My hubby and I have been monitoring the sudden outbreak of the coronavirus virus in Italy this past week. In celebration of our twentieth anniversary, we planned to go on holiday in late March. So in one week, we went from planning our trip and deciding what to pack, to being halted by a Level 3 travel warning. On Friday, CDC recommended reconsidering all non-essential travel, causing our tour company to cancel all trips to Italy.
The travel warning has since risen to Level 4, meaning “Do not Travel”, for the areas of northern Italy most affected by the outbreak, according to Fox News.
A 50% increase in new cases as of Sunday night has the total number of cases of 1,600 according to CNN.
I can’t lie, my hubby and I felt discouraged and bummed about not being able to take the trip. However, we will not be knocked down. We still plan to visit Italy. We are looking at rescheduling our trip for the fall once the outbreak has been contained and life has returned back to normal.
When you see an outbreak of a virus that has no vaccine at this time, fear can take hold if we let it. But we have to cast down fear and turn our focus to prayer. Now we must pray for Italy, China and the world who are also affected by the virus.
Pioneers in Europe requested prayer.
*Pray that they would be able to express peace and confidence in God’s sovereignty in the midst of these uncertain and anxious days.
*Pray that the surety of the gospel would be a bright light to worried and isolated Italians.
*Pray for the church in Italy, for resources and a movement of the Holy Spirit amongst those who don’t yet know Jesus. Only 1.5% of the Italian population professes an Evangelical Christian faith.
*Pray Psalm 91 for the Pioneers in Italy, as well as their neighbors, friends, classmates, church attendees, and all who don’t yet know Jesus:
My hubby and I pray Psalms 91 every day, a hedge of protection and traveling mercies.
Psalm 91 (NIV)
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” *Biblegateway.com
Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com is praying for Italy, China and the rest of the world affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. We also pray that there would be freedom from fear and panic and that peace prevails in the midst of the storm. We pray for complete healing for those who have been affected by the virus and pray that God will comfort anyone who lost loved ones. We pray that a vaccine is developed and all new cases will stop.
I have listed a few scriptures to stand on against fear, if you search your bible you will find more. 1 John 4:18 (ESV)
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been in perfected love. 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Let me know if the coronavirus is on your mind and how you are praying against it.
If this prayer is important to you, I suggest that you share it on your social media outlets.
Christmas Day memories are all in full gear on Facebook with the various pictures of food, toys, and fun. And if you celebrated Boxing Day you get to have another day of festivities. Some people have already taken the tree down or have taken it to the park to become mulch.
Usually, the day after Christmas, my husband and I like to see if we can find additional ornaments on sale to spice up the tree for next year. I enjoy finding ornaments that have special meaning to me, like these blue ornaments. My grandmother had a Christmas tree with blue ornaments, and these remind me of the ones she would have used. Adding new ornaments to a Christmas tree always adds a fresh look. I also like adding shiny garlands because it reminded me of the trees of my childhood. I need to purchase a few more for next year because you can never have too many. This was the first time in many years that I added garlands and made the tree look completely different than previous years. Taking down the holiday decorations too quickly can be such a shock because the house feels empty and less vibrant.
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
How do we keep that holiday spirit all year long?
I spend several days decorating my house for Christmas, going from room by room. I want to be able to enjoy the tree and all the decorations for a longer time. We typically don’t take the decorations down until February 14th, Valentine’s Day. I have had friends tell me, “It’s your house, you keep those decorations up as long as you want.” My puppy Gio went to heaven last July. My hubby and I had just purchased a new tree at the time of his passing; so we decided to keep that tree up for the rest of the year. God knows the tree brought us peace at a difficult time for us.
JTwisdom and Hubby’s Tree in the LIvingroom
Acts of kindness
My cousin didn’t want to put up her tree this year because she wanted a different kind of tree but didn’t have the finances to purchase it right now. She gave her Christmas tree and lights to someone who had kids and didn’t have a tree. My cousin didn’t want this lady and her kids to be without a tree.
Help someone in need because giving always makes you feel good. Do you need to reach out to a friend or relative whom you haven’t talk to in a long time? Send a text message or make that call just to say hi or I was thinking about you. Check on the elderly neighbor.
Learn about a holiday
My hubby and I celebrate Christmas but started lighting the menorah for Hannukah about four years ago. It’s a special feeling to light the Menorah and learn why the holiday is celebrated. Take some time to find out what Christmas, Hanukkah, Boxing Day, and Kwanzaa mean and why each holiday is celebrated each year.
Start a new tradition
Does your family wear matching pajamas for Christmas? Is it a tradition to make your grandma’s delicious dressing or favorite pecan pie? You will be surprised how your family will look forward to those traditions each year and how you will create new ones.
You are not alone
We must remember that everyone does not have a large family or a huge amount of friends to celebrate the holidays. Both of my parents are in heaven. I had to press through depression and keep putting in my focus that they are always with me and I am thankful for them. The holidays are for us to give thanks and be grateful. I didn’t say it would be easy. You may say that you have nothing to be thankful for. We all have something to be thankful for.
Your assignment
Write down three things that you are thankful for every day. Then, when you are feeling down you can always look at that list to give you a boost of encouragement. It can be as simple as one word.
Remember that you can feel alone in a crowded room full of family. No family is perfect and what you see on Instagram or Facebook is what they want you to see. Those who have big families want to be alone and those who have a small family want a big one. We have to fill our hearts with gratitude.
I am thankful for you and remember that you are not alone. As we continue to celebrate the holidays and step into a new year may you have peace, and your hearts are filled with joy each and every day.
It is hard to believe but Thanksgiving is only a couple of days away. The holiday season is in full swing with so much going on all at one time. Thanksgiving this week, and then Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are not far behind. And, oh, don’t forget about New Year’s Eve / Day to finish off the season. It is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. But it can also be the least joyful time of the year for many people.
During the last six weeks of the year, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, there are more parties, gatherings, and reasons to celebrate. From work parties to family dinners to church celebrations, it can be easy to be swept away in a non-stop mode. Not to mention, buying gifts for your family and friends and finding that right item to give them. And it seems that each event is centered around food, large amounts of food.
It can cause unneeded stress for people and their joy is soon gone. But using these five simple tips, you will be able to keep your joy and your peace, and it will help you enjoy the holiday season. Please know that each of these suggestions are interconnected and can be applied to each area of advice.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
Don’t Stress It This is easier said than done, I will admit that. Stress levels climb when we feel that we are no longer in control of the situation and there is no way to fix it. Whether it is fitting every party in your schedule or buying a gift for everyone on your list, you have to put some limits in place. When you feel your stress levels increasing, take a step back and assess the situation to see what is causing the stress? Could it be two parties on the same night and you can’t go to both? Could it be a family gathering out of town and it means making special arrangements to get there? Whatever the situation, look at what objectively and say to yourself, ‘I will not sacrifice my peace to please other people.’ If you can’t make it both parties, just pick the one that makes the most sense, send regrets to the other people and don’t look back.
Don’t Over Commit
It would not be the holidays if it did not have parties and gatherings happening. You could find yourself being invited to parties by your neighbors, co-workers, or friends. Whomever it may be, you could find yourself with a month full of gatherings, with very little downtime or quiet time. I believe that it is important that everyone spend some time for reflection without distractions and the noise of the non-stop pace that comes with the holiday season. If you are invited to a function and it would interfere with that quiet time or disrupt your time with your spouse or children, maybe this is an event that you will have to decline the invitation. Your own personal reflection and peace are more important than pleasing someone who has invited you to his or her house.
Don’t Overspend If you follow what the retail industry says, you will be buying a gift for everyone. Whether it is your cousin Jimmy who you haven’t seen in six years; or your child’s history teacher from last year, they want you to think that everyone needs or deserves a gift from you. Remember, they are telling you this because they want you to spend your money which will help their bottom line. Buying a gift for everyone is not possible and should not be expected. Stress levels increase when you wonder how you are going to pay for all of these gifts. Put a limit on who is getting a gift and how much you want to spend for that person. Maybe it is only a gift for your parents, but not your siblings. Or for your children, the limit is $25 per child. Whatever the amount or whoever is on the list, you are in control of it. Don’t get pressured into changing your decision just so you can please someone or want their approval. If you are upfront with them and let them know the situation, and they are not happy with it; the problem lies with them. They are the ones that have to understand what you decided.
Don’t Over Indulge Holidays are focused on food and how much of it can be consumed at one time. Eating a little extra apple pie with Thanksgiving dinner is okay, but having two or three extra slices with a pint of vanilla ice cream after two servings of mac-n-cheese may be pushing it a bit. Just because the food is there, doesn’t mean you have to eat it all. Eat like you normally would eat, know your limits and when to quit especially if you are going to more than one party in a day. Stress levels increase when your body is not accustomed to eating like that, and it may even cause you to lose control and not know when to stop.
Don’t Over Politicize It
Have you noticed, that we as a society can no longer have a political discussion or debate without a full-on war and battle between the two sides? What used to be mild conversion now can lead to a shouting match and even name-calling. So, as you are sharing dinner with your family, don’t ask for their opinions of the impeachment hearings, especially if you know your sister sits on the other side of the political aisle. Stirring up ill-conceived conversation can lead to strife and ill feelings toward people whom you love or enjoy being with. It saves the peace and joy for everyone involved when you keep the conversations to topics that you mutually share. Or make it an opportunity to get to know someone a little more.
Holidays are meant to be a joyful time, but often they are not. Whatever the reason, if you are feeling the stress and you are not experiencing that joy; you need to find someone who can help. Find a family member or a close who you can talk to about your feelings. Go to your local church and find someone who can help you assess the situation and look for a positive outcome. You are not in this alone, there are people out there who can help you through it.
We are praying that you have a peaceful and joyful holiday season. May God’s blessings be upon you and your loved ones.
Holidays are upon us and we often hear that everyone is in a chaotic fit to get that Thanksgiving meal set or start working on getting all those gifts set aside for Christmas. We are pushed to buy things that we can’t afford, however, the pressure is to impress and overspend. In the pressure, we feel that we are not good enough so failure mentality kicks in full effect. When we hear all these different voices coming at us to buy, to impress, and to live above or means?
We call out to the Father in heaven and give thanks for all that He has done for us. Giving thanks is not saying that you are satisfied or settling for less. The Lord knows that I don’t have it all together, none of us do but as long as I lean on Him, I know that I’m moving forward.
Photo by Simon Maage on Unsplash
There have been times when I have felt I have no value and that I didn’t matter. In God’s word, I matter and you matter.
I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born.Isaiah 44:2a (CEV)
Rick Warren really taught how we do matter, it changed my perspective.
I am not famous, not popular, nor a billionaire and do not a very large circle of friends or family. My mother always told me that if you have one true friend you are blessed. In the Bible it says in Ephesians 1:4 (MSG) God created me to love me long before [God] laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love . . .
“I was made to last forever, God has long-range plans for my life.”
What On Earth am I here for?
Photo By Aaron Burden
Rick Warren’s online study is really open to finding my purpose in God. “It’s not about me it’s all about God.” We all matter to God.
If you believe that you need are in a dark hole and need to talk with some, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-8255.
I pray that you are having an awesome beginning to your new week. The holiday season seems to be in full swing. Christmas movies are being shown on TV; while advertisements are being seen everywhere. In this most wonderful time of the year, it is important to step back and do not get overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of gift-buying, party-attending, and family-visiting. Take time to focus on what is important to you and your family, and do not let your focus be swayed.
If you are looking for a practical but ideal gift for your spouse or a loved one; you may want to consider the new Tony Evans Study Bible. A study bible is a great gift for anyone who wants to delve deeper into God’s Word and who wants to focus on the important things in his or her life. Recently, my hubby and I had a chance to review the new Bible, thanks to our partnership with LEV3L Digital. Look for the new study bible wherever Bibles are sold.
In conjunction with our review of the new Bible, we also hosted a giveaway where one of our readers would win their own copy of the study bible. We are happy to announce the winner is
Adella G.
Congratulations Adella!! YEAH!! We will send you an email about getting your new Bible to you.
And for everyone else, please stay tuned for our next giveaway, starting soon!!
I hope you are having an awesome day. On our way to church, this morning, my hubby and I noticed that the leaves are starting to change colors. It is time for me to bring out the fall decorations and look through the cookbooks for scrumptious soups and chilis recipes. The cooler days make me want to spend time on the couch, curled up under a warm blanket and watching a good movie. My hubby and I had the opportunity to preview a movie that will only be in theaters for one day, Monday, November 4th. The movie is CHRISTMAS JARS and here is the trailer.
Based on the New York Times Bestselling novel by Jason F. Wright, CHRISTMAS JARS tells the story of an aspiring newspaper journalist, Hope Jenson. Following a series of heart-breaking events, a mysterious person leaves a Christmas Jar filled with money on Hope’s doorstep. She soon finds out that she is not the only person to have received a jar. She wants to write an article about it for the newspaper. In the process of trying to find out who did this thoughtful deed, she has to decide whether she should compromise her values for professional gain.
Map of where all the Christmas Jars had been delivered.
Do we need to know the identity of who has given these Christmas Jars to the people in need? Teach one, reach one is a theme that resonates and it’s a wonderful time to bring to life in the movie. Giving is contagious, but at what cost? Does the anonymous person(s) who left the Christmas Jars all over the Columbus, Ohio area want to be found out? In Hope’s quest to find out who this person is, she creates a map of the people in the Columbus area who received the jar. Will she find out who the mysterious person is?
This heartfelt movie is family-oriented and shows how we should show kindness and generosity in our lives. And to find out if Hope compromises her values or not you have to go see the movie on Monday, November 4th. To purchase tickets to reserve your seats please go HERE!
Christmas Jars
We don’t have to show acts of kindness, however, it leaves such a good feeling inside when we do something for another person.
What are the ways you show acts of kindness?
Christmas Jar Giveaway And in collaboration with LEV3L Digital, we are giving one blessed reader a DVD copy Christmas Jars.
How to Enter Please leave a comment below. Let us know how you can show an act of kindness during the upcoming holiday season.
*Please share this review and giveaway on Facebook to give more people a chance to learn about the movie and an opportunity for them to win a DVD of the movie.
This giveaway will close at 11:59 PM on November 2, 2019. The winner will be announced on Sunday, November 3, 2019.
Thank you LEV3L Digital for giving BubblingwitheEleganceandGrace.com the opportunity to offer a free DVD for a giveaway. For hosting the giveaway, we will also receive our own copy of the movie on DVD.
Learn More About JT Bubbling with Elegance and Grace is a place for life long learners. The Bubbling With Elegance And Grace team was created 14 years ago. A passion for fashion sparked a lifestyle blog for our Elegant Community to enjoy. We are thankful and in gratitude to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for those who have been with us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
Follow!