Well, we are now a week into lockdown here in Northern Ireland, and my children haven’t murdered each other yet. Always a bonus.
I love how so many have got on board and made a countrywide effort to reduce the risk of contamination and to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
So far, I’m so thankful to be in good health and seem to have everything I need. That’s a lot to be grateful for.
Today I wanted to share with you a little of what this lockdown has felt like for me, because I imagine that I’m maybe not alone. Or perhaps I am, and that’s my point.
I’ll be honest, I was not one of the parents campaigning to have the schools closed down. Selfishly, I was well aware that teachers were going to do a much better job of educating my children than I would. I know, I know, the risks to health and that but, like I said, selfishly. But as the schools closed and the homeschooling began, I was full of great intentions for doing the best job I could possibly do… until my ten-year-old wants help with an English assignment and my thirteen-year-old with his science.
let me introduce to you… back by popular demand, our Guest on today’s show, the devil. And what will you be doing for us today sir, (devil) well madam, I’m just gonna take your identity, put it on this slab right here, give it a good hammering with this butcher’s hammer, before I sear it in a pan of hot oil and then eat it with a good helping of extra hot firey sauce.
And I’d love to say he stopped at the school work. Nadda, that stinky old poo had me confined to one space and he thought he’d have a real good swipe at the rest of me
(T) wow, look at that friend’s motivation on FB, how she gets up and does keep fit with her kids. (D) not you fatty, you’re too lazy and only think of yourself.
(T) I really want to get my house spring cleaned, but I don’t seem to get a minute. (D) yeah you do, but you’re too busy laying about watching TV you big slob.
(T) I was really excited about all the extra time I would have to read the word and pray and talk to God. but I never seem to be able to quiet myself. (D) face it you’re a rubbish Christian anyway.
(T) I really miss my friends. (D) well, they don’t miss you, you’re a useless friend anyway.
(T) Terri (D) devil
And on and on it goes. I don’t need to tell you, the devil is a big stinky liar, and he comes to kill, steal and destroy. I know this, you know this, and yet here I am one week into isolation, and I’m starting to believe this bull he is feeding me… I’m a crap mum, I’m a fat lazy slob, untalented, unmotivated, crap Christian, useless friend.
Today as I sit and write this I’m as much talking to myself as I am to you. The devil wants to steal your identity at this time. Don’t allow him access. Kick him to the kerb, jog on loser. This heart is full of love and secure in her identity in Christ. I am what God says I am! No, I’m not perfect, and I never will be until the day I meet my King. But I’m a work in progress, and as long as I keep laying down my failings at Jesus’ feet and allow Him to transform me and renew my mind, I’m doing good.
Last night I was praying, help me Lord to do better in this season, help me be more disciplined with my time and not get distracted. Help me have better tolerance to help my kids with their work. Help me to be more motivated to get jobs done that I need to do around the house and, Lord, help me find peace to sit and experience your presence.
This morning, alarm. 6:45 am, up, Bible reading, prayer time, connected with a few friends on WhatsApp, and they came back to me. Got boys up, breakfast, and sat down to school work while I cleaned the kitchen and now the house is in complete silence while I write.
What a difference a day makes when you submit it to God when you take your life and say I need you, Lord. I can’t do this without you. Please help.
Can I encourage you, friends, if any of this resonated with you at this time or anytime, firstly open your door and boot that devil out (a bit of inspiration in the clip below). Get honest with God; he knows it all anyway, but he still likes to hear from you. Then give it to him, ask him to help, and leave it there. No more fretting, no more beating yourself up. Give it over and let God do his job.
I found it useful to make a list of all the things God says about me. Perhaps you would join me in making your own list and keeping it handy, so you can read it over and allow the truth of who God says you are sink deep into your heart.
I AM LOVED “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.”
Ephesians 1:4 NLT
I AM MADE NEW “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
I AM CHOSEN “We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.”
1 Thessalonians 1:4 NLT
I AM HIS MASTERPIECE “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 2:10 NLT
I AM PROTECTED “He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.”
Psalms 121:3 NLT
I AM UNIQUE “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
Psalms 139:13 NLT
I AM EMPOWERED “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13 NLT
I AM HIS “But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1 NLT
Praying for every reader, stay safe & sane
Much love
Terri
We are all in this together. Getting used to being a long distance 1/2 tele-doctor, 1/2 teacher, 2.0 time father. I didn’t know they created the 25th hour in the day. A little humor from this end in CA. We are on lockdown as well. Stay safe in Ireland!!! Can’t wait to see it someday. Been to Scotland, but never across the Sea to explore the majesty of that beautiful land.
Prayers and Blessing your way.
Tom
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Ah, Tom you are missing out big time. Make the plans and visit our emerald isleas soon as possible. it will not let you down! Stay safe
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Will be there soon. Can’t wait for this travel ban to be lifted!
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So important!
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I so enjoyed your post today that I shared 8t on mine. Hope it’s ok. Have you seen the movie “Overcomer”? Your end of the post reminds me of a part in it.
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Thanks I appreciate you taking time to read it! Nope haven watched it but shall add it to my too watch list. ❤️
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So so good Terri. I have a little book of hope I’m writing in during this season and I have written in those words. Thanks for reminding me of who God says I am xx
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I heard a preacher preach on the verse where Moses asked God, “whom shall I say sent me”. God’s reply, ” say that I am sent you”
Now you could say it this way… “I am _________” fill in a characteristic of God. Let’s say healing. You could say God said “I am healing”, so on and so forth.
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I love your conversation with “D”. He is a sneaky old goat. I have learned that you have to say, OUT LOUD,,,Satan leave me alone. He must comply. He cannot read your mind, but he can put ugly thoughts in your head. Keep chasing “D” away.
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I am preparing to teach classes online starting next week. It is a stressful time for so many people.
Little sister God loves you and you are precious to him. 🙂
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Oh, I’m on your blog for the first time and I could have as well being the writer of this post. I laughed through most of it because this was me last night. But God!!!!! Kick that silly old liar out.
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Great post, Spark-to-Flame. And kudos to you for the strong effort to keep priorities in line (and the devil in his place)!
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Hi Terri So good to hear from you during LockDown when everything is different and unusual and strange. Your words, as always, are so true. It takes me all day to do stuff that normally takes minutes and I still can’t get a quiet time fitted in! I’m thinking this time is a gift… Away from the world. I’ve so many books to read and projects to finish… I just need to get God at the top of the list each day instead of food/WhatsApp/news/gardening/anything really.. Thanks so much for your post Terri, and the last one was exactly how I felt last week. You are able to just hit the nail on the head…youve such a gift girl. God bless and stay safe – you’re doing a great job. Love Gillian x
On Tue, 31 Mar 2020, 12:18 from a spark to a flame, wrote:
> fromasparktoaflame posted: “Well, we are now a week into lockdown here in > Northern Ireland, and my children haven’t murdered each other yet. Always a > bonus. I love how so many have got on board and made a countrywide effort > to reduce the risk of contamination and to keep themselves” >
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Gillian so good to hear from you! And thanks for the positive feedback. It’s always such an encouragement.
Yeah it’s not easy to be disciplined when you don’t have a schedule to stick too. Yesterday was a much better day. Just hope I can follow that pattern.
Much love
Terri xo
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Wonderful post! Bravo!
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Great post!
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Hi! you just gained a new follower. Keep it up 🙂
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Thank you! You are so welcome ❣️
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Very nice! Take care and thank you for following.
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