There is a great deal of terrible news and unrest in our country right now. It can really depress and consume us if we allow it to creep into our minds and overtake our thinking. I have had to find ways to combat this negativity and try to center my thinking on positive actions I actually can undertake right now.

The first thing I have chosen to do is not watch the news so much as I know it distresses me and causes me to not sleep as well as I would like. I worry about things I can’t control and obsess about what the future may or may not bring to our country.

I have found some activities that work for me and have kept me moving forward in an encouraging direction. Spending time outside, working in my garden, getting fresh air and sunshine and tending my beautiful flowers gives me bliss. Reading several of the books on my list has brought me pleasure and writing my blogs for Joy has allowed me to think beyond myself. I have made numerous cards for our Happy Hands card ministry allowing me to be creative and industrious. Exercising in our community pool is a favored activity that brings me peace. I have done lots of communicating with special people in my life through cards, social media and phone calls. Trying to concentrate on little things I can personally do for my own sanity and for the betterment of the tiny part of the world of which I have contact has energized me. 

 Most important and most healing for me is praying for renewed health and peace in our world. Prayer is my “safe place” in all times of trial and gladness in my life and through prayer I gain strength, comfort and peace. I believe my prayers will be answered in the way the Lord sees fit. As we recite the Lord’s Prayer we pray “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done” and believe that this is not only as it should be, but will be. We can pray in this time of chaos in our world and know God loves us unconditionally. His is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever.  Amen.

Patty