“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” Rom 14:12
Early in the pandemic, I threw myself into work and other projects to stay busy, and now I’m feeling the fatigue. Every day feels like Groundhog Day.
I’ve let some things slip. Things like my Bible study time and eating habits. Has this happened to you? No? Is it just me? Continue reading “Finding the Pandemic Reset Button”
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Josh 1:9)
When I look back over the last few years of my life, I see how far God has asked me to move out of my comfort zone. I started my own business, moved to a new city, joined a new church, and led a regional writing organization. But just when I think I’ve stretched as far as I can go, God asks me to do even more. Continue reading “Stretching into the Future”
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Col. 3:14).
As 2020 approached, I was filled with hope and anticipation for what the new decade would bring. I read articles about twenty-twenty vision, clarity, and goal setting. I sought advice for how to make 2020 the best decade ever. I brainstormed about long-term goals to determine where I saw myself and my business now and in another ten years. The future was bright and promising.
Now, we are halfway through 2020, and most would agree that that the problems we’re facing are unprecedented. From the COVID-19 to quarantine to the senseless death of George Floyd to rioting and looting, we’ve faced tremendous upheaval. My heart breaks for Floyd’s family, for those who face racial injustice on a daily basis, for the families of those who’ve died from COVID-19, and for those who’ve lost their businesses due to the virus or the rioting or both. Continue reading “2020: The Year of Chaos”
Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. (Is 64:4)
Hindsight is twenty-twenty. It’s a cliché because it’s true. When I look back over a situation, I always have more clarity than when I am in the middle of it. While I may not understand completely, I do find lessons and areas of growth I couldn’t see at the time.
That’s the case with the recent quarantine. While many are still quarantined for various reasons—their health or the health of a loved one, their level of exposure to someone with the virus, the area where they live—most of the US has started opening up to some degree. So I may not have enough hindsight yet, but lessons are emerging. Continue reading “The Clarity of Hindsight”
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Ps 90:12 (NIV)
Due to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) around the country, we are faced with continued quarantine and isolation. My calendar, which is usually filled to overflowing, is now clear except for a few work deadlines.
Rather than focusing on the negative, I’m looking for silver linings. I’ve become accustomed to finding lessons in everyday situations in order to write posts for this blog. This situation is so extraordinary that I know God has something for me to learn.
One message I’m hearing loud and clear is that I need to be more selective about how I spend my time. That includes taking better care of myself. My word for the year, renew, comes to mind. Continue reading “Renewal in the Time of COVID-19”