A Call to Prayer

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Lynn

Yesterday our Premier in Alberta announced that because of the Covid-19 outbreak all schools are closed and classes cancelled for all students in the Province for the remainder of the school year. All daycares are closed. It is an aggressive measure to “flattening the curve” in the spread of this virus. Our federal government announced today that international flights are cancelled and foreign travellers are banned from entering Canada. Canadians living or vacationing abroad are to come home ASAP. Libraries, arenas, recreation centres, museums and more community spaces and businesses are closed. All churches are not to have in-house services. Our church has been proactive for awhile with a live stream of our Worship Services on YouTube, so my husband and I tuned in online on Sunday morning. This was not a new experience for me because for all intents and purposes I have self-isolated myself all through my months of cancer treatments because of my compromised immunity. I know what it’s like to socially distance myself to keep myself healthy. I understood the need then, but I was sooooo excited to be around people again after my treatments that this new forced confinement is very disappointing.

It is a pandemic. I have never seen this kind of world-wide response in my lifetime. Unfortunately, even with the progressive and overly cautious approach in trying to stop the spread of this virus, more and more people are being diagnosed with the disease each day. The most vulnerable, the elderly, those with pre-existing health conditions, and others, like me, with compromised immune systems, must be safe-guarded. I also think of the economic implications for all of those people who have been laid off, or hours cut substantially because their workplaces have been shut down. Social distancing means that people don’t go out to restaurants, attend plays, go to movies, shop in malls etc. Parents are forced now to find childcare, or keep little ones occupied within the confines of their homes. My adult children have all been directly affected with layoffs because of business closures, schools being closed and hours of work cut. Mortgages and rent still need to be paid, bills paid, and their futures are uncertain. My mother’s heart breaks for them. My husband and I see our retirement savings investments dwindle away with the stock market plunging to new lows. It is hard to not feel anxious so I have clung to this scripture: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5: 6-7 NASB)

It is timely that my Pastor has been preaching a sermon series on Prayer. Another scripture comes to mind with regards to this current world situation: “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 I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV).

This is a call to prayer!

I ask my world-wide readership to join me today and through the following weeks and months ahead to pray in the following way:

1. Praise God for His Sovereignty! God is in control! Do not doubt His ability to provide for your needs. He is faithful. He will never leave you or forsake you! Ask according to His Will and He will listen from Heaven and answer your prayers. Pray God will stop this Covid-19 virus. He is able!

2. Pray for all world, country, provincial, municipal, and civic leaders. They have an unprecedented task to make decisions on our behalf to stem the tide of this health pandemic. I don’t envy their task!

3. Pray for all those frontline workers in healthcare, (doctors, nurses, technicians etc.), who are ministering to so many at this time. Pray for them and for their families to be protected from catching this virus, or any contagion that might prevent them from doing their work. I praise God for each and every one of them! Along with praying for them, I want to THANK them for their service!

4. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for all seniors, those with immune-compromised systems, those with previous health concerns, those who have mental health issues, those who are homeless, etc. Pray they will be protected from the Covid-19 virus. I can’t help but think of all those undergoing chemo and radiation treatments right now. I know from experience how challenging it is to face cancer on its own, but add to that a concern of getting a deadly virus, my heartfelt prayers continue for all who are battling, or have battled cancer.

5. Pray for parents. With economic stresses at an all time high, now add the need to seek alternative childcare or to stay home with school-aged children and not work. There are no places open in our community right now to take children to work off energy, nor can they play outside as it’s still too cold. My daughter has reached out to families she knows that she is available to help with homeschooling questions they might have. She has expertise in online schooling as well as running a day home. I pray for her and the countless others who want to assist parents at this time.

6. Pray for all those affected with job layoffs, work and business closures etc. I pray for the global economy and those who have been affected by a falling stock market etc. Pray God will provide for financial and daily needs. Pray for families, relationships, and marriages to stay strong during this crisis even in the midst of facing financial, mental, and physical challenges.

7. Pray, as Christians, that we can be the hands and feet of Jesus at this time. Check up on your neighbours. Yes, we have to social distance ourselves, but there are numerous ways to connect with one another. Text, phone, Skype, FaceTime, message one another. Let them know you are praying for them. Don’t hoard food and other supplies for yourself. Share, or buy extra to give to others.

This is by no means an exhaustive list. Listen to the prompting of God and pray as He leads you. I will continue to pray, blog, and connect with you here on Journey Thoughts, and hopefully I can continue to encourage readers as we traverse this journey road together.

Lastly, stay focused on God and stay in THE Word people! Scripture says: “Do not fear, for I am with you; for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ( Isaiah 41:10)

Need further encouragement? Read 25 Encouraging Verses That Prove God Is In Control.

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The Fear Factor

Posted on March 12, 2020 by Lynn

It’s hard to watch the news these days. My husband calls world events this week a “perfect storm” with the Covid-19 Corona virus listed today as a pandemic, the Russians and the Saudis feuding over oil, and here in Canada, rail blockades. The stock markets are in a tail spin and people are hoarding toilet paper. Seriously, our world is insane at the moment. I saw this on Instagram today: “The World Health Organization has announced that dogs cannot contract Covid-19. Dogs previously held in quarantine can now be released. To be clear, WHO let the dogs out.” @DiageoLiam

I will admit, I laughed out loud!

I suppose I needed something to laugh at in the midst of such troubling times. People are so incredibly fearful these days. Fearful about pipelines, the environment, climate change, the economy, and now a health pandemic. I remember my Mom used to throw her hands up and beseech the Almighty when she was overwhelmed by life events, “Stop the world, I want to get off!”

I’ve certainly felt that way this week.

I honestly do not know how to respond to what I’m hearing in the news. I understand people are panicked about being quarantined for any length of time. The most vulnerable, and I was told I fall into that category because of my recent battle with cancer, fear contracting this deadly virus. Since going through my treatments, I’ve been so proactive avoiding large crowds and I’ve always followed a meticulous hand-washing regime because I am a bit of a germaphobe. However, I did travel on a plane to Vancouver Island, was in two airports, went to my local gym, went to church, had a pedicure, spent time with family, ate at restaurants, and went grocery shopping over these past two weeks. I’m just living a normal life after cancer, or trying to at least, but this virus has me nervous. I’m supposed to attend a women’s conference this weekend. Should I or shouldn’t I go?

I’m sure I’m not the only one who is feeling the stress and worry based on the world events at present time. The thing is, I cannot allow fear to overwhelm me and dictate how I live my daily life.

In the Scriptures, “fear” is spoken of over 500 times. In addition to the 103 “fear not” or “be not afraid” verses there is also the “fear of God” verses which speak of having reverence for God alone, and the many other verses that encourage us not to be anxious or worry. In 2017, I wrote a blog post with 50 Encouraging Scripture Verses to Combat Fear. It is still one of my most popular posts to date. I encourage you to read those verses if you are feeling trepidatious about your current situation or if world events are causing you anxiety. I don’t negate the seriousness going on around us, nor should we make light of the fact people are suffering and families are grieving over loved ones who have passed on as a result of this virus. It is important to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 or ANY other infectious disease now or in the future. I appreciate how so many governments, organizations, businesses etc. have responded so proactively to contain exposure and spread of the virus. Some, have been overly cautious perhaps, but better safe than sorry. I won’t fault any one for going above and beyond in fighting this pandemic.

So, I’m still wrestling with going to the Women’s Conference this weekend. I’m praying for wisdom. I know all precautions have been taken in organizing this event, and I don’t want to be ruled by fear. So I lean on my “go to” verse while I pray:

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

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Take Time

Posted on March 7, 2020 by Lynn

It’s that time of year again.

Daylight Savings.

For some it’s just a nuisance to change all the clocks in the house. Springing forward, we say so we can remember to set the clocks one hour ahead rather than back an hour as we do in the fall. Some communities in Canada have kiboshed the whole idea and refuse to touch their clocks. Me? I don’t mind the task at all, in fact I welcome it. I putter around the house two times a year setting the clocks forward or back praising God for the change in seasons. Time change in Spring signals longer days of sunshine to enjoy evening barbecues with family, campfire talks, the look ahead to warmer days and summer fun. In the fall, it’s all about hibernating, luxuriating in shorter days, cozy nights and winter solace.

Last year, I did not get a chance to really enjoy the Spring or Summer, being in the heat of my cancer battle. I was still in the throes of the battle leading up to Christmas, but this year I am celebrating living cancer free once again, and participating whole heartedly in the change of seasons.

My husband and I have spent a week in beautiful Victoria on Vancouver Island. The cherry blossoms were just starting to bloom and daffodils, crocuses and snow drops were everywhere. It was mainly a visiting trip, connecting with family there. We are planning a more extended time on the island in September, but for me this trip was one glorious week of celebrating LIFE!

I watched with fascination a bald eagle soaring high over Langford Lake, and felt such a sense of gratitude that I was there, experiencing the beauty, the life, the love of family surrounding me, I nearly wept with joy. In the heat of my cancer battle, I wasn’t sure I’d experience Spring in Victoria again. Yet, here I was mesmerized by the flight and magnificence of an eagle overhead. I felt like breaking out in song, “How Great Thou Art!”

Coming back to snowy Alberta, unlike previous times when I lamented leaving the temperate weather on the island to returning to winter weather, I fully embraced the homecoming. It is the return to routine, to normalcy, to everyday life, enjoying each day, fully in the moment.

If I lament anything, it is the fact I had to experience cancer AGAIN to enjoy living life to the fullest. Embracing the “one day at a time” mentality, I see the world through different eyes. It’s important for me to take time to smell the roses or cherry blossoms, as the case may be, as well as catch snowflakes on my tongue as I’m doing today! It’s taking time each day to praise God for giving me life through Jesus Christ His Son. It is being mindful to walk humbly in His Creation, and continuously thanking Him for each new day and not taking it all for granted.

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