Nurses die

This is a screenshot of a video and news story on Yahoo News. I hope you'll take a few minutes and check it out here. One of the quotes says they feel like they're being sent to slaughter. I can't even imagine what our front line workers are going through. Pray for them without ceasing.

     No one was prepared for this pandemic and when we did see it coming, people didn't take it seriously which wasted valuable, valuable time. As a result, more people are going to die than necessary. Where the virus isn't as rampant as it is in the hardest-hit locations, I think people either feel invincible, or they're in denial, or they just don't care about anyone else but themselves. I say that because of what I saw at the grocery.

     I was going to share my grocery store adventure under "A New Normal" post, but I might as well share it here. Just know that I'm still really upset about the whole ordeal. 

     I was out of some things and so I stupidly went to the grocery on Sunday thinking that it wouldn't be nearly as crowded as normal because of the stay at home order and because so many people had done all of that hoarding, what else could they possibly need?! However, it was just as crowded as ever. When I saw all of the cars, I naively figured most people would be more cognizant of social distancing and would be wearing masks and gloves. Wrong again. 

     In fact there were very few differences between that Sunday and any other Sunday. There were maybe 5 people wearing masks and/or gloves (I wore both). One of those people was an employee and I'm pretty sure she had to provide her own because no other employees had either on. Instead of patiently waiting at a safe distance for me to make a selection, other shoppers hovered close to me and one woman was actually going to try to reach past me so I hurriedly moved on.

     For the check out lines there were some signs on the floor to "Please wait here" so that the carts maintained a little more distance from the person in front of them, but everyone ignored those, too. The cashiers didn't do anything differently than before - I didn't see gloves or hand sanitizer or even disinfectant wipes to wipe off the credit card machine between each person. 

     I got up there and handed the cashier my bags (because it's getting more and more difficult to find a place that will recycle plastic grocery bags) and she smiled just as sweet as pie as she pointed to a homemade typed sign taped on a pole that said something to the effect that "for the protection of our employees if you use your own bags, you'll have to bag your own groceries." I think my jaw dropped down to my knees. "For the protection of our employees"??? Seriously? If you really wanted to protect your employees you would insist they wear masks and gloves (and provide them); you'd see that protocols were put into place inside the store! I did bag my own groceries, but I wasn't very fast at it and the cashier and the people next in line were getting a little pushy. 

     The whole experience was just so overwhelming and my anxiety level was going through the roof. I came home, changed my clothes immediately then wiped down my car and the door handles leading into the house. I won't be going back there. For the foreseeable future, I will most likely order online and pick up my groceries from a different grocery chain.

     I want to do everything I can to not be someone who causes a nurse or someone else on the front line to die because of my actions. It's bad enough that they don't have the supplies and equipment they need to their jobs, but to be putting their lives on the line every single day, well, I just can't imagine it's what any of them thought they were signing up for; not like this. 

     These front line workers are giving their lives for us. Pray for them. My step-daughter is a nurse as is one of my cousins; I have a niece who works at a grocery store. I am passionate about not spreading the virus because of anything I do and I know my readers are the same way. Let's be the prayer warriors that we are and intercede for these heroes and heroines.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, 

but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45 (NKJV)

I am sorry if this was preachy or depressing, but I just really feel it's necessary to let people know what's going on and point out the obvious. This isn't something that's happening "elsewhere"; it's happening everywhere. Save a life and just please #stayhome whenever possible.

*********

Please join me in praying for our front-line workers; the men and women of the medical field who are treating those besieged by this invisible enemy. Pray they stay healthy and don't spread this disease to their families. Pray that their prayers become our prayers.
     They are in desperate need of help, personal protection equipment, ventilators, beds, and a host of other supplies. They need those who aren't sick to stay home in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but also to prevent overloading the health care system.
     Join me in praying for those who are working non-stop to find solutions/answers to resolve the spread and deadliness of the disease and answers to lessen the strain on our country and our world. Pray that the Lord gives them wisdom and stamina.
     Lastly, please join me in praying for our other workers. Those who are risking their lives to keep our country functioning: those who work in Nursing Homes, Truck Drivers, Delivery Personnel, Grocery, and other Food and Retail Workers, Governments including the Mayors, Governors, Postal System, Jobs and Family Services, Sanitation Department, Police and Fire Departments, and our Military.
     Please pray every day for their safety, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health as they fight this war. Finally, please join me in praying that this strengthens their (and our) faith in Jesus and that others will come to know our Lord and Savior.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Front-line workers

Each day Ohio's Governor, Mike Dewine, holds a press conference with his Director of the Ohio Department of Health, Dr. Amy Acton, and his Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted. The three of them report what's going on in Ohio as it relates to Covid-19, what plans are in the works, and they attempt to explain what the modeling is telling them as far as our future. The news may not always be good, but it feels to be transparent and honest. They remind us that we at home are doing the exact right thing that we NEED to be doing, which is staying at home. Staying home is our new job in this war against the coronavirus.
     Each day they also report what's going on at the front line (the hospitals) and what our front line workers are facing. They use war-time terminology and disaster-relief jargon because there's no other way to describe what's happening except in those extreme terms.
     I had to go to the grocery yesterday and was absolutely amazed at the apparent callousness of the employees and shoppers toward this disease and it's spread. There was no semblance of social distancing or protection to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. But, that's a whole other blog post. My point is, if people aren't going to take this seriously, then the numbers and dates being projected are going to be way off.
     As of today, we have 24 confirmed cases in Montgomery County (OH): (1) 0-19 years old (3) 20-29 (3) 30-39 (5) 40-49 (5) 50-59 (6) 60-69 (1) 70-79. I believe they said that for every one confirmed case, you can assume 8 unconfirmed cases (but don't quote me on that of course). The 3 cases who are hospitalized are aged 60-69. Since most travelers have returned, the spread is now through community contact. #stayhome

Let us pray and put on the whole Armor of God:

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ephesians 6:10-20 NKJV

*********

Please join me in praying for our front-line workers; the men and women of the medical field who are treating those besieged by this invisible enemy. Pray they stay healthy and don't spread this disease to their families. Pray that their prayers become our prayers.
     They are in desperate need of help, personal protection equipment, ventilators, beds, and a host of other supplies. They need those who aren't sick to stay home in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but also to prevent overloading the health care system.
     Join me in praying for those who are working non-stop to find solutions/answers to resolve the spread and deadliness of the disease and answers to lessen the strain on our country and our world. Pray that the Lord gives them wisdom and stamina.
     Lastly, please join me in praying for our other workers. Those who are risking their lives to keep our country functioning: those who work in Nursing Homes, Truck Drivers, Delivery Personnel, Grocery, and other Food and Retail Workers, Governments including the Mayors, Governors, Postal System, Jobs and Family Services, Sanitation Department, Police and Fire Departments, and our Military.
     Please pray every day for their safety, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health as they fight this war. Finally, please join me in praying that this strengthens their (and our) faith in Jesus and that others will come to know our Lord and Savior.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

You are light

For you were once darkness, 

but now you are light in the Lord. 

Walk as children of light

Ephesians 5:8 NKJV

*********

Please join me in praying for our world. Pray that God shows you how you can be a light during this time of darkness. Utilize the solitude to delve more deeply into His word and to pray without ceasing so that we may come out of this more radiant than when we began. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

The gift of peace

Peace I leave with you, 

My peace I give to you; 

not as the world gives do I give to you. 

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

John 14:27 NKJV

*********

Please join me in praying for our world. Pray that God shows you how you can be a light during this time of darkness. Utilize the solitude to delve more deeply into His word and to pray without ceasing so that we may come out of this more radiant than when we began. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

On Being Essential

A New Normal - part 3

Over the last two weeks, I really wanted to be an encourager, an inspiration, a spiritual cheerleader of sorts to anyone I came in contact with, whether on social media or by phone or even in person, but I just haven't been feeling it really, at least not consistently. I thought it was because I've been sick (for 14 L-O-N-G days!) which is probably a lot of it, but today I had an epiphany.
     However, first, I want to tell you my pre-epiphanies, in case any of them would apply to someone else. My mental and emotional symptoms were depression and high, high anxiety - as in I would get in 3,000-5,800 steps a day just from pacing. I knew I wasn't scared or nervous about the pandemic because I find peace in my faith. Although I did realize from my "be still" time, that I needed to focus more of my time, thoughts, and activities on God.

So, I started with a physical assessment: I looked at how much coffee I was drinking: 5 cups a day, same as always (I know, I know). Maybe it was from going off NyQuil, but that never happened before. It could be a lack of sleep because I haven't slept well in at least a week. But none of that seems to warrant so much anxiety.
     Since it involved depression, it had to be mental in some way, especially if it wasn't spiritually or physically related. I knew it couldn't be that I'm stuck at home because honestly, that's ideal for someone like me. It very well could have been because my calendar was clear for the first time in forever. So, I got out my to-do list and added in things I want to accomplish during this time period and my anxiety reached new levels, so that wasn't it.
     Then, I dug a little deeper...loss of community. That's probably a big one for a lot of people. So I reached out to my church family and set up some Zoom meetings; my Pastor started making some prayer videos which helped me feel better, but it still wasn't enough; it wasn't the cure.

After another night of no sleep, I woke up this morning and decided to start from scratch. I laid in bed and tried to still my mind but my restless dreams kept coming to the foreground. They were dreams about work, family, church...and I began to feel an overwhelming sense of guilt. Guilt for not working, not earning a paycheck, not seeing my family, not serving in the church and who knows what else was involved that I didn't remember dreaming about. I have spent my entire life taking charge, no - actually more like taking "control" of situations (at least in my mind), handling and caring and protecting others and I can't do that in the midst of a world controlled by an unseen and unknown enemy (which sounds a lot like Satan, but at least we know him and how he operates and how to defend ourselves against him); one that spreads and infects and kills at such a rapid pace that no one can get ahead of it.
     Even though all of this is completely out of my control, it is what has been weighing on me. I feel helpless. I'm not essential personnel in any respect. Maybe that's a pride thing, but I like to think it's a longing of my recently discovered servant's heart. There are some volunteer opportunities, but I am still sick and have basically been sick off and on since last November, so I don't consider going out into the physical world to be an option, really.

So, how to fix this...
- I want to put more time and effort into reaching out to people.
- I will allow myself to feel that even something as simple as a daily bible verse may help someone; it may be just the message that someone needs to see from our loving Father.
- I will understand that staying home is my job for now and I will try to use this time as an opportunity to bring honor and glory to God in ways that I'm sure He will share with me.
- The hardest one for me is that I will quit judging myself based on life before the coronavirus. Actually, I want to expand that...I want to quit judging myself, and quit worrying about what others think of me - I hate that I've ever cared. People have been making fun of me my whole life for one thing or another and instead of developing a thick skin, it just made me more self-conscious. Well, enough is enough. What God thinks of me is my only concern and He knows I'm not perfect and He loves me anyway. His judgment is the only judgment that matters.

This is now part of my new normal.

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, 

“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

Mark 9:35 NIV

@@@

A New Normal - A blog series dedicated to my ability (or inability) to live through this unprecedented period of time - one of a coronavirus, covid-19, pandemic, social distancing, shelter-in-place existence.
Part 1     A New Normal
Part 2     Be Still
Part 3     On Being Essential

Beacon of light

“No one after lighting a lamp 

covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, 

but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.

Luke 8:16 ESV

The light in this parable represents the gospel. It's out there for everyone to see. It's up to us as Christians to point it out to anyone who lives in darkness.
     If you're someone who is looking for that beacon of light, you can find it in the love and mercy of the One True Living God. Our Lord who loves us so much that He gave His only Son is always there for us, loving us, comforting us.

For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man 

someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, 

in that while we were still sinners, 

Christ died for us.

Romans 5:6-8 NKJV

If you want more information, reach out to a believer in your family or community. Call a church near you, or, contact me and I'll share my testimony, answer any questions, and put you in touch with someone who has more answers than I do. My email is archadia7@yahoo.com.
     If you're a believer, then reach out to your family, extended family, neighbors with some form of one-on-one contact (phone, text, IM). See how they're doing and let them see that you're weathering the storm with faith and confidence in our Lord, Jesus Christ.

*********

Please join me in praying for our world. Pray that God shows you how you can be a light during this time of darkness. Utilize the solitude to delve more deeply into His word and to pray without ceasing so that we may come out of this more radiant than when we began. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Rest

Even though I now find myself with all of this time on my hands, I'm still having trouble being calm. I don't know if it's because I feel like I should be working on my neverending to-do list, or because of the stress of trying to deal with the unemployment office, or because I can't kick this illness and the doctors won't see me. 

     Maybe it's all of the above and the fact that this pandemic is shutting down the world and our federal government is too busy acting like spoiled toddlers to care about the people they're supposed to be serving. The reasons for the anxiety aren't really relevant because I can't do anything about any of those situations anyway. What I can do is set aside time every single day to converse with our Father, our Creator, and listen for His replies. I can give all of my cares up to Him and He will take care of them for me. 

Come to Me, 

all you who labor and are heavy laden, 

and I will give you rest. 

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, 

for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you

will find rest for your souls. 

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV

See also yesterday's post: Be Still

*********

Please join me in praying for our world. Pray that God shows you how you can be a light during this time of darkness. Utilize the solitude to delve more deeply into His word and to pray without ceasing so that we may come out of this more radiant than when we began. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Be Still

A New Normal - part 2

God has been urging me, pretty relentlessly, I might add, to just stop and be still. For some reason, I've been fighting Him for days before finally realizing that I didn't have the strength to keep doing that.
     After talking to a few people, I realize that I was fighting being still due to anxiety. Until this coronavirus took over, I was pretty busy, as in work all day and then some sort of meeting or gathering or activity most evenings. This virus cleared my calendar and that was kind of daunting.

See all the X's? (The rest I blurred)

      Not that I could possibly ever be bored because I always have a massive to-do list of cleaning, organizing, correspondence, plus I'm working(? if you can call it that) on several books, plus prayer time, and bible time and online friends and groups, etc... Oh, and I consider myself an introvert so having this time alone should be ideal, but still, there was anxiety. I think you've probably all seen that post on FB:

That was what I felt like God was saying to me and I'm so embarrassed to admit that I did not relent to just being still, even though I knew that's what He wanted me to do.
     Today, He made it so I just couldn't put it off anymore (thankfully). So, what did He want to tell me? One - write this blog post. Encourage everyone to stop what they're doing to try to cope, to try to help, and just be still. Open your mind and let Him in and He will guide you, and give you comfort and peace to get through this most unusual period of time.

     And two - well, it's a little complicated so all I could do was sketch it out. You take away from it what you want, but I believe the short of it is, let go of the problems of this world and keep your focus on God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit. "Focus" came to mind 3 times, that's why they're circled, so I think that's the most important part. Keep your focus where it should be. We keep wanting to root ourselves in this world, but it is so very temporary. Focus on your eternal future by utilizing your spiritual gift(s) that God has chosen specifically for you to do His will. Through that, you will find peace and joy and comfort and courage for your soul.

Take today and just, BE STILL.

Be still, and know that I am God;

Psalm 46:10a

Be strong

Have I not commanded you? 

Be strong and of good courage; 

do not be afraid, 

nor be dismayed, 

for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 NKJV

*********

Please join me in praying for our world. Pray that God shows you how you can be a light during this time of darkness. Utilize the solitude to delve more deeply into His word and to pray without ceasing so that we may come out of this more radiant than when we began. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Hope in the Lord

Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints!

For the Lord preserves the faithful,

And fully repays the proud person.

Be of good courage,

And He shall strengthen your heart,

All you who hope in the Lord.

Psalm 31:23-24

*********

Please join me in praying for our world. Pray that God shows you how you can be a light during this time of darkness. Utilize the solitude to delve more deeply into His word and to pray without ceasing so that we may come out of this more radiant than when we began. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Be the light of the world

This week let's be the light of the world! I love reading all of your posts. They are encouraging, inspiring, evangelistic, full of confidence and hope which is what everyone needs right now. We as Christians need to see the opportunities presented by the pandemic. There are opportunities to serve, shepherd, disciple. The Holy Spirit can shine through us even more radiantly as we offer encouragement and hope. Instead of questioning God's sovereignty, we are openly praising Him for His grace and mercy and the many blessings He gives us each and every day. I believe non-believers will sit up and take notice. Continue to let your light shine!

“You are the light of the world. 

A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 

Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, 

but on a stand, 

and it gives light to all in the house. 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, 

so that they may see your good works and 

give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16 ESV

And that desire and calling to be that light should look something like this:

This is a two-song day. I can just feel it.

*********

Please join me in praying for our world. Pray that God shows you how you can be a light during this time of darkness. Utilize the solitude to delve more deeply into His word and to pray without ceasing so that we may come out of this more radiant than when we began. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Heal the land

 if My people who are called by My name 

will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, 

and turn from their wicked ways, 

then I will hear from heaven, and will 

forgive their sin and heal their land. 

2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

Be the eagle

Bless the Lord, O my soul;

And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

And forget not all His benefits:

Who forgives all your iniquities,

Who heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from destruction,

Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

Who satisfies your mouth with good things,

So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Psalm 103:1-5
The eagle represents strength as we see in Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV):

But those who wait on 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. 

*********

Please join me this week in praying for a speedy end to the pandemic. Pray for those who are sick and those who will become sick; for the doctors, nurses, medical staff, EMTs, police, and firefighters. Let's pray for wisdom and foresight for our government leaders. Pray for people to be patient, kind, compassionate toward one another and to follow any guidelines put in place for our well-being and safety. Pray also for our infrastructure and supplies and economy. Let us pray for the unsaved that they may seek the Lord through this and come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. To God be the glory.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

A New Normal

While going through cancer, there was a phrase that was used at every turn, "a new normal." Every phase of treatment involved learning to adjust to "a new normal." Me, who does not like change, had to face a constantly wavering way of life. I couldn't even count on how my body was going to react to each round of chemo because every treatment brought with it new challenges, and side effects. Each treatment compounded the previous one so that I was more fatigued and was out of commission for a longer period of time.
     During this time, I lost my hair and gained a lot of weight (steroids). Simple things, such as taking a shower, were exhausting. Medical bills piled up as my income decreased. I managed to work part-time, thankfully. At each turn, I had to look at the new situation and evaluate how to handle it. Did I want to give into my body or did I want to press on through the fatigue? Did I want to hide because of my changed appearance or did I want to live and laugh and enjoy life? What did I need to do to accomplish those things? What was my inspiration? Where was my joy? I re-evaluated questions like that all the time and at each fork in the road formed a new normal in which I could live and be content and even happy.
     Not that this peace and contentment were always present. Like I said, things were constantly changing. Mentally and emotionally, I was all over the board. Spiritually, I grew. My faith and trust in God's sovereignty, along with the outpouring of love and support that I received, made it all bearable. People were praying for me from multiple countries; they sent cards and gifts to brighten my day and lift my spirits. So even through the "bad", there was a whole lot of "good."

My reasons for bringing this up now are probably obvious:
     1) During this time, we need to be flexible. We need to find and adjust to "a new normal."
     2) We need to be that outpouring of love and support for others so that even through these trying times, people will be able to see the "good" that shines through the storm; they'll be able to see that Christ lives in us and is here with us.

     Over the next several days, I'll offer suggestions and insight and encouragement for how to find your new normal and together, by the grace of God our Father, we will get through this and come out stronger than before.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, 

with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

Deliverance

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,

And He saved them out of their distresses.

He sent His word and healed them,

And delivered them from their destructions.

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,

And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

Psalm 107:19-21 NKJV

I encourage you to take a few minutes to read all of Psalm 107. One version titled this section Thanksgiving to the LORD for His Great Works of Deliverance

*********

Please join me this week in praying for a speedy end to the pandemic. Pray for those who are sick and those who will become sick; for the doctors, nurses, medical staff, EMTs, police, and firefighters. Let's pray for wisdom and foresight for our government leaders. Pray for people to be patient, kind, compassionate toward one another and to follow any guidelines put in place for our well-being and safety. Pray also for our infrastructure and supplies and economy. Let us pray for the unsaved that they may seek the Lord through this and come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. To God be the glory.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Serve

You shall serve the Lord your God, and he will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from among you.

Exodus 23:25 ESV

*********

Please join me this week in praying for a speedy end to the pandemic. Pray for those who are sick and those who will become sick; for the doctors, nurses, medical staff, EMTs, police, and firefighters. Let's pray for wisdom and foresight for our government leaders. Pray for people to be patient, kind, compassionate toward one another and to follow any guidelines put in place for our well-being and safety. Pray also for our infrastructure and supplies and economy. Let us pray for the unsaved that they may seek the Lord through this and come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. To God be the glory.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Who is vulnerable?

The government and healthcare industry keep talking about "those who are most vulnerable" meaning people who are over 65 and/or have other health issues. However, I'm finding there are a lot of people over the age of 65 who don't identify with being vulnerable. Call it pride, or stubbornness (no offense to anyone <3 ), or a little from column A and a little from column B. I think it would help if we used a word other than "vulnerable". Maybe "susceptible"? People don't like to be vulnerable and will fight tooth and nail to prove that they aren't. The fact of the matter is our government has asked us to follow some guidelines to prevent a surge of coronavirus patients that will overpower our medical people, buildings and supplies resulting in unnecessary deaths. So, if there's any way people can refrain from going out in search of toilet paper (for whatever reason) or other needless errands and just wait this out, that would be great.
     I've been sick since late Friday, early Saturday. I have very mild symptoms and if this were any other time, I would just take some DayQuil and go to work, run errands, go to meetings, etc. but with there being a pandemic, I'm complying with self-quarantine guidelines. We all have to realize that it's not about how we feel, it's about the people we could be infecting. The same is true with the hoarding...this is not a time to be all about self-interest. We need to be lifting each other up, encouraging each other, helping each other. Production of toilet paper has not stopped.
     If you're healthy, check on your neighbors, the elderly, those who live alone. If you're sick, make some phone calls and reach out to people who are alone.
     We'll get through this. Trust in Jesus.

Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, 

and I will heal them and 

reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security.

Jeremiah 33:6 ESV

*********

Please join me this week in praying for a speedy end to the pandemic. Pray for those who are sick and those who will become sick; for the doctors, nurses, medical staff, EMTs, police, and firefighters. Let's pray for wisdom and foresight for our government leaders. Pray for people to be patient, kind, compassionate toward one another and to follow any guidelines put in place for our well-being and safety. Pray also for our infrastructure and supplies and economy. Let us pray for the unsaved that they may seek the Lord through this and come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. To God be the glory.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Follow and obey

I spent an hour looking for a post that I had "liked" yesterday. I was sure it would be in my activity log (Facebook), but I can't find it. The jest of it though was that maybe this pandemic was God trying to get our attention. I spend a lot of time reading the Old Testament and get caught up in God's people disobeying and so He has to do something drastic to get their attention, and they commit to doing whatever He says for a little while before turning back to their old ways. This is a time to obey, both God and man. The restrictions our government is putting on us are to save lives.
Before we get sick and/or learn of friends and family who are sick, we need to be in prayer first and foremost. We need to praise the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We need to give thanks for our blessings and use this special time to spread His word.
Even if this is Satan's work and he's trying to break us, by praising the Trinity and praying unceasingly, we're showing Satan that he can't take us away from our Father and he can't hurt us. We are children of God. We belong to Him and He will get us through this. Be strong during this time. Be a Christ-like example that others can look to for encouragement and compassion. Be knowledgable about the situation so you can calm others.

In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet, 

and his disease became severe. 

Yet even in his disease he did not seek the Lord, 

but sought help from physicians.

2 Chronicles 16:12 ESV

*********

Please join me this week in praying for a speedy end to the pandemic. Pray for those who are sick and those who will become sick; for the doctors, nurses, medical staff, EMTs, police, and firefighters. Let's pray for wisdom and foresight for our government leaders. Pray for people to be patient, kind, compassionate toward one another and to follow any guidelines put in place for our well-being and safety. Pray also for our infrastructure and supplies and economy. Let us pray for the unsaved that they may seek the Lord through this and come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. To God be the glory.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Be in good health

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you 

and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

3 John 1:2 ESV

*********

Please join me this week in praying for a speedy end to the pandemic. Pray for those who are sick and those who will become sick; for the doctors, nurses, medical staff, EMTs, police, and firefighters. Let's pray for wisdom and foresight for our government leaders. Pray for people to be patient, kind, compassionate toward one another and to follow any guidelines put in place for our well-being and safety. Pray also for our infrastructure and supplies and economy. Let us pray for the unsaved that they may seek the Lord through this and come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. To God be the glory.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

The thorn

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NKJV

Italians in lock-down sing to lift each other's spirits

Seclusion

While we muddle through the next couple +/- of weeks, keep in mind those who live alone, especially if they're afraid to leave their houses right now. Call or stop by if they'll let you. Cabin fever can get the best of a person in normal circumstances, but with everything closing, some may feel trapped and secluded. Even just reaching out with a phone call may be helpful to someone who lives alone.
     You may also know people who should stay home but refuse to. You could try to engage them in activities or outings where there'll be fewer people, or try visiting them in their home so they don't feel the need to go out.
     Let's be in prayer for the safety and health of the entire world, and be diligent about caring for those around us.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22 ESV

A soft answer

I really like this, "a soft answer" because I usually try to just hold my tongue but then people know that I'm angry but sometimes don't know why. Then, I stay angry longer because I haven't voiced my opinion. So, I appreciate God showing me this verse this week.
     I wanted to post the whole chapter but decided instead to just share a link for if you're interested. Read Proverbs 15 ESV They're just really good words to live by; a way of achieving harmony in life.

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1 ESV

*********

Please join me this week in praying for an accepting and understanding heart. Pray that we focus on why we're here and not get caught up in the things of man. Pray for harmony and a united front as members of the Church.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Good vs evil

For God shows no partiality.

Romans 2:11 ESV

Paul is saying that God cares about whether a person does evil or good, BUT it doesn't matter if they are Jew or Greek; God shows no partiality in that respect. As a stand-alone verse, though, it also works as a reminder for us to not judge people based on superficial aspects, like race, gender, etc., but rather to look at what matters in a person. Do they do evil or do they do good? Verse 7 (ESV) describes good work:  to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;  and contrasts that with those who do evil (verse 8 ESV):  but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
I might as well finish that section with verses 9-11 (ESV):

There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality.

The Pastor reminded us last Sunday to question everything we do with, "Does this honor God?" That is really tough to live up to. I've been praying like crazy for the past two weeks because my thoughts and emotions have not been where they should be. My heart and mind have been taken hostage in a spiritual battle that can only be won by unceasing prayer, staying in the word, and praising God the Father for all of His glorious blessings.

*********

Please join me this week in praying for an accepting and understanding heart. Pray that we focus on why we're here and not get caught up in the things of man. Pray for harmony and a united front as members of the Church.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Another ramble (sorry)

I've been struggling to find the words this week and then last night, they started to flow and I was able to say what I was trying to say (and be on-topic). Having done that, I slept well-ish last night (yay) and then I woke up this morning to find my laptop had rebooted and everything I wrote last night is, of course, gone. This morning I'm back to foggy-daylight-savings-time-brain, so this little ramble (maybe rambling should be our theme for the week) is the best I can do.
     As a reminder, our theme this week is acceptance, not daylight savings time, foggy brain, or Shari's writer's block. We will persevere.

Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, 

and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

1 John 3:15 ESV

I feel like I need to explain the photo as it relates to this post and the bible verse as it relates to the topic: The bible verse talks about someone who hates (unaccepting of another person's views, personality, etc.) being just as bad as a murderer. "Murderer" makes me think of jail, thus the barbed wire fence. The view looking upward to the sky made me think of the fence separating the murderer from heaven. Lastly, the barbed wire and the fence made me think of my words being separated from me; I can't get to them. I can see them through the fence (I know they're there) but I can't retrieve them.
So yeah...Daylight Savings Time messes me up. I hope you enjoyed that little trip through my thought process, though :D

*********

Please join me this week in praying for an accepting and understanding heart. Pray that we focus on why we're here and not get caught up in the things of man. Pray for harmony and a united front as members of the Church.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power