Checkin’ in Coach!

Now that everyone has all kinds of time on their hands from mandatory quarantine, I’m sure the internet is flooded with blogs, posts, videos, and more showing what everyone is up to during quarantine and offering advice, information, and opinions about COVID-19.  That is NOT my goal with this post.

I want to offer encouragement and peace.  If you’re a member of my mailing list you’ve already seen some of my thoughts about our current predicament. If you’re not a member, why not go ahead and sign up?

Remain Calm During Quarantine

This is the one thing that’s been consistently popping up in my little mind: Be calm.  I believe, with all my heart, that most people across the globe are keeping their wits about them, but peace and calm do not sell newspapers or get the ratings.  So, the thing that the news is reporting is the hysteria.

I have to tell you, everywhere that we go (which is pretty much the grocery store and laundromat) people are calm.  They are practicing the safety measures encouraged by the CDC and are polite and considerate.  We currently live on the tiny island of Guam, in Micronesia.  I have not seen any hoarding or craziness here.  Maybe it’s just the way of the island people to care for each other, but all is well in our little hamlet.

Spend Time With the Lord While You’re Quarantined

Something that I keep coming back to again and again is the God is in control and He has a plan and a purpose…even when it seems like everything is insane in the world.  Now, I’m not a theologian, pastor, or seminary grad, but hopefully you know that you don’t have to be any of those things to get closer to the One who created everything: the universe, the planets, the continents, the oceans, nature, animals, humans, bacteria, viruses, and even things I can’t think of.

Since most of us are home-bound during this pandemic, it’s a great time to do the things you’ve been postponing and one of those is spending some quality time with the Lord.  Turn off Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, cable, satellite, and sit down in a place that speaks peace to you.  We are all unique and feel peace in different ways; some people need the ocean, lakes, streams, or rivers (My Naco Libre brain is dying laughing right now).  Some people need mountains, trees, or grass.  While others just need a quiet spot in their home.  Go there!  Take your Bible with you, or your Bible App and spend some time with the Lord.

Now, if you’re like me, I’m not very good at sitting still.  So, I like to actively meditate on the scriptures.  I have never seen anyone share this method of meditation, so I’ll be writing another blog very soon and will return to link it here so, if you’d like to use this method to meditate and get closer to the Lord, you can.

Some of my favorite scriptures during this time are:

Proverbs 3:5-6  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths

Philippians 2: 1-5

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.

Jeremiah 29: 11-14

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you…

I’m certain you could add to this short list the verses that are speaking to you right now.  Heck, go ahead and put them in the comments below!

Let’s spur each other on toward love and good deeds!

 

 

 

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