There have been seasons when I was going through rough times, that I would lay awake at night, worrying, being anxious of what lies ahead.

I let my fear overcome me so much, that it consumed my every waking moment.

Looking back, there were several things that I could have done differently. The first and most important was acknowledging God. Oh, I knew God, but didn’t think He could get me out of my mess.

Instead of asking God for help, I thought I could devise my own plans. The fact was, I let fear consume me, without looking at the facts.

The fact was, I was a child of God. I gave Him my life when I was sixteen years old. I knew He loved me, but I didn’t think He was big enough to replace my fear.

Going through valleys are never easy, but you know what always follows valleys? Mountains.

If you’re a Christian, you know that God is here, He’s in control. Whom shall we fear, if God is on our side?

Replace your fear with faith in Christ today.

2 Timothy 1:7 - “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

Plans were halted, calendars wiped out, lives changed.

Years from now, we’ll be asking, “where were you in the 2020 pandemic?”

In less than a month ago, we were all going to work, school; doing our daily routine. And just like that, our world, our life as we knew it, changed.

Our minds, our thoughts, were re-directed in just a few days. The invisible imposter, COVID-19 has invaded our land; seeped into our communities.

But, as Christians, we will not be moved. Yes, our lives have been disrupted, but our minds are still and forever fixed on God.

In times like these, we’re not sitting at home, fretting and getting anxious over what’s happening.

We are looking to Christ, trusting in His everlasting promises.

My routine may have changed, but my passion for life remains the same. My goal is to still tell others my story. My objective, to reveal my character through this adversity.

When Jesus returns some day soon to take His saints home, it will be in a blink of an eye.

And just like that, your eternity will become reality. Are you ready for that?

Eclesiastes 3:1 - “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:”

Don’t let past mistakes or wrong choices make you think that you’ve blown it with God. He always cares and will always rescue His children.

God knows how to find the path to meet you, right where you are. He knows the people to put in your life, so that you know, God is in the midst.

You can run as fast as you can to get away from God, and He’s still right beside you.

In my early years with God as a Christian, I would get lax in my daily relationship. It would start by forgetting to read my bible; next came prayer, which was usually in moments of despair or fear. But, the amazing thing about my God is that He never gave up on me. He continued to pursue me, because He knew that His plans for me were going to be great. He knew, even though I didn’t, that He would someday put me on the mission field.

You see, when I thought I had done too much damage to my relationship with God, He was making plans for me. He knew that He would make something good out of the messes I had made.

Don’t walk away from God. You’re never too far from the Creator. He loves you and wants to be near.

It’s His mercy for us that keeps us close. He wants to see us do well. He wants to give us the desires of our heart.

Let God into your life today. You’re never too far. He’s waiting with open arms.

Ephesians 2:4-5 - “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”

I heard the above statement the other day, and it couldn’t be more appropriate for what we’re going through now.

Many of us, even Christians, have moments of panic, this is our nature. But, I’ve found that as long as I keep on doing what I have been doing, praising and walking with God, I have peace.

I’ve learned to replace fear with faith; worry with worship.

As long as I’m keeping my eyes on God, I don’t have time to worry.

In my early walk with God I didn’t have a clue what it meant to follow God. It took time and dedication to reading His Word. It took me going through hard times, when all I had was God.

The thing that Christians can have the most confidence in right now, is that God doesn’t give up on us. He pursues us, consistently and continually.

I know life seems bleak right now. The unknown is a little unnerving.

This is the time to trust God. This moment in time didn’t catch Him off guard. He’s watching to see how we react.

What’s it going to be? Fear or faith? Worry or worship? Anger, or trusting God?

Look up to the Promise Keeper!

2 Chronicles 15:7 - “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

Smile. Breathe. I found myself mesmerized as I watched my two grandkids playing in the sandbox yesterday. Their giggles reminded me that so many of us forget to laugh.

Sometimes we don’t realize that we are given a gift each day. It’s called life.

If you can’t find anything to smile about, try this: reach out to someone in need. Make a phone call, write a letter, or better yet, plant a flower in your neighbor’s yard or place a potted plant on their doorstep. A simple act of kindness can be done. Take the first step.

Someone recently helped me out on a project I have going on, without expecting anything in return. Wow! What character; an amazing man of God.

I have to smile today, when I think of God’s goodness. He puts people in my life all the time, as a reminder, that He cares for me.

A smile doesn’t cost anything; a giggle is free!

Let go of your worries, give them to God. From experience, I can tell you, it will give you something to smile about if you give your burdens to God.

Let go and smile; let go and let God love you today.

Psalm 118:24 - “The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.”

I find it easy to be with my grandkids. They’re not worried about what’s going on in the world. All they want is my undivided attention and love.

Ah, to be a kid again. To not have any worries, other than, “why my sister took my toy….”

Be careful what you are saying, when kids are around you right now. Kids can pick up on everything.

Kids need encouragement, love, a listening ear, and our undivided attention. They need to see confidence in your face and actions.

Let’s fill the house with singing, dancing and love. Let them see you praying with a boldness.

Not only kids, but others who don’t know Jesus, are watching us Christians.

Let your light shine, Christians. Speak in love and compassion. Talk about how great our God is, and how He is watching over us.

God never fails. NEVER! Christians, tell others your story. Tell them the peace God gives to His children and the peace He’s giving you now.

Give them something to talk about!

Acts 22:15 - “You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard.”

My biggest prayer right now is for the people who are isolated from others. Those who were already forgotten, or brushed aside.

What we, as Christians need to be doing now is to first pray for those who are lost and lonely. Next, find a way to help them. It could be just a phone call to say Hi; it could be sending a card or cards consistently, to brighten their day.

Most everyone has one thing on their mind. Find ways to distract your mind by reaching out.

Prayer is our most powerful weapon against this virus, and other demons that are trying to infect our bodies, and worst of all, infect our minds.

Don’t stop reaching out to God. He will protect you, if you ask. His desire is to bless you and carry you through this time.

I think this time is forcing us to get back to family; to realize what's important.

Friends, I’m praying for all of us, and if you don’t know Jesus, humble yourself and ask Him into your heart today.

Don’t stop believing in our Creator. God will never stop loving you!

Philippians 2:4 - “not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

A few days ago, I decided to go for a walk around 6:30 a.m. It was still dark, but the first thing I heard as I walked out the door was a bird singing.

And then it dawned on me. No one told the birds that there’s a pandemic right now. They sing as they always do every day.

As we should be as Christians. We have a lot to sing about today; a lot to be thankful for. And not just Christians, everyone, especially in America. We have so much available to us, that other countries only dream about.

I found this to be so much more real after I returned home from my first mission trip. You know what? The birds were singing there too!

As we are told to stay home during this time, how about sitting outside or taking a walk, and listen to nature.

We could all use some quiet time, or meditation. So, take this time given, and be still, breathe and thank God for all you have.

Learn from nature. Sing like no one’s listening; dance like no one’s watching.

I guarantee you, it will be music to God’s ears!

Luke 12:24 - “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!”