October 30, 2020

In some places, they have what they call, “Begger’s Night”, where the children dress up as their favorite character and go from door to door telling a joke in exchange for a treat, usually in some form of candy.

This year some places are choosing to not have children go out because fear of the virus has been spread all over by the media that we are mandated in some places to mask everywhere we go so we have less chance of spreading it but then there are many places who are allowing it.

Going off a different direction for a few moments….

CDC and WHO said months ago that these masks do not keep the spread of Covid-19 because the virus is so small, they go right through the masks. So why is the government mandating them to be worn when they don’t even work for what they want it to? My thought is that you are actually doing yourself a disservice because we need the bad germs to build our immunity.

Many people don’t even wear them correctly and the masks that get left in your car are collecting germs. If you don’t hold the masks just the right way from box to your face, you’ve already contaminated your own mask. I learned this from a doctor who said touching the inside of a mask, you have already contaminated it. In fact, a mask is a one and done use, needing to get a brand new one every time you take off your old one.

Overall, the masks may keep you from sneezing or coughing on someone if you’ve never learned to do that in your elbow. If you cough or sneeze while wearing a mask, the germs will escape the mask unless you cover your nose and mouth with your elbow into your sleeve.

And what do you do when you have to blow your nose because the allergies are getting to you?

Earlier in the week, while in my car, I had no Kleenex to blow my runny nose. My littlest said, “do you want a mask?” as we keep disposable ones under the car seat (from China of all places). Well, you gotta make due with what you have so I sat in the parking lot using a mask to blow my nose. It doesn’t work so well in case you were wondering.

Make sure if you have no other choice but to use a mask to blow your nose that you throw it away and do not reuse it. That is just gross! It reminds me of when people use a handkerchief to blow their nose and stick it back in their pocket. So sanitary — NOT!

When you want to eat or drink in public, what do you do? I’ve seen restaurants have signs telling people they have to wear their masks to and from their table and then you can take them off once you’re seated.

I do not understand this because when you take your mask off and set it down, you’ve once again contaminated your mask. I’ve actually seen people try to drink with their mask on, and it is quite funny. I’ve also seen people lift up and down their mask to eat. Question: if you’re that concerned, why go to a fast food place or restaurant where you have multiple people touching your food? I surely wouldn’t if I was that concerned. Just a thought.

Okay, back to Halloween….

In one town, it has been suggested for trick-or-treaters to wear masks as well as the homeowners, and not only that, but they recommended disposable gloves to be used while handing out as well as receiving candy. (My husband said, “as if people are going to lick the wrappers.”) I am thinking if you are that concerned, it is best to STAY HOME and TURN OFF YOUR LIGHTS.

This is a year that Kool-aid would’ve brought a chuckle to give to the parents but a’las we gave out chocolate along with the Pumpkin Prayer activity book. Covid-19 can be serious as with any flu, and we have no idea the lasting affects that may come with it, but the rules surrounding it seem so politically driven that they don’t make any sense to me personally.

It was so fun seeing all the children dressed up in costumes enjoying a nice evening outside, together with their parents, walking door to door. The jokes are always fun to listen to as well. One little girl, probably about three, was asked by our littlest if she had a joke.

The little girl said, “Happy Halloween!”

Our littlest couldn’t understand her so asked her to repeat herself.

She said, a little more louder and clearer, “Happy Halloween!”

My littlest replied, “But do you have a joke?”

The precious little girl, at the top of her lungs said, “NOOOOO!”

Then my littlest laughed letting her know that was okay and gave her a treat.

In the quietest voice the little girl said, “Thank you!” and skipped away.

I was listening on the radio that 2020 has been the year highest for anxiety and depression so much so that people are giving themselves heart attacks! It has also been up in suicides and domestic abuse. It is so unfortunate that our media has given people such fear to have these extreme responses.

As a Christian, my response needs to be a completely opposite response. Then, when I am asked how it is that I don’t panic and go off the deep end of paranoia, I can confidently say that my trust is in my Lord and Savior, who has numbered my days before I was even born, and I need not fear. It is wonderful that I have been able to have these conversations with non-Christians.

Now, let me explain something very important. As someone who has lived with anxiety for decades and with depression for several years, I have feared and have to keep it in check, sometimes daily.

My biggest fear is that my blessings may choose not to walk with the Lord, and I have to be okay with that because they are free to make that choice of Who or who they follow, but it sure keeps me in prayer, growing closer to God.

My next fear is not being able to breath. I grew up having asthma and many times if I couldn’t breath in the middle of the night, I would dream I was drowning and then wake up quickly having to take my inhaler. I still have those dreams when I struggle breathing. It is not pleasant.

Eight months ago, I spent every night for the first few weeks struggling to breath and every once in awhile I will have a hard night of not breathing so well. The other night, I was dreaming and in the dream, instead of drowning, I was very sick and saying good-bye to some family. I woke up unable to breath.

And an odd thing I have feared are shower curtains. Yes, shower curtains. Did you watch Psycho?! Then, you get it…maybe. I suppose the fear is moreso the unknown of what is on the other side.

The other day in workout class the teacher asked people to shout out their fears. Out of a full class, a couple people said something they were fearful of, and she asked if anyone else had one so I said, “shower curtains”. I was in the back of the class, and everyone turned toward me and some simultaneously said with chuckles, “Shower curtains?!?!” I responded as if it should be obvious, “Psycho1?”

My husband said since I am one of the oldest ones in that class, most people would not know what I was talking about, but the teacher said, “Okay, that makes sense now. So now everyone will know why Jen showers in the locker room with the door open.” That made us all chuckle but I DO NOT do that! How much you want to bet that many went out of there to google, “Psycho movie shower scene”.

For some, it is the unknown of what is in the closet or under the bed or maybe bigger fears such as what the future holds. But if we are children of God, we already know what the future holds because we know Who holds the future. My mom shared that with me, and I will never forget it!

So, let us all live life to the fullest, making the most of every opportunity, not fearing the “What ifs?” that will keep us frozen from what we are called to be and do.

“Since his days are determined,
    and the number of his months is with you,
    and you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass…“
Job‬ ‭14:5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in Your book were written,
every one of them, the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there were none of them.”
Psalm 139:16

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:21

Blessings,
Jennifer