God is Bigger than the Boogie Man

Life has suddenly changed drastically, but not just for me in my own little world.  For everyone around the world!

I am thankful to be a stay home mom already.  Thankful to already be homeschooling my kiddos.  Thankful my hubby's job can be done from home, although even he is seeing changes in his job as everything has been affected.  God has provided for us thus far and we continue to depend on the Lord for our futures.

I don't know what is worse.  The COVID-19 or the fear that is sweeping across the nation.  When the news first broke about a new virus, I didn't give it much thought.  Then people started talking about wearing masks in public and I thought it was silly.  Then it got more serious and the government started closing schools and imposing travel bans, and the numbers on the media went up and up.  That's when I started believing it just might be something I had to pay more attention to.

Going shopping last week was like stepping into our recent history study of the Great Depression.  Shelves were empty and bare.  Finding food to buy and bring home to my family was a little more challenging.  In some instances, our special dietary needs were a good thing and in others, not so great.

We often spend several days at home without going out, but knowing it isn't as much a choice anymore as it is wise makes it harder.  Our church still does online services thankfully, and they provided a coloring sheet for the kiddos.  We cancelled our well-visits with the pediatrician and didn't make an appointment for our son's pictures this month...I think I will try to do them myself at home.

We postponed our basement remodel, not for fear of getting sick, but for the wisdom of not spending our savings until we know what is going to happen to our economy.  I saw toilet paper for sale online for $75 for a package of 18 rolls!  Thankfully, the news says that companies are starting to do something about price gauging.

I'm not an expert on eschatology and yet, I ponder in my little head the ways that this virus has impacted us on a global front, and how it may tie into God's plans for the return of Jesus Christ and the upcoming Tribulation period.  God works all things to the good those who love Him and according to His will.  I trust that He knows all that we will see in this lifetime and endure.  I trust that He's still all powerful, still all-knowing, and continues to love us as only He can.  I rest in those facts and have peace in the midst of this ever-changing world we live in.

I'm avoiding going to bed.  Have you ever done that?  Of course, what a silly thing to ask.  Grin.

My hubby avoids going to bed because he doesn't sleep well, wakes up stiff and in pain,  and has to go back to work in the morning.  Pretty good reasons if you ask me.

Me?  I'm just not tired enough and I don't want to lie there just thinking when I still have the brain power to be somewhat productive.  There are too many things on my list of responsibilities to waste time going to bed on time.  Now that just sounds funny.

I've been busy working on my grocery list and menu plan for the upcoming week.  I've gotten so much better at planning suppers.  It is all the snacks and other meals during the day that I struggle with being grain free.  It is so hard because I'm not just grain free, but coconut free, pear free, legume free, dairy free, soy free, chocolate free, etc.

I have found some go-to snacks that are shelf stable so I don't always have to have a meat or fruit (I do eat veggies, but not for snacks).  Rx Bars so far seem to be safe.  I've only had a couple to try out so I'm not sure yet.  I did find that I really enjoy the Maple Sea Salt flavored one.  I also can eat Sweet Potato chips and Plantain chips, so those are always on my grocery list.  I can make my own dried apple chips, but it takes several hours for just a few servings so I don't have a lot of them.

I found a good substitute for ice cream.  Freezing bananas and blueberries makes for a tasty dessert that has a similar texture as ice cream once frozen and blended smooth.  And I found a mug cake that works with Cassava flour...my new favorite bread-like textured recipe!  Cassava flour is similar to a wheat flour texture, not quite as fluffy, but I can make a good pancake out of it, and they are delicious with blueberry butter!

It's interesting.  In going grain free, I have also inadvertently cut out most refined sugars and that has made a big difference too.  I feel much better without sugars.

And on the super plus side of the food struggles, we finally have 3 safe solid foods!  Apples, sweet potatoes and butternut squash!  That's a cause for celebration!