Thankful for our Sovereign God

Set to run outside to find hidden surprises!

Surely it has been more than a month since February!  Something has certainly happened as not only have I joined Facebook but so has Graham, my mother, and my aunt.  Speaking of Facebook, I thoroughly enjoyed watching a wedding video tonight from my cousin's wedding two years ago.  Apparently I have lots to catch up on!  That being said, I thus far prefer Messenger for communication.

Lily-Anna on the balance bike at the cemetery

For an insecure introvert who connects better one-to-one, actually posting something on FB might be a stretch.  However, I have been reminded of late with words from Randall Goodgame (we love Slugs & Bugs songs for kids), to "remember not to take myself too seriously because taking yourself too seriously is anathema to being a disciple.  You can't do it.  You can't hold onto your own self and also follow Jesus.  You have to just give it up to the One who really knows what to do with us.  We have to give Him ourselves."  In case my meaning is unclear - perhaps my reticence to posting means I take myself too seriously?  I still have some processing to do.  It is nice to feel more "connected" and knowledgeable.  I've already sent two "Happy Birthday" greetings. :)

We opened the door and there was a duck!

This duck's partner was out our front window

The five Faulkners are social distancing due to Covid-19, the coronovirus that has spread through the world (I write that so I know what was going on when I read this when I'm older and greyer but I'm quite sure this season will never be forgotten.)  'Unprecedented' has been my word of choice for this situation.  So thankful that we serve a Sovereign God who is in control, who is good, who loves us, and whom we can trust.

The boys working on some science kits

So, what has changed?  We leave the house for groceries (Graham or I) and for walks or bike rides or kicking the soccer ball or racing remote control cars, all while making sure we stay at least six feet away from other people.  We say hi to our neighbours from afar as well as the grandparents.  The kids are learning at home and we watch our church service in our basement.  Each day I walk into our tidy bedroom and when I need a towel I look in our tidy linen closet and when I do laundry I do that in our tidier laundry room (still in progress but much improved).  Once a week, the extended Lucas family has a Zoom call and both boys do their piano lessons on Zoom.  Monday to Friday the kids learn upstairs while Graham is working from home in the basement.  I am also enjoying longer quiet times reading my Bible and praying (after the kids are asleep).  We are playing chess (and anti-chess which Graham taught us).  I actually want to learn strategy so I can get better.  Who knew I would like chess?!

My chess teacher

There are ups and downs with the learning but on the first day I certainly felt the privilege of being able to connect with my kids in a new way.  Our "school" day now starts with Bible and prayer in individual rooms.  Lily-Anna loves having her brothers home.  Our "read aloud" book is Pollyanna, just because I found it on the shelf while getting rid of some books in the basement.  I didn't think about its subject per se when I chose it but I think it's a great book for us to read - after lunch each day.     

Tea party with treats

I put up three magnetic boards in our home.  These have been in the corner of our room for months and months and months.  One now has my checklist for reading the Bible and prayer time and eating well (just started yesterday) and also my updated prayer list.  Feeling good about being more intentional.

I made sure to thank workers at Walmart the last time I was there to shop.  Thank you to all the people continuing to work and serve in grocery stores, pharmacies, and all the healthcare workers.

I should have been asleep long ago so I'll say goodnight for now and I hope to post pictures tomorrow night, though I realize my record is not good when I miss.

Oh right, I forgot my little vignettes that I keep notes on during the month:

Mommy - singing to Lily-Anna, "Thank you for being a sweetie pie."
Lily-Anna - Don't thank me, thank God for making me.

***

Lily-Anna had always loved and looked forward to her literacy program two mornings a week.  One day she didn't want to attend so I spoke with her teacher and found out that a little girl had spit at her.  I chatted with Lily-Anna about this and she seemed to feel better.  The following day out of the blue she asked me if we could pray for the girl at the program who spit at her.  We prayed.

***

Lily-Anna: Is 'Lily-Anna' in the Bible?
Me: The word lily is in the Bible and the name Anna is in the Bible.
Lily-Anna: Well, I am a girl named Lily-Anna and I follow Jesus.
Me: Yes, you are.

***

I was in my room so I overheard the following.  Lily-Anna was singing in the living room and then she went into the kitchen and spoke with Isaac:

Lily-Anna: That was a Bible song.
Isaac: You did a good job.
Lily-Anna: I'm pressed.
Isaac: You are impressed?
Lily-Anna: Yes, I'm pressed with my friends.  They sang well.
(She is referring to imaginary friends, one of whom is often "Jimmy" and then an assortment of interesting names that often rhyme.  "Jimmy" had to be in the hospital but then he came and stayed with us but had to stay in his own space.")

Can you see the pillow?!

Good night and God bless you and yours!  May you draw closer to God during this time.  He is a good God and He loves you.

Blessings,
Elizabeth

John 1:14

¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.