Reflections from the Home Team - April 4, 2020

“We all most likely can acknowledge that at some time we have burned the candle at both ends… We all need MARGIN in our lives (and I’m not referring to ‘physical distancing’ here…)  Simply put, MARGIN = what may be missing in our lives, and the COVID -19 challenge is providing us that opportunity.”

Greetings from Cedar Falls,

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, bringing with it all the frustrations that force changes in our daily lives, I firmly believe we will get through this together with thoughtful, consistent, science-based and open communication and decision-making. Right now, we are on defense concerning the virus and hunkering down through social distancing, washing hands constantly and avoiding touching one’s face. This is the way for the time being. It has been frustrating for many.  I know I feel it not being able to see my mom “in person” on a regular basis, but we know it is for the good of not only her, but others as well. 

There will always be some uncertainty about the underlying science as this is a new experience for all of us, and by applying a precautionary approach where uncertainty exists, and implementing well-reasoned decisions about how best to limit the dissemination of COVID-19, things will improve. It is unfortunate we are not as prepared as we could have been, given the many years we've been planning for pandemic influenza. But rather than criticizing past decisions, I am hopeful we can move forward together in a way that ensures our healthcare and other high-priority workforces have the highest degree of protection possible. And perhaps we'll make better decisions going forward, once this pandemic is over.

As you may know, I always try to find positives in challenges that come our way, and this is certainly one of them! The social distancing and isolation practices being employed have provided me more time to read and reflect on the thoughts and experiences of others.  Tricia and I are currently reading a book for our Small Group Bible Study titled The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith.  Wonderful book, and as is often the case, this read had led me to another author who has given me some valuable perspectives that help me understand and get through this current pandemic challenge.  Smith does an excellent job of helping us discover the narratives that Jesus lived by vs. the often-false narratives we have come to develop about God in our daily lives. He also provides some spiritual exercises he refers to as Soul Training that help us develop and grow in the knowledge of our good and beautiful God.  This week’s Soul Training exercise involves the concept of “Margin”.

Given that backdrop, Smith introduces us in the Soul Training exercise to Dr. Richard Swenson who has written a book by the title Margin. Imagine that…  As we all are aware from our English classes, margin refers to the space on the edge of a paper where there is no text. Swenson points out that the pages we read in a book have margins on the top, bottom and sides. If words stretched from top to bottom and to both edges, there would be no margin. Swenson points out that our lives are often like that… I know personally I can relate to that.  So often, I have added so much to my schedule that I have little “margin” for leisure and rest and family and health and God. I think that may describe many of our situations “pre” COVID-19.

Dr. Swenson describes margin and being marginless this way:

“The conditions of modern-day living devour margin… Marginless is being 30 minutes late to the doctor’s office because you were 20 minutes late out of the hairdresser’s because you were ten minutes late dropping the children  off at school because the car ran out of gas two blocks from the gas station -  and you forgot your purse.

Margin on the other hand is having breath left at the top of the staircase, money left at the end of the month and sanity left at the end of adolescence.

Marginless is the baby crying and the phone ringing at the same time; margin is grandma taking the baby for the afternoon.

Marginless is being asked to carry a load five pounds heavier than you can lift (I’ve been guilty of that); margin is a friend to carry half the burden.

Marginless is not having time to finish the book you’re reading on stress; margin is having the time to read it twice.”

Does this sound familiar to you?  I know it does to me. I definitely made some adjustments on margin in my life following cancer, but it has taken me a while to learn the secret to creating margin in our lives, especially in retirement. Margin will help you erect boundaries to protect your time and sanity at a time when you may desperately need both!

Dr. Swenson describes a simple, but very difficult to enact “secret” to help make this happen… “Just say no.” That has been very difficult for me, but I’m working on it.  By saying no to anything that is not absolutely necessary to the well-being of your soul or the welfare of others, we can go about our days with a rhythm and pace in which we can feel happy and at peace.

To me, this is the “silver lining” in this whole pandemic exercise we are currently going through.  We are literally being forced to create some much needed “MARGIN” in our lives. (and I’m not referring to ‘physical distancing’ here…) We all most likely can acknowledge that at some time we have burned the candle at both ends… We all need MARGIN. Simply put, MARGIN = what may be missing in our lives, and the COVID -19 challenge is providing us that opportunity. As Dr. Swenson points out, when we lack margin, it is most often of our own doing. After all, God never called anyone to be marginless…

^“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he      said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38-42

By reevaluating our priorities and determining the value of rest and simplicity in our lives, we can see where each of our individual identity’s really comes from. The benefits can be good health, financial stability, fulfilling relationships, and availability for God’s purpose.  This can become our new reality as we work through this current challenge together.

God’s richest blessings and good health your way!!

Dave

Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am. . . for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  

Be an encourager in someone else’s life!

To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:

www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/

Reflections from the Home Team - March 31, 2020

“May There Always be an Angel by Your Side…”

Greetings from Cedar Falls!

Many of us have begun using much of our energy wondering about what lies on the road ahead given the recent pandemic concerns. When faced with difficult situations and choices, my mind often tends to click into overdrive. I have to admit, my experiences with cancer treatments and their side effects has often taken over my thinking, and it was very easy to indulge them. Perseverance became a daily part of my existence. I also realized that if I indulged myself in worries, pain, and anxieties, they could quickly turn into idols. That is when I needed to remind myself to have confidence in God, trusting He will not forsake me in my time of need. I began to break free from them by trusting and refreshing myself in God’s word and letting Him into my heart. God doesn't expect perfection, it’s our effort that pleases Him. I have been making the effort by beginning each day connecting with Him through silent prayer and reading scripture. I need that boost given all that is going on in our community, nation and around the world. I am convinced my Guardian Angel, whom I affectionately refer to as Angelina, is awakening my heart yet again to the fact that God is in control and can be trusted to never leave us or forsake us.

I learned a while back to lean on my precious Home Team (both human and Divine) when indulging in the worries, pain and anxieties that come my way. With their help, I always seem to feel more alive, more awake, and more ready to take on the challenges that our life journeys can present, things like the Corona Virus we are presently battling.   As you are well aware, my life journey since being diagnosed with cancer has certainly given me an opportunity to do a lot of reflecting. Reading has given me new perspectives on many things. A good friend sent me a quote a number of years ago from Irish poet and philosopher John O’Donohue that has remained embedded in my heart…

May the angels in their beauty bless you,

May an angel of awakening stir your heart,

May an angel of healing turn your wounds into sources of refreshment,

May an angel of compassion open your eyes to the unseen suffering around you,

And may the angel of death arrive only when your life is complete,

And you have brought every gift to the threshold where its infinity can shine.  

I sincerely believe I have met several of those angels in my life so far. Without question, I have developed even more compassion for those not only suffering from cancer, but also those who may be struggling with what the future may hold at present. I want to reach out to share a message of hope and strength for those who may be facing similar battles. I especially wanted to share how important all of these connections have been in my journey as they have provided the strength and courage I needed to fight the fight, no matter what that battle may be. That is a very important part of the message of hope I want to communicate. Reaching out to others in my time of need wasn’t always easy, but it certainly was necessary! As for that last angel, I’m not quite ready to meet him/her yet as I think I still have some gifts to share with others before my life becomes complete within God’s plan for me.

As always seems to be the case in my life when things get a bit tough, I experience something that brings me back in focus. When I was first diagnosed with cancer, a good friend delivered to me a leaded glass angel that I have sitting next to me in my home office window. That art piece (pictured above) reminds me daily of my Guardian Angel, whom I have affectionately named Angelina. I think she was awakening my heart yet again helping me to realize my Home Team was there to help me through this whole pandemic situation. As I was sitting in my office this morning and thinking about being isolated and doing my part for social distancing on a dreary, rainy spring day, all of a sudden, the sunshine burst through and illuminated my leaded glass Angel.  I have always believed I have a Guardian Angel, and honestly, she has been quite busy in my life covering my back, especially over the last number of years! It was just then that I ran across a post titled “A Conversation with God” that was recently shared by another good friend which simply read:

A Conversation with God

Me: Okay, God, here's the thing. I'm scared. I'm trying not to be, but I am.

God: I know. Want to talk about it?

Me: Do we need to? I mean, you already know.

God: Let's talk about it anyway... We've done this before.

Me: I know, I just feel like I should be bigger or stronger or something by now.

God: *waiting patiently, unhurried, undistracted, never annoyed.

Me: Okay. So, I'm afraid I'll do everything I can to protect my family and it won't be enough. I'm afraid of someone I love, dying. I'm afraid the world won't go back to what it was before. I'm afraid my life is always going to feel a little bit unsettled.

God: Anything else?

Me: EVERYTHING ELSE.

God: Remember how your kids woke up the other night and came running down the hall to your bedroom?

Me: Yes.

God: You were still awake, so when you heard them running, you started calling out to them before they even got to you... remember? Do you remember what you called out to them?

Me: I said, "You're okay! You're okay! You're okay!"

God: Why did you call to them? Why didn't you just wait for them to get to your room?

Me: Because I wanted them to know that I was awake, and I heard them, and they didn't have to be afraid all the way to the end, of the dark hallway.

God: Exactly. I hear you, daughter. I hear your thoughts racing like feet down the            

dark hallway. There's another side to all of this. I'm there already. I've seen the end of it. And I want you to know right here as you walk through it all, you're okay. I haven't gone to sleep, and I won't.

Me: *Crying. Can we sit together awhile? Can we just sit here a minute before I go back to facing it all?

God: There's nothing I'd love more!

         

That post couldn’t have come at a better time for me! If there is one message, I want to get to people, it is that when faced with a difficult situation like cancer, Corona Virus, or for that matter, any tough situation, it is so important to reach out to others, especially  God, to have that conversation remembering as we all walk through it together, we are OK. Just a reminder… “For He will give His Angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 We are under the constant care of God’s Angels as He gives each of His Angels a purpose with instructions to watch over us as His children. The Lord and His angels are always there, but so are friends and family. Be sure to access them, even if through a simple phone conversation!  We are built to live in community even though that may mean fewer in person hugs and greetings for the time being. 

I have also listed below a link to one of my favorite artists, Tommy Emmanuel, who plays my favorite song titled, “Angelina.” I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Link to: Tommy Emmanuel and "Angelina"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhR04kmcSXU

Be safe and be well!

Dave

Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am. . . for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  

Be an encourager in someone else’s life!

To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:

www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/

Reflections from the Home Team - March 29, 2020

“We all know a physical virus can be dangerous, but so can an ‘idea virus’. Let's respond to the fear, negative thoughts, panic and uncertainty with positive, contagious energy.” Jon Gordon

Greetings from Cedar Falls!

Every day seems to bring more news about COVID-19 and every hour seems to deliver more unwelcome changes and decisions made to slow the transmission rates of the virus. As baseball spring camps have been closed down, the NBA having suspended its season, the NCAA cancelling its men's and women's basketball tournaments and wrestling tournament, and the NHL’s regular season being paused, the impact is being felt across all sports. Things certainly feel emptier now and that can be very unsettling.

As the virus was in its beginning stages here in this country, many MLB clubs advised their players to avoid signing autographs, shaking hands or having any other kind of personal interactions with fans. To most players, that was a foreign concept, especially at this time of the year! Baseball enthusiasts often say that the best thing about the game is that every single day you have a chance to see something you've never seen before, and quite honestly, nobody has ever seen anything like this. In this atmosphere, both in baseball and, clearly, beyond, we are all rethinking even the most natural and mundane movements and it's difficult and uncomfortable for all. 

As I’ve often shared, baseball has offered me many valuable lessons when I’ve been confronted with some of the curveballs that have been “pitched” my way. Just as the game of baseball and other sports have implemented precautions that are keeping the players and everyone else safe, I think we all can acknowledge the situation is certainly not ideal. I’m confident we will work through it and the good news is that everyone appears to be cooperating in these first, awkward weeks as we all await the time when things will get back to normal, hopefully sooner than later. That’s a TEAM effort, and a lesson we can all benefit from.

Clearly, the stakes for humanity right now are far greater than determinations of whether games are played in empty stadiums or whether the games are even played at all… As this all plays out in directions few of us could have ever imagined as recently as a few weeks ago, we can only hope lives are protected, infections are contained, and normalcy returns for all soon. In schools, churches at offices and, yes, even in arenas, gyms and stadiums.

The Coronavirus has disrupted everyone’s life in some form or another. Even during the best moments, there is an underlying stress which tends to chip away at our sanity, especially as we socially distance and isolate ourselves to help mitigate the spread of this virus. I had a good friend email me the following today: “I've always been a fan of social distancing anyway, but I am about ready to kidnap my grandkids! From a spiritual point of view, I've been thinking that maybe this will help everyone slow down and realize what is really important as we draw closer to HIM...”  That is the good that can come out of all this, but it’s certainly not easy getting there!

Unfortunately, we have witnessed panic, fear, anxiety and negative thoughts consume many folks over the past few weeks.  Jon Gordon has an interesting perspective on all this, and I’ve shared below his recent post on “How to overcome negative thoughts and fear”. Couldn’t have come at a better time!

HOW TO OVERCOME NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AND FEAR

Are you struggling with Fear? If you are like most people, including me, I'm sure the answer is yes. Do your negative thoughts come from you? If you say yes, I have another question for you. Who would ever choose to have a negative thought? I know I certainly wouldn't. The truth is negative thoughts don't come from you. They come from consciousness. Think of the brain as the hardware. Consciousness is the software. No one has ever found a thought inside a brain. Thought simply activates the brain. Thoughts exist in something like an internet cloud and they are always being downloaded to your brain. It's the same with dreams and nightmares. You don't choose them. Negative thoughts pop in at random times or, for some, more frequently. They are like an unwanted surprise guest that shows up at your front door to tell you that your future is hopeless and that this is the end of the world. They tell you that you don't have what it takes to make it through this challenging time. They try to convince you that your best days are behind you. But here's the deal. Like any unwanted surprise guest, you decide whether or not to entertain them. A thought's power only comes from the power you give it. You don't have to give your negative thoughts power. You can ignore them. You can see them for what they truly are: lies, lies, lies. Always remember that just because you have a negative thought doesn't mean you have to believe it. Fear is a liar and if you struggle with fear and negative thoughts, it’s because you believe the lies that they tell. Fear stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. Fear looks and feels true, but it isn't. I'm not saying the virus and pandemic we face isn't real. I'm saying we can't let the fear that comes from it become irrational and overtake our lives. Fear says you aren't strong enough, good enough, successful enough, wealthy enough, happy enough, smart enough, talented enough. Well, I say enough with fear. Instead, know the truth. You have everything you need inside you to be successful. You weren't meant to be average. You have a desire to be great because you were created and born to go great things. You have a purpose. There's a plan for your life. You may be going through a hard time now, but you will get through this. It looks like the end of the world, but it isn't. This too shall pass. I want you to know that I too have struggled with negative thoughts and fear this week as well. Every time I watch the news, I feel depressed for a few minutes before reviving my hope and belief again. Be careful of watching too much news during this time. It can overwhelm and discourage you. Ironically the more it does, we return to it like a drug seeking to feel better only to feel worse. Use the media for information but then shut it off for your mental health. And when fear and negativity pop in your head you can ignore them or speak truth to the lies. That's what I do, and I was thrilled to hear that’s what the singer Jewel does as well. I was recently listening to an interview she did where said she makes a list of all the lies fear tells her. Then she writes down the truth next to the lies. She said it has given her a lot of power and freedom. It can do the same for you. There is a tremendous amount of freedom in knowing that negative thoughts are not coming from you. There's a ton of power in knowing that you don't have to believe the lies. You can know, speak and live the truth and just keep moving forward with belief, optimism, faith and grit. No matter what thoughts come your way, you have everything you need inside you to get through this difficult time. Thoughts will come and go but you just stay in the game one day at a time and keep moving forward. Don't look to the past. Don't look too far into the future. Do what you can do to make today great!  The truth is, this isn't going to be easy. The truth is, our leaders are going to have to make difficult decisions in the near future to save lives and save the economy. The truth is, we can't control the events in our life, but we can control how we respond. The truth is, we will get through this. We all know a physical virus can be dangerous, but so can an idea virus. Let's respond to the fear, negative thoughts, panic and uncertainty with positive contagious energy. Positive energy is contagious too. Share it! - Jon

I have always found comfort in the Psalms when I find myself struggling with those nasty ‘idea viruses’. The Psalms have provided me with peace when I place my focus on the One who gives it to each of us. If you haven’t already, now is a good time to start slowly and purposely meditating on God’s word.  It is a soul-stilling activity. Take some time and read a Psalm thinking about what it is saying about who God is, and what His power is in the “idea virus” situations we all face in our daily lives. “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Psalms 94:19

The Psalms are not the only source of peace and strength in God’s word. Seek out stories of God’s provision in the Bible. The God who met those needs is the same God who meets our needs. The fact that we are anxious and stressed does not come as a surprise to God. Take this time to lay every concern before Him. Begin by thanking God for every good thing in your life, whether it be that you have toilet paper and hand soap, or that the sun is shining. Focus upward and outward with the positive energy Jon refers to above.

While we are at it, let’s also pray for others: the leaders making tough decisions, essential workers who daily put their health at risk to meet the needs of our community, children and parents who have lost their routines, and for people with compromised health. The list is endless. Prayer is also a powerful way for maintaining our mental health and helping us all get through this.

We are in a unique period of time where all the “extra” stuff in life has been canceled. By responding to the fear, negative thoughts, panic and uncertainly with positivity and God’s word, we can be reminded of two very important things: God is still God, and this too shall pass.

Blessings to each of you!

Dave

Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am. . . for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  

Be an encourager in someone else’s life!

To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:

www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/

Reflections from the Home Team – March 15, 2020

"We are taking it one-day-at-a-time. There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other, no? Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball," Tom Hanks

Greetings from Cedar Falls,

My inbox has recently been bombarded with notices containing lists of things to do RIGHT NOW, given the Corona Virus situation currently facing us all.  There are reminders to wash our hands, socially distance ourselves and practice good hygiene habits.  All good reminders which we probably should be practicing regardless of the current situation. Many events are being postponed or cancelled in an attempt to mitigate the spread of the virus… Baseball, basketball, wrestling, hockey, Church services, large group meetings and conferences all done in an attempt to help protect each of us from contracting the virus. Being a member of the high-risk age group and given my compromised immune system from cancer treatments, it’s wise that I follow those bits of advice given by health professionals as a precaution.

However, I also need to keep reminding myself that I want faith to be an important part of my daily life plan as well, but somedays, given the constant barrage by the media, there seems to be no room for it because everything else is pushing it out of the way. Often, it may seem impossible to spend time finding faith amidst the chaos.

Certainly, it’s not always easy. What I’ve found comforting is stealing moments, wherever I can find them, to reconnect with God in the “jumble” of life. I’ve been there before, and I’m guessing I will be there in the future as well.

There are times when we face tough challenges that can seem overwhelming. We wonder at times like that how we will get through it. Here’s how - One small step at a time! We pull ourselves out of bed and we focus our attention on whatever small step is in front of us. And we do that over and over again and time passes and one day we look up and realize that we got through whatever it was, and things look a whole lot better than they did before.

It will take time to get there, but each step we take is a win for us. Those small victories eventually compound. It’s an approach the Navy SEALs take in a grueling training regimen during which more than two-thirds of those who enter the program quit before it is over. While the training is physically demanding, SEALs will tell you that mental strength and tenacity is more important than physical ability in terms of making it through to graduation. The same is true in life. Today, don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed by the big picture and what may be to come. Focus on the one step you need to take right now.

Many of you I’m sure know of Tom Hanks who starred in one of my favorite movies as Coach Jimmy Dugan in “A League of their Own”. You may also be aware that he and his wife Rita Wilson have recently been confirmed as having contracted the Corona Virus while working in Australia. He and his wife are taking this approach to dealing with their current situation commenting; "We are taking it one-day-at-a-time. There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other, no? Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball." No complaining, no finger pointing, just taking things one step at a time until things get better.

Just a reminder that real security is knowing that no matter what challenges come our way today, we have what it takes to meet them. In this world there is no way to avoid negative events happening to us. Our strength comes from knowing that we can choose our response. Being an optimist, I try to wake up each morning thinking anything could happen today -- good or bad -- and whatever happens, I can deal with it! No crying in baseball and no crying in life.

For me, part of that response comes from the comfort I find in the Psalms, in particular, Psalm 46:10… “Be still and know that I am God.”

Being still reminds me that’s all that it takes… A moment in which to remember, to stop and take a deep breath, letting myself be aware that He is right there with me. Taking that thought with me helps me ease back into the day. By putting God first, spending some time talking to Him and learning about Him at the beginning of my day, everything else seem a whole lot more manageable and I feel more balanced, even if I just take five minutes to be still.

Peace infuses our surroundings when we slow down and feel God’s presence, but that doesn’t mean He is not also present in the often too-cluttered, hectic activities crowding our days. God is with us all the time. Just think how much more meaningful our days will be if we spend it noticing Him. I also find comfort in keeping up a running commentary with God, praying and thanking Him for the blessings I have been given and for the many people I’ve encountered on my life journey so far.

One of the elements that can also easily become part of our too-cluttered and hectic lives is the element of fear… Obviously, many people are feeling that concern given the constant reporting of numbers, statistics and models given the Corona outbreak.  As always seems to be the case, Jon Gordon, an author I have relied heavily on to provide a positive and common-sense approach to life’s challenges addresses that in a recent post.

Jon writes:

FEAR NOT

The media is reporting every case of the Coronavirus as it happens live. Fear not! Someone in your city or state tested positive. Fear not! Your friend has self-quarantined. Fear not!  You're not sure what the future holds. Fear not! You're not sure what will happen to your business and economy. Fear not! You're waiting on the medical report. Fear not! You're getting ready for the big game. Fear not! You might lose your job. Fear not! You don't know what college you will go to. Fear not! Your parents are getting a divorce. Fear not! You don't think the interview went well. Fear not! They're putting a lot of pressure on you. Fear not! You may not hit your numbers. Fear not! There's a lot of chaos in the world. Fear not! Fear not doesn't mean you take reckless action. Fear not doesn't mean you ignore the reality of the situation. Fear not doesn't mean you make stupid decisions.  Fear not doesn't mean you don't care.  Fear not doesn’t mean you don’t wash your hands and use sanitizer.  Fear not doesn't mean you don't bump knuckles or kick feet instead of handshake. Fear not doesn't mean you don't feel fear. Fear not means you let go and know you're not in control. Fear not means you don't let fear consume you. Fear not means you don't let fear guide you. Fear not means you don't let fear paralyze you. Fear not means you don't let fear sabotage your health.  Fear not means you won't let fear steal your future. Fear not means your trust is greater than your fear. Fear not means you move forward with faith. Fear not means you have hope today. Fear not means you still dream about tomorrow. Fear not means you believe the best is yet to come! Fear and worry weaken your immune system. One of the best things you can do for your health is have faith... and wash your hands a lot. -Jon

Please be safe and take care of each other today!

In Christ’s love and comfort,

Dave

Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am... for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  

Be an encourager in someone else’s life!

To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:

www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/