This month’s linkup with A Chronic Voice

I enjoy joining in on A Chronic Voice’s linkup each month. It is a monthly get together for anyone with chronic illnesses. An opportunity to share, to listen, and to learn from one another. Each month she gives us five prompts and here is my contribution to March:

Sorting the garden before the last of the rains has been so rewarding. We’ve moved so many plants from the incorrect spot to the right one and are enjoying their happiness. We’ve also been sorting out the house, polyfilling in preparation for painting – can’t wait!

Rising at this time of year is deeply associated with my faith. Tomorrow, Easter Sunday, marks the remembrance of the most important rising of Christ after His death on the cross. I’ve spent lent journeying through several bible studies to prepare for this day. My mum and I celebrated Maundy Thursday with a lovely dinner with bread and wine, bible reading and prayer all focused on the commandment given in John 13:34-35 after Jesus washes the feet of the disciples, “So I give you a new command: Love each other deeply and fully. Remember the ways that I have loved you, and demonstrate your love for others in those same ways. Everyone will know you as My followers if you demonstrate your love to others.” Several religious writers and speakers have created insightful videos and podcasts this week and I recommend tuning into Max Lucado and Lysa TerKeurst’s Facebook Live videos as well as Danielle Strickland and Liz Curtis Higgs’ podcasts.

Rejoicing in the public holidays given to us in South Africa to celebrate the joy of Easter. I hadn’t realised, until this year, that Good Friday isn’t a global holiday. Spending time reflecting the sacrifice made by Jesus fed my soul. Monday, too, is a public holiday and in some cultures has its roots in a day of renewal after Christ’s rising, that is exactly how I plan to spend it.

Reading has been focused similarly on lent and I have so enjoyed doing it with Karen Ehman’s Zip It. She’s call for us to give up misusing our words and spending 40 days watching them has changed my speech internally and externally. I also thoroughly enjoyed revisiting The Women of Easter by Liz Curtis Higgs. Rarely are the women the focus of a story in the Bible by Liz highlights their importance and sheds new light on familiar verses. I am also reading Why Her? By Nicki Koziarz in preparation for the next Proverbs 31 Online Bible Study kicking off on 9 April. Read my book review here and find our more about the study here.

Priding myself on holding to an exercise programme. My biokineticist, Bryce Jackson, took a 10 month sabbatical to India and, nervously, I took over directing myself. With mirrors, mom and teddy bears as markers I worked to keep my form. Upon his return last week I was informed I hadn’t deteriorated at all but had actually improved – woohoo – that said I am so happy to have him back!