Family

Family, Faith, and Science

The Coronavirus has imposed restrictions on most of the world. Our normal life abruptly came to a halt. Some people are “sheltering in place” others are quarantined. A few cities are in “lockdown.” Schools and businesses are closed. Many are working from home.

We’re all practicing social distancing.

The goal is to stop the spread of this unseen enemy. For the most part, citizens are cooperating because no one wants to get sick or spread the virus to someone else.

We’re coming together against a common foe by staying apart!

So how does this new crisis in our culture connect family, faith, and science and how can these three segments of our life unify us? Let’s look at each one.

Before this virus disrupted our everyday life, families often started their day with each person going their separate way. The kids were hurriedly hustled off to school, preschool, or daycare, and mom and dad rushed off to work or the day’s activities. Afternoons were filled with chauffeuring kids to sports, quick dinner with whoever happened to be home to eat it, homework, and individually burrowing into electronic devices. Eventually, everyone fell into bed to get up the next morning and start all over again.

Then one day everything came to a screeching halt! The entire family became sequestered at home together all day, everyday! Forced to spend time together talking, eating, entertaining each other . . . maybe taking family relationships and dynamics to a deeper level. Cocooning!

What a perfect time for a Sabbath of the soul for the whole family when there’s no place to go, no outside distractions, just you and your family.

Here are some activities to do together during this family time. . .

Play games or start jigsaw puzzles
Eat meals
Pray
Watch church online
Do a Bible study
Watch family appropriate movies
Cook
Work on household projects as a family
Skype, Facetime, Zoom with extended family
Give each other space when needed
Make memories
Help in your community

Don’t waste this unexpected season. You may never have the opportunity for this kind of uninterrupted family time again.

As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. ⁷Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9

Faith

“The American people want hope!” President Donald Trump

Another word for faith is hope. Heb. 11:1 reminds us “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” We don’t know what’s going to happen, but we trust that God knows and we put our trust in him. He is our hope.

Without hope, the people perish. They lose their will to go on or they act recklessly out of fear.

I know what it feels like to lack hope. I’m typically a very hopeful person, but when I was recovering from kidney surgery, I couldn’t see an end to my pain. It seemed like every day was as bad as the day before. I couldn’t tap into hope that I would ever feel better, even though the doctors said that I would, but it might take a while. Until then, I would have to endure the pain.

I cried! I needed hope! I wanted hope! Now!

How a Word Can Change Your Life, mine for 2017 was hope.

Then one day a church member, whose ministry was sending get-well cards and gifts, gave me a mug with the word “HOPE” on it. She had no idea how much I needed that reassurance, but God did. Every time I drink my morning coffee from that cup, I’m reminded that God is always my source of hope. Things will get better, but I need to be patient and not lose my hope in God.

That’s where our country is today. Our President wants to give us a cup of hope when he speaks to the nation. Where would we be if everyday he told us that nothing was going to get better and there is no medication on the horizon?

We would be a depressed, desperate people. Many have criticized the President for offering the American people hope, but that’s exactly what we need to hear.

For now, we hunker down and go through a difficult time, but hope is on the way and things will get better. President Trump said when he declared March 15, 2020 a day of prayer for the coronavirus that “No problem is too big for God!”

If you haven’t read the entire declaration, please read it now.

That’s faith! That’s hope! That’s the same faith and hope we must have today and everyday!

Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:27

³We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Science

We have scientists in our family and I understand that scientists typically look at results of studies and statistics to project outcomes. When we watch the Coronavirus Task Force press conferences, there can be tension between the members telling us how things could get better and scientists cautioning that we don’t have all the data to prove it.

But I don’t believe we’re seeing faith versus science. It’s faith having confidence in science and scientists appreciating that we have faith in them to find an answer, a solution, to our crisis. We praise God for the knowledge, wisdom, and gifts He’s given them. These scientists are working around the clock to find a cure to help those who have the virus and a vaccine to eradicate it completely.

It is with faith that we pray for the medical personnel and scientists. Faith that God will use these professionals in a mighty way. Without our prayers, their work might take years. But as President Trump said in the 3/21/2020 press conference, regarding the innovative use of medicine available now and being considered by scientists to combat the virus:

“It if works it will be a gift from heaven. A gift from God. Pray to God that it does work!”

So families, while we’re home together bonding, not roaming, let’s unite in prayer for all those in the medical field, researchers, the task force, and those who have Coronavirus or any illness.

Pray to our God who knows all, sees all, and loves all of us.

“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,
and he rescued them from their distress. Psalm 107:6 (NLT)

“He [God] sees the entire timeline of history at once and asks us to see it with the same certainty. He wants us to live with a sense of his timing.
When we reflect and represent the God who does not panic about anything, we prepare hearts to open to his ways and see from a different perspective. Being still in the presence of the Lord makes his presence much more known.” Chris Tiegreen

Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:7

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deut. 31:6

March 23, 2020

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Christmas Can Be The Loneliest Time of the Year

“If we are going to touch the people of our communities, we too must know their sorrows, feel for them in their temptations, stand with them in their heartbreaks.” Billy Graham

Loneliness might not be a topic that seems appropriate in this “Happiest-time-of-the-year” season filled with parties, joyful music, fun, family, gifts, food, jingle bells, presents, Christmas programs, cantatas, and plays. Maybe it’s not even something you feel like reading about right now . . . unless you are lonely or you know someone who isn’t happy or joyful. Not invited to parties, programs, and plays. Not having fun. Sad, depressed, despondent, and yes, lonely.

[Tweet “Being alone for a little while isn’t the same as lonely. There are times when we all want to have some alone time.”]

Being alone for a little while isn’t the same as lonely. There are times when we all want to have some alone time. I like to have my quiet time in the morning by myself. Just the Lord and me. Recently, my young granddaughter, who had just experienced a meltdown, said she needed some alone time to recover. When I’m writing, I need complete silence so I have to be alone in my office, just my computer and me. But these “alone times” are by choice, and we know that when we’re ready to come out of our “I want to be alone” cave, we can be social again.

Even Jesus needed to have alone time,

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16

You don’t have to be alone to be lonely.

I’m sure that Jesus experienced loneliness when His family and disciples misunderstood and misrepresented Him. Or those who were supposed to be His followers and friends betrayed Him. We can’t fathom the depth of His loneliness on the cross when even His Heavenly Father had to forsake Him.

We can experience loneliness in a crowd.

Maybe you don’t feel like you fit in. Or everyone else seems to know each other and you’re new. Or you’re single or widowed and there’s couples everywhere you look. Maybe it’s sitting by yourself in church or a school lunchroom.

Perhaps, you’re not comfortable with yourself anywhere, anytime.

I’m using “You” generically. Not a literal you, but a universal you. Or maybe it is you.

Christmas loneliness is especially raw . . .

Spiritually—When you don’t know this Jesus everyone is talking about born in a manger; or you do know about Him but haven’t gotten to know Him personally. Maybe you’re a Christian but not living a life Jesus would approve of so you’re trying to keep your distance from Him and the warmth of having Him nestled in your heart. Or you love Jesus passionately and know you’re never really alone, but at this time of year, you’re lonely. You need Jesus with skin on.

Physically—There’s no one to exchange gifts or celebrate with or you can’t make it home for Christmas. No invitations for Christmas dinner, or it’s not your year with the kids. Maybe your loved one is deployed, or you’re ill and you just want the pain to stop.

Emotionally—You’re grieving a loss. The first Christmas without a loved one. Waking up to an empty house or an empty heart. It’s been a hard year. You’re sad and the last thing you want to do is be around joyous people and put on a happy face.

Mentally—You’re depressed. Memories of past happier Christmases torment you as you’re inundated with all the Christmas trappings shouting that this is the best time of year. You want to shout back, and maybe you do in an inappropriate way. Or maybe you just try to numb the pain with pills or alcohol or food or ______________.

There are so many other reasons for loneliness, but this time of year magnifies each one, and probably if we’re honest, we’ve all felt the twinges of loneliness at some time in our life.

If You Are the Lonely One This Year

[Tweet “Make a plan. Don’t let Christmas loneliness engulf you this year.”]

My blogs are read by a diverse group of people and maybe as you read this one, tears started rolling down your face because I’m describing you. Make a plan. Don’t let Christmas loneliness engulf you. Here are some suggestions:

Volunteer to serve somewhere in the community on Christmas eve or Christmas day or both.
Offer to work for a fellow employee so they can be with their family.
Visit a nursing home, hospital, or the elderly and play games or read the Christmas story to them or watch a Christmas movie together.
Accept invitations from friends and family.
Find others at church who don’t have plans and go out to dinner and a movie together or have a potluck.

If you’re depression and sadness don’t lift, reach out for help.

Here are toll free 24 hour confidential prayer lines to call and talk with prayer counselors who will pray with you.

The 700 Club 1-800-759-0700

Global Destiny Prayer Center 1-888-935-8100

TBN Prayer and Praise Line 1-888-731-1000

DAYSTAR 1-800-329-0029

BREAKTHROUGH 1-800-424-8644

We All Have a Story.

I remember one Christmas when I was a single mom and had to share holidays with my daughter’s dad. I was a Registered Dietitian at a hospital and had to work on Christmas day. So my daughter and I celebrated Christmas Eve, but when I came home to an empty house after work on Christmas Day, tears of loneliness burst into sobs. I vowed to never work on Christmas Day again, and I didn’t.

[Tweet “Do you know someone who is lonely and as you read this blog, the Lord is tugging at your heart to invite that person to join your Christmas festivities.”]

Maybe you know someone who is lonely and as you read this blog, the Lord is tugging at your heart to invite that person to join your Christmas festivities. Yes, inviting him or her to Christmas Eve services might be a start, but remember they might still feel lonely in your familiar place. Introduce them to your friends, but keep the focus on your guest or guests and then include them in what you’re doing after church.

Dave and I enjoy going to dinner with elderly couples we know who have no one to celebrate with on Christmas Eve. Over the years, the group has gotten smaller as some have passed away or aren’t able to participate. Several years, it’s been pizza at one of their homes when they can’t come out on a snowy night. It’s become a cherished tradition for us and each year is a little different depending on where these couples are physically and mentally.

[Tweet “What is God asking you to do right now to extend Christ’s love and hospitality to those who are lonely this Christmas?”]

What is God asking you to do right now to extend Christ’s love and hospitality to those who are lonely this Christmas? You might even save a life.

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:13 NLT

God places the lonely in families. Psalm 68:8a NLT. Maybe in your family!

If you received this blog by email, please leave a comment here.

Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash

December 16, 2019

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November is National Military Family Month

Author Jocelyn Green is a friend and fellow author whom I admire for her passion and versatile writing skills. I dearly identify with this topic since we have a military family in our family and my husband is a veteran.

Please enjoy this interview with Jocelyn C. Green, author of Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives

and

Faith Deployed….Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives

1. Jocelyn, could you share with us the inspiration behind these books.

The inspiration for Faith Deployed . . . Again was the same as the inspiration for the first book I wrote for military wives, Faith Deployed. Put simply, military wives need encouragement and the best source is God’s Word.

As a former Coast Guard wife, I was so desperate for biblical encouragement that spoke directly to me. To have an opportunity to collect this type of encouragement from twenty-eight other military wives from every branch of service and have it published by Moody is an incredible gift. I never once lacked motivation to work on this project.

2. The title of your sequel is “Faith Deployed…Again.” What is the significance behind the phrase “Faith Deployed,” and can the phrase (and the book itself) have meaning for those who aren’t military wives, as well?

[Tweet “Whether your military family experiences deployments or not, military life requires that we all deploy our faith in order to respond biblically to each trial we face.”]

I think of “faith deployed” as a faith called into action. Whether your military family experiences deployments or not, military life requires that we all deploy our faith in order to respond biblically to each trial we face. While this book was written by and for military wives using illustrations from the military lifestyle, anyone who reads the book will come away with a deeper understanding of God’s Word and how it applies to trials we face.

Military wives will be likely to get the most out of it since it speaks directly to their unique lifestyle, but I have heard from many civilians, and men, who have also benefited from reading it.

3. But if the troops are coming home from Syria, do we still really need this book?

Yes, we do. Faith Deployed…Again was created to encourage military wives during all the seasons of a career, regardless of where they stand in the deployment cycle and troops are deployed around the world continuously.

[Tweet “Military wives of all branches all over the globe are hungry for spiritual nourishment.”]

Military wives of all branches all over the globe are hungry for spiritual nourishment. That need isn’t going to disappear when troops come home. In fact, only one of the book’s eight sections is devoted to deployments. There are plenty of other challenges in the military lifestyle even without having a husband deployed to a combat zone.

As a Coast Guard wife, my husband never fought in a war, but I still desperately needed the hope that comes only from God’s Word. The biblical concepts illustrated in this book will strengthen and encourage military wives during times of both peace and war.

4. The rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury among soldiers and veterans are increasing at an alarming rate. How does this affect the spouses and children of these veterans?

[Tweet “The rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury among soldiers and veterans are increasing at an alarming rate.”]

The spouses and children make adjustments to how they interact with the veteran and how they live in their own home. Emotional detachment is very common among vets with PTSD, so the wife and children often crave a connection that their husband/father simply isn’t able to give at this stage. This means they feel lonely and sometimes emotionally abandoned. They might be angry and resentful that he changed so much because of his combat experience, or they could genuinely grieve the loss of the way their family used to be.

Several of our writers in Faith Deployed…Again are married to veterans with PTSD, and share their insights in the book. I also highly recommend the Combat Trauma Healing Manual for veterans, and for the wives, When War Comes Home: Christ-centered Healing for Wives of Combat Veterans.

5. What are some practical ways that individuals can support military wives?

Quite often, if you just say “What can I do for you?” or “I’m here to help you” the wife may be overwhelmed enough to not even know what to ask for. Give her some ideas, perhaps in the form of a coupon booklet for free babysitting, homemade cookies, a coffee date, running errands, an hour or two of housework, etc.
Find out what’s broken and fix it. Computer problems are a big deal, especially since so many couples rely on email or Skype to communicate. If the car is broken down, offer to give rides.
Mow the lawn, pull weeds, other yard work- cleaning out gutters-those seasonal tasks that the deployed spouse may have typically done.
Bring a meal over so that’s one less thing a stressed out spouse would have to think about.
Visiting is a great mood lifter, but ask first. And if you get a couple negative responses, don’t take it personally.
Drop off a basket of favorite foods and/or a movie rental you know she’s been wanting to see.
Pray for her!

6. Why is it critical to pay special attention to supporting the military wife?

If the military wife is supported, she will have much more ability to support her husband and her children in a way only she can. If she is too stressed out, her entire family will feel it. Her kids will suffer, she may resent her husband’s service, and if she tells him as much, he will be distracted from his duties. If he is thinking about the trials for his family back home, he will have a much harder time giving undivided attention to his mission. Also, if the wife isn’t getting support from appropriate sources, she will be more prone to confide in a man other than her husband who makes her feel special – which is the start of an emotional affair.

When we support a military spouse, we support the entire family.

[Tweet “When we support a military spouse, we support the entire family.”]

Today is Veteran’s Day! Thank all the veterans you know for their service and if you know of a military family send them a thank you card. They all sacrifice for you and me to experience peace and freedom. Don’t take that for granted or become complacent.

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November 11, 2019

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What Are You Doing For Grandparents Day?

Grandparents Are Uniting in Prayer on Grandparents Day of Prayer

Grandparents Day of Prayer September 8, 2019

Are you wondering when and what is Grandparents Day?

Well, my research shows that it’s actually been a National Holiday for forty-one years!

Congress passed the legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents’ Day and, on August 3, 1978, then-President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation. September was chosen to signify the “autumn” years of life.

[Tweet “The purpose of Grandparents Day, as stated is “to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.””]

The purpose of the holiday, as stated in the preamble to the statute, is “to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”

Wow! That’s almost exactly what God told the generations to do in the Bible.

But from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children.— Psalm 103:17

Hear this, you elders;
    listen, all who live in the land.
Has anything like this ever happened in your days
    or in the days of your ancestors?
³Tell it to your children,
    and let your children tell it to their children,
    and their children to the next generation.— Joel 1:2-3

[Tweet “Even though Grandparents Day is on your calendar, just like Mothers Day and Fathers Day, few families recognize it, or even know about it.”]

Even though you’ll find Grandparents Day is on your calendar, just like Mothers Day and Fathers Day, few families recognize it, or even know about it. Our young Minister of Education at church announced that it must be a real holiday because it’s on the calendar so they’re having a root beer float celebration after service on Grandparents Day September 8. Many of the grandmothers will be at our women’s retreat, but I thought it was so sweet that she planned a celebration for grandparents.

My friend, Lillian Penner is the founder of Grandparenting with Purpose, an organization that encourages grandparents to pray for their grandchildren and invest in their lives. They work hard to bring awareness of Grandparents Day to the public as a reminder of how valuable the older generation’s wisdom and perspective is to the younger generations. So often, I hear that the kids won’t listen or aren’t interested in spending time with their grandparents, but Dave and I haven’t found that to be the case as long as we make an effort to be relevant in our grandchildren’s lives.

And we can pray for them. Lillian has written a sweet book, Grandparenting with a Purpose: Effective Ways to Pray for your Grandchildren. In my quiet time, I pray for our eleven grandchildren. I have their pictures in my devotional and I journal a note to God about what’s happening in their lives. He knows what they need each day.

Last week, I wrote a guest blog, Brave Grandparenting, on Lillian Penner’s Grandparenting with a Purpose website. You might want to stop by and leave a comment and enter the drawing for a signed copy of Everyday Brave.

What are your thoughts on why a day as important as celebrating grandparents and their value to the family never got traction?

PS If you’re wondering why my Monday Morning Blog is coming to you on Tuesday, I was hoping you would all be spending time with family on Labor Day and not reading your email! Maybe you were even with grandparents or grandkids.

If you received this blog by email, please leave a comment here.

One more week until the release of Everyday Brave: Living Courageously As a Woman of Faith, but you can pre-order NOW.

September 3, 2019

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Burnout or Balance?

Today’s guest blogger is a fiction author friend of mine, DiAnn Mills. She has some great tips for us today on how to live a balanced life without burning out. If you want to do a Bible study on this topic you might enjoy my Face to Face with Priscilla and Aquila: Balancing Life and Ministry. Be sure to check at the end of her post for her offer of a copy of her new release, Deadlock. Just leave a comment to enter the drawing. I couldn’t put it down!

Burnout or Balance? By DiAnn Mills

Recently I took an honest evaluation of myself, and I didn’t like what I discovered. Exhaustion pelted my mind and body. Did I mention cranky? Looked older? Felt worse? I rose earlier in the morning and hit the pillow later at night. I cancelled breakfast meetings with friends and attended a writer’s conference where I failed to make all the necessary connections. Still the work piled up, and I wasn’t enjoying what I’d previously loved.

[Tweet “Fight burnout with balance to equip your #ministry. “]

In short, my professional life had spiraled downward into a pitiful heap, and I needed to find a solution.

Some of you may be feeling the same way. No matter how we spend our days, burnout is a painful disorder, but I have an antidote. I found twelve ways to help me be the woman God intended, and I’m sure they will help you too.

[Tweet “”Twelve ways to help you fight burnout – #Christian women””]

Twelve Ways to Fight Burnout!

Everything begins with prayer. Every dream. Every decision. Every dilemma.
Read Ephesians 4:1-7 and write down your purpose. This is your ministry, God’s calling on your life. It’s rich and beautiful and uniquely you.
Thank God for everything placed in your path: the good, the bad, the victories, and the challenges. Repeat these events aloud every morning. I use a “Thankful” journal. If you doubt the value of this practice, check out Ann Voskamp’s book One Thousand Gifts. You can also follow her marvelous wisdom on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AnnVoskamp. [Note from Janet: I suggest a Thankful Journal and quote Ann Voskamp in my new book coming out in March, Forsaken God: Remembering the Goodness of God Our Culture Has Forgotten.]
Record what you enjoy about being you. Be passionate! Living every moment for God should fill us with unspeakable joy and allow us to worship Him in a personal way. If our lives are empty, then we are on the road to burnout. Examine what does bring joy and pray for God to open a window of hope for you.
Take time to rest. A woman can’t focus if she’s in sleep-deficit mode. If possible, take a few naps and crawl into bed earlier.
Listen to soothing music.
Follow a healthy diet and commit to exercise. Remember the temple we’re supposed to take care of? Satisfaction does its best job when our bodies are being fed the right stuff and it’s in good shape. If this is a problem area, ask God for help and to lead you to an accountability partner. [Note from Janet: Read my Love Your Body blogs the last Monday of the Month.]
Don’t forget loved ones—family and friends. When we’re too busy, we forget about people. Our role on earth is not about how much work we’ve done or a completed check list. We’re to touch lives with the love of Christ.
Discern what is stopping you from being productive in your ministry. A wise woman told me there are many wonderful God-projects in the world, but that didn’t mean God intended for me to get involved with all of them. Practice saying no and feeling good about it. Guilt doesn’t come from God.
Eradicate all those negative influences stopping you from smiling. These can be unhealthy habits or relationships.
Do you need cooperation and support from your family? Call a meeting and pour out your heart. So what if you shed a few tears? We earn our title of drama queen honestly.
Establish a schedule that works for you and stick to it. An accountability partner ensures you’re working toward your goals and accomplishing the purpose for which you were created.

[Tweet “Find joy in your #Christian #ministry”]

Add Balance with Prayer and Study of God’s Word

[Tweet “Add Balance with Prayer and Study of God’s Word”]

This list won’t stop the down days or the mistakes made when we don’t take care of ourselves. But it will help when burnout overwhelms us. When a woman achieves body and soul balance, love and creativity flow like a winding river.

How are you balancing the purpose God gave you?

Leave a comment for a random drawing of a personalized copy of my new romantic suspense novel Deadlock, released by Tyndale Publishing.

If you receive this post be email, leave a comment.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firew and she speaks and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at my website.

October 12, 2015

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