I’ve been having some feelings about the future’s unknown, causing me to not even feel like writing my column anymore. Sharing this, some encouraged me to continue, especially now.

I am not a preacher, counselor, or psychologist. But, if some think I would be able to write something needed, then I will try.

The thing is, many have never gone through hard times and seem clueless as to what to do except rely on electronic games and watch movies. They are escapes from this, but this or anything else shouldn’t be 24/7 for one’s own sanity as well as for those they live with. People need each other and should think of ways to relate to others—BUT in a positive manner. We can wallow in negativity, but it doesn’t make things better. Let’s choose to remain positive by counting our blessings, realizing our discomfort is NOTHING, NOTHING—I repeat, NOTHING like millions who have suffered and still suffer around our world.

So, how do we make it in these troubling times? So many are homebound and are trying to stay sane and to get along with others. Here is a guideline I have learned through time. I personally believe in God who, in love, created us to make a positive difference in this world—like His Son did while He was here. He is our perfect model. We are created to make choices; if we choose not to make positive differences, and choose to make negative ones, like intentionally hurting ourselves or others, everybody suffers and makes things worse.

The 10 Commandments (laws of the land) were given to Moses as recorded in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, a man asked Jesus,

“Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” Matthew 22:36. And Jesus answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-40.

Isn’t it amazing that even today, the rules of our land are still based on these commandments, but millions don’t give the Bible credit, nor want others to study it? They have already begun to break these commandments, not believing God is the only god, worshipping anything other than God), misusing God’s name—which gets worse as time goes by, honoring His Sabbath from sundown to sundown is now changed to about 2 hours, honoring (respecting) parents is not taught enough in one’s earlier years as discipline is lacking , murder (humans of ANY age is a given), committing adultery (rampant in this world), stealing, lying, and lusting or having strong desires of what is not yours. Look at those commandments. Children may grow up being taught these laws for a happier life, however we see all of these laws broken and acceptable as a norm from our TV programs and movies. Even if parents or caregivers try to monitor these avenues, it’s too easy now for them to be watched on personal electronic sources.

We have more time on our hands than probably ever, so it’s a good time to do things that you’ve been putting off, like dare to read a book that feeds and uplifts your soul. I suggest starting with the New Testament and whisper a prayer to God to help you understand as you read.

I’ve already heard from some of you saying you’re doing little tasks around the house that were put off day, months, and even years ago. Me, too. If you’re not much of a cook, now we can Google a recipe and even watch a video and learn how to make it. If you have a can of a fruit, meat, or veggie, just google the fruit, meat, or veggie and many recipes appear for you to try.

Board and card games are great if you live with someone. If you’re alone, there are many free games online. Just Google “games” and choices will be offered. Puzzles are great as brain exercises, too. Need a to cheer your spirits? Google Mark Lowry on Utube, to watch.

This is the time of year to clean out flowerbeds but use gloves and watch out for snakes. They’re already out. Repot plants that have overgrown their pots. Cut off plant runners and put them in water to re-root. I’ve already had my lawn mowed of scraggly, uneven new growth. It’s a good time to pick up trash and things left out of their places on your property.

If children aren’t taught how to clean up inside and outside the homes,, think of what their own places in the future will look like. I really believe that’s why we have so much trash thrown on the roads and highways: the parents weren’t taught as children to know better, so their children aren’t taught, either.

So, what can we do now, people? The time you didn’t have to do stuff is NOW. Millions of people would like to be in our places. Don’t feed on others’ negative thoughts or be guilty of creating your own. At least most of us don’t live cardboard boxes or mud huts. It could always be worse. It could ALWAYS be worse. Choose to make the most of it. Believe that this too shall pass.