Hosea 8

Hosea 8:2 To me they cry out, "O God of Israel, we know you!"
Hosea 8:13 Though they offer sacrifice, immolate flesh and eat it, the Lord is not pleased with them.
When God is fixing to deliver His just judgement, the people see they will lose out and claim to know God. They don't cry out in sorrow for their wrong doings. Just that they know God. They may offer sacrifices as required, but only because they are required. They do this to "save face" and look like they are doing right, all the while still holding onto their sins. In Matthew 7:22-23, Jesus reminds us to be true disciples, that entrance into the kingdom is only for those who do the will of the Father.
"Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?' Then I will declare to them solemnly, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.'"

For such a long time, Israel rejected God and followed their own idols. They chose their own leaders and followed those foolishly. They followed in their own wisdom and will get what they deserved. Hosea 8:7 When they sow the wind, they shall reap the whirlwind.
All Israels words to God are just talk. They mean nothing. They claim to know God, but they lack knowledge and wisdom. The Israelites sowed sin for many years, but they will reap judgement in a much shorter period of time. Reaping what you sow is something I try to explain to my children quite often. Especially here lately with the three of them being home together all day, every day. "If you continue to act that way towards your sister, don't be surprised when she no longer wants to play with you." Remember, God always sees and knows. When we continue to sow sin into our lives, it will sprout one day, and we will no longer be able to get away with it. It's like adding the wrong seed to your garden, or not taking the time to pull weeds. If we allow compromise into our lives for the sake of getting what we want faster, it will smother us in the end. Choosing right over wrong is our responsibility, even if it requires time and patience. 

We should examine our own attraction to things in our lives. Have we built up big cities in the sake of protection in our lives, as Judah did against Assyria? Meaning, have we put things in place to "protect ourselves" instead of depending on God? Where are we laying our trust instead of in God? What is wrong with setting our futures up for success? Financial success and nice lives can easily become idols. If God has helped set those things up, that is great, as long as we don't forget how we came about them.

Hosea 7

It is very easy for me to read these chapters, see Israel's troubles, and be able to relate them to our time now. We have all these books about our word and religion's history, we can see their struggles and their choices, and the consequences of those choices. I've always thought that history was written so we could learn from it. Not just learn and regurgitate for a test, but learn to not make the same mistakes again. Yet, here we are thousands of years later, and I see not much change from Israel's choices to our own world today. Try it. Read the passage and instead of Israel, substitute "we" or "the world."

Hosea 7:2 Yet they do not remind themselves that I remember all their wickedness.

The people of Israel willfully forgot that God saw all their choices. They tried to hide their sin, not realizing that God sees all. Just like I tell my children, "Mom may not have seen what happened here, but our God sees and knows." Pre-(or inter) marital affairs, getting drunk, doing drugs, choosing idols, pornography... These are things that happen (usually) behind closed doors, in secret. And they go to church, pretending those things didn't happen. But there is no secret from God.

I've been there. I used to get so frustrated with kids in my high school class that would be partying on Saturday nights, drinking, and then up in the front row of church praising God as if they didn't make poor choices the night before. Then I met my future husband. We made poor choices. And I was pregnant before our wedding day. So for months, I went to church acting as if I weren't making poor choices. And then the result of my choice became visible. And I realized I was just as hypocritical as those kids in high school. In the quiet of the dark, my choices were my secret. But then they were visible for everyone in the light of day. This was 10 years ago, and I still feel ashamed by my disobedience. Though I have a very beautiful, stubborn 10 year old daughter, I do wish I had listened better to my heart. Now I have the diligent task of speaking to her heart.

Hosea 7:1 When I would bring about the restoration of my people...
God was willing to heal Israel of their sins, if the people were willing to act as if God saw them and stop hiding things from Him.

With my children, I offer them the same grace. If they would choose to be open about the bad choice they made (sneaking candy after dinner for example), instead of trying to act like I didn't know (though i could see the wrappers on the floor and candy on their face), I would be willing to forgive them. But the outright lying is something I do not tolerate. And God doesn't like it either. Why would He like someone outright lying to Him, which is what Israel (and we still do) tried to do by trying to hide or conceal their sins.

Each night before bed, I pray the Act of Contrition, exposing myself as a sinner. Because I am. We all are. And the only way to have God restore us is to stop pretending we aren't. I don't want our world to follow the same path Israel did, but we are right on track. Until we stop pretending God doesn't see our very blatant lies and sins, we will not be restored in His love.

My God,
I am heartly sorry for having offended you. In choosing to do wrong, and failing to do good, I have sinned against you, whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.

How soon is too soon?

With this novel virus basically shutting down the world, and the US offering out money to help with the effort to fight the virus (even though our country is already trillions in debt, we can just make more money??) and help families survive unemployment, people are getting antsy to get out of their "stay-at-home" orders. I don't blame them. This is difficult. I had a friend try to relate what's going on, the not being able to see family, celebrate birthdays, missing life milestones, etc. to being in an army family. I understand that having a military spouse missing on life is hard. My father wasn't military, but he worked overseas and missed half of our birthdays and Christmases. If he was home one year, he wouldn't be the next because of his schedule. I'm not diminishing what the army goes through at all. It sucks. And it's why I fought against my husband considering joining just to help pay the medical school bills.

But this stay at home is more than that. It's being unable to have someone relieve the pressures at home. We are a country that is used to being able to congregate and socialize, to allow kids to play together so parents can get a break. To have opportunities in the summer for kids to go relax and have fun with other children. Those are all being taken away here. Not because of the virus first hand, but because of the revenue lost by the virus, there is no funding to support summer activities. Last summer, my girlfriends and I each took a Wednesday to watch all the kids while the other two moms had an hour or 2 time to themselves. Sure, I can send my kids outside. But my three are tired of each other and fight. about. everything. All the time. This is worse than them being home for summer break because they had camps and swimming lessons and play dates to look forward to. Right now, all we have is the same faces and attitudes every day. And my daughter is heading into the pre-teen hormone changes. I am almost certain of that.

All this being said, people are angry that places aren't being opened faster. And I get it. However, this virus hasn't been contained. And it won't. If we choose to rush right back in to where we were, it will spread just as fast as if we wouldn't have done social distancing to start with. And then we will have a second wave close to the regular flu season, and still no supplies to combat it. Then what? There is no more "normal" for life now. Even if this virus quiets down, who is to say it won't come back like a seasonal thing this winter? Yes, the more people that are tested, the more numbers we will have. No, the numbers aren't as high as predicted, and that is because the states closed things down. Those initial numbers were if nothing had been stopped. Sure, if we hadn't done anything, maybe this would have spread through like the flu's ugly step-sister, and been gone. No one knows what the future hold. But opening society up willy-nilly won't help anyone. Especially the elderly and immunocompromised.

It usually takes YEARS to develop a vaccine. There are lots of tests that need to be done, before it even gets to clinical trial (which yes involves people volunteering to get it and seeing what happens). And we won't have data to show potential future implications of this vaccine for years to come. Scientists are doing their best to rush through this procedure, but it won't be available any time soon. And honestly, I don't want a vaccination without a thorough testing done. Many immunity tests haven't been validated that are in use, so there is no data to show how often a test can be wrong. No thank you. I am scientist, and I fully believe in having all the correct procedures followed, regardless of the timeline. No I don't want to be forced to stay at home for much longer, but I will do it if it is what is best for my family and our community. And continue to put faith in God, because he is in control.

Hosea 6

Hosea 6:4b Your piety is like a morning cloud, like the dew that early passes away.
Hosea 6:6 For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than holocausts.

I feel many days is summed up like verse 4b. I begin the day with all kinds of happy thoughts, plans to devote my day to God and be even tempered with my children. And like the dew that passes away, by mid morning my plan have slipped away. I am constantly trying to figure out a way to make myself stick to my plans. To hold my temper. To give all that I do to God. I set alarms to remind me to pray, because I can't remember otherwise. I tried setting alarms to go off during our more stressful times of day, saying nice words and reminding me to be gentle with my words to my children. Those alarms just made me more angry. When I first read verse 6, I read it as God wanting us to truly give love, and not just see giving it as a sacrifice. To not feel obligated to give it. I think that my "gentle reminders" were making me feel obligated when I was backed in a corner. So I turned those off. I need to think of another way to help me with that.

I have since come to understand that verse 6 is referring to actual sacrifices. The people of Israel were diligently offering cereal and burned sacrifices that were prescribed to Moses, but those offerings meant nothing to God because they weren't offered with true love. The people of Israel weren't seeking the knowledge of God. It's like they were just trying to appease Him enough that He would take care of them. Like pagans would do for their gods. They had abandoned faithfulness and mercy (Hosea 4:1) and stopped seeking the knowledge of God.

Jesus references this in Matthew 9:13, "Go and learn the meaning of the words, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." This was in reference to the pharisees asking Jesus's disciples why he ate with tax collectors and sinners. Then in Matthew 12:7, "If you knew what this meant, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned these innocent men." This was after the pharisees saw Jesus's disciples picking grain out of a field on the Sabbath. Jesus didn't come for those who do physical acts of love but do not have love in their hearts. God wants us to become the living sacrifice, to give our hearts and souls fully to Him with love.

Hosea Chapter 5

Hosea 5:5, 6b The arrogance of Israel bears witness against him... they shall go to seek the Lord, but they shall not find him.
The KJV has it written, "The pride of Israel testifies to his face." Israel's rebellion was because of their pride. They didn't think they needed God, didn't think what God said mattered, not when their opinions and desires told them differently. And so, when they act like they are seeking God, they will not find him. Their pride is on their face. They are not truthfully sorry and not with all intentions seeking God. They just want to show that they are so others see that on the surface, they are trying to find God.

I've heard this related to someone who "couldn't find God" in a church, so they tried another, and then another, and kept going because they couldn't find God at any of them. Though this could mean bad leadership and representation at the church, if one can't "find God" at several places they have tried, it might mean they really aren't trying. They might instead be running away from God. Just superficially searching, but not really wanting to find the truth.

And what might happen is at the end if verse 6, "[God] has withdrawn himself away." The Israelites were so caught up in their sin and rebellion that God did walk away. The Israelites removed God from their day. The Israelites weren't truly sorry for their sins. They weren't truly trying to seek forgivness, because they were prideful and didn't think what they were doing was wrong. (Funny how I could change Israel to our world today- removing God from schools, losing morals, allowing unethical things to take place, casting our eyes upon idols of sports/Hollywood, not finding time to go to church, etc.) Then all of a sudden when things go really wrong, and they try to find God, He isn't there, this is when they see the result of pushing Him away.

Hosea 5:15 I will go back to my place until they pay for their guilt and seek my presence.
God's goal isn't destruction. That's all on Israel (and on us today). Their pride and stubbornness, their removal of God from their lives lead them on the path they chose. God wants to restore our relationship, but only if we truly want it. He doesn't want an "on again, off again" relationship like we see in TV and Hollywood. He wants a true devotion from an open heart. Unfortunately, it is often only in people's deepest guilt, once they have hit rock bottom, that they sincerely seek God. We need to seek God today, and seek Him with all our hearts. But we can't do that until we are truly sorry. Until we have let go of the idols that have taken room in our hearts, because our God wants to be the only thing living there. We must make the choice, before we fall into total affliction.

Sorrow

I have to write on a dry erase board the date so I can remember. The days are passing all in one it seems. Manhattan's official "stay at home" order began on March 28, but we had the order that school was closed since March 16.  So I feel like I have been trapped in this box for a month. I have only left a few times to pick up grocery orders or the kids supplies from school. Our weather is up and down, so even though it's Spring, we don't get to go outside everyday because it was a high of only 50 yesterday with winds. I found out yesterday that because of the economic impact this virus has had on our small town, and because of the lack of tax revenue this quarter, all Manhattan park and rec services (including youth sports, swimming, summer camps, etc.) are cancelled for the summer.

I know this is hard on my children. They were on their way back from spring break and then forced into this new reality, without even getting a chance to see their friends from school one more time. I am struggling with this. I wasn't a very outgoing or extrovert to start with, but this new normal has got me feeling the walls here lately.

People are crying for bans to be lifted for "necessity" of life. Meaning, the economy will tank if we can't get people back to work. Well, the economy will tank if we get people back to work before we have a vaccine or can effectively quarantine this virus, because it will spread all over again in a second wave. I don't know when things will be lifted. As much as I want to get out, I don't want to go anywhere because I can't risk bringing this virus back to my house. Who would help me out? Seriously. I wouldn't ask a friend to watch my kids so my husband can still put food on the table while I'm sick in bed. I don't have family here that could help. Nor would I risk them.

My mom suggested we take two trips down to south Louisiana this summer in light of all our facilities being closed. I'm not even sure our first trip will happen. It will take a lot to convince me that travel is necessary for a while. I read an article today that the EU proposes to keep the elderly under lockdown until 2021 for their safety. So grandparents not being able to see their grand or great-grand children. No hugs. That is just awful. I have been able to Zoom with my girlfriends in the evenings and for Bible study, but even that isn't touching the emotional loss I'm beginning to feel.

And all of this sorrow means nothing compared to what others have gone through. Anne Frank hid with her family during the Nazi occupation in a small attack for 761 days. 761 days! Here I am after only a few weeks feeling sorry for myself. I have a phone, internet, cameras, instant access to still see the world and people in it. Anne was cramped in the attack with her family and four other people, where she had to remain quiet and was scared. They had no idea what their tomorrow would hold. We can still go run and play. How selfish am I to feel sorry for this pandemic taking away my "freedom!" God is trying to make us grow closer to our families and Him through this time.

I will say my biggest sadness is on Sunday's not being able to receive the Eucharist. I partake in Mass by watching it faithfully with my kids on Sunday morning, and we say the Spiritual Communion prayer, but I still feel something is missing. When this is over, I will do my darnedest to never again be resentful about having to wake up early to see God in his house.  I give praise daily for the things I do have: health, house, children, food, breath. Life is not over. Jesus is risen. It is Easter. We are in a rebirth again. And once this virus is done, our lives will start anew. I pray that the world sees this opportunity to be thankful for what they were given by God, and realize they need Him now more than ever.

Hosea 4

Hosea 4:1b There is no fidelity, no mercy, no knowledge of God in the land.

Fidelity in the dictionary is defined as "faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support."

Mercy in the dictionary is defined as " compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone who it is within one's power to punish or harm."

Knowledge of God can be explained in Proverbs 9:10, The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the lord, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Hosea 4:2b in their lawlessness...
The King James Version has this part of the verses as, "They break all restraint."  People have chosen to forget the knowledge of God. They have turned away from fidelity and truth, they show no mercy. People no longer abide by self-restraint, they no longer feel the need for control, and choose to live without God's laws.

There are so many slogans that companies, business and people use that actually call people to live by their own rules, against the ideas of restraint. Slogans that say,
"Your world should know no boundaries," by investment company Merrill Lynch preaches no accountability.
"No rules, just right," by Outback for their food ads supported not needing to follow rules.
"Just do it," by Nike suggests to act on impulse, and not analyze the situation.
"Peel of inhibitions, find your own road, " is a slogan by Saab, the auto company.

The ads use the message of you make your own rules, you answer to no one, you are the only one who matters. So people think they can just do what they want without repercussion. Solomon preached in Ecclesiastes 11:9, "Rejoice, O young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart, the vision of your eyes; Yet understand that as regards all this God will bring you to judgement." Solomon understand the young's desire to test the limits, but reminded that we will face God in the end.

When we abandon the knowledge of God, truth, mercy and restraint, we are allowing Satan to call us to his side. To make us think that throwing these things aside is freedom. But it is a straightway to slavery under his control. It is a path to destruction.

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong, and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In His name, my God, have mercy. Amen

Hosea 3

Chapter 3 is titled Triumph of Love.
The people of Israel still turn to others gods in-spite of the love from God. In reflection, the Lord tells Hosea to give his love to a woman. So Hosea buys her from her prostitution, telling her he can give her more than any other man can offer. Then he tells her:

Hosea 3:3-5 "Many days you shall wait for me; you shall not play the harlot. or belong to any man; I in turn will wait for you."  For the people of Israel shall remain many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, without ephod or household idol. Then the people of Israel shall turn back and seek the Lord their God.

Because Israel turned from God, and God has taken everything away,  Israel will not have the national or political leadership she needs, spiritual leadership she needs, or the supernatural guidance and idols she thinks she needs. Not until they turn back and seek out God. And without anything in her way (now that Israel isn't seeking fulfillment in false idols, false leaders), her heart can be open to God. Anyone can enjoy the blessing of a restored relationship with God if they turn back to Him.

We, as a country, need to turn from our false idols back to God. We need to open our heart to God before He walks away. We need to restore our relationship with God.

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong, and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In His name, my God, have mercy. Amen

This is not a fight against religion!

What a mess. On March 24, our Governor Kelly acted in the best interest of our state when she decided to put a ban on all gatherings over 10 people, in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus. This ban had exempted church gatherings. So, churches could still have gatherings. Most churches on their own accord, at least the ones here in Manhattan, KS, chose to close public services and offer online services. My church, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, records the Mass on Saturday and hosts in online for the weekend. They do the same with daily Mass. We participate in Mass at home.

Then because of a church meeting that occurred in Kansas City, which lead to at least 18 positive cases (one of which came back to Manhattan), and 2 deaths (one was an attendee, the second a contact of the attendee-so community spread there), Gov. Kelly had a tighter directive, including no gatherings of 10 at churches and funerals. This didn't sit well with people, and the KS GOP overturned the ruling. The problem now is that Gov. Kelly is saying she hasn't reinstated a ban on large gatherings, thinking that this overturn has also overturned the March 24th ban. But the Attorney General says that March 24 ban is still in place.

Apparently people were thinking that Gov. Kelly was trying to say they couldn't celebrate Easter, that's why she put a ban on church gatherings. I'm pretty sure that is NOT what her intentions were. She is trying to prevent the potential spread. We already know that people can be carrying this virus and not show symptoms, and therefore spread it without knowing it. Here in Manhattan, of our 19 cases, one if not two are considered community spread. Which freaks me the heck out. So even IF our church would be having public service on Sunday, my family would not be attending.

Jesus didn't die on the cross so we could have multi-family BBQs and large Easter egg hunts. He died on the cross for our sins, so they may be taken away so we could go to heaven. Yes we should celebrate His resurrection, but it doesn't need to be a public event. My little family is still going to look for eggs, in our own backyard. We will watch and participate in the Easter vigil Saturday evening. We will still have an Easter feast with each other. We are still free to worship!

This virus just so happens to be happening around Easter. If it had started in May, and then got worse around the 4th of July, she probably would have still put bans out then. People would have fussed about not being able to celebrate the 4th. And that's the problem. People can't seem to understand that this virus won't stop, it won't go away until it gets under control. And that can't happen while we are all playing together. Even if we distance ourselves for a while, unless we find a vaccine or completely eradicate it, eliminating every single case by testing everyone and making sure no one is lingering with unobserved symptoms, once the social distancing bans lift, a second wave will start. We are a selfish group of people, always thinking we have the right to do things, and anyone trying to "infringe" on those rights is against us.

I am not in the same political party as my governor. But I fully support her ban on all public gatherings of 10 or more. This is not an act against religious liberty. I am Catholic. I am a scientist. I studied epidemiology. I love math. I know how this spread will continue if we don't become more serious about it. How do you think it went from 1 case to 395,000 in a matter of 3 months? For those who said "the flu kills more," back in February, well this virus has topped the flu in deaths.

Check out this post if you don't understand math and how viruses spread:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxAaO2rsdIs



#stayhome

Hosea 2

The beginning of this chapter seems to continue in the idea of Israel as a whole being a harlot or prostitute in her relation with God. God is calling the people of Israel to protest against their mother (Israel as a whole). That is Israel does not turn from its ways, God will strip it bare and they will all suffer His judgement.

In verse 5 (of most Bibles-my NAB St. Joseph Ed. has some different verse numbers) it shows Israel trying to justify her idols and things, "I will go after my lovers, she said, who give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, my oil and my drink." It almost seems like a lost cause for Israel and her people, as they refuse to see anything besides themselves and their wants. She doesn't seem to realize that it was because of God that Israel received the things they have. This is the same today. We so quickly forget that it is because of God that we have the blessings in our life. God opened the door to give us the job that provides for the things we have. And if we continue to cling to our things and want more, and ignore God, we may experience the thorns and the wall He promised to build up against Israel.

There is hope for restoration. In many life experiences, people sometimes say, "you have to hit rock bottom before you see XYZ." In this chapter, God is saying that once he strips Israel bare, and she finally feels the discomfort of lack of material things, she will hear God's voice. We can not love both God and things. If our hearts are filled with lust for material things, there is no room for God. You can't have it both ways.

God looks forward to the day Israel calls Him "husband" again. He looks forward to the day we turn to Him with the same love and affection we give to our earthly things. Not as a slave being forced to go one way or another, but as a lover with pure heart and open choice, a want/need/desire, freely given, to follow Him. He wants us to call to Him, "You are my God!" And our restoration would be complete. God is good.

Hosea 1

Hosea was a prophet. The name Hosea means "salvation," which we know is found by turning to the Lord and away from sin. So it is fitting that God used Hosea as a prophet, to speak through him and show others how to turn away from sin.

Hosea's ministry writing was after the days of David and Solomon. God's people had divided into two groups, Israel and Judah. Hosea's ministry is in the northern kingdom of Israel, under the rule of Jeroboam II. In 2 Kings 14:23-29, we read that though he may have been a politically successful king, he was an evil one. Jeroboam's political decisions wouldn't affect the people during his reign, but would have effects during the next six kings, all of which were during Hosea's 40 year ministry. When Hosea began his ministry, people were not looking to the Lord the way they should. Jeroboam planted seeds of idolatry, spiritual failure, and moral corruption that would thrive in the following years.

We can see in verse 2, that God's first words to Hosea was telling him to take a "harlot wife." The notes in my Bible state that a "harlot wife does not necessarily mean that Gomer was a harlot when Hosea married her." How Hosea must have felt for that to be the first words from God. But he knew that if God wanted to use him for a purpose, he would have to do as God asked before God would speak through him to the nation.

God tells us in His commandments to not have any other gods before Him and to have no idols. Throughout the Old Testament, God draws the picture as the people of Israel being the bride and the Lord being the groom. If the people choose to have other gods and idols, they were committing adultery against the Lord. They were unfaithful. So God chose to use Hosea and put him in a place where his bride would be unfaithful, but Hosea must remain faithful to her. Just as God remains faithful to His people.

It seems lately, one could say we are again suffering against an angry God for our unfaithfulness as a world. We have become so caught up in everyday things, in money, in property, we have made idols out of athletes and movie stars, we have so many reasons that we are too busy for God... And now all that has been put to the side as we watch this novel virus sweep in. Whether or not God had a part in the spread of this virus, it should definitley wake us up to the truth: we need to repent of our sins, turn from our idols, and remain faithful to God.

Coronavirus

Typed on April 2.

Everything that is happening around us seems like it belongs in a movie. Have you ever watched Contagion? Kinda like that. Back around the beginning of the year, I remember praying for my friend that 2020 would be better than 2019. She had two miscarriages in 2019 and was pregnant again. We had no idea how quickly this year would begin to deteriorate. She is doing well, nearly20 weeks pregnant with her son. The world however is falling apart.

There was this new virus, COVID-19 smashing all over Wuhan, China, in January. We had heard of crazy viruses before coming from the Asian area, and so little paid attention to it. Then January 19, a man came back to the US from Wuhan, unknowingly bringing the virus with him. In my opinion, he should have been quarantined before leaving China. Because he was on a plane with how many people coming from a place with a known contagious virus??

The virus then found it self on a cruise ship that left Japan on January 20. On January 25, a symptomatic passenger departed the ship in Hong Kong. By then, the virus had spread on the ship. There is no way it wouldn't have, everyone all in a close proximity. Have you ever been on a cruise? Vary rarely are you not around a stranger, unless you are in your cabin sleeping.  It was a sad story to hear of their terrible journey, then having to wait in quarantine on the boat. Then we heard they would be letting the people off the boat. This was a big mistake to some people, relief to others. I could see this would be a huge problem, if the virus was indeed as contagious as was being told. But again, many people believed it was being made to look worse than it really was. Additional cruise ships had similar bouts with the virus. It is possible some of the staff had mild symptoms or tested negative (falsely) and were continuing to work. Or the virus had passed so quickly, undetected, from China to other places, by means of people traveling.

On February 26, someone in California tested positive with "no known travel or contact." California was one of the places the Grand Princess cruise ship stopped to pick up passengers. It may not have been known contact, but through that line is how it happened.

March 6, our family traveled to south Louisiana, as it was our kids' spring break. At this point, we had heard it was spreading in the US, but we were still optimistic. We put all this behind us and tried to enjoy our week with our family. Then we heard on March 9 that there was a positive case in New Orleans. Our guess is from the Mardi Gras festivities the week prior, where people from all over the world come to join in the festivities. By March 11, Louisiana cases jumped to 13. The CDC was advising against non-essential travel outside the US. We left Louisiana on March 13, at that point the cases number was up to 51. Louisiana then closed all k-12 schools for 3 weeks. About an hour into our drive home, we learned that Kansas (where we live) also closed k-12 schools for 2 weeks. God, what is happening??

Since then, the COVID-19 cases have skyrocketed. By March 16, the Kansas governor decided to close school buildings the rest of the semester. I had a mini panic attack. Not because I feel ill-equipped at being a homeschool teacher (although I do), but because what is going to happen to our children? Do they finish their current grade? Will they all be held back? What about the parents who can't take off work? Where will their children go? It has definitely been a journey. At this point, we were in a "social distancing" precaution. Staying 6' away from people, not groups larger than 10. Even Mass would be held online! Luckily, many people online have shared resources for the homeschool curriculum. Our schools will be distributing their first 10 day plan this week coming.

We were issued a "stay-at-home" issue from our governor on March 27, as our own states cases jumped from 89 to 160 by that point. And now, we have 482 total. Which is fine, because we weren't really going anywhere as all activities have been cancelled. And yet people are not following the advised precautions. People still think this overplayed. Yet by March 26, Louisiana had over 3500 cases, and over 130 deaths. Now they are at over 6400!! How is this overplayed? I'm so frustrated with people thinking they are in control. People who think they are invincible. I'm struggling being home every day and not getting to go see friends, but we have learned how to conduct Zoom meetings to see each other, so that isn't terrible.

People don't and won't understand this isn't a game until they loose a loved one. I'm praying for my family, as they are all over 14 hours away, and if one dies from this, I won't even be able to be with family for comfort! I won't be able to go home for a service or memorial. This is only going to get worse before it gets better. I hear stories of "virus rebels" and a church that refuses to abide by the rules, continuing their service for 1000+ people this past week! Like they are just spitting in the faces of those who have died because of this virus. God is in control, and I continue to pray daily. This too shall pass, and it will take many with it.

I'm praying for you out there. That your family is provided for and safe from this virus, and that you know God is with you.

2 Kings 25

Good morning friends! Today is the last day of 2 Kings book. It definitely wasn’t easy to read through the history and all the kings, but it had lots of good pieces throughout.

In commentary I have read on chapter 25, this sentence stuck out to me: "This was the land God gave to His people, the tribes of Israel. They had possessed this land for some 860 years; they took it by faith and obedience but they lost it through idolatry and sin." 

We have so many blessings living in this country, and we take so many for granted. Mainly because these blessings are blessings from God, not from man. Yet, so many of us spit on these blessings daily. Who is to say that as a whole, we are not making God angry enough that He may one day choose to allow another nation to take control of our land. Even though we have "possessed" it for hundreds of years, we as a country aren't always doing right by God. 

In 2 Kings, we see that Jehoiachin did get released from prison by the new king of Babylon (Evil-Merodach sounds ominous though...), and received good treatment in Babylon "For as long as he lived."  While in Babylon, Jehoiachin was a representative of David's dynasty, so hope could still live on for the revival of Jerusalem. There is always hope with Jesus, with God. Even for those who turn away from God, He still waits for them with open arms. And that is such a wonderful feeling. Like a child who has made a mistake running to their parent's arms, asking and hoping for forgiveness, we know that we can too seek forgiveness in our Lord.  

From Women Living Well:

Chapter 25

As we come to the end of 2 Kings, the story does not end here for Israel.  The only surviving king of Israel, Jehoiachin, takes off his prison garments and dines at the kings table!  He is restored and his needs are met the rest of his days.  God’s promises to David and his family line still stand, as we see a glimmer of hope in this final chapter of 2 Kings.

Our God is a God of restoration.  There is always hope with Jesus!  Who do you know that has fallen away from the Lord?  Write a prayer below for their restoration. Keep believing and keep walking with the King.

2 Kings 25:29 So Jehoiachin put off his prison garments. And every day of his life he dined regularly at the king’s table.