5 Must do's in light of Covid 19

By now most people have adapted to the new normals of COVID 19. I am presently finishing my third plastic model kit and starting my third book. Every project that I set out to do at the beginning of the year is complete. Many of my friends have sorted, organized and downsized every storage area they have. We all are finding ways to fill time, but are we taking advantage of this opportunity to make some major adjustments in our lives? Here are five must-dos as life goes back into full swing.

1. Tighten up your Finances 
Dave Ramsey was right! Many people have argued with his basic premise and financial advice. Those that agree with him often find themselves living much different then what he prescribed. Did you have six months of expenses saved up before COVID 19? Are you in debt? Did you feel the pressure of this crisis? I suggest that you curtail spending and begin a rigorous savings plan so that you are prepared for the next crisis that comes your way. Our family has been able to cut expenses significantly simply by eating all our meals from home. Make a plan and then work the plan.

2. Make wise use of your Time 
You have the same amount of time that you had before this crisis. Now you have the opportunity to use those minutes, hours and days in a much more meaningful way. I have noticed all the time that I used before the crisis on things that simply don't matter and have no redeeming value. A person would probably think that more time is given to entertainment media and social media during a pandemic. I have found the opposite to be true. My life is becoming much richer by using time for activities that are far more beneficial. Reading, thinking, and learning new things during the crisis have inspired me to use the time I have been given for God's glory. I have always found that living my life beats watching someone live theirs. Live all the minutes of your life.

3. Strengthen close Relationships 
My children are around the house again. They are all young adults but due to the Coronavirus, they are back in the nest. We have had a wonderful time bonding. Playing games, eating special meals, making videos and doing projects. Having our children back home again has given Lisa and I a new appreciation for the closeness we experience as a family. If you are not reminded of the fact that the most important people in your life are right in front of you, then now is the time to start leaning into those relationships. Don't replace busyness for the family time ever again.

4. Reestablish your Priorities
The things that mean the most tend to show up the most during difficult days. Think of all the things that were priorities two months ago that now that barely make any conversation. Entertainment, in general, has been way oversold. It makes a few people rich and keeps a lot of people poor. Sports are enjoyable to watch, but I cannot get all the hours back that I have wasted watching marginal, insignificant athletic contests that do not compete with the stated-above experiences. Travel, I love to travel, but even travel is taking on a new reality for me. Life is short and precious. Make the most of your top priorities. Do the most important thing first and if you have time for a concert, game, or adventure then by all means enjoy!

5. Embrace the Change 
Embrace the change. The world will never be like it was after this life-altering crisis. You will see hundreds of ways that your life will be different. Don't get caught up in the shock of change; but rather, embrace the parts that can make your life more meaningful and rich. There will be new opportunities to learn and grow both at home and in the workplace.

Are You Listening?

Wow! I am experiencing a once in a lifetime event just like all of you. I have questions that run through my mind like, (Where is this all leading ? When will it be over? and How is my life gonna change?) These are just a few of the many questions that I ask regularly.

Has God captured your attention yet? Through this process of life coming to a screeching halt, we are left with time: time to hear, time to listen to God. Psalm 19 is perfect for such a time as this. David identifies two ways that God reveals Himself to mankind. He also exhorts the reader to respond to the Lord by cleansing our way, we become acceptable in His sight.

We see in the first six verses that God has revealed Himself to us through creation. We call this general revelation. Often life is so crazy that we miss looking, seeing the majesty of God through His handy work. Verse three states that "there is no speech, nor are there words;  Their voice is not heard." Every day and all the time we can enjoy and experience the glory of God.

If you have found yourself paralyzed with fear or uncertainty, it is time to get outside. It is time to take a walk, time to start your garden, time to plant some flowers. I have always enjoyed my time in God's creation. Hunting and fishing have been great opportunities to slow down and observe God's handiwork.

David takes the next five verses to demonstrate the value and importance of the scriptures. God reveals himself through the written words of the Bible. There are incredible benefits for those who listen and heed the directives God gives. The Bible restores our soul. It rejoices the heart. It enlightens our eyes.

It is more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey. David tells us that by keeping His commands there is great reward. So are you listening? There are few, if any, excuses not to be driven to the scriptures during this time.  Amazingly, the scriptures speak to every situation that we face in this life, even Covid-19.  May I encourage you to open your Bible today and begin to discover or rediscover the power of God's words.

The last three verses are a call for cleansing. God has spoken and is still speaking. Are we listening? If we are listening, we will let the words of our mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in His sight.