FORCED REST

God has placed me in a major FORCED REST. The doctor emphatically declared, "DO NOTHING/COMPLETE REST" for at least several weeks, but possibly several months. Yikes! Why? Diagnosis: post-viral pericarditis. This is my best opportunity to completely heal, or else I might battle pericarditis the rest of my life.

I am an exerciser, biker, walker, runner and as my son says, "Mom, this is quite possibly the hardest/worst thing you will ever have to do, but please, please do it-we want you to get better." 

Since pericarditis is chest pain and extreme fatigue, turns out, it is easy to rest. At first, looking at and deleting lots of old email (and finding a few buried treasures), phone calls, texts, podcasts, a little TV, but that is not really very restful. Now reading books, journaling, some porch rocking chair visits with friends. I am so thankful for current Bible studies, devotions, quiet time, etc., and just hearing God's peace and comfort. My second story bedroom has a wall of windows with a little sitting area-my family affectionately calls it Grandpa and Grandma's “tree house". I love sitting in my recliner, gentle breezes, lovely birds' songs (until they stop around 1:00 pm-apparently the birds take a siesta-HA), or sitting on my back patio under the trees by our peaceful fountain. I am so thankful for big windows, beautiful blue skies, recliners, great medical care and medicines, for my incredible family, for friends who have reached out to us. I am thankful I do not have little children whom I am taking care of, nor an intense job that is pushing me back to work.

Generally I have been very involved with the ministry of Concordia High School..."go and make disciples" what better place than local teens? Teenage years-so important for faith development and launching into life. Future Christian leaders of homes, churches, our nation, etc. With our chaotic world, I delight in helping with a joy-filled, faith-filled place for teens to spend their days learning and growing.

My kids are all thriving in faith, family, careers, all more than 1000 miles away, but still very "close" lots of visits, texts, facetime, etc. I have been with most of them in person most of the months in 2026. In September, I will have 7 grandchildren under 7 years old. Lots of facetime visits with grandkids. (A few weeks ago I read books to my 6 yr old grandson for over 2 hrs on FT!) Still opportunities for encouraging and  influencing the next generations with God's Word.

My husband continues to provide compassionate complex care to many many patients whom he considers his friends. (His goal is to make every patient laugh during their visit and send them out with a remedy for their problems!) He is becoming very unique in the medical world that sadly now is very focused on numbers. He does not want to abandon his people. Walking away will be hard. He is getting older and appreciates my support in just handling everything at home (before pericarditis!) and my encouragement so he can continue on. Retirement timing is constantly in our prayers and discussions.

Having this unknown time frame-very hard! But do we know any time frame? All we really know is that we are in God's hand!!  “ It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deut. 31:8

I am torn between this sweet REST with all responsibilities released versus wanting to get back to ahhh just a nice bike ride on the trail, walking up stairs at normal pace without chest pain, working with my people and responsibilities for the mission of CHS, and running and playing with my precious grandchildren, etc. 

Here are very specific verses God has given me for this time-through my Bible readings or what people have sent to me :

2 Cor. 12:9-10 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Praying that I can have complete recovery, but ultimately I know that God's will is best!!

May God bless and keep you and yours-especially in the unexpecteds.

If you have any stories about pericarditis from your family and friends, please share them with me.

Resources for REST from "Run Hard. Rest Well."

Courage Through the Covid-19 Storm: Expectations

Tips for THRIVING

Tip # 7 Realistic Expectations
Listen to this blogpost on Anchor https://anchor.fm/karen-sue-murdy/episodes/Courage-Through-the-Covid-19-Storm-Expectations-ed3jhv
or on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/1szHYfveK8E3x4PlEpidj1


Have you ever thought about how childbirth and Covid-19 are similar? As I was thinking about how I was feeling about this Covid-19 craziness, it reminded me of being in labor.

When you are in the midst of this you do not know how long it is going to last.

You have moments of intensity (contraction/trying to get groceries) followed by moments of almost normal feeling.

You know that at the end, you are going to have great joy, but also adjustment to a new lifestyle.

You really just want it to be over with NOW.

Your experience may be similar, but not exactly the same as anyone else's experience.

You just do not know what lies ahead in the immediate future.

Everything can go south very rapidly. But there are medical professionals around with expertise and equipment to help.


A couple of helpful hints I learned for labor, may be helpful in Covid-19 craziness:

1. Slow deep breathing is always good. Breath in through your nose, hold for a few seconds, breath slowly out through pursed lips. Repeat.

2. Just focus on getting through this moment.

3. Realistic expectations.

With each of my four boys, my pregnancies and labors were different. Sometimes my expectations, based on previous experiences, caused frustration. Since #1 and #2 sons arrived early- about 3 weeks early-I expected each of my babies to arrive three weeks early. You can imagine the frustration I felt as the days ticked past that 37 week mark for my next babies. Was this baby ever going to be born? In October, when #3 son was due, my pregnant brain began to seriously think I was going to still be pregnant at Christmas. As I put on a maternity dress on October 25, about 3 days before he was born, I thought to myself, "This red dress will be perfect for my Christmas dress!"

I am working on realistic expectations while living in Covid-19 craziness. Here is my current plan.

At the end of each day I ask myself if I have

-Food?

-Clothes?

-Shelter?

-Loved ones? (even if they are not with me...maybe connecting by phone or praying for me)

-Chocolate?

-God?

If I can answer YES to all those, I consider it a GREAT day!

This will pass. It may be hard, but someday we will be "clothed with joy".

"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent, Lord my God I will praise you forever. (Psalm 30:11-12)

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. Wear a mask and 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. 

Please "follow me" so you will be notified of when the next blog post is available. 
UP NEXT TIME: Humor

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