Quarantine

 A year and a month when the pandemic begins and the boys and I had to quarantine because Chris tested positive for Covid. Thankful that his case was mild, but these have been the longest days of my life! I am grateful and I have learned quite a bit about Dylan’s class and learning, Austin, and myself / my class. We are not sure when Chris was exposed to Covid, but suspect between Good Friday and Easter. We also wasn’t sure at first if he had Covid or was experiencing side effects from the vaccine because he was vaccinated on Monday and started experiment symptoms on Tuesday. However, he did not test until he continued with a fever until Sunday midday. Then, he decided that he should be tested. And yep- Covid.  The boys and I had been on Spring Break, and we were not able to return to school because now we had to quarantine. I taught remotely from home while a substitute was in my classroom acting as my hands and eyes. Also during this time, I had a student move and a new student enter. Dylan had lessons online. He has the greatest and most patient teachers on earth! He rarely needed my help because his teachers were able to assist him and show him everything he needed. He also presented his screen to them. He made his snack and lunch each day too! Austin was able to learn virtually too! I heard him singing in choir and also did not have to help him. He has been able to read a new book! Chris all the white in the bedroom. I would mask up and deliver his breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He did hear me teach at times because it is hard to determine the volume level in the classroom. He was able to return sooner than us because Dhec used his first day as the day symptoms began. However, that wasn’t the case for the boys and I. I am grateful that we are able to return and no one else was sick. All the while Ashleigh did not have to quarantine (she had been here the weekend) because she had received her vaccine in late February/March. 

Ponderings: PRAY TRUST WAIT

 We hear this phrase and sometimes it just slips right past us because we as sinners think we have it all together, we are in control, “be good” and it will all work out.  However, this is not so - We as Christians are broken. Life on our own is nothing. Life with and in Christ bring true joy. So what does Pray Wait Trust mean and how is this backed in God’s Word, the Bible? During these days of uncertainty (Covid, relationships, politics, jobs, ....life) it is more important than ever to place our trust in Christ. He is the only one in control. He is Sovereign. He is Faithful.  

Ashleigh and I quite often find ourselves in conversation about this topic. So today I’m pondering and reflecting on my perspective using God’s truths and promises. 

———————————————————————-

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 

———PRAY———-

Talk to God about all of your struggles and worries. Tell Him what you are going through and ASK Him for help. Whether it be about a test, a job, a relationship, getting sicker vaccinated , or anything else during this time. Pray and ask Him for help with everything you are going through. Nothing you take to God in  prayer is too small or too big! You may say well since God is all- knowing, he already knows my cares and  worries so I do not have to tell. Yes, as Christians part of obeying our Father is praying-asking, telling, and thanking Jesus Christ. we should also thank Him for everything we have including all the little things you are grateful for.

Thank Him for the family you have and the food on your table. Stay in prayer.  Whatever it is you are praying for, know that God has your best interest at heart. He has a plan and He will make a way  

———————————————————————

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Phillippians 4:6-7

——-WAIT——-

God is always working.God is on the move. We may think he is not there or is silent, but that is not true. God is working in the waiting. He hears your prayers and He is working on them. He does not always respond immediately, but He will in His perfect timing. We can get impatient because we want to have it all figured out. It is in the waiting that we will grow and we  learn. While we wait we need to lean on Him. Build your r relationship with Christ during this time. Love and serve others as Jesus would. One of my favorite verses gives us the reminder in truth and through God’s glory waiting while it may seem like suffering is all part of His plan  

———————————————————————

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

——-TRUST———

While we wait, we need to trust. We need to trust that God has a plan. The answer may be not right how you want it now, but it is where Gid wants you right now  God’s answer may be the answer you want, but He wants you to grow, lean on Him, and trust the wait. We should trust  that He has a plan for all of us and for the world — that He will love and protect us. Place your trust faith in Christ and not in things of the world  it takes the faith of a mustard seed  

———————————————————————

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” – Psalm 56:3

——-

March On 2021

 Days are longer- spring is here- pollen is everywhere! I we look back over the last year through the pandemic , many blessings and reminders of God’s grace and goodness are among us. Grateful that Ashleigh goes to college close by and is able to worship with us each week at church or just drop in for dinner. Each time she comes and goes, Dylan is confused and wants her to stay. Summer will be here before we know it and she will be in Ca so we are enjoying the moments now. Austin is auditioning for All State chorus and Ashleigh is giving his some tips and helping him out  I miss CBHS choir and drama and her singing during  worship.  With Austin in choir, I’ll get that opportunity  Prayerful for worship opportunities  For now, we lift up our voices to God with the congregation  

Ashleigh and a friends participated in a Color Run and she , Anne, and I did Walk for Water  I am so grateful that we live where water is abundant and plumbing is a thing. This definitely opened my eyes to the things we take for granted.  

We celebrated Easter with our family going to Easter service and then brunch together. We were able to hunt eggs that Dylan had from school snd that I had placed enough money in for the kids to each have $.7. They each shared  next year the goal is to have more eggs.  Ashleigh, Dylan, and Austin made Resurrection Rolls together complete with the story of the resurrection. Ashleigh also had Dylan and Austin retell the story.  Ok after, Helen and Jim were able to come over for dinner that Chris, Ashleigh, snd I prepared. We had good conversation and family time. Since they have moved closer perhaps we will be able to do more often.