Note for Storyline Lead Team --- PLEASE Pray for Me

I just received a note taped to my front door from the apartment manager. It says that the local health department has asked us to suspend all group activities. This includes the monthly potluck, twice a month Bible study, and weekly bingo. 

Today I went to Walmart for my grocery shopping. Normally I go there and the afternoon of a weekday. The first time there were zero empty grocery carts to use. I had to go to the parking lot to find one. Inside it was the busiest I've ever seen it. Besides the toilet paper being nearly sold out also peanut butter, paper towels, eggs, canned soup, canned tuna, and many other items were nearly sold-out 

I bought more groceries today they have the two and a half years I did that in order to stock up. I did not pay close attention to my budget. I hope I have enough for things to come together at the end of this month. 

I'm out of vitamin C supplements and others. So I must look closely at my budget. 

CHURCH

I appreciate the measures that Charles has led the community to use on Sundays. They are prudent and appropriate. 

Part of me believes is best for me not to attend church this Sunday due to my imagined or real symptoms. I would be close to those who attend but also with a building where a hundred and fifty employees did gather. I wonder if it would be wise for me not to attend this Sunday. And for me to not attend ANY more Sundays until this coronavirus is no longer an issue. 

I'm grateful that I can meet with the men of Dallas to discuss the books. I do that because they call me on Skype, Duo, or some other video conference platform. 

SITUATION

Each day I learn a little bit more online about the Coronavirus. Only lately had a message come to me stating that those over 60 years old are the most at risk. I have never felt old. But this has me worried about my vulnerability more than ever. 

For the last few days, I have been paying excessive attention to every little ache and pain in my body. For a few minutes at a time, I felt that I might be sick. But then that would pass and I’ll be fine an hour later. It is like I'm making myself sick with worry. 

Realistically there are no reported cases and in this area. Realistically I have very little contact with other people. Realistically I'm inside day and night except for my daily walk around the property for 30 to 45 minutes. Even during that walk, it seems that I would need to stop offering candy to my fellow residents and the guests. 

Sadly this relates to my ongoing issue. Mostly I'm an introvert. Mostly I'm really okay with that. But since this virus has dominated the news I recognize that I need to have more social. Isolation can be harmful.

The ride to and from church on Sunday is the most social I have during the week. These are about 30 to 40 minutes each way. Enjoy talking with Darryl and Terri. 

BACKGROUND

I recalled it when I lived in the homeless shelter for 3 years I had pneumonia twice. Thank God for the medication healed me of that illness. 

I've had sinus and respiratory troubles off and on all my life. 

PRESENTLY

I greatly increased the frequency of meditation and prayer.

I've increased my journaling. 

I get plenty of sleep. 

Unlike the last two Lent seasons, I don't think it's wise for me to avoid all news during this Lent season. I'm doing my best to be prudent and wise as to what sources and how much I intake. 

I have been collecting my random thoughts and feelings about these events on an online mind map. And that helps me to process all this complicated information. 

IDEAS

The following three ideas have helped me recently. 

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid. John 14:27 

To ponder and apply the slogan let go and let God. A paragraph 

I remind myself of the idea that THIS TOO WILL PASS. This cannot and will not go on forever and ever. We're in the beginning of this. We are not near the middle. But there will surely be an end. 

COURSES

I'm taking 2 online courses currently. Each one offers an opportunity to interact with fellow Learners online. I've been telling myself I need to participate more actively there. Pray for God to use those commute the other places online you keep me believing in healthy to keep me mentally and emotionally healthy. 

ART

I have my art supplies out on my table ready to use. My commitment for this Lent season is to engage with those materials daily. I've only missed a few days. 

This has been been a minimum of about 5 minutes. But sometimes it's been 40 minutes to an hour. 

When I can get into that flow of creative expression that is a lovely space to be in. 

I'm not trying to become an artist. I don't want to make things that I would necessarily sell or show anyone. 

I just want to become familiar and comfortable with colored pencils, colored markers, drawing pencils, different size technical pens and different kinds of paper. 

I have some books and printed out PDF lessons to guide me. 

After I get over this beginner hump I trust that the Lord Jesus will guide me into using art for fun and play. 

I have been drawn to do art for years. That is why I have collected so many materials. But I have procrastinated repeatedly. 

This is crazy how hard it is for me to put my butt in the chair get into that flow.

CONCLUSION

I apologize for as long and rambling this messages. This is my little way to reach out and ask for help. I request your best prayers. 

Also, I'd like to find some individuals who would like to talk with me on the phone on a regular basis. God can make a way for that to happen. 

Shalom

Comment about Natural Reader

OPTIONAL

This is a long document.

You have the option of using a text to speech application that will read the text to you. Then you can hear was is written here.

The app that I use daily is Natural Reader https://naturalreaders.com/chrome_ext.html

It reads emails, webpages, and PDF files.

Prayer UPDATE - My Housing, Sewer System and Jannet

THANKS again for all your prayers. God has been answering your prayers in amazing ways over the years.

Again I stand in the need of prayers.

Kindly take the time to pray now and later.

MY HOUSING

Each year I need to communicate with the Housing Authority to renew my Section 8 Housing. This is a simple procedure for documenting my low income and small expenses. I put the proof on their website at my online portal and then I have a phone interview. 

Where it gets tricky is that my utilities are paid online so I do not have a standard print copy to scan. I did this before but it was not easy. 

This must be done by March 25 or my housing assistance would be terminated. 

This has happened each year. And there have been a few bumps in the past.

I am grateful that God made a way for this provision and I thank Him in prayer a few times a week. 

Soo I will need to do the same kind of renewal for my Food Stamps.

Please pray that both of these go smoothly.

SEWER SYSTEM

Two weeks ago the city, plumber, owner, and maintenance man worked out a plan to finally have a permeate solution to the troubles with the sewer system at this apartment complex for senior citizens. 

They will dig a ditch that is half the length of the front of the property to lay a new pipe into. I am told that it will take 1 to 2 weeks in total. 

Then did come and dig for the first day on February 25 that is more than 2 weeks ago. But then it turns out they do not have all the needed paperwork. They need to know exactly where to dig not to harm other utilities. They have colored flags all over the place. But they have not been able to locate the technical drawings to show how deep each one is. 

So the maintenance man must use the temporary pump at the ground level twice a day to drain the septic tank. When it rains he must do that more often. 

This has been very frustrating. Please pray that the suitable technical drawings and any other matters will be solved quickly. 

May this sewer system be complete soon. 

JANNET

Jannet continues to behave strangely. 

Jannet asked the manager who the person is that move in next door to her. She gave a description. Yet her neighbor has not changed.

She asked the manager to come to the doorway of the office to get her rent check. She was afraid to slip on the floor inside the office. That is the same flooring in her apartment. 

Her neighbors are afraid of her. She has talked about hurting people with a knife. She has only said that and has not been seen with a knife. 

The manager will not renew here lease that expires in a few months. Her son knows this. I do not know what action steps he has taken so far to find her next residence. 

She does not think she has a problem. 

The police and Adult Protective Services are aware of the situation. But they are powerless unless there is an emergency. 

The bottom line is that she needs to visit a psych doctor for a comprehensive evaluation. Then she needs proper medications prescribed. Having the right pills handy is a start. But taking them daily is then necessary. Over the decades I have known those that forgot or refused to take their medicines. Then they were a problem for themselves and others. 

Only God can untangle this mess. 

Pray for the right actions to be taken right on time. 

Pray for the safety of all involved.

PSALM 23

At the apartment complex where I live a woman brings a Bible study twice a month. We use a Bible study guide that is like a workbook as the format for our private studies and discussions. 

I have been attending these Bible studies since I moved here. Then we recently started a new workbook based on Psalm 23. I enjoy this much more than all the other workbooks. 

This study reminded me of articles I wrote many years ago about the Good Sheperd and God Loves You. So I pulled those from my archives and edited them a little. I will pass out print copies to those that attend the Bible study next week. Most of these old ladies do not use email. And I want to offer you a copy too. These are thoughts, feelings, and insights I gained during times of deep difficulties where my faith in God was purified. It is my hope and expectation that these will bless you.

Also, let me take this opportunity to promote some publications that I believe will benefit you. 

I have invested a short time with the Bible study based on Psalm 23 by Juanita Ryan and published by Life guide Bible Studies. https://www.amazon.com/23rd-Psalm-Shepherd-Lifeguide-Studies/dp/083083043X/

I have noticed a depth of insights and biblical perspectives that I had not experienced in all the Bible studies I have done over the decades. 

So that led me to examine her biography. Her background includes recovering from major childhood traumas. She became a psychiatric nurse in private practice. She has worked with individuals and groups for years. https://www.juanitaryan.com/counseling/

She offers a  free online course on Recovery from Childhood Trauma https://www.nacr.org/abusecenter/recovery-from-childhood-abuse

The other Bible study workbooks that she wrote and were published by LifeGuide Bible Studies include Busyiness: Finding God in the Whirlwind,  Waiting for God, Praying the Psalms, Distorted Images of Self: Restoring Our Vision, and Distorted Images of God: Restoring Our Vision, 

These are written to be used for group study yet can work individually.

Also, she sells many other books on Amazon including those written with her husband.

There are her books, articles and online courses listed on her website https://www.juanitaryan.com/publications/

Shalom

John

Coronavirus Prayer Guide

Coronavirus Prayer Guide

Let us pray about the short and long-term impacts of the Coronavirus. Let’s pray earnestly for family members, friends, and many others worldwide. Let us pray for others like we would want them to pray for us.  

As a retired person, so I have had more time to research and ponder this matter than those who must juggle family responsibilities, careers, and other demands on their time. 

The following is a simple summary of important matters related to the Coronavirus. This goes far beyond personal health concerns. There are many other considerations. Each of these considerations can serve as fuel for your faith-filled prayers. 

We have been blessed as Christians to have a personal relationship with the living God. We have the Bible and the Holy Spirit to train us in how to pray. The Word of God instructs us to put on the armor of God and pray for others. So we are not powerless spectators to an unfolding worldwide pandemic. Instead, we are colaborers with God in the protection, healing, and blessings of fellow humans. Prayer is a mighty force for good. Let us come to God humbly. Let us be bold in our faith in Jesus. Let us be fervent, persistent, and consistent in our prayers.  

Please let the following information serve as seeds in your mind and heart. Feel free to do your own research online or elsewhere to learn more and keep up to date. 

Do not let the waves of news on this subject fuel your fears or destroy your hope. Allow this season to be one when you practiced prayer more and better than ever. Let the love of God flow through your prayers. 

Thankfully the Coronavirus has not come to the USA in large numbers yet. However, employees in the USA, travel nationally and internationally. And there are those who travel for pleasure. It is possible in the coming months that some may encounter the Coronavirus and then return to infect their contacts in various locations. So we are not totally immune to the Coronavirus ever getting to our communities in the coming years. Therefore let us pray that God will guide us all in taking prudent measures to prevent the spread of this virus. 

Besides the health concerns, there are also the rippling impacts in the economy. Already many large communities in China, Italy, Iran, and elsewhere have been quarantined. Therefore people cannot go to work. When they do not go to work then they do not produce products and services. That disrupts local, national, and international supply chains. When products are not made and shipped than others cannot sell and buy. This includes food. That ripples out to us in the USA and everyone else. Walmart in other stores sell products that were made in China a few months ago. So this impacts what is on the shelves and the paychecks of workers. 

There have been travel restrictions that have already had impacts and will have rippling impacts. 

The concern about the disruptions of the supply chains and travel restrictions has led the prices in the stock markets to fall. That has an impact on the financial well being of many millions already. It is unknown when this downward trend will turn around. 

Note that the 2020 Summer Olympics is still scheduled in Tokyo from July 24 to August 9. If I was a virus that wanted to find an abundance of new hosts then I would seek such a setting. In that megacity, there will be untold thousands of athletes, spectators, and journalists coming and going from nearly every country.  So what might happen a few months after the Olympics in countries that currently do not have many cases?

Note that for each person who dies of the Coronavirus (or any other cause) there are many around them that will be plunged into grief. Consider how many attend any funeral or memorial service. Each person in their own way must deal with grief sooner or later. I have never met or heard of a person that dealt with major grief easily.  

There are elements of worry, uncertainty, and fear experienced by those who consume the news about the Coronavirus. Consider senior citizens that sit at home and just watch TV all day and all night. They are vulnerable to any disease. In their isolation from family and friends, their thoughts and feelings can spin around and around. May God shield their hearts and minds. 

Fears related to news about Coronavirus (or any topic) can paralyze the mind and limit clear thinking about practical options. Let us monitor our thoughts and feelings. Let us help others to gain a balanced perspective on this and other matters. Let us seek, find and focus on that which is positive and hope-filled.

We are blessed to live in a developed country here in the USA. But notice that there are billions of fellow humans that are not so blessed. Millions of them have not had easy access to plenty of food, clean water, and health care services. They are vulnerable. Our love and concern for them can be expressed in earnest prayers. 

Let’s pray that God will guide us on how to take suitable measures to be ready for possible future conditions. Besides getting ready, pray that we respond to situations wisely as they arise in the coming months. 

Let’s pray for God to grant wisdom and guidance to all the political leaders and scientific experts. May they set aside their differences and come together for the common good. 

Let’s pray that objective and truthful information be shared. May God make a way that the media decrease the sensationalism and fear-mongering. May they minimize making everything about politics and the president. 

Some say to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. Such a response might be wise in this case and other kinds of potential threats like hurricanes, forest fires, and earthquakes. 

May we fully trust in the Lord with all our hearts while not leaning to our understanding. May we acknowledge Him in all your ways about this and related issues. Then God will guide our paths. Proverbs 3:5,6.

(You are invited to use any and all of this in your personal prayer life and during prayer times with your families and others. You can forward this if it came to you as an email. You can print out the PDF for your personal use and share it with others. You're invited to adapt it and change it as you please.) 

Shalom, John S. Oliver fellowpilgrim@gmail.com 

Introducing Myself

There was a book that had a major impact on me.

Know Me, Like Me Follow Me by Penny Power.

She teaches that in order to be successful online you need to reveal your true self.

Then people get to know the person behind the product or service.

They have a chance to like or dislike you.

When they like you then they are more likely to follow you.

The following leads to sales, repeat sales, word of mouth promotions, and buzz.

So here I will provide just a snapshot of myself.

Then you can know me better. 

This is a rather long post.

When I encounter a wordy webpage or PDF I use this text to speech app.

Natural Reader app https://www.naturalreaders.com/app/ 

You might like to have your computer read this and other documents to you. 

These are some simple sound bites I use to describe myself: 

66 years old (in February of 2020)

Baby Boomer generation 

6 foot tall

165 pounds (slim)

Anglo American

short-cropped hair and a gray beard

cisgender 

heterosexual male

single, celibate, and content

I was engaged 3 times but never married. 

I have zero interest in sex or romance.

retired and living alone

born in Houston, Texas
living in Ennis, Texas, that is south of Dallas 
my younger brother is living in St Louis, Missouri

dropped out of college 3 times

self-educated mostly from libraries and the Internet

several near-death experiences

seek to always be honest, responsible, and truthful 

seek to treat others with respect, empathy, and support 

seek to feel purposeful, prolific, and engaged with others. 

People have called me intelligent, articulate, and passionate.

I do not consume alcohol, tobacco, or street drugs.

On the keto diet with a few modifications 

Most of my protein is from pasture-raised eggs.

I include 3 raw eggs in my smoothie most days.

I minimize sugar and carbs, so no bread, cookies, or cake and do not miss them.

Using intermediate fasting, so I eat during an 8-hour window daily.

When dining out I enjoy eating healthy, hearty, home-cooked, and country-style meals.

I enjoy taking a walk most evenings.

I journal many times a week.

I am continually improving my prayer and meditation habits. 

I frequently pray to think clearly, choose wisely, and be grateful. 

Zealously committed Christian that has been seeking ministry for decades.

I have been a member of local churches from various denominations.

I have felt deeply frustrated with the gap between what they say and what they do.

I believe God has called me to pioneer a new kind of ministry I will describe later.

I have known many difficulties, hardships, and challenges.

During my college years, I abused alcohol and drugs.

I was in a church-based rehab for 18 months. 

I have been involved in various 12 step recovery programs that greatly helped me.

I have attended hundreds of 12 step recovery meetings.

I worked the 12 steps several times in various programs.
Those included Al-Anon, Codependents Anonymous, and Celebrate Recovery.
Currently, I attend conference calls for Workaholics Anonymous. 

I am online most of my waking hours.

I take a few online courses each year.

I enjoy writing and I write a few dozen pages each week.
Those are shared on emails, social media, and blogs.

My strengths include researching, writing, planning, and designing educational systems

My three main passions are education, missions, and media.

I am living to leave a lasting legacy of leaders, lessons, and libraries.

My long term goal is to launch and lead an innovative educational nonprofit organization.

Apolitical – I have been disappointed repeatedly by broken campaign promises. 

Fiercely independent in my thinking.

Yet I welcome various inputs and feedback to improve my thinking.

Enneagram Type 1 

INFJ on Myers Briggs 

Strengths Finder results are Futuristic, Learner, Intellection, Responsibility, Connectedness

At my core, I perceive life as an idealist with ultra-high standards for myself and society.

I aim high and plan to achieve great things.

But I have failed to persistently implement many of my grand plans.

So that has forced me to get real with myself and gradually make needed changes in me.

Those changes have various practical steps but all this serves my ideal values.  

I tend to resonate best with missionaries, international students, and church planters.

Health-conscious without being too whacked out about this.

I take several nutritional supplements daily. 

I am grateful for pharmaceutical medicines and surgery, as a last, and not first resort.

I am inclined to favor chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic massages, and detoxing.

I am currently learning about the importance of working with crystals and sounds.

I have begun to spend time before I go to bed at my art table.

There as a beginner I am learning Zengangles, sketchnotes, calligraphy, and drawing.

One of my few recreations is watching videos online at Netflix, Youtube, and Prime.

Movies I like are biography, documentary, nature, science fiction, and historical drama.

Recovery Slogans to Ponder and Spark Your Journaling

I have read and said millions of words over the decades. Yet these relatively few words got deep inside my soul at the times and ways that transformed my life.

I offer them in order of importance to me.

• 1
• Keep it simple
• First Things First
• Live and Let Live
• Let go and let God
• One day at a time
• 2
• Progress, not perfection
• HALT = don't get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
• Principles before personalities
• 3
• This too will pass
• We are only as sick as our secrets
• Cultivate an attitude of gratitude 
• I was sick and tired of being sick and tired