The Year in Review

Coming into an uncertain, but hopeful 2021, we were beginning to shed more of the virus' restrictions, and many planned to go back to more normal living.  Masks seemed more political than necessary. Churches encouraged in-person attendance while on-line services were here to stay. The vaccine brought new hope to many. Yet one thing we knew for certain; everything was uncertain. Except for One. His love, strength and comfort continue to fortify and foster us with defiant joy as His purposes for this world and for us his people continue.

Here's our year in review, courtesy of the Hochstetler calendar.

 January- 

The first session of Jobs for Life was launched through our church's non-profit. Four students were enrolled in the 12 week course which teaches job related techniques like building resumes and the importance of character. Bible verses and stories support the lessons. Ruth was a mentor for a single mom with 3 teens who hopes to get a better job in the near future. Maria successfully graduated, and Ruth made a new friend. Kevin is hoping to get involved later in the year.

February-

Kevin continues a six month course online in business management. We collaborated on his assignments, sitting together every night at the dining room table.

My first ever Zoom baby shower brought relatives together from PA, VA and IN.

Kevin's dad, Stanley dies on February 14. He had been in healthcare with Parkinson's, but his death was unexpected. Kevin's parents had not seen each other for a year because of the lockdown in their retirement facility. The memorial was delayed until May. 

March-

Four vaccine appointments on this page.

April-

Hair and doctor appointments as well as friend dates, makes life feel more normal. "Clean" is written on certain days, reminding Ruth that an Airbnb guest is arriving.

May-

Josh's younger daughter, Elle, graduates! We flew to Tulsa for a six day vacation. Graduation attendance was limited so Nana and Papa watched the event at Josh's house online. It was fun to finally see the brewery Josh and two partners opened last year.

Amanda came for a weekend to attend her grandpa's memorial. We were thankful for a warm, spring day as the Hochstetler family gathered to honor a man who lived faithfully to his God and his family.

Ruth takes a quick trip to Ohio to surprise Rowan for her 6th birthday. 

June-

Kevin finishes his last class with top grades! What an accomplishment after a lot of time and effort. He hopes to find a different job experience.

The Schrocks gather at the end of the month in southern IN for Doris' memorial celebration. She had died the previous year. Josh and Kira were able to come.

July-

After two years of being apart, Jodi and family came for a visit. Ian is 13 and taller than us! Ruth spent a few days in FL before coming back with them to IN. What a fun, busy time!

August-

Twice, a get together with Austin and family was hindered because of illness or quarantines. 

Another session of Jobs for Life begins. Ruth is helping with instruction.

September-

Ruth meets a pen pal/ twin of 59 years in Youngstown, OH. This was only their 3rd time to be together. A youth church publication first connected them. 

October-

Amanda pops in to celebrate Kevin's mom's 90th birthday the first of the month. Elaine is in assisted living but is mostly healthy and able to get around with her walker.

Finally, a weekend visit with Austin and his family in OH.

Two weeks later we travel to VA to visit Amanda and family and my 93-year-old dad. He lives independently-very well and happy. It was a privilege to enjoy both visits.

November-

Josh and Kira came with their three young adult kids (we can't be that old!) for a wonderful Thanksgiving visit. We played a lot of games and ate our favorite foods. Dan and Kristina and family joined us for Thanksgiving Day. We're thankful for the one family who lives close by and our times together.

December-

We're ending the year with plans for a small family Christmas get-together with family in town.

While life goes on more normally, much has changed and the effects from the virus still linger. Variants push up cases, restaurants remain short of staff, or closed, and empty shelves in stores remind us that we are living in a different world. While jobs seem plentiful, Kevin has not found another position yet.

 Though we don't know what the future holds, we know God is faithful and He will never stop working. What a hope we have! It's time to pray for revival and share the good news of the gospel. May God increase our love for others, our care for those who suffer and boldness to be his witnesses.

Stay Alert!-November 23

 My take-away from Peter's words today challenge me to get my mind ready for action by being sober and setting my hope on the grace I'll be given when Jesus is revealed. I always want to be ready for Kingdom action. "Stay alert!",  is how the Message Bible says it. Setting my hope on future grace means I'm anticipating more of Jesus. Where my mind is dwelling, is where my affections will be. I still have a lot to learn about doing this. It's easy to get so caught up in my activities and focus on the present thing, that I forget to invite the Spirit to fill me and lead my thoughts.

Then I've always loved the verse that identifies me (all believers) as Chosen, a Royal Priestess, a Holy Nation Citizen, and God's Possession. I'm valued, loved, elevated with saints, part of royalty with a royal title and function, and living under holiness law. But the next part of the verse is often overlooked. This grandeur is all for the purpose of proclaiming God's virtues and how I was granted this turn of events. For when I was in a dark place, God led me into His life-changing light. 

Father, teach me more about getting my mind ready for action. Fill me with a greater desire to be in union with you where my affections are for you above all else. Thank you for bringing me into your Light. Give me opportunities to proclaim how you are and what you've done for me. Then I need boldness to actually step into those openings. Your will be done in me today. Amen.

November 22-Joy in Suffering

I want to be faithful with the gift of writing that God has graced me with, by writing more frequently. As an experiment, I'm posting thoughts about the readings I meditate on following the Daily Bible Reading Through a Year Plan. 

The plan is in the book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament. Honestly, I'm not finding a lot of inspiration from these chapters. I'd like to hear what Biblical scholars make of the temple and its measurements that God shows Ezekiel. I may do some research on that at some point. Today the reading included requirements for priests and their holiness. I don't think we hold God's holiness in the reverence it deserves. Open my eyes, Lord, to understand your holiness and how you want me to live and respond.

The book of 1 Peter made it's entrance into the plan today. Peter is writing to scattered believers who had to flee because of persecution. May his words of encouragement speak to all of God's family today who find themselves in very trying circumstances:

May grace and peace be yours in full measure! Remember your inheritance in heaven that can't be diminished by any earthly thing. What a joyful thought, even in the suffering. And what indescribable and glorious joy is yours because you love and believe in Jesus. He is saving your soul, right now! The trials are proving the character of your faith, which is much more valuable than the most precious wealth of the world.

Our Father, give comfort to those who are refugees in difficult situations today. Send your words of encouragement to them. May those who love you dwell in the joy of knowing you and hoping in the future inheritance that is theirs. May the rest of us in your family see and know about their proven character of faith. Preserve their stories, so we can learn and grow in faith, also. Cause us to remember these brothers and sisters, often.

The verses I discovered from Psalm 119 today are a prayer and a declaration. Remove me from the path of deceit! Deceit is a popular tactic of the enemy right now. Whatever method he chooses to remove me from any path going that way; I welcome it. I want to keep my eyes and heart focused on the path of his commands. He'll enable me to run along this path. (vs. 32)

Continuing to Pray for Revival

 This revival focus is not going away. Yes, I have to nurture it, share it with others and keep a daily practice of prayer centered on the heart of God for myself, my community and my country. I need continual openness to the Holy Spirit to fill and use me. I need his love to consume me. I need to be aware of my need for forgiveness. My community and country need the love and humility of Jesus to work together. They need to know God's kindness that leads to repentance, that whosoever believes in him shall live in everlasting life.

I use a great tool from Christina Union Day and Night ministries that keeps me going. It's a list of 41 prayer points that I pray through regularly. It might sound monotonous and boring to repeat the same prayers, but I find the Holy Spirit dwelling on certain ones which leads to additional prayers in that area. I'd like to share some of those with you.

Number 15. "Let love for God and allegiance to the name of Jesus Christ be paramount in our hearts and our churches in Jesus' name." May this be what your people are known for, Jesus. This alone-not by our political affiliations, our voices on cultural matters that only divide us, and not by what we are against. 

Number 22. "We plead for the power of the Holy Spirit to fall on us and make us bold witnesses for Jesus, in Jesus' name."  Father, do this in us; we can't make this happen by ourselves. Give us opportunities that we can't miss and the desire to care enough to share with whoever needs to hear.

Today I read a Bible passage from 2 Corinthians where Paul, the author, shares the ways he and other leaders in the church commend themselves to those under their care. Number 16 is a prayer for pastors to protect their flock with devotion to prayer and feeding them the pure milk of the Word of God. I'm adding a prayer today from the list in 2 Corinthians. Lord, help pastors across our nation have great endurance no matter what troubles they are going through. Help them to stay in purity, understanding  their people, patience, kindness, filled with the Holy Spirit, having sincere love, truthful speech, the power of God, wielding weapons of righteousness, being genuine, always rejoicing, and out of their need making others rich.

You can find the prayer list here.

May God raise up his church in these days to repent of our sins and pray for his refreshing and revival to come-soon!

What Just Happened?

Have you looked back to when the pandemic started? There were myriads of losses since then, but were there any gains? What will you remember from this time?

I revisited my journal from a year ago and read my first reactions to the virus and the initial lockdown. I had compared the stay-at-home order to a lengthy snowstorm. When any one thing affects everyone in the same way, there’s a sense of oneness with others. We are all experiencing the inconveniences, the common lot of changing plans and the equal challenges of beginning the day, even if it’s the smallest decision of whether to wear boots. The only thing we can totally control is our response to the situation. In the case of snow, I’m swept back to the euphoria of a school day cancelled. Others grumble about the cold and delays, wishing they had gone to FL a little sooner.

So for awhile, the lockdown was almost fun. We’re All in This Together would have been a fitting title for this new adventure. Social media became our best connection to each other and how the world seemed smaller as leaders and artists of faith across the country spoke encouragement, called us to action or regaled us with free concerts. I remember Kirk Cameron’s call to prayer every day, and another leader’s invite to all sing the same song of worship outside on the same day and at the same time as we followed the music from the internet, and then post a selfie of our participation. Thank you, Sandi Patty, for being vulnerable and for sharing daily of your experience with Covid. Thank you, Selah, for singing to us from your front porch. Thank you, friends, for sharing scriptures and words of hope. 

 Our pastor, Jeremy, did a super job of drawing us together with a short video of encouraging words every morning on Facebook. We worshipped Sunday mornings together through Facebook or YouTube. We were invited into all church Zoom Bible studies and Zoom discussion groups. I remember thinking how united I felt with my Christian brothers and sisters, more than any other time in my life. 

The fact that now I have only a memory of those feelings speaks of how I’ve moved on and my question is, have I gained anything good from that time? Emotions don’t sustain us, but was anything worth holding on to? I remember a podcast conversation asking that question as we first began to emerge from our cocooning. Did God give us a unique opportunity to fix our minds on things above, let go of what keeps us distracted, and advance our unity in the body of Christ?  Not for a moment, but towards some real metamorphosis. 

Alas! How quickly we became distracted by the up-coming election, by our differences in political stances, and our desire to return to some normalcy. I believe we did not seize the moment or allow hardship to birth new lasting changes. Since then we’ve seen social media become a tool for hateful arguments, for angry demands to believe a certain way and a disregard for the division that’s happened in the wake of those behaviors.

What is God’s call to his people right now? Since he doesn’t abandon the work of his hands and since his church is the hope of the world, what is he saying? I’m hearing a call to revival. There’s a purging needed that brings repentance. A humility that surrenders all to him. Loyal hearts that love him so much that nothing in this life comes close to our joy in him. Lives that are prepared for service by “gazing deeply into the perfecting law of liberty and are fascinated by it and respond to the truth they hear and are strengthened by it-they experience God’s blessing in all that they do!” James 1:25 PTP

 The world is being called to greater equity and compassion for those less privileged. Black fellow Americans cry for it and are shouting their pain. Government is trying to appease and win favor. Often the fight against evil is with more evil, greater hatred and increase of power.

We know that Jesus and His kingdom come to earth is the only lasting change for individuals and communities. How can we not be passionate for his purposes in these days? Isn’t it worth all that we might be asked to surrender? How we need to learn to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading! Will we at least listen to the pain and cries of the persons in the world around us and hear the motives behind the methods before we cry “evil”, “progressive”, “demonic”? Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, and I want to be in that fight with him, no doubt about that! But Jesus fulfilled that mission by giving his life to set the captive free. He brought healing and hope to the helpless, and sought after the lost to save them. By his example, that meant touching lepers to heal them; loving a rich young ruler and offering him a better way; calling an embezzler and corrupt government IRS agent into his inner circle; breaking norms and cultural prejudice to go out of the way to show a woman his forgiveness and her worth; not condemning a woman caught in adultery, but by extending mercy calling her to a new life; allowing his betrayer into the most intimate setting of his last meal on earth and washing his feet; looking beyond his pain on the cross to provide for his mother’s future; welcoming children; and speaking words of truth to all who had ears to hear. He’s entrusted the ongoing work to us who believe in him and follow his commands. He has no other plan.

Lord, I know how far I fall short, how little my faith and compassion feel and how easily I’m distracted by this world. I can’t change me by my own determination, so I ask you Holy Spirit to fill me and lead me into all you’ve destined for me. Give me a willing heart to hear you and obey. Help me love and care for others like you do. Increase my love and allegiance to you. Forgive my sins. Be my strength in weakness and may this all be for your glory and our joy of life together.    

Love Letters from 1950

 I have had the privilege of reading the letters my parent's in law wrote to each other from June 1949-May 1950. The letters contain a story of their courtship. I didn't read every letter word for word, but I did open each one and read the highlights. They both wrote almost every day to one another. The letters are sweet and filled with Godly thoughts from two hearts that wanted to do God's will. They were certain of their feelings for one another from the first time they met. It was a pleasure to observe how their love progressed and to get a glimpse of how they lived their lives from day to day. 

My mother-in-law was a young traveling evangelist in Illinois. Their story began when Dad went to one of the revival meetings she was preaching at and offered to take her home after the meeting. I am increasingly thankful for the legacy they left the next generations. To have this record of the beginning of their relationship is a treasure indeed.

The following is a summary of what I read in the letters and an imperfect attempt to portray the love they had for God and for one another. Enjoy this time travel into 1949 and how two lives came together for a lifetime marriage. They have both gone on to their eternal home and the God they served and worshiped.

The Courtship of Allen and Doris

It began that Tuesday night on June 14, 1949. She was a traveling evangelist speaking two and a half hours from where he lived.  Why he decided to go to the meeting is unknown, but after the meeting he asked to take her home. He sent his first letter the following day. 

 I didn’t find a letter from her in response to that first letter, but apparently he went back to the meetings the next two nights and traveled back to Tiskilwa, IL Friday afternoon. He wrote to her before he left town.  “What a wonderful day this has been for me.”…All day long there has been a song in my heart and the song, ‘I’d rather have Jesus’ has just kept bursting out…Doris, I just can’t write what is in my heart now…”  He signed it “Yours in Him, Allen”.

Her first letter was written that Friday evening after the meeting.
“Dear Allen,
I’m thinking of you-maybe I shouldn’t but I’ve thought of you off and on all day. I have been true to my duties…but memories have never been far from me. My prayers have been punctuated with –‘Father, keep Allen safe and true to thyself and thy will be done.’”
The next two letters were written Saturday and Sunday, and the three were mailed together in one envelope. She also let him know she had been hoping to hear from him and then expressed this: “My heart is full Allen with things ‘unlawful for me to utter’ so God keep you Allen. God keep you.” The letters were all signed with “God bless you, Doris.” 

From there began an almost daily correspondence from each of them to the other. There were gaps when they actually got to spend a weekend together. The letters after the visits expressed their feelings of loneliness and sadness of being apart with little about the activities they did during the time together. Before they were to get together on August 20, she revealed that she was eager to see him. “I’m afraid I’ve said it in so many different ways that I’ve lost all semblance of ‘maidenly modesty”.

By the end of August they were engaged, although only the family knew until they announced it around Christmas. There are no details written about a proposal, but in 1949 a simple question with a simple answer would have sufficed and a ring was not expected, and to them would have been a worldly symbol.

She was first to change salutations from Dear to Dearest and the closing of "Yours in Christ" became 'With love, Doris." It didn’t take long until he followed suit. The letters became sweeter and more expressive of their love for one another.

They talked of chores they did during the day, visiting family, services they attended and the topics of the sermons. They shared Bible verses and how much they wanted to stay in God’s will. There were enclosures in the letters- cartoon clippings, bulletins of services they attended and occasional photos-black and white of course and surprisingly, still in the envelopes. An early letter of his contained a photo of him at a beach wearing only a pair of white shorts. She didn’t seem to think it too risqué.

Both of them shared poetry they copied from books; she wrote her own poem to him at least once. They recommended books to each other or enclosed a magazine article for the other to read. Once he sent her an article that included a checklist of how a woman could know if she was ready for marriage. He assured her she had accomplished all of them. Early on in the relationship, he changed membership from his Mennonite church to her Free Methodist denomination. (She later changed to Mennonite and  they attended the Mennonite church sometime after they were married.)

Once she enclosed a flower that the child of the family she stayed with during one of the revivals gave to her and made her promise to send to Allen. It was very pressed and faded and the stem became detached as it fell out of the envelope. As they got closer to marriage they sent a few pictures of furniture, and they were pleased to learn they both had similar tastes.

She had read a biography of a minister of God that she admired and decided to practice something that this man and his wife had written to each other while courting. They were messages in capital letters. Each letter stood for a word. From reading their endearing names for each other and letter closings, I was able to decipher most of them. Here’s an example: ILYHWAMH. (I love you, honey with all my heart). They coded some Bible verses this way for the other to solve.

She often spoke of the revival meetings and how God gave her special grace to share the message. Before the meetings she dealt with nervousness, but God always came through for her. There was always a report of how many came forward to either get saved or sanctified. It was never large numbers, but each one was a victory for the cause. And if no one responded, there was still a sense that God was moving and the meeting had not been in vain. She would be on assignment for a couple of weeks and then have a short break before she was asked to go somewhere else, traveling by bus to get there.

He was attending college and talked about his studies and preparing for tests and what grades he was getting. He would go home some weekends to be with his mother, who was alone, as his father had died earlier. His sisters were both married. He’d often give a ride to other students. He had his own victories to share about prayer meetings and how God had moved in their gatherings. Many times he mentioned passages of scripture he was reading. He received monthly GI checks around $240.

She was weight conscious and sometimes shared how little she ate. He chided her to take care of herself. Once he corrected her spelling in a letter. She very humbly accepted his remarks and praised his excellence in an area she felt weak in. A few times they were annoyed and amused at the gossip that they heard about themselves. One time some woman wanted to correspond with Doris. It became obvious she only wanted to argue her point about why her denomination was the right way. Doris tried to be gracious, but didn’t engage in the argument, which Allen advised her not to do. The young, pretty evangelist, also, had some occasional admirers that she had to ignore and avoid.

The letters mentioned an epidemic once, chicken pox and close family and acquaintances getting the mumps. The couple carefully tried not to get exposed.

Although they were very proper in expressing their love, they talk about the sweetness of their kisses. In February, he began signing his letters with a symbol after his name. It was a circle with an X inside of it. How thrilling for her as she recognized it as a kiss and she began sending the symbol back to him. Eventually, the circle changed from the 4 arms of an X to looking like a wheel with many spokes. (Maybe the wagon wheel they kept in the living room of the house on CR 38 had a hidden meaning that we’re just now discovering!)

She was more flowery in speech in her letters. His were shorter but filled with love and desire for her. One letter acknowledged this. She wrote, “I love to hear from you even it it is only a short one. Your short notes are “sorta” like an old fashioned kiss snatched until we can get something better. They are very sweet though so send them along whenever it is necessary. I know my darling that you are very busy and I’ll never complain that you are neglecting me as long as I know you love me deep down in your heart, and I am thoroughly convinced that you do dear…”

Here are a few more excerpts from her letters as they got closer to marriage:
“I love you more and more. My heart is full of love tonight. I am sure the future generation will smile at the evolution of our little symbol from the (she drew an circle with an X) to ( she drew the wheel), but no one will know like we do how very very much it means. I sometimes feel like writing it like this. (she draws a spoke with multiple rays surrounding it-sunlike). But even then it is after all just ink and paper-a feeble expression of something else that is flesh and blood and fire-naughty me- Maybe I shouldn’t have written that. But I love you so-Your Doris”

“Both your letters warmed my heart so this morning that I just felt like I was bathed in sunshine. I love to have you write that you miss me and that you are hungry for (the spoke symbol), because I feel the same way and I like to have company in my misery…”

“Someday we’ll have a little handsome AJS, diluted with some DER.” 

“Honey, I love you and I’m so hungry for ( a two inch line with a spoke in the middle of the line), maybe I shouldn’t say it. I wish you were close enough and words wouldn’t be necessary. I had better continue to write for I am just sitting here, imagining and sighing great big sighs. Ha!”

They were married on a Thursday afternoon, June 22, 1950 and the letters stop a couple days before the wedding.

What a legacy they have left us! And what a great picture into the past and how they navigated a Godly courtship. I didn’t read every letter word for word, but they all held my interest, and I did open each one. Their love for God and the Bible and their commitment to doing His will is very evident. They honored their parents and family members. There is no mention of what was popular in fashion or music at the time, or about politics. She knew about fashion when it came to wedding dress styles and what to give her attendants for gifts. They were interested in buying new furniture for their first home. But beyond that they didn’t write about the culture outside of their communities.

I found it interesting that she didn’t seem to struggle with leaving her calling as an evangelist to getting married. She just knew it was the next step for her and she expressed no regrets, even when others questioned her decision.

I learned that the postal service has definitely digressed since then, as they were receiving their letters one or two days after they had been mailed. At least it was that fast between the 200 or so miles that separated them.

I didn’t realize Dad was such a romantic or that he could express himself like he did in his letters. They were certain of their love and never wavered in their desire for each other.

I hope I have represented them fairly, as I’ve been privy to their intimacy in courtship expressed through their letters, and I only want to honor and preserve their memories by sharing this snapshot story of their romance.

What is Greater Than Fairness?

Our pastor has encouraged us to read the gospels these last two months. It's been good to reflect on Jesus' words. Just when I think I have a passage figured out, along comes another thought that expands the text or gives a new perspective to another one. Here's an example that I'm currently working on.

This Isn't Fair!

I know a friend who is very frustrated with his work place. The complaint hasn't changed over the long years he's worked there. The boss hates confrontation, so the bad workers get away with their poor habits and the good workers are rarely praised. It doesn't feel good or fair to see so many who are slackers, liars, and take advantage of the company, treated without discipline and given what they don't deserve. The boss will sooner overlook poor performance than confront the worker.

My friend has put in long hours, worked hard and loyally at his job, but feels overlooked when it comes to appreciation from the boss, bonuses and better benefits. He can appreciate that the owner wants to be kind and show mercy, but if the workers who can be counted on are never acknowledged, it becomes hard to keep a good attitude. The disparity not only creates differences in treatment, but the slackers take advantage of the fact that they will never be held accountable for their actions, while the good guys have to work harder to cover for their mistakes.

The Prodigal Brother

Like the irritation of someone arguing against your feelings of injustice and offering no sympathy for your situation, Jesus' parable of the prodigal son brings an unwanted opportunity for self examination. We often focus on the Father's generous forgiveness for the younger son, which is amazing! But the scene with the Father begging the older son to join in the celebration was my rather-not-go-there realization. 

Older brother had watched his sibling dis his father (in that day and culture asking for your inheritance early was like wishing your father was dead), squander his inheritance on wanton living and dare to come crawling back for mercy. The Father responds to the older son's anger, not with sympathy, but acknowledges his constant relationship with the son who has never left him and that all the Father has belongs to this son. It wasn't enough for the older son. His self-righteousness and following all the rules had been more important than the relationship he could have had with his generous father. He had worked hard to do the right thing, and now his low-life brother was getting the attention and fanfare. For what?  The runaway deserved punishment, not a party! 

Modern day version- Faithful works overtime diligently for the boss and company while watching foolish co-workers disregard company policies and make poor excuses to the boss for missed days of work. The boss forgives their mistakes and shiftlessness, again and again and again. When raises gets passed out to all, regardless of performance, Faithful feels slighted. 

What Would You Do?

There are more questions than answers as I try to understand this. Discipline and order are necessary for a good working environment. Any boss who doesn't play fair will never have a company culture of peace and good will. The modern day version analogy with Jesus' story breaks down because the boss isn't Faithful's father and there is no repentance happening with his co-workers and their behaviors. How should Faithful deal with this? 

Does He Alone Satisfy Me?

As Christians, our heavenly father is generous and loves sinners. He doesn't deal everyone the same hand of circumstances or talents. Yet he loves us equally and what he desires more than anything is for his kids to be in love with him and to be with him. His resources available to  them are limitless. ("My son," the father said, "you are always with me, and everything I have is yours." Luke 15:31.) Is this enough for me, even when it feels like others are being favored?

John Piper said, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." Is this true of me?

I want to explore this theme more in some future post. I keep seeing other things Jesus said that are challenging my idea of fairness and where my focus should be.

Words to Prayer By

Repeating God's Word in prayer has been a practice I can gladly recommend. As I've recently considered some of the prayers I've hooked my anchor onto in the last year, I wanted to share how they've  sweetened my well-being, like the chocolate pieces I reach for after dinner (and lunch and sometimes in between...😌😋); they are a sweet treat to my palate. 

Here are some of the prayers that have been tethering me: 

Prayers for our political leaders and justices:

Exodus 20:23(VOICE)- Even if the majority of people are doing evil, help them not to follow. Also, when they are called to give testimony in a dispute, help them not to let the crowd pressure them into perverting justice.

Proverbs 16:23(TLB)-Give them a wise mind with careful and persuasive speech.

Proverbs 2:8(CEB)-Guard the paths of justice [in our nation]

Psalm 94:15(NIV)- that judgment will again be founded on righteousness and all the upright in heart will follow it.

Prayer for family:

2 Thessalonians 11-12(LEB)-That each one would be considered worthy of the calling of our God and that he would fulfill every desire for goodness and work of faith with power, so the name of our Lord Jesus my be glorified in them, and you in them, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayers for me:

Theme verse for this year-Micah 6:8(NIV)-help me to do justly, love mercy and to walk humble with you!

When feeling a desire unfulfilled-Psalm 84:11(KJV)-Lord give me grace and glory. You say, no good thing will you withhold from them that walk uprightly.

When not seeing the results I want to see-Galatians 6:9(TLB)-Let me not get tired of doing what is right, for after awhile I will reap  a harvest of blessing if I don't get discouraged and give up.

When feeling depressed-Psalm 27:7, 11, 14(TLB) Listen to my pleading, Lord! Be merciful and send the help I need...Tell me what to do, Lord, and make it plain...Help me to be patient and wait for you, for you will come and save me! Make me brave, stouthearted, and courageous. Yes, help me wait. You will come and help me.

Psalm 103:1-5(KJV)-Bless the Lord, my soul and all that is within me(the good, difficult or whatever I'm feeling in that moment), bless his holy name...

Prayers we've been praying as a church:

Jeremiah 6:16(ERV)-This is what the Lord says. Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask about the ancient paths. Ask where the good road is. Walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.

Ephesians 5:18(KJV)-...be filled with the Spirit. (Fill me, then wait in silence for him to speak)

Hebrews 10:23-24(NIV) let us consider how we can spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

He is never farther than a prayer away. Pray on then!

Let me know what prayers have been guiding you these past few months.

ruthshow1@gmail.com

It's Been a Year!, Part 2

 My previous post listed all the books I read in 2020. It was interesting for me to see what themes and messages I was ingesting while the year progressed. Because the post is fairly long, I thought I'd create a shorter version of my reading list. If you want to read the original post, where I give a brief summary of each book, you can access it here.

The First Book Kind of Set the Tone for the Year!

A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia- Clara Benson

This was a quick read mystery. I enjoyed it, but the ending note I had about the book says, "Then the story turns dark and pretty gruesome."

I read this book early in the year. Dark and gruesome... Ummmm...Covid was on the way.

Grappling With Issues of Race and Politics

Allah-A Christian Response-Miroslav Volf

The Vanishing Half-Brit Bennett

The Hate U Give-Angie Thomas

The Third Option-Miles McPhearson

Dream With Me-John M. Perkins

When a Nation Forgets God-Erwin Lutzer

Compassion and Conviction-Justin Giboney

I already had a desire to learn more about loving those not like me, evident in the Muslim book I read early on. After George Floyd's death, I really wanted to build empathy for the black community. I appreciate the four books I picked for that purpose. The theme of learning how to work alongside those not like me was important this year when it came to politics, also. Justin Giboney's book and the Nation that Forgets God, were helpful in bringing balance about how to view the huge chasm between people surrounding the presidential election this year. 

Has The World Really Come To This?

Total Truth-Nancy Pearson

Fahrenheit 451-Ray Bradbury

Grace From the Rubble-Jeanne Bishop

I believe we were set up for the extreme polarization that we saw among our legislators. Nancy Pearson's book, Total Truth certainly builds a case for how we as a culture let go of absolute truth and traded it for our own interpretations. How often did we hear about "fake" news? Lying became fashionable; our own president leading the way as one of the worst offenders. The term "alternate facts" was coined in this year. Is Fahrenheit 451 prophetic in how a society gradually devalues knowledge built on facts and holds no honor for the lessons learned in history? As we look at the future and wonder where a more progressive government will lead us, are we paving the way for left leaning policies because we've forgotten what it means to work together and not trust anyone outside our tribe? That fighting is the only way to get what we want because the other side is totally evil and not to be trusted? Will it matter that stories like the Oklahoma fathers, whose sons would have been considered enemies, can teach us how to offer forgiveness to one another? 

What About Me?

Created for Connection-Sue Johnson, Ken Sanderfer and Dr. Johnson

Who Am I?-Jeff Little

Every Good Endeavor-Timothy Keller 

How do I stay connected to my people? Will I draw closer to those I love, so I feel safe when my fragility and insecurities leave me wondering who I really am? Because I'm just starting retirement, how will I find those good endeavors for my life, now that I'm not going to work every day? 

Biographies

Thirst-Scott Harrison

Burn Your Bed-Ed Speyers

Following Jesus-about Tanneken Fros

The Beauty in Breaking- Michele Harper

Before You Quit-Doug Gehman

The biographies on the list remind me that God-like people can inspire us to stay the course, and Mr. Gehman tells me how to endure so that I don't give up when the journey brings trouble. Covid was trouble, and it was good to be encouraged by his words.

Fiction Escapes (Not mentioned in another category)

Long Way Gone-Charles Martin
Wish You Well-David Baldacci
The God of the Hive-Laurie King
Mildred Budge in Cloverdale-Daphne Simpson
The House of Closed Doors-Jane Stein
Beantown Girls-Jane Healey
The Unfinished Gift-Dan Welsh

Praise God for fiction books to lighten things up and bring a relief from heavy thinking and a brief reprieve from reality. I think my favorite in this genre was Mildred Budge. She made me laugh. I judged her as simple, until she was not, and she let me see how an ordinary life can make a difference.

I wonder what books I will discover in 2021?

It's Been a Year!

Somehow, the 2020 year seemed endless. After thinking through the year and writing my Christmas newsletter, I realized I had forgotten events that happened before the virus took control. Those things seemed part of another year, forgotten after the all-consuming Covid intruder stole our attention.

While the year brought many changes and restrictions, I did have time to read. I thought it'd be fun to look back over the list of the books I read in 2020. Do they fit into any kind of theme or underlying message I was unconsciously absorbing?

Here are the 27 books in the order read:

A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia- Clara Benson

This was a quick read mystery. I enjoyed it, but the ending note I had about the book says, "Then the story turns dark and pretty gruesome."

Allah-A Christian Response-Miroslav Volf

Volf is trying to make the point that Christians and Muslims have the same God. I'm not sure if I agree with him, but it did help me to understand that he isn't writing the book as a guide for how to bring Muslims to salvation, but rather presenting a perspective to consider that might help Christians and Muslims work together and appreciate their similarities.  He brings up an interesting point that Christians don't object to believing that Jews and Christians pray to the same God. 

Thirst-Scott Harrison

This was an inspirational memoir of the founder and CEO of Charity:Water, an organization that works to bring good drinking water to underprivileged communities around the world. Scott tells his story from his early years to being a night club recruiter to working with Mercy Ship and then to drilling wells in Africa. He was transformed by Jesus Christ. "Amazing story of how God uses this man and the work he is doing around the world. Scott has amazing gifts-passion, bullheadedness, determination, lots of energy and vision.

Who Am I?-Jeff Little  (Read for a church wide study)

Hopefully, I've dealt with a lot of my insecurities by this time in my life, but there is always more that needs Christ's transformation. Jeff uses Bible characters to exemplify the common themes of our insecurities, Moses-feeling unqualified, Ruth-dealing with aloneness...

Total Truth-Nancy Pearson

A hefty read and very thought provoking. The author explains how we got from a culture of traditionalism to modernism to post modernism. There is now a fact/value split. Where once our personal preferences were overlaid on the foundation of public norms, scientific knowledge and facts that were binding on everyone, now our values and individual choices are solely judged and accepted as what is right by the individual's feelings or own experience. Religion is ok as long as it doesn't pretend to be knowledge. Quoting from the book, "Christians must find ways to make it clear that we are making claims about reality, not merely our subjective experience...Christianity is not an irrational, upper story leap, but a comprehensive truth that meets the human hunger for an overarching, consistent worldview. As Christians we are not offering a subjective private faith that is immune to rational scrutiny." There are certain universal truths of common sense. We are constructed according to God's image, live in God's universe and are upheld by His common grace that we all share.

Long Way Gone-Charles Martin

It's always a pleasant read when you've got a Charles Martin novel in hand. I never have to brace myself for scenes that violate my conscience, and yet he is not a fluffy religious fiction writer. One of my remarks on this book was, "There were some parts that were too unrealistic." Imagined life is sometimes like that. :)

Wish You Well-David Baldacci

Setting is in the VA mountains. A lawyer fights against big business to keep a property for a widow and her grandchildren. A different story for the author who writes a lot of spy mystery and suspense. Enjoyable.

Every Good Endeavor-Timothy Keller

We read this as an assignment for an outreach our church is starting for those who are lacking a job or want to get a better job. Keller explains how work was always God's design and purpose for his creation. Christians do his work. So what about the good accomplished by non-Christians? Since we are all made in the image of God we can look for the good and true in everyone, acknowledging that all Christians are subject to idolatrous tendencies. We humbly need to stay submitted to our Creator. It's that common grace theme again.

Burn Your Bed-Ed Speyers

Great biography of the author and his wife and their work in Suriname. Well written and very interesting.

The Faith of a Child-Art Murphy

This was donated to the church library. It was published in 2000. I chose not to add it to the library. There were some good things to say about recognizing where a child is at in their faith and how to encourage their faith. Not sure I agree with the emphasis on finding just the right time to have the child "saved". I think children are continually learning and their growth path is unique to each one.

The God of the Hive-Laurie King

Another good Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell novel. 

Following Jesus-Tanneken Fros

This is Tanneken's story. I enjoyed learning more about her life and how God has used her. "She is an amazing woman with a single heart for God."

Farenheit 451-Ray Bradbury

What if the quest for knowledge and reading books was taken out of a society? Not just not present, but considered the enemy and any violators would be hunted own, their houses burned and their lives likely over? Quote near the end of the book-"Someday the load [of books] we're carrying with us may help someone. But even when we had the books on hand, a long time go, we didn't use what we got out of them. We went right on insulting the dead. We went right on spitting in the graves of all the poor ones who died before us. We're going to meet a lot of lonely people...and when they ask us what we're doing, you can say, 'We're remembering.' That's where we win out in the long run. And someday we'll remember so much that we'll build the biggest...steam shovel in history and dig the biggest grave in all history and shove war in and cover it up..."

The Vanishing Half-Brit Bennett

In light of the racial tension our country went through the summer of 2020, this turned out to be a very timely read.  It's about two sisters who approach their almost white skin life very differently. One marries a white man, never revealing her background. The other marries a very dark skinned man.

Mildred Budge in Cloverdale-Daphne Simpson

Just a little Christian fiction read  I had on my Kindle. It reminded me of Jan Karon's books. The protagonist is relatable and honest with an ordinary life lived alone, and full of surprises when it counts!

The Hate U Give-Angie Thomas

A book I chose to read to build empathy for our black population. It highlights the disparities they face in their normal lives. I don't want to lose this desire to be part of what it will take to have a country where all are treated equitably.

The House of Closed Doors-Jane Stein

Historical fiction. How out of wedlock pregnancy was handled in the late 19th century. A mystery. Clean and interesting read. 

The Third Option-Miles McPhearson

A black man pleads with us to take option 3. Not one side or another, but both-honoring one another, waking in forgiveness and confession, living not in fear, but blessing others, recognizing God's design in each of us, to hold honorable assumptions about individuals and groups, to have grace with each other in conversations about race, accountable to each other.

The Beauty in Breaking- Michele Harper

Black medical doctor shares her stories of people she worked with and on in the ER. Not a Christian perspective.

Grace From the Rubble-Jeanne Bishop

"It's a story of forgiveness offered and how father's bonded over love for their children. Oklahoma bombing. Very touching and good."

When a Nation Forgets God-Erwin Lutzer

A pretty balanced view on the political scene. It calls God's people to repentance and being about the business of our heavenly kingdom.

Compassion and Conviction-Justin Giboney

Very timely read for how God's people are to engage in politics.Truth and Love should always guide our actions and decisions. We love others who disagree with us and seek ways to work together, without compromising our convictions. I outlined each chapter with the main points because I really want to understand how to get this subject right. This year has forced us to be engaged in politics, whether we wanted to or not.

Created for Connection-Sue Johnson, Ken Sanderfer and Dr. Johnson

The authors developed a therapy for couples-EFT, emotionally focused therapy. It's been successful in creating more secure relationships. Key questions is Are you there for me? A.R.E. accessible, responsive and engaged. Need to be safe havens for each other. Closeness to God and loving connection with others works in tandem. Feeling loved makes us kinder and more tolerant to all. Healthy dependency. 

Dream With Me-John M. Perkins

I appreciate this author and his passion for bringing the church together to become that diverse body that will be around the throne of heaven in worship. 

Before You Quit-Doug Gehman

"Perseverance in growth always requires trouble." Great book on endurance.

Beantown Girls-Jane Healey

WWII had Clubmobiles, hosted by girls, that traveled to different army camps and handed out coffee, doughnuts, cigarettes and good cheer. This is a fictitious story of 4 girls who went to serve in Europe. 

The Unfinished Gift-Dan Welsh

Enjoyable novel. Wartime setting.

If you made it through to the bottom, here are some threads I see, that interestingly parallel with some of the events throughout the year. My note about the very first book, probably read in January, says "Then the story turns dark and pretty gruesome." Ummmm...Covid was on the way.

I already had a desire to learn more about loving those not like me, evident in the Muslim book I read early on. After George Floyd's death, I really wanted to build empathy for the black community. I appreciate the four books I picked for that purpose. The theme of learning how to work alongside those not like me was important this year when it came to politics, also. Justin Giboney's book and the Nation that Forgets God book were helpful in bringing balance about how to view the huge chasm between people surrounding the presidential election this year.

I believe we were set up for the extreme polarization that we saw among our legislators. Nancy Pearson's book, Total Truth certainly builds a case for how we as a culture let go of absolute truth and traded it for our own interpretations. How often did we hear about "fake" news? Lying became fashionable; our own president leading the way as one of the worst offenders. The term "alternate facts" was coined in this year. Is Farenheit 451 prophetic in how a society gradually devalues knowledge built on facts and holds no honor for the lessons learned in history? As we look at the future and wonder where a more progressive government will lead us, are we paving the way for left leaning policies because we've forgotten what it means to work together and not trust anyone outside our tribe? That fighting is the only way to get what we want because the other side is totally evil and not to be trusted? Will it matter that stories like the Oklahoma fathers, whose sons would have been considered enemies, can teach us how to offer forgiveness to one another? 

Will I draw closer to those I love, so I feel safe when my fragility and insecurities leave me wondering who I really am? Because I'm just starting retirement, how will I find those good endeavors for my life, now that I'm not going to work every day? 

The biographies on the list remind me that Godly people can inspire us to stay the course, and Mr. Gehman tells me how to endure so that I don't give up when the journey brings trouble. Covid was trouble, and it was good to be encouraged by his words.

Praise God for fiction books to lighten things up and bring a relief from heavy thinking and a brief reprieve from reality. I think my favorite in this genre was Mildred Budge. She made me laugh. I judged her as simple, until she was not, and she let me see how an ordinary life can make a difference.

I wonder what books I will discover in 2021?

Happy Is The One Who Inherits A Godly Legacy

Summer of 2019

Fall of 2020

 How many 67 year old women can call their 93 year old father anytime and hear his voice, full of joy and contentment, tell about his day and, then, hear his "I love you", as goodbyes are said? I am privileged to be one of them! We can't choose how our bodies and minds will grow old, but my dad exhibits how to keep a positive attitude in the process of aging. He has been blessed with good health and a sound mind, which he repeatedly gives God thanks for. So I write this tribute to him and his nonagenarian life.

In spite of a world wide pandemic that targeted his age group with its deadliness, Dad weathered the restrictions and isolation without complaining. While many in his retirement facility who needed healthcare services were locked away in their rooms from any outside contact, Dad could not invite anyone into his residence, but he did have the freedom to go out for groceries, appointments and necessities- in his own car, which he still drives himself. 

There is never a phone conversation with him where he doen't at some point say how grateful he is for good health and that he has a good place to live. He often speaks of his love for Jesus and his longing for all of his family to walk in that same salvation. During the beginning of sheltering, I know he missed the activity and communication with the other residents. But, he kept himself occupied with reading, napping, computering and the calls from family and friends. He found comfort in looking through family pictures, making contact with relatives who he had not heard from recently, or had never contacted before. He was rewarded with several interesting family stories and connections. Every received correspondence gets pinned to his office wall, an array of love messages, like well earned degrees and certificates, touting his lifetime achievements in relationships.

He takes care of his needs. As chewing food became more difficult, he explained his process of breaking down meat chunks in his little grinder. Dad enjoys getting carry outs from his favorite restaurants, stretching the food into portions he can save in the freezer for future meals. Today when we talked, I could hear the dryer tumbling his small load of wash.

Dad is a carpenter and fix-it man. It was a sad day when two of his joys were taken away because of the virus. He could no longer go to the woodshop on campus, and he could not longer volunteer at the non-profit Mennonite thrift store he had served at every day for the last 23 years. Although he had to put down hammer and saw for awhile, he continued to collect bags to fold for the clerks at the thrift store. 

It's common now to call and find him not at home. He's back to creating tables, foot stools and toaster tongs. Recently he told me of a new feature he's invented on his table design. Research and development was one of his career paths; his creativity hasn't stopped. He finds camaraderie with the other woodworking artists in the shop.

Evening chats will find him at home reading or folding bags. Even though he still can't volunteer in the store, he enjoys the brief contact with familiar faces when he drops the folded bags off. 

With less foot travel in the hallways where he lives, I haven't heard much recently about his walker repair service. Known on campus as the walker fix-it man, seniors bring him apparatuses that need new wheels, or other adjustments. He orders the new replacements on line and soon has the walker back to its owner. He even bought an extra walker to loan out to "customers" while repairs are being made. This business, as with the furniture he sells, takes in no money, but he only asks the buyer to donate a suggested amount to his non-profit.

If I live as long as my Dad, I pray to have his good health and sound mind. I want to find ways to keep giving to others. I understand how important hobbies are for end of life fulfillment. Above all, though, I want to maintain a grateful heart and cheery spirit. I believe that starts now, for all of us, so that the practice serves us well no matter what is ahead. 

Thank you, Dad, for this legacy. I know you'll read this soon. You're my biggest blog fan, and I appreciate your compliments and support. For all the times I've given you grief in my growing up years, I say thank you for loving me through it all and for modeling a life of faith. Now be careful in that workshop, and keep alert driving around! 

I love you!

It's Coming!

 It's coming! I hear the sounds. The worship leader mentioned it this morning in the church service. Those calling us to prayer and repentance believe it's on the way. Our pastor is emphasizing Christian disciplines. Bloggers and Christian media are calling our attention to it. My vision of nursery preparation was posted here. Do you sense it? Are you ready?

God is up to something BIG! He's been preparing us for such a time as this.

The sad, sad day of insurrection in our nation's capitol this week is pushing us towards this God event. Behavior of government leaders is turning our hearts from trust in our democracy to the superior Kingdom that has and will prevail. 

Wouldn't you love to catch a glimpse of what God is doing in secret as he gets ready to unveil his next move of the Spirit?

How then do we prepare? I think it takes developing eyes that look for signs of where he's moving. Will I linger in prayer to hear his voice? He wants intimacy with us that will mess with our affections. Is he really our highest desire? It's time to find a way to renew interest in reading the Bible. (If you need a plan, I've found the Audio Bible App a great way to hear/read the Bible on a daily basis. Become part of a family that uses the app all over the world,  some since it started 15 years ago. Even though Brian has done the reading for all those years, each day is a fresh, new recording. Sometimes he'll add commentary at the end to challenge us to allow that day's words to change us. You can even leave prayer requests or pray for others needs). 

I thought this overview of some revivals of history was interesting and inspiring.

General Overview of Revivals (revival-library.org)

In considering what precipitated revivals, here is what Pat Morley says in his blog, Man in the Mirror.*

Ten Characteristics of Revivals

Each revival or awakening leaves its own heat signature; in 1740 youth led the way, in 1857 businessmen and prayer took center stage, and the 1906 Azusa Street revival was decidedly interracial. Yet all share common themes. What are the most frequently mentioned characteristics of revivals and awakenings in literature?

1. TIMING: Revivals emerge during times of spiritual and moral decline, which leads to intense prayer.

2. PRAYER: God puts a longing into the hearts of many to pray for revival.

3. THE WORD: The preaching or reading of God’s Word brings deep conviction and desire for Christ.

4. THE HOLY SPIRIT: The Holy Spirit takes people to a spiritual depth they could not achieve on their own.

5. CONVICTION: Affected sinners are inconsolable except in Christ.

6. GLORY FOR GOD: God receives praise, honor, and glory for bringing revival.

7. REFORMATION AND RENEWAL: Revival produces lasting fruit. New ministries are founded and society experiences a reform of morals as more and more people convert.

8. MANIFESTATIONS: Manifestations like fainting, groaning prayer, and miracles vary by culture and denomination.

9. MESSY: Revivals are messy–controversies swirl about miracles, abuses, excesses, suspicions, and theological disputes (to name but a few).

10. CYCLICAL: Revivals inevitably crest and decline. (Find citing for this list on Pat Morley's blog post)*

Is America Ripe for Revival Today? (Pat Morley)

A majority of Americans believe our country is going downhill. Yet church attendance as a percent of population has held steady since 1990, and probably since 1940.51 America added 50,000 new churches in the last 20 years of the 20th century to total 350,000.52 The number of born-again Christians has grown steadily to 46% of adults today.53 Given the state of moral and spiritual decay, how is that possible?

The answer is simple. Today, Christianity is prevalent but not powerful. The solution is spiritual revival and awakening.

We’ve not had an awakening in America of historic proportion for a long time. With such a great tradition of revival and awakening, a great base from which to start, and a great need to counteract the increasing moral and spiritual decline, our nation appears ripe for a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit.

But history tells us that national revivals and awakenings cannot be manufactured. They are sovereign acts of mercy and grace by God Himself, when He supernaturally achieves in a short span what seems otherwise impossible. However, God loves to respond to the prayers of His people (e.g., 2 Chronicles 7:14).

While the decision belongs to God alone, He gives us the privilege of hastening the day through humble repentant prayer. Let us pray…." (Pat Morley)*

Be encouraged. God will not fail to come to us as we pray and develop a deep longing for his move among us. As we look at the revivals of the past, God redeems the most troubling and difficult places of humanity. He raised up youth, revived business men, crossed racial boundaries and churches increased in size and numbers. It feels like the time is ripe.

Have your way, Almighty One. Prepare our hearts to seek you.

May they fear him as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains, through all generations. May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth. May the righteous flourish in his days and prosperity abound, until the moon is no more.…Ps. 72:5-7

*Retrieved from A Brief History of Spiritual Revival and Awakening in America - Man in the Mirror

Normal in a Not so Normal World

 We've rounded the corner to a new year, yet things remain the same. Social distancing, masks and no hugging continue. How are you encouraging yourself? What's keeping you alive these days?

In some ways life feels harder now than a month ago. When everyone was hunkered down, I felt in good company. Now many are moving on, and I struggle to know what I should or shouldn't do. So in the midst of this long time of sheltering, here are a few things that encourage me, keep me going and provide comfort and/or hope.

Our Bible Study of the book of Hebrews continues in person. Reading and studying the verses and then hearing others share their thoughts has been very encouraging. The author of Hebrews is passionate about warning his listeners to stand firm and not drift away from their faith, to not shrink back from pursing faith, to not give up staying in fellowship with other believers and to understand the supremacy of Jesus. He is above their past understanding and practice of following God's rules and regulations. They were just a shadow, or ways towards the present reality of the benefits of Christ's death and resurrection--ready access to his throne of grace, counting on his intercession on our behalf and being assured of better days ahead. We can live in this faith that gives us confidence and hope in our savior, Jesus, no matter what happens in the world around us.

Walking almost every day gives me time to clear my head in the crisp, cool air and to find time to pray, reflect or listen to podcasts. My favorite podcasts to listen to these days are: That Sounds Fun-Annie F. Downs, The Church Politics-Justin Giboney, Holy Post-Phil Vischer, and a new one that just popped up two weeks ago, Just Plain Wrong-Erin Milanese. Erin, Tillie and Abby discuss Amish novels and pick them apart for accuracy and enjoyment. This holds interest for me, not because I like Amish novels- I don't- but because these three gals were co-workers of mine at Goshen College. 

Recently, Kevin had some days off.  We drove to Bonneyville Park and wandered some trails. It was a nice change of scenery from our around-the-block exercise route. I enjoyed the sounds and smells of nature. There was even a tiny waterfall over a small dam.

Our Bonneyville Park Excursion

I got some new fuzzy socks for Christmas. Matching them with my sweats and leggings has brought me joy.  The littlest thing... and there are still some holiday treats lurking in the cupboard or hanging out on the counter that keep vying with my diet resolve. That peppermint bark and the party mix keep coming up winners! 

Making plans for the next day, also keeps me focused on what's ahead. Grocery shopping is an opportunity to dress up! Washing or baking can be in the plans, as well as the routines that somehow bring some semblance of comfort and anticipation. I eat breakfast with network news and take in a bit of cable news with my lunch. Lunch includes playing my Words With Friends turns. Making a date to walk with a friend or going out of my comfort zone and meeting someone for coffee, is something to look forward to.

I started keeping a place setting for Kevin and me at the counter, on the yellow stools, where we eat supper every night. The little act of making a pretty place to dine has brought delight. With a candle burning; the lighted picture frame in our view; and the snowmen plates to mark the season, we're feeling the coziness on cold winter nights. 

The phone calls to kids and grandkids, and continuing to mark birthdays and anniversaries with packages and love, and watching our Sunday night streaming shows are all part of what I'm doing to keep as much of my life as normal as possible.

What about you? Are you finding life fairly normal? If you work every day and go to church in person, maybe life doesn't feel too different. If you're more stuck at home, for whatever reason, what are you taking delight in?

In lieu of leaving comments, you can respond at ruthshow1@gmail.com. I welcome your thoughts.