Lockdown learnings

It's Day 60 and this is what I see:

We’re learning to let go of what we can’t control – which is most of it! I do what I can and leave the rest to God.

We are learning to communicate more, maybe better, with those most dear in our lives. Whether through Zoom, Skype, video call, visiting through a closed glass door, on a porch or in a driveway, we are adapting – using new technologies and going back to old ones.

I notice we are more focused, appreciative for the technology, looking into faces, and respectfully aware of taking turns in conversation, and drawing out the quieter voices.

Many have the gift of free time for projects, like home organization, cleanup, yard improvements, or artistic creations. Some take the time for additional rest or self-care. We might be getting outside more, trying new hiking trails. We might be eating better because there are fewer temptations (only what I brought in the house). Some are trying new recipes, doing various forms of exercise, starting different routines.

We can choose good content in online bible studies, inspirational classes, or virtual tours of national parks, museums, and resorts. Some take advantage of regular family movie or game times.

It seems we are reinventing creativity – or at least revisiting it. What meal can I make with the groceries I have left? How can we celebrate birthdays or anniversaries (or Easter or Mother’s Day) while staying safer at home? What things can we take apart to use the fabric or elastic? How can I repurpose this item?

Some express themselves through music, artwork, photography, and humor to cheer others and uplift spirits. When we’re tired of being alone, we look outward to see how we can encourage others in quarantine.

In spite of greater personal space or social distancing, we are closing that gap by showing love. We greet one another on the walking trails and thank people for serving us in the “essential” jobs, when we may have previously overlooked those courtesies. We wrap the neighborhood in hope and healing with chalk messages in our driveways and colored hearts in windows and doors.

We are learning to be more discerning about the many conflicting messages in the media. This may mean setting better boundaries or using more restraint. We check our sources, do our research, and don’t believe everything we see or read. We choose reliable resources to stay informed and live with faith, not fear.

We learn to give grace and show compassion because there are many who have experienced greater changes and losses than our own. A multitude of emotions are present in many different situations, and we do well to be patient and overlook a few misspoken words. We can listen kindly and share strength.

It warms my heart to see more people joining in prayer, providing a steadfast example, and generously giving. The spirit of humanity is alive and well as we rise to this challenge. If we are open, we soon will find we have grown in some deeper dimension and learned great things of lasting value.

It is a time to live out the fullness of our faith. Especially in these uncertain days, one thing is constant: God is ever near and His love is unfailing. This time of pause can refine us and bring out the best – a stronger commitment, more unity, generosity, humility, and resiliency – so that we can emerge and evolve to a better place together.


Our Loving Father, I pray you would change me, change us, change our world through this pandemic lockdown. May it not be wasted, but bring forth the change You want to see. Amen.

Choose faith over fear

A virus sweeping its way around the globe? A few weeks ago could we have imagined what was coming, along with its many impacts? Do we have any idea of what is ahead? It can be unsettling… until we turn our eyes back to God. Then it becomes very encouraging.

He is sovereign and in control of all. His Word is full of promises to His believers. We can have peace, hope, and even joy – in the midst of all this!

I don’t mean to minimize the suffering, grief, and loss that will in some way touch each of us in the coming curve, if enough people don’t heed the serious warnings. Some of my loved ones are most certainly in the elderly and vulnerable categories. Some of them are in the frontline serving others. Some have been in public places and have been exposed without knowing. And this causes great concern.

But we can’t live in fear about what will happen, watching the news, tuning in to social media for the latest numbers and the nearest confirmed cases, all day long. Fear and anxiety come from trying to project the future with what we see now. But we don’t see what God sees. His thoughts and ways are so high above ours (Is. 55: 8-9). His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path (Ps. 119:105). He is all powerful. He can take even the worst evil and turn it to good (Gen. 50:20), so this situation is certainly in Good Hands.

Faith and fear cannot coexist. I choose faith. I choose to dwell in the shelter of the Most High, to rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Ps. 90:1-2)

There is no God before Him. We don’t trust in chariots or horses, we trust in the Lord our God (Ps. 20:7). We don’t trust in our finances, our material goods, our entertainment, our sports, our jobs – all of that is in the background now, stripped away… but now we can see what is truly important. Our daily agendas have drastically changed.

These times have come so that our faith, which is of greater worth than gold, can be tested, refined, and proved genuine, so that Jesus can be glorified (1 Pet. 1:7).

Now is the time to set apart Christ as Lord and to be prepared to give an answer for our hope—even in the midst of a pandemic (1 Pet. 3:15). Now is the time to be self-controlled and in prayer. We cast all our anxieties on Him because He loves us (1 Pet. 5:7).

Now is the time to be imitators of Christ, to love as He does. This is the message we have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Dear friends, let us not love not only with words, but with actions and in truth (1 Jn. 3:11, 18).

There is no fear in love. Perfect love drives out fear (1 Jn. 4:18).

I am greatly encouraged when I see the love, the good things, coming out of our present situation: Help is offered in the way of picking up supplies for the elderly and shut-ins, free food is offered for those who need it, babysitting pools are arranged and constructive ideas are shared for kids home from school, healthcare workers are appreciated, grocers and truck drivers are hailed for keeping shelves stocked, family time is enriched, churches are opening their facilities to serve in other ways, people are meeting together online and keeping their Bible studies and ministries going. I could go on and on…

God’s Word tells us not to fear, not to be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, we should present our requests to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)

Finally, my friends, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—whatever is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things (Phil. 4:8). Watch for it! There is so much love around, so much good going on, despite the present uncertainty.

There are so many ways of seeing God in our present day.



Father God, I pray that eyes will be opened and hearts will be turned to You. I pray for unity, strength, health, wisdom, and perseverance, especially for those in the frontlines dealing with sick, elderly and vulnerable. I pray for Your peace that passes all understanding even in these uncertain times. Thank You that you can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20). Thank You for Your Presence.

A lot to be thankful for

After 15 months, Dad still wonders where Mom is, when he can go home to the farm and why he is in "the hospital." Dad suffers from dementia.

When Mom passed suddenly last year, it was quickly evident Dad would need a new solution to the daily care she so lovingly provided. The four of us siblings searched together to find the best assisted living home for Dad. Each day one (or more) of us visits to help him acclimate to his new apartment, work through his grief and reminisce about the earlier days, the days his mind remembers well.

Dementia has stolen so much from him. It saddens, angers and frightens me to see what he and other residents have to deal with daily. How frustrating it would be to not know how to find your own room, how to use a phone or a TV remote, or recall the peers you eat with daily!

It's heartbreaking to hear him say, "Where am I? Do I have to stay here tonight? Where's Mom? You're not coming back until tomorrow? That'll be a long day without you!"

But somehow God has allowed this cruel disease that kills brain cells. God has taken home Dad's wife, caregiver and best friend of 65 years. But I know God is sovereign. His thoughts and ways are so high above ours and I know we'll all be together in Heaven one day. All our lives we are learning to trust God with our whole being. Is this meant to be one final, advanced lesson in trust?

Each day when I come to visit, I see Dad's whole face light up when he sees me. It is the best welcome ever, and is usually enough to draw him out of a sad or confused moment. What a treasure that greeting is each day!

I ask him if he'd like to go outside, and watch freedom come over his face as he walks through the door saying, "Oh, it's so nice out!" We sit and listen to the birds, watch the clouds or jet streams, and occasionally see deer. "This is Heaven on earth," he says without fail. "We have a lot to be thankful for. Thank God for everything."

And I am so endeared to these moments. I realize that no matter what chaos dementia has caused, Dad is able to draw on his deep-rooted faith, his belief in a God who brings peace, order and meaning to life.

We sure don't have all the answers, but we do have a lot to be thankful for.


Sovereign God, I am so thankful for my Dad, for my faith, for your daily provision as we abide in you. I realize that my parents have been teaching me to abide in you for years. And my Dad is still teaching me. Thank you, God, for everything!

Lingering words

Her words stung, even though she probably meant no harm. Still, I couldn’t help but feel defensive. What should I have said to better explain? I couldn’t think of the right words, so I stayed silent. Now, that conversation kept replaying in my head.

As I shoveled the snow from my deck, the stinging words came back to me again and again, like the repetitive motion of shoveling and dumping off snow. Because my mind was not otherwise occupied, her words intruded on this peaceful setting. The fresh fallen snow was fluffy and plentiful, and the sun was now shining through the trees, every bough laced in white. Despite the beauty all around me, my mind was focused on petty things.

Then I had a very strong impression in my spirit. “Why would you let her words linger longer than Mine?”

Right. So right!

I read every morning about God’s unfailing love, His abiding strength, His perfect direction, His freely given wisdom, His bountiful blessings and His promises to restore and redeem, and bring beauty from ashes! Why, oh why, aren’t these the words that keep circulating in my brain?

“Why would you let her words linger longer than Mine?”

Thank you, oh gracious God! Yours are the words that are worth repeating.

I so need to stand guard against the wiles of the evil one who uses these tactics to distract me from all that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy! If he can get me to ruminate on a few words from a conversation, social media post, movie or any other lesser thing, my mind will be engaged with that instead.

But what power there is when I realize this intrusion and swoosh it out (like sweeping the last of the snow from the deck), replacing it with trust and peace, abiding in God’s loving words.

Lord, I will let your sweet words of everlasting love roll around again and again in my mind. Forsaking all others, I will give your words the place they deserve.

Bathing my brain cells

Harnessing my brain activity can be a difficult thing. If my mind is not slotting tasks or activities into every available moment, it might be mulling over a perplexing situation. If I’m not careful, my concern can soon be turned to anxiety. Sometimes it takes only a spark and fear can flare up.

Whenever these thoughts threaten to hijack my solid pathway of thinking, I work on turning my focus to the Lord, think about His unfailing love and how He is for me and not against me. As I consider those perplexing life circumstances, I also invite the Holy Spirit to bring me wisdom and redirect my thoughts as necessary. I pray for that perfect peace for those whose minds are steadfast and trusting in Him (Is. 26:3) and I work to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. (2 Cor. 10:5)

I installed an app on my phone called “Jesus Calling Meditation.” It is written by another author (known only as “DMC”) who also reads the daily devotional “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. I’ve become quite fond of this author's reflections on Young’s writings. It feels like great minds getting together and discussing scripture.

DMC wrote, “Thoughts are like a neuro-network of bushes with many branches that produce either positive or negative chemicals that bathe our brain cells. The area of our brain that tends to be more God-aware helps the executive, decision-making region take every thought and transform it to be more constructive.”

What a difference we can make by choosing the positive chemicals versus the negative ones to bathe our brains! To bolster our innovative problem-solving, God has definitely created a concrete means for us to stay connected to Him and all we have to do is actively choose it.

Last night as I lay awake ruminating, I imagined all the fine twigs of my brain reaching to Jesus, touching His cloak to receive healing. I envisioned the love and warmth of positive chemicals flowing through the fine network of neurotransmitters to redirect my thinking and support the health of my brain. I anticipated constructive, hopeful solutions. I once again resolved to trust patiently in His perfect plan.

Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches. When I do what I can to keep those branches healthy, I am more at peace and ultimately more effective in His kingdom.

Thank you, Lord, that in your magnificent design, we can be regenerated, healthy and whole. You thought of everything!

Glorious reunion

Losing a mom feels like losing an arm or a leg, or more. It feels like losing a whole library of information, like being stripped of your blankets, like missing all your favorite things, at once. It’s having a hole in your heart, a gnawing in your stomach and disorientation in your weary brain.

Our mother was an anchor in life’s ocean. She was the serenity that stilled the waves of anxiety, always pointing us to the One who could walk on water and calm the sea. Mom saw beauty all around and praised God for it. She listened to our hopes and dreams, guided us with strong faith and inspired us to do greater things.

Growing up on a farm was a wonderful life. The four of us kids learned the value of hard work and teamwork, caring for animals, enjoying the great outdoors and creating our own adventures. For many years, Mom and Dad would take us on family vacations between harvesting the first and second crops of hay. We’d enjoy road trips to see new sights: lakes, woods, mountains, monuments and waterfalls.

Later, with kids and grandkids living in various states, we’d take turns planning our family reunion. Whether tent camping, renting cabins or vacation homes, we made great memories in each setting.

The last few years, with the family farm as our home base, we helped Mom and Dad with chores. Our gathering expanded from a long weekend to a whole week as we mowed, pruned, weeded, cleaned, painted and made random repairs. Of course, we had time for bonfires, ice cream outings, visiting the zoo and other fun. It has been extremely rewarding to work together and enjoy the camaraderie as in earlier years.

While we kids all feel our loss, Dad feels adrift in a vast ocean without his anchor. His best friend, caregiver and loving partner of 65 years is suddenly gone, as is his home of the last 60 years. His short-term memory is gone. Some days he thinks Mom will be there to pick him up any minute. Other days, he mournfully remembers she is gone.

But Dad’s faith is strong, and he says almost daily, “We have a lot to be thankful for. Thank God for everything.”

We talk often about seeing Mom again one day. “Just think of the delight she has in Heaven…five months already! What do you think she is doing? Celebrating with her mom, dad, brothers, sisters, Ted and others… Seeing Jesus and the most beautiful scenery ever… No trouble or tears or pain… Maybe God has put her to work tending the gardens, feeding the birds or preparing a feast. Maybe she is singing in the choir.

Just a few days before she passed, I had read to her about Many Crowns – and now she knows! Mom used to talk about how God prepares a room for each of us in Heaven. She often wondered how there would be room for all – and now she knows!”

“It is long and hard now to miss her and wait for Jesus,” I remind Dad. “But every day we are one step closer to Heaven. Every day we do our best here until He comes back for us. And when He does, what a glorious reunion it will be! In the blink of an eye we will be with Him face to face! We’ll be having our family reunion in Heaven, for eternity!”

“Let Heaven fill your thoughts; don’t spend your time worrying about things down here…Your real life is in Heaven with Christ and God. And when Christ who is our real life comes back again, you will shine with Him and share in all His glories.” 

– Col. 3:2-4, as underlined in Mom's Bible

God's Love

by Ev Hendricks, March 1985. To the tune of the Wedding Song...

Give honor to the Father
And glory to His Son
And praise the Holy Spirit
And all the things He's done.
I'm thankful for the many things
God's given me and you.
That's why I praise Him every day
And want you to know Him, too.
And His love, and His love, and His love...

He's given us so many things.
He's given you to me.
He's given us this special love
For all the world to see
He's given us these children
He gives us all the best
He's given many years of toil
And then He gives us rest...
This is love, this is love, this is love...

He gives the many seasons.
The gently falling snow.
In spring we see new life again
Wherever we may go.
We feel the heat of summer,
See colored leaves in fall.
Of all the places on this earth
We have the best of all.
And we have love, we have love, we have love...

He gives the morning sunshine
To start a brand new day.
He gives the hills, the fields, the wind
With smells of fresh mown hay.
We see the rainbow in the sky
After the falling rain.
He's given us a million joys.
And then He gives us pain.
But -- out of love, out of love, out of love...

He gave us each our parents
To teach us here on earth.
They tried to help us understand
Just what this life is worth.
He gave to us the Spirit
To help us make it through.
And then He gave His only Son
To die for me and you!
This is love! This is love! This is love!...

He gives the many flowers,
The sun, the sea, the sky.
He gives a world of beauty
There's time I wonder why.
Why does He keep on giving?
How can we only take?
Oh, when will we appreciate?
Oh, when will we awake
To His love, to His love, to His love?...

And when this life is over
And our work on earth is through.
I want to know I've done my best.
I've done all I can do.
I want to be in Heaven, Lord.
I've got to find the way.
I want to be with you, Oh Lord,
I want to hear you say...
"Come my love, come my love, come my love."

Mom went home to glory April 10, 2018. We were happy to share her beautiful poem at her memorial service as a genuine example of the faith she modeled for us.