Quarantine Day 46, NYC
Tonight’s post is a little different. And I’m really excited about it 🙂
As a country and a world, no one has ever experienced anything like this pandemic before. We are pioneers. Truly. Dressed in day-old athleisure, and armed with Lysol – setting out into the vast unknown of Zoom interfaces and digital birthday parties.
We are survivors. And as with any adversity, we always come out the other side not only having grown tremendously, but also having learned a whole heck of a lot about ourselves, about others, about what matters, what doesn’t matter, etc.
It shifts our perspective in a permanently life-altering way.
SO — my question to you, is what have you learned?
What has this quarantine taught you?
Do you have a surprising love for cooking? A hidden talent for a musical instrument? Do you enjoy video calls more than you thought? Have you and a significant other found that you both like sci-fi movies?
What about your relationships? Have you seen different creative sides of your children? Or an admirable quality in your significant other? How has it impacted your faith? Or where you find security?
Share in the comments what you’ve learned!
And on Thursday I’ll be highlighting some really interesting responses!
We never know how strong we are, until being strong is our only option.
Stay well, and I’ll see ya in the comments section!
xoxo Caralyn
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
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Here was yesterday’s video! https://youtu.be/8pmp4ZI968A
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273 responses to “YOUR TURN”
I learned who our heroes really are! Medical workers!! A big shout out!!
oh my gosh you are SO RIGHT about that!!! they are super heroes! Instead of Dr. _____, they should be called Hero _______!! haha thanks for sharing! hope oyu’re having a great night! Hugs and love xox
Yes for sure! May God strengthen each one! Peace. 🙂🌎
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Yes! Here is a great way for us to really show our appreciation! https://www.zazzle.com/thank_you_to_all_medical_professionals_sign-256347824093208378
Awesome, thank for passing that along!
Wonderful! Thank you. 😊
🙂
Great idea Caralyn, change things up! If anything, I’ve been in contact with my family in Michigan much more from here in Las Vegas. As soon as it’s safe to travel, I’m on a big jet plane for home. And also how brave and awesome or medical people on the front lines are, God bless them richly! 🙏🏻☺️ Be well.
Thanks John! oh I love that so much! yeah i love how this has really bolstered communication! it is some i pray carries on after this is through! and amen! love me some medical heroes! thanks for stopping by! have a great week! Hugs and love xox
I’ve learned to slow down.
oh yes Kathy, I feel you there! and what a healing change of pace that is! thanks for sharing that! have a great week! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Stay strong and well yourself.
xoxox 🙂 🙂 🙂
In response to the question, “What has this quarantine taught me?”
I ran across this quote a few days ago and I think it sums up what the quarantine has taught me.
“We have no right to judge where we should be put, or to have preconceived notions as to what God is fitting us for. God engineers everything; wherever He puts us our one great aim is to pour out a wholehearted devotion to Him in that particular work. ‘Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.’” Oswald Chambers
I have listened to what I feel God has been calling me to do, but had been putting off for some time, and have taken massive action during this time at home. As a leader at my church, I have been forced to stay home while I see my co-laborers doing great works serving the needy in the community, and have felt guilt about that. But I see a greater picture now, that I would not have had the level of obedience if it was not forced on me. He knows best, always!
Hi Phil! thank you so much for sharing that! oh wow i absolutely love that quote — and it’s so true! He engineers everything! i’ll be praying for you 🙂 so glad you’ve learned those things! stay well! Hugs and love xox
I’ve learned how to play the ukulele!
I’ve learned how to trust in God more than ever before.
I’ve learned that I’m “safe inside” not “stuck inside” !!
I’ve learned that journaling is therapeutic.
Finally, I’ve learned that dance is my escape:
“Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.” — Twyla Tharp
Stay healthy! 🙂
Oh my gosh that’s so awesome Sophia!!! I love the sound of the ukulele! And amen – trusting God is at an all time high. Thanks so much for sharing these wonderful things! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Seems like forever ago, I commented about the Blues Crash Course I took early on in this farce (did you ever check it out?).
I have also been learning the Digital Audio Workstation I use.
I hope you’re doing well!
Hey Matt! Oh nice! It sounds like you’re staying busy! Blues Crash Course👍🏼 Hope you’re having a great Monday! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
I am happy to see that you are doing great.
aw thank you JB!! i appreciate that 🙂 HOPe you are too! stay well! Hugs and love xox
You are very graciously welcome. I appreciate YOU. Hugs and love to YOU!!!
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I have learned that this time will change us…and this world forever more. Just the knowledge of, and as you said what now truly has meaning for us, will forever change that belief in our hearts and will change our path just in that knowing. We have now taken a step sideways to think a little, determine that meaning, to begin again but this time with a lighter tread 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋
Hi Mark! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this! you’re right about that – this is changing us – and i hope a lighter tread for sure! hang in there! Hugs and love xox
I learned that human beings are resilient, adaptive, caring, social creatures. We can’t do this alone and we are all in this together. Very inspiring to read about the stories of people coming together to help each other in this time of need.
oh my gosh i love that so much, Ab! that you for sharing that. It has really been so evident that we’re all in this together! stay well! Hugs and love xox
In response, two things: first, don’t take anything we love for granted. Second, with my pastoral activity reduced, I am reminded of a lesson from early in my deacon classes: “It’s not how much you do that’s important, but who you are” thanks to ordination. I needed the reminder, and needed the break. Hugs and love from Kentucky– Mike
Oh my gosh those are such important lessons, Mike. Thank you for sharing that. Yes – especially not taking anything we love for granted! Hugs and love xox
I am an introvert. Being alone was rather nice. But with my wife far away, stranded, babysitting, I learned how to handle a restrictive diet and spice it up and add some decadent desserts. I learned that even in advanced years, you can change your routine. Now, with the day quickly approaching when I retrieve my wife, we are going to again learn something – how to meld my new routine into a couple’s routine. For one, I’ll have to do most of the cooking at first. That will be something new for my wife.
Thank you for sharing that! I’m glad you’ll be reuinted soon! and you’re right – melding those together will be a fun and new adventure! Hugs and love xox
I’ve learned three things:
1) How much I love Mass. I converted to Catholicism in 2018 and I felt a deep sense of having missed something special for the first part of my life, when I received the Eucharist for the first time. Far from filling me with regret, it filled me with hope, that I can participate in this sacrament every Sunday henceforth. Until now. This has forced me to focus on my prayer life, and my relationship with God. My relationship with Our Eucharistic Lord will be improved for this time of discernment.
2) How much I love people. I never considered myself an extrovert before. At best I was an ambivert. I enjoy spending time with people, but I could really look forward to my alone time. I have learned through this that I really thrive on peoples company. I am still going to the office because I live very close to it, but I’m one of maybe 6 people, and I don’t see them on a daily basis. I can go a whole day without encountering a soul.
3) How tenuous our liberties are. I am shocked at how quickly the aparatus of government reacted to shut down daily life. The economic consequences have been staggering: 400 people were laid off from my company last week, 800 more are on stand-by for furlough if things get worse. And what for? An opportunity was missed here for creative problem solving. Everyone reached for the fastest reaction, and no one thought what the best reaction would be. Looking back on this period of time will be extremely educational.
Good idea for a post. I will follow the comments with interest. Stay safe and healthy. God bless you,
AMDG
-Scoot
Hi Scoot! thank you so much for sharing your heart on this! YES! oh my gosh YES on the love for Mass! especially having to be physically absent over Easter – it placed a huge need in our hearts to be back together at the altar. I’m glad to hear it has grown your prayer life. And yes! people and liberties! i so enjoyed hearing your thoughts. thanks for sharing! stay well! Hugs and love xox
I’ve learned that as much as it drives me crazy driving to work, I miss the people I work with. I miss the interactions we have and the camaraderie we share. I’ve also learned to trust in God more. He’s in control and will get us believers through it. 😊
Hi Joe! Yes! there is certainly a new appreciation for colleagues, friends, aquaintences, family! people are fabulous!! haha and yes! trusting Him! Hugs and love xox
When our local hospital put out a call for help with masks I learned that I can no longer see well enough to thread the needle on any of my machine but I also learned there are other ways to help while staying home. I saw pleas on social media from people who were making masks but who could not get elastic and fabric so I donated what I had to others to use. When I looked around, there were other things I could do from my house-bound position as my husband’s caregiver to help with things and people who needed a little help. Just because we cannot do what we WANT to do, shouldn’t keep us from doing what we CAN do. A good lesson to learn.
Hi friend, thank you so much for sharing that. You’re so right – if we look around and get creative, we’ll find that there are little things we can all do to pitch in. It sounds like that was a powerful lesson you learning. Praying for you! Hugs and love xox
I self-medicate by observing wildlife.
oh my gosh amazing. There really is nothing like nature as the best medicine. My parents have several bird feeders at their house, and it really is remarkable how comforting wildlife is! They got the birdfeeders during that year i was home on bedrest at their home, and they brought so much joy to see the blue jays and cardinals. 🙂 stay well! Hugs and love xox
Quarantine has taught me that even when my family drives me insane, they are still the best people and my best friends. I’ve learned to laugh at myself and do silly things, and be crazy. Ive learned I can make a difference in other people’s lives and have an impact, even though I’m still so young. I’ve also learned that dancing gives me a good way to work out and loosen up and relax😂
Hi Claire, thank you so much for sharing that! haha yes! through thick and thin, family will always be there be your side. Sounds like you’ve learned some awesome lessons. I’ve definitely learned that i love dancing too!!!! 🙂 Latin reggaeton is my favorite! what’s yours? Hugs and love xox
It has happened before. The Spanish flu, also known as the 1918 flu pandemic, was an unusually deadly influenza pandemic. Lasting almost 36 months from January 1918 to December 1920, it infected 500 million people – about a third of the world’s population at the time.The death toll is estimated to have been anywhere from 17 million to 50 million, and possibly as high as 100 million, making it one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. Please remember back then we opened up too soon, The second wave of the 1918 pandemic was much more deadly than the first. The first wave had resembled typical flu. Cities that were most successful at flattening the curve during early waves of the 1918 pandemic were hardest hit during subsequent waves. Don’t open up and relax too soon!
Oh wow!! that is just so tragic. Thank you for sharing that. yikes, i hope that we can learn from that experience and not make the same mistake. great advice. thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Our adult son, Aaron, is autistic and has seizures. He still lives at home with us but spends several hours Monday – Friday at a day group. I was concerned about having him at home full time, but wow! It’s been really wonderful having him home (most of the time 🙂 ) I had been wondering about keeping him with me one day a week so we could do different things together, but I had been dragging my feet on that. I have learned that finally acting on that plan will not only benefit Aaron, but ME most of all. I have learned how very blessed we really are.
Hi Patty, thank you so much for sharing that. I’m so glad that you’ve found the blessings and joy in having Aaron home! That’s so awesome!! praying for your family!! Hugs and love xox
Thank you, Caralyn. I really have appreciated your blogs and your insights from the front lines there in New York. You’ve shared eye-opening things that have touched me. God bless you! Hugs, love, and prayers! 💖
i am so touched! thanks again Patty!
I’ve been through enough that I don’t if I’m learning anything new from the virus. I’ve been to death’s door, bankruptcy, and the loneliness of working remotely with no fellow employees even in the same time zone. In many ways it seems more of the same; a life-altering event that somehow feels life ending. Ending what I knew and thrusting a new life in place of the old.
The lessons of my life that I see exemplified now are:
1) Be careful what you complain about. You’ll always look foolish to someone.
2) Let go of the past. It ain’t coming back. If you don’t, you’ll rip your fingernails out clawing for what was.
3) Death isn’t as bad as everyone thinks. I’ve come very close. God is on the other side anyway.
4) When all else is done, God gave us family and friends to help. You don’t lot a lot of them. Just a handful of really good ones like you.
P.S. I put my furlough last week to good use – I’ve submitted to three casting calls on Actor’s Access. Thank you for your support!
Hi Jeff! Thank you for sharing these pearls of wisdom. I love each one more than the next. But the one that really hit home the most was about the gift of family and friends. They really gems that get you through good times and bad. And i’m grateful to count you as one of mine!! Oh and that’s so exciting!!!! break a leg!!! keep me posted!! 🙂 hugs and love to you and your girls! xox
I’ve learned that the usual deluge of negative news we are subjected to in our generation does not represent who the silent majority really are. The virus bad as it is has revealed how much nobility of spirit still remains with people being willing to sacrifice themselves in order to bring healing to their fellow citizens. Yes the selfish clearing of supermarket shelves does focus on our human frailty but deeper than that is the empathy and support being given by the majority to those who need a help up or lift in spirits. 🙂
Hi Ian, thank you for sharing that! yes! i’ve loved seeing the goodness of humanity emerge from the ashes as well! Hugs and love xox
In an interconnected world no one is saved by a wall.
thanks for sharing that! but a mask…maybe! haha stay well! Hugs and love xox
A small mask is adequate for a small virus😀
Oh I like that! Thanks!
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xoxo 🙂
I have learned that this is a marathon, not a sprint, to physically, emotionally and spiritually prepare for this crisis to continue for 12 to 18 months, to understand there well may be a slow recovery. I strive to find for my sake and for my family’s sake my daily equanimity, productivity, and wellness, but I also don’t expect perfection from myself. Some days will be better than others.
thank you so much for sharing that! yes, you’re so right about that – it’s a test in perserverance, that’s for sure! those are such important lessons – self care comes in lots of forms! Hugs and love xox
I have learnt to make bread from scratch which is amazing as I don’t have to buy any more from the supermarket and the biggest thing love your family and friends😁 Oh you look really pretty in those pix💞
oh WOW Sanjana!! That is so awesome!! your quaranteam is lucky to have a talented baker! And yessssss — family and friends are such blessings, especially now. happy baking! Hugs and love xox
I’ve realized that, in a way, I will actually miss this quarantine when it’s finally over. I know that sounds bonkers, but amidst all the illness and fear and job-loss and what not (and I feel truly awful for those experiencing joblessness or furloughs right now), I witnessed many wonderful things as well. At a county park I saw teenagers spending time with their parents. My brothers (who I hardly ever hear from) called me more than once to catch up. My husband has been home more to help with our kids, which has resulted in a few naps for me! (As an exhausted mom that’s like a dream). We’ve had more family devotional time. We’ve met most of our neighbors (we recently moved to the country) and had great visits with them! They were delighted to have someone to talk to. I know there’s more but those are the things that come to mind.
In a way, I’m not looking forward to the fast pace again. Slow has been good. People are kind to each other. I hope those traits stick around!
Hi Hannah! Thank you so much for sharing that! you know, i was kinda thinking the same thing! it has brought about a lot of rather pleasant changes — pace of life, communication, focus on relationships. so it doesn’t sound bonkers at all! i’m so glad you’ve had those special times with your family! And amen – let’s keep the kindness!!! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Love back! I sure appreciate your positive spirit. 🙂
xoxo 🙂
I’ve learned I HATE working from home. I mean in love being home and with my kids and I have missed SOOO MUCH in this 5 years l, so I like being home and want to find a way to work less and be with them more. But in hate working from home. It brings the yuckyness of work into my personal sanctuary of home. Several times I have yelled at my kids soley because my work was stressing me out. That’s not cool. So while I wanna work less now, I definitly wanna do it out the home.
Hi Lindsey! thanks for sharing that! yes! WFH really presents a lot of challenges, especially when it comes to drawing a line between working hours and personal hours! so true – hang in there! this too shall pass! stay well! Hugs and love xox
I am spending more time with my son…. I am trying to set up my youtube channel…. Over all I am pretty much enjoying this lock down….
Oh that is so exciting, congrats Nabeela! thanks for sharing that! so glad you’ve been enjoying it! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Ahhhhhh Caralyn, this post is superbly designed for this specific moment in time. As a spiritual being havi g a human experience, thus resonates within me greatly. I have learned that I truly am an artist. I have been writi g and share n.v f my words online since October of ’18 yet in this time of lockdown, I published my 2nd book of poetry. I have written poems that resonate so deeply within my being I am truly thankful to our Lord and Savior for blessing us with this time to journey within. I spend my days gazing up at the sky, bird watching, journaling and getting closer to my soul. Being released from the constraints of time has brought about an abundance of knowledge about myself, the world around me and a gratitude for all that I have provided for me through God. I am so thankful to be healthy, to get closer to my oived ines… especially my son who will be 19 in August. I’m mostly thankful for the rest of humanity getting closer with one another. Hod bless our medical professionals, grocery store workers, truck drivers and anyone ef else who is brave enough to work through this time putting others first. Amen and Hallelujah ❤
Sorry for all the typos my dear, this app isn’t very forgiving 😜
oh my gosh, no worries at all!! 🙂 thanks again for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Hi friend! oh i’m so glad!!! oh that’s so awesome! Art is so therapeutic! And a gift to those who get to experience it! Congrats on your book! Oh gosh that is just so lovely – yes i love how this has strengthened relationships. Yes! God protects those heroes! stay well! Hugs and love xox
I love the slower pace and the shift of focus to priorities that most have made. I was already very intentional to live that way, but most people were too busy to notice how busy they were. Until you stop, you can’t fully appreciate the blessings found in stillness. I’m hoping it isn’t a slow fade back to the busyness for people once things open back up. One thing I’ve learned after stepping out of practicing medicine in order to do life in a way that is more congruent with my values is that God is found in the margins. We, as a culture, are historically bad at filling up the pages of our lives to the very edge. That leaves no room for His moving in our lives.
Hi Kaci! Thanks so much for sharing that! I love the slower pace too! And yes!! there are so many blessings to be found in the stillness! God in the margins!! i’ve never heard that before, but WOW what a powerful concept! thank you for blessing me with this response! big hugs to you xox
Hi, BBB, it’s Odell. I think this is a special night. I should say an extra “thank you” to you for having gone out of your way to make me feel welcome, with so many great remarks you’ve presented in response to my interest in your blog, and its circulation.
I liked your post tonight. I think it could be a different approach than you have offered on other nights, because I am not sure I’d seen a post that you’ve written, in the shape of the one tonight. About learning, I have taken the month of April and tried to steer it into learning how to blog with better ability.
As a matter of fact, a lot of the reading I do, while I read many blog posts in the course of any given week, your blog I often enjoy reading both on Monday and Thursday nights. Points of style I have gleaned from reading your writing has entered into my own blogging, and I think it is special to let you know that. I see some of your most ardent admirers are out of the office tonight, and perhaps that is good, as I don’t feel as much pressure to match the intensity of the comments they leave for you sometimes–always a “wow” 🙂
Your energy is a different vibration, for sure. May the Lord bless you, and I hope you will get through the crisis in one piece. Have a great night!
Hi Odell! Thanks for sharing you’re heart. And gosh thanks for saying that! I love learning 🙂 and goodness – please know that every comment is a blessing to me! There is not one that is more “wow” than the other. Truly. I am honestly just so touched that a person would read and respond 🙂 thanks for the wonderful encouragement. Hope you have a great night! Hugs and love xox
I’ve changed up my workouts to be more HIIT based as opposed to my usual powerlifting and I have so much more fun doing that with some yoga 🙂
Oooh that’s awesome Lyssy! And yes – I’ve been finding yoga to be great too! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
I’ve rediscovered writing, especially poetry. Being quarantined (and working par-time from home) gave me a chance to revisit organizing my files from a lot of years of writing (started in 3rd grade and I’m old now:) Also, love having a possible chance to encourage other people, so poetry lets me combine both those loves.
Oh that’s so wonderful to hear, Teresa! The written word definitely can move hearts!! Stay well my friend!
I learned that it’s okay not to have some place I have to go every day. It’s okay to stay in my pj’s til noon. And I learned I don’t like sorting messes and cleaning our files or closets any more when I have time than I did when I used “too busy” as an excuse!
Oh i love that so much Jan! Yes! Offering ourselves grace is such a beautiful form of self care! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Bee 🐝 well, Caralyn. May God’s grace flow over you today, too. ✌🏽
🙂 heheh and you too!!
What have I learned. Well let’s see?? The dat-gum grass still grows, I am still mowing acres of land! The cattle are still grazing and the birds are still flying in on the pasture for their daily meals. Virus not bothering them too much. Still feeding my dogs, and these feral cats. Not bothering them either.
Trying to get the time to spray my mexia grass, before it takes over. Trying to get my stickers sprayed.
The only thing that changed for me or that I learned is I miss Mass like there is no tomorrow. I will never take it for granted again that it will always be there tomorrow. The inside of me feels like the Grand Canyon without the Eucharist.
Otherwise, God and I are still enjoying being together in the nature He created for me to live in. Green grass, beautiful sky, trees come into bloom, and all my animals he created for me to care for and love.
I always tell Him, “God you are such an artist.” The way creation blooms with his colors all coordinating fascinates me the way He did that. I love every single moment of living in it.
I ain’t got no time for concrete. Never have, never will! I thank Him so much for giving me this life and land, because I can always eat and so can my kids.
So I am still the same person He created me to be. Trusting Him through this, if I get it I will stay home and get well,, or I will die and go Home and be well. Either way, it’s all up to Him, and all for Him.. Love you more and God Bess, SR
Thank you so much for sharing your heart SR! I feel you – I miss mass so much too! There really is a gaping hole in my heart from the Eucharist! Lots of powerful perspectives here. Thank you. Hugs and love xox
I am such a hermit anyways the isolation part hasn’t really been that big of a deal for me. Not saying I have not had a couple of moments, but a couple is about it. I am so blessed that when they came I could get outside which is where I want to be anyways. When I get to Mass I don’t think I will ever take my eyes off of the Tabernacle again. God Bless, SR
gotcha – yes! i can’t wait for that day either!
I GET TO GO TO MASS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES!!!! I AM SO HAPPY I DON’T KNOW HOW MUCH TO SHOUT!!!!!!!!!!!! COME ON TO TEXAS AND YOU CAN COME WITH ME!!!!!! OF COURSE YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO FLY TO DO THAT, DON’T YOU!!! LOVE YOU MORE, GOD BLESS, SR
That’s so wonderful!!
Great question! I’ve learned I love the feeling the breeze on my face at a turtle’s pace. The stillness in my house when it feels like I are in a war zone when I go out. I finally started praying regularly for our president and leaders.
Thank you so much for sharing that! Yes! I love how this has opened up people’s prayer lives. Mine too!! Hugs and love xox
You know the saying necessity is the mother of invention? I friend gave me a three pound roast beef. I only had a small frying pan and a microwave. I realized I could microwave the roast nor cook it in my small pan, so I ordered a slow cooker to cook it in. Now I am learning to cook with a slow cooker. Not ready to share recipes though lol
Ah yes – that’s a great point. Oh nice! I love my slow cooker! If you get the disposable liners it makes clean up a breeze! Hugs and love xox
Disposable liners? Do you put them in the slow cooker?
yes! they’re lief savers! https://amzn.to/2W9snib
Thanks. I hate cleaning lol. How are you?
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Hey, this is such a great idea! Wow – where to start? I have learned so much in such a short time! I have learned that there actually was a pandemic about 100 years ago. It was a pandemic of the Spanish flu which took the lives of two little Saints, St. Francisco and Saint Jacinta. It was called the “Spanish” flu not because of where it started, but due to the fact that the majority of lives lost were in the Spanish areas of the world. https://www.bluearmy.com/the-holy-death-of-st-jacinta-and-the-1918-flu/ I’ve also learned about the Corona virus – it is actually very fragile and the only thing protecting it is a thin layer of fat. Without this layer, the virus cannot survive. What destroys this layer is the foam from soap! Which is why we are told to lather up when washing! Also, heat can cause the fat layer to melt, this explains why we need to use hot water when washing! This is all explained much better in a post I read called “Staying Safe!” https://kelleysdiy.com/2020/03/28/staying-safe/ Oh, and one more thing – I learned how to make a delicious bread pudding!!! It was your basic bread pudding recipe only I substituted dark chocolate chips instead of raisins! I baked it at 350 for about 20 minutes and it came out sooo good! Even my husband loved it, and he hates bread pudding! Well, that’s about it! There are other things I have learned from all of this, some not so good… but I will keep this positive! I wish you the best, and may God bless you!
Hi Joy! Thank you so much for sharing this helpful info!! And gosh – that’s so sad about the Spanish Flu! And oh my gosh bread pudding sounds divine right about now. Chocolate over raisins any day!! Hugs and love xox
I’ve rediscovered my love of reading books, a love that I had when I was young, but lost when most of my time was consumed by reading for assignments for school. I am really enjoying reading for the sake of reading and fun, and I hope this stays with me for the rest of my life.
Thanks for sharing that Brendan! Yes! Reading is such a beneficial pastime right now! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Yes, and I hope you stay well, too!
xoxo 🙂
I’m having a hard time answering this, because so much of what I’ve learned is negative, and I don’t want to keep spreading that stuff around…
Thanks for sharing that Greg. Yeah this virus has been revealing in a lot of ways, that’s for sure. Hang in there. Hugs and love xox
My husband is housebound for medical reasons, and I mainly just go to church and the grocery store, so it isn’t much different for us. Our oldest daughter and our grandkids live on the opposite coast and she is usually so busy at work that we don’t get to talk much. This quarantine has taught us to get more creative in our communication. One day I was video chatting with Nancy and her youngest son (10). Suddenly she asked if I wanted to play Monopoly with them. I figured it would be a flop, but we had so much fun! They set the board up and put her phone where I could see the board, both of them, and my properties. Obviously they had to move for me and deal with the money, etc. To make it a little different, when it was my turn I suggested that they each roll one die for me. My grandson apparently takes after his 22 year old brother, as he wiped us out! He won fair and square. My daughter once thanked me for not letting her win games as a kid. She said it really made her feel good when she won because she knew that she had won on her own. She taught her three the same way, and they do great! Anyway, after Monopoly we played a couple rounds of Battleship. I learned that things may be different, but we can find creative ways to interact with our loved ones!
Hi friend, thank you for sharing that – yes! communication creativity! i love that so much. and yay for monopoly! seriously board games are the real MVP of quarantine! stay well! hugs x
Nothing can take away my joy, unless I give it away!
that is so so SO true! thanks for sharing that! big hugs xo
Hello! Thanks for this post. This quarantine has taught me to depend more on God. My family prays more as a family. Everybody is aware of family prayer time and looks forward to it. Thank God for drawing us closer to him.
thanks so much! oh yes – depending on God is a lesson I’ve learned as well! stay saef! hugs xo
I’ve learned that we will still survive when my husband finally retires and he’s home underfoot every day.
Hi Sheree! hah yes! we are survivors!! stay safe! hugs x
You too 😎
xox 🙂
I’ve been fortunate with the timing of this. My wife and I were married last June. I think I’ll look back and consider this time that we had to stop and fully be together a great blessing. I’ve also learned I quite enjoy staying at home with more time to read, study, and write. The one thing I desperately miss is playing basketball. I’m also lucky to be in Arizona where our lock down has been much less intense than other locations.
thank you for sharing that! you’re right – this togethernesss really is a great blessing! stay well! hugs x
I have learned that in the end it is tolerance and compassion that makes us the true survivors. We are touched by people who we haven’t heard from in years who send messages to just check that we are okay. It is the 99 year old veteran that walks around his garden to raise money for the doctors and nurses. It is the pastors who delivers groceries or prescriptions to the weakest of their flocks. It is our own ability to love and understand our friends and colleagues when they try to make a health issue a political one (on either side). It is when we stay in to protect the vulnerable, and yet will pray for those who flout restrictions, or hoard supplies, or even deny there is an issue at all. It is about “loving our neighbours.”
thank you so much for sharing that! amen to that – i love how compassion and tolerance and kindness have risen up in humanity. it is a beautiful thing! stay well! hugs ox
[…] have followed the blog of an amazing young woman named Caralyn ever since I began blogging myself. In her latest post she asked a simple but important […]
thank you for the link up!!! hugs xo
I’ve been practicing the piano. I’ve learned the song Sweden from Minecraft… Just need to get better at it. I’ve also been grilling for my family, and I even made fried rice… and I did fine! Now, I’m just trying to spend more time in the word and in prayer… trying to surrender myself more to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Oh that’s so awesome Marcelo! there really is something so special and calming about music! amen to that! stay well! hugs xo
Since you asked Caralyn… Life hasn’t been as much different for me.
Over here in Dubai, the government did what it called deep cleansing of all public areas every night from 8pm – 6pm. No one was allowed to be out during that time. They closed the borders of the country quite quickly.
After which for 2 – 3 weeks they announced a 24/7 cleansing, in which only one member of a family or household was allowed to go get groceries every 3 days and you needed a permit to do so. If you needed to work, your employer needed to give a letter requesting a permit for you to come to the office and then back home.
For these 2 – 3 weeks, they restricted the movement of the people as much as possible.
So during this time, my mom, decided that she would like to try to bake bread. I guess she found a new skill. I myself have been working from home. Though my job requires me to visit government offices (which are closed for the moment).. I have been tasked to reaching out to them for updates via emails, phone calls.
Whilst waiting for responses, I have been watching youtube videos about car repair and restorations. It calms me down.
I’ve also been interested in overlanding lately. I’ve watched shows like this..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDyIqGwSgls&t=761s
For me cooking and stuff is pretty much normal really. I do cook from time to time. The only thing that has been different from our daily life is the ability to go out whenever we wish.
As of this weekend with the start of the Muslim month of Ramadan, the government basically relaxed much of the restrictions. They are now allowing people to go out and meet family.
Ramadan is the Muslim month of fasting. No one is allowed to eat or drink in public to avoid temptation. As a Christian it seems crazy to me that Muslim countries do this since we don’t make such rules when we go through lent. But then again it’s not really a big deal. #CrazyRantOver
Anyways even with the relaxed restrictions, the government still advises people to stay indoors as much as possible.
Hope all is well with you Caralyn. Keep the awesome posts coming.
Thank you so much for sharing that. it sounds like you’ve found a groove during these weeks. And seriously, what would we do without YouTube? I’ll be praying that your govenment relaxes your restrictions! it is never good to feel cooped up. stay well! hugs xo
Praying for you as well. I shared a link with you over twitter with an interesting video. I think you should have a look at it.
thank you 🙂
Hey, Caralyn. I have been very heart broken for those fighting for their life, those fighting for them, and those who have lost loved ones. However, in God’s grace He has allowed me to see good, especially in others. The way people have come together, and incredible outpouring of love and support to individuals and communities. And the many corporations that have paused on what they are making, to remedy the need for so many things for the front-line and those of u at home… or in lock down as you are and have been for quite some time. I pray A LOT… God loves you, Caralyn!
Praying you and your family are stay safe and well.
Hi Gail! Thank you so much for sharing your heart. You’re so right – despite everything, the good of humanity is prevailing, and that is a beautiful thing. thank you for your prayers! know that you’re in mine too! stay well! hugs x
Thanks for the prayers. It’s good to hear from you with I think about you all day with all the news we hear on NY. The Lord is good to calmly reassure me to ask you how things are, and how YOU are. ❤️
absolutely 🙂 thank you my friend xox
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xox 🙂
I think I’ve figured out that I’m already so smart that learning anything more may very well be counter-productive. 😐
hahahah love that 🙂 thanks for stoppin gby! hugs xo
Transition during a pandemic is contextual. Our lockdown doesn’t appear to be as strict, as enforced, as Spain or France, then again as in some parts of the States. As a minister, I have found that I have moved from the personal one-to-one to the digital realm. Zoom is key but so is the post. An old fashioned mail delivery of Sunflower seeds, so that they can travel with us on this long-haul journey; or a cross word with the prize (for all of course) of a craft activity; or some mindfulness suggestions have helped people to remain connected.
Personally, I have found the extra time good for learning, so Sign Language and the very first baby-steps into Koine NT Greek has been really valuable. Baking bread is a non-starter due to the shortage of bread flour and yeast.
Blessings to you Caralyn.
Bob
Hi Bob, thank you so much for sharing this thoughtful response! you’re so right – having the luxury of time to learn new things is such a blessing! stay well! hugs xo
How are you doing Caralyn? It would seem that NY has had it really bad compared to the rest of the States. 🙏
thanks so much for asking! yeah, nyc has definitely been hit hard! we’ll rise though!
I learnt life still has surprises for us. Pls visit ixploredotblog.wordpress.com
yes it really does! thanks for sharing that, Anita! stay well! hugs xo
Someone shared a video on facebook with me which I would like to share with you, so here it is; https://youtu.be/APMZnulHFHM
oh thank you for passing it along. can’t wait to check it out!
Let me know what you think xx Stay Safe.
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Started to write poetry. To be even more grateful for the freedom I took for granted.
oh that is so awesome! poetry is so therapeutic to write and read!! stay well! hugs xo
I learned to appreciate more
oh yes! that is a big one! and so important, now, and every day! thanks for sharing! hugs xo
My dear Caralyn,
Good questions!
Here is my response:
This is the first time in mankind’s history that all nations and people are involved in this pandemic matter – in theory we can learn a lot but much more when experiencing such situation ourselves. I found that this gave me time to think over many things that I have ignored due to a lack of time in the rush of the everyday life. To think about what role man really plays. Why we react with hate and anger in so many situations of our lives, why to judge people who we do not know. Or what is the relationship about towards ourselves and God – are we really so honest as we claim to be? In each person there is good and bad – let us see the good in him or her, not to see just the mistakes. We are first all human beings, no matter which skin colour we have, where we come from, which religion we belong to as we are all born the same way and have to leave the same way. The rebel in us is our mind – which is like a chameleon: in one second we can laugh, next we cry or are angry – this is because we all are under control of this working mind in us. So we have to learn to understand our own thoughts, words and deeds – there is always a motive behind: is it a selfish motive, do we want applause and acknowledge from others, do we do something just to act and pose? This all lives inside us and causes problems from man to man, from country to country, from religion to religion as the root of all what is bad lies in ourselves, but also our good characteristics – so when diving in ourselves, deep enough, we will learn to understand us better, to understand the mind in us better. In doing so, we will become more conscious and aware of all the tricks the mind is playing with us. The coronavirus gives us now the opportunity to improve our own life, to become a better person, not a person that is always doing and acting for itself, but a person that is ready to help other people, even without being proud of it. In bad times we learn to help each other unconditionally, selflessly, and we also become aware that we all sit in the same boat, we share the same air, get the same sunshine, share the same home, our planet earth. Why can’t we forget to think only of ourselves and start to live and do for others, to live and do for the same God (which we call only with different names – but He in fact is the Nameless One). Love indeed unites while hate, anger, greed, ego, mind, attachment separates us. Isn’t it now the highest to time learn? To follow the path of love and sharing for the good of humanity? And when we are honest enough we will see that our whole society system does not go the right way: it is ego-oriented, greed-oriented, money-oriented packed in material wishes. We need new strong values for our society: help and be helped, honour, respect, love and understanding, not sex and crimes shown in films, not violence presented in games for our youth as the younger generation follows the ideals of the society. And these ideals are rotten, full of poison – we need a change for the better and this change starts with every single person who is willing to bear responsibility. Actions speak louder than words! This time is a time of contemplation for all of us, to go within and find what we can improve. An avalanche can be triggered just by tiny stones… as every major change has its beginning in tiny changes… We can all benefit from this coronavirus as it teaches us: that we are all human beings in Him, so let us treat us also as human beings and not like tyrants, power-hungry and selfish people to control others, looking away from own mistakes.
We cannot change others by words, but by deeds we can become living examples. Are we ready to change ourselves?
My lesson I have learnt during this isolation: to become more honest, more conscious of my thoughts, deeds and words, to follow the way of serving man and as in each man God is living, to follow the way of serving God.
May the whole world come out stronger and better and that we all treat us as true brothers and sisters in Him.
All good wishes to everyone
Didi
Hi Didi, thank you so much for this thoughtful response and for sharing your heart. i agree – one of the biggest blessings has been having the luxury of TIME – time to think, to pray, to communicate. it’s a beautiful thing. very inspired by this response. stay well! hugs x
Welcome, dear Caralyn 🙂
Stay safe and healthy, my friend 🙂
Hugs and love
Didi
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♡ Now, I KNOW!!! You Don’t Like Me and NOW!!! You ARE Gonna Like Me Even Less; as a Group We Kadmon Humanoid Etheric Templates have been around for Many Millennia so to say This is The Worst Ever Situation Demonstrates a Lack of Desire to Research Our Development from The Dawn of LadyKind (Lucy?), that some call Mankind (Adam?), to The Present Day
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I’m very grateful because I finally found the courage to blog. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a very long and now I’m doing it. My blog has also given me a way to connect with my dad, who is elderly and trapped inside. He calls me almost everyday to chat about it. I love these calls with my father, and truth be told I’ve neglected our relationship for many years and now I look forward to talking to him every day. Also, through my blog I found your blog, and I’m grateful for that. I love your words and message. Finally, because the world has been given the gift of time, I am connecting more with family and friends through phone calls and Zoom calls. I have spoken so much with my family and friends in the past month; it’s been a joy. This quarantine is certainly challenging and so sorrowful, but I also see the grace in it. It’s forced our world to slow down – literally. It’s forcing people to reconnect and allowing our planet to heal. The good Lord doesn’t bring strife but goodness within it. We need to find the goodness and allow ourselves to be blessed and bathe in it.
Hi Judith, thank you for sharing that! oh that is so awesome! blogging is definitely a therepeutic exercise these days! and it sounds like you and your dad are having a very special and healing connection. that’s so wonderful. i’ll be praying for you all! stay well! hugs oxox
I’m sharing thoughts to my grandchildren on my blog. It’s become a tad more serious now.
Hi friend! thank you so much for sharing that. that’s so aweomse – yeah communication comes in all forms, and always a blessing! hugs xox
What was reinforced for me over and again, is that we, as human beings are meant for community. We are not meant to be alone. When God created Eve and introduced the two of them Adam’s response is the best one liner ever, “here at last is flesh of my flesh, and bone of my bone!” Someone I can be intimate with, and I don’t mean in the physical sense, although this certainly, clearly, dynamically happened. I do mean in the sense that we can share who we are with this person, without reservation and fear. My Sweetie moved to another state for a new job right at the beginning of lent and about 3ish weeks before the shelter-in-place directives happened. I was fine for the first several weeks of this with.
The other thing is that we all have free-will, that was clear. Beyond the needs for going out to get food (I needed to do this a couple of times) and boxes (again…). Some were going out when they could simply for the need of company. I keep thinking of the loneliness of the Cross when Jesus says, “I thirst”, his thirst was for souls as we know he wasn’t alone with his Mom and the beloved disciple there. There was a loneliness for the physical company of people that couldn’t be satisfied by video calls.
I also watched a good number of people of faith live in absolute fear. I know from my own reaction after being absolutely alone for 5 weeks that my response was fear based. Fear of being without my husband for a much longer period of time was almost beyond what I could endure. The fear though of death, the fear of contracting this disease, the fear fed by the news cycles, the fear of (insert fear here). I know deep down that my soul is not ready to meet God. There are physical things I *must* do and it’s not simply going to Confession/Reconciliation. I need to LIVE.
One of the most beautiful witnessed that you give is that of Living the life God gives you. That is the beauty I see beyond your physical self, that you LIVE. That this virus, or any situation that we’re in calls us to anything, if there is anything we are to learn about this it is to Live in Christ. To LIVE fully and completely whatever that means for us as unique, never to be repeated human beings. Living the Life God gave us, seeking the peace of living in His will, seeking the peace that no matter what happens living as though we are fully, and completely loved.
To LIFE!
Hi Teri, wow, thank you so much for this thoughtful response. i am so moved by your words. Yes! we are meant for community – that has been made so crystal clear. also – our need to depend on God! And wow, i am so touched by your kind words — thank you my friend. Praying for you! stay well! hugs xo
thank you so much for the prayer. <3 It is the sweetest gift right now.
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Hi Teri, I just read your response again, and it didn’t hit me the first time that you’re having to quarantine without your husband. Gosh, i am just so sorry to hear that. Being alone in quarantine as well, I definitely feel your pain in needing that physical connection that simply cannot be satisified by a video call. Hang in there, my dear friend. I am praying for you. As the country is beginning to open up, is there any chance you’ll be able to visit to see him? Love you friend. hugs xox
thank you Caralyn. Tuesday of Holy Week he flew back to NY. We finished packing up the house on Holy Saturday and left Easter Monday. So…we’re together. We’ve been in self-isolation/quarantine (going out only for food) since we arrived here. He gets to go back to work tomorrow on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. The Sisters will be so happy to have him back and then I get to do some sewing and other work.
The funny thing is, throughout our 27+ year marriage we’ve joked about giving each other up for Lent. Well…we kinda did. HA! God has a sense of humor, that’s for sure. The last two weeks have been so beautiful.
You have the sweetest heart.
Oh praise God, I’m so glad to hear that!! Haha oh gosh – a sense of humor indeed 🙂 love you!
I’ve learned that I need some structure to my day if I want to get things done. I also learned that I kind of like being a homebody, more than I already was!
Hi Jim! thank you for sharing that! yes!! i thrive with a schedule as well! and yes, i am a little toooooo comfortable with the homebody life hahah hugs xo
I didn’t realize how much I missed talking on the phone to friends and family. Texting and FB messenger are ok but it’s nice to hear known voices! I’m a nurse so I’ve been working in a different area (covid, icu) and it’s nice getting to know new people but it’s even nicer chatting with familiar voices!!
Hi Rachel! thank you so much for sharing that! i’m with ya! i always thought i hated talking on the phone, but it turns out i actually love it! I eve crave facetimes! and gosh – THANK YOU for being on the front lines of this battle. YOU ARE A HERO AND I SALUTE YOU!!!!! i’m praying for you! big big hugs xo
Fantastic post, loving your blog 💕
thank you so much Nelly, i appreciate that! hugs x
Your uplifted my morning with your zany post❤️
ahahah aww good! i’m so glad to hear that! stay well! hugs xo
What have I learned from the current (and ongoing) situation? Hmmm. Well, when you work from home, as I do, ALL the time, “stay-at-home/work-at-home” orders don’t affect you too much–until you need or want to go somewhere. Such as the library or a library’s archive room. That has been my frustration so far with libraries closed and my needing to do research there. But I’ve learned to keep busy in other ways. I’ve learned that if I am tuned in to media all the time, all the media hysteria does nothing but create worry, so I watch TV for local news only and get my national/world news online from trusted, reliable sources, not MSM. Not only does it leave me worry free but also gives me more time to do what I should be doing all along–working on my research and writing. My wife is a second-grade teacher, and I’m learning about all the new technology she’s having to use to continue teaching her little munchkins that I’m glad I don’t have to learn! (You CAN teach an old dog new tricks, but it sure is hard on the old dog!) It’s given me a greater appreciation for all she does for those kids, but I sure miss having her while she’s starting her work in the wee hours of the morning and working until late at night. Thankfully, here in SC we have only about 2-3 more weeks of school left before summer break, so I’ll soon have my wife back! And I’m resting in the knowledge that God is still in charge and I’m not, and He knows what He’s doing even when I don’t. That knowledge makes it easier to sleep at night or go through the day that follows. I’ve enjoyed reading your posts during this ordeal. Stay healthy, and keep looking upward!
Thanks so much for sharing that! yeah i have so much respect for how teachers ahve had to adapt on the fly like that! amen – God is in charge! stay well! Hugs and love xox
I have gained more appreciation for all the little things I took for granted before.
2. I have also learned that the world goes in a circles. When some people are suffering, some others are smiling and vice verse. The odds change constantly.
3. I took up playing piano too
4. I learnt to pay better attention to people and check in more often.
5. Finally, I learnt that family is everything. They would always be with us in absence or presence.
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oh wow this is such a powerful list! i love it, thanks for sharing! yes! family is everything! Hugs and love xox
I have also learned about my passion for blogging and connecting with others during this lockdown. I have always been shy but I have found a way to meet awesome friends like you through this platform.
yes! that’s so great! yeah, connecting with others – even digitally – is so important! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Where to start Caralyn. As far as faith goes, I’ve learned that there is only one thing that matters; am I in a state of grace? I can run to the top of the mountains proclaiming God this and Jesus that but if my soul is not in a state of grace, it’s all for nothing. I’ve seen the ugly side of Catholicism during this time and to put it bluntly, it sucks! But I trust that there is a reason that God wants me to see it. Which leads me to the next thing I’ve learned. When you place you trust in man, man will let you down. I’ve placed my trust in priests, deacons, self-proclaimed Catholic evangelist only to be let down time and time again. My focus has turned solely on the Crucifix for that is where the Catholic faith resides. Don’t get me wrong; there are a few priests out there who still make a difference, who still proclaim the words of Christ, the truth. It is they who I feel are saints among us.
On a personal note, my business may not survive this shut down but this is where my faith comes in. My faith in God is the most important part of my life. That is how I know that whether our business remains open after it’s all said and done or we close our doors for good, God has my back.
My prayers to you and everyone who reads this. May God keep you all safe, may the precious blood of Jesus cover you all and protect you from all evil out there, and may he lift you up in times of despair, amen.
Hi John! thanks so much for sharing your perspective. oh i’m so sorry to hear that. yes – the Catholic church – as will all churches, are run by humans, and no human is perfect – only Jesus. And therefore, churches will always have some issues. but you’re right – we place our trust in Christ. I’ll be praying for your business, i’m sorry to hear that! this is such a difficult time for so many. hang in there! Hugs and love xox
This time has allowed me to self-reflect and write more, which has been nice! I’ve learned so much more about the world of blogging! At the same time, there has been a lot of fear with everything going on in the world. When I’m worried, I look to God. I think one of the most important things I’ve learned is to have faith, especially in times of uncertainty.
Hi Rachel, thank you so much for sharing that ! yes! looking to Him in times of trouble is truly the best way to go 🙂 praying for you! Hugs and love xox
I’m learning what matters most. Wedding plans may change, but the wedding isn’t what matters. I’m after the marriage, so even if it’s not what I have planned, it’ll be beautiful. At the end of the day, I’ll be spending forever with the one I love, and that’s all that really matters.
Thanks so much Elizabeth – oh gosh, i’m so sorry this has impacted your wedding plans. gosh, my heart goes out to you. that’s such an important and powerful perspective you have. thats. the. truth!! sending you so much love!!! hang in there! Hugs and love xox
It has been a special time…
I have been doing some academic writing, toward my first book. So, my mind has been occupied. Much, much more than I want. I look forward to completing the book, and to moving on to other things…
Relationships… yes, wow… and it means being steady in faith, and yes also… changes to where I find security…
Keep well,
thats awesome!
Yes, I have two more weeks to complete the book on Rom 1. 🤨 I started it in mid-2018…
And, small steps…
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Doing more writing and praying for sure, along with studying and reading more. Time to think more and more space to do it in. Also enhancing hope and faith during this troublesome time. This will be a true life lesson for us all.
thanks so much for sharing that! yeah i love how this has allowed more time for reflection! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Your welcome my friend and yes self reflection is definitely happening now more than ever, thanks and much love and peace!!
Amen to that!
Since being quarantined with both my mother and grandmother, we have so many more jokes and laughter together more days than I had imagined before. It is a lot more fun at my home. 🙂
awww that’s so wonderful! i love that so much!! yay for laughter! Hugs and love xox
🙂 xoxo
xoxo 🙂
Me and my hubby have grown closer to each other. 😊 Perhaps the lack of stress from work is the r,eason behind the added laughter and good vibes that have been felt throughout my home. I’ve truly enjoyed this close time with my family. 💕
oh that is just so wonderful! I love that 🙂 so glad you’ve been enjoying the time together! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Quarantine has taught me to slow down, to quit doing too much, and rest.
thank you Shell for sharing that! yes! i love how it’s been a time to rest! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Great idea
thanks! Hugs and love xox
My pleasure
xox 🙂
I am very new here so I would really like it if you read my posts and let me know what you think about them😀
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Its built relationship with family – at home with my wife and children, but also with those I can’t see. You realise all the things taken for granted.
oh that is so wonderful, James! i’m so glad to hear that! Hugs and love xox
I have learned to slow down and truly appreciate what I have. I have been taking more time simply playing on the floor with my little one. We pray with her every night and I have felt a lot of my anxieties go away. 💗 I also have been baking again and love it!
Thank you so much Carly! that’s so beautiful – you’re right, it’s allowed the beautiful luxury of time to spend with those we love! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Still in the deep assessing mode here my friend; tons of stuff to sift through and pray about even many tons more! Love your reaching for the light motif! 🙂
Big Hugs!!! OOX
hang in there! stay well Hugs and love xox
Indeed, hanging as the suspense builds! Can I take it? Of course I can, what choice do I have after-all! But, what it comes down to is faith in Him, He has this all covered for sure! Big Hugs!
Yes!
I learned that even though I’m an introvert, I need people more than I thought. I miss that connection more than I would have expected.
Thanks for sharing that, Stephanie. That is definitely a lesson I have been learning too! hang in there my friend! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn!!!
Oh almost forgot, I love Sci-Fi movies, biggest part of my collection aside from Adventure ones like Brave Heart and a few Epic War movies.! When I was a kid that was a pastime of mine drawing robots and monsters or making my own sound effects of them! But, don’t most geeks! 🙂 I’ve been caught up in them over the last few days too!
Thank you again. 🙏 🤩
Lawrence
Big Hugs OOX
thats awesome!
Isn’t it though! Glad you mentioned it Caralyn!
So many awesome ones to choose from too, doesn’t matter how many times I’ve seen some of them, always fun for me! As a kid I would sit with the family watching one and practically narrate the upcoming scary or thrilling part as it approached, even to my siblings cries of; quiet you’re going to spoil it, LOL! 🤣 👍 🙏 🙏
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My sisters and I discovered Marco Polo which allows us to leave short video messages for each other. It has been great to see their faces and hear their voices, fun and encouraging!
oh that’s so fun! i’ve heard great things about that ap!! i may have to check it out! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Oh, I have learned quite a lot when thinking of it. Patience, the value of Zoom and online courses, finding joy in the small things, how much I value my colleagues (haven’t met for a long time) and how great God is that carries through all waters.
finding the joy in the small things – YES! I love that so much 🙂 and amen amen amen – God carries us through ALL waters!! thanks for sharing that! Hugs and love xox
Hi Caralyn!
What a perfect post. I’ve loved seeing so many responses.
As someone who is an ambivert and has Generalized Anxiety Disorder, I was initially very unsettled about working from home. I said many prayers! Then, I bucked up, finally cleaned out my home office space, bought my dream sit-stand desk, and have grown to actually enjoy working at home. I say enjoy loosely, knowing that so many are on the front lines and continue to be vulnerable. Example: My sister-in-law graduates from nursing school in a week. She’s been hired to work at the same hospital system where she’s completed her clinicals. We are thrilled that she has a job right out of the gate, but it’s a strange time to celebrate. With that said, I have also learned to listen to the birds in my yard, slow down, and just be in the moment with my husband and our dogs. I’ve also helped my parents navigate their smartphones, the worlds of Zoom and Facebook, and helping from a distance now that my 94-year-old Grandpa has moved in with them.
Sending all the love and hugs to you!
Aw thank you so much Laura Beth! And I really appreciate you sharing that. I’m so glad that this WFH time has been enjoyable for you! A sit stand desk sounds amazing! And I feel you there. Stay well!!! Hang in there! Hugs and love xox
Thank you! Al loved my desk so much, that he bought his own. We are staying healthy. So far, so good. Sending love and hugs!
I love how God has given you the gift of being positive. I have learned a lot about myself during this time. I enjoy and value rest a great deal more. I have learned I enjoy cooking a lot more than I realize. I have made new dishes and enjoy eating a lot more. I have learned to pause and pray a lot more. I have made myself more of a priority and it is showing up in all areas of my life. I continue to keep you and NYC in prayer. I pray you will continue to stay strong and healthy.
Thank you so much Ada! Oh that’s so wonderful! I think that’s a beautiful thing to come out of this: learning to embrace self care and making ourselves a priority! Thank you for your prayers. Know that you’re in mine too! Hugs and love xox
[…] Monday BeautyBeyondBones published Your Turn. Caralyn is an actress in NYC and has been in lockdown with the rest of the city. She’s written a […]
Thanks Jeff for the link up! Hugs and love xox
I’ve learned that I always live a quarantined life.
Meaning, other than having the kids home all day, my life hasn’t changed. I still work from home. I still don’t eat out as much as I’d want. I still have no hobby to miss. Oh well, makes this whole pandemic thing easier to handle.
Thanks for sharing that KJ. I’m glad this hasn’t been too big of a life overhaul for you!! Hang in there! Hugs and love xox
I have resdiscovered my love for art and painting!!
That’s so wonderful! What a beautiful and therapeutic hobby!! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Just appreciating what I have. The inner circle which is family and meaningful friends who are there for you no matter what. That support means everything. Of course, all the appreciation to the emergency medical workers and dedicated essential workers who keep things moving and as sane as possible in a trying situation. My renewed passion for writing and music along with podcasts helps.
Thanks Derek! Yes! You’re so spot on! The inner circle!! Hugs and love xox
I’m a better cook than I thought, and my son and I have had some bonding time. I learned to make ice cream, and he is learning a lot about nature since we have time to go on long walks together.
Thanks so much for sharing that, Lindsay! That’s so awesome that you guys have that special time in nature together. And ice cream!? YUM!!! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
I’ve learned that I can handle the whole “stay-at-home” thing so much better than I ever thought I could. It’s eye-opening how how much stress contributes to our well being and takes its toll. I’ve learning again how gracious God is to me, and that he carries us through with his peace.
You have an awesome blog! very impressive! I’ve meant to thank you for stopping by mine so much. Keep up the great work! God is good.
There are a few things I have learned during this quarantine time. Cooking more entrées that we would’ve purchased. I was able to catch up on my binge-watching. Even, though I was stuck in the house with our two daughters we manage. It was a good thing we had a two-story house. They were able to go into their rooms peacefully. I started to focus more on my faith studies. Before this virus, there were times I wasn’t able to attend the services. Since they started utilizing zoom for services it became easy for me to attend. I can attend the meetings regularly through the phone.
thanks friend for sharing these! you’re so right about that – technology has been such a blessing and game changer! yay for homemade cooking! Hugs and love xox
Having to suddenly become my autistic son’s educational support and shadow has taught me a lot about his strengths and weaknesses with the academics. School never sends homework home, so I never had a first hand understanding of where he was at, only what they shared at the annual meetings as far as goals set and goals met for the year. I may be pursuing more of this interaction with him, even when he goes back to school. I’m going to explore music and other possible interests with him. He will be going to high school in September and I hope he will have an awakening and become passionate for something he may be able to pursue for his future life. I pray…
thank you for sharing that – know that i am keeping you close in prayer. Yeah, the new roles that we’ve been thrown into are very eye opening for sure. it sounds like you and your son have a special bond, and i’m very inspired by your strength 🙂 Praying with you! God has something very special in store for your son!!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Thank you! xoxo
xoxo 🙂
I can do…..🤗
amen to that Cleo!!! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Thanks beauty. Much love & prayers 4u
and you as well! xoxo
I’ve learned to count on myself. One thing this experience has shown me is that I believe enough in myself and my goals to set a routine for writing and taking time for myself–and sticking to it. When I’m out and about day after day (pre-quarantine), I often ignore my own needs. Now, with time to reflect on what’s important, I’m putting my needs and aspirations first.
Thank you for sharing this powerful perspective! Great lesson! Hugs and love xox
I’ve learned to focus on what’s important and to be still 💕
Oh I love that so much. And gosh what truth! What’s important has become crystal clear! Hugs and love xox
To be thankful for what you have. I feel like I have to much stuff, so I have been going through my belongings. I plan to give it to a local charity when they open up again.
Oh I love that so much Amanda, thank you for sharing! Being thankful is so important for getting through these quarantine days. I think that’s beautiful! stay well! Hugs and love xox
I have learnt that in Australia, it seems that certain elements of society, ie, business, conservatives, and unfortunately young people, seem to not put as much value on human life as others do, and that apparently money is so much more important. It’s really sad to see society like this.
On the flip side, I have enjoyed doing the home schooling thing, with work provided through my son’s school so much, that now I am registering to be his teacher, at home on a full time basis. Firstly, because we have a mixed generational household, we need to keep the more vulnerable members of our family safe, but also, my son doesn’t have to put up with bullies and other BS that is inflicted upon kids at school. He is happier, and doing far better academically as well. I have just completed a 12 month Education Support Qualification (one of those ironic coincidences that seem to follow me through life) so now, even though I was already fully capable of teaching my son the curriculum at home, I am now officially able to as well. Yes, I have to provide the lessons and learning materials, there is absolutely loads of lessons available online for free, and I have purchased a number of workbooks in specific subject areas that are fully aligned with the curriculum, and am using a online resource called Studyladder, which is brilliant and helps with assessment, but it is actually costing me less overall, I mean, it’s cheaper than the school uniforms alone, let alone any of the other education expenses. My life has changed significantly because of COVID-19, yes there are the negatives, I am high risk myself, so having to be a bit more confined and having to wear masks every time I go out is a bit of an inconvenience, but most of it is really positive, and I will never return to life as it was before.There are always silver linings.
Thank you so much for sharing these lessons! I’m so glad that you and your son are having such a great home schooling experience!! Congrats on your qualification! Hugs and love xox
Thanks for visiting my blog where I’m learning quite much about God working behind the scenes in tough times through the eyes of the book of Esther.
I love your blog, it’s so engaging
You’re so welcome! Thanks so much! Hugs and love xox
Thanks for visiting my blog. During this lockdown, l learnt l can do more with what l already have. I have since held two seminars online using whatsapp and zoom to help people facing Trauma, l started to write a devotional as my blog and am able to reach people from different nations. Ministry for me has a global perspective more now than before. We are truly one large family on earth, what hurts anyone in China can have adverse effects on the remotest villages in another continent. Its time to pray more for other nations and their leaders, their decisions good or bad affects us all.
Hi Ada, thank you so much for sharing this! amen – i have learned this too. And wow what a beautiful ministry you’re doing! cheering for you!! 🙂 stay well! Hugs and love xox
I learned that:
I am adaptable to change
I can learn several different applications “on the fly”
I am Resilient
To communicate with extended family better
Prayer is powerful
Being alone is not the same as loneliness.
I am blessed to have my faith, to have my family, to have my community
Wow, what powerful lessons to have learned! thank you for sharing 🙂 Hugs and love xox