I received the following by e-mail yesterday. It was sent in red lettering for emphasis!!!
My story so far, by God’s grace:
I woke up Monday night with a headache and fever. I knew something was not right since I’ve never had a headache in my life. I assumed it was a headache because I have nothing to compare it with.
I prayed and the headache left in about 15 minutes.
In the morning I checked my temperature, and it was 100.00. I prayed, and by last night’s temperature check it was 97.9.
My prevalent symptom has been a depleted feeling. It’s what I feel after I have ridden a bicycle for 40 miles, but slightly different – more my entire body.
Prayers by you for Barbara and I are abundant.
On Monday night I also had depressed emotions. I can get attacked by discouragement in the middle of the night, which I have learned are “night terrors” indicating the need for spiritual warfare.
This depression/discouragement was different and has gone away.
I have not lost my appetite and enjoyed my favorite meal of spaghetti and meatballs last night. The breadsticks were great too!
I will isolate between 10 to 14 days (depending on the ever-changing official/scientific advice). At home, I will work in my Zoom studi0. I had a conference with Russian pastors yesterday with First Steps Discipleship. I am working on additional conferences in Russia, Belarus, and the Philippines.
I will schedule ministry appointments by Zoom. Then I’ll clean out my home library in preparation for selling our house. Then I’ll be researching some topics that I want to but haven’t yet.
Ten to 14 days will give me time for many want-to-but-haven’t-yets.
I still think I will get bored. Probably the most difficult part of my isolation… hmmhhhmmm… what am I going to do today? Clean my office, change the furnace filter, watch leaves fall in the yard, or send all of you 3-page e-mails?
Though isolation can be suddenly thrown over any of us by COVID, I don’t feel isolated. Many have prayed and sent encouraging texts and emails.
Thank you.
Please note this is my personal opinion: The COVID crisis will be defeated. It might take a few months. Meanwhile, we learn to live with plan A, plan B, and plan C – along with Plan D and Plan E – when discerning whether to close or stay open or to go to social events.
The most important lesson: Don’t isolate from other Christians. If you can’t meet in person, e-communication provides lots of opportunities.
I have totally enjoyed receiving offers of help. Messenger, calls, texts, and e-mails with offers to help. Help with anything!
Unfortunately, I have just finished painting the outside of my house.
Barbara and I are well taken care of. Pray that she does not get COVID. We have worked out a plan for isolating from one another in our house. Easier with a large house.
I don’t need anything… Oh, no! The jug of Lee’s unsweetened iced tea in my refrigerator only has only one glass left.