CONSTANT VIGILANCE!

Kindred,

Remain calm.  

The time to panic is when you rid yourselves of Einsteins that can actually solve real world problems or real doctors that can actually heal.

Thankfully not everyone is that stupid.

Perhaps now is the time to say in the words of Professor Moody, "CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" 

Safety first, care and consideration of neighbors in these trouble times a requirement.

Good Neighbor

Kindred,

In times of trouble, it is okay to be fearful, to be stressed out, to have difficulties coping.

Turn to the Lord to help you through, give you strength.  

Know that you need only try, the college try for good, and you will receive the strength you need to cope with anything.

When you pray for strength or healing, pray with intention and sincerity of heart and receive with thanksgiving.  

We all need help at some point in life; the type of help differ in accordance to each circumstance.  

There is no shame in seeking help when you need it; the only shame is in not giving when you have it.

Luke 10: 25-37

Jesus answered what it means to be a good neighbor in the parable of a good Samaritan.

A traveler that was robbed, beaten and left half dead, did not receive help from a priest, not from any passerby, but a good Samaritan.   

Only the Good Samaritan acted like a good neighbor by giving the injured traveler kindness, care, shelter and coins.

In these trouble times, it is okay to fearful and if injured or sick seek help; turn to the Lord in prayer and the Lord will help send a good neighbor.  

But in order for the Lord to send that good neighbor, you have to remember to be that good neighbor.  

On Earth, as It Is In Heaven

Kindred,

Matthew 6:10

May your Kingdom come;

May your will be done on

earth, as it is in heaven.

How would you interpret the above scripture passage?

Know first that it is part of Jesus Christ's teaching about prayer.

From Matthew 6:5

"When you pray, do not be like hypocrites!"

Matthew 6:7

"When you pray, do not use a lot of meaningless words..."

Secondly, know who is being addressed (or the audience) in the passage.  

Though Jesus is teaching people about prayer, the prayer is to the Lord.

What should your attitude be at this time (when speaking to the Lord)?

Humbly, respectfully and reverently, awaiting or preparing to receive the Lord's will or reply.

It is not your will that matters, but the Lord's.  

It is also not the will of Caesar or anything on earth that can dictate to heaven; because

     you ask the Lord not command, 

     it is the Lord's will being done (not. 

     yours or Caesar's),

     nothing on earth can be taken into

     heaven,

     when you die you cannot take with

     you your money, power, prestige or

     anything, but your true colors.

What your true colors happens to be at the moment of your death is what will be Judged.

How you will be Judged depends upon the Lord's will (not your will or Caesar's).

Is it the Lord's will that bad things happen?

Obviously, no.  

Tragedies happen as natural part of life; however, it is exasperated due to failures of people to heed the Lord's warning, to work together, to prevent harm or protect from harm (usually man-made harm from power and control trips and other sins).

What good is money and power if most are wiped out by a pandemic? 

You can't use any of it if you die.   

If you die, how will you be Judged by the Lord?

When you pray, what is your attitude? 

Do you prepare to receive the Lord's answer and will? 

Therefore, "on earth, as it is in heaven" refers to what? 

The Lord's will.

Not whatever happens on earth will also happen in heaven; for example, no pandemics in heaven.  

P.s

You can ask for forgiveness, but it does not mean you will receive it or be able to receive if your heart is unrepentant (still filled with selfish desires, jealousies, greed, hate and sins).

And more importantly, you will be Judged upon the true colors of your heart and soul, not on the Lord's or tthe victim's capacity for forgiveness.  

Resilience In Love and Faith

Kindred,

Nothing can conquer the human spirit;
indomitable in strength of resilience in love, faith, kindness and generosity.

We need to remember to do our best, do what we can, learn from our experiences, adapt and adopt best practices and strategies.

Move forward with the Holy Spirit knowing whatever happens, we can come together, work together even miles apart (really stay miles apart), and contribute in some small (or big) measure to allieviate and mitigate this crisis.

Prayers work in mysterious ways, just like the Lord; so let's remember to pray for those in need, in the front lines, our family, friends and humanity.

Besides prayers remember to give if you can to charities like your local food pantry.

Take proper safety precautions and practical steps to keep yourself and your family safe.

Kids Suggestions

Kindred,

A good way to entertain the kids; brush up on your Bible stories.

Veggie Tales have some good bible stories videos on You Tube (that you can buy or rent or watch sample clips).

Or sing some songs, like A gift to You and put on a performance.

When you need to scream, scream into a bucket of water; it helps you vent without attracting too much attention.  

Or a good cry always helps (pretend you just finished chopping onions). 

Try not to resort to having too much spirits as this is a marathon and not a sprint.  

If all else fails, try baking a batch of cookies.  (I hear people can make fantastic shapes and designs, not just the gingerman kind)