YOUR TURN

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

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

TAKE ME TO THE B³ STORE!
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BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

273 thoughts on “YOUR TURN”

    1. 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

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  2. 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.

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    1. 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

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    1. 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

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  4. 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!

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    1. 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

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  5. 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! 🙂

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    1. 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

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  6. 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!

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    1. 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

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  8. 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 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋

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    1. 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

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  9. 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.

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    1. 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

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  10. 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

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    1. 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

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  11. 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.

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    1. 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

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  12. 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

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    1. 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

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  13. 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. 😊

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    1. 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

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  14. 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.

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    1. 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

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    1. 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

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  16. 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😂

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    1. 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

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  17. 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!

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    1. 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

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  18. 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.

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    1. 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

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      1. 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! 💖

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  19. 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!

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    1. 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

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  20. 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. 🙂

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    1. 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

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  22. 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.

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    1. 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

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  23. 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💞

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    1. 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

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  24. 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!

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    1. 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

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  25. 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.

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    1. 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

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    1. Oh that is so exciting, congrats Nabeela! thanks for sharing that! so glad you’ve been enjoying it! stay well! Hugs and love xox

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  27. 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 ❤

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      1. oh my gosh, no worries at all!! 🙂 thanks again for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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    2. 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

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  28. 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.

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    1. 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

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  29. 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!

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    1. 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

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    1. Oooh that’s awesome Lyssy! And yes – I’ve been finding yoga to be great too! Stay well! Hugs and love xox

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  31. 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.

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    1. Oh that’s so wonderful to hear, Teresa! The written word definitely can move hearts!! Stay well my friend!

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  32. 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!

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    1. 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

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  33. 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

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    1. 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

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      1. 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

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      3. 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

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  34. 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.

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    1. 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

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  35. 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

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    1. 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

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  36. 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!

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    1. 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

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  37. 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.

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    1. Thanks for sharing that Brendan! Yes! Reading is such a beneficial pastime right now! Stay well! Hugs and love xox

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    1. 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

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  39. 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!

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    1. 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

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  41. 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.

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  43. 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.

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    1. thank you for sharing that! you’re right – this togethernesss really is a great blessing! stay well! hugs x

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  44. 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.”

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    1. 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

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  46. 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.

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    1. Oh that’s so awesome Marcelo! there really is something so special and calming about music! amen to that! stay well! hugs xo

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  47. 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..

    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.

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    1. 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

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      1. 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.

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  48. 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.

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    1. 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

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      1. 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. ❤️

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  49. I think I’ve figured out that I’m already so smart that learning anything more may very well be counter-productive. 😐

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  50. 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

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    1. 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

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      2. thanks so much for asking! yeah, nyc has definitely been hit hard! we’ll rise though!

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