Do you know where you are and why?
Are you in isolation?
In social-distancing?
Feeling incarcerated?
Alienated from loved ones?
Under house arrest?
In self-quarantine?
Perhaps you feel like a prisoner sentenced to
solitary confinement as punishment?
You may be totally alone or housebound with family or designated people, It may be voluntary, by choice or by mandate to keep you away from the rest of humanity for a time and keep illness at bay. I suggest, I sincerely recommend that we all look at our situation in the following way:
I am alone but I need not be lonely. My situation is for my good, for public welfare, for the common good. Moreover, I am under the intensive care and watchful eye of my loving Heavenly Father God. He knows where I am and is with me in the person of the indwelling Holy Spirit. I am not forsaken or forgotten. He is with me 24/7.
How about accepting my current separation from other people as SHELTERED IN PLACE? That puts a positive spin on it and shifts my perspective in God's direction.
Let's consider that we are set apart for multi-faceted, infinite reasons, ultimately known only to God and in His eternal plan. Our personal, national, and global state of affairs is fully under God's control. He was not caught by surprise by any invisible virus by whatever name we call it. The name of Jesus is above every name in heaven and on earth, and He has the final authority over whatever is happening.
How long will our present confinement last? When the notable Dr. Andrew Murray, missionary statesman, Bible teacher, and deeper spiritual life author a few centuries ago was asked what counsel he would offer to one of God's children who was enduring a time of trouble of uncertain duration, he recommended declaring:
“I am here--
By God's appointment
In His keeping
Under His training
For His time.”
And he offered Psalm 50:15 as God's sure promise in such time,
"Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me."
Everything may look chaotic, confusing, and out-of-control to you and me. We may feel anxious and disoriented because our status and the instructions given seem to change daily. We are tempted to fear, anxiety and panic. God's Word has a calm directive for us, a balm for our mental state and emotions and spiritual welfare in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations.” To understand the implications of that mandate, we can help ourselves abundantly to the various translations or versions.
“Our God says, 'Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honor me.'”
“That's enough! Now know that I am God.”
“Let be and be still, and know, recognize, understand that I am God.”
“Let go of your concerns, I rule the nations, I rule the earth.”
“Be in awe....”
“Stand silent!....”
“Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”
“Cease striving and know that I am God.”
“Be quiet and know....”
“....know that I am Elohim....”
“Surrender your anxiety! Be silent....”
“Be still, be calm, see, and understand I am the True God....”
“Desist, and know....”
“Be still. Stop fighting. I will be praised throughout the earth.”
Let's look at the blessings of suddenly being forced to slow down, to lay aside our frantic pace, step away from our daily routine and be quiet, distance ourselves from the agitation of the market place. In some cases spend quality time with our family and loved ones, get to know one another without the tension of everyone's scattered schedules. To get to know ourselves, if we are living solo. Above all, this is a prime opportunity to spend intimate, unhurried time with the Lord, to listen to His voice without the static of the frenetic world drumming into our ears.
Yes, there is a sandpaper side to nonvoluntary close encounters day and night with other people, even/or especially those of our own flesh and blood. We need to activate all the nine fruits of the Spirit until we finally see the light at the end of the tunnel of this shelter-time. Yes, there's the danger of contracting “cabin fever” and the virus of claustrophobia. But let's change our perspective to being mega-grateful for the huge blessings of being SHELTERED IN PLACE in the specific, protected place and for whatever duration of time God designates.
Let's enjoy this comparatively brief slice of solitude God planned for us and do our happy dance while we can. Jesus declared He was “preparing a PLACE” for us, and I'm 100% sure there won't be any “social-distancing”—no viruses there.” Privacy in Heaven? Not so much, methinks. Especially with the eternal presence of myriads of angels and the multitudes from every nation and culture through the ages.
The Rest of The Way
THIS PRESENT DARKNESS
1/12/2021 5:08:00 PM by: Leona Choy
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STILL CLIMBING NEW HILLS
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ARCHI AND THE FINISH LINE
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IT'S ALL ABOUT FOOTWEAR
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“STAR OF WONDER, STAR OF NIGHT...”
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UNSCRAMBLING SCRAMBLED EGGS
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THE REVEAL!
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[ in-foh-dem-ik ] INFODEMIC: WMD of 2020
12/14/2020 10:16:00 AM by: Leona Choy
RIP VAN WINKLE AND THE FIRST ELECTION
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“BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!”
11/30/2020 3:37:00 PM by: Leona Choy
IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS
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THE GRINCH (VIRUS) THAT STOLE THANKSGIVING
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A THANKSGIVING STORY
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FIXING YOUR EYES
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LIVING THROUGH THE “NOT YET”
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CARPE DIEM IN LOCKDOWN
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EXTRA FOR ELECTION WEEK
10/31/2020 3:30:00 PM by: Leona Choy
ATTENTION: ALL FRETTERS!
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HANDS OFF!
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SEASONAL SPECTACULARS
10/22/2020 3:12:00 PM by: Leona Choy
THE LATE GREAT ELIMINATOR
10/19/2020 11:09:00 AM by: Leona Choy
RAINY DAY REMINDER
10/17/2020 5:26:00 PM by: Leona Choy
VIEW FROM THE HEAVENLIES
10/15/2020 6:55:00 PM by: Leona Choy
BEAUTIFUL DREAMER?
10/12/2020 6:18:00 PM by: Leona Choy
BUT IF HE DOESN'T?
10/8/2020 7:11:00 PM by: Leona Choy
READY OR NOT—HERE I COME!
10/6/2020 5:41:00 PM by: Leona Choy
A TESTED HELP
10/5/2020 10:03:00 AM by: Leona Choy
ENCHANTED GROUND?
10/1/2020 11:54:00 AM by: Leona Choy
BEAUTIFUL TOGETHER
9/28/2020 6:16:00 PM by: Leona Choy
OUR PREOCCUPATION WITH “SETI”
9/24/2020 3:24:00 PM by: Leona Choy
SHINE THROUGH ME
9/21/2020 12:57:00 PM by: Leona Choy
“THINGS TO COME...”
9/17/2020 10:47:00 AM by: Leona Choy
RIDING THE SHOCK WAVES
9/14/2020 3:10:00 PM by: Leona Choy
SLEEP WITH OUR CLOTHES ON
9/10/2020 3:13:00 PM by: Leona Choy
HOW DO YOU SMELL BY NOW?
9/7/2020 3:05:00 PM by: Leona Choy
"I AM NOT A ROBOT!”
9/3/2020 10:59:00 AM by: Leona Choy
PROLIFERATION OF DROPOUTS
8/31/2020 12:18:00 PM by: Leona Choy
MESSAGE FROM 8TH CENTURY B.C.
8/27/2020 5:46:00 PM by: Leona choy
BRIDGES TO SOMEWHERE
8/24/2020 11:43:00 AM by: Leona Choy
GET UP OFF THE FLOOR
8/20/2020 9:39:00 AM by: Leona Choy
"Under" the Circumstances?
8/17/2020 7:51:00 PM by: Leona Choy
TOO MUCH STUFF
8/13/2020 7:11:00 PM by: Leona Choy
Pacemakers and Pacesetters
8/10/2020 7:47:00 PM by: Leona Choy
Bug Out Bags and More
8/6/2020 10:06:00 PM by: Leona Choy
GIVE ME THIS DAY FRESH BREAD
8/3/2020 2:16:00 PM by: Leona Choy
FAMILY TREE HUGGERS
7/30/2020 11:17:00 AM by: Leona Choy
“WHO WERE YOU?”
7/27/2020 11:12:00 AM by: Leona Choy
WALKING WITH JESUS
7/23/2020 3:07:00 PM by: Leona Choy
WHAT DOES MY COVID JOURNEY LOOK LIKE?
7/20/2020 3:05:00 PM by: Leona Choy
HEARING VOICES
7/16/2020 10:20:00 AM by: Leona Choy
A TIME TO BE HELD
7/13/2020 11:23:00 AM by: Leona Choy
RUMBLE STRIPS AHEAD!
7/9/2020 10:50:00 AM by: Leona Choy
“WHATEVER IS LOVELY AND BRINGS PEACE...”
7/7/2020 10:49:00 AM by: Leona Choy
TO PLAN OR NOT TO PLAN
7/5/2020 7:25:00 PM by: Leona choy
MY OWN INDEPENDENCE DAY
7/3/2020 6:50:00 PM by: Leona Choy
WHAT'S OUT THERE?
7/1/2020 11:51:00 AM by: Leona Choy
“FULL OF SAP AND VERY GREEN”
6/28/2020 5:25:00 PM by: Leona Choy
SPIRITUAL ATHEROSCLEROSIS
6/25/2020 2:42:00 PM by: Leona Choy
JUST FOR FUN
6/23/2020 1:18:00 PM by: Leona Choy
WHO'S COUNTING?
6/20/2020 3:49:00 PM by: Leona Choy
PRAYER IS NOT FOR SISSIES
6/18/2020 7:23:00 PM by: Leona Choy
MY KITCHEN TIMER SPEAKS
6/16/2020 7:49:00 AM by: Leona Choy
SQUEAKING HINGES
6/14/2020 3:45:00 PM by: Leona Choy
“US WOMEN ON OUR OWN”
6/12/2020 5:46:00 PM by: Leona Choy
PREPARING AN ETERNAL “NEST”
6/10/2020 3:29:00 PM by: Leona Choy
TENDING TO MY CATERPILLARS AND COCOONS
6/8/2020 10:37:00 AM by: Leona Choy
STILL LEAPING UPSTREAM
6/6/2020 2:58:00 PM by: Leona Choy
POKING HOLES IN THE DARKNESS
6/3/2020 11:27:00 AM by: Leona Choy
ARE WE THERE YET?
5/31/2020 9:14:00 AM by: Leona Choy
NEW WINE-SKIN PEOPLE
5/30/2020 10:22:00 AM by: Leona Choy
EARTH SUIT vs SPACE SUIT: Increasing Tension
5/29/2020 3:50:00 PM by: Leona Choy
ONLY A CHAPTER
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WOUNDED WARRIORS
5/26/2020 7:21:00 PM by: Leona Choy
WEARY OR JUST TIRED?
5/24/2020 3:07:00 PM by: Leona Choy
WEARING PAJAMAS IN COMBAT?
5/22/2020 3:06:00 PM by: Leona Choy
RETHINKING THE PREPPER MINDSET
5/20/2020 5:44:00 PM by: Leona Choy
THE INTRIGUE OF ISOLATION
5/18/2020 3:08:00 PM by: Leona Choy
CONTEST OF THE CONDIMENTS
5/15/2020 3:41:00 PM by: Leona Choy
THOUGHTS FOR US “VULNERABLES”
5/13/2020 6:05:00 PM by: Leona Choy
WHO WANTS TO PLAY STATUE?
5/12/2020 10:42:00 PM by: Leona Choy
BALCONY CONCERTS
5/11/2020 9:17:00 PM by: Leona Choy
GIANTS IN OUR FAMILY TREE
5/8/2020 7:02:00 PM by: Leona Choy
WHAT ABOUT THOSE GRASSHOPPERS?
5/6/2020 3:17:00 PM by: Leona Choy
METATHESIOPHOBIA!
5/4/2020 6:23:00 PM by: Leona Choy
WITHERED HANDS
5/3/2020 6:02:00 PM by: Leona Choy
WRITE A TIME CAPSULE
5/1/2020 3:31:00 PM by: Leona Choy
CASTING PRACTICE
4/30/2020 3:02:00 PM by: Leona Choy
MASKS
4/29/2020 3:46:00 PM by: Leona Choy
LAST STRAW?
4/28/2020 2:37:00 PM by: Leona Choy
MY SURVIVOR ASSIGNMENT
4/25/2020 3:36:00 PM by: Leona Choy
SEGUE TIME
4/24/2020 3:33:00 PM by: Leona Choy
SURE, I'LL PRAY FOR YOU
4/23/2020 8:00:00 PM by: Leona Choy
MEANWHILE, WE GROAN
4/22/2020 3:50:00 PM by: Leona Choy
PARABLE OF THE DISORDERED EGG
4/20/2020 12:14:00 PM by: Leona choy
CHANTING THE PSALMS—A “JOYFUL NOISE”
4/19/2020 10:07:00 PM by: Leona Choy
OUR GREEN ROOM/GREENHOUSE
4/16/2020 10:41:00 PM by: Leona Choy
PSALMS IN COLOR
4/15/2020 5:49:00 PM by: Leona Choy
TV WATCH AND PRAY
4/14/2020 5:26:00 PM by: Leona Choy
JUST PASSING BY?
4/9/2020 3:08:00 PM by: Leona Choy
A SAFE PLACE ON THE ROCK
4/8/2020 5:09:00 PM by: Leona Choy
GETTING A GOOD SHAKING
4/7/2020 11:36:00 AM by: Leona Choy
THE UPSIDE OF DOWNTIME
4/6/2020 5:34:00 PM by: Leona Choy
ANNOUNCING! PANDEMIC READ-A-THON!
4/4/2020 8:14:00 PM by: Leona Choy
GOD'S OBSESSION WITH FRUIT
4/3/2020 5:09:00 PM by: Leona Choy
BLOOMING BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
4/2/2020 6:04:00 PM by: Leona Choy
GRAY CLOUD FOLKS
4/1/2020 9:15:00 PM by: Leona Choy
END OF THE STORY
3/31/2020 8:46:00 PM by: Leona Choy
RAVENS DELIVERY SERVICE
3/30/2020 9:45:00 PM by: Leona Choy
CALAMITY COMFORT
3/29/2020 9:58:00 AM by: Leona Choy
A DESERT FABLE
3/28/2020 11:06:00 AM by: Leona Choy
A PERSONAL MESSAGE
3/27/2020 11:49:00 AM by: Leona Choy
SURFING THE PANDEMIC WAVES
3/25/2020 3:54:00 PM by: Leona Choy
HOW ARE YOUR “WITS” DOING?
3/24/2020 3:38:00 PM by: Leona Choy
FALLEN ROCKS
3/23/2020 10:32:00 AM by: Leona Choy
HUNKERING AT EAGLE SUMMIT
3/21/2020 6:02:00 PM by: Leona Choy
TENT DWELLING
3/21/2020 12:14:00 PM by: Leona Choy
A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE
3/20/2020 2:47:00 PM by: Leona Choy
HANDS ON THE PLOW
3/19/2020 3:27:00 PM by: Leona Choy
SUBMARINE LIVING
3/18/2020 11:59:00 AM by: Leona Choy
A NEW HAPPY DANCE
3/17/2020 10:20:00 AM by: Leona Choy
SOCIAL DISTANCING
3/13/2020 12:36:00 PM by: Leona Choy
THE RELUCTANT PILGRIM
3/11/2020 6:47:00 PM by: Leona Choy
THE MYSTERIOUS "SELAH" WORD
3/9/2020 10:58:00 AM by: Leona Choy
MY CLAP OFFERING
3/8/2020 3:04:00 PM by: Leona Choy
ONE DOLLAR DAFFODIL
3/7/2020 1:11:00 PM by: Leona Choy
BOUND BY AN INVISIBLE THREAD
3/4/2020 9:43:00 PM by: Leona Choy
NOT SILENCED
2/26/2020 12:15:00 PM by: Leona Choy
BEING OWLISH ABOUT WISDOM
2/24/2020 3:31:00 PM by: Leona Choy
"In the beginning..." before GOOGLE
2/22/2020 11:13:00 AM by: Leona Choy
PULLED FROM THE BRINK
2/20/2020 3:55:00 PM by: Leona Choy
APPLE OF HIS EYE
2/9/2020 12:01:00 PM by: Leona Choy
SINGING HER WAY HOME
1/31/2020 3:33:00 PM by: Leona Choy
EATIN' SHORTBREAD
1/24/2020 9:31:00 PM by: Leona Choy
PLATFORM, PODIUM, PULPIT OR PEDESTAL?
1/17/2020 1:01:00 PM by: Leona Choy
BUCKET LIST AGAIN?
1/12/2020 5:33:00 PM by: Leona Choy
IN SEARCH OF A MAKEOVER
12/31/2019 12:17:00 PM by: Leona Choy
SEASONAL SAG
12/30/2019 1:32:00 PM by: Leona Choy
THE MYSTERY OF TIME
12/28/2019 9:21:00 AM by: Leona Choy
2020 MY RENEWED EAGLE YEAR
12/26/2019 11:02:00 AM by: Leona Choy
Post Surgery Report
12/3/2019 3:30:00 PM by: Leona Choy
SURGERY ENCORE
11/23/2019 8:49:00 PM by: Leona Choy
“You Have the Right to Remain Silent”
10/31/2019 2:38:00 PM by: Leona Choy
WHO IS SHAKING MY TREE?
10/30/2019 5:06:00 PM by: Leona Choy
WHO IS THE BOSS OF ME?
10/15/2019 10:37:00 AM by: Leona Choy
LORD, MOVE MY MOUNTAIN!
10/13/2019 3:11:00 PM by: Leona Choy
ANOTHER WAITING ROOM
10/11/2019 9:36:00 AM by: Leona Choy
DON'T BE SHEEPISH
10/10/2019 12:33:00 PM by: Leona Choy
THE VALUE OF SELF-TALK
9/28/2019 3:59:00 PM by: Leona Choy
LASER PRAYER
9/27/2019 12:35:00 PM by: Leona Choy
THANKS FOR THE MEMORY
9/12/2019 1:39:00 PM by: Leona Choy
CARRY ME, FATHER
9/5/2019 3:11:00 PM by: Leona Choy
MY PERSONAL SPIRITUAL WORKOUT
9/4/2019 10:55:00 AM by: Leona Choy
PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS?
9/1/2019 12:08:00 PM by: Leona Choy
Lessons from My Cup
8/20/2019 3:33:00 PM by: Leona Choy
STRAW & THE CAMEL'S BACK
8/7/2019 12:38:00 PM by: Leona Choy
BECOMING MORE "FRUITY"
7/10/2019 5:17:00 PM by: Leona Choy
CREATIVE ENCOUNTERS
7/3/2019 2:27:00 PM by: Leona Choy
PITCHING IT RIGHT
6/30/2019 11:46:00 AM by: Leona Choy
“WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU GROW UP?”
6/25/2019 3:01:00 PM by: Leona Choy
34580 and COUNTING
6/18/2019 2:11:00 PM by: Leona Choy
MOUNTAINS AND MOLEHILLS
6/14/2019 9:54:00 AM by: Leona Choy
CHEERLEADING
6/6/2019 9:52:00 AM by: Leona Choy
HANDS ON THE PLOW
5/22/2019 11:38:00 AM by: Leona Choy
WAITING FOR GRADUATION DAY
5/17/2019 3:46:00 PM by: Leona Choy
I THINK BOOKS
5/13/2019 12:06:00 PM by: Leona Choy
ONLY TALK WITH YOUR MOUTH FULL!
5/4/2019 8:35:00 PM by: Leona Choy
HO-HUM FAITH
4/18/2019 12:47:00 PM by: Leona Choy
BREATHTAKING THOUGHTS
4/7/2019 1:47:00 PM by: Leona Choy
TOO MUCH ON MY PLATE?
3/31/2019 5:23:00 PM by: Leona Choy
EARTH SUIT vs SPACE SUIT: Increasing Tension
3/4/2019 3:37:00 PM by: Leona Choy
AVOIDING A SPIRITUAL "OOPS!"
3/1/2019 12:06:00 PM by: Leona Choy
PURSUING WISDOM
2/19/2019 1:29:00 PM by: Leona Choy
A THORNY MATTER
2/15/2019 10:42:00 AM by: Leona Choy
A SOMEWHAT GRUMPY CHAT WITH GOD
2/12/2019 9:54:00 AM by: Leona Choy
A FISH STORY
2/8/2019 3:40:00 PM by: Leona Choy
LET'S EAT NOODLES TOGETHER!
1/21/2019 3:07:00 PM by: Leona Choy
SATISFIED--A SECRET TO SHARE
1/11/2019 7:22:00 PM by: Leona Choy
STILL RUNNING
12/29/2018 7:22:00 PM by: Leona Choy
RESISTANCE TO ASSISTANCE
12/6/2018 5:17:00 PM by: Leona Choy
CHALLENGE OF THE FOURTH QUARTER
11/26/2018 3:19:00 PM by: Leona Choy
KEEPING A TRADITION
11/15/2018 9:14:00 AM by: Leona Choy
PUBLISHING FUND PROGRESS
11/5/2018 8:58:00 AM by: Leona Choy
"GOING STEADY" WITH MY "SUGAR CANE"
11/3/2018 2:02:00 PM by: Leona Choy
A SHOUT-OUT FOR A NEW BUTTERFLY
10/31/2018 3:24:00 PM by: Leona Choy
THANKSGIVING IN OCTOBER
10/7/2018 5:53:00 PM by: Leona Choy
REPEAT OFFENDERS
9/30/2018 3:16:00 PM by: Leona Choy
SHINING WHEN YOUR BATTERY IS LOW
9/21/2018 5:32:00 PM by: Leona Choy
I DESERVE IT...DESERVE IT NOT....
9/13/2018 7:54:00 PM by: Leona Choy
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
9/10/2018 12:35:00 PM by: Leona Choy
WAITING FOR GOD'S DUE TIME
9/3/2018 7:29:00 PM by: Leona Choy
STONES AND COVERUPS AND HOLY EARS
8/31/2018 10:44:00 AM by: Leona Choy
IT'S ALL ABOUT SHOES
8/29/2018 9:30:00 AM by: Leona Choy
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MY CELL TOWER
8/27/2018 3:47:00 PM by: Leona Choy
REJUVENATION GOD'S WAY
8/17/2018 8:49:00 AM by: Leona Choy
STUCK IN THE MUD?
8/13/2018 7:22:00 PM by: Leona Choy
TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR
8/8/2018 2:07:00 PM by: Leona Choy
WHEN'S A GOOD TIME TO "EXULT"?
7/30/2018 3:00:00 PM by: Leona Choy
Survey For the Calendar-Challenged
7/25/2018 2:42:00 PM by: Leona Choy
Destiny Decisions
7/19/2018 10:25:00 AM by: Leona Choy
BEDROOM SLIPPERS OR HIKING BOOTS?
7/18/2018 10:44:00 AM by: Leona Choy
Hurrah for the Prepper Bridesmaids!
7/13/2018 6:01:00 PM by: Leona Choy
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS?
7/10/2018 5:35:00 PM by: Leona Choy
BARNACLES
6/5/2018 2:01:00 PM by: Leona Choy