|

|

Coffee Talk 04.05.20 #CoronaDiaries

Happy Palm Sunday, friends! I’m happy to report that I woke up in a much better place this morning than I did last Sunday… a better mental and emotional place, of course. I’m still AT HOME. Where else would I be?

Today begins our 4th week of sheltering in place, staying home, social distancing… whatever we’re calling it these days.

I got up this morning in the early light of dawn, and I caught this view of the sunrise from the window on the landing as I was walking downstairs. I stopped for a minute to soak it in, and then I whipped out my iPhone and took this picture.

Immediately this line from Great Is Thy Faithfulness popped into my head, and I captioned it and popped it into my Insta Story.

It made me think, no matter how dark and grim things may seem, the sun always rises. God is still on his throne.

The words to Great Is Thy Faithfulness are taken right from the Bible, the 3rd chapter of the book of Lamentations:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
    “therefore I will hope in him.”

Those verses brought me great comfort this morning, as I considered the state of affairs in the world. The context is a very dark time in the life of God’s people, but the theme of Lamentations is the hope, not despair.

And so I plan to keep these words in the forefront my mind today: “The Lord is my portion, therefore I will hope in him.”

* * *
If you pay attention to all of my ramblings, you probably know that I usually wake up before the sun without an alarm, and you may be wondering why there was daylight outside my window when I got up this morning.

I’ve started sleeping later than my usual 5AM or 5:30. Instead, I find myself rolling over and going back to sleep until I see some light out my window before getting out of bed.

I don’t know why, really… I guess I’m not as excited to get up and face the day as I used to be. But also, getting up in the dark is no longer comforting.

I used to like getting up before the sun. There was something satisfying about getting up in a shroud of darkness before anyone else was awake, sipping my first cup of coffee while morning dawned. It felt like I was stealing time.

Nowadays, it feels eerie to get up and come downstairs in the dark. The darkness seems to compound my grief for all that we’re missing and increase my dread for what the news of the day might hold.

When I wait to get up with the sun, I feel more positive and hopeful, and I can almost forget what’s happening out there… at least until I open my email and read my New York Times Daily Briefing. But even the news doesn’t seem so grim in the light of day.

I’ve also noticed that my day seems to pass a whole lot faster when I start it just an hour later than usual.

* * *

So as I sipped my first cup of coffee this morning with sunlight streaming in through my living room window, I opened up my She Reads Truth app to see what today’s devotion had for me. That’s when I remembered that today is Palm Sunday.

There are several short Scripture readings, and I encourage you to read them all, but this section from Psalm 118 really stuck out to me:

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
    you are my God; I will extol you.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    for his steadfast love endures forever!

I love how it dovetails with the passage from Lamentations that popped into my head as I looked out the window on my way downstairs.

It’s a great reminder that no matter what happens in the coming days and weeks and months, God is good, and that does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

I take great comfort in that, even as I’ve received some bad news this weekend.

Meanwhile, I prattle on about the most recent sale, complain about the weather, and continue to share my daily accomplishments… It seems rather silly and maybe even insensitive, but it’s not healthy to sit around pondering all the grief going on in the world either.

For us right now, things haven’t changed much, so I’m trying to enjoy that while it lasts.

* * *

R and Paul spent most of Friday night working on her Rube Goldberg for school. I seriously do not know what kids with parents who aren’t mechanical do for these projects. I wouldn’t have any idea where to begin. Of course, Paul thought it was a blast.

I worked on the blog yesterday morning, and then I went out for a long walk in the neighborhood. It was cloudy and 50 degrees, but the brutal wind from the prior two days had settled down, so it was actually quite pleasant to be outside.

I ended up talking with a friend the whole time I was walking, which was a nice change of pace (no pun intended!) from my usual podcast.

When I got back, I did Day 10 of my 30 Days of Yoga with Adriene. I’m really enjoying this series, and I look forward to it more than I’ve ever looked forward to any workout. I guess that’s because it doesn’t feel much like a workout… although there have been days where I was definitely sore afterwards.

But it’s more relaxing than taxing, and I really need the flexibility it’s cultivating.

The days I don’t do yoga now, I feel so tight and stiff. I really think this is the beginning of a new habit… one that I’ve needed to implement for a long time. Even when I get back to weight lifting, and hopefully eventually running, yoga is the piece to the puzzle I’ve been missing. I need the flexibility and balance training so much.

I’ve said for years I wanted to start integrating yoga into my workout routine, but it took a pandemic and stay-at-home orders to finally make it happen. See? Silver linings!

And don’t worry, I’m not getting into any of the mysticism associated with yoga. I’ve had a few people try to “warn” me… I’m good, y’all. My theology is solid, and I’m in it purely for the flexibility, balance, and relaxation. (Also, Adriene doesn’t get too hokey, which is nice.)

I talked to my mom for a while yesterday afternoon, so that was good. We both stay so busy, that we usually rely on texting to communicate, and it was nice to actually visit for a bit.

While I was talking to my mom, C made homemade burritos (including the tortillas… the kid really should become a chef) and R searched animal rescue sites for a new dog.

Yes, we’re thinking about getting a second dog! That is, if we can find one that fits our criteria. The smaller, hypoallergenic dogs are hard to find.

D wandered down around 4PM, looking for something to eat, so I put out a plate of cheese and charcuterie, and roped him and Paul into a game of Rummy 500. I can’t remember who won, but I know it wasn’t me!

After that, I made dinner, which we enjoyed as a family. Then after cleanup, everyone else scattered and went back to their holes while C did my nails. This morning I woke up with a nice, fresh manicure!

I know the condition of my nails isn’t important in the grand scheme of things, but the little luxuries help ease the drudgery of confinement, and it’s a nice way to spend time with my daughter.

Then I went to bed on the earlier side last night, as I usually do. Even with getting up later, I get drowsy by 9PM most nights.

I found evidence this morning of some late-night brownie making, so I guess the rest of the family ended up back in the kitchen at some point.

That’s pretty much how our days go. We spend most of the time holed up in various corners of the house, working or doing school… and probably streaming Netflix and scrolling social media, in the case of my kids.

Then we all congregate for dinner and catch up, maybe play a card game or a round of Jeopardy with Alexa. We may watch some TV together afterwards, or at least R and I do, and then everyone ends up scattering again until it’s time for a bedtime snack.

The two older kids stay up a lot later than Paul and I do, but we’ve been letting it go.

I see all of these parents talking on Facebook about their schedules and plans for the kids during this time at home, and maybe they all have younger kids who need structure and routine, I dunno, but we’ve been kind of letting our kids just be.

I feel like they’re missing out on so much already, so I’ve been giving a lot of grace during this time. If they sleep until noon (or in my son’s case, 4PM somedays, although I think he’s up doing things in his room before that…) that’s okay.

As long as they get their schoolwork done and help out around the house when asked, we let them do what they want. If they spend more time on social media or video games than I would like, I try to let it go.

Maybe that’s not the best way to handle things, but for now, it feels right to me.

That’s the glory of having older kids during this crisis. My heart goes out to the moms of younger kids who need a lot of help with school, especially those also trying to work from home during this time, and trying to juggle the kids’ needs and their own. That would be so much harder than what I’m dealing with.

This new normal isn’t so bad, really. I’m so fortunate we’re all able to stay home, and that we all like each other… most of the time, anyway!

I need to wrap this up so I can get ready for our Zoom worship service.

I hope wherever you are and whatever your reality is today, you’re able to find joy in the small blessings and some moments of peace amidst the storm.

The Lord is my portion, therefore I will hope in him.

Join The Conversation

47 Responses

  1. Your at home experience sounds really good. I think my son is a bit lonely since his older sister left the nest last summer. She couldn’t wait to get out of here and now I wonder whether she regrets it.
    Anyway, I love the scripture you shared. It’s beautiful to remember that God is indeed on his throne.

    1. That’s hard. I think mine are all a bit lonely… especially David. The girls have been getting along maybe even better than normal, although they are usually doing things on their own. But he’s sort of on his own. I think he hangs out with friends over the XBox games, at least. I never thought I’d be thankful for video games, but that’s mainly how he stays connected to his friends.

  2. Happy Palm Sunday to you JoLynne!  Thank you for sharing this morning.  While this time in our lives is extremely difficult, I love how we have had to slow down.  Some of us have had the opportunity to actually talk to our loved ones without racing off to the next event.  We have had time to get projects done around the house.  Most importantly, we have had time to breathe and reconnect – with our faith, family and friends.  For me, I am going to try to keep some of this new normal in my life.  I am praying for the families with young children, for our elderly, for our first responders, for those who have contacted the virus.  This truly is a difficult time but I am trying to find the joy in it.  Have a great Sunday!

  3. Thank you for sharing your thoughts this morning.  Our daughter gave us a sign at Christmas that reads “ His mercies are new each morning”.  It hangs in our den and as I was reading your message my eyes went to that sign hanging on the wall.  What a mighty God we serve that He reassures us of His presence in our daily lives.  We live several states from you but He spoke to our hearts this morning in a calming manner.  May He continue to bless your family during this special time in our lives!

  4. Good morning! Loved tour message today. I read the whole post out loud to my husband. In California, we’ve been sheltering since March 16 but there were group limits the week before that.

    We are grateful to have completed some home projects by November that tore up the whole house (texturing and painting). Its calm and peaceful.

    I read Psalms 91 over and over, especially the part about it will not come near you. I need that reassurance a lot! But I liked the verses you shared so much. Thank you.

    Faith peace and patience to us all.

  5. Happy Palm Sunday!
    Besides the fact that you have one more child, your home environment sounds exactly like ours. I was taking with a friend the other day about how blessed we are to be at this stage of life going through this uncertainty. My kids are 17 and 20 and my husband is working from home. I am working part time from home and our days are filled with the same activities as yours. I am glad that we aren’t trying to juggle two little kids and working, schooling etc. My kids are pretty self sufficient and we are thankful for Play Station and Facetime. I love that you are loving Yoga with Adriene. I think the series that you’re doing is what hooked me on her. I haven’t been going much yoga lately and have been doing more strength training. I enjoy both. (I highly recommend the website Nourish Move Love http://www.nourishmovelove.com She is a delight)
    hanks so much for sharing!! Have a great day!

  6. I really enjoyed your post today. For one, your family life and way of doing things sound a lot like mine and it’s always reassuring to know I’m not alone 🤔
    And I thought I was the only one who liked getting up in the dark and coming downstairs for coffee and reading, feeling like somehow I have magically added another hour to my day. Also, thank you for your words of encouragement by sharing  Bible passages and your thoughts – especially as we enter Holy Week. 

  7. Thanks for the scriptures.  It is amazing to read the words of highest praise during the times of hardest struggles.  It’s a great reminder for us all.

    Our preacher has been sending out his recorded lesson every week, but this morning, we had our first Zoom adult Bible class which my husband teaches.  It was wonderful to see everyone and have that group fellowship and again appreciate that technology really can help keep us connected.  I think of the letters of John & Abigail Adams and how long it took to hear back and how so many letters were lost.  The war, smallpox break outs and they had to wait months to hear of each other’s well being.

    Have a wonderful day!  May God bless each of your readers.

  8. Beautiful picture outside your window. Enjoyed reading your comments . Have a blessed Palm Sunday. I hear so much about Zoom – even watched Cyndi’s video this morning Which was very inspiring too – and wish I could figure it out. Maybe by the time this over I will!

  9. Your comments on your kids routine at home are refreshing (thank you!)! I’ve got an only, who’s 14. He’s easygoing & does what we ask of him, so like you, my husband and I are being extremely lax with his days & nights. He too uses video games to stay in touch with friends, along with texting & phone calls. He misses those in-person interactions from school,  so I don’t want to become a mom who schedules him to death. He needs some grace & patience right now, as we all do.  His online school assignments are about to change this week & I’m a bit anxious about how this will affect him & all the other students in our district. So grace & patience will continue to be our mantra. 

  10. Thanks for encouragement. This will be a great day. Love that song. Getting ready for second service. Streaming of course. Happy Palm Sunday. Beautiful view.

  11. Thank you for this message! The verses were really encouraging. It’s easy to get too focused on grief and fear, and coming back to focus on what is good is the only way I know to combat that. I love your picture of grace for your children. Thank you for sharing. 

  12. Well said!  I, too, am an early riser, but not since this whole virus issue has been going in. I feel my internal clock is all messed up. I miss my early morning Coffee on the porch, it’s been soo cold in the mornings. Even had some snow on Friday morning…Other than our son-in-law, everyone has been home. Fortunately our daughter/family live up the path through the woods!  So we can see the kiddos daily. Our other daughter is trying to work from home but with a 4 & 6 year old around, it’s been a real challenge for her. Cyndi had a wonderful You Tube video this morning on keeping our eyes on God!  That’s exactly what we need right now!  Thank you for your Coffee Talk, I really enjoy hearing your perspective on these challenging times we’re going through. !  😷😘. Have a great Sunday!  

  13. Thank you so much for your photo and words this morning. “Mercy” is what I needed to hear!
    I love yoga and am not surprised you are sore sometimes. With running and weights you have the perfect trio for flexibility, cardio, and strength. Now I need to do more of the other two.

  14. I look forward to your Sunday coffee talks. I like hearing what is going on in the lives of other people during this time. It’s just my husband and I on our rural Indiana farm. Not much has changed for us. We are getting prepared for the busy planting season. I now grocery shop during early morning “senior” hours donned in mask and gloves. I get home and vigorously wash my hands and even change clothes because of the nugget of fear that is lodged in my brain. I will be glad when that nugget goes away. Stay safe. 

  15. Morning!  So glad to hear you are in a better head space this morning. I am very much like you in that I have always enjoyed being up before everyone else, the darkness before the light and sitting quietly with my latte. I find myself lingering in bed much later especially on the weekends. The sun light makes it all feel less discouraging. I am blessed with my healthy family, both my husband and I work from home at this time and my kids are all doing remarkably well and the on line schooling, and getting along with each other. Each night my husband are grateful for all we have and so many are struggling. I know many can relate to your quotes  from scripture. I found myself thinking of a phrase I saw somewhere (likely FB). “The devil whispered in my ear, “watch out there is a storm coming, and I whispered back, “I am the storm”. I know it’s not scripture but I try to remember that with god I am capable of anything that is thrown at me, even covid 19. Have a wonderful day and thank you for your posts. 

  16. Isn’t is wonderful how God shows us His glory when we least expect it (you coming down the stairs and seeing that beautiful scene and recalling a wonderful hymn)?

    We are leaning on Him more and more … maybe that was the purpose of all this? Who knows? But I know while it’s frustrating how it’s affecting our daily routines, I’m kind of glad to get back to basics and spend more time with the family and mostly with God.

    And your doing daily posts, etc. isn’t insensitive – it’s good to also keep some sort of routine in our lives as well.

    I also do not want to forget what this week and next Sunday represent. He gave His life for MY sins so that I could have eternal life! There is nothing I can do to earn that salvation – it’s free to whoever repents and believes on Him!

    I’ve been hearing some people aren’t going to cook/celebrate Easter and I think that’s so sad. At a time like this – even if we are doing it in our homes, we certainly need to remember what He did for us.

    May God protect and provide for everyone, in His precious name.

  17. Beautiful message! Just what I needed to hear! Blessings to you for trusting in Christ and spreading the Good News through your wonderful blog!

  18. I wanted to thank you for your beautiful photo and scripture this morning. I have been holding up fairly well these past few weeks, but yesterday got some bad news about something that has severely affected our family for months. We have been waiting for resolution to a serious family/legal issue and learned that because of the virus, it’s been put off until September and I  had a little meltdown. I have been getting back to my positive self little by little, and your post has helped a lot. I know that God has got this, and it’s in His time table, not ours. Thank you!  On another note, I was one of several people who recommended Yoga with Adriene to you, and I am so glad you are enjoying it and getting some benefit. I have been practicing yoga with Adriene every morning since my gym was forced to close, and I, too, have seen more benefits doing it daily rather than a couple of days a week, as before. It’s definitely a part of the fitness puzzle, that’s for sure. Thirdly, I know your posts are helping us all feel normal, and that’s one way you are doing your part. I ordered both the Everlane sweater and tee and I wish the order had arrived so I could see how they fit, so I could possibly order in another color. I have probably ordered too much lately, anyway, with all of the sales lately!

  19. Thank you for continuing to blog during these uncertain times.  I live in the Midwest, and while we have not been hit as hard yet with the coronavirus, we are still sheltering at home and only going out for necessary supplies.  I am home from work indefinitely and my husband is on a rotation schedule for his state government job, so he is home most days.  Our youngest son, a senior in college, came home two and a half weeks ago to finish the semester at home.  His graduation has been postponed until who-knows-when, and his senior capstone project that he and his team have worked countless, long hours on this year has had all their competitions canceled for it as well.  While we grieve these losses, we know it’s all necessary right now.  Our oldest son Is an attorney in the Army and he and his wife are in Virginia while our son completes JAG school online there.  They are stuck in a motel room most of the day, except for long walks around campus when the weather is nice and going out to get food.  Despite the cramped conditions, they have remained positive and are just trying to make the best of it.  It’s up in the air when they will be able to move to their first duty station.  Even in all the uncertainly, we remain thankful for the small blessings we have!           

  20. Thanks for sharing that beautiful sunrise photo.  We have to take pleasure and comfort in the small things.  Palm Sunday reminds us what God has done for us.  I think we all need to give ourselves grace.  I too am getting up later, when I don’t have to go to work in health care,  and find staying in bed longer passes the time.  This has given us time to slow down and connect with us; perhaps we will appreciate the slower pace of life rather than running from activity to activity.    It is chilly here however that may be a good thing to keep folks socially distancing.  Police here have had to give out warnings and tickets when the weather is nice and people ignore the social distancing.  I saw the Good Samaritan’s Purse volunteers setting up a field hospital in NYC Central Park: how surreal that image is.  On the one hand, so heart warming that Christian volunteers are putting their lives at risk to help.  On the other hand, so very sad that there is a need to take such extreme actions.  That image will stay with me for years to come. Happy Palm Sunday to all.  This blog feels like a community: thanks for continuing to blog Jo-Lynne.  It helps!

  21. I’m getting up a little later, as well. Rising early gave me time to get everything accomplished in my day. Now, I have very little to do as I stay home. Sleeping a little longer makes my day a little shorter. 
     I walk every morning for an hour, then have my second cup of coffee before starting a workout routine that I’m following on YouTube. It’s not the same as a class (social interaction) but it keeps me moving. Now, if I could only stop stress snacking. 
    Keep the positive posts coming our way. We all need the distraction and beauty in our lives. 

  22. Happy Palm Sunday!  My husband put palm fronds on our front door this morning ❤️  Great is Thy Faithfulness is one of my favorite hymns! 

  23. Thanks for your great post in all you shared. I think you always put into words so wonderfully how we all feel. I don’t know how people do this without the Lord. It’s just my husband and me as we were empty nesters awhile ago. Our grown kids are married…. 3 of them and we have one granddaughter 7 months and a baby grand son due in May. We miss them all dearly. It sounds nice when you talk about having kids in the house. I miss that. Enjoy those family game times and meals while you have them. How neat to grab more family time with your college son too. God does allow times like this to slow us down. It reminds me of the verse….”Be still and Know that I am God”. I pray this nation will wake up and know Who is in control. Happy Palm Sunday. Thank you for your blog helping us all through this. 

  24. Great post– great message today. I just wanted to say that I think you’re wise, Jo-Lynne, to let your children do their own thing and figure out how to they want to use their time. All of your children are fast approaching adulthood– or are adults! I think it’s important to provide our children the freedom to be independent and learn to make decisions (and sometimes mistakes) while they’re still close to the nest. That way, you’re readily available to lend a hand or offer advice, but they are growing mentally and emotionally. As a parent of 4 children 28-38 (How did that happen?), some with families of their own now, I think that’s one of the best gifts I gave my children– independence. The independence I offered my children when they were still home (and it wan’t always easy) is what I believe gave my children the confidence in themselves that now allows them to do for others.
    Happy Palm Sunday!

  25. Thanks so much for this devotion and sharing your home life. We’re empty nest so it’s quiet, too quiet sometimes, which makes me jump on FB or watch news, then I do deep dive emotionally and go to prayer and Bible. So hard to stay on course, but I serve the King of Kings! Appreciate you so much!

  26. Hi Jolynne, I’ve been following you for several years, have been practicing yoga for 20 years, and teaching yoga for 4 years now. I am glad you found yoga. Practicing and teaching has changed my life completely. And I want to let you know, there isn’t really any “mysticism” as some have “warned” you. Yoga is about uniting body, mind and spirit. It is a holistic view of life and doesn’t contradict any particular religion or spiritual practice, in fact can be supportive of those things. It teaches that we are all connected to each other and to the universe, God, the divine within each of us. The poses are wonderful exercise, a way to feel good mentally and physically, and for some can be a way to connect to that which is greater than us. And they are also only 1/8 of the entire 8 limbs/branches of yoga. Enjoy your morning yoga knowing that you are doing something really good for your physical and mental health, as well as for your family. I am a better person all around when practice, and know that all the people around me benefit from my practice. Stay safe and healthy. 

  27. One of my favorite hymns. I really enjoy your coffee talks and hearing how everyone in different parts of the world is coping with our recent life changes. I’ve added a section in my journal just for the Coronavirus with bible verses and messages that have been a source of encouragement to me daily as we go through this. I still believe we are going through this for reasons we may not know or understand fully right now.. I’m thankful each day for all the things big and little that I took for granted and counting my blessings. We too had bad news at the beginning of our weekend one Corvid 19 related  a family we know their daughter ( contacted virus job related) and that our neighbor down the street just found out he has a brain tumor that’s cancerous. Prayers for all to stay healthy and safe!😃

  28. Thank you for your post today. I needed it. From the verse, to the Yoga link, to your authentic sharing. It’s nice to know that others also struggle with all of this and have their ups and downs. I love the fact that you are willing to keep it real. I appreciate you and what you do.

  29. Fabulous post!  While it’s a bit more challenging to remember this very important season we are in, as Christians, it is good to read scripture and ponder what it says.  I don’t even know what it was that Becca and Paul worked on.  Yes, I think that you are very lucky to have older children.  One of our nieces has a 5yr old, a 2 yr old, and a puppy, so after a couple of days she was ready to pull her hair out.   Mentally I think it is healthy for us to focus on the beauty and all of the small gifts each day, instead of dwelling on all of the heartache and difficulties taking place.  Have a blessed day!

  30. We and our kids will remember and talk about this unusual time in our country for the rest of our lives, much like our grandparents talked about The Great Depression! That time in America made both sets of my grandparents very resourceful, creative, thrify and self-sufficient people. I never really stopped to think about the severity of what they lived through until this last month of MY life. May we all become better people because of this experience.

  31. I have been staying in bed later too. We are retired and my husband doesn’t get up until about 8 so and I would feel like my day was half over by the time he got up. There are certainly enough hours in the day to get things done now.

    Other thing is that I am taking/enjoying long, hot showers with different bath gels-think I was always in a hurry and again-no need to rush-seems luxuriant.

    So maybe a small bright-side-learning to slow down a little.

  32. Im with you. I have a 17 year old who goes to online high school.  so her routine hasnt  changed  except for she needs to get online early to get work done.  she goes liberty university academy  which is there k-12 program.  it seem that when she waits till after dinner the serve always crashes.  other than we try to stay out of each other hair.  we eat dinner together, crafts or games sometimes. I take a walk or do yoga for exercise.  

  33. One of my most favorite scriptures. God’s faithfulness is indeed good and neverending.

    Finding a new normal is hard. With the closure of my dayhome I find my body is slipping into it’s natural rhythm of bedtime between 11:30 and midnight and it naturally gets up right around the 8 am mark. I don’t know whether to fight it and stick with my work routine for when I eventually am able to reopen or just go with the flow.

    Happy Palm Sunday

  34. Thank you, Jo-Lynne, for your very real and uplifting message! Our church is online, as well, and on Easter our pastor will be giving his message from Israel where he visited in January. I know it will be very moving, even more so! 1 Chronicles 29:11: “Yours. O Lord. is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.” He indeed is victorious and we as believers, cling to His word! It sounds like your family is doing well with the new normal. Mine are out of the house but still in touch every day! As a past teacher, myself, also, it is best not to put stress on the home schooling aspect nor the teacher part with online responsibilities! It will all work out! God is sovereign! Take care!

  35. This really spoke to me. Thanks for posting so many wonderful verses. Our kids are 16,14, and 12, and your routine and expectations sound very similar to ours, minus the homemade tortillas!

  36. Wow, I’ve had the same experience with sleeping, going to bed on the early side of 9 pm and getting up at 6:30 am instead of 5:30 am. I also get that eerie feeling on dark mornings and have since enjoyed getting up with the sun. Here in NE Ohio, we’ve had three days of sun in a row….I feel like a different person! My prayer life has been my lifeline; my daughter lives alone and is working from home in DC (very lonely), my son was laid off from his marketing job here in Ohio, and my oldest and his new wife are in FL, grounded at the Pensacola Navy Base. “Pray without ceasing” has taken on new meaning for me. 
    As always, thank you for your honesty and, especially today, thank you for the reminder that His mercies are new every morning.  

  37. Such an encouraging post Jolynne!  Thanks for the much needed reminder to focus on God!  I was thinking earlier today about the story with Peter focusing on the wind and the waves instead of on Jesus.  Trying to remind myself when the news gets scary to focus on Him, not on the circumstances around me.  
    Both the passages you mentioned are fitting and encouraging,  also check out Psalm 91 and Psalm 103:1-5.  Both have helped me thru this and other hard times.  Thanks again for the encouragement!

  38. Good bible verses to ponder on and remember. I always love your coffee talks. I think I am about in the same place as you with our life right now. Even though my kids are much younger, 2 to 13, the 3 oldest have been quite independent with their school work and we have a very loose schedule. The oldest doesn’t come down till 11 or 12 and my main thing with him is that if he is not downstairs for breakfast or lunch he has to figure it out on his own. We spend a lot of time outside and actually need to get serious about wearing sun screen. We have started our 2nd puzzle and will need to find a couple new ones soon but they are pretty scarce and I am pretty picky. We do movie time a couple of times a week to o. Just trying to pass the time, have some find and pray summer will be without restrictions.
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

  39. Thank you so much for this post! I also have older children at home (11 and 15) and have mostly been letting them do as they like, without a strict schedule. I’m working from home and so grateful that they can be pretty independent with their on-line schoolwork and entertainment. I had to laugh about everyone gathering, then going “back to their holes”! That is something I say all the time! Wishing you a blessed week.

  40. Thank goodness someone commented on “mysticism” surrounding yoga. I’ve always loved yoga to relax and de stress. Actually was taking yoga classes at church (Methodist).  Namaste means the light in me sees the light in you!! Eeks!

  41. Hi Jo-Lynne
    This has blessed my soul, your words flow so well. I am mother of a 6yr and 2yr, girls my husband and I are both working from home. I sometimes let what is going on overshadow the blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon me. I’m so grateful for my faith that keeps me in check every time my anxiety wants to rear it’s ugly head. I’m so behind on your daily blogs with working and teaching a 6 year old. I’m happy I fell upon this one today.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *