Dealing with New Normal

How are you doing? Like you, I’m getting used to a new normal. I’m staying home
and staying as safe as possible. I’m using new technology to connect in new ways.
I’m spending time in quiet, sewing and knitting. That’s the good news. Now for
the not-so-good news.

Reflecting on my “Stay home! Stay safe!” moments, I’ve been a little surprised at
the times that have gone sideways: the Zoom calls that have been less than
wonderful, the morning I fell apart learning that nail salons were closing, my panic
buying that resulted in a case of “ferry boat” toilet paper. Yep, “ferry boat” toilet
paper that’s thinner than tissue paper with the consistency of waxed paper. Yep,
panic buying at its finest. Or not!

I’m a passionate advocate for words of loving kindness. Walk the W.O.L.K., I like
to say. Walk the words of loving kindness—for each other and for ourselves.

You heard it said (a lot!) that the coronavirus took us into uncharted waters. And
that’s because it really did. You and I had moments when we were at our finest.
There were also moments that became lessons in patience and understanding.

One shelter-in-place morning I was slipping out for my must-have iced latte and
saw the sun peeking through the clouds. It was windy and more than once, the
clouds raced in to cover the sun, only to have it shine out in another place in the
sky.

God will continue to shine in our cloudy days. He’ll continue to find ways for us to
be His light—even when we’re not at our finest. Together with Him we can;
together with Him we will.

“The Lord watches over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” Amen.
Psalm 121:8

Preview YouTube video WOLK: Say It with Flowers!

Watch Video Below and Meet Deanna!

about

Deanna Nowadnick

Before my father died, he reminded me that Mom had asked me to write a book. At the time the boys were in college, and the notion of writing was unfathomable. Writers write books. By the time my boys were adults, I’d run out of excuses. I was also at that age when I could pause and reflect.

Fruit of My Spirit: Reframing Life in God’s Grace was my first publishing endeavor. My second was Signs in Life: Finding Direction in Our Travels with God. Both are collections of stories that tell of God’s love and faithfulness. Both tell of His remarkable grace and mercy.

When not writing, I serve as the Client Service Coordinator for The Planner’s Edge, an investment advisory firm in Washington state. I’m active in my church, serving on the Leadership Team and gathering with a wonderful group of ladies to study and giggle over lattes and chocolate. On my desk is a rock with the words “Choose Joy!” etched in it. It’s my inspiration for each day. As an author, it is my hope that my own words might share that joy we find together as children of God.

With Him, it can be so.