In April I wrote a blog post for a group I joined called Lady Boss Christians. You can check it out here. I wrote about pausing and getting rest during this season. While written primarily for women business owners it applies to all. My prayer is that you continue drawing closer to the God of peace and rest today. Some people are tired of being at home, some are afraid to get back outside, and some are working harder than they have before. Let’s remember whether we are being still or climbing hills, God is in control.
My last post was about what I’m learning in this season so I thought I would continue with how I’m living as well. Like some of you, I’m at home all day, working, cleaning house, doing laundry and cooking my meals.  Honestly I’m enjoying this unexpected change in life. I’m slowing down and not feeling the rush so much. There’s no traffic therefore no rush hours. I have plenty of time. There’s no running to the office to make those back to back meetings and conference calls. I only have one meeting I’m committing myself to daily which is a prayer meeting with God first thing in the morning. I’m able to exercise my faith and my body. I’m enjoying the natural light beaming through my windows as I begin to work on using the equipment sitting in the corner of what I’ll call my “home gym.” I’m developing a quick 10 minute work out routine with my balance ball, dumbbells and resistance bands. I’m trying to build up to 30 minutes a day and incorporate my stepper that’s currently being used as a mini bookshelf. Speaking of books, I’m reading a little more too. I’m finding ways to get a chapter or two read of all those books I purchased.  I’m literally breathing in fresh words of encouragement, hope and confidence. I’m making room for God to speak to my heart. I’m checking on family members, church members and friends. There’s still plenty of phone calls, text and e-mail to answer as we stay connected to each other.  I am shifting, not shaking in fear due to this corona virus. How we do things has changed. How we worship, shop, eat out, visit stores, communicate among friends, display human touch and even noticing how we wash our hands has all changed. I’m prioritizing and restructuring my life during these changing times. I’m cherishing each moment I have to spend time with God and honor Him in my daily living at home. I’m listening to God’s soundtrack. God has removed some major distractions in my life so I can be still and pray.  My earthly, temporary home is comfortable now and I am comfortable sheltering in it. My heavenly home awaits and it is a place I can only imagine how safe it is and what it really means to stay at home. Let me know how you’re living during this pandemic and what you’re up to. I’d love to hear from you!
As you know we are in uncertain times with the corona virus ( COVID-19) pandemic that is happening around the globe. I’ve watched the news reports, watched the shelves empty as people shop for basic needs, and watched how we all have become more aware of our hygiene and are cleaning responsibly. This time of pandemic has grabbed our attention, changed our focus to mini retreats of being at home with one another. It has brought a whole new meaning for me to the staycation, the stay at home, the telecommute, and the overall virtual experience. I’m learning the real value of quiet time and solitude, but even more the value of gratitude. I’m learning to pull over, turn off, be still and listen to God speak. I’m learning to dial in, plug in, connect and reach out in various communication forms. My takeaways are becoming giveaways. I’ve lost some things materially but I’ve gained much more spiritually.  Maybe God has to take away our jobs and the stress, in order for us to give away words of comfort, encouragement and hope to others. Maybe God has to take away our consumption of time spent focusing on mindless activities in order for us to be more mindful of Him and who He is. I’m learning God is still in control of my life and I don’t have to quarantine the gospel. I’m learning to just share it. I may have to stay at home but the gospel of Jesus Christ doesn’t have to. The messages of hope found only in Christ Jesus have the power to overcome anxiety, hopelessness, panic and fear.  Here are a few scriptures to help us meditate on and share with others. (John 3:16, Romans 8:28-31, Luke 12:22-24)
I’ve learned that it is ok to feel the pressure but it’s not ok to pressure myself. You know that feeling of wanting to get it right, get it all done, and get it all together can be overwhelming. Taking on more than we need to can be a way of putting pressure on ourselves. I’m here to tell you, that you don’t have to add anything more to life’s daily to-do list. You can pace yourself through it. By pacing, I mean sometimes things will go quick and sometimes they move slower. Everything you do doesn’t have to be a sprint, a fast-action drama, a fast forward or a speed race. Clocks will keep on ticking no matter what, so think of your pace before pressuring yourself to do more than you can handle. Now that’s what I call living on pitch! What are you pressuring yourself to do or accomplish? How will you pace yourself today?
May the Lord give us wisdom to remain planted in the Word of God., May we be like trees that are planted by the rivers of water., May we bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. May your plant based diet of spiritual food help you grow and remain healthy in God’s grace.
Do you have good study habits? Do you know where you get them from? Sometimes learning from other people requires spending time with them and watching how they act and react. I’ve learned a lot from watching my parents do different things. I’ve been in their classroom a long time. I discovered learning and developing good bible study habits requires spending time in the Bible. I’m learning more to watch how I act and react as I spend time in God’s word. Watch and learn, now that’s what I call Living on Pitch.
Living On Pitch 