Courage Through the Covid-19 Storm: Good Friday Dancing

Tips for THRIVING

Tip #5 Keep Your Eyes on God
Listen to this blog post here https://anchor.fm/karen-sue-murdy/episodes/Courage-Though-the-Covid-19-Storm-Good-Friday-Dancing-Keep-Your-Eyes-on-God-eck937


🎶"Dance then wherever you may be. I am the Lord of the dance said He." 🎶

I danced with all my heart- twirling and whirling around as I sang at the top of my 12-year- old lungs. 

"Shame on you." My beloved Grandma stopped me in my tracks, "We don't dance on Good Friday." 

Quickly Mom intervened, "But we already know how Good Friday turns into Easter Sunday. We can dance every day- even on Good Friday."  

Good Friday, the day that commemorates Jesus dying on the cross to pay the price for all my sins. And all your sins, too. Because we know how this ends, with Jesus arisen from the dead-conquering death, we say with the Apostle Paul, "For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's." (Romans 14:8). It makes me want to dance on this Good Friday.

Several people have sent me this beautiful rendition by Ten Two Six Music Group Nashville Studio Singer Community virtual cell phone choir of "It Is Well With My Soul". I encourage you to listen to it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDIJz6zzHNU


This Good Friday I ponder this verse of the song:


Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

Trials...Covid-19  
My heart goes out especially for my son as we watch his senior year at Concordia High School unfold with social distancing. Prom? His birthday? Senior Blessing? Graduation ceremony?
My heart goes out especially for my doctor husband trying to care for his sick, anxious, and hurting patients.
My heart goes out especially for you. I know you have your own story of hurt and pain with Covid-19 craziness-social distancing, economic troubles, and anxiety over possible illness or death. 
This Good Friday- even with Covid-19 and all the yuck that entails, I want to dance...Death IS conquered! 

Enter Jesus, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27). This was my theme verse in high school. I needed it then. I need it now. 
This Good Friday, I have peace like a river. 


It is GOOD Friday. It IS well with my soul...I am dancing! Will you join me?

A Good Friday prayer from PRAYCHS.  https://chsaustin.org/dailyprayers39 If you scroll to the bottom of this link, you can listen to the prayer (read  today by my son.)

UP NEXT TIME: EXERCISE

Courage Through the Covid-19 Storm: Do Not Worry About Tomorrow

Tips for THRIVING

Tip #4  Live TODAY

Listen to this blog post here https://anchor.fm/karen-sue-murdy/episodes/Courage-Through-the-Covid-19-Storm-Do-Not-Worry-About-Tomorrow-ecgsl5

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:34 NKJV).

Let me just tell you, I can worry with the best of 'em. And Covid-19 has added so many new opportunities. Where will I buy JIF peanut butter? Who knew- no JIF?? Where will I buy toilet paper? Will Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory survive this economic down turn? (Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is my favorite.) Will I get Covid-19? Or my loved ones? Will we die? Recently my daughter-in-law, Lauren, shared with me a devotional from Pastor Rick. He shares about a research study that says Westerners worry about 14 hours a week. Unfortunately, some weeks, I'm pretty sure I double that. Here is the link for Pastor Rick's devotion: https://www.facebook.com/gracelcmsjax/videos/3124126047618891/

Ironically Covid-19 has forced me to change. Especially with my husband being in health care, and with all the front line news and research he is reading to stay current (and sharing with me-I have forbidden him from talking about Covid-19 after 8 p.m.), we are understandably overwhelmed. Early on I realized the "what ifs" were going to just crush me. I have to constantly remind myself of what Jesus commanded in the verse above, "Do not worry about tomorrow." When I start to worry, I have to "STOP" and think about today. Live today. Today is great.

As I was thinking about Holy Week and Jesus' journey to the cross, I realized Jesus totally lived His life on earth "not worrying about tomorrow".  His life was all about "live today"... Jesus lived the calling of this moment whether it was healing the sick, calming the storm, or teaching His disciples. "Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist." (John 13:3-4). At this Passover Meal, Jesus proceeds with a servant heart to calmly (even knowing what was ahead) wash the disciples feet. Jesus continues with this warning and this promise, "I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33  "That in me you may have peace"... Only in Jesus, do we truly have peace. Amidst this Covid-19 craziness, what a joy Holy Week is for us, to know that Jesus paid the price of our sins. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16).

Friends, as Jesus Christ warned, we have will have tribulation. Currently that tribulation is Covid-19. But Jesus also promised that He would overcome the world. This Holy Week revel in God's promise as we contemplate and celebrate Jesus' overcoming of the world!

In my bathroom I have this quote by Corrie ten Boom to remind myself to not worry:

Live today. What is God's calling to you this day? Do not worry about tomorrow. Live today!

Covid-19 Challenge: Set a timer for 60 minutes and when it rings, gather everyone in your household to take a one minute walk outside and around a tree or two, each person sharing something for which s/he is thankful now. REPEAT. 

(If you are alone, do the same, but text someone what you are thankful for when you come back inside.)

UP NEXT TIME:Tip #5 Keep your eyes on God👀

Courage Through the Covid-19 Storm: Change Cognitive Distortions

Tips for THRIVING

Tip #3 Healthy thinking

Listen to this blog post here https://anchor.fm/karen-sue-murdy/episodes/Courage-Through-the-Covid-19-Storm-Change-Cognitive-Distortions-ecgrq3
"The sky is falling; the sky is falling!" declares Chicken Little when his head is hit by an acorn...a perfect example of a cognitive distortion. Cognitive distortions are inaccurate thoughts that perpetuate negative thoughts and feelings.

Early in my career I was blessed to attend a workshop led by David Burns, M.D. a leader in the field of cognitive behavior therapy. In working with my patients I have found, if I can help them identify these cognitive distortions, they are able to change them. By thinking more accurately they live a healthier and better life. In these unusual days of Covid-19, it is important for each of us to recognize cognitive distortions and change them to healthier thoughts. Yes, all around us, very difficult circumstances are indeed happening. But taking hold of our distortions and creating healthier thinking patterns will help us deal positively with the current crisis.

Here are a few examples of cognitive distortions and ideas for healthy thinking:
Cognitive distortion of all or nothing thinking: "Everything is horrible." In these changing times of stay at home orders, a father of three teen-agers from N.C. reports in today's WSJ about his family, "We're having fun together at a way deeper level then we have in the past. I love spending time with them. It's intoxicating."  Healthier thinking: "Not everything is horrible.Yes, some things are horrible, but some things are even better than they were before."

Cognitive distortion of emotional reasoning: "I must be stupid." This morning, my husband, who has been doing a stellar job of spinning on a dime to not only adapt to all kinds of technology changes with steep increase of telemedicine, but also helping his frightened patients with making changes, frustratingly announced to me, "I'm just stupid" when he couldn't figure out how to join a meeting with a new technology platform.  I quickly reminded him, "No, you are not stupid. You are on technology overload. You have just not figured out how to do this one yet!" Healthier thinking: "I am in the process of learning so much new."

Cognitive distortion of overgeneralization: "I am going to starve." My son, who owns a small business-along with so many others in a similar situation-worries about not only paying his rent and buying food for his family, but also making payroll so his employees can do the same thing. Healthier thinking: "I currently have food in my cupboard. Grocery stores have food. The earth is still producing food. I may have to make an adjustment to my usual eating patterns, but for now, I still have many options for food."

Cognitive distortion of blame: "You just don't listen." Unfortunately that was what I screamed at my family the other day.  Sometimes it can be hard to live day in and day out with the same people and to be out of our usual routines. When situations get sticky, it is easy to blame others and not take responsibility for our own attitudes and behaviors. A response reflecting healthier thinking: "When you have a moment, I would like to explain what I am thinking."

We have this hanging on our refrigerator to remind and help us rethink:

What are your cognitive distortions? Identify them.  How can you change those thoughts to healthier thinking? (See ways to deal with cognitive distortions on handout.)

The Apostle Paul addresses thinking, "Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8).

Covid-19 Challenge: Set a timer for 60 minutes and when it rings, gather everyone in your household to take a one minute walk outside and around a tree or two, each person sharing something for which s/he is thankful now. REPEAT. 

(If you are alone, do the same, but text someone what you are thankful for when you come back inside.)

UP NEXT TIME:Tip #4 Don't worry about tomorrow.

Courage through the Covid-19 Storm: Nix "Nature Deficit Disorder"

Tips for THRIVING

Tip #2-Go outside

Listen to this blog post: https://anchor.fm/karen-sue-murdy/episodes/Courage-Through-the-Covid-19-Storm-Nix-Nature-Deficit-Disorder-ecgmqj OR https://open.spotify.com/episode/5n3y5oxSIBUjVcP1yw8UzU

Last year I was preparing to lead a retreat for high school girls. As I researched a bit to update my statistical numbers for "Lifting Up the Downcast Princess" I learned something new...Because teens spend so much time on screens and do not get outside enough, "nature deficit disorder" can be a cause of depression. Author Richard Louv, who coined this term, describes his pivotal book. "Last Child in the the Woods is the first book to bring together a new and growing body of research indicating that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults."

Many research studies are showing the value of spending time outside in nature.  One study of almost 20,000 participants, published in "Scientific Reports" June 13, 2019, reports "good health or high well-being" were achieved with 120 minutes per week or more of spending time in natural environments. It did not seem to matter if this was longer or shorter time bouts outside- just going outside at least 120 minutes total per week.

God created an amazing world. Is it any surprise to us that embracing, experiencing, and enjoying it makes us feel better?  "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth...And God saw that everything he had made, and behold, it was very good." (Genesis 1;1, 31).

How can you and your loved ones "go outside"? Make a plan. Aim for at least 20 minutes every day. Perhaps 10-15 minutes in the morning and 10-15 minutes in the afternoon. You will reap positive benefits! Find a place outside with grass, trees, or water, and walk, run, jump, skip or sit. Especially during this time of social distancing, stay at home, shelter in place, or whatever it is labeled where you live, for the good physical and mental health of you and your family, I encourage you to get outside and find ways to soak up and enjoy God's creation in nature. Of course, stay 6 feet away from people who are not in your household.

                                         Ideas from the Murdy household last week:
I read my book sitting under a tree. My son read his book in the hammock hung between two trees.
I laid on our swing and gazed up at the blue sky and canopy of green trees overheard.
We meandered to the nearby pond and sat on a bench and listened to the fountain for a bit.
We took frequent brief "thankfulness" walks around our backyard.
We walked amongst the vines of a neighborhood blooming wisteria grove.
We walked through some wildflower fields, carefully keeping watch for the unhibernating snakes.
We drove-car windows rolled down and breezes blowing on our faces-along country roads lined with bluebonnets.

How can you:
Touch? (Walk barefoot in the grass or snow-if you live farther north.)
Smell? (Ah I so wish I could post the smell of the bluebonnets in Texas right now.)
Taste? (My neighbor put fresh lettuce from her garden on our porch for us to eat.)
Hear? (Is it my imagination, or are the birds really singing LOUDER?)
See? (A plethora of spring greens and vivid flower colors in Texas now. What colors do you see?)

"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber." (Psalm 121:1-3).

Please share ways you are getting outside to embrace, enjoy, experience nature.

Covid-19 Challenge: Set a timer for 60 minutes and when it rings, gather everyone in your household to take a one minute walk outside and around a tree or two, each person sharing something for which s/he is thankful now. REPEAT. 

(If you are alone, do the same, but text someone what you are thankful for when you come back inside.)

Wash your hands. Do NOT touch your face-especially when you are out of your home (like going to the grocery store). Try to stay 6 feet apart from those not living in your household.

UP NEXT TIME: Tip #3 Change Cognitive Distortions

COURAGE Through the Covid-19 Storm:Thankfulness

Tips for THRIVING

Listen to this blog post at https://anchor.fm/karen-sue-murdy/episodes/Courage-Though-the-Covid-19-StormThankfulness-ecgl0o

As I have talked with people in this time of social distancing, I have been encouraged to write down some of the tips for thriving that I have learned through my professional career, my ongoing research, and my personal experiences.

Tip #1: Be THANKFUL

My Mom always declared, "Count your blessings!" Even when she was on her death bed, she looked at the Kleenex box noting, "Isn't that bear on the box so cute? I'm so thankful for that funny bear that  makes me smile."

On March 17th, my sister texted me, "Find 3 things to be thankful for today (mine are: sunshine, slower time with my family, a beautiful house to be "stuck" in)." 

A few days later my sister texted, "It's Jared's (son) birthday-1 month ago, I never would have thought he would be home for his birthday. A week and a 1/2 ago we had his birthday dinner (he was on spring break) because we were sure he would be back to college by now. Yesterday morning I thought it would be fun to spend the evening with him after I get home from work and today (unfortunately she got laid off from work because of stay in place orders) I get to spend the whole day with him-trying to keep it positive!" Wow- I was so impressed by my sister's thankfulness in spite of difficult circumstances.

I have been keeping a thankfulness/ "Happy Dance Journal" for a while. You can read about it here:http://karensuemurdy.blogspot.com/2018/10/strikes-curve-balls-and-happy-dancing.html

Each day I write my thankfulness/happy dance moment in my lovely soft leather journal made by https://www.murdycreative.co/!!!

Now each day, my sister and I have texted 3 things which we have been thankful for that day. Especially by evening, I can start to go down some negative bunny trails, but because I text 3 things I'm thankful for to my sister, I start to spend my day looking for the things for which I am thankful. 

When my neighbor and I were chatting (via text-social distancing-not sharing germs 😁), I was telling her how texting my 3 thankful things each day was helping me keep a better attitude, she also wanted to text our daily thankfulness. Now, besides my own thankfulness, I really look forward to the thankful texts from my sister and my neighbor.  

The apostle Paul encouraged the Thessalonians "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

And now I encourage you also, give thanks in all circumstances! For what are you thankful today? Share with your family, friends and neighbors. I would love to hear, too. 

Right now I'm thankful that my doctor husband with asthma is working from home caring for his patients by telemedicine, my Senior at Concordia High School loves "seeing' his friends and teachers during online Zoom classes, the bluebonnets and wildflowers have burst forth in colorful bloom and the sky has been so brilliant cerulean blue, the temperatures are perfect for open windows with fresh spring breezes blowing into my home, and God promises "never to leave me nor forsake me" not even in Covid-19 craziness!

Covid-19 Challenge: Set a timer for 60 minutes and when it rings, gather everyone in your household to take a one minute walk outside and around a tree, each person sharing something for which they are thankful now. 

REPEAT. 

(If you are alone, do the same, but text someone what you are thankful for when you come back inside.)

PLEASE social distance for now 

  to protect the lives of first responders, health care workers, and the physically vulnerable among us.

 UP NEXT TIME: Tip #2 "Nix Nature Deficit Disorder"

From February 18, 2018 to February 18, 2020

About two years ago, life felt tumultuous! The future was unknown. (Let's be real, even if we think we know the future, the future IS unknown... Ugly cancer diagnosis. Death by motorcycle crash. Unfortunate estranged relationships.) What was known is that God kept declaring- through friends, Bible readings, devotions- "Do not be afraid. I will never leave you or forsake you!"
On February 18, 2018, we worshipped at the church of my nephew, Pastor Tim Fraker, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Weatherford, TX.
The sermon text was from Matthew 6:10. "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven."
Pastor Tim asked three questions:
1. What is your present need?
2. What is your past thanksgiving?
3. What is your future hope?
At the time, I had no idea that my "present need" would ultimately lead to a "past thanksgiving" because in that need came the change that brought us so many blessings in our move to Texas. Nearby family. Warmer weather. Brighter sunshine. Wildflowers galore. Fulfilling jobs. And Concordia High School, Austin, TX- a perfect fit for our youngest son- with rigorous academics, leadership development, and personal relationships with Godly mentors.
Now two years later that same verse from Matthew 6:10 "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven" is the focus of a prayer movement for Concordia High School.  Will you pray? Please click on this link to watch the video:  https://chsaustin.org/iwillpray I will pray! Text PRAYCHS to 844-901-1659. #iwillprayforCHS

Will YOU Pray?

In October 2017 as I drove to Saginaw, MI to lead a women’s retreat and to speak at my alma mater, Valley Lutheran High School, for homecoming week, God really put on my heart that Concordia High School in Austin, TX needed a permanent place to call home! Sam & I had visited CHS the month before on our way to Hurricane Harvey clean-up. I phoned David and announced we needed to get CHS built!  My husband, who is always so supportive of me responded, "How much money do you think we should send?"

I attended Valley Lutheran High School in the very first class, many years ago, and the following year we were able to move into our new campus on McCarty Road.  That permanent building provided stability and growth for VLHS, where it continues to thrive today.

At the time I had NO idea that we would actually live in Texas just a few miles from Concordia High School.  Concordia High School is in the process of building its first permanent home.  My youngest son, Sam, loves attending Concordia High School. 

Two years ago, I thought God just wanted my money for CHS, but now I know He wanted my money and my time!!🤣

This year I have been very involved with a variety of initiatives at the school. 

Below is one  I have been involved in setting up. I'm very excited about this and hope you will join in signing up and praying with us.

VIDEO LINK  Please watch this video about the prayer movement.

I will pray! Will you pray? Please join the concert of prayer (1,000 people praying) for Concordia High School during this pivotal time...for contractors, city permits, donors, staff, students, wisdom, discernment. 

Text PRAYCHS (all capital letters, no spaces) to 844-901-1659. After you sign up, expect a daily prayer text Monday through Saturday for the 40 days of Lent from Ash Wednesday until Easter. Your number will only be used for this prayer movement. 1K! Pray!

The CHS family is committed to life-long learning, leading and living out God’s plan. For more information contact 512-248-2547 or https://chsaustin.org/