Nearly Three Years Later: Bitter Or Better?

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."   ... Colossians 3:23. 24

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While trying (and failing) to write a new blog post, I spied this one from nearly 3 years ago. Oh my. 

Now I'm asking myself, "So how well did I actually live out the pandemic, the self-isolation and all the wildness we've witnessed since? Hmm?"

I'll let you know later. Maybe. ツ 

But in the meantime, here you go, my post from April 13, 2020 with new links included at the end:

Way back (less than a month ago, eegads) when the powers-that-be first ordered us to burrow at home, I sat at the dining room table putting on my make-up. I called over to Tom in his recliner, "I'll apologize right now for just slapping on my make-up during the duration of all this."

He chuckled. I smiled. 

But the Holy Spirit? He rolled His eyes. "Really?" He asked. "You're aiming for mediocrity already?"

Gulp. He got me there. 

Hey. I know how mediocrity works. You start small, say, let the laundry slide a couple weeks, skip sweeping the floors, eat only carbs and chocolate and bam! Suddenly you're in stained, too-tight clothes stepping around sticky kitchen floors, searching messy cupboards for chocolate bars long ago scarfed down.

ツ

Sloppiness always starts with tiny compromises.

So yeah. Next day I put on my make-up with care so I'll look pleasant for my husband who's locked-up spending his quarantine time with me. And for myself, actually. Daily I wear make-up so I'll look presentable for me during my one and only life upon Earth.

(I know, I know. You don't wear make-up. I get it. And if I had your scar-free, smooth, sweet skin I might not either. But I don't so I do, ok?) シ

Moving on.

I'm determined these coronavirus days will make me better, not bitter. That someday I'll step out our red door, not just free, but more educated, creative, skilled and compassionate.

That I'll have spent the majority of my hours focused on learning how to better keep --


our food pantry supplied
trying new recipes
meals cheap, but varied and interesting
the house running efficiently
the garden growing well
informed, but not overwhelmed (nor frustrated or scared)
exercising when I'd, ugh, rather not
encouraging everyone I know.


And also? Keeping the Holy Spirit, my for-everything healer(including a sometimes-too-conspiracy-minded attitude), so close. May He need only whisper--not shout--when I even think of becoming sloth-like because, hey, it's just home.

I have my excuses to be a slacker, of course. We all do. But there comes a time--and this is certainly one--when God expects us to practice what He spent decades teaching us.

And wow, what He's taught us. And taught us. And taught us.

Ninety percent of our lives is the everyday, over-and-over stuff. Why not discover new ways to absolutely love that 90 percent rather than only the special occasion 10 percent?

My favorite Youtubers are those who bubble over with joy in the 'small things' like homemaking and especially cooking. Oh, how I appreciate those who encourage this tired ol' meal maker!

Examples?  Julia Pacheco.  See Mindy Mom.  The Simplified Saver.

And as for the rest of creative homemaking, no one makes it more happy and joyful than Kathryn at Do It On a Dime.  ツ

Oh, and while out with covid, I watched lots of Dry Bar Comedy, keeping in mind that laughter truly can be the best medicine, especially when everything is tempting you to just sink and sulk.

     "Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind..."   --- Psalm 26:2

Never stop searching for those who God places nearby to inspire you to live a sweeter, more 'present' life. Oh to grow in gratitude of this precious life He gave us!

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Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

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 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15