In This Together

In This Together

Our Souls Held Hands

(Reflections in Quarantine)

Tamara Harbert

You stopped us in our tracks

and our souls held hands for a moment.

Just for a second, we were FOR each other,

rooting for one another.

For a breath of time, we overlooked what is best for Me –

and focused on what is best for Us.

Finding ways to bless someone else.

Cherishing everyday with my family under one roof –

This hasn’t happened for awhile.

The cause has been cruel, but I can’t help feeling

that this time is a gift if I choose to see it that way.

Yes, you stopped us in our tracks, isolating us,

trying to infuse us with fear –

But instead our souls held hands –

just for a moment.

During these months, we are learning that we don’t all agree in all areas when it comes to treating, preventing, stopping the spread of or slowing down the Corona virus.  There are even more differences of opinion when it comes to opening up our society again.  But in these days, it has been encouraging to see so many examples of people sacrificing their preferences and conveniences so others can feel more comfortable and safer.  We are learning that we are better when we work together and towards a common purpose than when we try to make the journey alone. 

In the midst of this pandemic, God is calling us to honor Him by:

   having the mind of Christ

   trusting Him

   being of one spirit

   loving one another

   living in humility

   thinking of others more highly than ourselves

   caring for others

   serving one another

   choosing faith over fear

   living in obedience

And may our desire be for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

Romans 12:3

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Philippians 2:1-5

Written Words and Lessons

IF 2020 IS TELLING US ANYTHING,

IT’S TELLING US TO ENJOY THE

MOMENTS WE HAVE AND NOT TO

TAKE ANY DAY, ANYTHING, OR

ANYONE FOR GRANTED.

These days continue to give opportunity to stop, ponder, and evaluate what I want to be part of my life, what I need to let go of, and what is worth savoring.  Quotes continue to be helpful in the process.

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.  “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times.  But that is not for them to decide.  All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

J.R.R. Tolkien

“Faith:  praising God before He does it.”

~ Mark Batterson

“The Christian is a person who makes it easy for others to believe in God.”

~ Robert Murray M’Cheyne

“God doesn’t intend our circumstances to distress us, but instead to teach us tenacity, courage, and JOY in The HOPE only He can give.”

~ Maurine Richter

While it looks like things are

out of control,

behind the scenes there’s a

God who hasn’t surrendered

His authority.

~ AW Tozer

“Happy Mother’s Day, Mom,

You are a warrior in prayer, faithful, determined, hopeful, loving and you NEVER meet a stranger!  You serve behind the scenes and you walk in faith.  You always made sure I had an opportunity to be exposed to Jesus!  You never said no to church camps, mission trips, youth group stuff AND all those things helped me on my journey and still serve as my strong foundation.  Following after Christ is my own now, but the foundation of that has your hands all over it!  I am eternally grateful for that today!”

Laura Autrey Schmeltekopf’s tribute to her mother,

Bernice Autrey, on Mother’s Day

INHALE

Grace

EXHALE

Praise

“Don’t worry about having the right words; worry more about having the right heart.”

~ Max Lucado

People are not

beautiful for the way

they look, walk or talk.

They are beautiful for

the way they

Love, Care & Share.

“Just as Mary gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, later in a prayer meeting with the other followers of Jesus she witnessed the birth of the church as well.  This time she labored in prayer with others so that Christ might be formed in all of them.”

~ Dr. Duane Brooks

If you see someone falling behind,

walk beside them.

If you see someone being ignored,

find a way to include them.

Always remind people of their worth,

one small act could mean the world to them.

I think that when the dust settles, we will realize how little we need, how very much we actually have, and the true value of human connection.

Remember to take care of yourself, too.

You cannot pour from an empty cup.

Faith doesn’t always take you out of the problem.

Faith takes you through the problem.

Faith doesn’t always take away the pain.

Faith gives you the ability to handle the pain.

Faith doesn’t always take you out of the storm.

Faith calms you in the midst of the storm.

“You may not be in an ideal situation, but you have an ideal God.”

~ Tony Evans

The following quotes are by the Christian Apologist, Ravi Zacharias, who met Jesus face to face on Tuesday of this week, May 19, 2020.

“What it means to be human is to be created in the image of God.  What it means to find your destiny is to find your Creator who has created you and why He has made you for a purpose.  In particular terms, it’s not who you are alone that defines you, but whose you are.  Surrender to Him.  Love Him.  Follow Him.  Serve Him.  Live for Him.  And take His message wherever you go.”

~ Ravi Zacharias

“There is no greater discovery than seeing God as author of your destiny.”

~ Ravi Zacharias

“If you are not a praying person, you must carry your faith.  If you are a praying person, your faith carries you.”

~ Ravi Zacharias

“The story of the gospel is the story of eternal life.  My story is unique and will endure eternally in God’s presence.  I will never be “no more.’  I will never be lost because I will be with the One who saves me.”

~ Ravi Zacharias

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

I sought the LORD, and he answered me;

     He delivered me from my fears.

Psalm 34:4

Taste and see that the LORD is good;

     blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Fear the LORD, you his holy people,

     for those who fear him lack nothing.

Psalm 34:8-9

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

     will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1

Anxiety weighs down the heart

     but a kind word cheers it up.

Proverbs 12:25