It is day 23 the 30 day ‘stay at home’ order.  I wish the weather would cooperate a little more.  Just a few days ago it was almost 90 degrees out, now, we are lucky for it to be in the 50’s.   I imagine when I finally do go back to work, it will be bright and sunshiny and 90 degrees in the shade.  I also wish the Kansas Unemployment website and phone system would stop crashing, and provide more up to date information.  While we are at it, I wish my employer would give clearer information on what their plans are, and, be a little more appreciative of their employees.  The owner said he is grateful in a recent letter he posted on the employee portal.  Those are just words, not action.  It is disappointing in the way he is making decisions.  That is in my ever so humble opinion.  But I think that opinion may be shared by many of his 30,000+ employees.

On a more upbeat note, it may be possible we are coming close to flattening the curve as it were.  Maybe a turnaround is in sight.  It still frightens me deeply how easily, and how quickly the country was, for all intents and purposes, shut down with little resistance.  I have considerable trust in the president and his administration during this nightmare, I believe he has the best interest for Americans at the forefront.  My trust in his administration is much more than I would have had during the previous one, and certainly more than the one that almost was.  This is why elections have consequences.  And the consequences for freedom and liberty will be dire this fall.  Some of the less than honorable governors, senators and congress men and women have seen what they can do with a little power that is given to them, or power that is just outright taken by them, imagine if election results this fall are unfavorable and that kind of control goes on steroids with no one to stop them.  I have read that some of the governors are indeed on the hot seat right now.  Some of the states, even recalls being considered.  I am also hearing that a little chit chat by some of the good citizens of the state of Michigan is about to take place with their governor, in the form of a massive protest, 15,000 strong.  I’m guessing the 6 foot social distancing rule may be about to be broken, maybe it needs to be.

²² The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
²³ they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV

*warning, today’s blog is straight to a point, I even use some $20 words.

That was me manning the WWI battleship, the USS Texas docked in San Jancinto Battleground off the Houston Ship channel near Houston Texas.  The battleground at San Jancinto was the decisive battle in the Texas Revolution, led by Sam Houston over Santa Anna.

Are we as US citizens on the verge of another battle for freedom, where, enough is enough?   At what point do we believe the government is looking out for the genuine health of the populous.  Where do we draw the line between cooperation to have this contagion’s curve flattened to help the greater good, and when do we suspect the government is beginning to decide what is good, or not good for us, based on their own skewed ideologies, or worse, dictatorial control and power craziness?  Just when is enough, enough.

We are now dragging into day 22 of the 30 day ‘stay at home’ order.  At some point people have to go back to work.  When can we be sure we won’t get sick by going around a large number of people.  When can we know it is 100% safe to go to work, a concert, a movie, a restaurant, school, or most importantly to me, church.  We can’t 100% be sure, of anything.  When our movements are being restricted to the point that we need permission to leave our home for anything but essentials, then how far are we from an Orwellian society?  How far will the control continue?  Already, some governors have placed ridiculous restrictions on citizens.  Ticketing them for going to church, fining them, destroying tires in church parking lots.  Is this acting in an over abundance of caution, or is it something much more sinister?  I fear the later may be possible.  Are radical governors little by little discovering what they can, and cannot get away with?  Will citizens lie down in submission every time a new executive order on the state level is issued?  Will at some point people finally say “enough is enough, no more”.  When a governor says an abortion clinic is an essential business, but church attendance is not, folks, we are crossing that threshold.  A government cannot say it is concerned for the health of it’s citizens by curtailing school or church attendance, but then freely support keeping open a clinic that murders babies.  This is not concern for health and welfare.  This is power and control.  It is not only dangerous, it could be fatal.  It already is for the babies.

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

Ephesians 5:11 NKJV

We are getting close to mid April, and it is day 21 of 30 of the ‘stay at home’ order.  Whether or not the order will be lifted in the next 10 days or so remains to be seen.

I seem to be doing OK on the social distancing thing,  I don’t particularly enjoy going to the store right now, and trying to avoid people can be challenging.  Lately, if possible, I use self service check out, which I typically despise using.  But, these are unusual times.  I like to spend as much time as I can outside to go on my runs and walks, maybe take some pictures.  So in those times,  I can easily follow the 6 foot rule.  In fact, it is often closer to the 500-1,000 foot rule.  I am fine with that, and sometimes prefer it.  When I am walking, and especially running, I am focused on a good time, and watching nature around me.  Road races are a little different.  There I want to try and position myself with a good starting point.  When the race begins, I then want to pass, and beat as many people as possible.  On a really good day I will finish in the top 25% or so.  I won’t mention where I ranked on one of my worse finishes.  But it wasn’t last, just not great.  I hope road races start up again soon.  Where events of all kinds won’t be cancelled anymore.  I have no plans to pay for a virtual race, as I have mentioned before.  I think that is just silly to pay to run a race on your own, just so you can get a shirt, bib and finishers medal if offered.  They have no problem taking real money.  I haven’t seen any organizers taking virtual money to run their virtual races.

It is day 20 of the 30 day ‘stay at home’ order.  That pales in comparison to what this day is all about.  This is the day that Christians celebrate that Christ rose from the grave, it is Easter Sunday.  I have many memories of Easter.  As a child I received some fun Easter baskets, toys, eggs and candy from the Easter bunny.  One could argue that some of the tastiest candy and treats arrive during Easter season, it is always a fun time to add a few extra pounds.  Coloring, hunting and hiding eggs was always a fun adventure

We Christians know full well that Easter isn’t about presents.  It isn’t about toys, baskets, bonnets, candy or eggs.  And just as the true meaning of Christmas isn’t about Santa Claus, the true meaning of Easter certainly isn’t about a cute bunny rabbit.  If Christ hadn’t been born, He wouldn’t have fulfilled prophecy, there would be no telling people that salvation is found in Him alone.  If He hadn’t been born, then He would not have died on Good Friday.  No birth, no death.  Without that death, there would be no sacrifice, without a sacrifice, we would be condemned to hell.  Had He not risen from the dead, then He would not be God, but just a nice moral man who tried to help people.  A nice moral man cannot save anyone from hell.  Only God, in human form, the risen Christ can.  And He will.  All you have to do is call out to Him to save you.  If you haven’t, do it now, do it today, right now, call out to Him.  Make this an Easter to remember.  It will be the best Easter gift you will ever receive.  Praise God that  Christ was born, that He lived, that He died for us, and that He rose, proving He is God.  The tomb is still empty.  Many church buildings also are empty today, but you know what, God doesn’t live in an empty building.  Just talk to Him.  He’s there, He’ll listen.

Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, ^[a]and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. ² But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. ³ Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. ⁴ And it happened, as they were ^[b]greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. ⁵ Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? ⁶ He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, ⁷ saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ”

Luke 24:1-7 NKJV

This is the Saturday after Good Friday, the day remembered when our Lord was crucified and He died an agonizing death on the cross just for us.  He did this for all sinners before Him, all sinners alive while He was on earth, and all sinners after He ascended into Heaven(us), who will place their trust in Him.  Even though the world was/is full of sin, He died for us.

But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!

Romans 5:8 HCSB

I wonder what all His followers were thinking on that Saturday.  They were told by Him that He would rise again on the third day.  But they also watched Him die.  We know the apostle Thomas wanted visual proof before He believed Christ had risen.  Even though he was told by some of the other apostles that He had indeed risen.  Christ showed up and offered Him proof, that was all Thomas needed.  He was already a follower, but his trust issues probably needed some tweaking.  Not that it is fair to blame him.  I don’t know what I would do if I saw Jesus die in person, then would I believe He had risen based on second hand witnesses?  I would hope I would remember what Jesus said, and be thrilled that He had risen like He said He would.  But would my depression be such, that even though Jesus told me He would rise on the third day, that I couldn’t believe He had risen without seeing Him?

Thankfully, by God’s grace only, I have placed my trust in Christ by faith alone That He will do what He said He would do, and reserve for me a place in Heaven.  Have you trusted Christ alone to save you?  If not, do it now.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many ^[a]mansions; if it were not so, ^[b]I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴ And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

⁵ Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 14:1-6 NKJV

I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown.

George Bennard 1912

Today begins the 18th day of a 30 day ‘stay at home’ order in response to this monster we know as COVID19.  To say that this is causing massive stress on a multitude of people is indeed an understatement.  The loss of income, the loss of health, and the loss of life is taking a toll.

Today is also Good Friday.  You want to talk about stress, imagine what Jesus went through about 2,000 years ago that fateful Friday.  He was beaten, He was mocked, He was spit on, and He was crucified.  He took with Him on that cross, with His badly beaten body, the punishment for every sinner, every sin, ever committed for those who place their trust in Him.

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

John 19:30  ESV

With that, it WAS finished.  Christ work was complete, sins washed for all who believe, and on the 3rd day, He rises from the dead, proves He is God, salvation is complete.  He did this for all who will accept His offer.  Don’t miss it.

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Romans 10:13 HCSB

It is day 17 of 30 of the ‘stay at home’ order.  Nothing original in this post.  It has been said in various forms by many in the last few days.  But when this madness is over, may I never take the small things for granted again.

When I walk into a restaurant, fast food, or treats shop again, may I never again not acknowledge the people around me.  May I take a genuine interest in how my server is.  Even if it is not fantastic service, may I tell them thank you, tell them “God bless you”, and mean it, and leave a generous tip.

When I can get my haircut again (and it desperately needs it), may I never again be stoic and quiet, may I take an interest in my barber or stylist, tell them ‘thank you and God bless you”, and mean it.  May I leave them a generous tip.

When I can go to a festival or parade again, may I show the love of Christ to all around me.  If someone is standing “too close” to me, in my “personal space”, may I never again be annoyed, but use that opportunity to be thankful that we can stand that close to people again.  May the love of Christ be radiant in me, where they can see that something in me has Christ living inside.

When I can go back to work again, may I not get annoyed at a fellow employee, or a customer, no matter the situation.  But may I be thankful I am working again and not depending on the government.  May I be happy and thankful to see my fellow employees again, and thankful they are well and happy.  May the love of Christ show in everything I do.

When I can go back to church again, may I NEVER EVER feel claustrophobic again if people are sitting “too close” to me.  May I hit my knees when we pray, may I sing so loud (even off key), that I can be heard outside.  When we welcome each other to Church, may I shake 100 hands before I sit back down, instead of my usual 3 or 4 and done routine.

But until then, for now, I can thank God that I am well, that my family and friends are well.  That He is still taking care of me.  I can thank first responders when I see them.  I can thank a doctor or a nurse.  I can thank the underpaid clerk selling groceries, tip them if allowed.  I can pray out to God and ask Him to protect those who are looking out for us.  I can ask Him to guide our president and leaders to give them Godly wisdom, and to guide world leaders, even in countries who think they have no use for God.

Maybe, just maybe God is using this pandemic to push the reset button, to give the world a chance to slow down, and start over.  We who know Christ would be wise to listen.  For those who don’t know Christ, you think maybe He is trying to tell you something?  Call out to Him today, right now.  This may be your last wake up call.

For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.

Matthew 26:11 ESV

It’s the middle of the week.  And hopefully at day 16 of 30, we are halfway through the stay at home order.   I am afraid though, it may be extended a bit longer.   Maybe it needs to be.

A grocery store chain out of Iowa, which has stores here in the Kansas City area, has a new commercial about heroes, with the song Holding Out For A Hero playing in the background. During the one minute commercial they show different types of heroes.  Scientist, medical professionals, military, first responders, and yes, grocery employees, all working and risking their safety.  This is the kind of commercial that will punch you hard in the feels.  Our country and the world is going through something that hasn’t happened at this magnitude in probably over 100 years.  Thankfully our technology has advanced such to where we can hopefully, prayerfully soon contain this monster, and stop the sadness and the death toll.

We don’t know what tomorrow holds.  Only God does.  But those of us who are Christians, who have placed our faith in Christ alone to save us, we should fear not.  We know, nothing, nothing, is too big for God to handle.  And whatever may happen in this life, we look forward to that glorious day which is sung in a classic hymn, which is one of my personal favorites.  Here is the last stanza from It Is Well.

O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend;
even so, it is well with my soul.

Is it well with your soul?  If the clouds are rolled back today, and Christ appears, are you ready?   If not you can be.  Call out to Him to save you today, right now.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 

John 3:16 NKJV

Here it is day 15 of the 30 day ‘stay at home’ order.  Trying to make sense of all this nonsense, continues to be a hassle, a struggle, and it is downright depressing.  I feel like I am crossing two railroad tracks at once.  First, with the state of Kansas, trying to get my unemployment benefits started.  And then, trying to work with my employers HR department, trying to figure out what new guidelines they are setting up and trying to get important information.  It seems impossible.  They haven’t returned calls to their office.  They have changed their minds and policies multiple times since all this madness began.  It is actually really sad.  We have two unpleasant entities here.  A state bureaucracy, and the HR department of a company who likes to fancy itself as caring for their employees.  My company is the one who created this monster, (at least in regards to how their employees are being treated) but it has been the state of Kansas, who at this point, has been easier to work with, been more helpful, been more compassionate, been more accessible, and more trusting.   Right now the competition between the two isn’t even close.  And it shouldn’t even be a competition, it shouldn’t even be an issue.  My company should be taking better care of their employees.  Many of us have been very loyal to this company, and have been with them many years.  Some even decades.  Will the employee loyalty remain when the madness ends and we can all report back to work?  I suppose time will tell.  I am afraid a reputation has been tarnished, in the best case scenario, but frightfully possible, it has been destroyed.  I pray they will do the right thing.  Not just because we employees deserve better, but because many eyes are on them right now.  The eyes are on a company who says they put God first.  They need to do the right thing, and show people who are watching, and who work for them, that they care.

²² The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
²³ they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness

Lamentations 3:22-23  ESV

We are on the 14th day of a 30 day stay at home order.  Are we almost halfway done?  I sure hope so.

Monday begins another week of adventure.  My company has certainly done their part to make these times more challenging.  Instructions on what we need to do, and what to expect in the coming weeks are clear as mud, which sadly for them, is something of a trend.  Things will, I’m sure, be resolved and everything will work out for the best.  Faith and trust, it can be tested, but it must be hung on to.  Patience is also key in keeping a peace of mind.  And aren’t all three of these virtues, things that God expects of us?

Running and walking for me are excellent stress relievers.  I think walking has been a stress reliever my whole life.  Running adds the adrenaline rush.  There is in running something called a ‘runners high’.  Sometimes I think I feel it,  but I can’t really describe it.  Running and walking is always a good time for me to talk to God.  Sometimes when I run I listen to secular music.  Sometimes Christian music.  Sometimes I’m just in my own world. (some people would say I spend a lot of time there, and it’s OK, I’m happy there)  And sometimes I am praying, pleading, and sometimes crying out to God.  You don’t have to be a runner or a walker to talk  to God.  But God does want you to talk to Him.  He knows your struggles.  He knows everything troubling you.  He’s waiting for you to talk to Him.  There is a direct line,  He won’t place you on hold.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer

Romans 12:12 ESV