Aunty Rona, Coro Coro, Rona LaâShay, Coronavirus, COVID-19âŚ. The names are endless but the feeling towards this pandemic remain the same: Bewilderment. Frustration. sometimes anxiety. Life right now feels like a movie. We all blinked and the coronavirus spread from China to what feels like every crack and crevice of the world. However, I am learning lessons that I know I will never forget:
âThereâs Rice at Homeâ
Growing up, this was a response I often heard from my mom as to why my sister and I couldnât have ______ (insert fast food restaurant) for dinner LOL. Now as a wife and a homemaker, being fiscally responsible is more important than ever. (It also helps that practically every restaurant Iâve wanted to go to is closed lol.) I have been more creative in utilizing ingredients in my pantry and trying to diversify what we eat. Share your Coronacation recipes with me! I will never again take for granted the ability to stroll into an establishment and have my food prepared for me đNow is a great time to try that recipe from IG or even master your favorite restaurantâs lunch item. Post-Corona, youâll be happy you learned a thing or two that can save you money.
Some Things Are What you Make It
Photographer: Kirstin Israel | @KirstinIsraelPhoto | Macon, GA | #CurbsidePhotoshoot
When life gives you lemons, right? đ¤ˇđžââď¸
With our honeymoon being cancelled and all travel plans put on hold, I had an idea to bring fun into my home with my own resort activities. Yâall donât laugh at me. đI was inspired by the many parents that are now becoming expert teachers, with some having to alter curriculums to entertain and engage little ones. Iâm learning to be intentional about doing little things that bring lots of laughter into a tough season. My husband and I celebrated 4 months of being married quarantined, grateful for health together. What things are you doing to choose joy? laughter? If you havenât already, make it a priority to do something daily that brings a smile to your face.
Rest⌠and Donât Feel Bad About Needing To
Iâve tried to keep myself on a pre-corona schedule to preserve as much normalcy as possible. I have many productive days such as today, hence a blog post lol. I also have many days when I do nothing but exercise and watch TV⌠and lots of it. Initially, I felt guilty about not making use of all this newfound time on my hands. SURELY this time mustâve been given to me to crank out weekly blog posts, hair tutorial videos, and aesthetically pleasing photos⌠right? Maybe. Maybe not. The new normal is quite weird for everyone and weâre adjusting the best we can. Iâm learning to give myself grace, now and in all future seasons. Rest is essential to accomplish any goals weâve set. Today, I work. Tomorrow, I play. đđžââď¸
The Church Was Never a Building
The closure of our physical church building was the first thing I can honestly say made me a little fearful. I thought âCoronavirus has gotten so serious that even CHURCHES have to be closed down??â. Like many of you, this means attending church services online. I have been reminded that the church goes beyond a physical four wall structure. It has challenged me to grow in my personal walk with the Lord â morning devotion with the Word, reading books based on Biblical truths, and being my own worship team so God can hear His favorite voice - mine lol. Habits are being formed that I pray to never lose, even after things go back to normal. Iâm holding onto Habakkuk 3:17-18:
17 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
I pray that mentally, emotionally, and spiritually we remain strong and encouraged through this pandemic. Whatâre you learning in this season?