'Tis the Reason

Weekly Word Hope you had a lovely Christmas and here's my wish for a Happy and Prosperous New Year. I know some of you are alone and the holidays rather than cheer, makes your home feel emptier. While I cannot deny the joy having company brings, its still not the reason for the season. Christmas is about Jesus. If our houses are filled to the rafters with people and all the trappings of the holidays and we miss the Baby in the manger as the focal point, we have nothing. Married, single, in or out of love, divorced, widowed, grieving or recovering - whatever state we are in, Jesus came to be our salvation. That makes it Christmas. That makes the season worth celebrating. So today I pray for those who are lonely. Be encouraged you are not forgotten or forsaken. And you have as much reason to be joyful because Jesus came for you. Let him fill your empty spaces with peace - He is the Prince of Peace. Thanks to those who faithfully follow Weekly Word. Please continue to share and let's spread the Good News together. Talk with you in 2021

More than Gifts, Sparkles, and Lights

By this time next week, Christmas will have come and gone and we will be looking ahead to the celebrations welcoming a new year. But while we are yet in the season, let us be careful to remember the lights, the presents, and nostalgic songs is not what Christmas is all about. It’s more than finding true love, or returning to our roots, or even receiving special miracles. Christmas is the greatest story ever told, the most unbelievable drama enacted since Genesis. It’s about a God who laid aside his unapproachable glory to become a helpless baby. He did it so everyone could have access to him. But that’s not all. The birth in the manger was only the opening of the way to the cross. There, this Gentle Jesus would sacrifice his own life as the perfect Lamb, to save all who would believe in him. Christmas is so much more than lights, and sparkles, and gifts. The lights are symbols of the true Light of the World The gold and silver tinsel are tiny reminders of the splendors of heaven The gifts commemorate the greatest gift of all – Jesus The carols are reminders of the worship of angels and shepherds on the night Jesus was born And all the love stories are but faint echoes of the Greatest Love of all – God giving His Son Let’s not forget whether we say Merry Christmas, have a good winter break, or happy holidays, it is only possible because Jesus came. Yes, He is truly the reason for the season; let’s keep his name in His birthday celebration. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, and a bright and prosperous New Year.

Reset

Weekly Word This morning as I got ready for work, I strapped on my watch, a Fitbit, that also tracks the number of steps I take each day. It occurred to me that it had cleared everything from yesterday and was now reset to zero. Immediately the Scripture filled my mind: It is because of the Lord’s loving kindnesses (mercy) that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness Lamentations 3: 22-23. This is what I realized. Sometime between yesterday and today’s dawn, God did a reset on my life. He cleared all the mercies/ loving-kindnesses he provided, those I accessed and those I did not, and he loaded a fresh store just for today. I have a fear not, a be strong, an I am with you, and innumerable other Words, spoken and implied, just waiting to be used. You simply cannot imagine how happy I am right now! But I can’t gloat or feel too special because God did the same for you. That’s right. You God a reset too because GOD DAILY LOADS US with BENEFITS! Hope this thought fuels your day.

Weekly Word: The Secret Place

 The Secret Place

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under
the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge
and my fortress; my God in him will I trust." Psalm 91:1-2
Where is this place the Bible speaks of? Rather than a brick and
mortar fortress, I  believe the secret place of the Lord denotes a
spiritual rest made possible by our relationship with him. We are
saved. We are walking with God daily and becoming more like him
through the power of the Word. And by so doing, we become dwellers of
the secret place. From this place of refuge comes the bold faith
affirmation even in the midst of perils. "He is my refuge and my
fortress. My God, in Him will I trust.

Heavenly Father, you are our shield from the soul-destroying hurt and
harm this world gives. You are our sanity when life swirls around us
faster and faster, sucking us into a storm of conflicting ideas,
offering no peace. You are our confidence when we feel inadequate
because your strength surpasses all our weaknesses. We trust the
protection of your secret place. Amen.

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Weekly Word: Thanksgiving

 Weekly Word...

Thanksgiving 

    The Pilgrims were not the first people to have a thanksgiving celebration. Wampanoag Indians marked 6 thanksgiving festivals per year.

The first Christian thanksgiving was held in Texas on May 23rd, 1541 when Spanish Explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado found food, water, and pasture in the Panhandle.

August 9th, 1607 English settlers led by Capt. George Popham joined Abnaki Indians in Maine for a feast and prayer meeting.

December 4th, 1619 a group of 38 English settlers arrived at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia. The group’s leader Capt. John Woodleaf declared a day of thanksgiving

      1620 marked the pilgrims of Plymouth Rock’s first winter. 1-3 people died every day in that first year until only 46 of the 102 that

landed remained. Squanto, an English-speaking member of the Wampanoag nation intervened by teaching the settlers everything he knew about survival. As a result, 1621 yielded the biggest harvest anyone had ever seen. The first thanksgiving of Native Americans and settlers was held to celebrate the “goodness of God” and to “after a special manner rejoice together.”

      This feast was not repeated yearly and it was not until December 18, 1777, that all of the then 13 colonies celebrated thanksgiving

together. October 3rd, 1863 marked the declaration of Thanksgiving Day as the 3rd Thursday in November by President Lincoln.

         In President Lincoln’s words of 1883. Let us truly :

“…Set apart and observe the last Thursday of November…as a day of

thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the

Heavens. And I recommend…that while offering up ascriptions justly due

to Him…they do also humble penitence for our national perverseness and

disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become

widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in this lamentable (war) in

which we are …engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the

Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as

soon as may be consistent with his Divine purposes to the full

enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and Union.”

Thanksgiving is not about the turkey or the feast; it’s always was, and always will be about God. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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 Weekly Word

        As we approach the most traveled season of the year, there is still much concern about the reported spike in the number of COVID-19 cases. Don’t forget, the function of the news media is to report the news; whatever they consider new or novel gets reported. It is not their job (unfortunately) to always report things in a balanced or impartial manner. So, what we do with the information we receive is entirely dependent on how much we are willing to believe without evidence. Before we panic, expecting a return of March 2020, let us look at what the CDC is saying.

        Yesterday November 13^th, Florida data reported to the Agency for Health Care Administration brought great news. Namely, the number of hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients is down more than 70 percent since July. This means there are currently 3,100 persons hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19 and statewide, the positivity rate for new cases is 7.95 percent. The crux of the matter is, per the Department of Health “there has been a steady decline in the number of reported Florida resident deaths who were previously diagnosed with COVID-19. The second week of August compared to the second week of September shows a 74 percent decrease in the average number of reported COVID-19 related deaths.”

As of November 13, 870,552 individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in Florida.

      As a health care professional, I am going to trust the reports from the CDC and the DOH far and above those of pundits and overall “talkers”, we see popping up all over the media. While the report is undoubtedly good news, we cannot drop our guard. The measures that have gotten us to these numbers must remain in place if we are to see a continued return to normalcy.  Social distancing, handwashing, wearing of protective equipment, and MASKS for every day outside interactions, are to be respected and stringently practiced. I can’t see taking measures to ensures one’s own health and safety (if not that of others) as an infringement on freedom or self-determination. Not from where I sit in the place where death by COVID is a grim reality.

So, my Weekly Word this week is simply Safety. Safety first, safety always.

 https://www.floridadisaster.org/news-media/news/20201112-florida-department-of-health-issues-daily-update-on-covid-192/

 

 

 

The Unraveling

 

The Unraveling

It had taken years to do that rug. The pattern was intricate and
unlike anything, Camille had every crocheted. No one thought it would
ever be finished. For one, it ate up thread like it devoured time and
still managed to remain much smaller than expected. Every few weeks
saw Camille trekking to the store to restock her basket. She did not
want to even think about how much money she had spent on what had fast
morphed into a lifelong project. If there was any consolation, the rug
became less like a craft and more like a work of art. Its status
continued to rise and almost every artsy-craftsy person in Silver
Springs boasted of having seen it in person, at least once. It was
indeed the talk of the community, the one piece of work causing so
many to strive harder to excel at their creative efforts.

Chances are, the rug would have been finished and much bigger than the
final product eventually turned out to be, except, Camille became an
expert. That’s right, an expert. Apparently, since she was peerless in
her artistry with a pattern, thread, and a crochet needle, the town of
Silver Springs decided she must be good at everything else. And so, it
went from crochet to knitting and from knitting to domestic affairs.
Camille had become almost indispensable. Finally, she called a halt
buckled down to complete her project while everyone waited with bated
breath for the final unveiling.

I won’t mention how many more years it took (no one would believe me
anyway) before the rug was completed. But finished it was and a true
marvel to behold! The day is was displayed at the Silver Springs Craft
fair, it created a traffic jam as everyone stopped to gawk and ooh and
aah. Words like “masterpiece” and “incredible” were the order of the
day. But as with everything else, the showing was finally over and a
glowing Camille folded her precious rug and made her way home. Of
course, such a treasure was destined for greatness, not the floor but
a place of honor on the wall visible as one first entered the home.

When it was being mounted, one single thread slipped its perfect loop.
No bother. Camille just tucked it underneath, no need to go through
the hassle of getting the crochet needle and tying it off. After all,
it was not as if the rug would be handled. No harm could come to it as
it hung on the wall. Was it the wind or the few times a year the rug
was moved for dusting? Who knows? Whatever the reason, that thread
skipped loops and worked its way down a good two inches. Proud of its
freedom, it dangled, out of mischief, for now, resting on the wall.
This happy state of affairs lasted for many years but as you might
guess, it was not destined to last forever.

One fateful day a man came in wearing a shaggy, itchy jacket. It was
not much to look at but because it kept him warm, he was even willing
to overlook the jacket’s habit of snagging or getting caught on almost
everything it touched. On his way out he passed so close to the rug.
In fact, he brushed right up on the tardy two or four inches dangling
free of its loops. The shaggy jacket grabbed and held fast even as the
man-made his way out the door. Jacket and thread held fast as the man
got into his beaten-up work truck and chugged and sputtered all the
way down the empty street. Block after very long block. Finally, the
truck turned a corner and the thread snapped. The jacket still clung
contentedly to the length it had, unaware of the damage it had
created.

At home, on the floor, against the wall where splendor once reigned,
lay a heap of crinkled thread. Above the crinkled threads, a brilliant
border bravely spilled colors ⸻     all that remained of the
masterpiece, the rug that once graced the wall. Feather duster in
hand, Camille hummed as she made her way into the foyer. Just a few
more minutes and she could move on to more enjoyable chores. She
stopped aghast as her eyes fell on the crinkled mass on the floor.
With a cry, she knelt as her tears fell thick and fast. She touched
the threads asking, “Why, why, how could this have happened?” She
turned around and traced the thread, the tell-tale line of disaster
leading outside. In disbelief, she followed as it kept a straight line
as if on a mission, block after block before becoming snarled in the
mire on the ground. Shattered, Camille retraced her steps home praying
this was another of her too vivid dreams and all would be well when
she opened the door. She opened the door and hope deflated and fell on
top of the crinkled threads. Her treasure, her masterpiece was lost
forever. Camille told one person, and that person told another two or
three until pretty soon all of Silver Springs knew of the unraveling.
They whispered and muttered and hugged Camille. They wondered how.
They wondered why until Camille told them it started with one loose
thread.

Joshua was a master weaver. He had a machine and had been producing
flawless creations for years.  Camille knew about him and longed to
see if he could help. But then she thought of all the hours she had
labored, how good it felt to have this masterpiece created by her own
hands. If she went to Joshua and even if he restored the pattern
exactly as it was before it would not be the same. Now she would have
nothing to feel special about, the rug would no longer reflect her.
She looked at the mound of crinkled threads as tears fell endlessly.
Hours, days, months, and finally years slipped by. By now the threads
were even more snarled, stuffed together with the breathtaking border
in a bag at the back of a closet, almost forgotten.

Another cleaning day came and Camille stumbled onto the bag in the
closet. Immediately the pain and loss crept into her spirit. They did
not come alone. With them came questions, and conflict, and the
struggle of whether to take the shambles of the once beautiful rug to
Joshua. She absently wiped the tears she had not realized were on her
cheeks and yanked the bag free. Not bothering to change she headed for
the door and head down as if afraid someone would stop her if they
knew where she was headed. Camille headed for Joshua’s shop.

He greeted her with such joy. Bit by bit she told him of the years of
labor and he knew all about the town’s celebration when the rug was
completed. He listened and comforted and never asked why she had not
come to him before. He shook out the gnarled and tangled threads,
lovingly straightened the brave border and walked toward his loom.
Joshua hummed a tune and his eyes sparkled with assurance as if he
knew exactly what he would do.  He gently stretched what seemed like
an impossible tangle on the loom and patiently coaxed the fragile
threads into the position he desired. Then he added threads ⸻     some
similar and others different from the original colors. His gentle
hands trimmed and snipped as he hummed and several hours later, he
started to weave.

The shuttle clicked and clacked as it moved across the loom and the
workshop seemed to take on new energy as the first clue of the pattern
emerged. On and on the weaving continued and Joshua sang. The rug
captured his peace, the shape of the notes of his song, and the color
of the harmony. The pattern became far more intricate, the colors more
vivid, and the stitches embraced the strength of eternity. Finally, it
was finished and it was time to call Camille. She came hesitantly,
full of a thousand questions. Would it be worth it? What if she did
not like the pattern? And what about the cost?

Camille stared in awe unable to speak as she gazed at the rug. There
was her pattern as plain as ever but was it really? The master weaver
seemed to have reached beyond her efforts to a level of perfection she
was not able to achieve even with the years of diligent labor. Yes,
the rug was hers but as superior as the real is to the shadow. She had
given Joshua a snarled, tangled, remnant of what she treasured as
beautiful. And he in its place, he gave her an object of unsurpassed
beauty all for the cost of telling others about what the weaver could
do.

Our lives are as snarled and tangled as the rug as it lost its the
place of honor to be  stuffed in a bag at the back of the closet. But
we are not without hope because there is Jesus, and he not only
restores but makes of us a masterpiece much more beautiful than we
could have done on our own. There is no cost because the cross covers
it all. We need only bring the mess to him and ask him to save us and
make us into the person he wants us to be. He will rejoice over us
with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).



⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻

     Lauren E. Myers is the author of several books aimed at helping
others to know Jesus in a personal way and to grow in him. She writes
devotionals and leadership material and incorporates her over 25 years
of nursing in promoting the practice of holistic health and wellness.
A former pastor with her husband J. Edsil Myers, Lauren speaks at
conferences, teaches workshops, and does short term mission trips to
various places including Mexico, India, the Philippines, and Africa.
She may be contacted by email at laurenmyers339@gmail.com

© January 2020

Walk On...

I have said before I love walking because it is such a perfect metaphor for life. 

This morning the skies were a heavy dark grey, with only lacy edgings of light where the sunrise should have been. 45 minutes into my walk a heavy drizzle started and I ran for shelter at a gas station.  After the shower ended, I noticed the sky was lightening way up ahead in the general direction of where I intended to go.

I  set off again thinking it will only be cooler but there would be no reason not to complete my walk. No sooner than I completed the thought than the clouds tipped over, drenching me in seconds. Resolve forgotten I turned around and headed back toward home. As you may imagine, fierce as that downpour started, it ended almost as quickly. The sun came out, there puffy white clouds and patches of blue, and before long, a rainbow. 

No one, that I know of at any rate, sets out hoping it will rain on their "walk." But life happens and problems can unexpectedly arise. Trust the spirit inside you saying it will be okay, and walk on. You will get wet but you won't melt; maybe even a tad uncomfortable but home is not far away. Walk on, go the the distance and Sonshine will overtake you.

Have a safe weekend,  blessed Sabbath, and wonderful Lord's day tomorrow.

Above All...

For the first time in our generation, we face a crisis simultaneously affecting the entire world. COVID-19 has managed to leave no one unscathed, directly or indirectly. Loss of jobs have become commonplace as have unscheduled time-off and protracted furloughs. In recognition of these financial shifts, Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) is demonstrating its motto “Above all, committed to the care and improvement of human life” by continuing to provide care to whomever, regardless of ability to pay. Yes, hospitals are mandated to provide services to anyone walking through their doors, but one can hardly say every hospital is willing to put that in writing and actually invite people to call, if they are in need of help.

“Millions of people have lost their jobs and their health insurance coverage as a result of the economic impact caused by the coronavirus. In many cases, this causes people to feel hesitant about going to the hospital when experiencing symptoms of medical emergencies, such as strokes or heart attacks. As always, we are here to ensure you receive the care you need today, for a healthier tomorrow no matter your financial situation. Our family of hospitals is uniquely positioned to help—so that’s exactly what we’re doing. We have opened a hotline for anyone whose insurance coverage has been impacted by a life-changing event, such as job loss or reduced income. Our advisors are ready to assist,” says HCA (https://hcahealthcare.com/covid-19/health-coverage-hotline.dot).

On the local front, Poinciana Medical center has numerous job openings across various career paths. We are blessed to have experienced no lay-offs or furloughs during this crisis and continue to maintain a strong, caring presence in the community. As a RN case manager at this facility, I join with my colleagues in encouraging you to remain vigilant in helping to end the spread of this virus. Do the sensible thing. Wear your masks, sanitize hands and frequently touched objects, practice social distancing and guard against undue exposure.  Updates on Florida’s COVID-19 numbers are available at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/

Today we honor those who fought in our behalf and especially to those who paid the ultimate price. They and their families deserve our love, our prayers and utmost respect. “Greater love has no man than this; that a man would lay down his life for his friends.”

Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

Lauren E. Myers, MS, BSN,CCM

Case Manager | Poinciana Medical Center 

Together in Hope

 Looking at the Covid-19 trend from around mid-July until today, August 29th,  the graft gives a lot of reason for hope. The curve has not just flattened, but in fact shows a decrease in the number of new cases. Granted, this could easily change when we hit the two weeks mark following the reopening of schools and places of business.

While the dread of the infection seems to be going in the right direction,  not so the strife and bitterness toward each other. It's even more pronounced as the respective political parties make their bid for this nation's future.

May I suggest we truly open our eyes? Pull the manifestos or the platforms on which these candidates and incumbents are running from the internet, line it up beside what the Bible says, and determine what you are willing to sacrifice. Neither one will be 100% for Christian values but we should be able to determine which is the lesser evil. This is my simplified definition of voting your faith. 

We need each other; the infighting must stop. A house, any house, divided against itself, falls. It may not look like it but God has not given up his position; there is no need for him to seek re-election. We do not have to destroy ourselves in order to solve our problems.  Let us seek God with all our hearts. He is, and forever will be, in complete control. 

Taking a Stand

 Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk 

Thanks to all of you who diligently follow me here and on other social media platforms. Today I want to borrow this simplified version of the Christian statement of faith from the C.S. Lewis legacy website and ask you not just to like, but share or copy and paste, if this is also what you believe. I love hearts and likes and all the various emoticons but this is way more important. 

The church and Christians are being attacked at every level,  overtly and through subtle exclusions as new rules, laws, and plans of action are presented. Let's not be silent. Today I am calling like Moses, "Who is on the Lord's side?" If you are, then let's send this message.  We believe God. 

"We accept the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the written Word of God. We believe in the divine inspiration, entire trustworthiness and final authority of the Bible in all matters of faith and practice.

We celebrate:

The triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The incarnate Son: Jesus Christ, fully God, fully man.

The goodness and beauty of the world, created and sustained by the Word

of God’s power.

Salvation by grace received through faith in Jesus Christ, who alone,

through His life, death and bodily resurrection, redeems us from sin and

reconciles us unto God.

The essential unity of all believers, who together form one Church,

diverse in form and expression, of which Christ is the Head.

The continuing ministry of God the Holy Spirit, who empowers the worship,

service and witness of God’s’s people in all their activities.

The ultimate deliverance of the children of God and of all nature from

the destructive consequences of the Fall."

And  I'll add, this means, we believe in the second coming of Christ ; that he'll come with eternal life for those who follow him and eternal separation for those who do not. And so, we share his message of salvation.

God bless you! Maranatha!!

Share Your Faith

Watching his friend die was hardly the preparation he needed to face his own health challenges. And even as he recited the lot of others in his circle who had ended up paralyzed where he had been left unscathed, he could not quell the fear. It furrowed his brow, speeded up his heart, and overflowed in tiny rivulets from the corners of his eyes to the tips of his ear. The tests loomed menacingly closer as the minutes raced by and all he could think of was,  what if I don't make it?  What if this time my luck has finally run out? 

It was then someone took the time   to stop, to listen, and to tell him about the Shepherd. Together they talked about Him, read His letter, and prayed to Him. And suddenly, in the middle of despair hope appeared. 

Somewhere in this brief story is a real life testimony. It makes little difference to whom it happened or when or where. The point is, God gives opportunities to be his voice to a hurting world much more often than we realize. We are putting on masks for safety in this pandemic but we are all being unmasked as isolation, stress, and anxiety drive our fears to the surface. Everyday we are meeting people desperately needing to hear a message of hope. 

We can be the one to point them to Jesus. It could make all the difference in the world. 

Celebrate the Small Things

So August arrived right on schedule and my response was, "Let the birthday celebration begin." When I tell people I celebrate the whole month some are surprised, some say its excessive and a few invariably ask how its done. This year, more than ever, I feel it's fitting to celebrate the small things, starting on day one.
In our present dilemma it's the small things, the ones we never noticed or attached any importance to, we find ourselves missing the most. It feels like aeons since we were able to arrange a  spur of the moment meet up. And ,"Why don't you come over?" is a question systematically disappearing from our conversation. Forget weekend roadtrips to see grands and In's, its just not worth the effort.
Therefore,  on an August like no other, I choose the small things. Comfort food, times of rest, nail polish, lipstick, walks ...you get the idea. I will focus on meditation, prayer, reading, writing, and thanksgiving for life and health. Oh, I can't forget sunflowers - I  will enjoy the beauty of a vase or two of sunflowers.
And, I'll breathe deeply every chance I get as a tribute to those whose life ended too soon and the insensible ones who are even now on their journey.
Life and August - specifically August 11th, what a gift!

A Community of Hope

"It was the worst of times, and the best of times." The quote makes me wonder if this person was a Christian who had quantum leaped forward into 2020! Without question, this can be viewed as the worst of times as Covid-19 rages on cutting wide swathes through all the nations of the world.
Add joblessness , fear, depression,  and the  burden of chronic illnesses that have paled in the glare of this pandemic,  and we are apt to say it is the pits, the worst of times.
On the other hand, its the best of times as we discern the significance of all these occurrences taken as a whole. Jesus did not deny their presence in the world, even in his day. What he stressed was the escalation of trouble, calamity and distress are to be taken as positive markers for his return.
How should we respond? Let us be a community of hope. Acknowledge the brutality of the situations around us but don't let that be the end of the conversation.  Say what Jesus said; and let someone know better is just up ahead for those who follow Christ.
Then gently invite them to "taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed are those who trust in him."

Gratitude

This week I am sharing the compelling story of gratitude told by Acevedo Homestead on Pastors Vega 's page.

A female humpback whale had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, a line tugging in her mouth. This is her story of giving gratitude.

A fisherman spotted her just east of the Faralon Islands (outside the Golden Gate) and radioed for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so badly off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her…. a very dangerous proposition. One slap of the tail could kill a rescuer.

They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her. When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, nudged them, and pushed gently, thanking them. Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives.

The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth says her eye was following him the whole time, and he will never be the same. May you be so fortunate …To be surrounded by people who will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you. And, may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude.
"For God demonstrated his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Breathe...

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk

How ironic that the words, "I can't breathe" continues to echo globally.
No, not politics. Here, let me show you:
I can't breathe tragically whispers from those on ventilators whose bodies have lost the ability to breathe for themselves;
It wheezes from those lying face down attached to a machine tasked with pushing air into occluded air spaces and not quite making it happen;
I can't breathe is a gasp from tired Frontline Workers meaning everyone who bravely suits up to bag groceries,  stock shelves, deliver mail, clean facilities, treat patients, and hold the hand of the dying;
I can't breathe is a tearful whisper on the phone of anxious family members who cannot be at the bedside of someone they love;
I can't breathe is the resigned sigh of a senior, struggling with crooked fingers, falling glasses and the fear of going without it, putting on a mask that just won't stay in place...
Its not a game; its not propaganda; its the reality if where we are.
Don't be the one to be careless or nonchalant or it-can't-happen-to-me
Why make "I can't breathe" the last words you ever say?
"Breath of heaven hold [us] together be forever near [us]; breath of heaven..."

What About Now?

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
Harry Chapin's unforgettable hit song "Cats in the Cradle" chronicles the life of a man from the prime of life as a young father to decades later as a retired grandfather.  One plaintive refrain echoes through the song "We'll get together then ...and we'll have a good time then." What is unsaid speaks even more poignantly because the hearer knows the shadowy time in the future never comes.
We cannot live in the future even when we are certain heaven is our home. Jesus says redeem the time "buy up the tme" use it wisely NOW, because we are in evil times. Are we living, serving, worshipping, reconciling, forgiving, working, witnessing...
Or are we saying to Jesus (and the people we care about) we'll get it together soon, well get together soon, "and we'll have a good time then (?) "
What about the 24 hours in today? How are we spending them?
https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/1s05szlz_&hl=en-US&q=harry+chapin+cat%27s+in+the+cradle&kgs=cca43c1bec9ad04e&shndl=0&source=sh/x/kp/osrp&entrypoint=sh/x/kp/osrp

https://www.amazon.ca/MOMENTS-JESUS-Investments-Time-Eternity/dp/197368585X

Your Words Matter

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
Have you ever stop to consider that only God is All-powerful, Ever-present, and All-knowing? This is an attribute he,  in Sovereign wisdom, has retained for himself.
So, where does the devil get the information he uses to harass us? From eavesdropping. We speak defeat, we speak stress, we speak anxiety, and carry our uncertainties like a shield before us. What we speak, imply, and demonstrate, the enemy acts upon.
Its bad enough for the enemy to attack us but it's madness to provide him with the weapons!
Let's guard our words and responses. Speak faith instead of feelings; life instead of hopelessness; and courage even when our knees are knocking. There can be no tug-of-war unless someone is determined not to let go. Let us be that person who will decide God has this and let go ...
You would be surprised how those seemingly simple actions will turn the tide in your favor.
We walk in wisdom. 

Thankful

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
My thoughts turn today to thankfulness.
Like many today, I have my moments when I get sucked into the quagmire of uncertainty brought about by current events. I get down and I see more clouds than sunshine.
Well, today I choose to focus on thankfulness for all the blessings God has given me. The list is long, far longer than the challenges. As the song says:
I've a roof up above me and a hood place to sleep
I've got food on my table and shoes on my feet
You gave me your Love Lord and a fine family
Thank you Lord for your blessings on me."
May I invite you to take a moment just to say thanks? First to God, and quite possibly to someone who has been a source of blessing or inspiration to you.

(Shari

Someone Bigger

For the past several days I have struggled with what to post. And what's more, I think many of you are finding yourself out of words and in an emotional tangle.

David, whatever his reason for penning  these words hundreds of years ago says it best: From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I (Psalm 62:1).

There is a prevaling sensory overload; more is happening than we can process let alone understand. Emotions are raw making even conversations at home guarded or downright difficult. 

What to do?

Run to the only one who has it together. Run to the Rock. Pray for the right words, attitude, and response. Remember if we had loved God with all our being and our neighbor or people as we do ourselves,  we would not be in this pickle. So  though we are in pain and our hearts are grieved, if we do not operate from a place of supernatural love, the situation will continue to get worse.

Pray from your heart,  pray the Scriptures and sometimes just sit in silence and let God speak to your spirit.

I pray for all of us. And I pray God will raise up leaders with the fortitude to make the hard choices and do the unpopular tasks in order to achieve meaningful change. 

Don't Give Up

The heat was more intense than I expected and so took a lot more energy than I wanted to expend. There was nothing to do but adjust my pace and keep walking. That oh-so-hoped-for second wind,  never came so I simply trudged the last two miles. Being tired did not mean quitting was an option. Why? I had to make it home.
Many of us are tired. Tired of COVID-19,  tired of the news, tired of hearing about financial relief that never seems to come. We are tired of politics of the murder of innocent people and justice that seems inextricably linked to "the color of our skin rather than the content of our character." We are tired of sin, of failed relationships, and tired of never quite hitting the mark, no matter how hard we try.
We are tired of glass ceilings, invisible walls, and treadmills to keep us busy going nowhere. But, that is not a reason to quit. Instead, we keep the faith. We continue to believe in a God who made all people significant because of his divine imprint. We will continue to do the good we know, and in so doing make a difference, wherever God happens to place us.  We are not home yet. Don't give up. Run fast, walk slow, or simply trudge, putting one foot in front of the other. But keep going because home is still ahead.

Practicing Tolerance

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk today is Tolerance

Tolerance: The ability or willingness to put up with (tolerate) the existence or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with” so says one dictionary. It is a matter of great concern and personal sadness to see the amount of time devoted to giving way to anger either because of a misunderstanding or someone voicing a different idea. Somehow, in this time of major crisis I am having difficulty reconciling this with what is really happening in the world. I hate to be the one harping on this, but people are dying. Hunger, stress, hopelessness leading to suicides, or people being maimed from failed suicide attempts are right before our very eyes. Many are not Christians; and if your worldview is that eternity without Christ carries major consequences, then there is reason for even more sadness.

Spending the time fighting with each other on social media, over a difference of opinion adds to the problems around us. We excoriate, malign, and condemn each other, question each other’s morals and all but send each other to hell over a difference of opinion or poorly expressed thought. How are we portraying Christ when we say to each other, “Don’t stand beside me, because I am more holy than you are?” Christians are called to be light and salt and peacemakers. At the end of the day, if I was right in my view and Christ was dishonored in the way I expressed myself, being right matters nothing. Christ is still dishonored.
People of God, we will not be graded on the strength of our political convictions but on how we represented Christ to a dying world, “so they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.”Once again, the anger of man does not uphold or promote the righteousness of God. For the kingdom of God does not come by arguing or strife. Jesus would have us remember blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. Disagree with dignity, fight with fairness, and correct with Christ like humility lest we become the very thing we claim to despise.

And now, may the peace of God dwell in us richly and keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The Lord is at hand (Maranatha)!

Accepting Change

Things are not the same anymore and all the old adages are proving true. “Blessed are the flexible; they shall not soon be bent out of shape;” “The only constant is change;” “Those who cannot adapt are doomed to extinction.” All of these are playing out in our everyday human existence and we are at the place where just knowing these sayings are not enough; nodding in agreement is not enough. We are walking them out in our daily lives or are soon to find ourselves putting our actions where our mouths are.

What is the new landscape looking like? Massive changes. Businesses that are open are adapting new practices and survival strategies and employees are taking on new roles and responsibilities. The expectation is not just agreeing to the changes but jumping in cheerfully because of the fact, there is a job. Many even in the face of tremendous loss now given the chance to define their own goals and be their own boss, as discomfort breeds growth. For millions the question of what is my job has taken on an answer similar to the question who is my neighbor, asked by Jesus asked thousands of years ago. It is not so much proximity of fences defining neighbors or hiring descriptions that define what is my job. Rather, it’s what needs to be done and my ability to do it.

How do we respond? With grace and integrity, doing all within us to mirror Christ instead of personal outrage. Now, the rubber truly meets the road because our pride and status may have other ideas. In times like these we truly appreciate the Bible which says, “Do everything without complaining that we may be children of God, blameless and pure.” Today as we leap forward into another series of unknowns, remember God has long encountered all that is ahead of us, and promises victory. As a family member of one of my patients told me last week, “God has given you all that you need to face all challenges you will encounter and defeat it.”  Stay safe and stay grounded in Christ our forever constant.

Home

This week on my walk it suddenly occurred to me no matter how many steps I take, I always have home in sight ─ physically or emotionally. When I choose a route, it is with the idea the journey is two ways. Therefore, I must consider the total miles and the stamina needed to return home. When I reach the turnaround point, I start counting the landmarks as I anticipate turning up my street and seeing my home, a few houses from the corner.

Everyone may not exercise or even understand the compulsion that drives walkers, runners and marathoners. But we are all on a walk through life, one that is personal and specifically designed for our steps. If we remain insensible to the concept of home, life is lived as a walk, long or short, from the dawn of birth into the night of eternity without any hope of the rest promised to the people of God.

Where exactly do we live? Are we in Father's House or are we still in the kingdom of darkness?

Though we say we are in Christ with God and our home is in Heaven, we still walk in the natural world. Sometimes our route takes us through trials, anxieties, rain, and storms. At other times we are blessed with joy, happiness, and fair weather. No matter how far we find ourselves in the hurtful or the mundane, we must still walk with home in sight, matching our steps to the profession of our faith. No destination should be so enticing or disheartening we embark upon it without remembering to keep home in view. Home is more than a house; more than mansions, golden streets, and pearly gates. Home is where Jesus is. And when we get there, we will finally be at one with Him and all the saints throughout the eons of eternity. Walk on …

Grateful

I'm wishing everyone a wonderful Wednesday! Today my word is grateful. I saw the dawn supplant the moon and watched another glorious sunrise break over the land. I am forever in awe at the power of our amazing God. How about going for a ride with me tomorrow at 6pm @NikkiRichShowTV

We'll be talking about my bestseller Moments with Jesus and much more.

The Truth Rises

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
I find in this season of unscheduled inactivity, cooking passes the time better than almost any other activity. So, when I came across a simple recipe for raisin buns, I was only too willing to make them.
As I assembled the ingredients I voiced my misgivings to my daughter that the proportion of yeast to flour was not right.
Against my better judgement, I went along with it, scrupulously measuring everything (that was strange of itself) and adding no extra ingredients.
The dough felt dry and hard but I decided to see the process through. In a few words, I ended up with rock hard pieces of dough, a far cry from the fragrant, delicious treats we were all anticipating. The very next day I redid the recipe using the proportions and no-fail method I have used in my years of making bread. This time I had the results I craved.
The experience reminded me of a valuable life  lesson.  Namely, there is no excuse to digress from the truth we know to pursue something that fills us with uneasiness or downright doubt. We are not given a free pass because someone swears by a better way. Do WE know the truth? Have we proven God to be gracious? Then walk in that truth.
The hesitancy we feel when we are being lured by false promises is none other than the Spirit of Truth throwing up a warning. Pursuing a lie is a lot of hard, useless work and the outcome will never justify the effort. Our best defense is to stick to the old paths, follow the God we have proven to be faithful, and trust the Word within our hearts. When we do, we will rise to God's desire for us and by so doing satisfy the hunger of a dying world.

Happy Nurses' Week

Happy Nurses' Day and week to all my colleagues! Today I celebrate 31 years of being a registered nurse. I praise God I never had to be disciplined or suspended or even have my right to practice questioned in all those years. The journey has been from staff nurse to consultant to Director of Nursing,  Nursing Administrator,  travel nurse, school nurse, to where I am today. Case management may seem like being on the sidelines or doing less that I could. However, I am old enough to have done the limelight and to know where I prefer to be at this time of life. Nursing is good to me. Yes, I have permanent physical injury like so many in this profession. But nursing has also fueled my dreams and allowed me to be an author, to travel extensively, to help others, and to have a great life for my family and myself. I am grateful for my job at Poinciana Medical Center and for the strong beautiful women with whom I work everyday as a case manager. I appreciate every single person from "C" to "E" who makes up the hospital staff.
So, to celebrate I walked my 6.6miles and watched the glorious sun proclaim the promise of a new day. Besides, there is no point in growing older without protest!

BRAVE

Some of us came across the word  brave as a motivational acronym in the corporate world.  But today, for this short Wisdom Walk,  I want to introduce BRAVE from a spiritual as well as a motivational perspective. 

BOLD, know the God in whom you believe and be resolute in your faith. Not obnoxious, or pushy, or argumentative. But know the ground on which you stand and never be ashamed to be counted (or discounted) for being a child of God. I'm entitled to have a belief system and mine happens to be in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

RELEVANT, the Gospel is not a bunch of unrelated ideas. Following Jesus is a way to do life, today. Let us learn to connect our "feet" to our faith. Our walk should match the principles laid out for us by the teachings of Jesus Christ. Examples? The Beatitudes or better yet, Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7.

AUTHENTIC, the world is full of fakes. Dont be that person. It is better to be genuinely weak than to claim strength one does not possess. Be the same person wherever you are, to whomever you meet. Let us strive to be the good person we wish others would be.

VALUABLE, dont believe the devil's lies about you. You are valuable, you are loved, and you are an integral part of the kingdom of God. Listen what Jesus says: " I dont call you servants, but friends."

EAGER, not jaded or tired or world weary but eager. Eager to learn the things of God and to discover his heart for you. I am eager to grow in my relationship with the Savior and to bring others along on the journey.

    It's not easy but we can do this! God  supports our effort because He wants us BRAVE.

Speak the Word

2 Timothy 1:7, Psalm 56: 3,6

 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

While I am okay with acknowledging these are fearful times, I am just as comfortable saying God is not the one tormenting us with fear. So, what are the practical applications of these verses in the present COVID-19 disaster?

First, look for the good news. Consider the statistics on the number of people recovering and where the curve is flattening indicating a lull in the number of new people being infected. Let’s start by limiting the amount of news we are ingesting as this also feed fear. Most importantly, lean hard on the Word of God. In the words of the Psalmist, “When I am afraid, I will trust” Trust God’s care and protection for you, personally. Fill your mind (and mouth) with the Word.

The power referenced here comes from the same Word of God and from his Holy Spirit. I have inner strength because of where my faith lies. I walk confidently that even if the worse happens, to be absent from the body (die) is to be present with the LORD. This gives me power over the fear of death. The power of love causes me to be unselfish as I practice self-care. I think about others, I pray or intercede for others at gut level, the same way I pray for myself. And, by all means, we help others as much as we can.

Now help can take myriad forms. Many people with full pantries and a little bit of a financial cushion are running empty on emotional support. This forced isolation has effectively closed them in with the demons they normally escape by being busy with work and the everyday association with others. There is nowhere to go and seemingly no reprieve. I hope as you read this post, you will think of someone you can call, or text, or reach out to and let them know they are still a part of your community. Loneliness is not a condition exclusively assigned to seniors. It’s widows and orphans, and single-parents who long for the sound of another adult. It’s the divorced or separated who are now trying to figure out the next page of life and suddenly in the midst of everything, the world has gone silent. Bridge the gap.

Last, God gives us self-discipline. One of the most weapons in this particular arsenal is the words we speak. “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” God has graciously given us a molecule of the power of the spoken word, a seed of the power that spoke creation into being. We just need to be disciplined enough to use it as a verbal agreement with who God says you are. When fear comes activate self-discipline, refuse to give in, and speak the Word.

I am a child of God, I am loved by God, I am valuable – a pearl of great price

I am surrounded by his presence; God places the lonely in families – I am not forgotten

God knows and sees me – even the number of hairs on my head …

Don’t underestimate the Word in your mouth. The Bible says we overcome by the blood and the word of our testimony. Speak faith, speak life, and be encouraged.

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk - Winning and Losing

Surely this COVID crisis ranks as one of the worse in our time.  With death and sickness upon us, we are concerned with containing the immediate threat while remaining acutely conscious of the psychological fallout ahead. In the midst of the losses, however, let us not lose sight of our gains. 

I am in no way saying God did this to us. But in his sovereignty, he is redeeming this outworking of evil and from the tragedy, he is creating beautiful things.

In this 21st century, we glory in doing everything at once without being fully present for anything. But a short few weeks ago, routines came to a screeching halt. 

We quickly learned the world still turns if we are not each moving at the speed of light.

We have relearned the importance of spending time with family, rough places, and all. There is nowhere to run so we learn coping strategies and peaceful resolution instead of avoidance.

For many, creative ideas are once again in full bloom. Without external voices to coach our every move, we find ourselves embarking on our overdue voyage of self-discovery.  

We all take pride in being independent and we proclaim like the toddler, "I can do it, I can do it." Wonderful — until we forget we are but finite people. Our current calamity has reminded us we have a heavenly Father and many are running for help, without restraint, into his arms. And while the losses in pain, suffering, and death cannot be accurately tabulated on this side of eternity, we have gained much. 

There is indeed a renaissance, an awakening, as we are relearning the basics of life, returning to our values, and becoming stronger as a people. We are rediscovering the joy of being our brothers’ (each other’s) keeper, and caring for others as we do ourselves. There is a global effort toward healing; a mission to reverse the work of the few who hide behind science and mindlessly destroy innocent lives.

The challenge will be to internalize these lessons we have learned and bank our gains so we will never again be emotionally bankrupt and socially disconnected. It should not take another disaster to cause us to live like the people we were created to be.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moments-with-jesus-lauren-erika-myers/1136648015?ean=9781973685852

The Matter of Obedience...

It’s super easy to quote Scripture. I mean, all one has to do is memorize and speak. This, however,

does not make one an expert or even a follower of Christ. Jesus said the demons believe, not just know, but believe in his claims as Messiah and tremble. However, the component of faith and even more specifically obedience, is completely lacking.

Our obedience is not dependent on what we think of the subject. It should be enough to submit to God’s directive. It’s about now that we begin to wish the Christian walk was just a leeeetle bit easier.

Jesus says to be his disciples we must love. Love our enemies. And the instruction book may well be 1 Corinthians 13. On my part, let me hasten to say, I have the textbook and still fail the test!

Jesus says we are to give thanks in everything. It is the will of God for us.

How about this one: Rejoice always (evermore). Mood swings are not even “a thing” where this is concerned.

I will close with the command that is going to get me in trouble. See, I already admit it. But I have to mention it because this is God’s idea and I teach the whole truth (as much as I am able).

So, here goes: Pray for your leaders. What? The Bible says that? Yes, it does. But let’s finish the quote.

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, for [a]kings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (Timothy 2:1-2 Amplified Bible).

Do we see what the benefits of this particular act of obedience are: peace, a quiet life, godliness, and dignity. If you have never obeyed in this area, please, do so now when the fate of billions are at stake.

The takeaway is, God’s purpose behind obedience is not just to honor him (the universe already does that perfectly) but to enrich our lives.

And quite frankly, if Christ’s followers do not obey Him, who will?

God loves Me

Yesterday as I walked I began contemplating the thought God loves me, and what it means. It is:

Not my service

Not my accomplishments (such as they are)

Not any expectation of perfection

No. Just me.

God loves me and that means:

He appreciates my honesty - about everything

He sees my heart when it is right and when it is wayward

He knows my thoughts before I think them, and he still loves me.

The more I thought about this amazing love the more it became evident "Just as I am without one plea" is not just for those whom we are trying to get to the altar. It is in fact for us who are laid out on the wood, waiting for the fire to the fall. I have nothing to recommend myself, therefore no reason for God to care as he does, But, He loves me still.

This does not mean he is not in the process of changing somethings in my life because the master plan is that I will be conformed to his image. But, no matter what is happening as a result of what God is stripping away or polishing to reflect His beauty, His love for me is not in question.

When I fall, when I stray, when I am lonely, when I am confused, when I am appreciated, when I am on top of the world, when I am hanging between yes and I am not so sure, God loves me.

So my word for you is, wherever you are and whatever you face this week, don't ever forget: God loves YOU. Not necessarily the image you have of yourself. Just you. Let that be enough.

God With Us

Be encouraged...
In these days of physical and economic darkness, we search for meaning, a way to make sense of the turmoil. It is not as easy to mouth platitudes or to find comfort in anything other than genuine faith.
I have said before the theology of suffering is as much a part of the Christian experience as is prosperity.  In fact, a backwards look into history would reveal suffering occupying a more prominent place. Just as certain is the evidence of God's presence. He is with us in the good times as well as the bad; when we understand and when we don't. Be reminded Friends, GOD IS IN OUR DARKNESS: "We should not assume that if darkness surrounds us the presence of God has somehow left us." ~ Lauren Myers (In the Presence of Grace). Moses was willing to go into the thick darkness where God was (Exodus 20:21). Neither darkness nor light can hinder God. In our worst circumstance, if we look long enough, we will find Him. Jonah, in complete darkness in the belly of the great fish at the bottom of the ocean, cried out and God heard him. DO NOT RUN from the darkness. Run to the One to whom darkness and light both shine as clearest day.
PRAYER FOR TODAY: Father, help us to remember you are everywhere and to find you even in the dark circumstances surrounding us today. We pray for the dying and those who care for them; for the hearts that are broken and those burdened with a sense of hopelessness. We ask you to  be provider, sustainer, and the I Am, in every situation. Amen.

Health Matters

      As we are inundated with information on COVID-19 and its effects on the world its easy to be so awash in externals we miss our own internal responses. Speaking as a health educator, there are several signs we miss, all indicators our “cope is empty.” Here are a few:

a.        Changes in sleep pattern – this may be sleeping more (an escape) or sleeping less, which could be a response to struggling to make sense of all the bad news

b.       Irritability – a sure sign of being over anxious, a way the mind and body says, “I can’t handle one more thing”

c.       Changes in eating pattern – eating more (a distraction or simply boredom), or eating less because of being worried

d.       Hives – an unexplained rash may also be an outward sign of severe inner unrest

e.       Stomach upsets – to include indigestion, nausea, or diarrhea

What should one do?

First, limit the time spent listening or watching the news. This is not proof one is insensitive or in denial. Rather, it says we are all finite beings and there are limits to how much the human mind can handle without having a very personal, physical response. Limiting daily caffeine intake, especially from early afternoon onwards, may also tend toward relaxation and rest.

Second, practice emotional intelligence. Know where you are in time. How am I responding to others? Is my frustration or feelings of helplessness coming through in my speech? Am I seeing this person as one more problem or am I hearing what they are saying? Once those answers are determined, it’s easier to temper our speech to a more appropriate response.

Third, I’ll tell you up front: its easy to eat more than normal because it’s a pleasurable activity with which to occupy time. Portion, type, and nutritional balance are key, just as they are at any other time. If appetite is small or failing, then try small nutritious snacks at intervals throughout the day. Focus on more protein, less sugars, fats, and processed foods, and drink lots of water. I am aware processed foods may be what is available now. In that case, do the best you can to follow healthy guidelines.

Fourth, if hives is not a result of medicine or food and purely a stress reaction, then controlling the stress MAY control the symptoms. How do we control stress? Prayer, meditation, and exercise are all helpful. As anxiety decreases so MAY the symptoms of stomach upsets. I did not mention blood pressure spikes but I want to add that here if you are hypertensive, take your medication.

Last, recognize none of this dilemma is within any one person’s control to solve. When we have done all exhausted our abilities, or reach the place where there is nothing we can do, remember God is still fully capable. Our unbelief does not hurt his power but it certainly impacts how well we survive and thrive in adversity. As bleak as today may seem, it is temporary. It came and it will also pass.

To Your Health!

Anyone else feels like they are going to be in the dietary doghouse when this quarantine is over. We are officially in a comfort food lollapalooza. With time to burn we turn to Grandma’s favs and try our hand at creating our own culinary masterpieces. Naturally, we can’t share our creations with the gang at work, and no one could do something as horrific as throwing out food in a time like this. The only sensible option then is to eat it. As one humorist quips, “We need to wear masks indoors not so much to prevent COVID-19 as it is to stop eating.” Jokes aside, how do we propose to come through this time without the added burden of significant weight gain?

I will give you my best guess and say, the first thing to do is remember, that food, is going somewhere —stomach, hips, thighs, arteries — you get the idea. Mindless eating is not an option.

Second, with less exercise, our bodies' demand for calories should be less. Practically speaking, even if we are eating the right things and the portions are friendly to generous, we may still have calories to spare or to deposit in the fat bank.

I love starches. Don’t you? Everyone has a favorite staple but enjoy sparingly. Balance with plenty of vegetables (fortunately this is moving slower off the shelves), moderate amounts of fruits (since that kicks back to sugar), and lots of water. Meat may be limited which is not terribly bad because our bodies do not need the whopping great portions of meat we tend to ingest at each meal.

Try to exercise. Walking is excellent and can be done safely as an already socially distancing activity. If you have stairs at home, walk them a couple times a day and get the additional steps in. I hate squats (my knees hate them even more) and crunches are only good when covered with chocolate. Still, you know what I mean. Be intentional about burning a portion of what you eat. Don’t just hang out in the kitchen. Get your food and go. Study, read, work, or game somewhere else.

Last, this ordeal has spiritual as well as physical components. Don’t forget to pray, meditate, grieve, read, or worship — whatever it takes to make you whole. This too will pass.