Card #11 of a COVID-19 Card-a-Day Series

Verse for the Day

Verses from Psalm 46 KJV “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore, will not we fear…Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”

Song for the Day

How Firm a Foundation

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said—
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee thy trouble to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not harm thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

“The soul that on Jesus doth lean for repose,
I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”

~ “K”, in Rippon’s Selection of Hymns

Song Suggestion: Deepen your understanding of this hymn by finding where “in His excellent Word” the quotations come from.

COVID-19 Prayer Focus

Parents

Many moms and dads have extra responsibilities and pressures during these days of social distancing. Let’s remember them to the Father in a special way today. Here are some suggestions for prayer requests:

            Patience with themselves and with those in their care

            Rest in body, soul and spirit

            Creative teaching tools and activity ideas

            Trust in God

            Compassion for the vulnerable in their sphere of influence  

God is to be adored for: His guidance  

Pic from Then

The postures and expressions in this photo speak to me of family togetherness, love of reading, the joy of being on holidays (a trip to Florida in this case), favorite dolls and “blankies”, and a dad who loves his children.

Pic from Now

Another sure sign of spring around here is the beginning of orchard work. The first thing to be done on the apple trees is pruning. This pic shows evidence of pruning happening currently in a neighbor’s yard. No one has begun pruning the orchard here on our farm yet, because of a delay in the arrival of our offshore workers, but hopefully it will begin soon.

     

 Activity Idea

Think of one thing that delighted you about your day, and tell someone else about it. If you’re with a group of people, go around the circle and have everyone share what they liked about the day.

What is it?

Today’s mystery photo:

Answer to yesterday’s photo: Thread take up lever on a Singer sewing machine.

Card #10 in a COVID-19 Card-a-Day Series

Verse for the Day

II Corinthians 4:18 ESV “We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Song for the Day

Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life

Where cross the crowded ways of life,
Where sound the cries of race and clan,
Above the noise of selfish strife,
We hear Thy voice, O Son of Man.

In haunts of wretchedness and need,
On shadowed thresholds dark with fears,
From paths where hide the lures of greed,
We catch the vision of Thy tears.

From tender childhood's helplessness,
From woman's grief, man's burdened toil,
From famished souls, from sorrow's stress,
Thy heart has never known recoil.

The cup of water given for Thee
Still holds the freshness of Thy grace;
Yet long these multitudes to see
The sweet compassion of Thy face.

O Master, from the mountain side,
Make haste to heal these hearts of pain;
Among these restless throngs abide,
O tread the city's streets again;

Till sons of men shall learn Thy love,
And follow where Thy feet have trod;
Till glorious from Thy heaven above,
Shall come the city of our God.

~ Frank Mason North

Song Suggestion: Stand facing the street or road nearest you to sing this song.

COVID-19 Prayer Focus

The Homeless

Ask God to provide for the needs of those living on the streets or elsewhere because they have no place to call their home. Some suggestions of ways to pray for them:

            For physical health and a robust immune system to ward off the coronavirus

            That the deepest longings of their heart will draw them to Jesus

            For them to have sufficient food and warmth each day

            For gratitude and hope to spring up in them when they receive unexpected gifts

            That people will befriend them, even if it’s from two meters away 

God is to be adored for: Being our Home  

Pic from Then

I don’t remember where the little red sponge balls came from, but I do remember the laughs that they brought to our family when the children put them on as clown noses. This pic still makes me chuckle. (I dare you to look at it and not crack at least a slight grin!)

Pic from Now

Years ago, I received this little shelf of verse cards as a gift from a friend. I promptly set it on my kitchen window sill and there it still abides. The verses are meaningful for any time, but often they seem to connect with current circumstances in a special way. I thought that this verse spoke to the isolation times we are in. God’s blessings are on us as we come in and as we go out and I’m sure we could include as we stay at home!

     

 Activity Idea

Go outside and shout something. (Maybe I will hear it. 😊)

What is it?

Today’s mystery photo:

Answer to yesterday’s photo: Handle of a (Stanley) screwdriver.

Card #9 in a COVID-19 Card-a-Day Series

Verse for the Day

Psalm 36:9 & 10 KJV “For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. O, continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.”

Song for the Day

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my Buckler*, my Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tow’r:
Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

*battle shield

~ Eleanor Hull

Song Suggestion: Sketch out the various objects or ideas that come to your mind as you encounter words like “Vision”, “Sword”, and Treasure” in the song.

COVID-19 Prayer Focus

Those impacted by COVID in some way – which means all of us!

Perhaps today we could simply take some time to reflect on the ways that COVID-19 is affecting us personally, and to bring those situations to our Father in heaven. May He keep us teachable and trusting in this crucial time. A pattern for our prayer today:

                       

God is to be adored for: His Trustworthiness  

Pic from Then

Playing with homemade playdough was on my Top Ten list for favorite children’s activities when my crew was young. It’s so versatile and creativity-inducing! Of course, there are some things to consider when you combine youngsters and sticky-when-fresh/crusty-when-leftout substances. The age of the children, the place where they play, and how many dishes/utensils and surfaces you feel like washing up after the playtime are a few that come to mind. I’d say the hours my girls spent designing and baking playdough goods in my kitchen were times well-worth any sacrifices made on my part.

Pic from Now

Yesterday Ken and I explored another trail that we’ve never hiked on before. Geo Time Trail is part of the Westside Trails network on the western edge of Waterloo. We loved tromping on paths winding over the leaf-covered forest floor as well as skirting the edges of fields and residential areas in the city. I snapped a pic of some lovely pussy willows, and later when I looked at the photo more closely, I saw that the pussy willows are hanging almost upside down. I think it looks like three people are traipsing down along that branch, invisible except for their feet in soft, fuzzy slippers.

     

 Activity Idea

Today, say or send 10 (or more) kind words to someone who is younger than you and 20 (or less) to someone who is older than you. Consider doing this for people you don’t know very well.

What is it?

Today’s mystery photo:

Answer to yesterday’s photo: Handle of a teacup.

Card #8 in a COVID-19 Card-a-Day Series

Verse for the Day

I Peter 5:10 KJV “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

Song for the Day

Breathe on me, Breath of God

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love,
And do what Thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Till I am wholly Thine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with Thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with Thee the perfect life
Of Thine eternity.

~ Edwin Hatch

Song Suggestion: Sing this song prayerfully, and if you’re not too cautious about moving your body while you sing, find some sort of motion to express breathing.

COVID-19 Prayer Focus

Those in government and leadership who are making important decisions

Some ideas for people to pray for in today’s category:

World Health Organization

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President Donald Trump, and other world leaders

Those leading in making decisions for your church family

Those on health and education boards

Officials in the county or region where you live                   

God is to be adored for: His Wisdom

Pic from Then

This pic was taken around the same time of year which we are currently in. Some things haven’t changed – the brown lawn waiting for its green signal, the fruit farmer out checking his trees (or pruning?) in the orchard, the youngsters eager to play outdoors at the earliest hint of spring warmth, the seemingly endless wind on some days. 

Both boys had a hand on the string; can you tell which lad had an eye on the kite? I love this pic of my little kite-fliers!

Pic from Now

Our neighbors have a large maple syrup operation which is in full swing this time of year. When I get a whiff of the boiling sap, its cloying scent takes me right back to my childhood days when our family tapped a couple hundred maple trees right in our own yard and surrounding woods. We hung buckets on the hooks of the taps (or spiles) poked into the trees, and the buckets needed to be emptied by hand in the sap collection. Now many of the maple syrup producers use pipelines for gathering the sap. I don’t think it looks as pretty or as authentic, somehow, but it is waaay more efficient!  

     

Activity Idea

Figure out a way to get some thanks to a worker who is in an essential service. Note shoved in under a door, muffin in a mailbox, maybe?

What is it?

Today’s mystery photo:

Answer to yesterday’s photo: Leaves of a succulent plant.

Card #7 of a COVID-19 Card-a-day Series

Verse for the Day

Philippians 4:6 & 7 ESV “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Song for the Day

Peace, Perfect Peace

1.      Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.

2.      Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.

3.      Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found.

4.      Peace, perfect peace, ’mid suffering’s sharpest throes?
The sympathy of Jesus breathes repose.

5.      Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?
In Jesus’ keeping we are safe, and they.

6.      Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.

7.      Peace, perfect peace, death shad’wing us and ours?
Jesus has vanquished death and all its pow’rs.

8.      It is enough: earth’s struggles soon shall cease,
And Jesus calls us to Heav’n’s perfect peace.

~ Edward H. Bickersteth, Jr.

Song Suggestion: If you’re like I am, you can think of a past experience, a present worry or a future scenario that fits for nearly every line of this song. Perhaps you could sing the verses thoughtfully, inviting Jesus to breathe His peace into each one of those situations the song brings to mind.

COVID-19 Prayer Focus

Those who are Worried and Fearful

Today let’s gather up our own worries regarding the pandemic as well as the fears of others, and cast all those cares on Jesus, because He cares for us. For a start, here is a list of fears that I’ve heard about from others recently, or that I’ve recognized in my own mind:

That I or someone I know will contract the virus

That this scratchy throat or this achiness I’m feeling are beginning symptoms of C19

That since I’m laid off from my job and have no way to earn money, I don’t know how we’ll get food or pay our rent. Perhaps we will never get the virus, but we will die from starvation.

That I won’t find anyone to take me to my doctor’s appointment at the hospital next week. No one wants me riding with them in their car, and the downtown buses aren’t running as frequently or on schedule these days.

That access to my landline phone will be cut off because the company is switching to online payments entirely and I don’t have a computer or smartphone so I have to pay my phone bill in person but the office isn’t open for that right now and there’s no way I can pay so I might lose my phone service but my phone is the only way I can connect to people during this COVID-19 isolation time...   

   God is to be adored for: His Peace  

Pic from Then

Tea times were such a highlight in my girls' growing up years! Other friends or relatives joining in on the party made it all the better.

Side note: The sweet gal on the left there? We really should be throwing a party for her today, to celebrate her joining our family twenty-one years ago. It’s kind of hard to (legally) gather people for anything these days, though, so even if she weren’t quarantining, I suppose we’d have to settle for a small, laid-back doin’s anyway. But celebrate her, we will. If you’re interested in reading Kerra’s thoughts on unmet expectations, dreams and wishes, check out her meaningful blog post here.

Pic from Now

This sign on my kitchen counter has been a source of inspiration and encouragement for me in many a difficult time. During this COVID season is no exception.

     

Activity Idea

See if you can make 20 bites out of a 1-inch square of chocolate.

What is it?

Today’s mystery photo:

Answer to yesterday’s photo: Life on a cereal box.

Card #6 of a COVID-19 Card-a-Day Series

Verse for the Day

Isaiah 33:2 NIV “Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.”

Song for the Day

A Shelter in the Time of Storm

1.      The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

o    Refrain:
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

2.      A shade by day, defense by night,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes affright,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

3.      The raging storms may round us beat,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
We’ll never leave our safe Retreat,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

4.      O Rock divine, O Refuge dear,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our Helper ever near,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

~ Vernon J. Charlesworth

Song Suggestion: Sing this song with whomever you can convince to join you. Consider using household instruments (rubber bands over a cardboard box for guitar, wooden spoon on a saucepan for drum, rice in a tin container for a shaker) for an improv band to accompany you. Sing with gusto.

COVID-19 Prayer Focus

Business owners/employers and employees

Today, let’s remember those who are facing major difficulties concerning their work. Here are a few areas of need that I thought of. You’ll be able to put more specific details into your prayers as you speak from your own experience and from those of people you know and love.

Those working from home

Those who are off work entirely

            Those who are worried about a greatly-reduced income or a total lack of income

            Those needing to calm anxious (and yelling?) employees or customers

            Those who are working overtime (as well as working overstrength)

God is to be adored for: Being our Wealth

Pic from Then

I guess there’s more than one way to recycle grocery bags – a person can always try them on for size! (How do children come up with the things they do?) I love reminiscing when I look at a photo like this. There’s the blue paper on the cupboard door reminding me of the bird sighting chart we had for awhile, the grocery bag holder hanging on the tea towel rack, the bright orange flyswatter that tended to flatten the flies instead of swatten them, the linoleum flooring we used to have in the kitchen, and the little bare feet and sweet faces of my children. Those dimples and grins just get me every time!

Pic from Now

A sure sign of spring around here is our muddy lane. These days Kerra’s car becomes the backsplash for Martin’s trucks and other vehicles that bump through the puddles on the lane beside it. Kerra noted the mess and cheerfully remarked that at least she doesn’t need to use the car right now (she’s self-isolating, just having come back here from the States) and when she does need to use it again, the outdoor temperature will likely be warm enough that she’ll be able to wash the car outside right here at home. She also used this photo to try convincing her friends that she has a secret favorite pastime of mudding!
    

Activity Idea

Tell someone two and a half things you like about them.

What is it?

Today’s mystery photo:

Answer to yesterday’s photo: Both ends of a phone charger cord.

Card #5 of a COVID-19 Card-a-Day Series

Verse for the Day

II Chronicles 7:14 NKJV “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Song for the Day

Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song

Lord Jesus, you shall be my song as I journey;
I’ll tell everybody about you wherever I go.
You alone are our life and our peace and our love,
Lord Jesus you shall be my song as I journey.

Lord Jesus, I’ll praise you as long as I journey.
May all of my life be a faithful reflection of you.
May the earth and the sea and the sky join my song;
Lord Jesus, I’ll praise you as long as I journey.

As long as I live, Jesus, make me your servant -
To carry your cross and to share all your burdens and tears;
For you saved me by giving your body and blood.
As long as I live, Jesus, make me your servant.

I fear in the dark and the doubt of my journey,
But courage will come with the sound of your steps by my side,

And with all of the family you saved by your love
We’ll sing to the dawn at the end of our journey.

~ Stephen Somerville

Song Suggestion: Besides singing the song yourself, you could listen to it online. I'll suggest two links. You should be able to find a variety of others, too. Click here to listen to a choir singing it and here for a men's quartet recording. (Both are a cappella music.) 

COVID-19 Prayer Focus

The Sick and Dying

Please join me in prayer today, asking God for healing and comfort for:

Those who have just tested positive for COVID-19

Individuals who are ill, and waiting to hear the results of their testing

            People who are recovering from the virus and are in isolation

            Those who are near death (especially for salvation for those who are not ready to die)

            Those who are fighting other illnesses and aren’t allowed any visitors        

God is to be adored for: His power to heal

Pic from Then

I think that might just be enough peanut butter now, Big Bro! Eating, especially when you prepare your own food, can be very messy business. But oh, it is so much fun! (Looks like Li’l Bro agrees as he watches from the sidelines.)

Side note: Seeing the pb container there on the table reminds me of my experience with French after I moved to Ontario. I learned the language (heh, heh) by reading the English words on one side of cereal boxes and food cartons, etc. and comparing them to the French on the other side. I have no idea how to pronounce the words, but by now my French vocabulary, albeit very limited, allows me to understand basic food and food-related words when I read them. For instance, I know that on the yellow tub in the photo, the wording Croquant Beurre d’Arachide means that there is Crunchy Butter of Peanuts inside. See?

Pic from Now

A few weeks ago, I tried replicating a delightful dish we had in Thailand last fall – sticky rice and mango. The rice turned out quite well, and the coconut milk sauce was quite similar to what we tasted in Chiang Mai, but the mangoes were a little under par. I find that it’s kind of hard to know whether the mangoes I select from the grocery store will be “good” ones or not. These were too firm to have that juicy and sweet authentically mango flavor. Which may have improved with allowing more time for them to ripen after I got them home… Oh, well – maybe next time!  

  

Activity Idea

Touch something that is alive and growing.

What is it?

Today’s mystery photo:

Answer to yesterday’s photo: Fibers on a bath towel.