Day 365 | Friday, 19 March 2021

Day 365 - Audio Version

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Day 365 | Friday, 19 March 2021
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 365 days ago, March 20, 2020, I began sending out these daily devotionals, inspirations, thoughts etc.  Did I expect that I would still be doing this one year later, NO.  We were in the very early days of the COVID pandemic at that time and it was certainly a time of uncertainty for all of us.  The image below might reflect just how we were feeling.

We found ourselves in unchartered territory along with the rest of the world without any clear understanding of what was ahead of us or how we would proceed through this time.  As pointed out by the Church Mouse in one of her writings, we were fluctuating between fear and worry.  Given who I am, it came naturally to me to want to offer words of encouragement and hope to our community.  I guess one could say I wanted to give us something to hold on to as me journeyed together yet apart through the pandemic.  Prayer was something we could all do for one another and for those on the front lines of this virus. 

Well, here we are, one year later thankful that we have made it through the journey up to this point.  Yes, some were positive for COVID and survived, yet still dealing with what is now called long timers’ syndrome.  The effects of the virus may be around for an unknown time.  Most have received at least one vaccine if not both.  We continue to pray for the scientists and researchers who will not stop their work.  We are thankful for their persistence.

          We have provided scripture, hymns, prayers, questions, recipe’s, humor, emotional word pictures, hope and inspiration over these past 365 days.  This daily exercise has been just as meaningful to The Woodland’s Shepherd and The Church Mouse as it has to those who have been reading it.

          Although we are still under the cloud of COVID-19, we will journey on through these days.  We will continue to do our best to provide all of us with a daily message as we are able and as God gives us inspiration.  Praise God for God’s presence and our connections to one another.

 Psalm 27 selected verses CEB
The Lord is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone?  The Lord is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything? I will continue to trust in this: I have asked one thing from the Lord—it’s all I seek: to live in the Lord’s house all the days of my life,

seeing the Lord’s beauty and constantly adoring his temple.  Because he will shelter me in his own dwelling during troubling times; he will hide me in a secret place in his own tent; he will set me up high, safe on a rock.  I will sing and praise the Lord.
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Holy and gracious God, today I thank you for your loving presence with us over this past year as we have journeyed through uncertainty.  You have been our strength and guide.  The love of your son, Jesus, has held us and provided both hope and comfort.  The presence of your Holy Spirit has lifted us up when we have been down.  Continue to walk beside us as we journey on into these days.  Lord, hear our prayers.  Amen!