Writing On Eagles Wings

“He is not here, but is risen…” – Luke 24:6

Jesus is alive!

There is no other religion that can say this about their prophet or founder. History records that Buddha died ‎c. 400 BC; Confucius died in 479 BC; Mohammed (Islam) died in 632 AD, and Joseph Smith (Mormon) died in 1844.

No date of death can be listed for Jesus. Why? Because on the first Resurrection Sunday, Jesus, who had been dead for 3 days, walked out of the tomb alive!

The hope of all mankind rests in those seven little words. “He is not here, but is risen!”

Throughout the history of humanity, there has never been one such as Jesus. He is the Son of God who chose to sacrifice His life, shed His own blood, and die a gruesome death on a rugged cross to redeem you, me, and every other human being that has ever lived or ever will live. Why? Because He loves us. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” He loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3), and as such, would do whatever necessary to save us from our sinful nature and enable us to live with Him in heaven for all eternity. A perfect sacrifice to a holy God was the only way that could be accomplished, and that sacrifice could only be fulfilled by Jesus, God’s own Son.

So, that’s what He did. Jesus chose to leave the glory of heaven to come to earth and become “…the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). When Jesus was crucified, it seemed all was lost, but it wasn’t. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead to become our Saviour. His resurrection defeated Satan, shocked the world, and provided a way for us to be saved from an eternity separated from God. That’s my Jesus; there’s no one like Him!

Happy Resurrection Day!

I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today.
I know that He is living, whatever men may say.
I see His hand of mercy; I hear His voice of cheer;
And just the time I need Him, He’s always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart!

(from “He Lives” by Alfred Henry Ackley)

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” – John 11:25

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Oh, what a Saviour!

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” – 1 John 4:10

What a sad, dark day it was for God. In all of eternity, He had never been separated from His beloved Son. Now as Jesus hung on the cross, God the Father had to turn His head away, unable to look upon the heinous sins that His Son bore upon His bruised and battered body for all mankind. The earth trembled violently, and a deep darkness fell upon everything.

What a sad, dark day it was for Jesus. He was rejected by those He came to save and betrayed by those He loved. Brutally crucified, Jesus was nailed to a rugged cross to save a world that refused to accept Him as the Son of God. He hung there all alone; even His Father had to turn away when the perfect Lamb of God took upon Himself the burden of all the sins of the world – past, present, and future. Now, it was finished, but the cost was unfathomable.

What a sad, dark day it was for the followers of Jesus. Despite all they had witnessed in their time with Jesus, their hopes were now shattered as their Messiah was cruelly executed. Fearing for their lives, they fled and cloistered themselves in dark, shuttered rooms. Jesus was dead. Hope had disappeared.

But Sunday was coming…

See our Savior hung between two thieves.
Hear the soldiers mock His name.
See His followers as they cry in disbelief,
This could not be the reason why He came.

See Him realize His life is through.
And see the love burn from His eyes.
Behold the temple veil as it is torn in two.
And hear the One on Calvary as He cries

Paid in full, I’ve done the work I came to do.
Paid in full, I’ve paid love’s final price for you.
When all hell tries to tell you that you’ll never win,
Just remember that the debt for your sin is paid in full.

(from “Paid in Full” by Mitch Hunter)

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” – Isaiah 53:5-6

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When hope is gone and all is dark, turn to Jesus. He is the Light of the World!

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10

What does “back to the basics” mean? In teaching, the basics would be “reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic!” In maintaining a home, the basics might involve cooking, cleaning, and raising children. It seems as though the whole world has been thrust into circumstances where getting back to the basics is quickly becoming a way of life once again! I feel like I am in a situational “back to the basics.”

Some of my “back to the basics” discoveries include the following.

• Homecooked meals
• Curling up on the sofa with a good book
• Quiet devotional time with God
• Quality time with family members
• Leisurely walks
• Gardening
• Writing letters and cards

I have found that during this quarantine I have gained something very valuable that I didn’t even know I had lost. I discovered how to slow down and focus on the things that were really important to me. I didn’t realize that even as a retiree I was caught up in the busyness of life. I still had appointments, obligations, and personal plans that kept me occupied, and I didn’t realize that I was missing out on some of the joys that were right there in front of me!

I have never been accused of being “on the go,” but I know this time of social isolation has actually slowed me down a little bit more than usual. In fact, it has slowed me down enough to notice a change in my thinking and behavior. I find that during these times, I am actually “stopping and smelling the roses” without the mindset that I need to hurry up because there are other “more important things” that I need to do. (Yes, even retired people have to-do lists!) Since I cannot go to the stores, the gym, restaurants, or even the library, I have rediscovered the “basics” that are important to me.

My basics are not that much different than my “pre-isolation” activities, but I find that now I take more time with them which increases their quality. I have rediscovered the pleasure of the basics because I am not just checking them of my mental list of “to-dos,” but I am focused on the activities and savoring the experiences. I am doing these things because I want to, not because I have to! Big difference for me.

I’ve played board games with my grandchildren, cooked more meals in my kitchen than I’ve done in a long time, written actual cards and letters (instead of texting or email), read several books just for fun, rediscovered the value of quiet time with the Lord, listened to the birds singing in the morning as I walked… It’s all been amazing and illuminating! So, I am grateful that God has used this time of quarantine to open my eyes so I could see!

Open my eyes, that I may see glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free.

Open my mind, that I may read more of Thy love in word and deed;
What shall I fear while yet Thou dost lead? Only for light from Thee I plead.

Open my mouth, and let me bear, gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare love with Thy children thus to share.

Silently now I wait for Thee, ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my mind, illumine me, Spirit divine!

(from “Open My Eyes” by Clara H. Scott)

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

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Take time today to appreciate and enjoy this time in your life!

“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” – Matthew 26:28

There once was a king who had a vast kingdom. He loved his subjects more than anything, and he would do anything for them. He ruled in wisdom, kindness, and love. One day, a horrible virus came upon the kingdom. It was a terrible virus, and it was very insidious. People could have avoided it by washing their hands frequently and practicing good health habits, but they weren’t diligent, and they began to get sick. Their lungs filled with thick fluid and, breathing became difficult. The hearts of those infected were not strong enough to survive the attacks of the virus, and so the people began to die. The virus invaded everything. People were exposed to it without even realizing it, and the virus continued to spread like a wildfire. More and more people died. First, it was a few, then hundreds, then thousands. The numbers of deaths continued to climb, and despite all that the best medical professionals could do, the virus continued. It cared not the age of the individual; it infected children, teenagers, young adults, and the elderly. The king urged his scientists to find a cure, and they worked feverishly to do so. The people begged their king to help them, and he was desperate to save his people.

One day, a scientist came to the king with a discovery. They had isolated a specific antigen on this virus that could be targeted by a very rare blood antibody. If there was anyone in the kingdom that had this antibody, it could save the people. The king made a decree that everyone in the kingdom was to be tested. From the lowliest servant to the king himself. All would have their blood analyzed for the rare antigen. Thousands and thousands of people had their blood tested, but no one had the antibody. The king was so sad; he knew that everyone in his kingdom would die from this virus if it wasn’t stopped.

“Isn’t there anyone with this antibody?” he cried out, dropping his head into his hands.

At that moment, a scientist ran into the throne room. “Your Majesty!  We have found someone with the antibody!” He came to a stop in front of the throne.

The king stood up and shouted as a huge smile spread across his face. “That is wonderful!” Then he noticed there was no sign of jubilation on the face of the scientist. “What is it?” the king asked.

The scientist hesitated, then spoke. “In order to save the people, it will require more blood antibodies than this person can safely give. He would have to sacrifice his life, giving all his blood. That is the only way…”

The king sat back down on his throne. “To save us all, he would have to die?”

“Yes.”

“Who is this person? Does he know?”

At that moment, the king’s only son entered the throne room. The prince approached the throne and turned to his father. “It is I, Father. They have told me everything. I understand the need, and I will do it. Only my blood will save our people.”

The scientists were able to create a vaccine for the virus, and the people in the kingdom were saved due to the prince’s sacrifice. The kingdom rejoiced that the vaccine was successful. The virus had been defeated, and life soon returned to normal. The virus became a thing of the past, and as time moved on, people forgot about the horrors of its sickness and death. Hardly anyone received the vaccine anymore. No one really saw the need. Nearly everyone had forgotten the great price that was paid for their salvation. The prince’s sacrifice was just a story of long ago.

People soon returned to their old ways, living as they had always lived. The vaccine bottles began to gather dust in the pharmacies. Good health practices faded away, and the story of the virus’ defeat was just a small paragraph on a page in a history book.

But the virus wasn’t dead and gone; it was just gathering its strength…

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

(from “The Old Rugged Cross” by George Bennard)

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood” – Revelation 1:5

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Years ago, I read a story with a plot similar to this one. I have not been able to find it since, nor do I know who wrote the original. This is my own version tailored to the events of today. I would love to give credit to the original writer. If anyone knows who that might be, please let me know.

“Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.” Isaiah 12:6

Why does God allow so much evil in the world? Famine, war, disease, betrayal, economic woes, hatred… He is omnipotent and sovereign. Why can’t He just stop it all? Why doesn’t He just get rid of all the awful things in this world and let us live happily ever after? He can, of course, but for now, He chooses not to do so.

We all have the ability to choose or reject God. It’s called free will. One day, God will remove sin from this world forever, but right now He has a reason for waiting. That reason is 2 Peter 3:9. It states, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” He waits because He is giving everyone the opportunity to accept Jesus, His Son, as their Saviour. He waits because He doesn’t want to lose any of us. He waits because He loves us.

Right now, sin is rampant on earth, and frankly, sin is enticing in its allure. It beckons, and people follow not realizing that in the end, sin is a deadly trap. Right now, mankind’s foot hovers over the steel jaws of sin, toying with the pseudo-pleasures of wickedness, but one day that trap will snap shut, and there will be no more chance to escape its evil grip. God uses the terrible things of this world to draw us to Him so that we can escape the eternal consequences of sin before it’s too late.

Think about it. When times are hard and situations are difficult to face, to whom do we turn? When there is no one that can help us, where do we go? Think back to 2001. Two decades ago, our nation came under attack, and our churches began to fill with people seeking God. Right now, we are facing another dire situation. Covid-19 has invaded the world bringing sickness, financial troubles, social isolation, and fear… and people are turning to God. When the results of sin come, humanity always turns to God.

Christians are not immune from hard times either. My life has had its own shares of troubled times, and each time, God used them to draw me nearer to Him. Throughout the years, my faith has grown as He took me through the hard times of abandonment, cancer, strained relationships, and loss. He has used every difficult situation to bring me closer to Him. And frankly, without those hard times, I cannot unreservedly say that I would have the relationship with God that I have at this moment. Why? Because being comfortable in a sinful world is what Satan uses to deceive us and keep us from God. I don’t like tough times, and I don’t like tribulation in my life, but I am grateful for their purpose. 1Thessalonians 5:18 states, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Note this verse does not say “for every thing…” but rather, “in every thing…) In every situation (especially in hindsight), I can see the hand of God working and for that, I definitely give thanks. I know God used each situation to grow my faith and deepen my relationship with Him, and I also know He will continue to do so until Jesus comes and take me back to heaven to be with Him forever.

One day, the time will end when mankind will have the opportunity to call upon Christ for salvation. At that time, God will eradicate all sin. Satan and his cohorts will all be forever banished from our lives, and we will begin forever with God in heaven. But that time hasn’t come yet because God is still patiently waiting for His children to come home.

If you’ve never accepted Jesus’ forgiveness for the sins in your life, won’t you do that today? He sacrificed His life on the cross, taking the punishment for your sins, so that He could be your Saviour. He is waiting for you to come to Him, so that He can save you from the eternal punishment of sin and give you eternal life through Him. You want that “happily ever after”? It can only come through Jesus!

The Savior is waiting to enter your heart,
Why don’t you let Him come in?
There’s nothing in this world to keep you apart,
What is your answer to Him?

If you’ll take one step toward the Savior, my friend,
You’ll find His arms open wide,
Receive Him and all of your darkness will end,
Within your heart He’ll abide.

Time after time He has waited before,
And now He is waiting again,
To see if you’re willing to open the door,
Oh, how he wants to come in.

(from “The Savior is Waiting” by Ralph Carmichael)

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

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If you know someone who needs Jesus, please share Him with them today!

“A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” Proverbs 29:11

I received a text message today from a dear friend, and she wrote “… going to garden, to talk, and to listen…” As I walked this morning, the phrase “…to listen…”  kept coming to my mind.  I thought about how often I came to my prayer garden “…to do…” but rarely “…to listen…” Sometimes I am so wrapped up in myself that I spend a lot of  unloading on God, and I never hear what He has to say to me.

So today in my prayer garden, I decided to simply sit and listen to God.

I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

(from “In the Garden” by Charles A. Miles)

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

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Listen to God through His Word and His Spirit. It’s amazing what you will hear!

“…be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58

This is a very unusual world we live in these days. Cloistered in our homes, unable to visit anyone. For me, the inability to go to church has been very hard, especially because my social life also revolves around the church. This time of isolation can be very, very difficult and very lonely at times.

I’ve read a couple of things on social media comparing our time of social isolation to the days of the early church when believers had to stay in the homes and worship for fear of imprisonment or death. Others have stated that our worship situation is similar to underground churches that meet in countries where Christianity is forbidden.

I praise God I live in a country where I can worship without fear, and I would never want to minimize the trials and tribulations of the early church believers or the persecuted Christians in today’s world by comparing my situation to theirs. However, during this time of social isolation, I do feel disconnected from my brothers and sisters in Christ. I miss the fellowship; I miss the unity of our spirits, and I miss serving God together.

However, this time of isolation is teaching me that no matter where I am or in what situation I find myself, I can always be “abounding in the work of the Lord.” When John the Baptist wandered in the wilderness, he continued the work of the Lord (Matthew 3, John 1). When Paul and Silas were in prison, they still praised God and shared Christ with those around them (Acts 16:25-34). When John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim’s Progress, was in prison, he served God through his writing. When Corrie ten Boom was in a German concentration camp, she continued to share the gospel with other prisoners. I realize that no matter where I am, God will enable me to serve Him if I am willing.

One of the things I’ve rediscovered is sending notes through the mail. I know that I enjoy getting letters, so I’ve started doing that. It’s such an easy way to encourage others and share Jesus. Maybe it doesn’t seem like much to others, but for me, it’s a way to connect with others and serve God at the same time! “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” – Hebrews 10:24

Another way I can serve God is by praying for others. The Bible tells me to “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) It’s seems odd to think that praying is actually a service to the Lord, but He commands us to continually be in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to pray for others. I can serve Him by being a prayer warrior for my family and friends!

Social media is yet another way to serve the Lord. I’ve read posts of how God has been working in people’s lives; I’ve looked at beautiful pictures with Scriptures on them, and I’ve watched livestream videos of church services! These have been so encouraging to me! Such wonderful testimonies of how God continues to move forward in the hearts of His people! “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

It’s pretty exciting to know that there are many ways to continue serving the Lord while being isolated at home. All we need to do is find our niche! Pray and ask the Lord to show you what you can do to serve Him, then listen for His response. It may surprise you!

Through this time of social isolation, we must continue to be steadfast, unmoveable, and always abounding in our work for Jesus. We never know where our seeds of faith will be planted or who will water them, but we do know God will bring forth the fruit, for our labor is not in vain!

Perhaps today there are loving words which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now in the paths of sin, some wand’rer whom I should seek;
O Savior, if Thou wilt be my guide, though dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo Thy message sweet, I’ll say what You want me to say.

I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord, O’er mountain, or plain, or sea;
I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord, I’ll be what You want me to be.

(from “I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go” by Mary Brown)

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” – Colossians 3:23

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I’d love to hear how you are serving the Lord at your home during this time of isolation!

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” – Ephesians 1:7

Today, as I walked, I passed by a dogwood tree in my yard. Its lovely white blossoms were in full bloom. I stopped to admire the flowers, and the legend of the dogwood tree came to mind.

The story goes that the tree upon which Jesus was crucified was a dogwood, a tree similar in size and strength to an oak. However since that day, it was said that God declared the dogwood would no longer be a tall strong tree, but rather a small tree, bent and twisted, and it would never again grow big enough to be made into a cross. Its blossoms are white, and in the center there is a cluster that represents the crown of thorns that Jesus wore. The dogwood flower has four petals, two large and two small, that form the shape of a cross. Each petal has an indentation, as if a nail had gone through, and the edges of the notch are colored rusty red, representing the blood of Jesus.

In reality, the dogwood is not a tree that is native to the Middle East, and it is not mentioned in the Bible. It does, however, bloom each year in early spring around Easter, and its part of God’s creation that reminds us of the great sacrifice that Jesus made on an old rugged cross so that you and I could have eternal life with Him in heaven one day.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

(from “The Old Rugged Cross” by George Bennard)

“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:28
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“Be assured that there is no sin you have ever committed that the blood of Jesus Christ cannot cleanse.” – Billy Graham

“Seek the Lord when he can still be found; call him while he is yet near.” Isaiah 55:6

I have some regrets in my life. Things I wish I had done differently. These are my “if onlys.”

Some are whimsical.

• If only I had seen that mud puddle…
• If only I had not eaten that second doughnut…
• If only I had used sunblock…
• If only I had not put a pink shirt in with the whites…

Some are more serious.

• If only I would have listened…
• If only I had made that phone call…
• If only I had watched where I was going…
• If only I had kept my mouth shut…
• If only I had taken the time…
• If only I had chosen differently…

I suppose we all have our own personal list of “if onlys,” but there is one “if only” that no one should ever experience. It is “If only I had called upon the Lord…”

The Bible tell us there will be a time when calling upon the Lord will be finished. Fortunately, that time has not arrived yet. God is still patiently waiting, giving everyone a chance to call upon Him for salvation. 2 Peter 5:9 reminds us that God “…is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Today, God is very near. He is waiting for each of us to call upon Him. While salvation is the greatest need of mankind, God also wants His children to continually be “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:8) We can call upon Him for help, for comfort, for hope. No care is too small. Jesus waits to hear them all. He tells us in Jeremiah 29:12, “Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.” If we call, He will hear us. And if He hears us, He will respond. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:” (1 John 5:14)

Take time today to call upon the Lord. He’s waiting to hear from you.

The Savior is waiting to enter your heart,
Why don’t you let Him come in?
There’s nothing in this world to keep you apart,
What is your answer to Him?

Time after time He has waited before,
And now He is waiting again,
To see if you’re willing to open the door,
Oh, how he wants to come in.

(from “The Saviour Is Waiting” by Ralph Carmichael)

“The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18

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Calling upon Jesus for forgiveness of your sins and saving you is the first step. After that, He wants to hear from you about everything! Won’t you call upon Him today?

“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:2-3

Yesterday, my husband planted fruit trees with my daughter and granddaughter. Later, my daughter worked out with her girls. My son-in-law took time off from work to have lunch with his family. I helped another granddaughter dissect turkey hearts for a science lab. My husband and son-in-law worked to livestream our church’s midweek service. Just another day in our self-isolation!

There are six people in my immediate family, and we cover three generations in my house. We have two young teens, two adults, and two seniors living together under one roof. My family has practiced self-isolated now for two weeks, and honestly, it’s been fine. How do we do it? Well, we all have the same Father, and one way we honor Him is to co-exist as a family in harmony. God is the center of each of our lives, and we try to “do what Jesus would do” in our relationships with one another every day.

It’s not always an easy task by any means, but it’s doable when we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. It is He that keeps us in the bond of peace. Do we ever get cross with one another? Sometimes, but we have learned to “forebear one another in love, endeavoring to keep unity,” all through the power of God’s Holy Spirit. We respect one another; we listen to one another, and we try to be kind to one another. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

We have chosen to make this time profitable for all of us. One day, this pandemic will just be a fading memory, but until then, we will continue to make the best of it and enjoy our time together. There is no other group of people with whom I would rather be self-isolated than my family. I am truly blessed!

There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.

Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

(from “There Shall Be Showers of Blessings” by Daniel W. Whittle)

“And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;” – Isaiah 32:18

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We all can survive this virus. All we need to do is stay close to Jesus!