Why We Aren't Going Back to Church [yet].

Despite the Covid19 numbers being horrible (at the time of this writing we've now lost more Americans to coronavirus than we did to the Vietnam War, Iraq/Afghanistan, Gulf War, and 9/11....COMBINED), some places are opening back up.

There is much debate over the topic of what/when/how to open more of our country.  It's been a long 8 weeks-ish at home with nothing much to do but referee my kids' arguments.

My particular county is still experiencing a continued increase in cases. And yet, we are opening.

That's right. Restaurants are open now, retail stores have opened back up, county workers are going back to county offices instead of working from home.  And churches are going to start meeting in person.

We won't be going to church yet.

We are thankful that our church is moving slowly and not just flinging the doors wide open on the first Sunday back. They've taken reasonable, measured steps and stages which we appreciate.  But even so.

Covid19 is prevalent in our community.  We have a fair amount of at-risk individuals that attend our church.  While mask-wearing is encouraged (by the church, the county, the state, and the CDC), there will be plenty that refuse to do so.

I don't want to accidentally give someone this virus.  Studies are showing that many who spread Covid19 are asymptomatic!  They wouldn't even know to stay home because they had no symptoms!  I don't want to give someone's grandma or immune-compromised child a potentially deadly illness.

So, we aren't going to church yet. Some like to act like their faith gives them the power to meet in person and not be affected (see some of those whacko preachers who defied stay at home orders).  Some people continue to claim it is just the flu (God help me with some of your children. Things down here are rough.).  

But in fact, it is my faith that compels me to stay home from church.

My love for my community, for everyone else's grandmas and grandpas.  For my own.  For our neighbors and coworkers.  I would feel awful if they became ill.  So for now, we will continue to stay home and watch church online.  Thankful for technology that allows us to gather digitally.

If you choose to go back sooner, we can still be friends. :)  Just promise me you'll wear a mask! 

One Lost Sheep (Review of an adorable book)

Who loves children's books?  I do, I do!


Zondervan kindly sent me a copy of this adorable children's book:


Plot:  "Step, step, step up mountain, steep. Where, oh where, is that lost sheep?"  One Lost Sheep is written by Rhonda Gowler Greene and is based on the Biblical parable of the lost sheep.  A shepherd is tending to his flock of 100 sheep when he notices one is missing. The shepherd leaves the 99 sheep and goes to search for the lost one.  He eventually finds the lost sheep and rejoices!  The parable is, of course, symbolic for how special we are to God, our Shepherd; how he would search and search for us if we were lost, even if he already had 99 others.

Review: The parable/symbolism is a bit too deep for little ones to understand (they will think it is an actual, true, story), but the book is cute and provides a good introduction to Bible stories.

What struck me the most about this book were its gorgeous illustrations.  My photo doesn't even do it justice!

One Lost Sheep also boasts a sweet text that rhymes, making the story fun for little ones to listen to.  This book is the perfect read-a-loud for bedtime (or anytime).  My 3 year old enjoyed listening to it!  We also loved that it is hard back book at an affordable price ($10).

This book was provided for me, all opinions are my own, and I receive no payments if you happen to choose to purchase the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Commit-MINT to Church (Minister Appreciation Gift)

Did you know that October is the month for Pastor/Minister Appreciation?

We have 2 great ministers at our church (and 4 lousy ones. LOL. TOTAL JOKE, we only have 2 ministers in all).

To kick off the month, I wanted to do a little something for them, so I came up with this

and delivered it to the church office.  The green Dollar Tree container is filled with gum, York peppermint patties, Andes mints, dinner mints, lifesaver mints and Junior Mints.  Total cost was right at $10.

We love our pastors!

Do you or your church do anything for your ministerial staff this month?  Chime in down in the comments!

shared at these blog parties: Serenity Now
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Weary Mothers

Ever have something smack you upside the head?  A real light bulb moment?  That was me recently.

This Bible verse has been a favorite for a long time:

source

I've always applied to to other things in the Christian life such as serving others, serving within church, doing what's right when no one else is, following God's standards.

Then came a light bulb moment.

This can apply to motherhood too.

One friend of mine has a son with limited immunity.

One friend's daughter was born with Trisomy 18.

One friend's son has ADHD.

One friend's daughter has SPD.

One friend has a child with learning disabilities.

One friend has quadruplets.

One friend has twins.

One friend's son has autism.

Several friends are single moms.

Several friends struggle with depression, anxiety, or other chronic illnesses.

Several friends are military moms with all the extra work and worry that comes with it.

It's not easy.  Moms get weary. I know these friends and their constant therapy appointments, doctor visits, day to day needs, special education meetings, interventions, hospitalizations, expensive experimental treatments, and more.

Some seasons of motherhood are excruciatingly exhausting.  Hang in there Moms.

Let us not grow weary in doing GOOD (good here being doing what our children need.  Maybe you're the mom who devotes 8 hours a week to occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy for ONE child.  Maybe you're the mom who has to work extra hours to afford the tutor for your child.  Maybe you're the mom who dealt with yet another meltdown in public.  Keep doing what you know to do, what your child needs), in due time you will reap the harvest.

(Here are some graphics in case you want to pin this so that on your bad days you'll remember to keep pressing on!) 

 

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P.S. Jen Hatmaker had an excellent post about Sweet vs Spicy families.  I highly recommend you read it!

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P.P.S. This post was shared at Serenity Now and Trust Me I'm A Mom.

mom memories

Everyone tells mothers to "cherish these days". "They go fast." "You'll miss the little things."

When my kids are grown and out of the house, I will miss little handprint smudges on the walls, windows, every counter surface.

When my kids are grown and out of the house, I will miss the sometimes-complex bedtime routines.

When my kids are grown and out of the house, I will miss hearing about the school day.

I will miss cheering at soccer games and belt graduations at karate.
I will miss helping a little one wash his little hands.
I will miss seeing the older one's Lego projects and skateboard tricks.

I will NOT miss getting them {up}, {dressed}, {fed}, and {out} the door for church on Sunday mornings. Not. One. Bit..

source
^Not a real photo of me and my kids. In case you were wondering.

Let's hear it moms: What will you NOT miss 5, 10, 15 years from now?  Sound off in the comments!