“How the Virus Stole Easter” A Poem by Kristi Bothur

I couldn't have said it any better than the way Miami City Ballet's Artistic Director said it: 

"In times of massive upheaval, of insecurity, of darkness, and of the unknown, artists and art will rise up to show what courage looks like and what resilience can do. This is what artists do, they lift people up to bring them closer to humanity, they lift people up to bring them closer to grace."  ~Lourdes Lopez 

Of course, I'm partial to the art of ballet, but that quote goes for any medium of art and I feel like now more than ever, it is poetry that is ministering to my soul the most in this season. Creators and artists everywhere are rising to the occasion to deliver hope to people with their talents and giftings. Lately, I keep stumbling upon emotion-evoking poems I can't help but not keep to myself, so dear readers, I hope you are not growing weary from all my poetry posts. Here's another one coming to ya today! I hope you love it as much as I do! Surely this one will make you smile. Let me know in the comments down below what you think about this awesome piece and how you feel about poetry in general! Enjoy!

How The Virus Stole Easter 

by Kristi Bothur With a nod to Dr. Seuss 😊 (To be read in the rhythm of the "Grinch")  

Twas late in ‘19 when the virus began,
Bringing chaos and fear to all people, each land.

People were sick, hospitals full,
Doctors overwhelmed, no one in school.

As winter gave way to the promise of spring,
The virus raged on, touching peasant and king.

People hid in their homes from the enemy unseen.
They YouTubed and Zoomed, social-distanced, and cleaned.

April approached and churches were closed.
“There won’t be an Easter,” the world supposed.

“There won’t be church services, and egg hunts are out.
No reason for new dresses when we can’t go about.”

Holy Week started, as bleak as the rest.
The world was focused on masks and on tests.

“Easter can’t happen this year,” it proclaimed.
“Online and at home, it just won’t be the same.”

Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the days came and went.
The virus pressed on; it just would not relent.

The world woke Sunday and nothing had changed.
The virus still menaced, the people, estranged.

“Poo poo to the saints,” the world was grumbling.
“They’re finding out now that no Easter is coming.

“They’re just waking up! We know just what they’ll do!
Their mouths will hang open a minute or two,
And then all the saints will all cry boo-hoo.

“That noise,” said the world, “will be something to hear.”
So it paused and the world put a hand to its ear.

And it did hear a sound coming through all the skies.
It started down low, then it started to rise.

But the sound wasn’t depressed.
Why, this sound was triumphant!
It couldn’t be so!
But it grew with abundance!

The world stared around, popping its eyes.
Then it shook! What it saw was a shocking surprise!

Every saint in every nation, the tall and the small,
Was celebrating Jesus in spite of it all!

It hadn’t stopped Easter from coming! It came!
Somehow or other, it came just the same!

And the world with its life quite stuck in quarantine
Stood puzzling and puzzling.
“Just how can it be?”

“It came without bonnets, it came without bunnies,
It came without egg hunts, cantatas, or money.”

Then the world thought of something it hadn’t before.
“Maybe Easter,” it thought, “doesn’t come from a store.
Maybe Easter, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

The churches are empty - but so is the tomb,
And Jesus is victor over death, doom, and gloom.

So this year at Easter, let this be our prayer,
As the virus still rages all around, everywhere.

May the world see hope when it looks at God’s people.
May the world see the church is not a building or steeple.
May the world find Faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection,
May the world find Joy in a time of dejection.
May 2020 be known as the year of survival,
But not only that -
Let it start a revival.

Wasn't that fun? To check out more really amazing poems  just hit the "poetry" tag below or on the right-hand-side column under "tags" Thanks for stopping by!

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-  "The Gods of Men Are Falling" ~ by Roda Griffin

- "Cycles" ~ by Unknown 

- "God's Hall of Fame" ~ by Walt Huntley

The Gods of Men Are Falling

 "Christians can't be frightened with 'Heaven'," my old roommate encouraged me with during our discussion after church this morning. Also, to further enhance your daily dose of eternal perspective brought to you by The Occupied Optimist, below is a poem my pastor shared in our church service this morning. I hope it speaks to your heart as it has spoken to mine.

The Gods of Men Are Falling 

by Roda Griffin  (March 21, 2020)  

The gods of men are falling
They’re crashing to the ground
And with the endless tumbling
Men’s lives and dreams are drowned

The gods of men are falling
The house is coming down
We stagger with the pressure
And silence is our sound

The gods of men are falling
The god of health goes first
We’ve worshipped at this altar
Where many find their worth

One touch of blackened illness
Has brought us to our knees
No one is exempted
Indiscriminate disease

The gods of men are falling
The god of sports is gone
Entertainment’s vanished
Pop culture’s lost its song

Hollywood is emptied out
Each resident has fled
The god of movies cannot save
We plead to God instead

The gods of men are falling
The god of leisure’s next
Cruising ships sit vacant
The travel world is vexed

Planes sit grounded from the air
Dream holidays are dashed
We cry over our losses
It happened all so fast

The gods of men are falling
The god of wealth stripped whole
The stocks, they spiral downward
It’s way out of control

Our lover, wealth, abandons
He’s taken wings of flight
Grinding business to a halt
It’s happened overnight

The gods of men are falling
We worshipped them with heart
We gave our souls to their embrace
We served them all in part

We placed our hopes upon them
Entrusted them our soul
We set them up as idols
We followers untold

But...

These gods of men are falling
Empty at their core
Within a day they make their grave
Destroy us by the score

We looked to them for mercy
The love our hearts longed for
But they could never save us
False idols, as they are

And now we see the fallout
Of trusting emptiness
These gods would never save us
They’re lacking every strength

The gods of men are falling
They fall before I AM
The only true, eternal God
Who was, and is to come

They bow before His greatness
Who makes the sun to rise
The One who made the earth and seas
The One who rules the skies

They bow the knee before Him
On their faces fall before
The One who with a Word commands
The One who rules it all

The gods of men are falling
We’ve peeled their layers back
Seen them for what they really are
And all the power they lack

The true God, He is standing
Where the gods of men fall flat
He has been our Saviour
And He is coming back

When all has crashed around us
The house of cards is gone
God will still be for us
God and God alone

This world is just a passage
A temporary home
One day we’ll live in heaven
And worship at God’s throne

No sin disease may enter
No contaminant allowed
No, nothing that’s destructive
Will be part of that crowd

So take heart, dear believer
And when you look around
Don’t be fearful when you see
gods falling to the ground

They were never meant to save you
Or be worshipped or be served
By a child of God like you and me
As though heaven’s here on earth

You’re a child of the Mighty One
Who still sits on the throne
And while the world unravels
You won’t ever be alone

Our great and Sovereign God
Who never slumbers, never sleeps
He it is Who stands beside you
He it is Who your soul keeps

So let the gods take tumble
To reveal the Lord our God
Who is great in all His power
Who is Faithful to His Word

Who is loving, kind, compassionate
The Saviour of our soul
Who surpasses any idol
Who amounts to more than gold

Our everlasting Father
Prince of Peace, the Mighty God
Wonderful our Counsellor
Who is the Word of God

He will never, never crumble
He will never, never fall
Our past, present, and future
He is God over it all!

...And with that my heart cries, "Maranatha!"
Thanks for stopping by today!
Stay Healthy and Safe
and God Bless!

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How I Quarantine | Weekend Whatevers

Entering into week three of quarantine; I finally feel like I starting to find my rhythm. It is interesting to think how every day we live is making history, but somehow I think these recent days, in particular, are going to be quite memorable ones years from now when we look back. I want to live long enough to be able to look back on these days, God willing (#stayhome), and I want to remember these days as good ones! How about you?

Hey friends! How are you guys doing? I'd love to know what you guys are doing to survive your time of social distancing!? Even though I am an introvert, it still took me a few days of adjusting to figure out how to use all the free time I now have on my hands being stuck at home. I've started teaching some online virtual ballet classes which has been fun. I have yet to sit down with my sewing machine, but I have been SO longing to, with so many new leotard designs floating around in my head. My goal before the end of this quarantine is to bring those designs into existence. Here's hoping I have enough supplies on hand being that all non-essential shops are closed. Do you have anything you'd like to accomplish during your time in quarantine? I hope you had a great weekend and have a wonderful week ahead! Below is a list of other things floating around in my head that you might find interesting. Enjoy these "Weekend Whatevers" I came up with.

1. Have you guys heard of the movie "I Still Believe"? I feel like everyone is talking about it and heard that it is really good. I hope to see it soon. IMDB describes it "The true-life story of Christian music star Jeremy Camp and his journey of love and loss that looks to prove there is always hope." It available for stream online on many platforms! 
2. One thing I've been doing a lot of is baking during this quarantine! Banana bread, black bean-avocado brownies, 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies. What should I make next?
3.  For some reason I've been really taken by this song lately. I even think it is considered a Christmas song, but I love it so much, bringing me much comfort in this season.

4. Something else I've been really into lately is cleaning my house. Fun fact: Mixing Hydrogen peroxide with Windex is my favorite cleaning solution for cleaning carpet and fabrics! It's a thing! You should try it! It works!

5. One so of my favorite ways to stay in shape during this time of quarantine are doing these videos. I think this girl, Cassey Ho of Blogilates, is my new favorite Youtube workout coach.
6. If you don't already know about "Proverb 31 Ministry's" First 5 App  you need to go download this daily devotional app right now! I just finish a study on Leviticus and Hebrews and it was SO good. I'm sad it is over but good thing they have tons of other studies. They never let me down, 

7. Speaking of apps, I downloaded this new, money-making, survey-taking app call Zap. Deparate times call for desparate measures. I actually really like it! I don't know if my opinion or voice really makes a difference taking Zap's surveys, but the surveys are all  great, easy enough, and not to long. I've only had the app for three days and have already racked up $8.30!

8. I am really missing my "London Fogs" from the Roosted Roaster at the Kitchen Kettle Village, so I decided to start making my own and are delicious!

9. You guys, I really want to own this book. Thats all. :)

10. So doing online virtual ballet classes from home is becoming a thing! Dance educators are exploring a whole new territory when I comes to technology, but I've really been enjoying the process and am enthusiastic to share my knowledge of dance to the world through these classes regardless of us all being confined to our homes. If you are interested in recieving a special private ballet class from me during the month of April contact me via email or any of my other social media platforms!

I’ve been temporarily out of employment due to the corona outbreak, so I’m taking $10 donations via Paypal for Live private classes, but I’d be happy to provide a class for any amount or free, to meet you wherever you are at. I know I’m not the only one in a tight position and I just really want to bless the dance community with this. I want to hear from you if your interested! Thanks for your consideration! :)

ALSO,  one of the studios I teach at, Cavod, will be offering dance classes online! If you are looking for online dance classes of all kinds (and your studio is unable to offer you classes online - please check with your home studio first), Let me know and I'll get you connected to the right people! #Keepdancing

Working on proper body alignment and posture with the help of my toilet paper roll. 

😊

Thanks for stopping by! Have yourself a great week! Chin up, stay healthy and safe! #Stayhome Comment, follow, subscribe, and don't be shy!

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Quarantining like a Pro / Memes / I'm so Over It

Hi Ya'll! I wonder how your time in quarantine is going. 

(What am I even saying?!?! To think our 2020 has come to this?!?!)

Public school districts have closed,  the sounds of traffic coming through my windows of the busy main street I live off of has lessened, and it seems like the infamous, microscopic, trouble-making viral organism we have on our hands (no pun intended),  has subjected all of man-kind to staying home. Aside from the fact that because of Covid 19 I am now unemployed indefinitely with next-to-no income, at the top of week-one with the new mandate from our government to stay home, I was kinda excited about the idea of it. My thought process was, "With no binding work schedule or social engagements filling my week, maybe this is exactly what I need to reform my poor sleeping patterns, catch up on life, and reestablish better time management!" Not to mention, as an introvert, staying home comes easy!

 I've always been a glass-half-full kind of gal (obviously). 

But I gotta say, week one has proven quarantine to be more of a challenge for me than I initially expected. Boredom wasn't the issue. I am intrinsically wired for keeping busy, and ALWAYS have projects lined up to work on. If I've ever had a "productivity issue" it'd be planning TOO MUCH to do in one day. But No! My issue during my first week in quarantine was 
LAZINESS!!!  
Yes; laziness, a lack of motivation, and to my surprise, some emotional instability. I know I can be hard on myself sometimes, but trust me when I say things were a little out of control there for a hot minute. I think you'd agree that sleeping in until 2 PM for multiple days in a row is a little excessive. One of the challenges of living alone is having no accountability for things like that. I believe in taking a good sabbath rest, but I know in my heart that things were a little off-kilter.
It didn't take very long for feelings of sadness and purposelessness to set in. It didn't help that when I wasn't sleeping I spent most of my waking hours the first couple of days glued to my phone, taking in one bad report after another concerning the corona virus, and numbing myself with social media and silly memes. Nothing against the memes. I think all the people responsible for creating them are FANTASTIC hilarious geniuses. I am always one for comic relief, but I'm not okay with how almost over night life on earth began being reshaped by panic, fear, and confusion. The memes were only entertaining to me for a short bit before finding some of them distasteful, as I observed that their mockery only began to feed select peoples'  frustrations and bitterness, disguised as comic relief but more so serving to only further magnify the grim situation. 

My life left solely to waking up to take care of myself and to get things done for myself very quickly began to feel two dimensional, void of the third dimension; waking up to take care, invest in, and love other people. I have never realized until now just how much I live for that third dimension! I wonder if all people do? And this, my friends, is the exact reason for why this social distancing thing has been much harder on me than I anticipated.

Lessons  Learned :

• In the short time span of this past week I've had to teach myself a new way to care for, invest in, and love other people, relying heavily on technology to help keep me connect with others, giving me a new found motivation in this new way of life. I'm not sure if the whole idea of "needing to be needed" would define the complex I have as I'm still trying to process through my thoughts and emotions, but through this I have also realized that aside from the fulfillment I get from helping others, without connecting with others, I myself can feel deprived of being cared for, invested in, and loved, which can make all the difference in how I go about my day and in how I feel emotionally.

• I also was reminded of the power of God's Word which was what helped me shake off the heavy emotions and laziness, and helped me feel like myself again by the end of the week!

•   God used the tangible experience I underwent this past week of starting off the week in peace with my mind stayed on thee to then finishing it in turmoil feeling hopeless, to show me just how impressionable our minds are. I can see now how I allowed too much of the "doom and gloom" on social media to impact my mind, derail my faith and security in Christ, and distract me from the eternal perspective I was so determined in the beginning to maintain. Our minds truly are a battle field. I so desire for Christ to rule and reign in mine; to see our present circumstaces as they are, but to view them through a lense of faith! The lesson that I learned here is that just as my mind can be transformed into that of Christ's, so too can it be transformed into that of the world's if I'm not careful, requiring that I take the utmost caution deciding what to fill my mind with! The following scriptures helped to clear my cloudy mind this week.

 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your MIND. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

~Romans 12:2

Those who live according to the flesh have their MINDS set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their MINDS set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. 

~Romans 8:5-9

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. ~Philippians 4:8

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Drop a comment down below and let us know how your doing.

What bible verses have been your source of hope lately!

Ciao! 

💗

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Hope Amidst the Pandemic

SO  this is what it is like to experience a pandemic (the worldwide spread of a new disease). I never would have imagined experiencing something like this in my lifetime, but as I often say, there is a first time for everything! Needless to say, I will be happy when this is all over.

The Coronavirus COVID-19 has everyone out of sorts! I will look forward to the day when all the toilet-paper-shortage jokes stop, and the struggle to moisturize my hands as much as I wash them will be over.

ANYWAY,  here are my two cents on the situation... I couldn't help but chime in on this. In a world full of gloom and doom where we are constantly being inundated with facts, opinions, numbers, fears, and the like, I hope you will be refreshed by the eternal perspective and hope held out in the following points shared below. Call it optimism. Call it religion. I see it as me having faith in proven, life-changing, timeless, imperishable truths.

#1 From a place of gratitude, I will start by saying I am thankful for this season of life (dare I say for the virus itself) because, for one thing, It is a reminder to us that this earth is not our home.  

#2  I am thankful for this season of life, two: because it is an affirming reminder to us that God's plans cannot be thwarted and that they will and are coming to pass. Feeling oddly unphased by it all, I ponder, how could I allow myself to freak out or be alarmed by the chaos, fear, and confusion taking place in our world right now when the foreknowledge of all this happening has been so clearly presented to us in the prophecies of scripture. I'm not necessarily saying I believe we are experiencing the end of the age (Matthew 24:36, 2 Peter 3:10), but just saying that as a Bible Believing Christian, when I've learned from scripture that these sorts of events are to be expected and will culminate in the end times, how can one be surprised? I'm also NOT saying I'm devoid of any emotion or concern, but I digress.

#3  To continue off of the idea that I am not devoid of feeling, emotion, concern, or sensibility, Thirdly (...and my most favorite point), I am thankful for this season of life because it is a reminder to us that GOD IS GOOD. And this good God is sovereign, in control, and worthy of our trust;  by which knowing that, PEACE is produced in me, the "feeling" in me that is currently and undoubtedly supernaturally outweighing all others at this time. It's simply unexplainable. 

I do hope dear readers, that the verse above would be made true for you, as it has been for me. Worry and anxiety have proved never to do anything good for our bodies or immune systems, if anything, affecting them negatively which is the last thing we need. So in conclusion, Yes, keep washing hands, and yes, maybe social distancing isn't an entirely bad idea, but also check out this outstanding hymn I discovered listening to Wretched Radio the other day. Thanks to Todd Friel for sharing it! The remarkable, ever so timely lyrics have been ministering to my soul ever since I read them. Hymns are amazing like that. I encourage you to marinade in the truths buried within each verse of this hymn that you to may be equally blessed by them too!

   What God Ordains Is Always Good
By: Samuel Rodigast What God ordains is always good:
His will is just and holy.
As he directs my life for me,
I follow meek and lowly.
My God indeed
In every need
Knows well how he will shield me;
To him, then, I will yield me.

What God ordains is always good:
He never will deceive me;
He leads me in his own right way,
And never will he leave me.
I take content
What he has sent;
His hand that sends me sadness
Will turn my tears to gladness.

What God ordains is always good:
His loving thought attends me;
No poison can be in the cup
That my physician sends me.
My God is true;
Each morning new
I trust his grace unending,
My life to him commending.

What God ordains is always good:
He is my friend and father;
He suffers naught to do me harm
Though many storms may gather.
Now I may know
Both joy and woe;
Someday I shall see clearly
That he has loved me dearly.

What God ordains is always good:
Though I the cup am drinking
Which savors now of bitterness,
I take it without shrinking.
For after grief
God gives relief,
My heart with comfort filling
And all my sorrow stilling.
What God ordains is always good:
This truth remains unshaken.
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,
I shall not be forsaken.
I fear no harm, for with his arm
He shall embrace and shield me;
So to my God I yield me.

Feel free to comment down below what your reaction and/or response to this is. I'd love to know all of your thoughts. Let's start conversation!  Signing off for now- Health, Peace, and Blessings,

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