I was hanging out with my family yesterday and we came across John Krasinki's "Some Good News' Youtube show. Complete with a back drop drawn and colored by his daughters, he announced several pieces of good news. He feels like being positive and sharing good news is so rare these days that he actually started a new show! Who'd have ever imagined that sharing good news could be so counter culture? Well I have THE BEST news ever! Jesus came to earth and put on human flesh, lived a perfect life, died and rose again to create a bridge back to God for eternity for a sinful and fallen humanity. As we prepare for Easter no matter how it looks this year---let's remember to be eternally grateful/worshipful for the sacrifice of Jesus. No matter what happens on earth our souls belong to and can rest in God.

One of the things I am learning during this strange season is the importance of prayer. Every morning I am trying to get out of bed with the intention to be thankful and prayerful. In the middle of the coronavirus storm, Jesus is still present in our midst and capable of calming the winds and the waves that are tossing us around. Whether its the fear of the unknown, or financial burdens, or health concerns God is here and we have access to him 24 hours a day. I have found that praying in the middle of any situation that might cause me stress takes the tension away and ushers peace into my heart. That and some good ole' fashioned worship. It's my heart's connection to Jesus that really makes all the difference.  I love Hebrews 4:16 which says, "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Also- you can download "I Need Thee Every Hour" here for a little encouragement! Stay safe and healthy! See below.

I was out walking the dog today and saw several of my neighbors. Everyone I would pass politely waved and then crossed to the other side of the street or sat in the car waiting for others to pass before they could get out. I went to pick up groceries and everyone was scurrying through grocery stores keeping their heads down and furiously wiping down their carts. Yesterday, I was leading worship for a practically empty room while we streamed online. I am seeing empty restaurants and gyms everywhere. What a weird feeling..this farness..its so quiet and almost creepy at times. On the other hand my family is officially getting cabin fever and our closeness is getting a little too CLOSE. HA! We are definitely making more messes and WAY more laundry. I laugh at how fickle I can be and how this coronavirusness is highlighting some areas of needed growth. That said I am still trying to sit in the middle of all of this weird craziness and be present with the Lord. I am trying to take this great opportunity whether people are near or far---to love better. I hope we can encourage each other more, maybe stop hoarding paper products, take care of our elderly and hug our loved ones. Also the sun was shining hot today...don't forget spring is coming and cold and flu season will be over! 

So the governor of California just issued a "stay at home" order (which we are already doing) but I guess they wanted to make sure everyone really gets the message! I have a feeling there will be even fewer groceries and less toilet paper (if possible) on the already barren shelves tomorrow. Don't you wish you owned some stock in Charmin right about now? Anyway I was watching my my friend Pancho Juarez's live stream and he said to turn off the scary/fear provoking news and open your Bible today! I thought that was a splendid idea and I was encouraged with this gem "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 YES! Such a great verse and if you really let it sink in moment by moment it's an incredibly soothing truth. The God that created the universe cares for you! He cares that you need paper towels and eggs. He cares that you are scared about your bills. He cares that people are sick. And He the God of the universe is still in control of everything. He will take care of you. 

I think sharing good words with people is a much better use of time then fretting about the unknown Coronavirus implications so that's mine for today. Anyway-the upside of all this madness is that I get to spend more time with my most favorite people doing fun things and making memories I will cherish forever.  

Hug your family tight! I know I am! 

Jeff

Just like most people I have had A LOT more downtime then what I am used to this week. I want to be ultra productive and I must admit the garage is more organized and the refrigerator hasn't sparkled this much in awhile. We have gone through over-filled drawers and closets and deep cleaned bathrooms. We have binge streamed some great shows and I have caught up with some old friends on social media. I have done errands and seen crazy people stock piling eggs and water by the boat load. I have muted a ton of political banter from everywhere. I am social distancing at all cost. I feel like I am doing all the right things but I still feel a little bit unnerved. It's hard not to get bummed by the empty streets, event cancellations and the economic downturn all around us. 

Today I looked up some verses on hope and was encouraged by Romans 12:12 " Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. " I think that might be the medicine I need.  So now I am refilling my cup with some extra worship, some extra prayer and sharing some extra hugs with my family. I am praying for anyone I can think of that might need it. I think that's the ticket to getting through this craziness. 

Anyway-sending out love to everybody! Listen to All Things New--it might encourage you a bit! 

Jeff