I was struggling by not seeing our children and grandchildren.  It was a painful time.  Our whole world was going through uncharted waters, which caused much anxiety.  Matt and Mary had baby Gideon in March, and we were not able to visit or hold him.  One love I have always cherished has been to record special memories through pictures.  Therefore, I had to depend on our children to send photographs of special occasions where we could not be present.

In the beginning of April, I was praying one night.  It seemed clear the Lord was asking me to use this time to draw near to Him.  I thought to myself that night, are there gifts I could develop to serve Him?  I immediately thought about the piano sitting idle in our dining room.  I had taken a year or two of piano lessons when I was around 7-8 years old.  I could read music, somewhat, but was not able to play really. So, I started playing piano that week.  I always loved singing the hymns and found a richness of God’s truth in them.  I loved praise and worship music as well.  I started sitting down at the piano 2-3 hours each day, plugging away at the notes, chords, and rhythms.  Within just five months, I was able to play many of the hymns.  What a joy and blessing I have received each time I play.  It has been a spiritual walk drawing me closer to the Lord.  I absolutely love playing the piano!

With Zion meeting less often and in unique ways during the virus, I had a strong sense in my spirit that I could be reaching out and praying for the needs of others.  What a rich blessing this is!  In early November, I learned of a young mother, Lauren, who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. My heart was heavy.  I started just sending her a prayer each evening and found myself soaking her in prayer throughout the day.  We have developed an amazing bond through praying each day.  Our Heavenly Father has been pouring out unexpected healing in her body.  This week, she has had 2 days of scans and tests, both here and in Philadelphia.  She has been witnessing miracle after miracle in her journey.  So many from Zion, too, have been praying.  This journey has been impacting my spiritual life beyond anything I ever imagined.  The Lord has been so faithful and loving to her and her family.  The doctors at University of Penn just told Lauren and her husband, Jeff, that she is on the pathway to be cured!!!

I am seeing such power released through prayer.  Praying together binds our hearts and minds as one.  Amazing.  My prayer is that you will be encouraged.  We may be in our homes and separated from the flock physically, but God’s church is strong!  We can minister without being in the church building.  Four walls cannot contain Him.  Praying in the matchless name of Jesus, our Lord, brings healing and revival.  During COVID-19, 2020, I have experienced how prayer makes a huge difference in our lives. God love you.

Let us pray.  It will make all the difference. I read today, “God does not need America – but America does need God to survive.”