Well, those are words I never expected to type, but here we are.
I’m not in a panic over the Coronavirus, but it’s true that some, perhaps many of us, may end up self-quarantined or otherwise homebound. But here’s the thing:
Every opportunity holds the potential to become meaningful.
Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise — making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15,16
Below are thirty ideas to consider if staying inside for a while. I pray they’ll become the catalyst for spreading hope, encouragement, and truth, to others (germ-free!):
- Set aside fifteen minutes to scroll through Facebook to collect prayer requests. Jot them down and set aside time to pray specifically for each person. Well-meaning “likes” don’t always result in prayer, but they can today! If the Lord brings to mind a certain scripture verse while praying, share it with the person. Our extra minute can encourage them for days.
- Turn on praise music and sing to the Lord or better yet, sing acapella.
- Create your own music list. Fill it with songs of hope and peace.
- Start a new Bible study. If you don’t have one on hand, try an online study from Proverbs 31, LifeWay studies, and free studies from Jen Wilkin.
- Complete the last study you didn’t finish.
- Hibernate in prayer.
- Turn everything off. Listen to the birds. Watch them. Study them. Let these tiny creatures serve as a reminder of God’s intimate care for you. (Luke 12:24)
- Cook a vegetable meal. Before you pick up the fork, read Proverbs 15:17 aloud: “Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.” Invite conversation: How does this apply to our family? How can we “put feet” to this verse in helping others?
- Take a James 1:17 stroll. “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” As you walk outside, intentionally search for God’s good gifts surrounding you⏤an unfurling blossom, a flower’s scent, the sun breaking through clouds, etc. Embrace the goodness of God and let it carry you heavenward throughout the day.
- Take tea for two, you and God.
- Finish the current book you’re reading. Then, go the extra mile and leave a review on Amazon. Bonus points if you do the same on Goodreads, and don’t forget to add it to your reading list while you’re there.
- Start a new book. If you know the author, message her along the way sharing what encourages you or a phrase that stood out to you. If a quote stands out, consider posting it on Facebook and Instagram to encourage others (and the author).
- Call a different person each day. Many of us prefer to text but let’s delight someone by laying aside our preferences and call instead.
- Text two people each day with one purpose in mind: to encourage.
- Pray for your children/grandchildren. Jon Bloom’s 7 Things to Pray for Your Children is a favorite.
- Pray for your adult children.
- Pray for the lost. Tim Challies’ 18 Prayers to Pray for the Lost is a great place to start.
- Draw a line down the center of a page.
- Plan for the future. Sometimes our immobility is simply a rest area on the highway of life. It gives us unexpected time to pray, think, and mull over ideas.
- Create mini-love notes and place them in sock drawers, on mirrors, cereal boxes, or inside his/her Bible.
- Is it raining? Engage those God-given senses!
- If you’re up for it, work or play in your yard. Plant flowers, pull weeds, plunge seeds into the ground.
- Create simply for the joy of creating.
- Create a vision board. Go through magazines, clip inspiring quotes and pictures OR create an online version via Canva (free). (Watch for an upcoming post on this subject!)
- Write morning pages. Not sure how? Click here for one of the best breakdowns I’ve read (other than Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way.)
- Start a gratitude journal. Is there a better time to focus on our blessings?
- Do a prayer walk through your home.
- Set up a prayer journal.
- Read scripture verses on peace. Write them down. Memorize at least one and lean on God’s promises with the same warmth and confidence a child bends toward her mother.
- If you’re a Creative Pauses subscriber (you are awesome!), enjoy your free resources (Scripture-Based Coloring Pages, Praying Throughout Your Home, 10 Ways to Show Up for Others This Summer, etc.). If not, then pull up a chair and join in the fun! Simply type your email in the top right-hand sidebar >>>> and start enjoying your free resources immediately.
* Click here for a downloadable PDF print of the list above.
The Coronavirus situation gives us, the hopers and believers of the world, opportunities to share Christ in ways we’ve never had before. Becoming more intentional in how we care for others — emotionally, physically, and spiritually — during a time when many are focused on themselves, might just make an eternal difference.
Yes, we plan and use our resources wisely, but above all, we love selflessly.
Is there one particular idea above that stands out to you, or do you have one to add to the list?
Am not quarantined at home, but stuck in a hotel as the Army closed the military base for all but mission critical personnel, so I’m working from a hotel room. Thanks for the suggestions my friend. Stay safe, and be careful my friend.
Same to you, J.D.! Praying for your sweet wife at home as well.
Get on home, young man!!
Praying for you. JD. Thanks for these wonderful suggestions, Cathy!
What a wonderful list! I read through every item, but now I’m going back and clicking on the clickable ones to read further. it has given me ideas, how I can reach out to my 4th-6th grade Sunday School class, the girl I mentor each week, and “older” friends (like me – haha). Thank you Cathy.
I’m delighted you’re enjoying the list. If there’s one thing I’m learning about this situation, it’s that God is opening unique opportunities for us to love others. Your mentee and Sunday School class is blessed to have you! Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
Thank you for taking time to create this list and then sharing with your readers. I plan to share with family and friends. Wonderful list Cathy, wonderful you. Stay well, stay strong in the Lord my friend.
Thank you, Elaine. 🙂 I’m glad you find it helpful and I love that you’re sharing it with others. God bless, sweet friend. Stay safe!
This post is a goldmine Cathy, useful when we’re self-quarantined but when we’re not. Blessings, Marilyn
Thank you, Marilyn. I’m glad you find it helpful. 🙂 Sorry about your trip to Italy but I hope you’ve already rescheduled a new date for it. Blessings and stay safe!
Perfect message in the middle of this Corona Crisis. And something positive we CAN focus on.
Thanks, Jeanne! We as believers have a unique opportunity to show the love of Christ to others so I’m glad you find it helpful. 🙂 Stay safe!
Love the word picture to “Hibernate in prayer.” Nice list for our new normal. Hope it will be a short one. Share on.
I hope so too! Our grocery store had no produce, meat, fruit, soup, or milk this morning. As long as I don’t run out of my sugar-free treats or coffee, our house will be at peace. Ha!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Carolyn. Stay safe.
Hi Cathy, thank you for such a full list. Meeting with our boys every morning for a family meeting and trying to be intentionally varied with our days. It is an odd time, but a blessing in so many ways. Love in Christ, Julie
I love the idea of meeting with your boys in the morning. You’re right — it’s an odd time, but also one for blessings in the making. Blessings, friend!
This is fabulous. I found a couple items I am going to do this week! Thanks!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it and found a couple you’d like to try! Blessings!
Great list! We all need positive things to do and places to focus. Thank you, Cathy!
Thank YOU, Angie! Stay safe. 🙂
Great ideas and a way to bring something good out of what was intended for evil
I’m glad you found them helpful, Barbara. 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to share! Stay safe.
Love this post and your list, Cathy. Now’s the time to be creative, practice more intentional soul-care, reach out to others, and let our adventurous side shine through in living life!
Yes and amen, Karen!!! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thank you, Beckie! I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and share. Blessings…
Great list. Thanks for the ideas. I passed them on. Praying you stay safe and healthy.
Thank you, Jann! I appreciate you passing it on. I hope it will deliver much hope and encouragement. Blessings!
Cathy, thanks for this resource! I so enjoyed the Morning Pages article!
I’m so glad, Tammy! Thanks for sharing. Take care of yourself, sweet friend.
Since we’re heading into spring, it’s a good time to de-clutter and spring-clean! So many things at home that we can catch up on. I love all your suggestions, Cathy. Thanks for sharing. Please keep us in prayer, NY is one of the worst areas right now and numbers keep rising. Thank you!
I’m definitely keeping you in my prayers. I thought of you when I heard the recent numbers for NY. I know you’re both shining His light brightly in this dimly lit world right now. God bless you — and yes to the spring cleaning! ((( HUGS )))
Love your heart, my friend. I am growing during COVID-19, and I praise God for what He is showing me.
Seems like it’s our most trying times that we grow the most. What opportunities we have as believers to share hope and peace. Blessings, friend! Love your heart too.
Great ideas!
Thank you, Robin! I appreciate you taking the time to share. Stay safe and keep painting! 🙂
I absolutely adore these, Cathy. Thank you!
I’m delighted you enjoyed them. 🙂 Your FB postings are also sure to add smiles to faces. Thanks for taking the time to share, Mols.
Great ideas Cathy for this time of being sequestered. I am doing a lot of sorting through boxes , discarding items because we have a move in about two months. My husband and I have spent a lot of time talking over options for our future, looking into RV living, building a small place for us on our son’s place, they are moving into soon. Going part time in our ministry, we are 73 but family healthy and love what we do for our mission, not ready to quit but we must be open to what God has for us even at our age. Sometimes he does say retire…He just has not impressed us to do that yet. Again, thanks for the list of ideas…all good.
Hi Betty! So nice seeing you here. Your open hands/heart for the Lord to do as He will inspires and encourages me so much. Please keep me posted on how God leads you and your husband. Blessings! Stay safe.
I especially like the suggestions about “taking a James 1:17 walk” and “turning everything off”. My husband and I really enjoy watching our bird feeders from our front porch. We have four feeders now and will probably get more.
We also enjoy watching the birds! Unfortunately, the bears enjoy their food so we’ve had to stop putting out bird food until they leave the area. 🙁 They actually carried our bucket of seed into the woods behind the tiny house, pried it open there, and left the full bucket empty. Thanks for taking the time to share!