Today I pulled out my planner for the first time since COVID-19 abruptly interrupted all of our lives. As I turned its pages, I drew line after line through what I thought would be the events of my days for the next couple of months. I'm not going to pretend there was no disappointment. Besides the Good Friday holiday break, the entire calendar has a line through it!
I keep hearing about the things we will all do "once this is over," but I can't help thinking that we really don't know when it will be over and we can't pretend that June through August won't be affected by what happens March through May. Even though deep down we all know that life is uncertain, this year has shown us that those words are not just a catchy phrase. So many things we typically take for granted are now completely out of our control.
My paternal grandmother, who asked to be affectionately called "Granny" after my first child was born, had a favorite song that she requested frequently. If you knew her, you can probably quickly and accurately guess the title. Granny passed away in 2012, but every time I'm at the piano playing this gospel hymn, I understand a little more why it was one of her favorites.
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.
When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant his blood, support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand!
All other ground is sinking sand.
As we reluctantly put a line through our best laid plans, there is one event for which we should be daily preparing, and it can be found in the fourth stanza:
When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found!
Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand!
All other ground is sinking sand.
[My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less - Edward Mote (1834)]
In relation to our current economic and health crisis, none of us really knows what will happen. We can't be sure who all will end up unemployed or ill, or whether it will end in two weeks or six months. But one thing we know for certain is that God is in control, and if our lives are planted firmly upon Him, we will stand.
Yes, my planner looks a lot different today than it did two weeks ago, but God is unchanged, and I can be sure, He is working all this for my good.
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Saturday, March 21, 2020
God Was Faithful
Well, it's been a hot minute. A few weeks ago, I accessed this ole blog and thought I'd begin writing again (possibly not publishing) as an outlet for the thoughts that continuously swirl through my heart and mind. For several years, I enjoyed writing and sharing my thoughts in different venues, but a couple of years ago, I felt like God put His finger on my lips and told me to be still. I can't explain it, but it was clear, and I stepped away from the pen almost completely, listened more than I talked, and meditated on a level that was completely new for me.
Then came 2019. Three days into the new year, reverses began to happen. The washer (a relatively new one), a transmission, an engine, blown tires, health issues, on and on, things went wrong. But God was faithful.
Two and a half months into 2019, God asked us to sacrifice in a real and tangible way. More on that later. It was ten months of extreme change for our family. But God was faithful.
I longed for 2020. Something about those numbers felt so fresh to my mind. A new year. A new decade. The ability to put the crazy, wonderful, exhausting months of 2019 behind. I was confident 2020 would be amazing. Greg and I had made progress on some financial goals, and his career had sort of taken off in an exciting way. His company was breaking records, and Greg's hard work as an assistant regional manager was paying off. We were dreaming and we were planning.
Then came COVID-19.
Within a couple of days, the calendar became meaningless. All the spring events toward which we so looked forward became doubtful. Spring piano and archery for Allison. Driver's ed and student competitions for Kaitlynn. Spring semester, including choir tour for Ryan and Evan. The church convention that has been part of our lives all of our lives. The primary breadwinner's quarterly bonus that was earned and expected. You know exactly what I'm talking about because you and your children have been affected similarly. It's disappointing at best, but also unsettling and scary.
We're well into day six of social distancing, and are told that another fifteen days or so will tell us if this effort is enough to flatten the curve of the numbers of those affected by this virus. In the meantime, we're all at home doing our best to be part of the solution.
As a wife and mom, I feel like my primary job right now is to maintain a positive outlook in my own heart so that I can help set the tone for my household. Instead of complaining about the dreams I had for the year, I need to continue to be grateful for God's blessings and help to encourage my husband, who had to participate in the devastating process of laying off of a significant number of employees this week. Instead of being frustrated about the increase of sibling rivalry, topsy-turvy schedules, and non-stop household activity, I need to be sensitive to my kids who are struggling with the loss of so many of the things that were important to them.
This is a time of frustration, no doubt, but I'm asking God to help me focus on all the potential for good that this time of social-distancing can bring. We can still minister, we just have to be creative. Our children can still learn, we just have to be more engaged and active in helping to teach them. We can still dream, we just have to factor in new variables. Most of all, we can still love. Love has no boundaries.
Someday 2020 and COVID-19 will be just a memory. And we'll say, "God was faithful."
Then came 2019. Three days into the new year, reverses began to happen. The washer (a relatively new one), a transmission, an engine, blown tires, health issues, on and on, things went wrong. But God was faithful.
Two and a half months into 2019, God asked us to sacrifice in a real and tangible way. More on that later. It was ten months of extreme change for our family. But God was faithful.
I longed for 2020. Something about those numbers felt so fresh to my mind. A new year. A new decade. The ability to put the crazy, wonderful, exhausting months of 2019 behind. I was confident 2020 would be amazing. Greg and I had made progress on some financial goals, and his career had sort of taken off in an exciting way. His company was breaking records, and Greg's hard work as an assistant regional manager was paying off. We were dreaming and we were planning.
Then came COVID-19.
Within a couple of days, the calendar became meaningless. All the spring events toward which we so looked forward became doubtful. Spring piano and archery for Allison. Driver's ed and student competitions for Kaitlynn. Spring semester, including choir tour for Ryan and Evan. The church convention that has been part of our lives all of our lives. The primary breadwinner's quarterly bonus that was earned and expected. You know exactly what I'm talking about because you and your children have been affected similarly. It's disappointing at best, but also unsettling and scary.
We're well into day six of social distancing, and are told that another fifteen days or so will tell us if this effort is enough to flatten the curve of the numbers of those affected by this virus. In the meantime, we're all at home doing our best to be part of the solution.
As a wife and mom, I feel like my primary job right now is to maintain a positive outlook in my own heart so that I can help set the tone for my household. Instead of complaining about the dreams I had for the year, I need to continue to be grateful for God's blessings and help to encourage my husband, who had to participate in the devastating process of laying off of a significant number of employees this week. Instead of being frustrated about the increase of sibling rivalry, topsy-turvy schedules, and non-stop household activity, I need to be sensitive to my kids who are struggling with the loss of so many of the things that were important to them.
This is a time of frustration, no doubt, but I'm asking God to help me focus on all the potential for good that this time of social-distancing can bring. We can still minister, we just have to be creative. Our children can still learn, we just have to be more engaged and active in helping to teach them. We can still dream, we just have to factor in new variables. Most of all, we can still love. Love has no boundaries.
Someday 2020 and COVID-19 will be just a memory. And we'll say, "God was faithful."
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Our Family Visits Washington, D.C. - Library of Congress, Supreme Court
We almost skipped the Library of Congress!
We were tired, hungry and hot, but the girls and I decided to quickly peek into the Jefferson Building (one of three buildings that make up the congressional library), and we were not disappointed.
As I mentioned, it was a quick visit. We didn't spend a lot of time, but we were able to view several exhibits and see this great view of the reading room. The Library of Congress offers guided tours, as well. Follow the link above to find more information!
Next to the Library of Congress, you will find our great Supreme Court. As I mentioned in previous posts, our visit coincided with several remodel projects. Unfortunately, one of those was in the actual courtroom. We were still able to access all of the other areas open to tourists, and it was a great experience.
We were tired, hungry and hot, but the girls and I decided to quickly peek into the Jefferson Building (one of three buildings that make up the congressional library), and we were not disappointed.
As I mentioned, it was a quick visit. We didn't spend a lot of time, but we were able to view several exhibits and see this great view of the reading room. The Library of Congress offers guided tours, as well. Follow the link above to find more information!
Next to the Library of Congress, you will find our great Supreme Court. As I mentioned in previous posts, our visit coincided with several remodel projects. Unfortunately, one of those was in the actual courtroom. We were still able to access all of the other areas open to tourists, and it was a great experience.
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| I sure was wishing I could take them to see beyond those great doors! |
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| Stunning spiral staircase |
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| Spent my week with a map in one hand and my phone in the other! |
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| So many info galleries to study...we certainly didn't scratch the surface! |
Monday, February 26, 2018
Our Family Visits Washington, D.C. - George Washington's Mt. Vernon
Greg and I debated whether to make Mt. Vernon part of our vacation or save it for another time, and we decided we would wait until a day or two before and see what the weather and our energy levels were doing. When we awoke to beautiful sunshine on our final full day in the area, we knew we were Mt. Vernon bound.I ordered our tickets online here, and they were sent straight to my smart phone. This was a huge time saver, and I recommend it. We even received a discount of a couple of bucks on each ticket!
The visitor's center is a bright open area with nice restrooms, and a small gift shop. This gift shop's selection is very limited and a bit pricey, so I suggest waiting to make purchases until you've seen the other shops on the premises.
The various gardens and green spaces were stunning. We had a few minutes to kill before our tour of the home, so we were able to browse the gardens a bit. Keep in mind that we could have spent A LOT more time than what we had.
One of the things that amazed me about this tour, and really the whole place, is the efficiency with which it is run. Tour guides and staff are obviously well-trained and love their jobs. There was a short wait once we were in line to tour Washington's home. It was mostly shaded, and we enjoyed visiting during our wait.
The tour of the home is thorough, but you do not get to spend much time in any one room. Because they have a steady stream of tourists and some of the rooms are small, they do keep you moving. The guides are kind and ready to answer questions. Our family really enjoyed it. One of the highlights (and one that I remember well from visiting as a young teen) is stepping out onto the sprawling porch that overlooks the river. It is a stunning view!
Walking trails allow you to roam the property, and buildings are marked to let you know how each location played into the lives of George and Martha Washington.
The Washington's burial site is a beautiful and solemn space. There are other relatives buried nearby.
Further down the property, a working farm has been established. There are animals and crops, and demonstrations are scheduled. Allison wanted to see more of the agricultural aspect, and the three older kids were tired and hot, so we rode the transport back to the main attraction area. Greg, Ryan, Evan, and Kaitlynn spent time in the museum while Allison and I rode back down to finish touring the farm.
Because the museum is relatively new, I haven't visited it other than to quickly walk through while trying to catch the rest of the family who were in the large gift shop. If you visit, I suggest you allow more time that we did. We were probably there three hours and we could have spent six.
There is a restaurant onsite, as well as a food court. We did not utilize either one because our visit was so short, but that would definitely be an option if a day trip were scheduled. Parking is easy and free. The website linked above is comprehensive and user friendly.
This tour ended up being on of the highlights of our trip. The kids were so impressed and truly enjoyed our time. That's a win in my book!
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Our Family Visits Washington D.C. - The Smithsonian Museums
One of the best reasons to visit D.C. is the abundance of FREE attractions! There are more museums than the average family would care to visit during one vacation. With so many choices, how does one decide?!
Because we only had three full days in D.C., we had to be selective. Which museums appealed most to our family interests? We settled on American History Museum, Air and Space Museum, and National Zoo.
Every family will probably have a different approach to visiting the museums. It really boils down to how you want to spend your time. Museum hours are typically 9a.m. -4 p.m. (with some opening or closing a little earlier or later), and parking near the museums is impossible. With time spent walking, and eating, those hours tend to pass quickly.
We ended up deciding against the National Zoo. We have several zoos within two hours of our house, and have done multiple zoo field trips. D.C. weather was hot during our visit, and reviews of the zoo were really mixed. We knew we would have to park far away, and according to reviews, our walk would be on a pretty steep hill either coming or going, depending on which direction we parked. Reviews also indicated that there is little shade. Because there were so many good options, we decided against this one.
Our kids weren't really enamored with the Air and Space Museum. We live within an hour of The National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, and have participated in multiple field trips to that museum. If you or your children haven't already spent a lot of time in an Air and Space Museum or if you have more of an interest in that area, I'm sure you will find that branch of the Smithsonian to be a great experience.
The National Museum of American History was a complete hit with our family, and we intend to go back if the opportunity presents itself! The exhibits were tasteful, engaging, and lifelike.
Things to remember:
To access information on all the D.C. Smithsonian museums, click here.
Because we only had three full days in D.C., we had to be selective. Which museums appealed most to our family interests? We settled on American History Museum, Air and Space Museum, and National Zoo.
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| The girls loved the gallery featuring Inaugural ball gowns of former First Ladies in the National Museum of American History! |
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| Due to a combination of time constraints, exhaustion, and slight disinterest, we only spent a few minutes in the National Air and Space Museum. |
Every family will probably have a different approach to visiting the museums. It really boils down to how you want to spend your time. Museum hours are typically 9a.m. -4 p.m. (with some opening or closing a little earlier or later), and parking near the museums is impossible. With time spent walking, and eating, those hours tend to pass quickly.
We ended up deciding against the National Zoo. We have several zoos within two hours of our house, and have done multiple zoo field trips. D.C. weather was hot during our visit, and reviews of the zoo were really mixed. We knew we would have to park far away, and according to reviews, our walk would be on a pretty steep hill either coming or going, depending on which direction we parked. Reviews also indicated that there is little shade. Because there were so many good options, we decided against this one.
Our kids weren't really enamored with the Air and Space Museum. We live within an hour of The National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, and have participated in multiple field trips to that museum. If you or your children haven't already spent a lot of time in an Air and Space Museum or if you have more of an interest in that area, I'm sure you will find that branch of the Smithsonian to be a great experience.
The National Museum of American History was a complete hit with our family, and we intend to go back if the opportunity presents itself! The exhibits were tasteful, engaging, and lifelike.
Things to remember:
- All National Museums have security checks which can be time consuming.
- Expect lots of walking between museums.
- Be aware of what things are allowed to be brought into the museum.
- Be flexible. If your group isn't "feeling it," spend time somewhere else. D.C. is so full of exciting fun places, and no one should feel like they have to waste time at a certain attraction just to say they've been there. Move on. There is plenty to do.
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| Image |
To access information on all the D.C. Smithsonian museums, click here.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Our Family Visits Washington, D.C. - Arlington National Cemetery
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"Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it.
It flies with the last breath of each soldier
who died protecting it." - Unknown
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There are a couple of ways you can tour the cemetery. Walking paths are convenient and easy, although there are lots of rolling hills that can be deceptively challenging, especially on a steaming hot afternoon! You can also ride a transport from location to location within the cemetery. See the website here for details on tickets and hours.
Be sure to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and stay for the changing of the guard. It is a solemn and sobering moment. Children should be instructed to be quiet and respectful at all times, even when the change is completed. We noticed that immediately at the end of the ceremony, the audience that had gathered started to become loud, and they were reprimanded sternly by the officer that had just finished the change.
There is some shade around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and there is a small air conditioned museum just at the top of the viewing area. You will see that the sun and heat had absolutely drained me. I had to have a seat pretty quickly!
The Eternal Flame at the graves of John and Jacqueline Kennedy is a beautiful tribute. Once again, it is a bit of a walk, but once you get there you are granted bonus views of the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument just across the Potomac River.
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"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the
highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them." - John F. Kennedy |
The visitors center is spacious and air conditioned, and has plenty of restrooms and drinking fountains. If you have time, you may want to browse the gallery of informational areas there.
A parking garage is located very near the visitors center. This is a convenient location for tourists, and you can pretty much dictate the amount of time you wish to spend.
If you have questions about something I've not covered, be sure to comment. I'll do my best to answer or help you find an answer.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Our Family Visits Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Capitol
One of my absolute favorite things to do as mom is to introduce my kids to awesome experiences. Seeing their awe upon viewing our nation's capitol for the first time definitely falls into that category!
Planning a Capitol visit isn't difficult, but it is important that you follow the guidelines found here.
I did A LOT of research before this vacation for several reasons. Being in a large, unfamiliar city with a family of six, on a budget, with a limited amount of time, can be frustrating without adequate knowledge of potential problems.
One of those problems is parking. Almost all street parking is either mostly unavailable or completely non-existent. We did not want to have to worry about parking tickets (the rules are almost unbelievable), and we did not want to have to feed parking meters. Once you visit, you will completely understand. The best options are to either park in a large parking garage and walk, or ride public transportation from your hotel (or from a parking garage).
Being unfamiliar with said systems, we didn't want to worry with passes and catching the metro or a bus, so we decided to park at Union Station. It is located near the Capitol, and has a daily rate of around $25. We could access our van to get drinks from the cooler, which helped save money. Union Station is a busy, working transportation hub, and our kids loved the experience. It houses many restaurants, stores, and souvenir shops. There are lots of pan handlers and homeless near the perimeter. We did not find anyone to be aggressive, but that may not always be the case, so just be aware and be safe. Once inside Union Station, you are sure to be impressed. There are food courts with affordable menu options inside the station, as well as nice restrooms and areas just to sit and soak up the air conditioning and the atmosphere. The architecture is amazing.
Now back to the Capitol...
Our visit coincided with remodeling of the House of Representatives chamber, so we were unable to view it, but we did visit the Senate Chamber (no photography allowed), and were able to engage with staff to learn more details about this legislative body and the room in which they assemble. If your visit coincides with either the House or Senate being in session, do your best to sit in on some of that. Our family was able to do it when I was a teenager, and I haven't forgotten it.
A visit to D.C. is not complete without a U.S. Capitol tour, so be sure to request your tickets early, and look forward to an unforgettable experience!
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I did A LOT of research before this vacation for several reasons. Being in a large, unfamiliar city with a family of six, on a budget, with a limited amount of time, can be frustrating without adequate knowledge of potential problems.
One of those problems is parking. Almost all street parking is either mostly unavailable or completely non-existent. We did not want to have to worry about parking tickets (the rules are almost unbelievable), and we did not want to have to feed parking meters. Once you visit, you will completely understand. The best options are to either park in a large parking garage and walk, or ride public transportation from your hotel (or from a parking garage).
Being unfamiliar with said systems, we didn't want to worry with passes and catching the metro or a bus, so we decided to park at Union Station. It is located near the Capitol, and has a daily rate of around $25. We could access our van to get drinks from the cooler, which helped save money. Union Station is a busy, working transportation hub, and our kids loved the experience. It houses many restaurants, stores, and souvenir shops. There are lots of pan handlers and homeless near the perimeter. We did not find anyone to be aggressive, but that may not always be the case, so just be aware and be safe. Once inside Union Station, you are sure to be impressed. There are food courts with affordable menu options inside the station, as well as nice restrooms and areas just to sit and soak up the air conditioning and the atmosphere. The architecture is amazing.
Now back to the Capitol...
- You must contact your Representative and request tickets. You will be given a date and time, and I suggest you show up a little early.
- Follow the guidelines completely! The website linked above tells you what you can and cannot bring in (which is one reason it was nice to park relatively close). Security will be sure you are following the guidelines, so do them and yourself a favor, and save the embarrassment of thinking you can sneak even an untouched piece of fruit stuffed into your backpack. I watched people have to reluctantly give up their stuff because they didn't take the guidelines seriously. Even the size of your backpack or purse matters, so read up and be ready.
- Make sure your kids understand the importance of listening and being respectful. Capitol employees get aggravated by having to repeat instructions. Things are pretty fast paced. The kids have to be attentive and stay engaged with what is happening. With multiple groups touring, they can easily get mixed in with another crowd.
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| The guided Capitol tour provides headsets since there are many groups touring at once. |
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| The Capitol Rotunda |
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| U.S. Capitol Visitor's Center |
Our visit coincided with remodeling of the House of Representatives chamber, so we were unable to view it, but we did visit the Senate Chamber (no photography allowed), and were able to engage with staff to learn more details about this legislative body and the room in which they assemble. If your visit coincides with either the House or Senate being in session, do your best to sit in on some of that. Our family was able to do it when I was a teenager, and I haven't forgotten it.
We also spent some time in National Statuary Hall during the tour. It was enlightening for us to see the statues that have been donated by different states. There are several gift shops in the Capitol, and there are restaurants in the lower level. As a teenager, I ate at one of the restaurants with my family, but due to time and budget (and the fact that the kids wanted to), we ate at Union Station.
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| Another walk to Union Station! |
A visit to D.C. is not complete without a U.S. Capitol tour, so be sure to request your tickets early, and look forward to an unforgettable experience!
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