I've found this week more difficult again. I think it is mainly from the realisation that for 12 weeks noone has been closer to me than 2m. For someone whose job was based on touch this is tough. It emphasises to me how important physical touch is for our well-being.
Once again I'm feeling so thankful that God is in complete control. This is a light momentary affliction as we await the glorious prospect of eternity with God and without sin. I'm praying earnestly that God will be using these times for His glory - the revival and revitalisation of the church as individuals and a body, for the salvation of many souls - praying for many in my family and more widely. I'm praying that I and many others will come through this with a closer walk with God and a new perspective on life. I enjoyed thinking on this verse this week from my studies of 2 Corinthians:
"and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." 2 Corinthians 5:15
The restrictions were lifted a little this week with children able to go back to school in reception, year 1 and year 6 but many schools have not gone back yet. We are now able to meet in groups of 6 in the garden. The weather has changed this week so it is much cooler and we had some heavy rain storms yesterday. The prime minister warned people not to retreat inside in their groups.
There have been many protests around the world over the racist murder of a black man in the USA. A terrible tragedy and important to speak up against but maybe using different means. These protests are breaking the lockdown rules and risk increasing the spread of the virus as well as some of them becoming violent.
Anxiety and distress seems to be ever more prevalent from my limited clinical sample. Clinics are busy and many are yearning for services to get back to normal. There are talks of us returning to face to face contact but a lot of changes need to be made. Risk assessments are being carried out in all areas.
This week it was announced that from the 15th June it will be compulsory to wear face masks on public transport and in hospital settings. The mind boggles as to whatever life is going to be like for the forseeable future.
We've finished the bible study on Galatians with church now. We have another preacher scheduled for the morning but will move on to a new series of afternoon studies - I think!
One more week and we will have spent a quarter of the year in lockdown... I'm sure I'll comment on that again next week.
Sunday, 7 June 2020
Sunday, 31 May 2020
Coronavirus Reflections #11
Last Sunday our preacher was in Romania. Remarkably it was one of the clearest broadcasts we have had. He preached very powerfully about Noah's ark. Today we have a preacher from Baldock. On Tuesday evening we had a sermon from the pastor of Bedford chapel on pursuing the presence of God.
Monday was a bank holiday. It was lovely to meet my friend for a walk again. This time we enjoyed learning some of the history of Aynho and a walk through the surrouding countryside. The weather has been beautiful this week.
I started a new job but am still going through the training process at the moment - another job from home on the telephone. My main clinical job is getting a lot busier. I'm noticing how levels of anxiety and the effects of isolation seem to be increasing.
There has been further easing of lockdown. From next week Year 1 and reception can return to school, although in a modified format. We will be able to meet in gardens in groups of 6 from multiple households but continuing to social distance. There are still a few hundred dieing each day.
It was nice to meet with friends from my previous church on Zoom this week. It's a wonderful blessing how Christian friendship continues with unity in Christ.
It's strange how waves of isolation distress come. Generally it is fine but every now and then an hour or two of distress come - despair at the never ending nature of lockdown, not enjoying the status of nobody being able to come nearer to me than 2m, fears of lack of the emotional and social impact of this period. Normally though it is fine and you just keep going through the routine. I notice how my work and church Whatsapp groups are a lot quieter now. People seem to be becoming more withdrawn as isolation continues.
For many people in difficult homes or enduring separation from loved ones this will have been a very difficult period. The full impact I am sure is yet to be seen.
Monday was a bank holiday. It was lovely to meet my friend for a walk again. This time we enjoyed learning some of the history of Aynho and a walk through the surrouding countryside. The weather has been beautiful this week.
I started a new job but am still going through the training process at the moment - another job from home on the telephone. My main clinical job is getting a lot busier. I'm noticing how levels of anxiety and the effects of isolation seem to be increasing.
There has been further easing of lockdown. From next week Year 1 and reception can return to school, although in a modified format. We will be able to meet in gardens in groups of 6 from multiple households but continuing to social distance. There are still a few hundred dieing each day.
It was nice to meet with friends from my previous church on Zoom this week. It's a wonderful blessing how Christian friendship continues with unity in Christ.
It's strange how waves of isolation distress come. Generally it is fine but every now and then an hour or two of distress come - despair at the never ending nature of lockdown, not enjoying the status of nobody being able to come nearer to me than 2m, fears of lack of the emotional and social impact of this period. Normally though it is fine and you just keep going through the routine. I notice how my work and church Whatsapp groups are a lot quieter now. People seem to be becoming more withdrawn as isolation continues.
For many people in difficult homes or enduring separation from loved ones this will have been a very difficult period. The full impact I am sure is yet to be seen.
Sunday, 24 May 2020
Coronavirus Reflections #10
Week 10 of lockdown and church at home!
This week I have had 3 walks with other people. One after travelling for an hour to meet for a long walk - a sense of normality. It is lovely to have the freedom but it is peculiar trying to maintain the 2m distance. There is always the return to reality of lockdown.
Next week is halfterm so it will be nice for the children to have a break from their home schooling. After half term some children are due to return to school part-time - reception, year 1 and year 6 to begin with.
I've completed my application process to be a contact tracer, The government is relying on the contact tracing system to be able to offer more freedom to people. As would be expected with a rapidly developed system, there are a few early stage issues being identified. It's very impressive all they have put together in a short period of time and hiring around 20000 people. I've got lots of training to do before I can start contacting people.
Last Sunday was the first time we had significant problems with Zoom. It happened nationally. The morning service started with a few difficulties connecting to sound. The afternoon service had to be cancelled because Zoom wouldn't connect. Oliver Baker was the preacher for us again, this time on the 10 lepers healed by Jesus. I continued to be challenged by the Proverbs studies.
Clinics are getting much busier at work - maybe as people are feeling the effects of the stress and sedentary lifestyle of lockdown, perhaps also because people are now taking action as lockdown begins to be eased.
Still making good progress with jobs around the home which is satisfying. I queued up at the garden centre on Monday so now have some gernaiums to enjoy through the summer.
There is still a shortage of flour and baking powder in the supermarket as there has been for several weeks now.
I enjoyed thinking about this part of Corinthians: The gospel - which you received, in which you stand, by which you are being saved if you hold fast to the word - a wonderful picture. I've also been reading Authority by Martyn Lloyd Jones - the authority of Jesus Christ, scripture and the Holy Spirit. How easily we loose sight of this authority and try to do things in our strength, thinking we can engineer things. We need to seek the power of the Holy Spirit to be at work in our day and generation in reviving power.
This week I have had 3 walks with other people. One after travelling for an hour to meet for a long walk - a sense of normality. It is lovely to have the freedom but it is peculiar trying to maintain the 2m distance. There is always the return to reality of lockdown.
Next week is halfterm so it will be nice for the children to have a break from their home schooling. After half term some children are due to return to school part-time - reception, year 1 and year 6 to begin with.
I've completed my application process to be a contact tracer, The government is relying on the contact tracing system to be able to offer more freedom to people. As would be expected with a rapidly developed system, there are a few early stage issues being identified. It's very impressive all they have put together in a short period of time and hiring around 20000 people. I've got lots of training to do before I can start contacting people.
Last Sunday was the first time we had significant problems with Zoom. It happened nationally. The morning service started with a few difficulties connecting to sound. The afternoon service had to be cancelled because Zoom wouldn't connect. Oliver Baker was the preacher for us again, this time on the 10 lepers healed by Jesus. I continued to be challenged by the Proverbs studies.
Clinics are getting much busier at work - maybe as people are feeling the effects of the stress and sedentary lifestyle of lockdown, perhaps also because people are now taking action as lockdown begins to be eased.
Still making good progress with jobs around the home which is satisfying. I queued up at the garden centre on Monday so now have some gernaiums to enjoy through the summer.
There is still a shortage of flour and baking powder in the supermarket as there has been for several weeks now.
I enjoyed thinking about this part of Corinthians: The gospel - which you received, in which you stand, by which you are being saved if you hold fast to the word - a wonderful picture. I've also been reading Authority by Martyn Lloyd Jones - the authority of Jesus Christ, scripture and the Holy Spirit. How easily we loose sight of this authority and try to do things in our strength, thinking we can engineer things. We need to seek the power of the Holy Spirit to be at work in our day and generation in reviving power.
Sunday, 17 May 2020
Coronavirus Reflections #9
Last Sunday the prime minister made an announcement about the plans to reduce the restrictions of lockdown. The message was not altogether clear. However this week the first changes have been put in place. Anyone that can't work from home should go to work. We are now allowed to exercise as much as we like and drive to the place for exercise and recreation. You can also meet one person from outside your household for exercise or recreation outdoors but maintaining the 2m social distancing. There are plans for schools to return in June and shops to open in July.
It was lovely to meet with a friend for a walk this week. So nice to spend time in someones company.
I've been applying to become one of the Covid contact tracers. Lots of osteopaths are. The application process is quite inconsistent and there are lots of hiccups with the training but its not surprising with the rapid roll out. I'm still at the application stage. There is talk of osteopaths returning to practice in the next few weeks but with some strict PPE and cleansing procedures. It all seems very onerous.
In some ways this week has been hard. There is the reality that the distancing measures are going to be in place for a long time yet and although not unexpected it is still somehow hard to accept.
I had an all day meeting on Zoom this week. It worked well.
I'm continuing to learn lots of new pieces on the piano which is a nice distraction. I've actually enjoyed doing scales and exercises to improve my technical ability. I find it strange when the mind-body connection is not there for the fingers to do what I want them to but practice builds skills.
The furlough scheme has been extended to October. There have been different grants available for businesses and the self-employed. I have been eligible for two.
I'm continuing to study Corinthians enjoying the orchestral piece speaking of divisions and sinful practices in the Corinth church coming to a peak in acknowledging one anothers gifts and necessity as part of the body of Christ. The most important gift of all is love. This has been wonderful teaching that I have needed.
Last Sunday we enjoyed preaching from Psalm 18, the Galatians bible study - what a difficult book, and then from Acts in the week.
I thought it would be good to list some of the things I have been learning in lockdown - skipping double and single leg, working towards doing the splits, graded exposure cycling to limits, new piano pieces - about 6 now, the garden and the house are clean and tidy, studying Pleasing God, Corinthians and Proverbs, reading more books. I thought I would get into studying more Greek and Hebrew but haven't really got into that yet and I have dabbled in improvising on the piano but would like to do more. It's a blessing to have so much time for these things without commuting each day.
It was lovely to meet with a friend for a walk this week. So nice to spend time in someones company.
I've been applying to become one of the Covid contact tracers. Lots of osteopaths are. The application process is quite inconsistent and there are lots of hiccups with the training but its not surprising with the rapid roll out. I'm still at the application stage. There is talk of osteopaths returning to practice in the next few weeks but with some strict PPE and cleansing procedures. It all seems very onerous.
In some ways this week has been hard. There is the reality that the distancing measures are going to be in place for a long time yet and although not unexpected it is still somehow hard to accept.
I had an all day meeting on Zoom this week. It worked well.
I'm continuing to learn lots of new pieces on the piano which is a nice distraction. I've actually enjoyed doing scales and exercises to improve my technical ability. I find it strange when the mind-body connection is not there for the fingers to do what I want them to but practice builds skills.
The furlough scheme has been extended to October. There have been different grants available for businesses and the self-employed. I have been eligible for two.
I'm continuing to study Corinthians enjoying the orchestral piece speaking of divisions and sinful practices in the Corinth church coming to a peak in acknowledging one anothers gifts and necessity as part of the body of Christ. The most important gift of all is love. This has been wonderful teaching that I have needed.
Last Sunday we enjoyed preaching from Psalm 18, the Galatians bible study - what a difficult book, and then from Acts in the week.
I thought it would be good to list some of the things I have been learning in lockdown - skipping double and single leg, working towards doing the splits, graded exposure cycling to limits, new piano pieces - about 6 now, the garden and the house are clean and tidy, studying Pleasing God, Corinthians and Proverbs, reading more books. I thought I would get into studying more Greek and Hebrew but haven't really got into that yet and I have dabbled in improvising on the piano but would like to do more. It's a blessing to have so much time for these things without commuting each day.
Sunday, 10 May 2020
Coronavirus Reflections #8
Another sunny week. The usual routine was broken up by a Friday bank holiday. May day was moved for the nation to commemorate 75 years since VE day. The celebrations and events were not as planned but many streets had gatherings. There was a 2 minute silence at 11, Churchill's speech was played at 3pm and the queen gave a speech at 9pm. My street had a socially distanced gathering in the evening, although some had been out most of the day. The bunting looks nice around the houses.
Last week I started some admin work for the drugs team, that finished on Monday as I completed the task. I have applied to be a contact tracer now. Clinics have been busy. Many people seem very appreciative of the telephone contact. I wonder how the health service will re-shape how it continues in the future.
Today the prime minister is going to make a speech about plans for coming out of lockdown. People are quite anxious to get back to normal life but there is a lot of fear around contracting the virus. Normal life will not be possible for a long-time but life cannot go on simply in lockdown.
Last Sunday we had our usual meetings for worship and bible study and I continued to enjoy Paul Washers teaching on Proverbs. A friend and I have got in the habit of working through a Bible quiz book for an hour on Sunday afternoon on the telephone. It is surprising how quickly the time goes by.
I've seen my parents a couple of times in the garden this week. It's nice to meet face to face but socially distanced talking can be difficult.
There are still a number of items missing in the supermarket - flour, eggs, baking products are usually low or out of stock. Covid related deaths continue to be in the hundreds each day sometimes 350, sometimes 650. We went over 30 000 deaths this week. The Nightingale hospital rapidly built in the Excel centre London was hardly used and this week has been stepped down but will not be packed up yet.
There are so many opportunities for online learning at the moment. Many organisations are offering their learning for free and there are loads of webinars. There is always so much to keep learning, even in my small field of work. Many are anxious about returning to clinical work - there is a lot of PPE requirements. It seems some may not return. It will be interesting to see the shape of the profession as we emerge from this and the future implications.
This week I was struck by a verse in Corinthians reminding us that we exist for God the Father and exist through Jesus Christ (1Cor 8:6). Life needs to be kept in perspective. So much of this life is futile. I always find it so solemn at funerals that no matter who you are, and what you have done, the end of this earthly life is the same - a wooden coffin. There is only one thing that is needful - to follow the Lord.
This week my resolve is to have a week of prayer for the church, preachers, leaders of the church and revival.
Last week I started some admin work for the drugs team, that finished on Monday as I completed the task. I have applied to be a contact tracer now. Clinics have been busy. Many people seem very appreciative of the telephone contact. I wonder how the health service will re-shape how it continues in the future.
Today the prime minister is going to make a speech about plans for coming out of lockdown. People are quite anxious to get back to normal life but there is a lot of fear around contracting the virus. Normal life will not be possible for a long-time but life cannot go on simply in lockdown.
Last Sunday we had our usual meetings for worship and bible study and I continued to enjoy Paul Washers teaching on Proverbs. A friend and I have got in the habit of working through a Bible quiz book for an hour on Sunday afternoon on the telephone. It is surprising how quickly the time goes by.
I've seen my parents a couple of times in the garden this week. It's nice to meet face to face but socially distanced talking can be difficult.
There are still a number of items missing in the supermarket - flour, eggs, baking products are usually low or out of stock. Covid related deaths continue to be in the hundreds each day sometimes 350, sometimes 650. We went over 30 000 deaths this week. The Nightingale hospital rapidly built in the Excel centre London was hardly used and this week has been stepped down but will not be packed up yet.
There are so many opportunities for online learning at the moment. Many organisations are offering their learning for free and there are loads of webinars. There is always so much to keep learning, even in my small field of work. Many are anxious about returning to clinical work - there is a lot of PPE requirements. It seems some may not return. It will be interesting to see the shape of the profession as we emerge from this and the future implications.
This week I was struck by a verse in Corinthians reminding us that we exist for God the Father and exist through Jesus Christ (1Cor 8:6). Life needs to be kept in perspective. So much of this life is futile. I always find it so solemn at funerals that no matter who you are, and what you have done, the end of this earthly life is the same - a wooden coffin. There is only one thing that is needful - to follow the Lord.
This week my resolve is to have a week of prayer for the church, preachers, leaders of the church and revival.
Sunday, 3 May 2020
Coronavirus Reflections #7
'What do you have that you did not receive?' 1 Corinthians 4:7
These words have been a blessing to me this week. There is so much to be thankful and what a comfort it is to know that everything we have has been measured out by God in the right proportions, at the right time.
It has been a blessing this week to have communications from friends updating how they are getting on in the lockdown. I had a lovely conversation with a Christian friend earlier in the week. Some people are just so full of joy in the Lord. Yesterday I received a parcel from a missionary friend which was a great encouragement.
Last Sunday I enjoyed watching a talk about missionary work in Mombassa recorded for a Sunday school class. We had preaching from Psalms and the bible study from Galatians again. In the evening I enjoyed watching some of Paul Washer's talks on Proverbs. We also met on Tuesday with a message from a local pastor from the temptation of Jesus.
Last night the All Souls Prom Praise was online to watch. It was lovely to hear some rousing hymns. There was an amazing pianist which caused me to marvel that the Lord created us with such amazing potential for creative ability and pleasure.
We held our quarterly osteopaths meeting on Zoom. It was good to have a chat with colleagues. I was humbled to realise that I was the only one still working. It is moving to see the deep effect the coronavirus has had on clinic life and the understandable distress of the practitioners. There were positive plans towards getting started again though.
It has been wet a lot of this week. It has done the garden good but more challenging for people in lockdown.
The prime minister returned to week and his partner gave birth to their son. The prime minister is gifted in inspiring confidence and yet showing compassion for the situation. There is generally some unrest in the nation about how we are going to get out of this lockdown situation - the schools are still shut and most people are either furloughed at home or working from home. It has been promised that plans will be revealed next week.
I started some more work this week doing some admin for another team in the trust. It is good for me to have a purpose each day. I've almost finished all the possible spring cleaning around the house.
It's good to have time for reflection and other pursuits. I've now learned 3 new piano pieces and am continuing to enjoy exercising regularly. I completed the bible study course on Pleasing God which I found very helpful. I've started studying Corinthians now. I find I get computer fatigue so it is nice to just use pen and paper to study.
I set up a tablet for my 95 year old friend to be able to watch sermons. She received it this week so hopefully she will get on alright. I may have said before how impressed I am at older friends embracing technology and their resilient spirit coming to the fore.
A man called Captain Tom completed a walking challenge in his garden in Marston and raised over 30 million for the NHS. He celebrated his 100th birthday this week so people sang happy birthday at the Thursday evening clap.
I stayed in all of this week after an upset tummy last weekend. It didn't really make much difference apart from I missed being able to get out for a walk. I'm hoping the step down plans will enable those of us on our own to be able to meet up with someone else.
There is much to be thankful for - friends, family, work, church, access to so many resources, peace and safety, health and so much more. We have all things in Christ.
These words have been a blessing to me this week. There is so much to be thankful and what a comfort it is to know that everything we have has been measured out by God in the right proportions, at the right time.
It has been a blessing this week to have communications from friends updating how they are getting on in the lockdown. I had a lovely conversation with a Christian friend earlier in the week. Some people are just so full of joy in the Lord. Yesterday I received a parcel from a missionary friend which was a great encouragement.
Last Sunday I enjoyed watching a talk about missionary work in Mombassa recorded for a Sunday school class. We had preaching from Psalms and the bible study from Galatians again. In the evening I enjoyed watching some of Paul Washer's talks on Proverbs. We also met on Tuesday with a message from a local pastor from the temptation of Jesus.
Last night the All Souls Prom Praise was online to watch. It was lovely to hear some rousing hymns. There was an amazing pianist which caused me to marvel that the Lord created us with such amazing potential for creative ability and pleasure.
We held our quarterly osteopaths meeting on Zoom. It was good to have a chat with colleagues. I was humbled to realise that I was the only one still working. It is moving to see the deep effect the coronavirus has had on clinic life and the understandable distress of the practitioners. There were positive plans towards getting started again though.
It has been wet a lot of this week. It has done the garden good but more challenging for people in lockdown.
The prime minister returned to week and his partner gave birth to their son. The prime minister is gifted in inspiring confidence and yet showing compassion for the situation. There is generally some unrest in the nation about how we are going to get out of this lockdown situation - the schools are still shut and most people are either furloughed at home or working from home. It has been promised that plans will be revealed next week.
I started some more work this week doing some admin for another team in the trust. It is good for me to have a purpose each day. I've almost finished all the possible spring cleaning around the house.
It's good to have time for reflection and other pursuits. I've now learned 3 new piano pieces and am continuing to enjoy exercising regularly. I completed the bible study course on Pleasing God which I found very helpful. I've started studying Corinthians now. I find I get computer fatigue so it is nice to just use pen and paper to study.
I set up a tablet for my 95 year old friend to be able to watch sermons. She received it this week so hopefully she will get on alright. I may have said before how impressed I am at older friends embracing technology and their resilient spirit coming to the fore.
A man called Captain Tom completed a walking challenge in his garden in Marston and raised over 30 million for the NHS. He celebrated his 100th birthday this week so people sang happy birthday at the Thursday evening clap.
I stayed in all of this week after an upset tummy last weekend. It didn't really make much difference apart from I missed being able to get out for a walk. I'm hoping the step down plans will enable those of us on our own to be able to meet up with someone else.
There is much to be thankful for - friends, family, work, church, access to so many resources, peace and safety, health and so much more. We have all things in Christ.
Sunday, 26 April 2020
Coronavirus Reflections #6
The Lord has been very kind in continuing to give us beautiful weather during lockdown. It makes a big difference that people can make use of their outdoor spaces.
There seems to be a restlessness developing as some people are becoming impatient to return to work. The government has not given plans for coming out of lockdown yet. Hopefully they will make some announcements next week before they loose control and the will of the people. The primeminister is due to return to work on Monday so maybe he will lead some clearer announcements.
On Thursdays more and more people come out of their houses at 8pm to clap for the NHS. This week a lady in the road opposite came out and played 'Somewhere over the rainbow' on her Cello which people seemed to enjoy.
I've continued to be productive around the house cleaning windows and painting the fence. I also started studying 1 Corinthians. I wonder how far I will get before we are able to socialise again. It's been good to spend more time in prayer and more intercessory prayer.
I started with some gastric symptoms yesterday which could be Covid so 7 days of isolation now for me, not that it will make any difference.
Last Sunday we had a good day with preaching in the morning, Galatians bible study in the afternoon and I watched a short sermon in the evening. I found 3 lots of full online services was exhausting and was pleased to read an article this week that explained that it is a common phenomena to be exhausted after lots of online meetings.
On Tuesday we had a missionary meeting on Zoom which was very interesting.
Yesterday I collected my couch from my clinic so the room is all empty now and that is the end of the clinic in that setting. The government is giving grants to businesses who do not pay business rates - mine was confirmed yesterday.
I feel in the routine with this lockdown now - a daily routine incorporating exercise and piano practise and evening phone calls. The supermarket distancing is becoming normal. It stills slightly daring to go out anywhere at the moment!
I keep feeling so thankful for the way the Lord has blessed me with providing work, a few months ago my circumstances would have been so different. I'm thankful for the rest from commuting. Thankful for a garden to enjoy and nice places to walk. Thankful for a loving family and friends. Thankful for a certain hope and a glorious inheritance to look forward to.
There seems to be a restlessness developing as some people are becoming impatient to return to work. The government has not given plans for coming out of lockdown yet. Hopefully they will make some announcements next week before they loose control and the will of the people. The primeminister is due to return to work on Monday so maybe he will lead some clearer announcements.
On Thursdays more and more people come out of their houses at 8pm to clap for the NHS. This week a lady in the road opposite came out and played 'Somewhere over the rainbow' on her Cello which people seemed to enjoy.
I've continued to be productive around the house cleaning windows and painting the fence. I also started studying 1 Corinthians. I wonder how far I will get before we are able to socialise again. It's been good to spend more time in prayer and more intercessory prayer.
I started with some gastric symptoms yesterday which could be Covid so 7 days of isolation now for me, not that it will make any difference.
Last Sunday we had a good day with preaching in the morning, Galatians bible study in the afternoon and I watched a short sermon in the evening. I found 3 lots of full online services was exhausting and was pleased to read an article this week that explained that it is a common phenomena to be exhausted after lots of online meetings.
On Tuesday we had a missionary meeting on Zoom which was very interesting.
Yesterday I collected my couch from my clinic so the room is all empty now and that is the end of the clinic in that setting. The government is giving grants to businesses who do not pay business rates - mine was confirmed yesterday.
I feel in the routine with this lockdown now - a daily routine incorporating exercise and piano practise and evening phone calls. The supermarket distancing is becoming normal. It stills slightly daring to go out anywhere at the moment!
I keep feeling so thankful for the way the Lord has blessed me with providing work, a few months ago my circumstances would have been so different. I'm thankful for the rest from commuting. Thankful for a garden to enjoy and nice places to walk. Thankful for a loving family and friends. Thankful for a certain hope and a glorious inheritance to look forward to.
Sunday, 19 April 2020
Coronavirus Reflections #5
A verse came on the daily calendar this week which it has been enjoyable to meditate more on:
to console the mourners in Zion—
to console the mourners in Zion—
'to give them a crown of beauty for ashes,
the oil of joy for mourning,
and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair.
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified'
Isaiah 61:3
I was particularly struck by the garment of praise and the oaks of righteousness.
Last Sunday was Easter and we had a sermon on the resurrection, we also met to study the book of Galatians.
On Easter Monday I planted some seeds in the garden so it will nice to see them grow and develop over the next few weeks if all goes well.
This week the prime minister has come out of hospital, thanks be to God, and is recovering at home. Our former pastor went to glory at the beginning of the week. Our prayer meeting reflected on his passing.
The bluebells are looking lovely in the woods. It is a blessing to have nice places to walk so nearby.
I've continued working by telephone all week, it seems to work very well and many people have good motivation for exercise at the moment with plenty of time and good weather.
It's strange really some things seem to be getting easier - the regular daily routine, the method for going around the supermarket doing two lots of shopping, the routine of evening phone calls but somehow this week has seemed more difficult for the lack of face to face interaction. It was disappointing but not unexpected that the lockdown has been extended for another 3 weeks.
Many churches are taking advantage of online opportunities, running short evangelistic courses, seeing more people at their meetings, online Sunday schools and holiday clubs. There have been several online sermons and blogs about 'Don't waste your lockdown'. There is more time for Bible study and prayer but there are also many distractions. How wonderful it would be to see a bright shining church emerge from this full of zeal and no longer lukewarm.
Sunday, 12 April 2020
Coronavirus Reflections #4
It has been a beautiful sunny week. This lovely Easter weather makes me think back to the lovely sunshine we enjoyed a year ago at Easter when I was camping.
How much of life we never realised was a privelege - to go in and out as we please, to freely enjoy the countryside, meeting with friends, to be able to sit beside my mother on the sofa, gathering to worship God together.
Last Sunday we again met on Zoom with a visiting preacher speaking on Palm Sunday, then an afternoon Bible study on Galatians. In the evening I went to another church by Zoom with a sermon on the Philippian jailer. I find Zoom meetings much easier to be a part of. Watching youtube on my own it seems much easier to be distracted and loose concentration somehow. The queen addressed the nation in the evening, only the fourth time she has done this in extraordinary times.
On Good Friday I watched a service in Bangor at the same time as my friend and then we had a Zoom meeting in the evening.
We've had the joy of seeing wonderful answers to prayer for healing. The prime minister was in intensive care for a few days this week with the virus. Many in the nation prayed. The Lord has restored His health. Another friend went into hospital but was very soon sent home to continue recovering. Hundreds are dieing each day in the UK and several nursing homes have a lot of cases. The government continues it's daily briefings.
This week I've worked at home all week. I'm glad to be able to speak to others on the phone and it's good to have purpose in the day. It's already noticeable though that the work Whatsapp group is much quieter. I emptied my clinic room on Friday moving out of the premises I rented.
I've seen Tesco's with huge long queues going round the car park and down the road this week. I was thankful to choose a time with no queue. Most things are in stock now although there are very few eggs - the only ones left were Duck eggs.
I've been getting lots of household cleaning done and jobs in the garden. I feel concern though about the need to spend more time with the Lord and learn the lessons of this situation.
Today is Easter Sunday - we remember our Risen Lord - the same, yesterday, today and forever.
And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. Mark 16:4 Let's look up and see our God and what he will do to bring glory to His name.
How much of life we never realised was a privelege - to go in and out as we please, to freely enjoy the countryside, meeting with friends, to be able to sit beside my mother on the sofa, gathering to worship God together.
Last Sunday we again met on Zoom with a visiting preacher speaking on Palm Sunday, then an afternoon Bible study on Galatians. In the evening I went to another church by Zoom with a sermon on the Philippian jailer. I find Zoom meetings much easier to be a part of. Watching youtube on my own it seems much easier to be distracted and loose concentration somehow. The queen addressed the nation in the evening, only the fourth time she has done this in extraordinary times.
On Good Friday I watched a service in Bangor at the same time as my friend and then we had a Zoom meeting in the evening.
We've had the joy of seeing wonderful answers to prayer for healing. The prime minister was in intensive care for a few days this week with the virus. Many in the nation prayed. The Lord has restored His health. Another friend went into hospital but was very soon sent home to continue recovering. Hundreds are dieing each day in the UK and several nursing homes have a lot of cases. The government continues it's daily briefings.
This week I've worked at home all week. I'm glad to be able to speak to others on the phone and it's good to have purpose in the day. It's already noticeable though that the work Whatsapp group is much quieter. I emptied my clinic room on Friday moving out of the premises I rented.
I've seen Tesco's with huge long queues going round the car park and down the road this week. I was thankful to choose a time with no queue. Most things are in stock now although there are very few eggs - the only ones left were Duck eggs.
I've been getting lots of household cleaning done and jobs in the garden. I feel concern though about the need to spend more time with the Lord and learn the lessons of this situation.
Today is Easter Sunday - we remember our Risen Lord - the same, yesterday, today and forever.
And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. Mark 16:4 Let's look up and see our God and what he will do to bring glory to His name.
Sunday, 5 April 2020
Coronavirus Reflections #3
How quickly we adapt as humans. This isolation is becoming a new way of life, not that I would like it to continue any longer than necessary, it is so unnatural. God created us to be social beings and living in communities, not isolated ones and families. I hope we never forget the blessing of being able to be together after this.
Last Sunday morning service went well on Zoom with a remote preacher, we managed the same again on Tuesday evening. Isaiah 26 on Sunday and Peter being released from prison in answer to prayer on Tuesday. It's good to be reminded of the Sovereignty and trustworthiness of our God and that he answers prayer.
The reminder of the frailty of life and seriousnsess of the virus has continued this week. Daily deaths have been increasing rapidly. A man in his 60s from my friends church died yesterday. A lot of medical staff have died.
This week I went to a 21st birthday party on Zoom. I've also transitioned to working from home, covering patient lists by telephone.There have been a number of issues getting the IT set-up but the IT department has been overwhelmed by demand.
The shops are laid out for distancing with a new one-way system around Tesco. There was no queue to get in when I went, more evidence that things are settling into more of a routine.
Although the isolation is becoming more routine I feel it is important to use the time to seek the Lord and plead for His name to be glorified through this and the protection of many lifes temporarily and eternally. When this first happened I was so moved by how the finger of the Lord had gone out against us, I pray I wouldn't become hardened to that conviction.
The week has ended with beautiful sunshine so it has been lovely to be out in the garden. This morning is beautiful ready to worship the Lord on this Palm Sunday.
Last Sunday morning service went well on Zoom with a remote preacher, we managed the same again on Tuesday evening. Isaiah 26 on Sunday and Peter being released from prison in answer to prayer on Tuesday. It's good to be reminded of the Sovereignty and trustworthiness of our God and that he answers prayer.
The reminder of the frailty of life and seriousnsess of the virus has continued this week. Daily deaths have been increasing rapidly. A man in his 60s from my friends church died yesterday. A lot of medical staff have died.
This week I went to a 21st birthday party on Zoom. I've also transitioned to working from home, covering patient lists by telephone.There have been a number of issues getting the IT set-up but the IT department has been overwhelmed by demand.
The shops are laid out for distancing with a new one-way system around Tesco. There was no queue to get in when I went, more evidence that things are settling into more of a routine.
Although the isolation is becoming more routine I feel it is important to use the time to seek the Lord and plead for His name to be glorified through this and the protection of many lifes temporarily and eternally. When this first happened I was so moved by how the finger of the Lord had gone out against us, I pray I wouldn't become hardened to that conviction.
The week has ended with beautiful sunshine so it has been lovely to be out in the garden. This morning is beautiful ready to worship the Lord on this Palm Sunday.
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