People in the United States — and elsewhere around the world — are experiencing some strange times. “Normal” does not exist because of a germ. It has virtually shut us down … places of worship, schools, libraries, restaurants. Many of us are being encouraged to shelter in place, stay away from crowds, minimize contact outside the home. A few have been self-quarantined as a transmission mitigation effort, while others who have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus strain have been quarantined, mild cases at home and more severe in isolation wings at hospitals and health care facilities.

The actions are designed to slow transmission of the disease or, as the experts say, “flatten the curve”. There have been some driven by fear who have overreacted, leading to irrational panic. They see some type of apocalypse ahead. They could be right, but … they may be wrong. These precautions may just be a temporary bump on the road of life … perhaps a speed bump to intentionally slow us down.

All the disruption will give all of us a chance to do less over the next few weeks. Our choices will be limited, which means we should have more time to spend with our families … if we take advantage of it. It could be a time to reconnect with your spouse or kids. It could be an opportunity to catch up on the to do list, perhaps even including the whole family to clean up, spruce up or catch up. It could also be a time to some extra reading or extra study or extra prayer time — again as a family?

As we go a little stir crazy in our own little cocoons, one diversion might be to read a good book or two or a dozen. Chances are it will have to be one collecting dust on your bookshelf or through electronic services like e-books or audiobooks. Amazon has announced suspension of deliveries of non-essential products.

There are thousands of titles available in every imaginable genre, from arts & photography to travel … from biographies & memoirs to teen & young adult … from children’s books to sports & outdoors … from Christian to self-help … from history to romance … from literature & fiction to mystery, thriller & suspense.

I have a few suggestions {pardon the self-plug} if you’re looking for some uplifting reading. May I suggest one of my books?

Heaven Shining Through is my first novella released just about two years ago. It currently has a 4.2 rating Throughout her life, Samantha had a rocky relationship with her mother – and now her mother is all she has left. Through a nostalgic look back, Samantha recognizes the presence of God in an ordinary life. She learns more about herself as a wife and mother who has had her share of sorrow and blessings. As her faith increases, she is able to see her mother through new eyes, leading to reconciliation …and is reminded of that every time she sees Heaven Shining Through.

My Name Is Sam … and Heaven Is Still Shining Through is an expansion of Heaven Shining Through with further character and story development. It also continues Sam’s story and has an Amazon rating of 4.6.

Sit down with a cup of coffee or a nice wine and visit with Sam as she shares a lifetime of memories in this new Christian-themed fictional memoir. It introduces Sam (Samantha), her family and friends in more detail than the original, and picks up where the novella left off. I hope readers get to know Sam as a friend, a life long friend. Share her life … complete with some drama, some humor, some heart tugs. Just a free-willed suburban Jersey girl trying to figure out this journey called life with the presence of God in an ordinary life as the underlying theme.

In between the two fictional novels, I published Wisdom From a Father … one dad’s thoughts on life. This non-fiction collection of short stories, taken from my blog of the same name, has an Amazon rating of 4.4.

I’m just that ordinary Joe walking on the path of life … and sharing it with you. There are joys. There are tribulations. There are reflections. There is every day life. In each essay I try to convey a recognition of a greater Power who colors my perspective. My comments are always filtered through the lens of my Judeo-Christian values and largely based on 40 years of marriage raising five children.

All three are available in print or Kindle, and the last two through KOLL and KU.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all impacted by the pandemic, which probably will be every one of us. I’m concerned … but I’m not worried. Because I also know I am in Good Hands, the Architect who knows the grand plan.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Let God weave His tapestry however He wants on His schedule.