Living Chronically Blessed

If you’ve been on social media at all during this shut-in time, then you’ve probably seen a post or a hundred posts about people’s goals during the next unknown amount of time.

Maybe you’ve even seen the posts about what you should be doing during this time. I’ve been “encouraged” to put my focus on my exercise, my cooking, my friends, my family, spring cleaning, self-care, meditation, waking up earlier, sleeping in later, and everything in between. There’s a lot of advice out there right now on how we should be spending this rest period.

*Side note: I know not everyone gets a time of rest, for some of you it’s actually a time of chaos. So, for those of you that are being our heroes right now, when this is all over, please reach out to me and let me help you rest…If that means hanging out with your kiddos while you take a day to do what you need to do or if it means you want me to be your grocery shopper for the day, you let me know! We appreciate you!*

I think it’s only up to you to decide whether you and your family need structure or simplicity, homemade ninja warrior course or couch time, but wherever you find yourself on the spectrum, there is something that we all need to be doing right now, and that is connecting with our creator. I don’t know how you would describe your relationship with God and maybe you don’t know either. Either way, it’s time to figure it out.

I’m not saying that it’s the end of the world, a matter of fact, anyone who says definitively that it is or isn’t end times, is straight-up lyin to ya. The Bible clearly states that no one, not even Jesus knows when the end of time will come. So, that’s not my point.

My point is that these are uncertain, scary and heavy times. We as human beings do not have the capacity to carry the weight of these times without help from our Lord and Savior, nor do we need too! I could go on and on about how much God wants to take your burdens from you, but I want you to figure that out for yourself.

I promise, even more importantly, He promises, that if you seek Him, He will reveal Himself to you. So, instead of preaching to you, I want you to preach to yourself.

I’ve been doing some intentional things to let God reveal Himself to me during this time and I want to share them with you. Maybe you’ll find some ideas or some motivation to find your own things to connect with God.

In no particular order, here is how I’m finding certainty in God in this uncertain world.

• I’m meditating. I use an app called the Abide app and I love it! This is not sponsored, I just really love this app. I struggle with insomnia and anxiety, but when I use this app, which I do daily, I find myself coming back to peace. It is a Christian mediation and prayer app.
• I’m memorizing scripture. I’m picking verses that mean something to me right now, not what someone told me to memorize, but what is giving me comfort right now. Personally, I write my scripture on the chalkboard in my room and every morning and night as I’m brushing my teeth I memorize. 
• I’m sitting outside. Thankfully, temperature speaking, Kansas has been kind to us the past few weeks. So, not only am I able to sit on my deck, but I’ve also been able to go on some walks with Magnolia. There’s a time for worship music and there’s a time for listening, I do them both outside in the sunshine. 
• I’m coloring. Everybody needs to embrace their creative side occasionally. Although my mom was a professional artist, I’m lucky to stay in-between the lines with my colored pencils. I use this time to pray or worship.
• I’m journaling. I’m a big journaler (I realize it’s not a word, just go with it). I have a prayer journal, a devotional journal, a personal journal/diary, a depression/anxiety journal, a blog journal and probably more that I’m forgetting, but journaling/writing is an outlet for me. An outlet to release and an outlet to connect.
• I’m pouring into my God dreams. You know the dreams that only God could’ve given, because to the rest of the world they probably sound a bit “ambitious.” Well, I’m giving those dreams some light, so that they can grow. 
• I’m not watching the news. I am staying informed through multiple credible, online, news outlets, but no, I’m just not sitting in front of the television and letting my mind be filled with fear.
• I’m waking up to a devotional. Anybody else feel the need to turn their phone on and see what’s the latest damage report, first thing when your eyes peel open in the morning? Yeah, me too. But, I realized that wasn’t doing any favors for me, so instead I open up my Bible app and I read a 3-minute devotional. Then, I go along with my day. Also, applies to before bed, don’t let the last thing you see/hear be bad news, instead read scripture or listen to a worship song.
• I’m practicing thankfulness. I set a timer for 2 minutes at random points in the day and say, “God. I’m thankful for…” 
• I’m studying scripture. I’ve been studying Isaiah, but right now I’m going through Jesus’ last days, in preparation for Easter. 
• I’m building myself up. I love to listen to a sad song when I’m already upset…no, I’m serious, I do. I like to know someone else is feeling what I’m feeling, but honestly, it feels right in the moment, but it’s never actually helpful. Right now, I’m listening to Jesus music, all types…y’all you know there is country Christian music? There is Indie Christian music, Celtic Christian music, A Capella Christian music, R and B Christian music, rap Christian music, Folk Christian music, screamo Christian music… Believe me, it is entirely possible to listen to only Christian music. I’m also listening to inspiring audiobooks. I’m face timing my positive friends. Yes, I said my p o s i t i v e friends. I don’t need more reasons in my head why the world is scary right now or questions of why I’m wearing pajamas at 2 in the afternoon. I just don’t want to hear it. 
• I’m slowing down. I’m taking twice, if not three times as long to do anything and everything. It’s amazing when you slow down what you’re able to hear and feel.

My honest review is that it’s working. I’m connecting with God. I’m hearing new promises. I’m seeing God in an all-new light. He’s giving me new dreams and fanning the flames of the ones that I let die out.

How are you connecting with God during this time? Comment below or find me on social media and let me know! There’s no better time to have conversations and friendships online than now.