LIFE LATELY & WHAT WE ARE LEARNING HERE....

day 178973837 of quarantine and we’ve somewhat fallen into a rhythm in our days. and I say “fallen into a rhythm” because all of this is so very bizarre. we are currently almost ?!$?! weeks into a state mandated “lockdown” practicing “social distancing” and “sheltering in place” due to a worldwide spread of coronavirus. its a pandemic (typing it out sounds even more bizarre than speaking it aloud). we are navigating life during a pandemic!!! this is new for all of us. life just outside of our windows look the same as they always do, and yet it is most certainly NOT. brian has been instructed to work from home, schools have been closed and families have been thrusted into somewhat of a crisis version of schooling from home. it is all so very bizarre and yet, I cant help but think… what am i learning here !?!

there has been scripture that has been a meditation of my heart over the last few months. three of which have been providing guidance for me during these insanely odd times. the first of which has been ever present reassurance that no matter the circumstances, HE strengthens us to walk through the storm!

i have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. i know both how to make do with little, and i know how to make do with a lot. in any circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed of hungry, whether in abundance or in need. i am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. (philippians 4:11-13)

this verse has been heavy on my heart since the holidays 2019 began. I never would have thought that meditating on it for the last several months would lead my to putting it in action all the more during these day/weeks/months of quarantine life.

our morning walks have blossomed into a true force in our days. they have multiplied and now include an afternoon, evening and often night walks where we breathe in the fresh air, talk things out, consider the order and nature of life that surrounds us and think things through. they have been a lifeline. with every breath and each step they remind us of this…

the Lord is near. don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your request to GOD. and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in CHRIST JESUS. (philippians 4:6-7)

this scripture reminds me that HE isn’t just a microwave GOD. that HE isn’t there for us to pass out our pleas & demands press 30 seconds and it’s done!!! and, yet HE is here. ready to listen, ready to receive our request and deliver the peace that will keep us no matter the outcome. and then there is this. the fear of it all. the temptation to let your imaginations soar in all the wrong places and allow anxiety have its way. there is no room to think the wrong thoughts. no room to allow the fears to flourish. and…

whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable— if there is anymore excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things. do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (philippians 4:8-9)

i’m sharing these verses that have single-handedly secured my peace amongst this current storm in hopes that they may help you secure your own. i was heading to set my camera down after filming and rounded the corner to find these two….

this happens often around our house. one sibling rushing to share what they've learned and discovered with the other. its exciting. it’s fulfilling. to bring light/ life to the ones we love. to share knowledge that we have acquired that will, in turn, bring wisdom and understanding and adventure as we journey on through our days.

this is why I share.

i pray it blesses you. i pray it enriches your life and you delight in the joy that it brings.

these lessons that we are learning now will preserve our hearts and minds in the days ahead. ill continue to soak them up. and not just to be blessed myself, but to learn to extend that blessing to others around me. let us know how we can lift you up through this time. let us know how we might be able to brighten your days with the content that we prepare to share.

with all the love,

syreena