Tag: Covid 19

Peeking Out My Tent Flap, One More Time

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

As the pandemic raged on and with the ever-changing guidelines, we decided to do what we thought best to keep our family safe. Didn’t you do the same? So, part of our garage became a decontamination zone. Being careful meant showering after going out and utilizing pick-up and delivery. Clorox and Lysol became our pantry’s mainstay. And, our daily existence changed, as did everyone else.

The world kept moving forward, with death tolls rising. Covid began in a controlled laboratory, and it was taking full advantage of its newfound freedom. My mind raced again during this time. Was it a controlled laboratory? Or was it a way of genocide that got out of hand? Maybe Covid was a test to see how other countries react to a pandemic and where their vulnerabilities lie. Not only was my mind racing to the outer edges of conspiracies, but the output of public information was more erroneous than truthful. Who were we to believe? I found it necessary to become a scientific researcher and utilize my logical brain for making decisions concerning Covid. I closed my social media apps and turned off the news.  

It was during this time that I was reminded in Acts 17:11, even the bible says to find out for yourself, do your due diligence! And for those of you who did, I commend you. And for those of you who glued yourself to social media, news outlets, and other erroneous outlets, it is time you learn how to research, discover and think for yourself.

Acts 17:11 King James Version

“These were nobler than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

I did find it funny and sad that some Americans still had their “American” way about them during this disastrous time. Self-centeredness and blatant, vicious retaliation at those who did conform to safety protocols were seen daily. Aren’t we free in America to make decisions concerning ourselves and our families? Covid showered a bright spotlight on the truth of our self-centeredness, randomness, and nothingness, which is so rampant in America today. I would even call them the idols of our century. 

I asked myself more than once, “Why, oh why does God put up with America and not smite us down like Sodom and Gomorrah?” I can answer that question. It is because we still support Israel, and one day we will stop doing so. The smiting will come if it is not already happening. (Sorry, but I love the word smite!)

I am lowering the flap of my tent.

So, if God tells us to utilize the brains He gave us, why have we become so lazy in that area of our lives? Is it easier to live in lies than truth? Did the pandemic create a covering of fear which helped to progress social media’s agendas, brought out the liars, and propaganda spreaders to ensure its’ stranglehold on the people of the world? Yes and Yes!

But we can take this disease by the tail and shake it hard. We can find a way to live our lives harmoniously with one another and the disease.  It is all about living our truths daily for ourselves, our families, and our communities.  Respect and kindness should be the attitudes toward one another.  And realizing that what is our truth may not be someone else’s truth. And that is ok!

This is going to be an interesting journey as to where we will head.  Society and the landscape of most countries will be altered because of Covid. But never forget the One who is in control! If you are anxious, fearful, or have decisions to make, go to Him. He is waiting to comfort you, guide you, and love you through all times in your life!

God Bless You!

I designed a T-shirt to go with my post in my Etsy Store, thetentmakersshop.com.

https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/TheTentMakersShop/tools/listings/1082258958

Weird Easter

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Easter Sunday was a little on the weird side and yet it was wonderful too! We did not have any colored eggs or chocolate bunnies at our house.  Of course, our children are grown and I have type 2 diabetes so sugar-free is my new lifestyle. We streamed our Easter service and did not bother with making the usual Easter dishes for dinner. There were a lot of changes to embrace this year for my family.  But the one who has never changed and never will change is My Savior, Jesus Christ.  He was crucified, dead, and buried, and rose for my sins thousands of years ago.  Easter came as faithfully as all of God’s promises!

I am enjoying the new weirdness of worship that churches have come to embrace this past month. And it is exciting at how churches have stepped up their technological game. Their outreach has not only surpassed the pews but they are now venturing where even the missionaries can not go; i.e. directly into American homes and homes worldwide. For someone like me, who for the past two years has been unable to attend church services and bible studies on a regular basis because of health issues, these technological advances have blessed me with the opportunity to rejoin my fellow brothers and sisters in worship. And I pray churches will continue these opportunities after we have been released from our quarantines.

There have been other options when I am unable to attend church events like numerous televangelists who flood our airwaves.  But, after spending eight years in the Houston, Texas area, my eyes were opened to the prosperity preachers, the scamming pastors, and a slew of other devious individuals using the name of Jesus and God for their own wealth and sinister devices. Funny how a big city can take the blinders off your eyes.  I will admit to watching some of them on tv only to be disappointed at their money-raising telethons or the way they manipulate the viewer into giving their money to them.  The promise of healing or release of debt if you provide them with your funds seems absurd to me. God loves a joyful giver, not a twisted arm one.  I want to be able to watch my church that preaches God’s word truthfully and interact, even if it is virtual. A place where I have roots and connection, even when I can not attend in person.

Before the coronavirus, I believe we became stagnant in doing the same old things, the same old ways, and lost our vision for being God’s hands and feet to the world. It is the same experience when we sit around and stay stationary during the day, our bodies become what my Granny use to call being “stoved up.”  Americans, Christians and the world became so “stoved up” that when the coronavirus hit we were unprepared and our response to action was unsteady. We were on auto-pilot with our buttons stuck in place. Circling life, around and around, daily routines and weekly routines over and over again… I think the Zombie Apocalypse really did occur in America!

So, now that we have had our merry-go-round lives derailed, what are you doing about it? Is all of this a weird way of life or a new improved way of life? I believe that the weirdness of Easter has led us to some great opportunities for our lives and we should embrace them! Quarantining does make you pick and choose what you need, not what you want. Here are a few of my suggestions I hope becomes the new normal for people.

Live by the rule that if it is not important for breathing, eating, and maneuvering daily life throw it out without second thoughts.

Honor the real heroes and not the fictitious ones played on a movie screen. 

Revere the good things and people in life, and do not make heroes out of athletes, actors, and musicians.   Their worth should not be in the money they earn, but the life they lead.

Stop the media drain game.  Turn the news off and spend time reading your bible.

Love others as Jesus Loves You!  He loves you more than you will ever know on this earth and gives you grace every day! Share His love and grace with others.

God Bless You!

 

 

 

Covid-19, My Proactive Approach

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Watching the coronavirus coverage and the postings of people struggling to breathe reminds me of the times I have been in respiratory distress. The feelings of strangulation, suffocation, and drowning in the gurgling of my own fluids, which will consume me if I don’t react quickly, are all too real for me.  I live with a rare disease called GPA and it affects my whole respiratory system including my nose structure which is now a rib bone.  So any infection or disease that accelerates the power of my GPA leaves me running in the opposite direction and searching for ways to protect myself.

I have always taken the stand that “defeat is not an option,” with this disease even when I can barely draw breath into my body or climb an ordinary set of stairs.  Push and push or find another way is my method of daily functioning and my body just has to follow along. But with Covid-19 there and the quickness, it can consume the respiratory systems sends me back to my early days of researching other methods in being proactive with my health.

From the very beginning of my disease, when the doctors did not know what was going on and could only treat the symptoms I have always searched and researched ways to live a better life.  Over these decades, GPA has facilitated my body in acquiring Ulcerative Colitis, Asthma, Allergies, Upper Respiratory Diseases, Uveitis, Diabetes 2, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and High Blood Pressure. So I am a triple bull’s eye for the coronavirus! Along with the medicines I take, I have discovered supplements which help to boost my immune system and give me a better quality of life. And then my go-to exercise is yoga or ballet, very gentle, flowing, stretching movements improving my lung function and my mobility.

DISCLAIMER ALERT:  I want to state that I am not a doctor and I am not giving advice to anyone concerning their medical care.

Right now, I must ask my self, “What else can I do during this time to help my body survive the Covid-19?”

So, once again I must go back to some of my better research days and add two helpful items to my daily regime. One is called The Breather, which is a way to exercise the throat and lungs and the other is a supplement for my lungs.  I want to say that I do not make a dime on either of these products. And before you take any supplement, be sure to ask your doctor about the supplement. At this point I am doing all I can to stay safe by following the quarantine, taking my meds and supplements and adding some additional exercises for my lungs.

Where to next?

As always my handy dandy study bible is at my side! It was there at the beginning of my walk with God and will be with me until the end of my life.  I am not sure “next” is the correct word because God is with me daily.  Our relationship is one that I survive on, without Him I would have nothing nor be nothing.  He is the love of my life, my all in all!  He is my Father, my Saviour, my God!

And, asking God how I can help is a no brainer for me. I can write and encourage others.  I can pray! I pray my blog will be a way I can bring some joy, and peace to those who are anxious and quarantined.  I also pray that God will bring those to me who are searching for Him and that they will encounter God in their lives.  Even though GPA has sidelined me in my camper, it has not stopped me from speaking out and offering hope!

Today, I begin with Psalm 46:1  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

When I read this I think of a large rock cave that I can go into where nothing in this world can penetrate my covering.  As for strength, what strength is the strongest in the universe but God’s strength?  His strength exceeds more than our minds can comprehend!  And He is present, which means He is right here and not in some far off imaginary place. Basically, we don’t have to be strong during this time nor do we have to look for a place to hide.  We can take all of our weaknesses and fears and give them to God.  Hand it over and let Him handle what should be done!  To me that is a relief, a deep sigh, a restful moment knowing God is my refuge and my strength! What about you? Can you give it all to God?

After you think you have done everything you can do to be proactive during this virus, then go to God and give it all to Him! For you will find your peace and knowing in Him.

Heavenly Father;

I come before you today with praise and thanksgiving for you being my rock and my strength!  And for you always being with me!  Thank you!

Please heal those who are suffering from the coronavirus, and help our health care workers with your strength and your presence in their great time of need.  Please open the eyes of our government officials to do what is right and stop those officials who would seek to profit by abusing the system.

Please send peace to the anxious, and joy to those who are depressed and worried.  Send them someone to let them they are loved and they have a God who wants to care for them always.

Give us all strength in the coming days and fill our hearts with your everlasting love.

In Jesus Name,

AMEN!

Corona-virus Quarantine In Camper

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Our journey began on February 27 while the coronavirus chatter was just beginning to ramp up in the United State. My husband, myself, and our grown son, along with our three dogs piled into our camper for our trip from Texas to North Carolina. Having spent the last eight years in Texas because of work, we were ready to get back to the Carolinas, family, and home. Except the timing appears to be a little off, at the moment.  But this is when everything began falling into place like our house selling in Texas. So, we grab onto God’s timing and here we go again!

Now, traveling in our camper is not unusual for us.  It has been our usual mode of transportation for years. When you have a rare auto-immune disease like me, public restrooms, hotel rooms, and other possible germ-infested areas are places to avoid.  And we also found it easier to bring our pets with us rather than to board them or have sitters at our home.  They have adapted quite well to the traveling lifestyle.

After being on the road for three days and with a few obstacles thrown our way, i.e. flat tire, we made it to the campground in the Carolinas. It is cold, rainy and we have not found a house to buy. The dismal weather and my spirit seem to be like-minded and building. I see the going in and out of everyone, increasing the dirt and congestion in our camper. {So, let me explain I like things clean and tidy.  My family says I am a little OCD.} The dark clouds circling our camper and my own head are thickening into a rumbling, lightening filled masses.  This is quickly becoming a very unpleasant experience and we need to find a home!

With my own stress level rising, admittedly of my own making, we ventured out to find a home.  All the while in the background is the advancing wave of Covid-19.  Knowing of our impending move, we had been searching the Charlotte market since November.  But Charlotte is in a real estate bubble with not a lot of inventory and prices through the roof.  Being older and wiser, my husband and I know not to get caught up and yet, we need a home! I want to throw myself on the ground and kick and scream like the tantrum of a two-year-old. And then, we find a house! The sky opens full of sunshine, the birds sing, and a rainbow appears in the background.  Not really, but it sounds good and my own relief felt that way.

God is so very good!  While we have been focused on getting a home, the impending tidal wave of Covid-19 was about to come crashing down on America. And it did! Now with my autoimmune disease and type 2 diabetes, I am one of the ones who should stay inside and have everything brought to them. As you can imagine, at 57 I am not exactly used to being told what to do or have my wings clipped.  I have endured the decades of my diseases on my own terms and lived life to the very best I could, God willing.  Until now and the Covid-19.

My good sense makes me realize the time for personal responsibility is now. Our situation is not exactly perfect for quarantine and maybe my camper can feel more like a box at times, but there are those who are homeless with nowhere to go to shelter away from others.  I have a bathroom, a small kitchen, and a family doing everything they can to keep me safe.  No pity for this girl! Once you have been in a confined space for a period of time, the space itself does not appear so small.  We have even discussed what we will have to do if someone tests positive to try to keep the others well.

So, life will never be the same during and when the pandemic is over, and I should hope not!  It is through this time that as individuals, communities, and countries we should grow in understanding, knowledge, and compassion. I cannot stress enough that the very glue that binds us is LOVE! And we must use love in an overabundant amount concerning people, and situations! Think about the changes it will bring into your life and grab on to the very best parts!  Thank God for this day and all you have been given.  Ask for grace in everything and pray for others!

 

God Bless You!

Joni The Tent Maker Quarantined in My Camper!