Good Lord's Day afternoon. Although we, like everyone else, are self isolating, I've found it very helpful to look for normal things, daily blessings we often don't recognize as the gifts that they are. I made our makeshift bed this morning, tidied up the room, folded clothes, and even brushed my teeth and got dressed, although I had no plans to go anywhere or see anyone except Mr. C.
After that, I lit candles and listened via radio to our church service out of Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau. If you didn't have a chance to attend an online worship service, here's the one from Zion: Click on the Play button under 'Listen to the Fourth Sunday in Lent Worship Service.' You won't be sorry. Later this afternoon I will read the sermon that the pastor of our other church, First Lutheran in Rice Lake, sent to us as an email attachment. What a blessing they both are!
In case you're not aware of the fact, we've been living between Dallas and Wausau since August of last year. It all came to a screeching halt when it appeared that everyone was asked to shelter in place. We had just returned to Dallas from Wausau, and now here we are, out in the country with gorgeous views and a lovely screen porch and fresh paint and new carpet. But almost all of our food, our bed, and all our good stuff is in Wausau. We do have some remaining canned goods, a few, and lots of rice, beans, and oatmeal that should get us through another 18 months, if it should come to that.
GF oatmeal cookies
There's just something about baking that is so comforting. I'm hoping that eating the baked goods won't be as comforting, or I'll be in big trouble by the time this is over.
Salmon from 2012.
It was DELICIOUS
GF Fettuccini with Salmon and basil pesto.Ooooh, was that delicious!
Equinox.Beautiful skies above Fifth Avenue.Thank you, God, for your incredible generosity in creation. ***
Things we can do during this self isolation:
1. Look for beauty. It's there, everywhere.
2. Do something normal. Make your bed. Brush your teeth. Get dressed! Bake something.
3. Praise God in the midst of adversity. Do it again and again and again.
4. Pray for others. If you're able to access this post and read it, you're in a lot better shape than thousands of others. Pray for them.
5. Pray for the health care providers. They are working long hours without the normal supplies they so desperately need.
6. Pray for your bishops and pastors who are giving us spiritual guidance at this time and reminding us that God is still God, and that we can trust Him in all things.
7. Wash your hands.
8. Stay home.
Join me on Instagram: @cranberrymorning
P.S. I heard from Joyce, that she's planning to revive the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Check back here on Wednesday to see what's happening.
God bless you.
We are definitely looking for the bright side and the things we CAN do right now that we enjoy. We are so blessed to live right on the river here in our little town. It's so nice to be able to head down to the river and enjoy the sunshine we are having right now. We can still go on nice long walks. We have lots of audio books to listen to while we do crafty things. Thankfully my husband is still able to work. We own our own small general contracting business and as of right now he can still go and work at job sites which is a huge blessing. We don't know what tomorrow might bring but right now he is working and we are thankful. God is so good!
ReplyDeleteOur church had their online church service this morning. What a blessing the internet is right now! Sometimes social media drives me crazy but right now it sure is a wonderful way to stay in touch with everyone.
I just made oatmeal cookies the other day too! They aren't gluten free like yours though... :)
I hope you are having a lovely Sunday!
Love,
Annie
Our church too had its service on line. Not quite the same as being there, but a blessing nevertheless.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pity that you are back where you didnt really want to be right now, but you are obviously socialy distancing very properly.
we have been sheltered in place for over a week and our tempers are frayed to say the least, we are not blessed with food, we had enough for 2 weeks, most of that is gone and there is none on the shelves. we have about 5 days left and I will be doing the early senior shopping hours on Tuesday at Walmart and hope they have stocked something. it is so bad Amazon has closed their online pantry, they have nothing on their shelves either. we are excercising and walking Big boy and trying not to choke each other
ReplyDeleteWe listened to our church service on line......so thankful for church on line, radio, and TV. Living in So. Ca. we were prepared for an earth quake. This is our emergency so we are thankful we are prepared. My prayers go out to those that who aren't prepared and can't find what they need at the store. I'm sure it's frightening to not have food, prescriptions, and tp. I believe the panic buying will die down soon. The media needs to consistently tell people there is plenty of food. Also, as Christians it is our responsibility to help others if we have goods to share. Things may change as we knew them but God is in control. Don't panic. I'm working on a cross stitch and have a few more in the wings waiting. My husband is tinkering in the garage, puttering in the yard, and putting a puzzle together in the evening. We are also watching funny movies. It helps. God bless all of us. Patty McDonald
ReplyDeleteGood advice Judy. Stay safe and well.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!! We are all so blessed and sometimes we need to rmind ourselves of that.
ReplyDeleteWe are in our city home and I have wondered if we would be better off in the country. In Texas we are asked to self quarentine but I am assuming we would be allowed to drive to the country. But what if we were there and an issue to shelter in place happened - like to you guys? For now we are sitting still.....
I'm excited about the Hodgepodge's return!! These times will be remembered a year from now. Please, God, don't let it be 18 months! I'm counting on mid-April. That pasta dish looks delicious! Way to make it all work!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful advice. Hubby and I are spending 24/7 together for the first time in 55 years and it's not all bad. Seriously, we like each other and get along quite well, so I think we will make it. I do believe though that he may get used to not setting the alarm for 5:30 a.m. to go the gym. That would be a God thing. Hubby taught our SS class lesson on Facebook live-stream this morning, then we watched our worship service online as well. These are new days, but God knew it before we did and provided the means for His people to stay connected in prayer, worship and Bible study. Isn't He an amazing God! Stay safe out in the country. Our state is the fastest growing
ReplyDeleteWe are digging through the pantry to find different ingredients for recipes:) We have food a plenty but getting a little tired of what we have. I will be thankful that there is a meal on the table, a roof over our head and shoes on our feet. BUT... I am looking forward to normal again. Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious post Judy and yes...may we all pray, pray, pray and wash hands for sure! God has surely blessed us there is no doubt. I have food in my pantry and meat in my freezer. A roof over my head and a yard to walk in. I am praising Him in the midst of this storm. As with everyone else...I just want normal! One thing is for sure Judy...we have the opportunity to be a HOPE to those that have no HOPE and thank you for sharing your HOPE in Christ. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteYour list of thing to do is spot on. I am trying to enjoy this time at home with my family.
ReplyDeleteJudy, I was so happy to get the email notification of your new post. I was just about to check on you via email. Glad you are staying safe. Mr Delightful and I have been self-isolating since February 29, and are coping well so far. He told me last night that I'm a "good one to be isolated with, a cheery little person!" What a hoot! It's unimaginable to me that there are still plenty of people out there who are not doing what we've been told and are endangering themselves and others. Stay well and keep finding joy in the little things!
ReplyDeleteHi Judy,
ReplyDeleteI just finished listening to Bishop Barron 1917 War and Faith. I am so happy you shared Bishop Barron with me. I enjoy his podcasts so much.
Take Care Judy!
Sam is on Standby with the Guards. I will keep you posted.
Love, Carla
Bishop Barron is a true man of God and a great communicator. I am subscribed to both Word On Fire and The Word On Fire Show. Also there are excellent articles daily on the Word On Fire blog. So glad you're tuning in!
DeleteAmen to that prayer and thank you for all the encouragement and suggestions. In times like these it's good to have a blogging community! Stay safe and keep the Faith!!
ReplyDeleteI love the list you made....we need to take it all to heart. Take care of yourself and stay healthy! Sweet hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteA lovely post. There is always something to be thankful for! We attended online church for the past two Sundays. Sometimes the most creative meals come about when supplies are limited! Your past looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteWe have eaten more than a few expired things recently and are here to tell about it. Even frozen stuff tastes good. Your salmon supper looks delicious. Sorry you are quarantined there--not sure if that is positive or negative for you--maybe neutral as you seem to make the best out of whatever is going on. I wonder if you don't have lots of sweet memories swirling through your mind as you look around at the more empty spaces where you all lived life to the fullest.
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