Clinging To Hope: An Update Of My Real Life

Hi Friend! I decided today’s post will be an update of sorts of my real life as we cling to hope during this COVID-19 pandemic.

But, before I do, I desire to check in with you. To see how you are. To find out how I can be praying for you. How are you and yours? Please know, I am lifting you in prayer today.

We are in this together, and I’m guessing we’re each clinging to hope.

There’s no doubt, hope is what’s getting me and my family through. Yes, the hope that this will be over soon, that we don’t get this virus, and the hope we have in God and in our eternal security through Jesus. Hope is powerful, it infuses strength within us, and it keeps us encouraged. Even though there are times each day I find myself discouraged and deflated, hope is what keeps me going.

I found this verse in the Psalms today which shows why it’s beneficial to put our hope in God:

Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my savior and my God.

Psalm 42:5 GNT

Our hope in God is what changes our perspectives and our attitudes. With hope we can go from downcast one minute, to praising God in the next! I pray you, too, are clinging to this hope!

We are still trying to do our part.

Each of us have a part to play in this pandemic. As I mentioned in an earlier post, my part is to stay put and encourage others from my rural Iowa home. My part-time job is done from my home office now, and I’m beginning to enjoy spending more time here at my desk. My days fly by, however. That part I don’t care for. But, maybe that’s a good thing? I don’t know.

My husband and grown children are doing their parts, as well, to keep things moving forward in their roles at work. Honestly, I get nervous for them. For them contracting the virus from someone else at work. But, I’m praying and trusting God to protect them and strengthen them through this. I wish they could all just move back home and we could live under one roof again! Those were the days.

Some new things this week:

• We have designated a room in our home as a “COVID room” in case one of us gets the virus. This room will serve as a quarantine room, with access to a separate bathroom. In it is a bed, a table and chair, a comfier chair, one of the kid’s dorm refrigerators left from college, and a few extra supplies just in case. Hopefully we won’t need it, but thanks to my husband who is a “preparer,” we’ll be ready if we do.

• I left my home this morning for the first time in 8 days as I made a trip to the post office, wearing a mask for the first time. It was a homemade one that didn’t require any sewing. That felt strange, but also a bit freeing. I guess this will be the norm for awhile.

• My daffodils bloomed this week! Friend, I can’t tell you how much I needed to see spring come to life in my flower beds! These daffodils usher in blooming season here, and I can’t wait to see what will bloom next! What has brought you unexpected joy this week?

Anyone else struggling with a new routine?

I sure have! I’m such a routine girl. I’ve learned this about myself through this time of distancing and quarantining. So, I tried out a new routine this week, and it helped! What’s your routine or are you more of a go-with-the-flow girl? Here are the highlights:

• Wake at 5:30
• Bible study/devotional time
• Exercise/shower
• Write
• Lunch
• Job responsibilities
• Take a walk if it’s nice out/work on a home project
• Begin dinner prep
• Dinner/hang out with Bill
• Bedtime by 10

Since I’m still doing my intermittent fasting through Lent, I eat generally eat between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. It’s been nice not having to plan out as many meals in my day. But, me being the sub-par cook that I am, I’m enjoying trying new recipes and planning our evening meal, for just us two. It’s the least I can do to bless Bill after a day of working hard with all that’s on his plate. Have any new recipes? Here’s one I found on Pinterest that we really enjoyed!

One more shot of hope.

I follow one of my favorite authors, Max Lucado, on Instagram. I enjoy his COVID check-ins. God uses Max’s words to calm me at times when I’m feeling overwhelmed with it all. This week he shared a quote that has stuck with me.

You’re never going to go where God is not.

Max Lucado

Amen.

Praying this finds you and yours healthy. Do your part. Take care of yourself. Encourage and bless others as you can. Keep praying and cling to hope. I appreciate you!

Much love,