint. Do not let your heart become double minded within you, but as the day comes that you see and you say, “O Lord, how will I make it? How will I go through it? How will I overcome it? How will I? How will I live in such a time as this?” The answer to that is that you will do this by who I am in your life, says the Lord.

Do not let your confidence be cast away. But in these days seek my face as never before and let the strength of the Living God bear you up, lead you forward, and lead you onward to the things that I have yet prepared for you.

For I am the way maker.
I am the God that can make ways where there seem to be none.
I am the wall breaker.
I can break down walls that stand in your way.
I am the mountain mover.

I change not. Though your circumstances and situations and the day you live in would cause you to say, “Lord, alas, how shall it be, do not not cast away your confidence in me, says the Lord, and you shall see that I will be the Lord of Glory in the midst of you. And I will take you through and I will lead you on, no matter what your day is. I proclaim over your day, this is the day I have made. Be glad and rejoice in it and keep your confidence strong in who I am says your God.

Hebrews 10:35-38 (NKJV)
35 Therefore do not cast
away your confidence, which has great reward. 36
For you have need of
endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the
promise: 37 “For yet a little while, And He who is coming will
come and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if
anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”

Psalm 27:1-3 (NKJV)
1 A Psalm of David. The Lord is my light and my
salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord
is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When
the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They
stumbled and fell. 3 Though an army may encamp against me, My heart
shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be
confident.

Quarantine–from the Italian meaning forty. Hmm, how many days will be in quarantine here in the United States? Even thinking about 40 days home alone is difficult for me. I think about my family and friends who are in different configurations during these circumstances–couples, couples with small children, couples with elementary children, single parents responsible for children while working, families with both parents working and trying to still educate their children, parents learning to home school, families with no income because their small business or jobs are shut down–all requested to stay at home, in place. Then there are military spouses in deployment status trying to maintain normalcy for their families as well. What we all need to figure out is a new rhythm of grace.

Grace for each other, grace for ourselves and grace for our governments. The first day I was serious about “self-isolating” the Lord spoke to me about changing my routine. I usually would wake, grab my coffee and do my devotional time safe and comfy in my waterbed. He said, you need to get up, shower, dress and move your study to the living room. I admit, I really didn’t like it! But as we are in our second week, I’ve begun to see the wisdom of that change. It is my new rhythm and schedule that has set a better tone for my life during these changes. Matthew 11: 28-30 Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you”ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me–watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heacy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company iwth me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. If you haven’t as yet–ask the Lord to help you find the rhythm of life for this new season. Give yourself the grace to have more conversations with your friends and family. I heard the other day that phone calls–are up an actual 33%. If you are alone–wondering about your friends and family–pick up the phone and call them. You may need keep it short, but it’s important for both sides of the family. I’ve found when you live alone it’s hard sometime to get outside your own thoughts–prayer definitely helps, but so does checking in with others. You might start by asking, “is this a good time to chat?” Then respond accordingly!

God gave us structure to our days with the rising of the sun its setting. He knows we do better with a schedule than without. Not necessarily a rigid one, but enough to follow His rhythm–which is always full of grace! The word tells us to “number” our days–this is one way to make the most of this unprecedented time. Throw in some fun! Add some surprises if you can! (I found some olives the other day–they added a bit of joy to my predictable meal!) Please know God is able to help us learn about Him during this season. We are learning about ourselves as well–things that may frustrate us, disappoint us–but don’t just look for the negative, look at the positive! How creative are you? We were made in the image of our creative God–ask Him for His creativity to change up the routine as well…once you have it established! Don’t forget to laugh, forgive and enjoy the people around you. This time will pass–sooner than we know. Make memories as you can.

Here we are all experiencing something we never expected. Social distancing, sheltering in place or as our governor chose to rephrase “Stay at home, stay safe”. This is a learning curve for everyone. So as I was pondering these new changes, I came across a familiar scripture in Luke 5: 37-39 And no one puts new wine into old wine skins; or else the new wine will burst the wine skins and be spilled, and the wine skins will be ruined. But new wine skins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into new wine skins, and both are preserved. This is the more familiar part of this passage. However, as I was reading the whole thing more slowly, I looked at the next part: And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for the says, the old is better. Or in the New Living translation say: But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the new wine. The old is just fine they say. Change has happened. We cannot deny it. We may want life as usual–with our family, our friends our church services; but for now that is over. I believe when this season is over we all will be different. There will be in a sense, no going back to life as normal. We must embrace the new wine for the season. I believe if we are willing, we can begin to develop a taste for whatever “new wine” He has for us.

For me, the “new wine” was how I was meeting with our Life Group ladies. By God’s grace and love we have grown into a loving caring community of women who are inspiring each other to grow in His grace and love. Many live alone like I do, and so in this time of isolation we need connection to the outside world. Which means technology to the rescue, right? Yes and no. I thought–it will be good, we will use Facebook Messenger to do a live interactive chat–but our group is too large to include everyone. My son mentioned a connect solution called Zoom. This is definitely new wine for me. I want the old and familiar!! So two of our gals actually uses Zoom for their business. “It’s easy.” Here are some links. They seemed so intimidating. I kept hearing, it’s easy, its simple. But, somehow my brain just sort of froze. I want the old wine! I had no desire for the new wine. Even grief came into play as I realized how my husband would have figured it out easily. However, because of my love for these ladies, I overcame my frustrations and I tried. It was a mess. All these pop up windows asking for permission to do this, to do that–just started overwhelming me. I shut my computer in frustration. But I had to persevere, because of my loving compassion for these sweet sisters.

I found out that we need others to help us develop our taste for the new wine. By watching my daughter and son use Zoom plus my friends encouragement I tried again. I admit I had to overcome my comfort and confidence in the old wine. I did discover the why it was hard the first time I tried–again user error….I was doing the “wrong” thing. When you feel ignorant it is hard to press on. Please be gentle in helping others try the new wine. Please slow down and walk them through what they need to do. One word from my daughter made it clearer–and my son helped and we moved forward.

Our first time was last night. It was good for our souls. It was easy after I figured out what to do. The youtube tutortials helped. However, the funny part was they timed us out because the “host” did not show up!! I was the host. Who knows what I did wrong!

Anyway, this is the time to seek the Lord for any new wine He may be giving us. He understands if we don’t want the new wine, because we are familiar with the old. God has new things for us. Let us rely on each other, encourage each other and be patient with each other as we try His new wine for this season. Your new wine may not be connection technology, but maybe working from home, or homeschooling your children–or just not being able to go out and about as usual. It’s ok. We will make it through this time. Keep on trusting, and washing your hands!

I learned a new term this week that the military uses during times of unknown safety issues. The term is “shelter in place”. It means to seek safety within the building one already occupies, rather than to evacuate the area or seek a community emergency shelter. Our governor, Jay Inslee, has requested that everyone over 60 or with high risk issues must “shelter in place”. The guidelines, as I understand them, mean you only leave your home for necessary errands: food, supply or doctor appointments etc. My children have asked me also to “self isolate” due to my age and asthma issues. Do I like these restrictions–yes and no. Part of me really enjoys the fact I don’t have to make any decisions about the rest of life! The decision has been made for me. However, these thoughts led me to consider the word “shelter” and how the Bible uses this very safe sounding and comforting word.

I referred to Psalm 91 last week–it still applies today! He who dwells in the shelter of the most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Isaiah 4:6 There will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain. Psalm 9:9 The Lord will be a stronghold for the oppressed. A stronghold in times of trouble. All these verses remind us we have a God who we can run to in our time of trouble. Over the years of walking with my Lord I realize I have built confidence and trust in His ability to be that shelter for me. Maybe you haven’t walked with Him long–this season with so many changes, is the time He will build a greater confidence in His ability to protect, guide and encourage you. Sometimes the storms of life seem to crash into our shelter and we may question His faithfulness. Those are the very times you need to reinforce you trust. Run to Him, not from Him.

What picture do you have of God’s shelter? A tiny little place where you are huddled up, barely keeping dry and safe? Or a more planned place with reinforced walls with food and supplies already in place? Sheltering in place means you shelter where you are! It is a time we discover how safe and secure our home is. It reveals whether we have laid in food supplies and other necessities. It is God’s desire and plan that we “shelter in place” with Him always! That we learn to make our abode with Him and Him with us as natural as any physical shelter. It is a learning process, one He delights in teaching us. Have you hid His word in your heart that you may not only not sin, but you will have a ready supply of nourishing encouragement to feast upon, instead of fear thoughts?

So learning to “shelter in place” in the Lord requires us to look up, look in and built trust in His Word and His Ways. Monday I had some necessities to accomplish, but I asked the Lord what do you want me to do? He said, wash your sheets. I thought, it hasn’t been that long! So I chose to wash the mattress pad as well. When I went to put the bed back together I discovered dampness. I have a waterbed! Dampness is never good outside the water mattress. Through more investigation I found a pinhole size leak–not bad, but it could have led to a much bigger problem. Because I listened to His voice (and not ignored it!) I was able to stop the leak fairly easily with my on hand supplies. I have learned to not only ask Him, but listen to that little small voice. These are ways we build our trust in His shelter.

My prayer is that as we walk through these unknown days, we take comfort in the fact they are known by Him. We pray for those who have lost their lively hood as they know it. People are having to be separated from their loved ones to protect others. Hospitals and nursing homes in our state have imposed strict visitor limitations. These are difficult for many to be separated from those in crisis. Pray for a dissipation of this virus. Pray for wisdom for leaders and health care workers. Pray for your family. God is and will continue to use this situation for His good, no matter what it looks like. That is who He is. I may be on “self-isolation”, but I can reach out to others via phone and technology, and so can you. Do not let fear take hold, resist its deviousness. Continue to seek Him and His ways. They are always good. Learn the peace that comes from sheltering in His place.

One day, back in December we began to hear about a new virus that began in China. This virus was new but in my world here in Washington it seemed far away. It would be contained and my life would not be too affected by it. Then my daughter in laws sister flew back from the states from Shanghai, where she is working as an elementary music teacher for a private school. She starts receiving emails informing them that all the schools in Shanghai have been closed and her time off has been extended. She was due to fly back on February 7 and she is still here in the States, becoming and online instructor for her students. This started making this virus a little more real, and a little closer to home. Still no real concerns, praying for those affected, but admittedly not too seriously. I found myself laughing as the news began talking about toilet paper hoarders and the E bay people selling hand sanitizer for $56. Still praying and of course washing my hands! I made plans to attend a women’s conference in Maine in two weeks. My flights are scheduled and my plans are set. People are asking me–are you still coming? To be honest, I am still planning on going–but I am waiting to see where things stand next week. People over 60 are being told to stay home and avoid crowds. My daughter told me that in Italy the doctors are having to decide which patients to treat–and are thinking only those under 60. Wow, that lets me out! That makes it a bit more real.

We are now in the second week of March. Washington state has 29 deaths and over 1,000 people diagnosed–but only one confirmed case on our island. Our community college is closed for a few days, our library has canceled outside programs and our pastor is meeting to discuss cancelling a women’s event scheduled for this Saturday. How do we know how to respond to this unknown plague?

First of all, we must walk in faith. We cannot let fear overtake us in any way shape or form. Every action or decision must be done in wise faith however. Back in the first century it was the Christians who stepped up and help during some of the worst plagues that swept through Rome and other parts of Italy. By their actions they actually caused the spread of the gospel. They did not let fear for their own lives stand in the way of helping others. I am not hear to tell you what to do. You must seek God and His wisdom for yourself and your family. But there are things we can do to share God’s care and love.

What can you do? Pray. Pray for your leaders to have wisdom in what to do as far as their authority goes. Pray they are getting wise counsel. Pray for those affected to be healed and for their families. Do not over react and stockpile things that are not needed. Be balanced in your actions. Wash your hands, and again wash your hands!

Pray and support our medical community. They are on the front lines and need support, not criticism. They are risking their own health by taking care of others. It is what they signed up to do, but still it is difficult.

In our state, schools are closing for a season. There are parents who must still work, check in with them to see if you could help them with childcare.

Do not panic. If you choose to self-quarantine, do it in faith, not fear. Pray for those who are trying to keep the supply chain going–grocery stores, gas stations, post office workers etc who do not have the ability to “work from home”.

Pray for those shut in. Let’s pray for those in assisted care facilities who are being isolated from visitors for their own protection which leaves them alone and at times frightened. Give them a call if you can. See if they need anything. Help meet those needs, as you can.

Washington state so far has the most cases confirmed in the U.S. Our leaders are implementing decisions that affect all our lives–physically and economically. I know that God has a plan to use every scenario for His good and plan. As we pray for our leaders and those affected across the world let us release our faith and compassion for those that are affected. Let’s pray for those trailblazing scientists who are actively working on a vaccine to combat this virus. Let’s pray for wisdom for every church leader to know how, if and when to restrict meetings and services. I know there are some people who are compromised in their health and thus at higher risk of greater complications if they contract the disease. Pray for them.

Pray for those in Italy, including American troops who are serving in that area. Some were supposed to rotate back to the states soon. Unfortunately the situations there are putting those dates on hold, affecting their families back here. Please pray for all military personnel and their families.

Build your own health by eating and resting. Drink your water! Most of all, trust that God knows the end of this story. Trust Him. Ask Him how He wants to use you. Put on the armor of God that you may be able to stand, and when you have done all still stand.

Father, protect my friends. We stand on your words in Psalm 91, trusting in your care and provision.