Category: Spiritual Health and Wellness

Health and wellness for the soul

Worried about the Coronavirus? Read this!

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Heard of the Coronavirus?

Unless you have been living under a rock, you have heard about the Coronavirus. If you turn on the TV, open a web page, or listen in on conversation, it is mentioned.

Everywhere.

All the time.

It’s freaky stuff.

At times, it feels a little overwhelming and my anxiety kicks in because I can’t control the situation. I do encourage my family to do all the common sense things being promoted such as:

*Wash your hands – really wash. I have to explain this one to my kids. A sprinkle of water for 2 seconds doesn’t cut it.

*Cover your cough

*Don’t touch your face, nose, eyes, etc…

*Stay home if you are sick.

As I am demanding hygiene to my family, something comes over me- an epiphany.

Um, aren’t these the things we should be doing all the time? These are great year round habits and there would be a lot less sickness if we always followed these rules.

It is kind of sad the busyness of the times has taken over common sense! We have so much to do and are so important that we simply can’t miss a day.

Gasp!

What if we get quarantined?

Now let’s talk quarantine. We are a busy family of 5 and I am one those busy people I just referenced above.

Busy, busy busy.

If you have talked to me about the Coronavirus you have probably heard me say, “Is getting quarantined that bad?” A few days at home to chill, no where to rush off to, time to relax? What exactly is the issue with this??

Now, before I downplay being stuck at home, let me say a few things.

We live in the country on a big piece of land so we can get outside, walk around, and breathe fresh air.

I also live with my family so I am not alone. Not everyone is this lucky – I get it.

But in reality, 3-5 days at home, without being deathly ill, could be relaxing and productive. We are Costco shoppers so we wouldn’t go hungry. And yes, I was there for my normal quarterly trip when the rest of the world was stockpiling and panicking. Talk about insane! What’s with the toilet paper shortage?

My niece lives in Boston and her company is considering a 30-60 work from home policy. Eh. If my family is stuck at home together 24/7 for 30 days, someone will die and it won’t be from the Cornavirus.

The ripple effect is crazy and as I type, things are being cancelled and changed. My son is bummed because the Pistons/Lakers game he was going to got cancelled. I was a little less bummed when I found out we get a refund! But seriously, when you are a 7 year old basketball fanatic this is a BIG deal. Luckily he is still young enough not to sense the panic in the air.

Back to my point – maybe the Coronavirus is a silver lining and we will get a break from our overextended, busy lives?

But what if I get the Coronavirus?

I worry about this since my husband works at a hospital and is often working on the isolation rooms housing these patients.

Here’s the deal.

Worrying won’t do a bit of good, except stress us out which actually lowers our immune system.

Matthew 6:27 says “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? ”

While I believe this to be one million percent true, I do have a hard time living it out sometimes.

When the worry overtakes, read/repeat, read/repeat, read/repeat as many times as necessary!

Romans 8:28 says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Whatever happens is part of God’s plan and He will work it out for good. Believing this will bring peace in a time of pandemonium.

God is not up there wondering when this will end or who will get sick. He knows! He knew about the Coronavirus before you were even born. God does not get surprised. Despite the feeling of panic, He has things under control. (Again, read/repeat)

So, if this crazy virus forces you to skip some events, slow down your hustle and bustle, and take better care of yourself, then I would say something good is coming out of this tragedy.

I don’t mean to downplay this by any means – I know it is serious and I worry about my elderly parents. But I can’t do any good by worrying, so in the meantime, I will be staying off Google except for need to know info! Coincidentally I am on a social media hiatus because I gave it up for Lent, which is a blessing because I would be glued to Facebook right now, which would fuel my worry flames!

Check on your isolated friends, say your prayers, and wash your hands!

4 ways to grow closer to God

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Are you close to God?

Where are you in your relationship?

How well do you know God?

Do you spend time with Him?

Is God a regular part of your life or saved for emergencies only?

I have attended church regularly for the last 10 years, but it wasn’t until recently that I really started to develop a relationship with God. There is a big difference. After a few years of routine, I have found what works best for me. I hope these tips help you to grow in your own faith.

Read the Bible

There is no way around it – reading the Bible is vital in your growth.

I spent years reading devotionals, which are great, but I spent very little time reading the Bible. Sometimes I would even skim the Bible verses in the devotionals.

Oops.

I started a reading plan a little over 6 months ago and I have really noticed a difference.

You can read my post about reaching day 101 here. This method works well for me. There is no right or wrong way. Simply open your Bible and read. Stick with it. Some parts are more interesting than others, but they are all important. The benefit of this habit is immeasurable.

Pray

Of equal importance…prayer!

It can be a challenge for me because I get easily distracted. I am guessing many of you can relate. Some days are easier than others. Again, there is no right or wrong way to pray. God is always available and isn’t concerned with fancy prayers. He already knows what is in your heart and your head, so just say it. He won’t be surprised or upset. If anyone can handle, it, He can! I think honest prayers are the best. If prayer is a new thing for you, just talk to God. It is truly that simple.

Bookend your day

The way you start and end your day is very important. Over the years I have transformed into a morning person, which now works well for my life. I get up early to have some quiet time and avoid rushing out the door. About 30 minutes before bed, I try to unplug. Sometimes this is HARD. But it is well worth it. If I don’t spend a few minutes each morning prepping from my day and a few minutes at night unwinding from my day, I suffer. I will be less patient (I am not the most patient person in the world to begin with, so this is a biggie for me) I will be less tolerant – little things become big things and irritate me.

Finding a few minutes each morning and night to remember the things you are thankful for is an important part of the book-ends.

Re-evaluate your morning and evening routine to see what you can change. If you are not currently book-ending your day, be realistic and start small – add 5 minutes of deep breathing, thankful reflection, quiet time, or reading to your morning and evening.

Get quiet

Get quiet.

What does that mean?

Set aside a few minutes each day to be quiet with God. Remove distractions and noise, and just be still. This one is a toughie for restless people like me. So I am starting VERY small on this one and still working to develop this habit. I like to do this in conjunction with reading my Bible and prayer. Morning works best for me, because once the distractions of the day take over, I have a hard time clearing my head. I tried this in the evening, but it was a fail. I ended up replaying the day in my head, thinking about the next day, or falling asleep! So I adjusted to what works best for me. Consider what works best for you before implementing this. I suggest having a paper and pen handy to make notes on anything that comes to mind. Without the ability to write things down, I end up trying too hard to remember them, and then I struggle even more to just BE.

Any positive changes you can make are a step in the right direction!

Don’t make a change too complicated. Just begin.

My 2020 Book List Part 1

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Walking With Purpose

Seven Priorities That Make Life Work

By Lisa Brenninkmeyer


I received this book from the Priest at my son’s school. It was being read as part of a parish wide book study. I wasn’t able to join but decided to read the book anyway. It is written by a Catholic woman, but don’t let that scare you away if you aren’t Catholic.  It is really a book for any denomination.

This is a great book for women, especially those striving for a life of balance. I don’t actually know many women that have mastered this tricky balancing act!

In the beginning of the book, we are reminded a very basic truth. “There simply isn’t enough time in the day to do everything that your loved ones tell you is important and the things that our culture values, and still do the things that God is calling you to do.”  Yup. Amen to that.

Some of my favorite parts 


“The opposite of pride is faith. Pride sees everything through our own point of view. Faith sees it all through God’s perspective. Pride places us at the center. Faith makes God at the center of our lives, and makes pleasing him and doing what he desires our greatest goal.”

I turn 40 this year, and it has taken me all these years to learn I should be living for an audience of ONE. And even though I feel like I have a good grasp on this, old habits die hard and some days I care way too much what others think.

“When we seek security and worth in other people’s opinions of us, we are deficient of love. We’re not experiencing the depth of unconditional love that God wants us to experience. We are hoping that the approval and affirmation of people around us will fill us up, but it never will. Only as we understand the depths of God’s unconditional love will we be able to let go of the need to please people at all costs-only then can we be free of the tyranny of the opinion of others.”

She talks a lot about the use of our time. God gives us enough time to accomplish what we are supposed to. If we are frazzled, hurried, or overwhelmed, maybe we are doing things that He is not asking us to do?

She goes on to say “When we open our hearts to God, He promises to ‘teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.’ Psalm 90:12

“A wise heart will help us to identify priorities. Once they are identified, we’ll have a better idea of what should be done first, most often, or not at all. They will help us recognize the activities that we need to say no to.”

Prioritizing is so important. In one section she talks about how her massive laundry pile almost prevented her from having a heart to heart during a time of need for her daughter. Been there. Done that. Things get in the way of people. However, those people need clean clothes to wear! The struggle is real.

The overall theme: Put God first and everything else will fall into place. It may not be easy to do, but it is worth it.

Orange Jumpsuit

By Tara-leigh Cobble


As part of my daily Bible reading, I listen to The Bible Recap podcast, led by the author of this book.

This was a quick read, about 3 days. It was during my break from Facebook so that helped!

She is clearly a girl who loves God. It was an inspiring book and I thought it was very easy to read. 

We all put on that unnecessary jumpsuit from time to time. Maybe it is a jumpsuit of worry or fear, comparison, or perfection.  I have worn those ALL from time to time!

The Unwinding of the Miracle

By Julie Yip-Williams


I saw this book on Amazon’s best of 2019. I reluctantly picked it up from the library. 

Julie Yip-Williams tells her story of being born blind, avoiding the death wish of her grandmother, coming to America and getting some sight restored, getting married, having kids, and being diagnosed with cancer. The beginning of her life is quite the story and a miracle itself!

She traveled, typically solo, to all 7 continents by the time she was 30. Oh, and don’t forget she was visually impaired! Amazing. I get stressed when I have to travel to Toledo alone.

Her raw honesty is hard to read, probably because her words explain how I would feel if I was in her shoes.

A few times I almost stopped reading it, because it was painfully sad! Cancer’s devastation within a family is  beyond terrible.

But I think one of the saddest parts for me is in her entire journey, she never came to know God.  She was born in a different country and not raised in a Christian home. Throughout the book she mentions God, but refers to God as “not the one depicted in any religious teachings but rather to a being that may very well be a force comprised of all the life that has been and is and will be, a force that is incomprehensible to the mind but perhaps perceptible to the soul.” At the request of her young daughter, they did attend church. But she never found the God that I know.

Perhaps finding Him would have eased the pain of her journey?

She passed away in March 2018.

If you read this, have tissues on hand. You have been warned.

Rhythms of Renewal

By Rebekah Lyons


This book was part of an online study I did with my friend Erin.

The main ideas of this book are 4 rhythms in which we live:

Rest
Restore
Connect
Create

I agree with this concept, but still struggle with putting all 4 of these into place in my life!

It did give me some inspiration to make some time for Rest (I am actually getting better at this one every day)

The idea of connecting with others and creating are harder for me to put into practice. Time. Not enough of it. Blah, blah, blah. It is the same story – not enough time. So I am working these things as I can – but stressing about the lack of time to do them is counter productive, so I won’t allow myself to do that.

She is a good writer and has had some anxiety and claustrophobia struggles that I could TOTALLY relate to! 

Praying Women

By Sheila Walsh



I listened to this audio book, which broke my own cardinal rule of reading real books, but it was free on Hoopla. I love her accent so that made it more fun to listen to!

Sometimes my mind wanders during audio books and I can’t underline or reference parts to listen to, because I am usually driving while listening.


Despite that, I do have some good takeaways from this book. 

She tells a story about her pregnancy with her son. I won’t give you any spoilers, but WOW!!!! Totally made me cry. 

I also enjoyed the concept of praying the Psalms and that is something I am attempting to put into practice. 

The story of Angus and his wife was another one of my favorite parts. 

Worth the read! Whether you are new to prayer or a seasoned prayer warrior, I think it had helpful info for all! 

Wrapping up Part 1


I am excited that is it only February and I have tackled 5 books already, and that doesn’t count another one I am almost done reading! My music loving friends might enjoy that one – stay tuned for Part 2. 

During Lent this year, I will be taking a social media break and trying to put my phone down a little more, so I expect a decent sized list for Part 2 as well. 

Send me your suggestions!