Let Their Be Light

As a mom of six, I sometimes crave solitude. But weekends like this, I realize that even though I wish for quiet some days, I thrive on interaction with people.

COVID-19 scrapped my social calendar, and I've missed seeing friends and going to church. But I have enjoyed the less stressful weekends and quiet Sunday mornings. I still have a loud and busy household, and I'm never bored for a minute, but it is nice to not to watch the clock and rush.

But this weekend was fuller than any for the last two months. And even though I had no down time, I loved it. Here is a glimpse of the blessings, in  no particular order.

1. Great food. I made a triple mammoth batch of pasta salad. I love chopping veggies, especially a lovely variety like this. But I also enjoyed grilled pizza Saturday night and a delightful Sunday breakfast of caramel apple coffee cake and omelets, both meals made by my children and brother and sister.

2. Time spent with favorite people in the outdoors. We geocached for several hours this afternoon. We chose harder caches which means we didn't find many, but the weather was amazing, especially after snow flurries yesterday. We even hiked to my favorite stream. I love how little girls delight in simple pleasures like throwing stones in water and watching the splash.

3. Laughter shared because of silly family challenges. I'll tell you more about these later this week.

4. Counting blessings. Yesterday we helped serve a community meal. Time spent with the homeless has a way of making me realize how blessed I am. This afternoon I chatted with a young mom at the park. She looked ready to cry and in a few minutes she dumped out her despair and asked me what she should do. And she was seriously desperate enough that she was asking me, a stranger for advice. I didn't have any solutions, but I hope that just listening to her helped. She found out that I too was a single mom and asked me blunt questions on how I survived financially. How could I tell her that I've been so well supported that I have no financial stress when she has absolutely no one and is in danger of becoming homeless with three little children?

I  know that Mother's Day is hard for many people, like this mom. Sometimes it highlights crushed dreams or disappointments or personal failures.

This year might be even harder for many. Some mothers have had their days stretched to the breaking with 24/7 care of their children. Add in financial or health or political worries, a many don't have a rosy picture to share about their weekend.

I wanted to share a hymn today about peace, but since we were busy, it is now late Sunday night before I'm sharing this.

"Let Their Be Light" is my prayer for our community, and our country, and our world. I think that COVID-19 is a chance for another Great Awakening - a time for revival in the church and in the world. But I fear that worry, and bitterness, and fighting will destroy the opportunity. I'm praying for humility and surrender to God in my own heart and in the hearts of all God's people so we can reach out to hurting people with the hope of Jesus Christ.

Let There Be Light
William M. Vories
Hymns of the Church #778

Let there be light, Lord God of hosts,
Let there be wisdom on the earth;
Let broad humanity have birth,
Let there be deeds, instead of boasts.

Within our passioned hearts instill
The calm that endeth strain and strife;
Make us thy ministers of life;
Purge us from lusts that curse and kill.

Give us the peace of vision clear
To see our brothers’ good our own,
To joy and suffer not alone,
The love that casteth out all fear.

Let woe and waste of warfare cease,
That useful labor yet may build
Its homes with love and laughter filled;
God give thy wayward children peace.

(If you are viewing by email you may need to click over to the blog to view the video of this song.)

Geocaching

In March, when the events on our calendar were being canceled. I asked the children to brainstorm things we could do just as a family.

One of the children suggested geo-caching.

Geo-caching is sort of a treasure hunt. People hide a small box containing a log sheet and then list the gps coordinates on an online site at geocaching.com.

Six years ago, Ed introduced the children to geocaching. We had found dozens of caches (57 to be exact) over the next year or two. We scoured our local area for caches, and every time we traveled, we searched for geocaches. We found that geocaching made taking a walk or bike ride a lot more fun.

But somehow we had stopped geocaching. Ed got a new phone and never downloaded the geocaching app, and we moved on to other pursuits.

But a quarantine seemed the perfect time to get back into geocaching. Just minutes from our house, someone had put quite a few new geocaches in recent months. Three Sunday afternoons have found us walking down the streets of our small town and poking through cemeteries looking for geocaches. I discovered scenic spots that I've driven by for years.

Ed had planned to build some of his own caches after he had experience finding a few. It is suggested that you find 100 caches before building your own. We are now up to 70 caches so my goal is to get to 100 by the end of summer and then build our own caches in memory of Ed.

If you need an excuse to take a walk, try geocaching. The app downloads easily and besides a phone, all you need is walking shoes and a pencil to sign the logbook. Geocaches can be found all over the world so unless you are in a very rural area, you probably have some close to you.

Have you tried geocaching?

Who Shall I Fear?

When I was a teen, I was on a trip with several other girls. One of my friends was reading Psalm 91 every single day. That was the first time I thought about the power of reading the same passage over and over again for an extended time. 

In the years since then there have been numerous passages I have read over and over and over again, usually because I'm helping my children memorize them. My method of teaching Bible memory is to choose a passage and read it every day for months until we all know it by memory. 

Psalm 91 was the passage that we had learned in the months before Ed's cancer diagnosis. I was so grateful that we had that passage embedded before we hit a crisis. 

Last fall, when we took our trip to Ontario with my brother, we picked Psalm 27 as our passage to learn on our trip. We completed the chapter in the months following. This spring, I've been hearing these verses echo in my mind as we've faced the uncertainties of Covid-19. 

Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

The first few verses of Psalm 27 has been made into a beautiful choral song.

(If reading this by email, you may need to click over to the blog to watch the video.)



I'd love to hear what Psalms have been meaningful to you this spring.

And maybe you want to choose a passage such as Psalm 27 or 91 as your Covid-19 Scripture and read it every day. It will be time well-spent.

Seek Truth

Today I'll share the last of my five quarantine goals. (The others were keep a routine,  celebrate my children, take a walk, and find ways to serve.) This one is probably the most important and incorporates the first four.

Back in January and February, I took part in a reading challenge. With the goal of reading more books, I found that my online reading shrank significantly. Then in March, we spent a week in North Carolina with almost no internet service.

When we got back to Pennsylvania,  I realized that I had gotten out of the habit of online reading, especially on social media. The timing was perfect as opinions and debates were flying around social media concerning Covid-19.

But as the weeks went by, I found myself being sucked into the conversation. I wanted to stay aware, but checking the stats for my county would turn into an hour of reading news reports and opinions.

In past years, when I would bury myself in brain cancer research, I found that there were two emotions that I needed to take as warning signals: anxiety and anger. I gained so much good information from brain cancer forums and other online sources, but anxiety or anger are two emotions that I couldn't handle.

There are proper times for negative emotions. I'm sometimes hit with deep sorrow when reading the Scripture, when God reveals my sin. The news should drive me to prayer for the lost condition of the world - and not just since the pandemic. There is a time for tears and heaviness of heart.

But I when I feel anger or anxiety, I assume that those emotions are not from God, since He rebukes worry and rebellion.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

When reading, I try to ask myself questions such as: Do I know this is truth or is it someone's opinion? Is this an area of my responsibility?

For me this has meant that I read about current events but in a limited way. For example, I need to know the latest Covid-19 rulings for my area so that I can be respectful of our leaders' requests. I want to stay aware of the needs of the world, not inflict fear, but to spark empathy and prayer. I've put more weight in the opinions of those who are first-hand witnesses. When I wanted to learn more about pandemics, I have sought information from history to learn how pandemics have affected our country in the past instead of reading others' conjectures on Covid-19's impact.

But even more, I have sought to keep turning to God's Word. Opinions of experts change every week or two, but the Bible never changes.

At the beginning of March, a long-time friend Thann Bennett sent me his new book My Fame, His Fame. I don't often read books in the inspirational Christian genre since often if feels like they take a whole book to say what could be said in one chapter. But I think God knew I needed a Scripture-saturated book to read this spring.

My Fame, His Fame relates the story of Habakkuk and call us to live lives to bring God glory. Maybe none of the thoughts in the book were truly new, but I needed reminded that God's people have faced very difficult situations in the past and called out to God who answered, though not always in the ways they expected.

"When what we know of God does not feel sufficient for our current trials we have two choices: to walk away or to press in deeper until we find more of Him." - Thann Bennett

Another blessing to me this past month has been the short book Coronavirus and Christ by John Piper that is available as an e-book or audio for free in many languages.

The goal of seeking truth in what I'm reading, listening, and thinking on is a lifetime goal, but one that is even more important the past month. Satan will always send lies to bring bondage to our soul, but what we do with those lies is our choice. God's Word—not just read, but known, understood, and lived out—is the only way my mind can find freedom and victory.

I'd love to hear how you are seeking truth.

Find Ways to Serve

In writing about my five quarantine goals, I've covered keep a routine,  celebrate my children, and take a walk.

I'm a little embarrassed to share the fourth goal, since I fear it sounds like bragging. I don't want anyone to feel bad when reading this. Many of you are overwhelmed by the extra load of homeschooling. Please don't compare. You may be serving your family at top capacity right now.

When this quarantine began, I knew how self-centered I could become. When life turns topsy-turvy, I want to huddle around my children and shut out the world. It is easy for me to think only of myself, so I set the goal to find ways to serve.

I knew the elderly people, without church or visitors, would be lonely. Thankfully the mail service still works, so my first goal was to send a card every day.

I haven't made that daily goal, but I have sent far more cards this past month than usual. I don't know if the cards have been a blessing to anyone else, but I know it has been good for me to get my mind off of myself.

Others around me have also been looking for ways to serve.

My brother called various local organizations to see what their needs are. He found that many don't have their usual volunteers over this pandemic, but their needs are increasing.

One such  place was our local homeless shelter. So one afternoon we made and delivered a meal. When I think that just a few miles from my house there could be hungry families, I feel embarrassed at my full freezers. And I love making large quantities of food.

Another opportunity came through a lady at our church. Our local hospital had received a shipment of N95 masks from the federal stockpile, but the straps needed replaced.  My daughter and I both spent a day sewing with many other ladies to fill this need. 

I've been blessed to see how others are serving.

One of my friends came to our house very early in the morning when we were all still sleeping and placed a box of treats for the whole family on the porch.

My brother and my sons got up early on a Saturday and baked cinnamon rolls which they delivered to some neighbors. Another Saturday they helped a neighbor replace an exterior door.

Another brother, who lives in a low-income neighborhood, is planning to host a community take-out meal. One of the goals of the meal is to evaluate the needs in his neighborhood.

One of my friends is texting an encouraging verse or quote along with a lovely photo every day. 

There are so many ways that we can reach out to others. It doesn't have to be anything big or elaborate. 

Last week I visited Walmart for the first time in weeks. It was also the first time I was in a store since masks were required. I hate how masks hide emotions and give everyone an air of distance and unfriendliness. Typically when I shop, I keep my eyes on my shopping list and move quickly through the store. But with masks, everyone looked so sad, and I determined to try to make a difference. I purposely made eye contact with fellow shoppers. I nodded, said "hi," and smiled broad enough to squint my eyes. It felt a little silly, but my unseen smiles were returned and some shoppers stopped to say a few words. I think all of us are starved for some human contact.

Thann Bennett wrote, "Loneliness stems not from a place of being physically alone but from the lack of being truly known." I can't end the loneliness many are experiencing right now, but maybe I can do a little to show someone that they are noticed. 

I'd love to hear the ways you are finding to reach out to others. Or the ways others have encouraged you.

Hail, Holy Light

This Sunday morning can bring a mix of emotions.

Do you feel
contentment or frustration?
joy or anxiety?
peace or anger?
faith or fear?

Changing negative emotions may seem impossible.
We may feel helpless to change circumstances
or adjust your attitude.

Maybe that is why we like the Psalms.
David shows us despair turned to praises.

How long wilt forget me, O Lord?
Forever?
How long shall I have sorrow in my heart?

Hear me, O Lord, lest I sleep the sleep of death. 

I have trusted in Thy mercy.
My heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation.
I will sing unto the Lord
because He hath dealt bountifully with me.

(Excerpts from Psalm 13)

Despair to Request to Trust to Praise.

Did David's emotions change from the first verse to the last?
Or did he choose the action of praise and drag his emotions along?

I love when we start a Sunday morning worship service with Hail, Holy Light. I like the reminder that our praise is joining the song of creation, the heavenly beings, and believers around the world to worship God.

Hail, Holy Light
Edwin P. Parker
Hymns of the Church #50

Hail, holy light! The world rejoices
As morning breaks and shadows fly;
All nature blends her myriad voices
To greet the dayspring from on high.

Break forth, in glory far excelling,
O light eternal, love divine!
Let Thy bright beams, all shades dispelling,
Around us and within us shine.

The heav’nly hosts fall down before Thee,
And Holy! cry, nor ever rest;
The saints on earth, with them, adore Thee,
Creator, Savior, Spirit blest.

Accept, O Father, we entreat Thee,

The worship which Thy children bring;

O, grant us grace in Heav’n to greet Thee,

And with all saints Thy love to sing.

(You might have to click through to the blog to see the video if you are reading this by email.)

Take a Walk

I'm writing about my five quarantine goals. I've already shared about Keep a routine and Celebrate my children. The third is Take a Walk.

This isn't a new goal, and it is one I've written about before.

1. Walking Alone

For years I wanted to walk more often, but, with young children, I didn't think I had the time. But I began taking regular walks with Ed as part of his therapy. I learned that work doesn't go anywhere when I take a walk, but I have the energy to tackle it. When Ed became too sick to walk, I began walking alone, with an audio book. My regular route, three miles around the block on our quiet roads, took me an hour. For the last year, I've tried to find time for this walk at least once or twice a week. I always find it refreshing.

I know that I feel better after a bit of exercise. But exercise for the sake of exercise can be difficult to do. For me, framing exercise as a treat and alone time, made all the difference.

After Ed died, I didn't have 5:30 to look forward to when Ed would come home from work. A walk in the afternoon couldn't replace Ed, but it could help me feel human.

My children learned to enjoy my walking time too. I rarely gave them work to do when I took a walk (besides watching the younger girls who don't need much watching.) So for them, my walks were a time to play games or read without chores or school work.

When the quarantine started and evening plans were canceled, I knew a walk would be more important. Without interaction with others, I would need an hour of quiet more often. Since we had less on our schedule, it would seem easier to find time to walk, though I didn't find it that way. My walks were made even more enjoyable by watching the world wake up with spring this past month. Listening to great audio books or podcasts helps too.

2. Walking With My Children

My walks around the block are almost always alone. Maybe I should take a child with me for some one-on-one time, but even an extrovert cherishes a bit of alone time.

On the first Sunday that we didn't have church, my children grumped. Most Sundays we fill with activities. Besides church, often Sunday afternoon and evening are spent with friends or family. All my children enjoy an active social life, maybe even more since we are homeschooled. On that first weekend when we couldn't get together with anyone, we had some bad moods.

So I told them that every Sunday afternoon, weather permitting, during the quarantine, we were going for a hike. The announcement wasn't met with excitement. But each Sunday, we've been out walking. Now that my brother is staying with us, it is easier. They don't dare complain to their uncle as they do to mom. We even started geocaching again, which maybe should be another post.

3. Walking With Others

In Pennsylvania, even with the stay-at-home order, we are allowed to leave home to exercise. I miss seeing the other ladies at church, and I've used the exercise allowance to also fill a need for socializing. I've met several times with friends to take a walk. We could keep a proper social distance while still enjoying face-to-face conversation.

I've also enjoyed meeting neighbors on my walks that I've never spoken to before. I don't think it is my imagination that people are more eager to talk this past month. One elderly man shut off his lawnmower to ask how far I was walking and where I lived. Another elderly woman was pulling out her driveway in her car. She stopped and wound down her window to chat. I think we all have a greater desire to communicate.

What about you? Have you found getting outdoors to be important for your sanity this month? In what ways are you interacting with your neighbors?