God's Joy

Larimer County is now on to its new phase "Safer at home".  This means that the next order is to slowly open up the economy while preventing another spike in COVID-19 cases.  Some businesses were allowed to open today as long as everyone was abiding by the rules of wearing a mask and safe distancing.

I did drive to the Garden Center to purchase some ground covering to put around the tree.

Even though I could venture out a little more, I chose to stay close to home.  I had some work to do and I also wanted to take advantage of the beautiful weather.

"Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.  He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills."  Psalms 147:7-8

Beauty is all around me.  I just need to open my eyes to see it.

Day 32 - Oh! Beautiful!

I came across this photo today and it warmed my heart.  I took this photo about two years ago in Celebration, Florida.  This community is located near Walt Disney World Resort.  The architect of the homes and the town remind me of the homes back in the late 50's and early 60's.  You think you are in Mayberry and that any minute Andy Griffith or Barney will walk out.

As we are going through this pandemic, one begins to think about all the different resorts and amusement parks.  You wonder, when and if they will reopen.

Looking at this photo, I remember that special day that I was visiting with friends.  We sat out on their back porch and talked to everyone that walked by.  It is amazing all the people that walk by our house now.  It is so nice to see families walking their dog(s), pushing the baby strollers and seeing the little ones ride their tricycles up and down the sidewalk.  It has been a long time since I have seen so many families walking and enjoying being with each other.  Before the "stay at home", families were off to various events or meetings and they never seemed to have time to enjoy being outside.

I'm humming, "America, The Beautiful" as I type. 
"Oh, beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain; for purpler mountain majesties above the fruited plain!  America! America! God shed his grace on thee, and crown they good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea."

The author, Katharine Lee Bates, wrote this song when she went to the top of Pike's Peak in Colorado.  As I travel in Colorado, you can see and understand why she wrote those words.

I talk a lot about nature and beauty.  This is what helps me get through these thirty-two days of "staying-at-home". 

Tomorrow some of our counties will begin to allow some businesses to open up. 

Praying that God will be with the people and stores that will begin to open their doors for business!  Praying a hedge of protection around everyone!  And continued prayers for a cure for this virus!

Day 31 - A Beautiful Day

Praise God! 

Psalms 103:15, "As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field."

We are fragile, but God is good.  He takes care of us even when we don't know what to do.

During these times, may we we put our trust in Him and allow the Lord to do what He needs to do.

Day 30 - What Does Today Hold?

As I looked outside of my window, I could see a storm brewing to the west of us.  With the wind picking up, I could hear the chimes clanging a soft melody and I watched the wind ornament spin round and round.  The trees were swaying back and forth and the birds were gliding within the wetlands.

The birds didn't seem concern about the weather, so why do I worry about today or tomorrow?  

Matthew 6:34, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Proverbs 27:1, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth."

Reading these verses, I know that I need not get concerned over COVID-19.  Do I need to be aware?  Yes, I do.  Do I need to take precautions?  Yes, I do.  If God is going to take care of the birds, then He is definitely going to take care of me.

Planning for today and tomorrow is smart.  Worrying about it, is only wasted time.  Are you planning, making goals, scheduling and trusting in God's direction.  When you have planned ahead, it takes away your anxiety and stress.  When you have less stress, your immune systems does so much better.

How could I have planned for COVID-19?  I don't think I could have.  But for years, I have been aware of proper hygiene.  I carry disinfectant wipes and gel with me.  When I sneeze or cough, I make sure I don't spray everyone around me.  

Also, after living through several hurricanes, I make sure I have enough bottled water, my car is filled with gas, I have some extra cash and I have canned food available.

I see the storm coming, but I am not anxious because I know that I am in God's hands.

Day 29 - Can You See Beyond the Clouds?

The "Stay At Home" has really been interesting in many ways.  If you have been fortunate to have a family member or many family members living with you, you have experienced living with them 24/7.  None of us really lives with anyone 24/7.  During normal times, your family members would have been going to work or school or going to various activities.   Now everyone is working and taking classes all under the same roof.  Families have had to find their own space within their home to work or to study.  Then you all come together for eating, watching TV and socializing and exercising.

Looking at the clouds today, you can look at them many ways.  Clouds create an overcast; clouds can also build and bring a thunderstorm or just a nice rain and clouds can lower the temperature.

So how are we looking at the current situation.  Are we looking at all the negatives it has brought into our lives or are we looking at all the positives?

King Solomon, even though he was a wise King, he was also very skeptical and pessimistic.  In the book of Ecclesiastes, he talks about everything being "meaningless".

One could have everything and still think their life is "worthless".  In a way that person could be correct.  If you are trying to gain success, accomplishments and earthly possessions, then you have gained nothing.  We need to understand that success and prosperity don't last long.  How many times have you read that someone had won the lottery and then within a year or so was living on the streets?  Are what about celebrities that earn so much, spend it all and lose their fame and they have nothing?

As I look at my current situation, I am happy to have a home that is large enough for me to move around; thankful to have food and grateful for the money that I have saved.  Am I happy to be at home 24/7?  No.  But I am also looking at what God is wanting to do in my life and in others.  These past 6 weeks, I have been able to rethink my purpose and the direction in my life.  My faith is definitely being tested.  And God is asking me to be still and to find the true and lasting meaning in knowing Him.

Even though our lives may be cloudy, we need to remember that those clouds can refresh us with some rain(new opportunities) or they can lower the temperature (our blood pressure) and our overall outlook of life.  The choice is yours!

Day 28 - Earth Day

As we celebrate "Earth Day", let's remember who created the earth.

Genesis 1:1-2, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."  There are some people that don't believe that God created the earth.  They believe in a "Big Bang Theory".  To me, this requires more faith than to believe than God is behind this amazing creation.  Because of God's great love, He created the earth and He created you and me.

Isaiah 44:24, "I am the Lord, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself."  These are the words that God stated to his people in Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 10:12, "But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding."  Jeremiah was God's spokesman and he tried to warn the people of Judah, but they would not listen.

As we all experience this time with the pandemic, may we all remember who is the great creator.  It is not man, but it is God.  God is trying to talk to us, but are we "listening".

Dear Lord, I praise you for this earth that you created and I praise you for all that you do for us.  May we take time today to thank the great Creator!

Day 27 - Hello, Mr. Swainson

This past weekend it was comforting to see the Swainson Hawks in Colorado.  This hawk's breeding habitat for the spring is western North America.  They are a long distance migrant, wintering in Argentina.  To think this bird travels over 6,000 miles to get here.  It would be interesting to know all that they go through to get to Loveland, Colorado.

Even though this spring has been very strange with "staying at home" and the coronavirus, it is comforting to know that the birds are still migrating.   It is a unique hawk with a wingspan of 46 to 54 inches and you are in awe as you observe this hawk glide throughout the sky.  At first glance, you almost think you are looking at an eagle because of the white on their chest, throat and face.

Mr. Swainson found its nest from last year in the old cottonwood tree.  A few days later, Mrs. Swainson arrived as well.  We should see baby Swainson within the next few months.

I am so thankful that God created "living creatures" on the fifth day.

Once again keep your eyes on nature and you will see that God is almighty and He knows what He is doing.

Day 26 - Daydreaming

When you look into the sky, what do you see?  Some say they see clouds, sun, blue sky, birds and the list goes on.  And then there are those who look into the sky and daydream.

Today is one of those days for me.  Twenty-six days ago, the governor issued "stay in place"/"stay at home".  There is something about knowing you shouldn't go anywhere, that you want to go somewhere. 

When I took a break from working, I just sat there and looked into the blue sky with the big fluffy clouds floating by.  I love traveling and I haven't been on a plane in about two months.  I normally fly somewhere almost every month.  So I am ready to go. 

Today was my day to think about the future and where I want to go.  I had a trip planned to travel to France at the end of May.  With the coronavirus, that will not be happening.  Some people say they will never travel again.  I say, "I am ready".

Daydreaming is actually good for people.  It helps your mind be creative and to plan for the future.  Without plans, one never accomplishes anything.  If you are bored, daydreaming will help you get out of that funk. 

As I sat outside, I thought of all the fun things that I will do when I make it to France.  I will travel to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, sit at a cafe and drink coffee, go to museums and so much more.  I will then travel to Normandy and go to the beaches where D-Day took place.  I will then travel to Lyon to enjoy the historical and architectural landmarks.  Annecy, which is near the Alps, will be another city that I will tour. 

My dreams will help me get through these times.  You have to have dreams and goals.  They give you a destination and an itinerary to work towards.  As the restrictions are dropped, I will begin to set-up my flight and find hotels.  In the meantime, I am going to plan it all out and then I will follow through.

Proverbs 16:3 says "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."  I will commit to God and then put effort into making these plans happened.  It will be God's perfect timing when I arrive in France.  For some reason, my trip in May was not in His timing.

In the interim, I will continue to dream.

Day 25 - Recipe for A Smile

Today as our church service was streaming, the "Doxology" was sung.  This is my go to song for whenever I am upset or can't figure something out. 

"Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."

When I praise God and thank Him for all things, I always have a peace.  The situation or circumstances may not change, but I am able to walk through the valley knowing that I will reach that mountain.

I have shared this with several friends and now I hear them singing the "Doxology" when times are tough.

After singing this morning, I felt that I needed to bake homemade chocolate chip cookies and that I needed to share with friends.  Who doesn't like chocolate chip cookies?

It always brings joy to me to see people "smile".  Today I brought smiles to several friends by sharing these hot, fresh, delicious cookies with them.  The next time a friend is going through some challenging times, sing and share the "Doxology", as well as bake some chocolate chip cookies.

Day 24 - Are We Really Listening?

I just got off of a two hour phone call with a good friend.  After a few weeks of  "stay at home", people are beginning to get very tired of not going anywhere, not seeing friends, not going out to eat, etc.  Our living arrangements have made a 180 turn.  People are now working from home, their children are now being schooled from home and college students have moved back in with mom and dad.  I do believe everybody understands that we are  having a health epidemic.  People are wanting to do whatever it takes to get this virus under control.  But in the meantime, we are all having to adjust.

We are all use to being in crowds.  How many concerts, sports entertainment and other events have you participated in your past?  Those events last several hours and then you are back in your car headed home with no crowds around.  Now no one is leaving the house and you are learning to share space.  I do realize that most of us are very fortunate to have nice living arrangements.  But when you are use to being by yourself and all of sudden, people are there 24/7, your own temperament begins to change.

As I listened to my friend talk about her daughter, mother and her work environment, I knew that I did not need to say anything, but listen.  Most people just need someone to vent to and release frustration.  It is not that they need a solution, they just need an ear.  Have you ever wondered why God gave us one mouth and two ears.  The two ears are for doubling the listening. 

There is a skill to listening and I do believe we all need to work on it.  It requires focusing and paying attention to the person who is speaking.  As you pay attention, you will begin to pay attention to their thoughts and how they feel.   Now if you are on the phone, then you just need to be quiet and not interrupt.

After the two hours, my friend seemed more cheerful as if she had a little spark to her life and that she could see at the end of the tunnel.

James 1:19 says "Take note of this:  Everyone should be quick to listen and slow to speak..."  If we talk too much and we aren't listening, people begin to think that their thoughts and concerns aren't important.  Are you listening, are you understanding and are you validating their own values?  That is all people really want.  You don't have to have a degree in psychology, you just need to be available to listen.

Psalms 116:1-2 says "He heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.  Because he turned his ear to me; I will call on him as long as I live."  Maybe you don't have someone who will listen.  Just remember that God is listening and he wants to give you his best.

During this health crisis, be available to open your ears and just listen to someone who may need to express some emotions.

I took this photo in January from the ship in Ft. Lauderdale.

All I could think of was "be still and listen as God whispers".

Day 23-Laughter of a Child

There is something about the day after a snowstorm.  Looking out into the wetland area, the sun was rising in the east and the blue clear sky welcomed a bright, sunny, new day.  The temperature was very brisk with the weather channel showing 9 degrees.  As I looked into the pure white snowy open area, I could see a coyote coming around the bend looking for something to eat.

I enjoyed my quiet time as I prepared for day 23 of "staying at home".  Today would be filled with working on real estate transactions, getting outside and stretching my legs with a nice walk.

As I got ready for my walk, I could hear a tiny voice outside.  It was my neighbor and her three year old daughter.  The young girl was singing and enjoying playing in the snow.  Her favorite thing was making snow angels.  Mother and daughter played in the snow and created a snowman.  The giggling and excitement brought joy to my heart.

As I watched and listened to them, I thought of Jesus and how he welcomed children.  The disciples rebuked the parents from bringing their children to Jesus. When Jesus saw this, he was upset with them.  In Mark 10:14-16, Jesus said "let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone, who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.  And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them."

A child is so innocent and so trustworthy.  It is a shame that as we grow up, we become harden in those areas.  God doesn't want us to be immature, but He does want us to trust him with a childlike faith.

During these times, it is so easy to be anxious, upset or discouraged.  We just need to take time to be around a child and listen to their laughter and feel the joy that they have.

Day 22 - Another Day of Snow

Another day of "stay at home".

Another day of snow!  At least 10 inches of snow. 

Hopefully spring is around the corner!

Day 21 - Press On

It felt good to get away from the house.  This was my weekly run to the grocery store.  I have been "staying at home" except for the once a week journey to purchase groceries.  I pulled into the parking lot with about fifty other cars.

I put on my surgical mask, protective gloves and grabbed some disinfectant wipes and made my way into the store.  With my NYC baseball cap and dark glasses, I wandered around the building going through produce, getting some fresh fish and other items.  It was easy getting around the store, as there only a certain amount of customers that can be in the store to assist with social distancing.  I found almost all the items that I wanted.  The paper aisle with toilet paper, paper towels and tissues only had two to four items of each. 

Bringing the groceries into the house is a process.  I put all the sacks on the washing machine and wipe down everything before bringing the products into the kitchen.  As I go through this ritual, I am just thankful that I can get groceries.

The rest of my day was filled with exercising, working on real estate and reading.  I continue to read through my daily devotions to give me the encouragement that I need for another day.

Today I read Philippians 3:13-14, "But one thing I do; forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  Paul was talking about forgetting what was behind.  That is how I feel about this virus.  I can not become consume with this whole situation.  I can do my part by "staying at home", but I need to press on.  I need to continue to run toward the goal, which is drawing closer to Jesus.  To continue to encourage others and to help them to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  These are dark days, but there is a light of hope.

The picture that I thought of when I read this verse is the picture of this young girl running through the town of Granada.  Her smile and determination in running reminded me that we can't give up.  Keep on running towards the mark!

Day 20 - Great Is Your Faithfulness

Looking out of my office window at the white cotton snow, blue sky and not a single cloud could seen, the words "Great Is Your Faithfulness" came to mind.  With such peace, I am not even thinking about "shelter in place" or "coronavirus".

The past few days I have spoken with several friends that have so many personal issues in their own lives, such as the death of their mother; being furlough from their jobs; personal health issues, and so much more.  As I talk with them, I try to give them the words that Jesus would say.  Sometimes I don't think Jesus said much.  He was just quiet and was with them.

I looked up the word faithful and this is what I found.  Faithful is an adjective that means steadfast in affection; firm in adherence to promises and given with strong assurance.  It is such a powerful word.

There is a hymn about faithfulness, as well as many verses that talk about being faithful.  Here are some of them.

The words from the hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" - "morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided".  Whose hand?  God's hand.  He is there with you.

Lamentations 3:21-23  says "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope; because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness".  God is faithful.  There may be so many different things going on in our world, but God has promised restoration and blessing among us.

Even Hebrews 11:1 says "now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."  The commentary for this verse says "faith is the conviction based on past experience that God's new and fresh surprises will surely be ours."  We may not see God at work, but He is working among us.

Without faith, I have nothing. I will keep my faith in God so that I can continue to have the peace that I need to get through these times.

Day 19- A Snowy Day

Day 19 of "Shelter in Place" was very quiet.  It snowed on Easter Day.  The weather forecaster stated on the news last night that it was one of the coldest Easters that Colorado has had.  Yesterday, the high was 27 degrees and today the high was 29.  It will be a cold night with a temperature of 10 degrees.

From my desk, I watched the big white snowy flakes for most of the day. I do believe we got six to eight inches of snow.  The sun did try to shine through those big white puffy clouds.  With the past days being so warm, the snow didn't stick to the road or sidewalks.  It was very quiet outside.  Not many walkers or bikers today.

The purity of the snow gave me hope that this situation will end soon.

Day 18 - He Is Risen

Happy Easter!  The churches are empty, but so was the tomb!  He is Risen Indeed!

Jesus's resurrection address our fears, especially during this pandemic.  He gives us His Peace; His purpose; He is present through the Holy Spirit and He gives us power.  

Hallelujah!

Day 17 - At the End of the Day

At the end of the day, I have so much to be thankful for.  I am blessed to have a home, food, family, friends and so much more.

Due to the spectacular weather, I enjoyed walking and biking today.  The warm sunshine and low humidity was so inviting. Knowing that tomorrow is going to be cold and snowy, I did not want to go in. I ended the day with 21,000+ steps.  Yeah!!!

In between my walks, I filled my house with the aroma of baking chocolate chip cookies.  I wanted to share a little joy of homemade cookies with my neighbors.

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!"  Psalm 118:24

Day 16 - Good Friday

The stillness in the air, the crisp weather and the birds chirping was a day to commemorate Jesus Christ's crucifixion.  Today, 2,000 years ago, the Son of God was beaten, carried his own cross and was crucified. Nicodemus and Joseph took Jesus body and wrapped him in linen cloths with the spices according to the Jewish custom of preparing a body for burial.

Know that Jesus was forsaken by God so that we would never be forsaken.  During this time of pandemic, death, loss of jobs, not being with family or friends, Jesus is with us and He will never forsake us.

After reading the Bible about the last supper, the garden, the crucifixion and the burial, I went outside and took the chalk and drew out the pictures of Jesus so that others as they walked by could reflect on Good Friday.

Hallelujah Christ is risen!

Day 15 - Fly Away

This afternoon on my bike ride I observed a paraglider as he took off into the flawless blue sky with no clouds around.  It was a gorgeous day with the temperature in the 50s, low humidity and just a breath of wind.

Watching the guy take off was actually something else.  He had this powered motor on his back and he took off running to catch the wind.  With the motor running, he began to glide from one area to the next.  By observing him, you could tell that he was really in touch with his surroundings and that he knew how to control the brakes and the throttle.

I wouldn't do paragliding, but I don't care for heights.  But it always amazes me to watch people with no fear of jumping out of planes, binge jumping, etc.

It is great to see that people are finding things to do to be outside and just to relax.

The Paschal Moon

It was such a lovely evening to sit outside and watch the full moon come up over the trees. The moon was huge and white and it seemed to be trimmed with a pink color.  All I could think of was Jimmy Stewart in "It's A Wonderful Life".   George Bailey told Mary "that he would lasso the moon for her".  I would have loved to seen him lasso the moon.

Another spectacular view that God has created.  The Paschal Moon sets the date for Easter.  This Sunday we will reflect on Jesus' death and will celebrate his resurrection.  

To think over 50 years ago, man walked on the moon.  And here we are today with so much uncertainty.  If God can put a man on the moon, then He will take care of us.  He will wash away all our worries and anxieties.  He will give us the peace and the hope that we need during this time.

Continue looking at all the beauty that God has provided!

Day 13 - The Robin

Another day of "stay at home" and last night we found out that it has been extended through April 26th.  This was originally suppose to expire April 11th.  With the days extended, I can feel my own attitude changing.

One understands "if the choice is between a temporary shutdown and a catastrophic loss of life, the choice is clear".

I had to sit down and reflect on my words that I tell everyone else.  "This Too Shall Pass."  "God is in control." 

You do feel as if "hope is slipping away".  For a moment I got just a glimmer of how one feels that as if there is no tomorrow.

On days like today, I have to get out and walk all by myself.  It gives me time to think and to see the big picture.

On my walk, I saw this robin in a tree and it was as if he allowed me to get close to take his picture.  The robin is a symbol of good luck and that spring is near.  A robin does make you think that there are new beginnings around the corner.  As God provides for the robin, He will also provide for me.

"Lord thank you for today and for my home, food, water, clothing, etc that you have given me.  Thank you that I have peace in my home and that I can worship you.  Lord, we pray for that vaccine and/or cure that is needed to heal the people with the coronavirus.  Continue to give the strength and the wisdom that the doctors and nurses need to treat these people.  Thank you for the ones that are working at the grocery stores, truck drivers, suppliers, etc. so that I can have food to eat.  Lord, as I come before you, may I trust you and know that you are healing our world as I type.  Thank you Lord for all that you do for each one of us!  May this be the week of "miracles"!

The robin posing.

Day 12 - Daffodils

From the moment that I woke up, I knew today was going to be fabulous.  I could tell that the temperature was warmer than what it has been in the mornings.  45 degrees, low humidity and sunny.  I could hardly wait to get outside and to feel the cool temperature as it hit my body.  It was early, so there were not that many people out yet.  With "stay in place", everybody it out.  Since the majority of people or working from home and people are not out shopping(except for groceries) or going to the movies and so one, everybody has the time to be outside.

Fortunately our weather has been nice.  We have had some snowy days, but within 2 to 3 days, the temp is back in the 60s or higher.

The chirping of the birds brings a smile to your face and makes you feel happy.  I don't understand how people can sit inside all day and watch the television or play on their laptop or phone.  I would probably be depressed as well.

With all that is going on, I have to look at the beauty around me.  The daffodils that I saw this morning reminded me of a poem by William Wordsworth.  "I Wandered Lonely As a Cloud" is a lyric poem and is one of Wordsworth's best-known poems.   It is about daffodils.

The yellowish daffodils represent joy, playfulness, survival and beauty.  Nature has a way of making you feel that you belong.

During this time of chaos find a field of daffodils to brighten your day!

Day 11 - Playful

With the 70 degrees weather and the sun beaming on me, there was something about drawing with chalk on the sidewalk.  I went from being "66" to "10" years old.  It felt good to have that childlike, playful spirit.  No worries or care in the world!

The dusty color from the chalk brought back memories of when I use to draw on the sidewalk.  I can still remember carefully measuring out the squares for hopscotch.  This was a game that you could play with others or by yourself.  You tossed a small object(normally a rock) into a numbered square and then you hopped through the spaces to retrieve the object. 

I did not draw the hopscotch board, but I did draw the green palms and wrote in cursive "Palm Sunday".  Today is one week before Easter. 

Matthew 21:8-11:
"A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.  The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the highest!  When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?  The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.'"

Jesus had told the disciples that "anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it."  We should trust Jesus with a child like faith.  As an adult, we question everything. We have to have evidence before we believe something.  One does not need to be childish or immature, but we need to have the trust that most children have.

Today helped me to get everything into perspective and to understand the love that God provides for each of us.  To have childlike faith, you understand that the Lord will get us through these challenging times.

Day 10-Reflecting

A day of reflecting on the past several months.  Have we already lived a quarter of 2020?  So much has happened in the past three months.

As I worked on my photo album from Kenny's and mine's trip in January, I thought about the wonderful new friends that we met on our cruise from Los Angeles to Ft. Lauderdale.  On every cruise we have ever taken, we have been blessed to get to know some fabulous people from all over the world.  It is always so interesting to find out how other people live and what their life styles are like.

A quote that I like is "traveling-it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller."  So true!  Everybody has a story to tell.  You just have to stop and listen.

When I think of our cruise in January, a smile comes to my face when I think of Huatulco.  This is a small town on the western coast of Mexico.  I was in awe as the ship sailed into this tranquil fishing village.  The blue green water and golden sandy beaches were calling my name.  It was a fun day walking along the beaches, around the plaza, listening to the mariachi band and talking with the locals.  I was sad to leave as I wanted to relax a few more days here.

Today is day 10 of "stay in place" and I wonder if I will ever travel again. I had to cancel my trip to France at the end of May.  Kenny and I have made plans for a cruise in February 2021 to New Zealand.   I will continue to dream of new places to visit.  It gives me hope that a cure and vaccine will be discovered for the coronoavirus.  In the meantime, I will go back and remember all the wonderful places that I have traveled to. 

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."  God chose to create this earth and us. We are valuable in His eyes and He has a plan.  Enjoy what He has provided!

Huatulco, Mexico

Huatulco, Mexico

Day 9 - Snow on the Ground

Looking out into the wetlands and seeing the white snow, I wonder if it was really spring.   Two days ago it was in the 70s and today it is in the 40s.  On days like today, it is hard for me to venture out.  I just want to stay inside and hibernate.  I am definitely ready for warmer weather and to be able to walk around the house without socks, long pants and a sweater.

But there is something about snow.  It is so white and peaceful looking.  The adjectives that come to mind when I think of snow is purity, honesty, innocence, cleanliness and righteousness.  When I think of these adjectives, it does make me feel that this weather shall pass.  And that summer will be here before I know it. 

The various seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall, actually describe our walk through life.  We need to realize that COVID-19 is a season.  Through all of this, I am learning a lot.  I am learning to rest and not feel as if I have to rush here or there.  We are the ones that have always made our lives more complicated than what they are.

I am learning to let God's spirit to speak through me and to give me the peace that I am needing during these times.  The words of the flesh/man are what makes me anxious, fearful, stressed, scared of the unknown and so much more. 

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.  The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.  On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.  We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  II Corinthians 10:3-5

With God's word, there is prayer, faith, hope and love.  Don't allow the words of man bring you down.  God has a new season for you to experience.  You just have to be willing to allow Him to take you from one season to the next.

Day 8 - The Joy of the Warbler

Watching the warbler sway back and forth on the reed out in the wetlands brought a smile to my face. With the cooler weather and overcast day, I preferred to stay inside.  From my desk, the yellow color caught my eye.  It was amazing to watch this bird that weighs less than an ounce hold on to the lightweight  reed.

Warblers are amazing birds to watch.  When several of them are together you can hear them chatter away with such joy and no worries.  Their sound is definitely music to my ears.

Knowing today was another day of "stay in place", it was hard to find joy.  As I watched the warbler, you could almost feel that as if he had no worries.  The birds follow the law that is laid out by God.  They don't question, they just know that He is with them and He will take care of them.

If only I was just as focused as that warbler was in listening and allowing God to direct my life.  With no worries or anxiety, I would have peace and joy. 

Matthew 6:26 states "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?"

By "staying in place", it has helped me to stop and look at what God has created.  He has a story to tell.  We just need to be "still" and listen as He whispers into our soul.

Day 7 - April Fool's Day

Knowing today was April 1st, I was hoping that when I crawled out of bed that the coronavirus pandemic was just a practical joke.  After reading and getting updated on the news, I knew today was day 7 of "stay at home".

I enjoyed the 74 degrees weather with a walk and a bicycle ride as tomorrow the high will be approximately 37 degrees with snow on the ground.  What a difference a day makes!

That is so true.  Just like the weather can change within 24 hours, so can our circumstances.  I have noticed more people saying "this too shall pass". 

Matthew 6:34 states "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  We can plan for our days.  Planning, setting goals, scheduling and trusting God is going to help us not to worry.  Worrying will only jeopardize us mentally as well as physically. 

With all the craziness going on, I am respecting what we need to do to get the coronavirus under control, but I am also trying to utilize my time wisely instead of worrying about tomorrow.  Worry creates fear and with fear we find it hard to have a relationship with God. 

Even Scarlet O'Hara from "Gone With the Wind" said at the end of the movie "After all tomorrow is another day".

So day I challenge you "to worry less" and "pray more"!

Spring is here!

Some more kids out drawing on the sidewalks.