Do you hear what I hear, see what I see?

Do you hear what I hear? Do you see what I see?
I am not believing what I hear or see in this trying time. Do we really believe all the news?
The “virus” seems to me to be a very big pandemic and scare. However, one friend of mine
pointed out if we did not have social media or TV “telling us” what to do. If we were maybe
only with a radio, we probably would not be as scared. We probably wouldn’t be hoarding
toilet paper and other necessity items like hand sanitizer, etc. I think some areas are sold
out on pain medicines as well. Yes, it is okay to take precautions. Maybe, we should re-
consider what we need to have on hand instead of what is panic buying.
Schools are closing and sending hundreds of children home to “home school.”  This may scare some parents since they are not sure how to homeschool - no worries we have some links below - but first let's go over the virtue of perseverance...
Anyway, I wanted to write about perseverance in this trying time and I also plan to give a 
few links to parents who are stuck at home with children that normally go to regular  school. I’ll give you some items they can find to do online. Also, I will give parents a couple of links that they might want to look over to educate them on their own health.
So, first, perseverance – this is a type of virtue. Here’s a definition:
“Perseverance is the will to see things through until the end in spite of fear, obstacles,
discouragement, and opposition. With perseverance, we can accomplish great things.”
Taken from: https://www.virtuesforlife.com/perseverance/
This sounds like a good virtue to meditate on right now.
Second, we should do self-reflection right now. How are we doing in our spiritual life?
What can we do to encourage a sense of peace in our life? Are we in the state of grace?
Maybe, take the time to get to a confessional. If that’s not possible. Reciting an Act of  Contrition with very sincere contrition and making penitential acts can help. (Note: If you
are in mortal sin, do try to get to confession as soon as possible).
One type of penance act could be helping your neighbor. Perhaps, the neighbor needs help  picking up their yard, or getting some groceries. You may have an older neighbor that does not need to get out or exposed to this “virus” – help the neighbor out and offer to pick them
up something at the store.
Third, getting up each day and making a goal for yourself is important. Make a goal or two
for each day. I know for me, making one goal is an accomplishment when I have children to attend to, meals to make, etc. Today’s goal was this blog post. Another day, might be my mom’s newsletter, etc. If you have more time on your hands, you may want to make 3 goals
for the day and try to accomplish them.
Fourth, now what do I do with the kids? You may be wondering this if you are a mother and are use to your kids being at a public or even private school. I found out that some companies are offering some free apps for  children to use like Adventure Academy, ABC Mouse, etc. You will need to contact them  about your school and closure in order to obtain a free code.
Here is one link to some fun free apps: https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/21-free-
educational-apps-kids
Here is another resource: https://www.messforless.net/free-kids-learning-resources-for-
school-closures/
Fifth idea – mothers and parents may want to learn more about health and healing.
There’s a nice neat herbal class online that could help parents out some – though the focus has been on fertility herbs to postpartum herbs – Catholic Doula Program is offering in  this herb class an extra module on how to make some homemade supplies for emergencies
with the current March class. So, check out the Herbal course information here which is currently half off the normal price: http://www.catholicdoula.com/herbal-course.html
Essential Oil resource: If you are seeking some fun essential oils – we recommend Simply Earth Box – they have essential oils in a subscription box and non-subscription boxes as
well. www.simplyearth.com – I do have a “enrollment” code if you want to get that message
me at avemariadoula@gmail.com I don’t mind if you signup without my code.
I love  Simply Earth Essential oils as they are all natural and they also give money towards other  charitable organizations.
I hope you all stay well. I think one thing that helps also is getting out in the sun and getting fresh air. Vitamin C and Vitamin D are recommended to stay healthy.
Drink lemons and limes also can help as they have natural vitamins in them!
I hope you will stay positive in this trying time. God Bless!

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