¹¹ Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. ¹² I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. ¹³ For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13 NLT)

Happy Sunday! New normal-online church for everyone and toilet paper is more valuable than gold. Who woulda thunk it? LOL

We gave up looking for toilet paper weeks ago and figured if we had run out, we’d improvise. Last Thursday morning (We were down to 6 rolls.) I decided to visit our local Walmart for a few items. With gloved covered hands, I strolled down the aisles, trying to physically distance myself from fellow shoppers. I peeked around corners avoiding the most populated aisles.

LOL Obedience and wisdom, not fear!

Anyhoo, I noticed several people had toilet paper in their carts, but thought they were the people who waited in the parking lot for hours before the store opened. Then I realized that every cart had a pack of TP. I thought, “Maybe, just maybe, today is the day that I will buy TP.” I didn’t want to get my hopes up, so I played it cool as long as I could. But the anticipation got the better of me. LOL

It was the day. 🙂 We got TP! I walked out of Walmart with a pep in my step. Naw, not really. But as I loaded the groceries in the car, a guy who parked next to me opened his trunk to retrieve his reusable bags. I told him there was toilet paper. His eyebrows crinkled as he squinted his eyes. He asked, “Is there a long line?” Almost as if he expected me to say yes. Clearly, he had experienced standing in the anaconda line at Costco only to find out they were sold out. I said, “No, but go there first.” He broke out into a full sprint as he yelled, “A’ight, thanks!” 🙂

I imagined that he, like us, had given up on buying toilet paper. There was no way he was going to stand in that Costco line again or any toilet paper line for that matter. Maybe his wife had sent him to Walmart for diapers or eggs or milk. Boy, she’ll be happy to see that Angel Soft tissue. LOL

While toilet paper is a hot commodity these days, it is far less critical in comparison to some of the more severe issues the COVID-19 global crisis has caused. People are panicking, which leads to stress, which leads to a lower immune system (among other things), which leads to sickness and disease. THIS PANDEMIC IS A REAL REASON TO BE CONCERNED! I chose Philippians 4:11-13 for this post because these verses are what I like to call, “IN YO FACE” verses. Why? Because Paul is telling us that we can endure any situation as long as we focus and rely on our Lord. Is there a better choice? We have to spend time with Jesus for strength. I believe most of us have more time on our hands than ever before.

 

Even if we don’t have extra time, as believers, we are to make spending time with Jesus a priority. It’s for our benefit. He’s not a genie waiting for us to rub a lamp so he can make an appearance. He’s with us! I’m not saying we should ignore what’s going on in the world. I’m saying, whatever is going on, trust God. To trust Him, we have to know Him. To know Him, we have to spend time with Him. It is the enemy’s job to distract us, and frankly, he’s good at it, but only if we give him the power. If you find that you’re consumed by fear during this time, #CheckYourHeart. Turn back to the Father and rest in His presence. DON’T GIVE UP YOUR JOY AND PEACE! 

Okay, last thing. Do you have a shower song? A song that you play while you’re taking a shower? Right now, mine is Love Theory by Kirk Franklin. There’s a part of the song that explains what I’m trying to say.

Loving You will be
Will be the death of me
That’s how it’s supposed to be
More of You, less of me.

More of Him, less of us. If we stop trying to handle things without Jesus, we will be love giving joy spreading peace walking patience practicing kind and gentle acting good doing faithful self-controlled people of the Most High King! Yeah, I know, that was wordy. Hopefully, it made you smile.

I’m not exempt . . .

I’m just blogging it out! Oh, and my niece, B. Chantel Designs, makes face masks. Click the link then scroll down to see her masks. I bought 4. 🙂