Bringing Back Family Time ~ Guest Post by Ang Specht

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

Micah 6:8

When the country shut down over this virus, I can't say that I was surprised. I've spent my whole life preparing for a moment like this. I won't go into the why's, because that's a whole other issue, but I am grateful that we were able to be prepared.

I live on a dirt road, out in the middle of nowhere. My town is so small that there isn't even a traffic light. From what I'm reading on the internet, we weren't affected like most other places. I've heard stories from friends where they ran out of food in the stores, had to wait in long lines just to get IN to a store, and basically had their whole lives shut down. We are a self-employed, homeschooling family in a very remote area, so honestly, life has gone on as usual. The only change we have seen is that we had a couple appointments rescheduled. We are still schooling, still working from home, and never really went anywhere, anyways. However, it IS a serious matter, to see the rest of the country shut down, because that does affect us, eventually.

To get us through the negative times, we have been praying Psalms during our devotion times, as a protection over our home. We have told the children to pray for our country, and used this as a time to teach them how to be prepared for such an occasion; and how to handle it. Being homeschooled, they have learned all the history about previous times like this, so it wasn't a complete shock to them that it could happen. We show them it's how you handle it that matters. First, begin with prayer. Then, reach out to others to see who needs what. Those are the two best things we can do, in my opinion. You don't have to look very far to see that there are people who are suffering because they can't buy diapers or groceries. This is such a perfect time to give what you can. Rather than feeding into the political spatting going on, we look for people we can help, regardless of their political beliefs. This teaches the kids that there are no restrictions when loving your neighbor. You help where you can. You show them the love of Jesus through that help.

As I stated, we never really go anywhere, but my husband and I would go on "dates" to the store for whatever we needed. Of course we still have to go to the store, but our dates, for now, have morphed into a cup of coffee and an audio book. Or a game of Scrabble. Or a walk. We have always been a tight-knit family, doing things together, so this isn't a new idea for us, but I have tried to pass that idea on to others, to spend this time at home doing things as a family. Just last night we had 2 banjos, 2 guitars, and a harmonica going in our living room. :) Most families don't have that extra time for things like that, so now is the perfect time to enjoy an activity like that. Board games, reading out loud, sharing stories, gardening, going for walks... the Lord is very pleased when we spend our "leisure" time doing wholesome things like this, and what better time to do it than when you're locked down at home? These moments at home should be looked at as gifts from God that you may not have otherwise had. Spend them doing something meaningful with your family! :)

One thing we like to do is watch all the different birds that flock to our home. If we see a new one, we get out our bird book and try to identify it. We always have a new project going on--building a new chicken coop, starting plants indoors to later transfer to the garden, learning a new song on an instrument, I have one son building a forge and another who just made maple syrup all on his own. They all go for bike rides or play in the creek. It's a great time to try a new recipe as a family or learn a new craft.

I think that's what I am trying to spread to others is the idea of family. You can prepare for times like these as a family by raising your own food and canning it, or maybe clipping coupons and teaching them how to budget and store up a small supply of necessities. And then when that moment hits and your world is changed; first pray; then act as a family. Don't panic. Just trust God and teach your children the proper things to do. Remain a steadfast family together. The family structure in America is quickly disappearing; but when your world crashes down, the one thing you should have is family. If you haven't been blessed to be raised up in a godly family structure, then be the beginning of it and start NOW. There's nothing that God won't use for His good, and I'd say Americans coming together as a family unit again is a HUGE blessing. Imagine the changes for the good if that continued. He knows what He's doing. Embrace your family in this time that the Lord has entrusted you with. :)

God's sign of hope in a grocery store window near Ang's home.

Bio:  Ang is a stay-at-home-mom who homeschools three boys and one little girl. She has her CDL, but currently stays home and make things like soap, lip balm, etc. and keeps pretty low-key. She loves summer, sitting on her front porch, laughing, happiness, etc. She is a Christian and truly enjoys the very little things in life.  She blogs at Just A Country Girl.  You can also find her at her Etsy Shop, where you will find her handmade, rustic, shabby, holistic, natural items for sale.

Please stop by and subscribe to Ang's Blog and check out her handmade treasures in her Etsy Shop!  She is a sweet personal friend of mine ~ we met through blogging several years ago, and she is a real blessing in my life.  I love Ang's strong sense of motherhood and family and so enjoy reading her blog and hearing all about her homesteading and family times.  I am so grateful for Ang and all of the other guests and friends who have shared such precious encouragement here during this crazy time in our world.  

Speaking of family and dirt roads, here are a couple of my favorite songs about home.

Almost Home ~ Craig Morgan


Home ~ Joe Diffie

(I can't believe Joe Diffie is gone.  
He died way too soon from the dreadful Covid- 19 on March 29th.  
May he rest in peace.)

One of the blessings mixed in with all the current pain is that everyone has been staying home more.  I pray our appreciation of our families and our homes will grow ever more dear to us in these troubled times.

God is with us still.