Helena Smrcek's Blog, page 3
July 9, 2024
11 Reasons You Need a Book Club in Your Life
by Helena Smrcek
Book clubs serve as a sense of belonging and social connection. Belonging to a book club or social club that meets regularly can reduce the risk of premature death after retirement.
They provide a space for discussion and shared experiences. Book clubs offer a chance to relax and talk about a good book without the pressure of discussing your own writing.
Book clubs encourage you to read more and explore new genres. Being in a book club holds you accountable for making time for reading, and you’ll make the most of your reading pastime by sharing your experience with other members.
Reading helps keep your brain sharp, and discussing what you’ve read with others can challenge your understanding.
It can boost your creative powers and inspire new ideas. Debating ideas brought up by the book exercises your brain and forces you to make new connections, and regular readers are more creative thinkers.
Book clubs can increase your confidence and self-esteem. They offer a safe space to engage in content-based discussion and learn to converse more productively with others.
They offer great stress relief and a healthy escape from reality. Reading relieves stress all by itself, and even just six minutes of reading can reduce stress levels by two-thirds.
Book clubs expand your network and introduce you to new people. They help you get outside your comfort zone and interact with people you may not have met otherwise.
They foster a sense of empathy and understanding through diverse perspectives. Discussing books helps you learn more about other members and their thoughts, and book clubs provide a low-pressure environment for networking.
Book clubs play a vital role in promoting literacy and a love of reading. They act as fortresses of intellectual freedom, preserving the right to access information and knowledge.
They provide a platform for discussing important social issues and current events. Book clubs facilitate open, respectful discussions about challenging and controversial topics, promoting understanding and empathy.
There are several benefits and advantages book clubs offer. Joining a book club can lead to lasting friendships. They offer a scheduled time, solely focused on books and friends.
To become part of a community that shares your passion for reading. Book clubs provide a sense of community and social connection with like-minded readers and offer a chance to connect with others who share your interest in reading.
Book clubs have long been celebrated as a cornerstone of literary culture, bringing readers together to share their love of books, engage in thoughtful discussions, and forge meaningful connections.
In an age where digital interactions often dominate our social landscape, book clubs offer a unique opportunity to cultivate a deeper appreciation for literature, expand our perspectives, and build lasting friendships.
At its core, a book club gathers individuals who come together to read and discuss books. Whether meeting in person at local libraries, cafes, or homes or connecting virtually online, book clubs provides a structured environment for literary exploration.
Each member brings their unique perspectives and interpretations to the discussion, enriching the collective understanding of the book and its themes.
Through these discussions, readers gain new insights into literary fiction, deepen their appreciation for different genres, and discover authors they might not have encountered otherwise.
Engaging in book club discussions encourages participants to think critically about literature, analyze narrative techniques, and explore complex themes.
These discussions often delve into character motivations, plot twists, symbolism, and the book’s social or historical contexts, fostering intellectual curiosity and stimulating thoughtful debate.
By examining a story from diverse viewpoints and interpretations, book club members expand their literary horizons and develop a deeper understanding of the human experience as portrayed in the literature.
Building Empathy and Understanding
Books can transport readers into different worlds, cultures, and perspectives, allowing them to walk in the shoes of characters who may have vastly unique life experiences.
Book clubs facilitate discussions that encourage empathy and understanding by exploring the motivations, stories, struggles, and triumphs of fictional characters.
Through these conversations, readers gain insight into diverse cultures, social issues, and personal struggles, fostering compassion and broadening their worldviews.
Beyond literary exploration, book clubs serve as social hubs where like-minded individuals come together to form connections based on their shared love of books.
These communities provide a sense of belonging and camaraderie, where friendships are nurtured, and meaningful conversations extend beyond the book’s pages.
Whether meeting face-to-face or virtually, to join book clubs where club members bond over their shared experiences, support each other through personal challenges, and celebrate milestones together, creating a supportive and inclusive community.
Promoting Lifelong Learning and Personal Growth
Participation in a book club encourages lifelong learning and personal growth by exposing readers to new ideas, perspectives, and literary styles.
Through regular reading and discussion and book discussions, members expand their vocabulary, improve their critical reading skills, and enhance their ability to articulate their thoughts and opinions.
Book clubs also provide opportunities for self-reflection and introspection as readers connect the books’ themes to their own lives, beliefs, and experiences, fostering personal growth and self-discovery.
Book clubs play a vital role in supporting authors and promoting literary culture by generating enthusiasm for books and authors within their communities.
By selecting and discussing books and novels together, book clubs introduce readers to new authors, boost book sales, and generate word-of-mouth recommendations that can significantly affect an author’s career.
Book clubs also contribute to literature’s cultural relevance by keeping classic works alive, exploring contemporary issues through fiction, and preserving the art of storytelling in an increasingly digital world.
Book clubs enrich the lives of their members and contribute to a vibrant literary ecosystem by providing a space for meaningful discussions, fostering empathy and understanding, and encouraging lifelong learning.
Whether you’re a seasoned book club enthusiast or considering starting your own, embracing the power of book clubs can transform your reading experience, broaden your perspectives, and connect you with a community of fellow book lovers who share your passion for literature.
Join a book club today or start your own journey of literary discovery and connection—it’s a decision that can enrich your life in more ways than one. Click the link to get your free Tips Sheet for Starting and Sustaining a Book Club.
May 26, 2024
Arriving at Blue Ridge Christian Writers’ Conference
This week, I set aside my gardening gloves for a fabulous adventure. Our little Canadian authors’ group (a.k.a. known as Fab Four ) decided months ago to attend, once again, the Blue Ridge Christian Writers’ Conference.
Against all odds, we accomplished the seemingly impossible and loaded all our suitcases, boxes of books, and laptops into the rental car and set out for the long-anticipated road trip.
GSP told us we would need about 12 hours to reach our destination. Well, it lied. When we arrived at the lobby some 17 hours later, we were truly thankful to find a sweet, welcoming staff member ready to give us our room keys, even though it was midnight. We were ready for bed.
The following day, after sufficient amounts of coffee, we embarked on a bit of exploration of Black Mountain. Unsure what to expect, we were rewarded with a day in a charming town. We found a fabulous Krista Anne's clothing boutique and checked out their sales rack. Next came the impromptu tasting of locally made jam and biscuits right on the main street, then enjoyed a delicious lunch at Trail Head restaurant.
The absolute highlight of the day? Our amazing friend Susanne Blumer owns an honest-to-goodness real toy emporium and a fantastic bookstore on the lower level of the same building. Sassafras charmed us from the moment we stepped over the threshold. What could be more thrilling for a group of authors than visiting a place filled with a scent of fresh paper and ink, a coffee bar, and a book signing? Our wonderful friend, Amanda Cox, was signing copies of her books.
As soon as we returned to the conference center, we noticed that most of our author friends had started to trickle in, and the ‘family reunion’ was about to begin. I will share more in my next blog post.
September 1, 2023
Five Ways to Enjoy Fall and Stress Less
As the days grow shorter, the temperatures colder, and nature tucks itself in for the winter, we crave light, warmth, and comfort.
Time to put on your favorite sweater and embrace the natural beauty outdoors. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, pull out a soft blanket, make a hot drink, or call a few friends and have them over for a fun fall evening. All it takes to enjoy these fabulous fall days is a bit of planning.
1. Plan walks in the nature. May it be in a local park, on a public trail, or a nearby farm. Search for local events, pick-your-own orchards, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and country fairs. Participate in charity walks. Fall is a beautiful season.
We lose one minute of daylight every day, and the darkening skies can dim our mood. Being outside, catching the last rays of warm sun, and participating in fun activities, will surely improve your outlook on life.
Create blocks of time in your calendar for the full fall season, this will give you something to look forward to on those super busy days. Plan for weather changes. Fall can be unpredictable.
We wake up to a frosty morning, and by lunch, we are ready for shorts and T-shirts. But as soon as the sun drips towards the western horizon, we reach for a sweater and scarf. When out in nature, dress in layers. Think of comfortable waterproof footwear, to keep your toes warm.
And don’t forget to hydrate. We carry our water bottles everywhere during the summer but fall days can turn hot without a notice. To keep your energy up and your mood bright, take a healthy snack too. And why not invite a friend or two to join you, or make a fall hike a new family tradition?
And while you are out, take plenty of pictures. Use your phone to capture the beauty around you and don’t forget to share them. They will bring cheer to others, and perhaps inspire them to plan their own hike.
2. Fall weather can be unpredictable, but what could be more relaxing than a planned cozy evening? Light your scented candles, brew your favorite specialty beverage, and pull out a soft blanket.
Enjoy a fall evening with a purpose. Grab a book and set up your cozy corner. Add a soothing soundtrack and sink into the comfort of your own home.
Everyone needs a special fall mug dedicated only to such cozy moments. It will become a visual reminder to make these dates with yourself a regular thing.
A few minutes of quiet will help you let go of the daily stress and recharge. Use your calendar to set time for these dates with yourself. They are invaluable for your emotional and mental health.
3. Take a bath. The Romans made bathing a ritual part of their social life. We may not have a public bathhouse in every town but having a bath will add some luxury to your week.
Relaxation is the key to enjoying life, unfortunately, most of us are so busy, we often don’t even think of that lonely tub in our bathroom. Make a regular use of it. Warm up the stiff muscles. Who says we can’t reward ourselves for making it through yet another busy day?
Simple Epsom salt, or fancy bath bombs – you chose what makes you happy. Pour a drink, play your favorite soundtrack, and let the worries wash away. Marking this special occasion in your daytime will help you to push through the difficult moments in your day.
4. Fun with colors. As nature slowly prepares for winter rest and loses the fabulous color of fall, add them to your wardrobe. Why wear only gray and black? Splash with purples and oranges, greens, and yellows will bring a smile to your face.
Accessorise with knitted scarves of bright colors, pick up a few hats and switch them regularly, and add a colorful purse, maybe even a pair of funky shoes. Be a bright light among the grayness of a rainy day and brighten up the world around you.
5. When the weather turns, and walks are out of the question, think of your family and friends. They are most likely suffering from the same affliction of dark, wet evenings too.
Send out a few texts, make a call or two, and invite them for a small fall get-together. To make it more fun, add a fall theme. Plan a pumpkin party. Your guests are sure to enjoy pumpkin spice – in everything.
Be creative and invite them to participate. Cooking and backing bring people together. How about a craft or cosmetics-making party with your girlfriends? Latte competition? A knitting night? Or a simple fall movie and treats? Why not organize a potluck and have each participant prepare pumpkin treats, with recipe cards to share?
Share a group calendar and book those weekends. Time to enjoy the bounty of the harvest season.
Every day is a gift, even the rainy ones.
So take time to enjoy, make plans, and spread happiness around. The truth is, we all are so very busy that it is easy to forget that fun and relaxation play a vital role in our well-being. We do seem to find time for the necessities of life, like visits to the dentist, oil changes for our car, weekly grocery runs, laundry, and garbage pick up.
But what about ourselves? Our needs get often pushed aside and we end up tired and exhausted, struggling with depression and sadness, because we simply don’t take time to be kind to ourselves. But it is never too late to start.
Look around your house and find things that make you feel cozy and relaxed. Don’t save those bath bombs for some special day, that may never come. Plan to use them this week. Mark it in your planner and stick to the appointment, as if it were booked with your lawyer or accountant.
After all, if you do not take yourself seriously enough to care for your well-being, who will? You deserve it, so no excuses, no guilt, pamper yourself this fall, it will do you a world of good.
February 6, 2021
Conspiracy or Not
Watching the final broadcast of 2020, the consensus seemed to be that the entire year should be dumped into a giant garbage can and set on fire.
Yes, it had been a year full of challenges, pain, and suffering, but let’s be honest, it could have been worse. I thought of the Spanish Flu pandemic and couldn’t help to draw comparisons. A hundred years ago, the world was torn by the bloodiest conflict to date, millions had not returned from the war, countless were wounded and maimed, economies were shattered, families stricken by poverty, and then the flu hit. The loss of life was horrendous.
Looking at our situation – most of our fridges were never empty, government aid packages rescued us from financial downfall, many home improvement projects finally saw the finish line, and our communities were seemingly united in cheering for the frontline workers.
In my eyes, 2020 was a one-star-kind-of-a-year, but God’s grace definitely gets five stars from me. Our family experienced such mercy it often brought me to tears. My mother-in-law passed in February. We tragically lost two of our friends in March. My husband underwent three major surgeries, all of them successful – the cancer had been removed from his body. We had sold our house amidst all this and moved the entire farm, built a workshop, new barn, cleared a field of weeds, dealt with polluted water system, and started to plan the construction of our new home.
My eyes were opened to grace and generosity of our family and friends. Never had I relied on help as much as this past year. Being a definite type A personality, this was something totally new to me. From packing, help in the garden, cooking, baking, cleaning...to the cards, countless words of encouragement, and continues prayers – we were carried through the hurricane that threatened to destroy our life. How do I ever express my thanks adequately?
Having gone through such a humbling experience, I can only marvel at people who seem to feed on conflict and controversy. Isn’t there enough pain without adding new layers of discontent and perceived conspiracy theories?
It had been only five short weeks since we faced yet another tragedy. My husband’s Dad passed, due to COVID-19. This was perhaps even more difficult than the passing of his Mom earlier this year, because this time, we didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye. One day he seemed to be getting better, the next morning a call came. He was gone.
I think of the thousands of families mourning the loss of their loved ones and must pause as I hear those who subscribe to the conspiracy theory of COVID-19 not being real, or refuse to wear a mask, citing their rights. It feels like a slap in the face. How can someone say the pandemic is a lie as we see the numbers rise, struggle through yet another shut down, worry about our fragile economy, face tough financial decisions? Most of us cope with face masks and sanitizer every time we leave the house. All of us miss our family gatherings, regular activities, work, school, and all those other things taken for granted. How can someone proclaim that the pandemic is a hoax as the death toll climbs? It is definitely not a hoax to us, as we won’t be celebrating Dad’s 80th birthday this year. I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion, yet what I failed to understand is the callousness of those who refuse to offer their sympathy and understanding, to show their compassion towards those who suffer. ‘We are in it together’ may sound like a cliché at this point, but the truth is, if every one of us does their best and follows the rules, perhaps we can beat this virus and spare lives that do not need to be cut short, so help us God.
April 10, 2020
Easter Like No Other
It is Friday evening, and we are having dinner, as any other day, even though today is Good Friday. I think of a Facebook post a friend shared on my feed a couple of days ago. She took a photo of her Passover table, stating that she never had thought it would be herself and her husband only, celebrating the holiday, alone.
Our adult children are still living at home, and therefore the immediate family will be together this holiday. Many won’t. This Easter will be a sad and a lonely one for a great number of people, as physical distancing due to the pandemic forbids all gatherings, including family celebration. Many will be missing their loved ones, connecting via phones and tablets.
And perhaps here we can draw a parallel to the first Easter. It is possible that this year we could understand the profound sense of separation and loneliness the followers of our Master experienced that first Easter weekend.
When Jesus was accused, convicted and sentenced, the apostles were stunned. They witnessed firsthand His power to perform miracles and understood that He is the Son of God. How did they reconcile His acceptance of this great wrong, without even a slightest hint of resistance? Did they see Him as lost? Defeated? Overpowered? Did they feel forsaken? Deceived? Abandoned?
Millions worldwide struggle to understand our current situation. History tells us of
similar pandemics, drastically reducing the population in the afflicted areas. Yet, to remember the last epidemic one would have to be over hundred years old. Some of us recall our grandparents retelling some of the stories from the second decade of the last century, as the terrible WWI ended, a disease swept through Europe, claiming more lives then the armed conflict. The grief and devastation must have been overwhelming.
And here we are, a century later. We have modern hospitals, our science created medications to treat illness, our food supply chain is unbroken, there is no major war raging, yet we find ourselves taken hostage by an invisible enemy.
What power does a microscopic virus possess? The power to separate us from our loved ones, devastate our economy, strain our medical system and to take lives. How far have we come in ten decades? How far have we progressed in two millennia?
Grief and suffering connect us all. No matter the technology at our fingertips. A minute virus possessed the power to bring our pride in our achievements to its knees. Yet harsh reality often brings forth the best in people.
My heart swells with every story of human kindness, extended to the neighbours, medical personnel, the ill, and the hungry. The snippets of goodness flood our social media channels and we all feel the power of hope. I wonder if the disciples gathered together, much like we flock to our platforms, for the same purpose. Sharing stories did bring them hope. As they recalled Jesus’ words, there must have been a glimpse of light rooting in their hearts.
As we sit at our breakfast table this Sunday, let us all remember the darkness that came over the earth as Jesus committed his spirit to the Father. Let us reflect on the profound sense of loss and grief all that followed Jesus experienced, but most of all, let us zoom in on the moment of His resurrection.
There was no other man in history, no teacher, nor prophet who experienced God’s power in such a profound way. Jesus rose from the dead, just as He promised. Beauty from ashes. Prophesies fulfilled. Eternal life secured for all who chose His as their life leader, redeemer, savoir.
So, as you celebrate this Easter, with your loved ones, or alone, know that this is a weekend like no other. We will remember this unprecedented time of deliberate slowdown in our lives, isolation and perhaps even fear. Yet, as the light overcame the darkness on that first Easter weekend, the good will triumph again. We have a God who loves us unconditionally. Eternally. We are never truly alone. And as we rush through our technology filled lives, attached to our devices, we often lose the sight of what is truly important. Perhaps this Easter, we all need to find some alone time with Jesus, and not only because we have been ordered into self-isolation. He is the resurrected Christ, who loves you, to death and back. Let’s not keep Him waiting any longer, for God is Love, and love is all we need.
April 9, 2020
Selfcare Is Not Selfish - Part II
The days seem to pass by with an unusual slowness, as we miss our daily routines. But perhaps this is the time to contemplate why we do all that seems to be so necessary. Many of us stay in our groove, and get comfortable, losing a zest for life little by little, as we rush and struggle. This brief slowdown in the spin, as inconvenient and scary as it may be, offers an once in a lifetime opportunity to examine our level of happiness and perhaps even dare to ask: “What makes us truly happy and fulfilled?”
I looked up the definition of mindfulness, a somewhat trendy word I associate with yoga. What it really means is:
At this point of social, or be it physical, distancing, perhaps every one of us could use a
good therapeutic technique. I for one, as an extrovert, do miss my writers’ group, although an online meeting was an acceptable option, for now. But what about church, work, holidays, family gatherings, neighbours…
Calming my mind, and intentionally focusing on the present moment is perhaps even a little scary. I much rather discuss the ‘present moment’ with my friends, over a coffee. But I’m trying to find the point of acceptance, during my afternoon rest time. It is hard to stop the negative cycle, especially while watching the daily developments, but it is possible.
This brings me to another form of suitable therapy. Gardening. Somehow running fresh soil through our fingers tends to calm the soul. I love watching my seeds grow into little plants. I do fuss over them, ensuring that each one gets adequate light, water and love. My daughter isn’t into vegetables but loves her collection of succulents. May it be a pot on your balcony, raised garden or a cactus on your desk,
tending to plants will bring a little fragment of the Garden into your life.
How about all the scrapbooking supplies collecting dust for a decade or so? The yarn that looked so good at the craft store. The little project you never found time to complete. I’m not suggesting a full-on crafting weekend with a bunch of your friends, although that sounds very tempting just about now, but how about we scale it down a notch and dedicate two afternoons a week to creating something beautiful. Give yourself permission to use this strange downtime to nourish your mind. If crafts are not your thing, what other hobbies did you have to set aside due to demands of life? Could you find 30 minutes a day to spend doing something you once loved? Give it a try. It will feed your soul.
Reach for the light. Literally and figuratively. Spend time in the sunlight, but also limit your exposure to negativity, scary movies, news, sadness, and anything that touches the dark side. When we experience an unprecedented psychological stress, such as the current health crisis, we automatically reach out for help. Perhaps this is a time to dust off your Bible and think of grater things that yourself. Look around and understand that others are in the same proverbial boat. How can you help? Simple acts of kindness will lift up your spirit. Offering a listening ear, sharing fun memories, dropping off a few grocery items at your neighbours, decorating the front of your house, positive social media engagement, or a simple call to a friend -- these are points of light that we can share.
What helps me most is the understanding that I’m not alone in this. Sharing our true feelings makes us vulnerable, but being open about our ability, or the lack of, to cope with this situation allows others to safely express themselves. Check in with your family members on regular basis, especially the youngsters. Teens often rely on their friends for emotional support and being stuck at home can trigger negative emotions. Use adult language, express yourself calmly and show them that you are a safe person to talk to.
One last thing. As tempting as it may be, stay away from excess alcohol. Substance abuse is easily hidden when one doesn’t need to show up at the office at 9 am sharp but finding solace in a bottle of any kind never led to anything good in the long run. There are plenty of non-destructive ways to deal with the current situation. Look for the silver lining, and you may be surprised to find more than a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. This too shall pass, and life will go on. There will come a time when we will look back at this brief slow down in history and share our stories at a BBQ or around a holiday table. Let’s make sure that our retelling will be as positive and encouraging as can be.
April 7, 2020
Home Alone - With the Kids
adjustment period for all of us, as they moved back home, full-time, given the shift in their employment as well as education. How about the families struggling with the younger children and the indefinite school closures? How are the parents coping with this public health crisis, working from home, dealing with layoffs, business shutdowns, and the added responsibility for educating their children? A few days ago I got a message from a friend. She was overwhelmed with the task of mothering her teenagers, while now having to become their teacher as well. Apparently, she felt she wasn’t up to the task. And I bet she is not alone. Parenting has changed over the past few decades, yet the core values of a civilized society had not. We expect our fellow citizens to listen to the strong suggestions of our medical officers. I love hearing the stories of neighbours looking after each other. Canadians are taking this calmly and respectfully. But how does that translate to our homes? I thought of a long-time friend of mine, who homeschooled her four children. All of her kids turned out to be high achievers, the three girls earning degrees, working in highly competitive fields. Their son helps to manage the family business. They all get along, support each other and enjoy each others company. Isn’t that what every parent wishes for? Their story reminded me of the parable of the sower, and I wanted to know how she and her husband ensured early on, that they will reap a harvest as great, as expected.
So, I did call my homeschooling friend Pam and asked her for some tips. We spent an hour on the phone and although my kids are adults now, I felt that I have learn much that can be applied to our own family. First thing she suggested was to make a plan. Pam used to have an annual binder with a lesson plan for each child. We are three months away from the official end of the school year, given that things may change in a few weeks, it might be prudent to set a lesson plan for one month at the time.
The second step? Create a schedule for every week. This gives children a freedom of choice. If they have to complete two units in math, write a book report and study one unit in science, let them choose what they would like to do first. The only rule Pam implemented was that all schoolwork had to be done by Friday. A noon deadline is great, as that gives the procrastinators an afternoon to finish, but without the reward promised for those who kept to their schedule. Thirdly, she stressed the importance to make things fun. Every child is different and needs an individual approach. And who knows the kids better than their parents? Motivate them with what they love. Is your child into crafts? Talk about what kind of projects would they like to work on in the afternoons. Could they make decorations for the house? Paint the windows? Or would they rather shoot hoops on the driveway?
As Pam explained, your child will not need a full day of school. If the parents keep checking their work, and pick up on missed concepts right the way, they can go over the lesson right there and then, and not wait till the quiz to find out. Hands on approach might help your child communicate their struggles better, and your encouragement will definitely boost their self-esteem. Pam’s fourth suggestion was to share family chores. Now that many parents are working from home, there might be less of a commute, but more time needed to prepare meals, clean up the dishes, and keep the house tidy. While Pam’s children were growing up, each family member took on the responsibility of preparing a dinner, one day a week. Those who didn’t cook that night, took care of the cleaning. At first, she suggested, you will need to help the children a little, but don’t do the work. Let them make the meal, and simply keep and eye on things from a distance. You might be surprised what your eight-year-old can do.
Here is a final suggestion. Hold a family meeting once a week, to check in on everyone’s school progress, their mental health, and plan for the next seven days ahead. Ask what meals they would like to make, make a list of ingredients, then a shopping list for the one person who will make the grocery store run. Plan family fun, such as game night, music night or video game evening. You can incorporate exercise, yard work, or dog walking duties. Most importantly, make sure that all family members have an equal say and feel heard. Who knows, perhaps spending this unplanned time together has a silver lining. It may teach our kids more about true relationships, away from their gadgets and social media platform. Getting along with real people is a foreign concept to many youngsters these days. Clear communication face-to-face, without emotional outbursts, demands and pouting is achievable. Limited screen time is possible, adhering to basic family rules, such as being kind and helpful, respectful and obedient may not be the thing of the past. Families are the cornerstone of our society, and we need to stick together through thick and thin. As parents, we have to keep a careful eye on the emotional state of our children. Limit the exposure to scary news. Keep them informed, but do not add to their anxiety. Reaching for the Bible and reinstating family prayer and spiritual discussion time may be the perfect antidote to all the statistics reported daily.
Assure them that God is still in control. We all need to do our part, and He will do His.
March 26, 2020
Selfcare Is Not Selfish - Part I
Selfcare is not indulgent or selfish, especially during this extraordinary time. As we face new unknowns daily, overwhelming statistics and an uncertain future, it is easy to slip into depression. We need to monitor ourselves and take preventive measures to avoid, or at least lessen the impact on our mental health. No one knows how long this pandemic will last, and the health care professionals have their hands full providing urgent care. So, let’s do our part and help ourselves to stay strong, positive, and able to help others. 
Even during times with restrictions on our outdoor activity, there are ways to build in 30 minutes of exercise each day. Use your electronic devices to help you. Connect with your friends using your FitBit, phone health app, or skype and do workouts together. Challenge yourself. If you are blessed with a backyard, grab a rake and do some spring maintenance, especially if that is the last thing you feel like doing. Have a dog? Best solution yet. Add a play routine to your day. 
Unsure if you are a person of faith, meditation, prayer or scripture reading is one of the best ways to combat depression. Disengaging your mind from the constant flow of negative news, and focusing on ancient scriptures, thinking of the principles and truths that have been passed to us through the millennia will bring hope into your life. Don’t have a Bible? There are countless online versions, downloadable to your phone. This is not time for heated theological arguments, about existence or nonexistence of god, doctrinal differences or specific practices. This is a time to let God be God to you and allow Him to speak directly to your soul. Need peace, love and assurance that you're not alone? Ask Him. 
Eat well. Yes, even during this time of limited grocery store trips, we can manage to eat well. And by that I do not mean pasta that comes from a box and is sprinkled with wanna-be-cheese dust. We have been gifted with this unprecedented amount of free time. Use this opportunity to look up how to make real food. Cook with your family members. Connect via your gadget and do a cook off with your friends. Make something you have never tried before. Declare a theme for the night. Search through your fridge for items nearing the end of their lifespan and challenge yourself to come up with ways to eliminate food waste. Most of all, set your table before every meal. Make things nice for yourself and enjoy your food. Be mindful of what you eat. Shut off the TV, set aside your phone and truly enjoy your mealtimes. This will not only boost your mood, but also cut down on boredom snacking...and we all know where that leads.
February 13, 2020
Guard Your Heart
Not sure if you are a bucket-list or a life-goal-kind-of-a-person, but I believe it is essential to have dreams, in order to live a fulfilled live. This past December, the former wide-eyed-five-grader, who realized during her history class that Egypt was real, and the sites were still there, finally got her wish. Be it several decades later, my husband and I treated ourselves to a trip to Egypt.There is much to be said about a developing country, and Google will do justice to a simple image search. But, despite the culture shock, we were totally blown away by the antiquities and historical sites.
We walked through spaces carved into the rock some three-and-half-thousand years ago, appreciating the monumental sculptures, exploring the ancient hieroglyphics, marvelling at the vivid colours so amazingly preserved by the dry climate. One must ask: Why such tremendous effort?Following our tour guide from temple to temple, the mystery slowly started to unravel. At least in my mind. One would think that becoming an all-powerful leader of one of the most developed cultures of its time, being surrounded by servants, loyal armies, artisans, scientists, priests, countless wives and untold riches—well, let’s just say many a dictator would call this an absolute heaven.But looking at the walls and obelisks, I realized that becoming the most powerful person in the world wasn’t the pharaohs’ ultimate goal. What did each ruler strive for? The answer was right there before our eyes. It was eternal life.
Most of the stone carvings are about earning favours from gods and passing through twelve gates into eternity. The whole Egyptian civilization worked hard to fulfill their pharaohs’ dream. All the monuments, temples, tombs, and pyramids constructed with one goal in mind. Eternity.Our Egyptologist guide explained that not only did the pharaoh needed provisions for his afterlife, he, too, had to possess the knowledge to answer questions at each of the twelve gates in order to pass through and make it to eternity. He also had to have the strength to fight multiple enemies, but most importantly the ruler needed a light heart. The requirement was simple—a heart lighter that a feather.This brings me to a conclusion. The ruler had to take care of the economy to finance such massive builds, and the agriculture—to feed the armies of slaves and craftsmen. There was also the trade with other nations to create more prosperity. He had to finance the military to protect the vast wealth as well as expand the kingdom. And there was the education, so the population had skills to engineer, build and decorate these magnificent projects. In all that, he had one crucial job. What was it? Pharaoh’s number one job was to guard his heart.
Boy, aren’t you glad that Jesus made it easy? I am. But back to the lighter-than-a-feather-heart concept. As our historian clarified, naturally, heart, as an organ, can not be lighter than a feather. It is a metaphor. The pharaoh needed to live life in good conscience, to be just and fair. And at the end, his heart was placed on a scale, only then would he find out if he passed or was forever condemned.How freeing is it to know that you and I can weigh our heart in an instant? We do not need to build monuments to gain favour from our God. He doesn’t require sacrifices, ceremonies and temples. He is not out there, somewhere, waiting to punish us. No. Our God became the ultimate sacrifice, so we don’t need to live with a heavy heart. He offers to listen, anytime we need to call out to Him. He loves our praises, our gratitude, our faithfulness. Yet, He doesn’t demand. He reveals Himself through goodness and love, so that we can wake up each morning with a light heart, fully knowing that our eternity is secured, without passing through twelve gates and battling monsters.And so, as you talk to Him today, let Him know how much you appreciate all that He has done for you. Living with a feather-light-heart is much easier that hauling granite blocks through a desert. Let’s not take this fact for granted. How about we make February a month of gratitude. To join me, click here, and you will receive one email each day, a simple reminder to appreciate, and thank Him, for the simple things in life.
January 17, 2020
Only Till Midnight
