An Imperfect Christian Mom's COVID-19 Diary #8

 

A whirlwind of emotions this week. We heard the investigation into the COVID-19 outbreak at the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke is wrapping up soon. Will the families get answers? Probably not ones we can trust. The attorney for the superintendent that was placed on paid leave because of this fiasco held a press conference this week. He pointed the finger at the state. Well, the state officials have been pointing their fingers in his direction, claiming they weren't informed of the situation. 

Sometimes it feels like it's all a game to everyone except the families who have suffered as a result. Lawyers and politicians have no idea what we've gone through. Nothing will bring my father-in-law back. No investigation will change what happened. But, change is necessary to protect the remaining and future residents of the Soldiers' Home. So, the families continue to keep the story out there in the media. We continue to share memories of our loved ones. We continue to try to find a way to contribute and make a difference.

This week, I spoke to a woman whose father befriended my father-in-law. They had a group of eight guys hanging out, sharing stories, and enjoying one another's company. Five are gone now. What must it be like for those who remain? What must it be like for the staff that remains? I shuddered to think of it. 

I'm eager to hear they are open to visitors again. There are people I want to see and veterans who I would like to spend time with. We all must heal together. 

The good thing is that going back to work has helped a bit. I'm also writing some. If my mind stays busy, the darkness can't take over. I opened my Bible app today to Psalm 55:22: Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Oh, I needed to hear that today. If I were a better Christian, the darkness would be drowned out by the light. If I spent more time in prayer, my frustration would subside. I am reading the Word, but definitely not enough. In some ways, I feel unworthy, since I should immediately flock to the comfort of the Word in times of trouble. Why haven't I spent the long nights when I struggle to sleep reading my Bible? 

Brighter days are coming. They might not come easy, but they will come. I feel it will be easier once I find a new church. That needs to be a focus once life returns to some form of normal. I miss singing. I miss fellowship. I miss that time dedicated solely to something to refresh my soul. 

E-Book Sale: Truth Unchanging by Becky Thompson

Motherhood is often noisy and rarely silent. Learn to hear God speaking above all the noise in these daily devotions that can be completed in five minutes or less.

As moms know, even when there isn't noise around us, there is usually noise within us. The constant to-do lists that spin in our minds, the worry and wonder if we are doing a good job, and the need to stay two steps ahead of our families when we feel two steps behind keeps our minds routinely restless. So when quiet time with God isn't so quiet, and alone time is nearly nonexistent, how does a modern-day momma tune in the voice of the Lord?

With Truth Unchanging, you don't have to wait until you're alone to talk with Jesus. Designed to be read in five minutes or less, each powerful, hope-filled devotion will:

* refocus your heart on the Word of God
* refresh your mind with God's Truth for your life
* revive your spirit as you realize God is speaking to you personally

Truth Unchanging is not just a devotional. It's an opportunity to begin daily conversations with Jesus, the One who has everything we need to take on the days ahead, the One who wants to speak to you right now. Tune in to His voice today.

Purchase for only $1.99 at:

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Books-A-Million

Task it Tuesday - May 26

Originally created by The Geeky Blogger, Task it Tuesday is a weekly meme to help you--and me--get things done. The challenge is to post a task or list of tasks you want to complete before next Tuesday. These tasks can help you with your blogging life, reading life, personal or professional life.

After a busy weekend, I'm looking forward to Thursday when I can concentrate on some editing of The Sisterhood. I finished taking photos of the crafts we needed to complete for additional material in A Christmas Kindness. I'm not sure if the publisher's plan is still to release it this fall. COVID-19 has changed so many things that I didn't want to ask. I'll find out once I send the photos.

Here is my list for the week

1. Bible reading
2. Meetings Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
3. Cooking 
4. Editing The Sisterhood 
5. Clean bonus room (This really isn't happening this week, but I want to keep it on the list.)
6. Prospecting

Did you have a  nice weekend? What's on your list to accomplish this week? 

Mailbox Monday - May 25

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Happy Memorial Day! I am behind in getting things posted, but it was a hectic weekend.

My baby celebrated a birthday. Hard to believe he is 33.

I planted the garden.

I am learning a new diet because the Lil' Princess insists she wants to eat healthier. 

Well, at least the furry residents of the house enjoyed some relaxation.

Being busy actually feels good. I'm out showing houses again--had an accepted offer from Saturday showings. I'm still ordering groceries online and having them delivered, but I go shopping for special occasions--like cupcakes for the birthday boy. I'm editing the first full length novel I ever completed. We are making plans to visit the Outer Banks like we do each summer. 

Massachusetts is in Phase 2 of re-opening. Do you know what that means? I can get a haircut! I'm not sure when the last time is that I've been so excited about that. 

My physical mailbox had a fun little surprise this week.

I also grabbed a couple of Kindle books.

That's it from my neck of the woods. Hope you have a great week.

Task it Tuesday - May 19

Originally created by The Geeky Blogger, Task it Tuesday is a weekly meme to help you--and me--get things done. The challenge is to post a task or list of tasks you want to complete before next Tuesday. These tasks can help you with your blogging life, reading life, personal or professional life.

Lately I am goofing off more than accomplishing anything. Today is my day to get a few things done. I need to get the crafts photographed for one of my books so the publisher can proceed with it. I have a busy two days of meetings on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday will be an easier day.

Here is this week's list:

1. Bible reading
2. Meetings 
3. Continue closing out my father-in-law's affairs (almost done)
4. Cooking 
5. Re-organize The Sisterhood ( one of my works in progress) to figure out what to do with it
6. Clean bonus room
7. Crafts 

Did you create a to-do list this week? What does it look like?

Mailbox Monday - May 18

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Here we are at Monday again. Since I already posted about my emotionally draining week, I won't repeat myself. The weekend ended up with some nice weather and I managed to accomplish a few things beside showing houses. It almost feels odd going out to do that, especially since we have gloves, masks, and hand sanitizer everywhere we go. Oh, and can't forget the booties.

Nothing in my physical mailbox, but I had a credit for Great on Kindle and picked up this one.

I've never read anything by this author before, so I don't know what to expect. We will see what happens.

Hope you have a blessed week.

PBS KIDS for Parents Launches Play & Learn Engineering App

With distance learning growing across the country, you can count of PBS KIDS for Parents to help.

Developed through a collaboration with childhood experts, the PBS KIDS for Parents Play & Learn Engineering App is made to assist parents in helping three- to four-year-old children explore engineering concepts through play, both on screen and off. Users can design and test roller coasters, use simple tools to problem solve their way through an obstacle course, build clever contraptions to deliver food to hungry animals, and construct boxy towers to rescue a kitten from a tree. Activities include tips for parents to engage young players in conversation and extend in-app learnings to the real world. What a great parent-child engagement resource!

The app includes:

• Eight engaging games that encourage kids to design and test solutions to solve problems while exploring STEM concepts
• Parent section with English and Spanish localization helps to guide children’s learning while in and outside of the app
• Within the parent section are tips for how parents can engage with kids as they are playing the games in order to enhance learning

The app will be featured in the Amazon App Store, and is available in the iOS App Store, Google Play Store, and online at PBS KIDS.

An Imperfect Christian Mom's COVID-19 Diary #7

 

Emotions running high this week. So much of what I've done centers around my father-in-law that it's hard to escape the reality that I'll never see him again. For two days I dug through my basement in search of photos of him. A reporter for the Associated Press is compiling a Memorial Day feature highlighting the lives of some of the veterans lost and about grieving during the pandemic. I pray God gives me the right words.

I've been in a dangerous place lately: one where I am truly certain if I didn't have to return to work to support the family I would just stay locked in the house and not even go out. It shocked me to see how busy Home Depot was today. I went out to get vegetable and herb plants, but couldn't find a parking spot on that side of the store. Most people wore masks, you could only enter through one door, and people were good about social distancing. Still, my supply of disinfectant wipes is dwindling as are my disposable masks. I have masks for myself, but need to provide them to clients.

Sleep eludes me. Reading and writing aren't of interest. I stopped tracking calories, however, we have been eating better since I've been home. I miss Sunday church service. Online just isn't the same.

On the bright side, my family is home. We have stayed healthy so far. My lighter schedule has allowed me to clean most of the house. Tomorrow I am speaking with a new client. On Monday we will get more details on the four-phase reopening plan for Massachusetts. It looks like they are working on making more room for outdoor dining. That would be great. We sure don't have enough.

I know I need time to heal, but it seems so far away right now; like it's possible the grief could swallow me whole like the whale did to Jonah. I need to pray more. I need to spend more time in the Word. God doesn't feel distant. It is I who is distant. I'm not even sure why.


The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

Task it Tuesday - May 12

Originally created by The Geeky Blogger, Task it Tuesday is a weekly meme to help you--and me--get things done. The challenge is to post a task or list of tasks you want to complete before next Tuesday. These tasks can help you with your blogging life, reading life, personal or professional life.

We are back to Tuesday. Last week was a productive one; I even organized my home office. My planner is updated, I am caught up on reviews needed right now and am working on the past due reviews, most of the craft supplies are in, and Friday's closing went off without a hitch.

Here is this week's list:

1. Bible reading
2. Meetings 
3. Book reviews (done)
4. Continue closing out my father-in-law's affairs (almost done)
5. Cooking 
6. Re-organize The Sisterhood ( one of my works in progress) to figure out what to do with it
7. Clean bonus room

What does your to-do list look like? What is the most pressing item on your list?

Mailbox Monday - May 11

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

How is it Monday again? I hope all you moms had a nice Mother's Day. I sure did. All the kids were here. We Facetimed Yia-Yia. I read a book, and I received a new food processor (I asked for one).

I'm thinking of redoing my office. It was our nursery, so it has clouds on the walls from the sky theme we used to have. I added ocean artwork and decor, books, and work awards. The furniture is a mish-mash of things. Love my writing desk and filing cabinet. Not so much the other things. Not sure where I would store all my books if I moved the office downstairs, but I'm seriously considering it again.

Nothing in my physical mailbox this week, but I did pick up this novel for my Kindle.

What presents did your mailbox hold?

Happy Mother's Day

Wishing you all a blessed Mother's Day!

PBS KIDS Launches Thank You Neighbors Campaign

Your family can celebrate essential workers in your neighborhood with the help of the PBS KIDS Thank You Neighbor Campaign, a month long celebration of teachers and essential workers. 

The Thank You Neighbors Campaign highlights and resources include:

• Fill-in-the-blank digital cards for families to complete and share with the hashtag #ThankYouNeighbors
• Printable coloring sheets with thank you prompts that can be emailed to community helpers, or posted for them to see
• A virtual game which allows kids to create essential worker heroes like postal carriers, utilities workers, first responders, doctors and more
• Videos that help children explore the neighbors and helpers that make up a community
• Resources for parents to help with conversations about essential workers 

 

Throughout the month on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Games app, you'll find tons of resources and games to help you encourage an attitude of gratitude.

The PBS KIDS for Parents website features articles to help parents teach their children about essential workers in their communities and how to be a good neighbor.

You'll also find a Thank You Neighbors playlist from your PBS KIDS favorite series on PBS KIDS YouTube.

Join PBS KIDS in saying #ThankYouNeighbors on social media.

Happy Birthday, Paddy!

Happy birthday to my wonderful husband! You are such a blessing to us. 

2009 Steve's wedding

2010 - NYC

2010 - John's wedding

2015 15-year anniversary

2019 North Carolina

Task it Tuesday - May 5

Originally created by The Geeky Blogger, Task it Tuesday is a weekly meme to help you--and me--get things done. The challenge is to post a task or list of tasks you want to complete before next Tuesday. These tasks can help you with your blogging life, reading life, personal or professional life.

This week's list looks similar to last week's. I didn't get to my planner, but I really need to do it. If I can make it through one year, I can stick to a planner every year, which is my goal. I'm not reading my Bible as much as I should either. My concentration for reading anything of substance is low right now. I do, however, make a point to read a verse or two each day.

The oven stopped working Sunday, so that has made suppertime more challenging. Thankfully, it has warmed up here (though we are expecting a teeny bit of snow on Saturday) so I can use the grill.

I've got some cute children's books to review for Friday at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection. I am also reading the next book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series.

Here are my to-do items:

1. Update my planner (need to get back to this)
2. Bible reading
3. Meetings 
4. Book reviews
5. Continue closing out my father-in-law's affairs (this might take a while)
6. Cooking (good thing I love it)
7. Order craft supplies (new content for A Christmas Kindness has crafts that I need to photograph)
8. Prepare for Friday's closing 
9. Clean bonus room

How are you doing on your to-do list? Do you have a productive week planned?

Mailbox Monday - May 4

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Welcome back to Monday. I hope you had a nice week. I had a productive week. No writing--other than blogging--but I plowed through the many Good Old Days magazines and grabbed historical photos to help with my writing, started settling my father-in-law's affairs, culled my Goodreads "Want to Read" list, caught up on my reading, and sent out that large mailing to real estate customers.

My physical mailbox held no gifts this week, but I bought this one for my Kindle with some discounts I had from other purchases.

A favorite author of mine also gifted me a copy of her upcoming release. 

The Deputy Tempe Crabtree series features a female deputy who is of Native American heritage. This aspect of Tempe's life is featured in the books. Since Tempe has had to learn more about her heritage as she goes along, it creates a unique reading experience that I enjoy. Think a female Walker, Texas Ranger without the martial arts and explosions. This is the 18th book in the series, but all of them stand alone. I haven't read one since 2013, so I am long overdue.

That's it for me this week. I hope you'll share something from you mailbox.