And What Next?

        Not only has Covid19 changed all of our lives, but the changes are also changing.  Since nobody has ever dealt with this before, many original recommendations continue to be changed.

          Originally we were told to wear gloves and masks.  The recommendation for masks still stands, although many object to them and refuse to wear them.  Now I admit that they are a pain at time, but current recommendations claim they are important.  But breathing with them can be difficult after awhile.  What will it be like when summer finally comes?  And how will you sing with them on?  Will we ever reach a point where they can be discarded?  Will this recommendation ever change?

          Now what about gloves?  I thought that was a reasonable safeguard.  So I, like many, went out and invested in a large supply of gloves. But then they recently discovered that the virus does not stick to most surfaces as originally thought.  But it can stick to gloves

          Last Monday I went to my doctor with my mask and gloves.  At the check-in I was first told to discard my gloves, sanitize my hands, and then put on a new set of gloves which they provided.  Friday my wife went to the same medical practice.  They also told her to throw out her gloves and sanitize her hands.  But they didn't give her replacements.  Her doctor then told her that they have discovered that all the gloves actually do is pick up and carry the virus which you then often deposit on yourself when you touch your face. 

          So I guess gloves are no longer necessary.  But you do need to sanitize and especially wash your hands regularly.  And remember they need to be washed for at least 20 seconds - "Hal-le-lu Hal-le-lu hal-le-lu Hal-le-lu-jah, Praise ye the Lord!"  That chorus has become my favorite to use while I am washing my hands.

          Then there is the red-yellow-green system that has been used by our Governor in PA.  I really have questions about his system and the exceptions he has made.  For example, how are abortion clinics allowed to remain open?  The number of babies killed in them is not much different than the number of folks who have died from Covid19.  But our liberal leadership doesn't care.

         And how is he going to allow schools to open in the Fall as he has already announced?  It's my observation that this is a typical announcement by a "leader" who has never been a teacher or an educational administrator.  They often make major decisions about schools without having any experience working in them. Then they leave the school officials with the difficult task of implementing them.  How are they going to separate students in schools that are already overcrowded?  How are they going to safely feed the students?  How are they going to separate students on school busses?  Where will they get all the additional staff to do all of this?  Who is going to provide the funds needed to help schools which are now deeper in debt than ever before.  Oh yes, I guess there are always taxes.  However there are already some who are proposing legislation to prohibit schools from raising taxes.  No wonder our government is so wacky.

         And I am concerned about the changes that are allowing things to open probably sooner than they should, even though that seems to be what so many people want.   When my wife was with her doctor yesterday she was flatly told that the two of us should not attend church or even be pressured into attending.  It just isn't safe for us to do so.

           She also told my wife that her grandfather is a pastor and he shared how at one church they rushed to open services.  Their choir met to practice and then sing in their Sunday service.  They maintained the proper recommended distances.  I'm not sure if they used gloves or masks.  But about two weeks later about half of the choir members were suddenly diagnosed as having Covid19.  Was rushing the opening of services worthwhile?

          Well I wish things were back to normal.  I miss church, especially knowing that I may never be able to attend again.  I miss sports, especially the Phillies, the Eagles and Penn State.  I miss getting some of the medical tests and care that I really need.  But I especially miss my family.  It has been a real sacrifice not to visit with them. It has been about three months since we could see them in person.  And I just hope that the Lord allows us to at least attend my granddaughter's wedding in December.  

          But the Lord knows all about it and our trust is in Him.  I am often reminded of the words of an old hymn, "Oh Thou who changest not, abide with me."  Thankfully we serve a God who is faithful and loving - He doesn't change and He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  And Covid19 is no challenge for Him.

Be A Blessing

        So what does one do during an pandemic?  Being sheltered at home eliminates many of the choices that you might normally make in a "normal" situation.

          You might spend your time during jigsaw or word puzzles.  You might spend time watching television or playing computer games.  You might spend time reading.  You might take naps - several of them.  You might try to catch up on your house cleaning.  You might pay bills and try to organize your finances. Maybe you have a hobby like painting or sewing or woodworking that can take up your time.  How about online shopping or even exercising? 

          There certainly are many ways to spend our unexpected free time.  But as the days drag on, many of these things can become boring, except maybe taking naps.  You can soon develop cabin fever, but hopefully not a real fever.

          Let me suggest a very important project - becoming a blessing to others.  

          With church activities canceled or put on hold, many of our opportunities to minister are no longer there.  Bible study teachers, musicians, ushers, greeters, child care workers, librarians, financial helpers, sound personnel, transportation helpers and many others are not presently needed.  So what opportunities are there to allow these folks to continue to minister?  Or should they just have an extended vacation from ministry?

          Let me suggest an area of ministry that is usually neglected by the church - people to people communications.  Not only do people need the Lord, but they also need human friends who care.  But how do you show you care?

          As I've mentioned in previous blogs, the telephone can become a real ministry tool.  Learn to use it regularly to encourage others.  Can you imagine what this time must be like for lonely widows or widowers?  Or how about folks who have physical limitations?  The days can be so long for these folks who are alone and think nobody really cares (and maybe they are right about this).

          Now I personally resist using the telephone but I love to communicate by e-mails.  That probably isn't as good as hearing an actual voice, but it is an easy way to communicate.  Now while we can't text, today most folks can.  So use what tools you have.

          Remember special events like birthdays and holidays.  But even better than those days are notes sharing "just thinking of you".  What an easy way to become a blessing to others.

          And if you are physically able, find some ways to help others, especially those who are limited in what they are able to do.  For example, we have a neighbor who daily brings our morning newspaper from the end of our drive to our front door.  What a help and blessing this effort is to us.

         If others don't share their needs with you, then take some time to think about the needs they might have.  Many years ago, during my mother's death, a family from our church unexpectedly showed up while we were away and cleaned up all of our leaves.  What a surprise.  How thoughtful and helpful.  What a blessing that was.  It is a gift that we have never forgotten.
          Many have lost their jobs and are now just scraping by.  They might be embarassed to share those needs, but a note of encouragement and a gift card just might "make their day".

          All of us have needs whether we are seniors, or handicapped, or living alone or discouraged or even a parent confined with children.  There must be something we can do to help them even if it is an encouraging personal contact.  Maybe they need something at the store.  Maybe they have some yard work that needs done.  Maybe there are some home repairs that need attended to.  Maybe they need a ride to the doctor or the pharmacy or to somewhere else.

          So instead of worrying about yourself, why not spend your time looking for ways to use this time to become a blessing to others. Ask the Lord to point you to others and their needs.  By helping them, you too will be blest.

Out in the highways and byways of life,

Many are weary and sad;

Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,

Making the sorrowing glad.

Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.

Out of my life may Jesus shine.

Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray,

Make me a blessing to someone today.

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love,

Tell of His pow'r to forgive;

Others will trust Him if only you prove

True, every moment you live. 

Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.

Out of my life may Jesus shine.

Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray,

Make me a blessing to someone today.

Give as 'twas given to you in you need,

Love as the Master loved you;

Be to the helpless a helper indeed,

Unto your mission be true. 

Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.

Out of my life may Jesus shine.

Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray,

Make me a blessing to someone today.

Do You Remember?

          While we are isolated here is something to stretch your brains - especially you "older" folks.

01.  After the Lone Ranger saved the day and rode off into the sunset, the  grateful citizens would ask, Who was that masked man?

Invariably, someone would answer, “I don't know, but he left this behind.”    What did he leave  behind?   ________________.    

 02.  When the Beatles first came to the U.S. In early 1964, we all watched them  on The ____ ___________ Show.

 03.  'Get your kicks, __ _________ _______.'

  04.  'The story you are about to see is true.   The names have been changed to  _____ _ _____.'

05.  'In the jungle, the mighty jungle, ____ ____ ____ ____.'

06.  After the Twist, The Mashed Potato, and the Watusi, we 'danced' under a stick that was lowered as low as we could go in a dance called the  '_____.'

07.  Nestle's makes the very best....  _________.'

08.  Satchmo was America's 'Ambassador of Goodwill.'   Our parents shared this  great jazz trumpet player with us.  

His name was  __________  ___________.

09.  What takes a licking and keeps on ticking?  ___________.

10.  Red Skeleton's hobo character was named ______ ___ ________ and Red always  ended his television show by saying, 'Good Night, and '________   ________ ’

11.  Some Americans who protested the Vietnam War did so by burning their   ______ _______.

12.  The cute little car with the engine in the back and the trunk in the front  was called the VW. What other names did it go by? _____ &  _______.

13.  In 1971, singer Don MacLean sang a song about, 'the day the music died.'  This was a tribute to _______ ____________.

14.  We can remember the first satellite placed into orbit.   The Russians did it.   It was called __________.

15.  One of the big fads of the late 50's and 60's was a large plastic ring that  we twirled around our waist.  It was called the ______ _____.     
 16.  Remember LS/MFT _____ _____/_____ _____ _____?

17.  Hey Kids!   What time is it?   It's _____ ______ _____!

 18.  Who knows what secrets lie in the hearts of men? Only The _____  Knows!

 19.  There was a song that came out in the 60's that was "a grave yard smash".   Its name was the ______ ______!

20.  Alka Seltzer used a "boy with a tablet on his head" as its Logo/Representative.   What was the boy's name?  ________

 ANSWERS:  

01. The  Lone Ranger left behind a silver bullet.

02. The Ed Sullivan Show

03.  On Route 66

04. To protect the innocent.

05.  The Lion Sleeps Tonight

06.  The limbo

07.  Chocolate

08.  Louis Armstrong

09.  The Timex watch

10.  Freddy, The Freeloader and 'Good Night and God Bless.'

11.  Draft cards (Bras were also burned, not flags, as some have guessed)

12.  Beetle or Bug

13.  Buddy Holly

14.  Sputnik

15.  Hoola-hoop

16.  Lucky Strike/Means Fine Tobacco

17.  Howdy Doody Time

18.  Shadow

19.  Monster  Mash

20.  Speedy

          And, finally, recently somebody sent me the following poem.   I am sure that a few of you can relate to it.

I remember the corned beef of my Childhood,  

And the bread that we cut with a knife,

When the Children helped with the housework,

And the men went to work not the wife.

The cheese never needed a fridge,  

And the bread was so crusty and hot,

The Children were seldom unhappy,

And the Wife was content with her lot.

I remember the milk from the bottle,  

With the yummy cream on the top,

Our dinner came hot from the oven,

And not from a freezer; or shop.

The kids were a lot more contented,  

They didn't need money for kicks,

Just a game with their friends in the road,

And sometimes the Saturday flicks.

I remember the shop on the corner,  

Where biscuits for pennies were sold

Do you think I'm a bit too nostalgic?

Or is it ... .I'm just getting Old?

 Bathing was done in a wash tub,  

With plenty of rich foamy suds

But the ironing seemed never ending

As Mum pressed everyone's 'duds'.

I remember the slap on my backside,  

And the taste of soap if I swore

Anorexia and diets weren't heard of

And we hadn't much choice what we wore.

Do you think that bruised our ego?  

Or our initiative was destroyed?

We ate what was put on the table

And I think life was better enjoyed.

Author, Unknown   ..

If you can remember those days ..  

Continue to enjoy your Retirement.

Personal Observations on Isolation

        We're now about two months into our home isolation and we are finding many things that we are trying our best to adjust to.  Here are some of the things that have changed.

         First, I really miss being with my family.  While most of them do live close by, we all have been following the recommended guidelines and as a result we have not been together at all.  Fortunately our sons do call us frequently and that is a help.

          I also miss church and my church family.  Except for our family and some crank calls, our telephone seldom rings anymore.  Normally I would like that, but it does get boring sitting here at home and not hearing from friends, especially since I don't think you can get the virus over the phone.  We have heard a few times from friends who no longer attend our church, but not from friends who we assume are still attending there.  We try to at least keep communications going one way as we send out notes and birthday cards on a regular basis.  My wife also tries to call several folks regularly to encourage them. Unfortunately we can't text and that seems to be the way most folks communicate today.  However, we can e-mail and answer the phone.

          There are two calls that I especially miss, even though they ended eleven years ago.  I miss hearing from my brother who passed away in 2009.  He was an exceptional encourager and would call me or send me something whenever he knew that I needed cheering up. I really miss that and could use a call or two from him. 

          And I also miss talking to my dad who also died in 2009.  While, like me, he wasn't a great conversationalist, he was a very wise man with a real faith in God.  I miss his example, advice and wisdom, but I am also glad that he isn't here going through this panic.  I have always missed him, but it seems like recent events have made me wish even more that I could call him once again.

          I miss sports - baseball, football, basketball, and golf.  I am desperate enough to even miss hockey and racing.  Television programs are poor.  I am tired of reruns and what is labeled as "entertainment" today.

          I miss the opportunity to shop and purchase all the things that we need.  We have been ordering online and picking up our groceries, but we usually only get about half of what we ordered.  For example, we have not been able to get Bisquick or some meat online at any store.  I have also been ordering numerous other items online, especially medical items.  But one just needs to relax and wait until they finally arrive in the snail mail, often two or three weeks later.

          I miss being able to get service from stores that are closed.  Our washer has a problem and probably needs to be replaced.  We were hoping that it would hold on until we could get it repaired or replaced. But we did find that our appliance store now has begun to sell over the telephone and we were able to order a replacement. We've never bought something that expensive without first being able to see it.  When they finally can deliver it we'll see if that is a wise investment.  But it is the way things operate today.
         We also need a visit from our piano repair man but that is on hold until ... who knows when.  We need some trees trimmed and limbs removed and we can't do that anymore.  Fortunately we have gotten help with our weeding and grass cutting.

          We also miss being able to see a doctor face to face and get needed medical tests/exams.  We have had a few telephone visits but they just aren't the same.  But who really wants to go into their environment right now and try to escape without catching the virus?  So we continue to live with some physical challenges that we would normally deal with.

          Now, despite my complaining, there are some good things that are happening during this isolation.  I am spending much more time in prayer.   I am enjoying time in the Old Testament.  I am reading more (and taking more naps).  I am writing more.  I have added a new feature to my hymn blog - "Peace in the battle with Co-vid 19" in which I feature hymns of comfort.  Since I have begun that my weekly readership has grown from about 700 to  about 1,100.  I guess many others also need encouragement and peace in these troubled times.

          And as I mentioned earlier, my wife and I have done some things to try to encourage our friends and folks in our church.  She makes weekly calls to numerous folks, especially widows.  We send out e-mails, notes and cards to those who might be lonely or discouraged.   We hope that they are helped by these contacts.  Isolation and being alone can be tough - for all of us.

            So will things ever get back to normal?  Maybe not.  Our questions will continue.  Will we get the virus and will we survive it?  Will our family get it?  Will you get it if you go out for necessary visits such as to the grocery store or the doctor?  Will you be able to get the food and supplies which you need - including toilet paper?  Will you get it from touching your mail or newspaper?  Will you ever be able to hug your grandchildren again?  Will you ever be able to visit with friends again?  Will attending church ever be a possibility once again?

          Only the Lord knows the answers to these questions which cause us anxiety.  So we must trust Him  and take these questions to Him.  After all, as the old hymn says, we cannot bear these burdens alone and Jesus can help us, Jesus alone!

         Oh yes, one more question, will I  ever be able to get my hair cut again?

The Wilderness

        I recently read about Sydney Cox, an interesting, but little known man, who was born in England in 1887.  When he was nineteen he emigrated to Canada and he never saw his parents again.  But the next year he found Christ as his Savior and soon began serving the Lord.  In 1915 he married a Salvation Army coworker, Violet Henderson, and for the rest of their lives they served the Lord together.

          Now Sydney passed away in 1975 and probably, like me, you've never heard of him.  But you probably grew up singing some of the 200 or more Sunday School songs that he wrote, like "Deep and Wide", "I Love Him Better Every Day",  and "My Lord Knows The Way Through the Wilderness." All three of these were part of my youth, but the last chorus has recently come back to my mind quite often since I recently heard it on the radio once again.

         Now what is a wilderness?  I  spent some time on the internet answering this question.  Definitions included "an uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region."  Others said "an empty or pathless area or region, a bewildering situation, barren, or a desert."  

          We might also picture it from Bible stories we have read.  Corresponding to the 40 days that the spies toured the land, God decreed that the Israelites would wander in the wilderness for 40 years as a result of their unwillingness to take the land.  And of course, Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  Words translated as "wilderness" occur nearly 300 times in the Bible.

          Now in terms of our life today, I like the definitions that a wilderness is a bewildering situation or a barren time.  So, in fact, maybe we can describe our lives today as being in a wilderness.

          Think about it - we have never experienced anything like this.  We are restricted and can't do the things we used to do and enjoy.  We can''t be with friends and family.  We must be concerned about the virus (the wild animals) catching us.  We are suddenly concerned about jobs, savings, money, food, ... and even toilet paper.  With this isolation life can seem bewildering and barren and at times without much hope.  It's almost like we are in a wilderness.

           If that is the case in your life, then maybe this chorus by Cox can bring hope to you once again.  It might not have meant too much to you when you sang it years ago as a child, but stop and think about the words.

My Lord knows the way through the wilderness,

All I have to do is follow.

My Lord knows the way through the wilderness,

All I have to do is follow.

Strength for today is mine all the way,

And all that I need for tomorrow.

My Lord knows the way through the wilderness

All I have to do is follow.

            Yes, the Lord does know the way through our isolation and worries. Nobody else does no matter what they may say.  Only the Lord knows the present and the future and what lies ahead.  And He has promised never to leave us.   And all we need to do is to trust Him and follow Him.  He will provide the strength we need to get through this wilderness.

          Maybe you will join me this week singing this old chorus when the dangers and unknowns of this wilderness begin to overwhelm you.

          Just in case you have never heard this chorus or have forgotten it, here is a link for you to listen to it.     WILDERNESS