NOTE: I apologize for not writing a regular post last week. I wasn’t feeling well and didn’t have the energy to do it. I’m doing much better now. Thank you for your patience.

Today I am going to share some links that might be of interest to you. Most will be links to other sites.  I tend to read in areas I’ve an affinity for: spiritual, writing, political, and general interest.

 GENERAL INTEREST

link to Acedia: The Noonday Demon in Our Distracted Age – From Christianity Today 

Their Opener: “In most English translations of the deadly sins, acedia is translated as sloth, but the two words don’t mean the same thing. Acedia can manifest as a lack of productivity, but it can also become hyperactivity.”

Me: Acedia–a failure to care. Acedia is a new concept to me. The author of the article exposes acedia’s subtle danger to the “attention and inner quietness of a devout Christian.” It’s not that the person doesn’t care in their reality, it’s different than that… Interesting read.

My Takeaway: I think there’s some truth in this. In fact, I’d say that I struggle at times like in the article. But it’s not for want of being effective, it’s for a few other reasons. What I gained from this article is that a person must always bring their attention back to Christ.

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link to WhatI Learned From Nursing My Husband Through Covid-19 – From The Federalist

Their Opener: “If you or your loved one has just had a diagnosis of COVID-19, your chances of surviving the illness depend on your ability to gather your resources, make a plan, and adapt.”

Me: Husband and wife–a doctor and a nurse–go through it with C-19. Her recounting of the experience is educational. My niece, a nurse who works with Covid patients, recommended that we read this article.

My Takeaway: I appreciate the ideas presented from a professional nurse who now has experience with the Caronavirus. She suggests practical solutions in a difficult situation, where one tends to panic more than they should. The article had a calming affect on me.

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link to San Diego man plans to give away stimulus money to neighbors. From San Diego (KGTV)

Their Opener: “An Allied Gardens man is eagerly awaiting his stimulus check, so he can give it all away. Thomas Wieland, who works in the tech industry, still has a job and he’s grateful. He’s also due a $1,200 stimulus check, likely within a week.”

Me: Here’s my son on the news. Someone saw his offer to help others and contacted the San Diego news. He told me about it yesterday. He’s not one for calling attention to himself. I share this as an encouragement that good things are happening too.

My Takeaway: We have a responsibility to each other. If we can help, we should. Thomas said others have stepped up to financially help those he couldn’t help that had also made a request. This pleased him. One good deed deserves another.

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link to Making the Most of Sheltering at Home – From my Meridian Woman Blog

Blog Opener: Human resiliency and the will to overcome is as much the story of the past couple of months as the hard story we’ve endured through this unprecedented time of uncertainty.

Me: Making the Most of Sheltering at Home: More activities you can do while stuck at home. This is a time where we can learn and grow since there are fewer distractions and interruptions. Here are some good ideas for making the most of it.

My Takeaway: This time of isolating at home is beginning to get to people. For some parents with school age children, homeschooling from a device is wearing thin by now. I’ve heard more than one frustrated parent trying to make this work. I hope a few of my suggestions are helpful. I guess I should have added, make some homemade play dough. I used to. I also let my kids paint with watercolors a lot.

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link to Worship Service at Grace Bible Church, Bozeman, Montana – From the Grace Bible Church website.

My Opener: I’ve attended one worship service in person at this church when I visited my son last fall. He was here with me on this Sunday. He was listening to the church’s prerecorded service; the one I am posting.  Since that Sunday I have watched every Sunday’s service.

Me: I post the link here for anyone who doesn’t have a church to watch on Sunday morning. I believe you will be blessed by the service.

My Takeaway: Being away from our church families is difficult. One can long to rejoice, worship, read the word, sing, and just be together. I hope you are able to find comfort in the Word and through online worship formats.

I know friends and family who are viewing several church services online; where their children attend, where they used to attend, and wherever their heart takes them. We will remember this time of isolation as a time we worshiped beyond our normal circumstances. And that’s a good thing. After all, we are one Church in God’s sight.

OTHER CURIOUS TAKES

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The next two links are political, not my usual offering. I’m not endorsing them but am putting them here to broaden perspective with a counter message to what we generally hear.

4/26/20–link to Our Virus is a Violent Teacher:   Victor Davis Hanson writes a parody on America C-19 as in a view from the past. “How America ultimately got by and how it almost didn’t.” “War is a violent teacher.“–Thucydides (article – American Greatness)

4/4/20–link to Politically We’re at War: Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai talks about Fake science, Ignorance, Fear, and Vaccines: This will give you pause. Dr. Shiva also shares some good advice on combating C-19 through vitamins and sunlight.  (video on youtube, Dr. Shiva channel)

Note: I don’t worship America, but I am proud to be an American. I believe we must care about her virtue, honor, and esteem. God honors those who honor Him and His ways, which is a truism for life. We would do well to do the same.

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God bless you all.

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