We are truly facing a time that has never been seen before. Our world has been hit with a pandemic and here we are; Finding our way together, trying to stay safe and find refuge in our homes. Times of uncertainty can be unsettling for many; But our God is a powerful God and he wants to see his children thrive even in the midst of a storm and we want to see you thrive too. As you stay home with your families I want to encourage you to know that we can take comfort in knowing in advance that this virus will not last. It’s a valley that we will walk through, and we’re going to walk through it together – R.Warren.

Here are some tips to help make this season more peaceful within the home:

• Take this time at home to truly slow down. So many times throughout my life I have heard myself use the phrases – I’m stressed out, I’m always busy, I never have time for myself or to just relax. Well…this is definitely the perfect time to get that under control. Stay comfortable in your homes with your loved ones, watch movies, have devotionals, story times, play board games, talk to each other, prepare meals together and eat with one another around the kitchen table. There are so many things we can do from home and now we have been granted the opportunity to do so, so I highly encourage making the most of family time.
• Keep your body moving. There are so many resources for at home workouts on Dashing Dish, youtube and more. Taking time each day to get a workout in is a huge mood booster and will encourage better eating habits while you’re in the house. If you have kids you can get them involved as well and have them participate in your workouts at home.
• Get ready for the day. When staying at home it can become a habit to stay in the same pjs each day and not take care of ourselves the way we would if we were headed out the door each day. So take each day and shower/freshen up, wash your face, if you enjoy make up- put it on, if you have a favorite scent – wear it and maybe you throw on a cute outfit here or there. It instantly made me feel better, more alert and eager to do something fun around the house.
• Have a dance party!! Grab your hairbrush or comb; turn up those tunes loud and let loose. If you have a disco ball- take it out and just have fun!! It’s an easy way to stay active, to include the entire family and an easy way to add a smile onto everyone’s face.
• Stay connected with friends & family. Most of us get excited for human interaction each day and while it’s important to practice safe distancing its also important to stay connected with the ones we care about. This is the time to pick up the phone and call your friends or family you don’t see, face time with a group of friends to just talk and see their faces or join in on a zoom workout.
• Pick up your bible and put down your phone. This is the perfect time to dive deeper in the word, whether it’s reading the bible or engaging in devotionals (Dashing Dish and the Bible app are great resources for encouragement and devotionals). Social media can be a great place for encouragement and a breeding ground for fear. Listen to the facts and distance yourself from media when you notice it is causing fear and anxiety, stop and pray.

As women of God in these uncertain times, we are not to fear as those who have no hope or belief. The Bible is very clear regarding the authority that Jesus gave his children over sickness and disease. Pray for one another, keep strong in your faith and know that this is a time we will learn from and come out Stronger Together.