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Quarantine Day 67: NYC
Confession, I have an unhealthy addiction to….Instagram.
JK, JK — although, I do waste far too much time on that social media platform.
I’ve never met a meme I didn’t like. I’ve never watched a viral cooking video that didn’t tickle my tastebuds. Heck — I’ll even slap a “like” on a “spon-con” ad if it’s creatively executed and from an “influencer” I enjoy.
Basically, I’ve drank the proverbial Kool-aid.
And quick pause — I’d love it if you gave me a follow 🙂 @beauty.beyond.bones – I love getting to know my readers over there in that setting!
But OK – so I came across this meme, and it literally made me stop – clap my hands, and then repost it.
It said:
“I’m not adding this year to my age. I did not use it.”
And I wish you could have seen me – I was sitting there eating dinner, and like clapping by myself — “YES! Oh PREACH, girl! Amen! START. THE. RESISTANCE! Ain’t no way mama’s gonna count this dumpster fire of a year to my age! I’m a single gal, and this chick ain’t gettin’ any younger!”
Yeah — welcome to my quarantine existence…I’ve picked up an attitude, and started talking to myself. We’ve reached that level.
But anywho – I reposted it — It got tons of support from other “not-21-anymore” young women who are also, feeling the pressure to be married with children before their biological clock runs out.
And all was well and good.
Until the next morning. I was cooking breakfast when all of a sudden…it hit me.
You see, the night before, I had watched the movie, 500 Days of Summer. And quick recap — it’s with Joseph Gordon Levitt and Zooey Deschanel. And basically, the whole movie is about the 500 days that it takes Joseph’s character to “get over” Zooey’s character, after she breaks his heart. Joseph had believed that she was his “one” – his soul mate – the woman fate brought into his life. And then she breaks his heart, and leaves him picking up the pieces.
But they do a funny thing in the movie: the count all the days — 1, 13, 121, 252, 488, 499, and 500. And they toggle back and forth with flashbacks and fast-forwards…the whole movie with a little “ticker” reminding us of the time passing.
And it was very reminiscent of what I’ve been doing during this quarantine. I mean, we are on day 67 of being quarantined. Sixty seven days of isolation. Solitary confinement. And watching those days tick by in the movie, I couldn’t help but be reminded of how I’ve been counting the days as well.
So where am I going with this? We’ve talked memes. We’ve talked movies. We’ve talked moving markers of time.
This is what hit me:
Much like Joseph’s character…and much to that meme’s chagrin…we don’t get that time back.
These 67 days (and counting) of quarantine…and Joseph’s 500 days of heartbreak…we don’t get a redo.
Which then, begs the question…
How did I use that time?
“I’m not adding this year to my age, I did not use it.”
Au, contraire, mi cheri.
That’s the thing about life – we are always evolving, growing, blooming. Time is always passing, quarantine or not. And it’s up to us to use it.
Because real talk: time is a gift.
This is not just a bunch of hot air I’m blowing, either.
I’ve had several seasons in my life, that I’m not going to lie – I really had to wrestle with that feeling of “what a waste.” Thinking back to those two years in my anorexia, where I literally wasted away, not just my body, but my time: my senior year of high school. First year of college. Those years that I would give anything to get back and “redo” properly and “use” that time to the full.
Or during that year of bedrest with Ulcerative Colitis in 2010. I was in my prime, having just moved to NYC. Was the lead in a show. Had more friends that I knew what to do with. And then, BAM, incapacitated for 11 months, having had to move back to Ohio to heal.
Those are also seasons I wish I could “erase” from my age, because I “didn’t use them.”
But that’s just the thing: I did.
Or rather, God did.
God used that time.
God used that uninterrupted time — that time of despair, that season of down-and-out, those destitute months — to form me into the woman I am today.
He demolished my pride. He instilled in me a heart of appreciation for love – for friendship – for health – for life. He awakened in my heart a purpose for my existence. He brought my family and I closer than ever. And He taught me how to truly take care of myself.
Didn’t use that time?
I beg to differ. In fact, it could be argued that that time — that I thought was a waste and the biggest crapshoot to have to add to my age — that time was actually the best use of my time, yet to date.
And maybe, like Joseph’s character in 500 Days of Summer, I should stop counting. Because whether I’m quarantined or not, life is happening, and God is using this time, whether I’m stuck indoors or not.
Because who knows — maybe one day, years from now, we’re going to look back, and realize that this time — these “wasted months” stuck in quarantine — were actually a huge blessing in disguise.
Time that God used to grow us closer with our loved ones. Or to give us a new appreciation for everyday things we took for granted. Or even — to shift our career in a totally new direction.
Because I’ll tell you what — in the thick of it, I would have never thought I’d look back lovingly on those “wasted” seasons of my past, and that I’d be...*gasp*…grateful for them.
So it’s time for an attitude adjustment for this gal.
Maybe instead of resisting, I should embrace this time, and really pray that God use it in a way that sets my life on fire for Him, and for the world.
Blessings to you this coming week of quarantine!
“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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121 responses to “500 Days of Quarantine”
Love your thoughts!
Aw, thank you friend 🙂 I appreciate that! hope you’re having a great night! Hugs and love xox
Loved your many points. I was watching the Netflix movie Greater yesterday and I loved the saying on there, “Just because you don’t see the point doesn’t mean there isn’t a point.” There’s a point to everything not just what I can see. Thanks for sharing.
Hi JJ! oh thank you so much 🙂 I haven’t seen that one yet! but i love that quote! it’s very VERY true! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Hugs an love right backatcha…😉
😍😍😍
As it says in Proverbs 16: Man plans his course but God determines their course – maybe only what 500 square feet. You Caralyn have it right enjoy and rejoice in His decisions. He will never lead you wrong. Great point – honest self insight. Makes you that special person that draws your readers to follow your life and message so faithfully. Thanks again. Can’t wait to read the next post you share. John
Hi John, thank you so much! You’re so right about that – God determines our course!! amen to that 🙂 Thanks for that powerful perspective! Leave it to the bible to really steer us straight! 🙂 Stay well! Hugs and love xox
I am learning to accept that in God, no time is wasted time. Blessings to you too!💕💕💕
You’re so SO right, nothing is ever wasted, and God will find a way to use everything for good! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
🤗🤗
xoxo 🙂
Great perspective. Thanks for your encouraging words!
Thank you so much Tim! Glad it resonated with you 🙂 stay well! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for your transparency and insight during these past days as you have been moved from a desire to rush off to accepting the circumstances as a stepping stone to your health and life directions. Keep sharing
Thank you so much 🙂 Hugs and love xox
A great post, I sometimes think time is an illusion. This seemed especially true in my first few weeks of lockdown, my watch stopped working and at first I felt a little naked without it. I managed to find an old watch that is still working though so I got some time back again, to bolt a bit more structure back into my life. The reason that I think we operate in the here and now though is that even though we try to plan for a future or look back to the past the only moment that we actually do anything in is the here and now. Cheers Huw.
Thank you so much Huw! That’s a really interesting thought! Amen – the here and now! So glad you stopped by. Stay well! Hugs and love xox
“God used that uninterrupted time — that time of despair, that season of down-and-out, those destitute months — to form me into the woman I am today.”
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you friend 🙂 I appreciate your support! Hope you’re staying well!! Hugs and love xox
You reminded me how I look back so fondly on my recovery time after double bypass. Life had gone from moving too fast to having the brakes slammed on. I had nothing to do but breathe, eat, sleep…repeat. Julie made me these great sandwiches. They weren’t anything gourmet, but they somehow tasted so good. Probably because she made them for me.
I was so weak I started sliding over in my pew at church and couldn’t stop myself. Julie had to keep me from sliding onto my side during church! Still…
I treasure all those days, because they taught me to slow down. Looking back, that was the best time of my life. I finally had unplugged and simply appreciated the taste of fresh air. The car sitting on my stomach on the recliner as I fell asleep to football games. Napping on green grass in the sunshine on a fall day with Julie sitting patiently beside me.
Those memories still help me to slow back down when I need to.
Hi Jeff!! Oh my gosh first off – I got your card yesterday!! Thank you for thinking of me, what a nice surprise! And thank you for sharing that – you’re so right sometimes it takes a huge event like that to really put things in perspective. God works in mysterious ways. And i don’t know why He allows those events but He always brings good from even situations like that. Oh my gosh, Julie is a rock star. And yes – slowing down is a hard lesson to learn. I think we’re all learning that right now! This brought a smile to my face. Hope you’re staying well! Big hugs to you and your girls! Xx
I’m glad you got it OK. It took a long time getting there! I had written that post about the value of letter-writing and realized I hadn’t sent anyone even a card in awhile, so it was you and a couple others. Figured it would be a nice break in the monotony! Julie is my Sweetie Pie! She’s nursed me through more than one crisis! We’re all still well. I’m on furlough this week, so Hillary & I are hanging out together. All the best to you! Hugs!
Yeah, the mail is notoriously slowwwww I’m the village! That, and I kinda let the mail sit for a few days to kill off any virus that may be on the envelope! Oh yes – it was a bright spot in my day!! Aw, well I hope you guys enjoy this time together!!! Xox
Nice Post with beautiful thoughts💞🤗
Thank you so much Sanjana! Big hugs to you xox
A lovely post. March felt like a year on its own. I do feel we’re being forced to collectively slow down and take stock of what’s really important. In that sense, of doesn’t feel like wasted time. But on the flip side, can’t wait to start getting out and living life again too. Take good care!
Hey Ab! Aw thanks so much friend 🙂 you’re right – March felt like a year ! Same here! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Love the final paragraph: “Maybe instead of resisting, I should embrace this time, and really pray that God use it in a way that sets my life on fire for Him, and for the world.”
As someone who, I’d like to think, espouses hope – there is no better journey to be on than doing His will 😊
God bless from God’s zone
Thank you so much Braypa! Amen to that! No better journey! Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, very good insight on this post about God and His marvelous workings. The Bible says in Psalms 31:14-16, “But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake.”
Our enemies as God’s children are the devil, the evils of this world, and yes, even ourselves, if we don’t let God work in us and allow His leadership (even when His leading/working may not make immediate sense to us). [1st John 2:15-17]
Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” The apostle Paul, whom God used to write Romans, spent much time in prison. No doubt all his time was made profitable by God. During this time of shutdown, I have been furloughed at home from truck driving (my normal occupation), however, God has graciously given me these weeks to read, teach, and preach His wonderful word. So I do value this time.😀 I believe God will sustain us during this crazy time.
God bless. Joseph
Hi Joseph! Thank you so much! Oh wow I love those verses – I appreciate you sharing them. He will definitely sustain us! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, I have a blog on eternal security that biblically details God’s sustainment of the souls of His children. If you choose to read it, I hope it will be a blessing to you. God bless. 😀
Awesome, I look forward to reading it!
The name of my blog page is Entranceofgodsword.blog. The eternal security blog is already published on that page. 😀
cool cool.
That is an excellent way to look at your time in quarantine. We can learn from every situation for sure, and we are never alone, no matter what. Still, I hope for your sake that the quarantine doesn’t last too much longer. Isolation is hard, socially, physically and financially! But until it does end, I have a feeling you will be making good use of your time alone!
Hi Ann! Thank you so much! I appreciate your encouraging words. Amen – we are never alone! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Lovely post and well expressed sentiment. I know exactly what you mean about time you can’t get back. We must do the best we can with what we have. The light will come eventually.
Thank you so much Derek! You’re right – the best with what we have! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
You’re welcome :)!
🥰🥰🥰
Well said, Caralyn. I think you’re exactly right, God is really using this time. I’ve seen reports of more people coming to faith in Christ during this time because all they had to turn to on Sundays was a TV or online church service. And more churches began looking into ways to get their services online. Reminds me of what Jesus said would happen in the “end times,” that the message would be preached all around the world. Perhaps this is the catalyst for that last push. And as you’ve stated more than once, more people are looking at what is most important in this life, and the next. Always a good thing.
As to the quarantine, we’re opening up more and more here in the south. Have you been given any idea of when your stay at home orders will be lifted? Have they told you and the other NYC folks anything? Praying it’s soon. Have a great week!
Hebrews 6:10. 😊
Hi Kenneth! Thank you so much! Yes He really is! Oh wow I didn’t even realize that about the message being preached all around the world! Makes me a little n n n nerrrrvous! Thanks so much for the encouraging words, my dear friend. Nothing in nyc yet! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
HAHA. Nothing to be nervous about, although I do admit to some excited anticipation. As long as you believe Jesus is the Son of God and died for your sins, and you’ve repented of your sins and asked Him to save you, you’re good! He is faithful to do what He says. What a magnificent Father we have! 😊 Have a wonderful week, beautiful friend!
🙂
Loved all you said here Caralyn. If I look back at times where I felt I was not moving forward much in life – I realise that God worked so much in me during that time.
With God, no time is wasted. It is up to us to lean into the work He is doing within us especially at times like this.
Blessings 😊💙
Thank you so much!! You’re so right – no time is wasted with God! He will always use everything for good!! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
I loved your lighthearted start to this post and then you came down hard with this godly message. Although I haven’t truly quarantined since I work in a hospital, this applies so much to my husband and I’s 4 year journey with infertility. It’s been such a struggle and I’ve wished for years that it wasn’t a part of me. But it is. And as you said, it’s something that’s shaped me to be the woman I am today. Thank you for this. ❤
Aw thank you Kirsten! Haha glad you enjoyed it! And gosh, thank you a) for your bravery in battling this on the front lines. And b) I’m so sorry you and your husband have been going through that. My heart goes out to you both, and know that I will be keeping you in my prayers. Love you friend. Xoxo
Hahaha loved this post!!
I don’t do social media… I do have Instagram but I’ve never posted on it and I don’t remember the password lol
That is hilarious… I would like that rule to throw out this year age-wise … I’m on board ✌️ lol … that delighted me ❤️
Sometimes you don’t realize the moments that become blessings
I have loved lockdown… I don’t however love reopening lol ✌️😄… that does not seem like blessing to me lol
Love your strength ❤️✌️
Oh good! Thank you so much!! Haha I’m on board too!! And you’re so right – often time it takes hindsight to be able to see the blessings in all their glory. Stay well!! Hugs and love xox
Very well written. I agree that the times we think we didn’t use were actually utilized by the Divinity inside to mould us into who we are. Those ‘unused’ times of ours were somehow very important. There isn’t one amongst us who hasn’t utilised some moments .
You have penned it really well. Thank you
Thank you so much!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Yes! They’re very important! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
I saw a meme with the message- All of you who had five year plans in 2015 were wrong.
A little humor can help cope.
One thing I try to remember as Jesus said, if we follow him that He and The Father would make their home with us.
Haha oh gosh I haven’t seen that meme but I like it! So true! And amen to that! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
I’m wondering if you’re ever going to write a bad post. You’re such a gifted writer.
Oh my gosh Matthew, you’re too kind! Thank you so much!! Hope you’re having a great Monday! Hugs and love xox
Good post, you all may love to peak in to some poetry soup too…https://tasteoflifeslitreature.wordpress.com/2020/05/19/do-you-love-olympicsim-really-a-fan-who-enjoys-it-since-the-inaugural-to-the-fairwell/?preview=true
Thank you so much! Hugs and love xox
You have such interesting ways to discover and bring us with you in your learning curves. Make the most of each day because God is here and using the time in His kingdom and in my life. Thank you for another well spent few minutes of read your blog! Have a great God- filled day.
oh gosh thank you so much Michael! Yes! He is here and using this time! Hugs and love xox
This is a great post – I’ve had the same concerns about time passing us by in quarantine. What I will say about Instagram is that I’ve actually made it a New Year’s Resolution to detox from social media, so I haven’t been on Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat all year. Social media is definitely a huge time waster, and I’ve read so many more books and connected with people in more genuine ways by not using it.
As for quarantine, I hope you are doing well and taking care of your mental health! I definitely feel anxious and stressed about the uncertainty of the future, but we can only pray that God’s got it all in control.
– Katie
THank you so much Katie! Oh wow what a great new years resolution. SOunds so refreshing and freeing!!!! way to go! Hugs and love xox
Sadly I have been one of those people who has been completely in her element during quarantine. I realise however I have not been completely alone but I honestly do not think I would be bothered even if I were. For me it has brought time for some much needed rest and contemplation. I never thought I had had time to recover from five frenetic years getting out of my marriage. I have finally been able to organise and settle into my new home. My conclusion has been that God has been giving us all a chance to take stock and rediscover what matters. It could be argued that many of us were perhaps wasting more time before quarantine than during.
Thank you so much for sharing that! Yeah, rest and contemplation are so important for growth and healing. i’m so glad to hear that this time has been so beneficial 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I acknowledge that many wonderful people were unable to quarantine and that sadly many people, particularly in New York, died during this.
and yes – very true. that’s so important to remember, thank you for the reminder
This is good…
thank you so much Greg! Hugs and love xox
I agree, Carolyn, no time is wasted time. It would be sad to want to discard any of it, no matter how painful. x
Thank you Lesley! You’re so right – every moment we’re given is a gift. time is something we never take for granted! Hugs and love xox
Love to you! ☺
xooxoxox 🙂
Beautifully said as always!
aw thank you so much Susan, that really means a lot! hope you’re having a great Tuesday so far! Hugs and love xox
Excellent post! I saw a great meme the other day on IG… ‘Stop telling people they need to get married because lots of people their same age are married. Lots of people your same age are dead but no one is telling you to die.’
Everyday is a pebble. What does that mean? Pebbles, when tossed into a lake, make a splash, a ripple and then seem to disappear forever. But they are there, on the bottom of the lake adding to it. They have forever changed the interior of the lake.
On December 4th, 2004, I married my husband. I thought we would travel the world together. What happened however, has been quite different. I have spent the bulk of our marriage taking care of him because of illness. I finally decided a couple months ago that if/when he dies (if he dies first) if I am still young enough, I would sell everything and take a 6month world cruise. I have lived the responsible life. I did the college thing, the career thing… marriage. I’ve taken care of family with cancer. There are times when I think, ‘when do I get to live MY life?’. But this IS my life. A life I would never have planned for myself but has done a world of good to my soul.
Now that covid has hit, and travel is changing, I wonder if I will be able to take that world cruise? I will keep planning for it and hoping for the best. I will keep living my daily life. I will keep receiving those pebbles.
Lord have mercy.
Thank you so much Melissa for sharing that. Gosh, I am so moved by this reflection, and I wish I could give you a hug. You’re right – those pebbles are continually being gifted to us, and those are each blessings among themselves. Your selfless heart is so inspiring, my friend. praying for you and your husband! Hugs and love xox
Amen, girlfriend. Amen. I have been stirring those thoughts in my pot for a bit myself.
Thank you so much Avery! yes – there are lots of thoughts to be stirred these days! haha 🙂 stay well and have a great afternoon! Hugs and love xox
This is such an important post. For myself, I am constantly challenged to use this time wisely so as to have no regrets once it’s over. Thank you for sharing. I hope everyone takes the challenge you gave.
Hi Mac, of thank you so much! I’m so glad that this resonated with you! amen! Hugs and love xox
This was brilliant. Thanks for the reminder!!!! You’re a gift the blogging world and I hear you on the Instagram addiction. I had to delete mine bc it was taking over my life so no judgment. 😘
Thank you so much Rachel!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! and gosh – thank you 🙂 yeah especially during quarantine it can be sooo easy to get caught going down the rabbit hole! stay well! Hugs and love xox
It’s interesting how you came up with that. Hubby and I have been noticing that time ticks off differently in this pandemic. It’s like we are going from weekend to weekend with the weekends being the most fulfilling and rewarding. The weekdays fly by as though they didn’t exist. Where they go is hard to say. But, they are being used somehow. I do kind of like the idea of deducting them. At 73, that would gain me, lets see and additional 260 days, which means I wouldn’t turn 74 until next year. which sounds pretty good.
Hi Jolie! Thank you so much 🙂 Yeah it really does go by differently! You’re right – they’re being used some how! hah yes!!! stay well my friend, glad you stoppped by! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, your posts and your blog are encouraging and inspiring to your readers, like me. I don’t know much about eating disorders but I am familiar with recovery. Your blog has taught me a lot since I began reading it. I nominated you for the Ideal Inspiration Blogger Award, an unofficial award acknowledging your work. Many blessings, The Devotional Guy™
oh my gosh, thank you so much – i am so touched by your kind words. And wow! thank you for the nomination! what an honor!!!!! 🙂 big big big hugs to you xox
You’re most welcome. Keep up the great work!
xoxox 🙂
Time in lockdown has give me hope, I have spent the time in quiet reflection mainly. I thought about what i want to do. To me after my suicide attempt was a gift because God let me live. He chose me to survive for a reason. I just didnt know what it was for. My Faith, broken has finally been restored and its come back stronger than ever. But what i do with this gift? This life? Like I said i’ve spent the time in reflection. In reflection on how I can best serve God.
I’m so glad it has given you hope. Amen – God let you live, and He has something incredibly special and important in store for your life. I think that question is such an important one that we all need to seriously consider: how can we best serve God. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
HELlo!! I hear you. I too had a couple of weeks down time due to diverticulosis-but I now have a better understanding of how my system works and what I should and should not eat. Of course I was eating all the wrong things! And one good thing that has come out of the Safer at Home thing is that I have finished the first rough draft of my second book and sent it off to the publisher. Being forced to stay home probably kept me from procrastinating. I am now coordinating my files and making lists on my computer so my daughter can easily get to my stuff in case I cannot. Because Anything could happen to me at anytime. Not just a virus. We are not immortal. Though I forget. But I am here right now, existing for a reason under the Creator’s plan. Not mine. Love your post as always.
Hi Elva! Oh gosh thank you so much 🙂 You’re right – we’re all existing for a reason under His plan! and what a beautiful place that is to be! stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox
Oops, I forgot. Cyndie Lauper is my Hero!!!!
hahah amazing!!
Time is the only valuable thing we possess that we can’t replace, but seem to have no issues over wasting. I stopped looking forward to “special days” so that I could savor the days in between – I mean, they’re just as important, and just as valuable.
I won’t lie and say that I make the most of every day – I wish I did – but I do the best I can.
Continue to be positive, Ms. C! God bless.
Thank you so much Doc Furious! You’re so right- we cannot replace Time- we can only make the most of it! And appreciate it! stay well! Hugs and love xox
You skipped a year? I’ve been counting backwards for some time but no one seems to be fooled by that. LOL. I referred my daughter in CA to your page to look at your recipes as she has a child who has an autoimmune issue that requires very careful diet. She found it helpful.
Hahahah oyu’re funny! Aw, thank you Ian for passing it along! I hope she’s enjoying it! I’ve got a great immune-friendly cookie recipe coming up tonight! 🙂 Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Interesting note: As you’re pointing out about what God might be doing in us in this time… we had Passover recently…locked in our homes as a death angel passes over… and now we have Pentecost coming up VERY soon. They were locked away in an upper room! Might God gonna be going to pour out his Spirit on those who have ears to hear? Those who truly desire His presence? Just a thought. We might want to do something special. We might want to be ready and available. We might want to show God we really care.
thank you friend for sharing your thoughts on this! Yes! We should be ready and available to do His will! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for sharing this post. The perspective on time, and the use of time, resonated profoundly.
Thanks so much Megan! So glad it resonated with you! hope you’re having a great week! Hugs and love xox
Life is 10% of what happened and 90% of how you respond to it. I love that. You should never allow anything or anyone to still your joy. God bless you🌼
You’re so right about that Chris! Thanks for that awesome reminder! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, after reading the article at the link, I thought of this post. Enjoy! God bless you and your ministry! — Frank
https://mikaperry.com/why-i-decided-to-quit-social-media
Oh good! Thank you so much! I’m so glad it hit home with you!! Hugs and love xox
Great post.
Thank you Amanda!!! I hope you’re having a great day! Hugs and love xox
‘Maybe instead of resisting, I should embrace this time, and really pray that God use it in a way that sets my life on fire for Him, and for the world.’ I loved loved this paragraph. How you always turn around things into positive things amazes me. I have been wondering how I am going to account for the past 48 days we have been on lockdown here in Botswana but your article has given me a fresh perspective and as we would be allowed to move around from tomorrow I believe these 48 days will always be memorable.
Yes! I think you’re right – always memorable. And gosh thank you for such kind words! I appreciate it! Hugs and love xox
You are so right, Caralyn!
I have felt this whole time, when I get exasperated, a check in my spirit, to be still and KNOW He is God, to pray that we will learn what He’s teaching in the middle of what the enemy means for bad, and that we won’t fail to catch what He’s saying right now!
Thank you for shining His light!
Thank you friend! amen to that – He’s definitely trying to say something loud and clear right now! stay well !Hugs and love xox
Eph 5:15-16 “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” in the ESV is interestingly translated in the KJV as “redeeming the time . . .”. One of the rare times the KJV is a better translation than ESV, because the Greek word is exagotazomenoi which is “to buy back.” So though time is gone, never to be lived again, there must be things we can do to “redeem” the time. Curious as to your thoughts on this? Father has blessed you with wisdom beyond your years or experience. See you in Heaven, if not before. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. What a powerful scripture. We do live in a fallen world, and we need to remember that we weren’t made for this world, but for heaven, and therefore we should always keep our eyes on our real home. Hugs and love xox
“Time that God used to grow us closer with our loved ones. Or to give us a new appreciation for everyday things we took for granted. Or even — to shift our career in a totally new direction.” This is very true indeed. I see it as that as well and you can learn a lot more from it as well. Timely message for not just me but I pray for all too as well that reads this. <3 God bless!
yes! thank you Tammy – I will join you in that prayer! hope everything is well with you. sending big big hugs xo
Haha, yes my love you’re most welcome, yes I’m good on this end so far, all praises to our Daddy God. And you? 🙂 right back I receive them all!
good! yes, just hanging in there! our country is in need of much prayer and healing, and my heart is breaking for my hurting brothers and sisters. stay well my dear friend! Hugs and love xox
Alright sis stay strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! Don’t give up, nor give in. Now is not the time to backslide. It’s not worth it at all. You must stay strong and America along with all the rest of nations needs to repent and return back to the Lord for it’s already too late. Same to you too!