The Diaries of Quarantined Shepherds

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So, this quarantine stuff is definitely new territory for a shepherd who is so used to being in the green pastureland of a college campus. I really do miss the holy hallway in the student union, waving to other shepherds between their Bible studies, and roaming the campus looking for sheep. I think I’m even starting to miss the rejections from students? Another thing I miss is seeing my coworkers in Christ on Fridays and Sundays (although, I am happy that I do get to see everyone through a screen on Zoom!)

At the same time, I’m learning a lot about God and how he does his work during this time. I’m also learning self-discipline, how to keep myself productive, getting creative in doing God’s work online, and trying to keep myself sane indoors! Here are some pictures.

At common life, we started making homemade face masks. Gotta make sure our sheep is protected too!

And we made nifty sit-stand Bible study stations. Highly recommend it!

Also, some freshly planted flowers out front (thanks, brothers!) Although, I’m not sure if too many people will get to see them.

What has everyone else been doing and learning about God during this time? Any quarantine tips/strategies of your own?

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Sabaaa
Member
April 4, 2020 11:43 am

The sheep mask and the sheep behind bars made me laugh hahaha. I’m working still but these days I’m practicing piano a lot. I need some quarantine exercise tips from you all please! That’s one area I definitely haven’t been motivated in LOL

iDantuma
Reply to  Sabaaa
April 12, 2020 4:53 pm

Yay. We’re going to finally have a piano player after we come back

enCRISTOJESUS1
Reply to  meliburd
April 11, 2020 9:08 am

I’m going to check out this exercise

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  meliburd
April 4, 2020 12:17 pm

Yes, lots of sick people, although we have plexiglass barriers now though so it feels relatively safe. Ahh so I see that the plank is the first picture on this website. Oh the horror, the paiiiiiiiin!! *collapse*

johnbaik
Member
April 4, 2020 1:17 pm

Oh my goodness, the sheep in the first picture is in quarantine!!! Poor sheep! In quarantine, I eat so much snacks – pop corn, trail mix, apples – it seems I become like that sheep, well fed! I am not sure if I should feel sorry or thank God. Hahaha!

ikovalen
Reply to  johnbaik
April 11, 2020 12:49 pm

Hahaha this must mean that we should do some exercising (soccer/ultimate frisbee) after we come out of quarantine!

Also, your email was hilarious and inspired me to make these: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ut9qN4xGjYP8cY7M7

aspiringvictoryzealously
Reply to  ikovalen
April 18, 2020 6:19 pm

Even with no church dramas, your acting talent is effective in just two pictures. On second thought, I may be giving too much credit. There was likely no acting involved in this case.

ikovalen
Reply to  aspiringvictoryzealously
May 6, 2020 11:44 pm

Thank you for your continual encouragement Anthony!

maryzavala
Member
Reply to  ikovalen
April 18, 2020 12:02 pm

Nice pictures! Your expression tells it all, so I am making efforts to comment on the blog more!

shepalexandra
Reply to  ikovalen
April 11, 2020 6:12 pm

Meme of the day goes to…... Please make more of these amazing memes. Maybe we can make a blog post full of Shepherds’ Church Memes! Some of us can write up some funny ideas and then make them during this quarantine time while we have time! 😀

Sarah L
Member
Reply to  meliburd
April 11, 2020 5:51 pm

Your blog might gain the all time record of most comments EVER… of course, not ONLY because of the quality of your writing, but because of our sorrowful pastor… (now no longer sorrowful anymore, that’s for sure!)

johnbaik
Member
Reply to  Sarah L
April 12, 2020 12:13 am

Yes, you are right, no longer sorrowful Pastor, but happy Pastor! The only problem is navigating this looooooong page because of soooooo many comments. What a wonderful dilemma I have!!!

johnbaik
Member
Reply to  ikovalen
April 11, 2020 2:44 pm

Very funny pictures! I cracked up. I am glad that my email did accomplish something. Yeah!!! Yes, once we are done with quarantine, let’s do many things – soccer, eating fellowship, tennis, basketball,…

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  ikovalen
April 11, 2020 1:13 pm

HAHAHA our first shepherds church meme!! Very nice!

enCRISTOJESUS1
Reply to  johnbaik
April 11, 2020 8:48 am

Those snacks sounds good. I’ve been eating snacks like watermelon, tangerine, ritz bits, Oreo cheesecake and chocolate chip ice cream. Praise God who feeds us abundantly!

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  enCRISTOJESUS1
April 11, 2020 1:37 pm

You have such diverse and fancy sounding snacks. Meanwhile I’m usually just munching away on Cheetohs lol

shepalexandra
Reply to  Sabaaa
April 11, 2020 6:14 pm

Right?! I think that’s the most diverse snack list i’ve seen in a century! Even though I’ve only been alive for uhum…25 years…but still! I will have to add those to my “to-eat” snacks list. XD

johnbaik
Member
Reply to  meliburd
April 11, 2020 2:40 pm

I am happy for everything, except my pot belly!!! But I am working on it. With my son helping us, we do a family dance workshop every week. Hopefully, it will help me be in good shape, when the quarantine is over.

Montair3509
Member
Reply to  johnbaik
April 13, 2020 5:02 pm

Family dance workshop!!?? Woah!! Missionary John maybe you can shows us some of your moves over zoom. Haha

Nez
Nez
Member
Reply to  johnbaik
April 12, 2020 7:58 pm

We would all really love to see a post (with a video!) of your family dance workshop! hahah

Amira
Member
Reply to  johnbaik
April 11, 2020 4:26 pm

You should try my Egyptian belly dance you will lose weight way faster.

Montair3509
Member
Reply to  Amira
April 13, 2020 5:04 pm

Egyptian belly dance! My belly aint doing no dancing. haha

Sarah L
Member
April 4, 2020 4:22 pm

I see my rug and futon cover is being well used 😉 Man, I miss common life…

To avoid becoming a fat, restless sheep overloading on snacks, I do a jog after waking up, before I start work… I can only keep this routine up with GRATITUDE that I no longer have to wake up at 5AM to commute to Anaheim, but I can wake up later and work from home. I know if I start grumbling about being at home all the time, I’ll lose my desire to jog… so I gotta remain THANKFUL!!

maryzavala
Member
Reply to  Sarah L
April 18, 2020 12:09 pm

Thanks, Sarah! God used you to encourage me to start jogging again! I prefer jogging on the treadmill but now that the gyms are all closed, I have no choice but to jog outside. I used to jog in the mornings a long time ago before eating breakfast since my cousin said that’s how you can boost up your metabolism, but I have long since forgotten about that (or should I say, I chose to CONVENIENTLY forget about that). But since I know what is helpful and beneficial for me, I will be blessed when I do them. I remember jogging with you and Bianca at the El Camino track in the Commonlife…ahh, I miss those great times in the Commonlife!

shepalexandra
Reply to  maryzavala
April 19, 2020 12:06 am

This encourages me to go jogging, too! OR at least do some workouts at home. 🙂

Sarah L
Member
Reply to  maryzavala
April 18, 2020 1:02 pm

We should do a tennis match once again… after the quarantine period is over and they open up the courts 😀

Jean
Member
Reply to  Sarah L
April 12, 2020 7:08 pm

Man I was doing my night time walks/ jogs until I got chased by a coyote Saturday … now I am guess I must also Pick up gratitude to wake up earlier in the morning

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  Jean
April 12, 2020 7:18 pm

A coyote?!! How did you fend it off? That must have been so scary D:

ikovalen
Reply to  Sarah L
April 11, 2020 4:46 pm

Imanuel and I have also been trying to do some exercising while in quarantine. Usually, I don’t have time, but now like you said there is more time! Jesus has multiplied out loaves of time. Good idea to remain thankful

iDantuma
Reply to  ikovalen
April 12, 2020 5:22 pm

I still somehow gained more than 3 lbs already though 😑

shepalexandra
Reply to  Sarah L
April 11, 2020 3:44 pm

“I see my rug and futon cover being well used…” I just added a new addition! you see the big long pillow? well yes that is mine. Muahahahaha. Lol.

leotbrzl
Member
Reply to  Sarah L
April 11, 2020 11:43 am

Hi Sarah, I feel rebuked, I see you jogging in the mornings as I am driving to work. Maybe I need to jog to work it is only 15 miles.. yikesss. never mind I am not there yet. God bless you and keep running so that when the semester starts you can easily chase down the sheep..

Sarah L
Member
Reply to  leotbrzl
April 11, 2020 12:06 pm

Hey, baby steps. Start with 1 mile. By the end of this quarantine situation, 15 miles should be a breeeeeeze.
@Sabaaa heeeey…. I’ll come on by 😉

enCRISTOJESUS1
Reply to  Sarah L
April 11, 2020 8:16 pm

This sounds doable

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  Sarah L
April 11, 2020 12:10 pm

Ahhhhhhh! *rebuked* hahaha

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  leotbrzl
April 11, 2020 11:54 am

lol I would feel rebuked too if I saw @Sarah Lingberg jogging by my house – uh oh! xD

Nita
Member
Reply to  Sabaaa
April 12, 2020 12:45 pm

You guys are so funny!!!

icrane
Member
Reply to  Sarah L
April 11, 2020 11:17 am

That a great idea to do exercise 😉

enCRISTOJESUS1
Reply to  meliburd
April 11, 2020 8:57 am

Same.

Sarah L
Member
Reply to  enCRISTOJESUS1
April 11, 2020 11:15 am

The rain this week was a spoiler… need to pick up new zeal.
The one key for me is, gotta be thankful– remain thankful for the grace of not waking up at 5AM to go to work… then waking up at 7AM to jog is no problem at all.

it’s like how the Israelite could keep going out to pick up manna at 4 or 5 AM … remain thankful….

Also I don’t want to end up as a fat sheep. -__-

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  Sarah L
April 11, 2020 11:25 am

I am becoming a fat sheep :'[
I’m going to try jogging and see how it goes. Usually it…just doesn’t hahaha

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  Sarah L
April 4, 2020 7:57 pm

Ooh do you play music when jogging? Do you wear a mask? Every time I think about jogging, I want to hear the “Chariots of Fire” soundtrack in the background lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLbWBlB2aWA

Sarah L
Member
Reply to  Sabaaa
April 4, 2020 8:27 pm

oh nooo. That would be too hot. And I don’t come across many people. If I do, I keep my distance. I think mask wearing is only necessary when I have to venture into places with prolonged contacted w/ people…
Music, sometimes. It’s a quick jog so really don’t want the extra burden of carrying my phone around.

enCRISTOJESUS1
Reply to  Sarah L
April 4, 2020 6:19 pm

Amen

remfeng
Member
April 5, 2020 9:38 am

You guys don’t wear the mask in the common life, do you…? I can’t imagine wearing it for a whole day…

leotbrzl
Member
Reply to  meliburd
April 11, 2020 11:44 am

Ninja bible studies, I am going to try. lol

Andrew
Member
April 5, 2020 9:45 am

I mainly been working, but I usually try to stay quarantined inside my patrol car as much as I possibly can lol. Other than that, phone bible studies. I find that during this quarantine time, some people who I honestly wouldn’t have expected, have reached out to me for bible study O_o so I praise God that their hearts were quarantined to the truth during this time lol.

leotbrzl
Member
Reply to  Andrew
April 11, 2020 11:45 am

Amen, but please if you me stranded please come out of the car and help. LOL. stay safe and thank you.

Andrew
Member
Reply to  leotbrzl
April 11, 2020 4:29 pm

Haha, hmmm. . .🤔 in that that case if you’re stranded, I’ll just stay in my car and just push your car to the nearest autoshop lol jk. Of course I’d help haha.

But I appreciate I’ll try to be safe out here. Only with Gods protection.

icrane
Member
Reply to  Andrew
April 11, 2020 11:18 am

That awesome praise God

ikovalen
Reply to  meliburd
April 11, 2020 4:48 pm

Hopefully, many people and our sheep do turn to him sincerely during this time!

enCRISTOJESUS1
Reply to  Andrew
April 5, 2020 1:03 pm

Amen

Berto200
Member
April 5, 2020 2:07 pm

Hi, I have not been in quarantine yet because I still work. Starting next week my hours will be reduced 32 hours a week. My struggle is to work out at least twice a week. I am reading Chronicles of Narnia: Last Battle. I had thought about what I’d do if I were quarantined…I would learn a new language probably French since my wife Sarah knows French. ahaha. We would talk to each other in French and maybe Sylvia would learn too. I would also read more books. I have been hearing good reviews on “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Victor Frankl, a holocaust survivor.

Here’s a joke for good measure:

My sister-in-law was teaching Sunday school class. The topic for the day: Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Christ.

“What did Jesus do on this day?” she asked. There was no response, so she gave her students a hint: “It starts with the letter R.”

One boy blurted, “Recycle!”

iDantuma
Reply to  Berto200
April 12, 2020 5:06 pm

Haha. Nice activities. Maybe, you can also use this time to write some more jokes 😝

ikovalen
Reply to  Berto200
April 11, 2020 4:57 pm

I’ll be praying for you, Leo, and Andrew and all of those who are not working from home to be safe.

Here’s a joke I found. May God not let any of our sheep make this excuse tomorrow…

A friend was in front of me coming out of church one day, and the preacher was standing at the door as he always is to shake hands. He grabbed my friend by the hand and pulled him aside The Pastor said to him, “You need to join the Army of the Lord!”

My friend replied, “I’m already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor.”

The Pastor questioned, “How come I don’t see you except at Christmas and Easter?”

He whispered back, “I’m in the secret service. “

enCRISTOJESUS1
Reply to  ikovalen
April 11, 2020 7:10 pm

Lol!!!! That was so funny 😆😆😆😆

shepalexandra
Reply to  ikovalen
April 11, 2020 6:07 pm

Hahahaha! XD

Berto200
Member
Reply to  ikovalen
April 11, 2020 5:40 pm

Very good joke! Lol

leotbrzl
Member
Reply to  Berto200
April 11, 2020 11:47 am

Christ.“What did Jesus do on this day?” she asked. There was no response, so she gave her students a hint: “It starts with the letter R.”

One boy blurted, “Recycle!”

LOL. that sounds like something we would have said in common life. 🤣
Thank you for the joke, it is refreshing.
And how about learning Portuguese?

Berto200
Member
Reply to  leotbrzl
April 11, 2020 5:39 pm

Portuguese sounds like a good language to learn. Maybe I’ll be funnier when I learn a new language or have more heart moving messages of Jesus. Who knows!

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  Berto200
April 11, 2020 11:45 am

Yes, of course Jesus was recycling on Resurrection Day LOL. Most important thing to do, obviously!

iDantuma
Reply to  Sabaaa
April 12, 2020 5:04 pm

I agree. That is the most important thing to do on the Resurrection Day. I’m recycling my dying faith into the resurrection faith. 😖

enCRISTOJESUS1
Reply to  Berto200
April 11, 2020 8:42 am

Funny joke

johnbaik
Member
Reply to  meliburd
April 11, 2020 2:49 pm

That’s really a wonderful joke – 5 days of no response because of 5 days of laughing! Maybe, that’s why sometimes we don’t get a response from heaven – minutes of laughing for them are days for us!

ikovalen
April 5, 2020 7:11 pm

To be honest, despite the terrible conditions for many people, God has helped me enjoy staying at home. Only because of him can this be true; otherwise I think I’d be a mess. So I guess I learn that God works all things for the good of his children.

I am enjoying actually being around shepherds during the day and the common life feels like more of a family home. Usually, people are gone for most of the day and asleep when I’m back because of the mission. Also, God helps me that I don’t have to deal with worldly people all the way at work and Bible Studies are going well (almost all students transitioned online) God helped me even brake my all-time teaching record this week in quarantine! Praise God! Then I eat nice home-cooked meals (the tasty ones are what Imanuel makes) and God took away my 2-hour time in traffic. I was actually praying that I would have more time and now it’s true. Also with this God allows me to listen to Christian music and messages I want all the time out loud. Most everyone at my office is now working remotely over the computer so I’m home almost the entire week besides maybe the grocery store. I am reminded of the Israelites “enjoying their time in the pool” from Exodus when the plagues were going on. Maybe I should remain quarantined even after this is over? hahaha

Berto200
Member
Reply to  ikovalen
April 11, 2020 5:44 pm

I hear you; staying home is better than going to work with worldly people. I am glad that God blesses you to live with brothers in Christ for they are more enjoyable to be around than many worldly wisemen. Praise God for helping rise above your previous bible study number.

leotbrzl
Member
Reply to  ikovalen
April 11, 2020 11:55 am

Amen, and be careful with all that tasty food, you may lose the birth right as i saw in the video.. lol. And I agree during these times I have come to see how important it is to see Gods blessing. For me I am still going to work but traffic is smooth as butter. And at work I try to practice social distancing especially from my boss.. lol.. just kidding. And when I come home I get to spend more time on online bible studies and less time fighting traffic.
And I going to check out the exercise blog that was posted here, maybe I can try out. 😁. Thank you for seeing Gods grace and hand during these times. And for reminding me how should be thankful instead of being swept away by all the current events.
Obrigado meu irmao. ( thank you my brother.)

ikovalen
Reply to  leotbrzl
April 11, 2020 5:01 pm

Thank you for your continual encouragement for me brother. It has been a blessing to me as I grow in Jesus here. And yes gotta watch out for sneaky Jaco… I mean Imanuel. Jk its been a blessing here too.

iDantuma
Reply to  ikovalen
April 12, 2020 5:09 pm

Hmmm…. Lentil stew for tonight?

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  ikovalen
April 11, 2020 11:32 am

Yeah I saw all your students in the one to one report and was shocked and inspired. Praise God! Have any former students resumed Bible study during the quarantine, or was it mainly your current sheep?

ikovalen
Reply to  Sabaaa
April 11, 2020 4:59 pm

No former students yet, but April’s comment during the Testimony Sharing meeting (thank you for that) encouraged me to study multiple times with them. So mainly current sheep.

enCRISTOJESUS1
Reply to  ikovalen
April 11, 2020 7:11 pm

Same to being encouraged by April’s comment

icrane
Member
Reply to  ikovalen
April 11, 2020 11:19 am

Amen, praise God

shepalexandra
Reply to  meliburd
April 11, 2020 6:09 pm

Yes!!! I love that you said we should focus on the positive and pick up faith. I think this whole Coronavirus thing occurred so that INDEED the Glory of God would be revealed! Now college students must do bible study with us, because they have nothing else to do! But then maybe they become sincere and grow into beautiful disciples of the Lord… This is a window of opportunity, a precious time to be alive. 🙂 Who knew this would occur?

ikovalen
Reply to  meliburd
April 11, 2020 5:09 pm

Yes, I also am continually encouraged by you, Inez, and all the other Bible Study warriors in our ministry. I was praying for this that would happen to reveal His glory. How glorious it would be if we teach 400 1 to 1s. Certainly, it would be by God’s power that we to that in quarantine!

enCRISTOJESUS1
Reply to  ikovalen
April 11, 2020 8:24 am

Praise God for breaking your all time record!

enCRISTOJESUS1
Member
April 11, 2020 8:56 am

The sheep looks like he wants to come out lol.

shepalexandra
Reply to  enCRISTOJESUS1
April 11, 2020 6:05 pm

Hahahaha, yeah, he’s like….I’m supposed to be freeeee! However, as new people in Christ, we are free in Jesus no matter what circumstances we are in! Even in quarantine, lol. 🙂

Nez
Nez
Member
Reply to  shepalexandra
April 13, 2020 11:59 pm

“However, as new people in Christ, we are free in Jesus no matter what circumstances we are in!” Amen! This is a wonderful perspective!

enCRISTOJESUS1
Member
April 11, 2020 9:10 am

The common life sisters look like ninjas lol

shepalexandra
Reply to  enCRISTOJESUS1
April 11, 2020 6:20 pm

Ninja Common Life Sister Warriors to the rescue! Flying our ninja stars at satan’s ploys before they reach our sheep! Huuuuuuuyyyyaaaa!

iDantuma
Reply to  meliburd
April 12, 2020 5:36 pm

Noble Indoor Nurturers of Jesus’ Apostles? 😬

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  enCRISTOJESUS1
April 11, 2020 11:07 am

Ninja sheep!! Ninja shepherds! Beware!

Jsheep
Member
April 11, 2020 9:19 am

Hi. The sheep look like it is saying “help me pleeeaaasse” in sheep sound lol. Anyway I still have two classes, online. Theatre appreciation and stats. I have to read a lot in this class since it is online now, and I could not help but think about our own church dramas. Although we are inexperienced, by God’s grace our dramas come out really well, like our last production of Lion King 😊. Oh and Stats! What more can I say but that my heart sinks when I think about it, although I am glad it is online now, hopefully I could get a good grade with God’s help. (I wish I was more like Bao in math), even though Bao and my professor both claim Stats is not math!!! Lol.

Also I have been looking up a lot of cooking and baking videos. I made Dalgona coffee. It was trendy. It originated from Korea. Too bad msn John does not like coffee. 😊 Maybe Ty would like it. It was hard to mix the ingredients by hand to get the consistency just right, like 12 minutes! My arm was hurting from whisking that long. That was my workout for the day lol.. I recently made a no bake Oreo cheesecake. I gave some to my mother in law and she was so impressed and wanted me to make it for her birthday and said “no more Vons or store cake, but Sam will make it.” I laughed and thought “oh no, too much pressure” lol. I also tried to make a chocolate cake for Jessica for her birthday on March 27th. I had to, we were stuck inside, lol. She said it tasted good but there was lumps in the chocolate caused by me not blooming the cocao as I should have. I just learned that word (blooming) lol. Jessica is really gracious towards my mistakes 😁. But all in all, it has been fun and challenging in quarantine. Jessica and I are learning to love each other. 😁

iDantuma
Reply to  Jsheep
April 12, 2020 5:41 pm

I’m drooling from reading your comment, but I need to be mindful of my belly that’s getting bigger, and the extra 4 lbs. I’ve gained during this quarantine 😖

Hopefully that extra 4 lbs. is from my spiritual muscle though

HIMorales
Member
Reply to  Jsheep
April 11, 2020 4:44 pm

I was just thinking recently that around this time for Easter or recent Gen. passages we would have some kind of drama or dance prepared. I had some ideas for the passage about Joseph helping his brothers repent 😆😆😆

johnbaik
Member
Reply to  Jsheep
April 11, 2020 2:56 pm

So wonderful quarantine stories! “Dalgona” in Korean means “Sweet,” with expression of surprise and delight – so happy! I am sure that as you struggle to make “Dalgona” coffee, you will enjoy a delightful life.

leotbrzl
Member
Reply to  Jsheep
April 11, 2020 12:01 pm

Sam, now you cook!!!! that is meeeeessed up. Where is my coffee?
I am glad to hear that during these time you and Jessica are learning to love each other more and that she has a lot grace in regards to your cooking, I mean mistakes.. lol.. Thank you for sharing this, and please pass on the recipe of your oreo cheesecake. Valeu meu irmao.

johnbaik
Member
Reply to  leotbrzl
April 11, 2020 2:58 pm

Hi Leo, your expression really makes me laaaaaugh – that is meeeeessed up.

Sarah L
Member
Reply to  Jsheep
April 11, 2020 11:11 am

I just read an article about Dalgona coffee today! Although the whole trend thing is overrated but.. it looks DELISH. Gonna try it soon.

Jsheep
Member
Reply to  Sarah L
April 11, 2020 11:21 am

Yea it is lol. But just don’t taste the spoon, it is really strong. Unless you like that. So you can add a lil bit of vanilla extract and maybe a lil more sugar if needed. But it does taste good when u mix it with the milk. Hopefully u like it!

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  Jsheep
April 11, 2020 10:23 am

Booo I didn’t like stats either! I’ve officially forgotten everything I learned except the student’s t test and significance value for p or something. The recipe is needed on this blog por favor, that no bake Oreo cheesecake sounds really interesting. Oreo?! CHEESECAKE?! I want to say “manna? What is this heavenly concoction?” lol

leotbrzl
Member
April 11, 2020 11:37 am

Quarantine status is no fun at all, but because of Jesus we are sill having fun in this new life. And I agree I am even starting to miss the students rejections, LOL. And I do miss my church family at well. But through all this I have come to see that God is doing something great as we experience this new phase of human history. God is really preparing all of his servants for world mission. And the blog shared of today will be the
reminders of future shepherds of how God worked through Shepherds church during these times. God bless you guys.

shepalexandra
Reply to  leotbrzl
April 11, 2020 3:51 pm

Yes, this blog post will go down in HISTORY…. aka…His Story… 😉 We are all creating history right here and now….And God is helping us to be quarantine warrrrioorrsss. Amen.

johnbaik
Member
Reply to  leotbrzl
April 11, 2020 3:02 pm

Yes, this challenging situation reminds us how blessed we are to have things that we took for granted like seeing one another, having church, enjoying Friday meals, having worship service in the church,…. Indeed, even we miss students’ rejections!

HIMorales
Member
Reply to  johnbaik
April 11, 2020 4:50 pm

Yes many things I take for granted, Friday dinners, dramas/dances, even fishing rejections. I visited campus recently but the parking lot is blocked off lol. I should never take ANYTHING for granted but always be thankful for every part of this new life.

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  HIMorales
April 11, 2020 6:21 pm

“Always be thankful for every part of this new life.” Definitely. This whole virus situation definitely makes even mundane things so amazing and precious. It’s crazy to think that you weren’t even able to park on campus!

shepalexandra
Reply to  HIMorales
April 11, 2020 5:57 pm

Yes, be thankful in all things. “Be thankful in ALL circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess. 5:18. Not only thankful in the easy times, but in the hard times as well…and everything in between! Hey, that’s what the Bible says 🙂

shepalexandra
April 11, 2020 3:49 pm

Hey I should be in that picture with you guys, and Elizabeth too! Muahaha. Anyway, you too look so cute like sheep in masks! ^_^ I have the best common life sisters in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD!!

Hey being in quarantine has made it worse for me to wake up early in the morning…sometimes I don’t wake up at all…jk. But, I should try and wake up early…(key word: try). Besides that, I have sooo many bible studies. I’ve even been afraid to reach out to all my old sheep thinking that my schedule will just like explode and I’ll have no time to study for Physics! (Yikes, physics :S) But, should I reach out to them all???? That is the question… you can answer in reply to this to determine my destiny….hahaha. Maybe then we can reach 400 1-1 Bible studies even quicker and I can teach up to 40 bible studies a week! Somehow, I can get studying in, right? Idk…it’s hard lol.

I miss going to campus and being more productive, but other than that I am purely thankful that I have a good environment to live in and wonderful people to be around. Hey, I’ve even been learning how to cook! I made fried rice three times in a row so far with smashing reviews. I should make it for the church some time, lol. I am thinking of making some sort of pasta dish now… to be determined.

God bless you all in quarantine and may we fight on as warriors of Christ!! AMEN!!! 😀

Sarah L
Member
Reply to  shepalexandra
April 11, 2020 5:53 pm

Heh, I’ve learned the only way to become a better cook is to actually cook… 🙂
CL is good training grounds for that. I had to cook, even when I didn’t want to. And now, I can cook!

enCRISTOJESUS1
Reply to  Sarah L
April 11, 2020 7:15 pm

Lol

shepalexandra
Reply to  Sarah L
April 11, 2020 6:04 pm

Hey, @Sarah Lingberg, you learn by doing, right? Practice makes perfect! Experience makes you more qualified! All those things. Lol.

I feel like I migghttt get to that point where I’ll have to cook even when I don’t want to, though right now, I want to cook all the time! Lol. I like cooking right now, but we shall see. 🙂

I remember your curry or soup dish that one time that had like coconut juice in it….it was soOoOoOoOooooOOOOOO good!!! You should make that again! After all this quarantine business… 🙂

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  shepalexandra
April 11, 2020 6:09 pm

@Sarah Lingberg what is this mysterious curry soup dish??? RECIPEEEEE PLEASE. Is it anything like Tam ka kai? (An amazing Thai soup, coconut-based and very tasty and rich)

shepalexandra
Reply to  Sabaaa
April 11, 2020 6:11 pm

Yes please recipe! 😛 I hope you remember what I’m talking about Sarah…hahaha. I think you perfected the dish! ^_^

Sarah L
Member
Reply to  shepalexandra
April 18, 2020 1:05 pm

@Sabaaa

ehhh.. I don’t quite remember what dishh you’re talking about. It might be this one: (@sabaaa, )

Thai Coconut Curry Soup
• 3 lemongrass stalks, bottom two-thirds of tender inner bulbs only, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 (4 inch) piece fresh ginger root, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 12 ounces fresh white mushrooms, quartered
• 2 teaspoons red curry paste
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 (14 ounce) cans coconut milk
• 1 redl onion, sliced
• 1/2 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving
• 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, sliced into rings

1. Stir lemon grass, garlic, and ginger together in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Strain chicken broth and set aside. Discard lemon grass, garlic, and ginger.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large soup pot over medium heat; Stir in chicken; cook and stir for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in mushrooms and cook for 5 more minutes.
5. Stir in red curry paste, fish sauce, and lime juice until combined. Stir in chicken broth and coconut milk; return to a simmer and cook on low for 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Skim off any excess oil and fat that rises to the top and discard.
7. Stir red onion into the chicken mixture; cook and stir until onion softens, about 5 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and add about 1/2 the cilantro.
9. Serve with plates of cilantro, lime wedges, and fresh sliced jalapenos.

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  Sarah L
April 18, 2020 1:13 pm

Oh I was taking a guess since Alexandra mentioned coconut curry, and thought it might be tam ka kai. But that sounds so delicious!!! I have to try your recipe. It sounds actually doable for my pitiful skill level 😅

Sarah L
Member
Reply to  Sabaaa
April 18, 2020 3:49 pm

Try it out and surprise your family with dinner this week. Lemongrass is easy to find, I saw it at Ralph’s, or you can find it at 99 ranch. The red curry paste is easily found in 99 ranch, a small can will be more than enough. Might be in the Asian section at Ralph’s too, even. Let me know how it goes 😬

shepalexandra
Reply to  Sarah L
April 19, 2020 12:01 am

Yummmmyyy that might be it! ^_^

Sarah L
Member
Reply to  shepalexandra
April 18, 2020 1:04 pm

/

iDantuma
Reply to  shepalexandra
April 12, 2020 5:17 pm

Yes. Please share the recipes. Maybe I can use them to finally get Esa……. I mean @ikovalen‘s birthright token. Jk 🤣

shepalexandra
Reply to  meliburd
April 11, 2020 6:02 pm

Thank you so much for your testimony ;_; I am so touched by it, because that is me too…scared that I won’t have time to study…but now that you said this, I have picked up new courage and will rise to the call! This Easter’s resolution will be to reach out to as many lost college students as I possibly can! Hey, my NYKV is even to “Go and make disciples of all nations….and surely I am with you always – even to the very end of the age.” So, God will be with me in doing this! Mission set! 🙂

Look forward to seeing you once again in the common life, we miss your presence!!

I will have to post the recipes soon….yes… ^_^ It will be delicious for ALL shepherds and shepherdesses! Muahehe.

ikovalen
Reply to  shepalexandra
April 11, 2020 5:16 pm

God bless you to even teach 40 1 to 1s and have victory over your schoolwork as well during this time! Yes, maybe you can bless the rest of the church and get more good reviews by making that for Friday meeting some time.

shepalexandra
Reply to  ikovalen
April 11, 2020 5:59 pm

Thank you !!! ^_^ I would absolutely love to be that kind of warrior, and maybe in teaching 40 one-to-one bible studies, my body will be forced to rise from the dead (badum tshh) hahaha. I can do thiss with God! Yes, that would be great! I found two good recipes….I will have to perfect my recipe now. Muahaha.

OCShepherd14
Member
April 11, 2020 10:11 pm

This is very encouraging and uplifting. Having only seen my fellow Shepherds in 1inx2in screens on Zoom, it’s nice to see pretty high-res photos. It’s like I’m really there!

For me, I come to see that it doesn’t matter whether I can go out or not, there is TOO MUCH to take care of in life and in MISSION LIFE! Also, I am still who I am, my sins, my practical life struggles and duties. Also…my living quarters have never looked cleaner! That’s a plus 🙂

WenWen
Member
Reply to  OCShepherd14
April 13, 2020 8:58 am

Praise God for his mission and our other crosses! God is keeping us busy during this quarantine. I have coworkers who talk about not knowing what else to do after work. However, as Shepherds, we have God’s mission and other practical things to take care of. The Muzien living quarters is getting clean one day at a time. But we always have dirty dishes (from all the snacks and meals we eat… lol)

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  OCShepherd14
April 12, 2020 6:50 pm

Haha that’s great that you’ve been keeping busy in quarantine! Maybe lots of people are getting around to spring cleaning now because they have no other choice xD

ApriLynnDisciple
Member
April 11, 2020 10:32 pm

You all sound like your making good use of your time and having fun! I am a little jealous since I feel more busy (and stressed) than ever! I have more patients and responsibilities at work, and I feel like I am on call 24/7….
Although I am really thankful that some of my students are study twice a week and almost all of my students are writing testimonies (it was easier to convince them since they too are quarantined) ! I am praying several of them will join Easter worship service! I cant wait for the messages and testimonies <3

shepalexandra
Reply to  ApriLynnDisciple
April 14, 2020 12:04 am

Praise God for your struggle in teaching bible studies even when you are very busy <3 God sees all your efforts for Him and He is with you!! I pray you grow many disciples under your care.

Nita
Member
Reply to  ApriLynnDisciple
April 12, 2020 12:47 pm

Great point the feedback from my students is they are available anytime for bible studies

enCRISTOJESUS1
Reply to  ApriLynnDisciple
April 11, 2020 11:18 pm

Me too! I look forward to their messages and testimonies!

iDantuma
April 12, 2020 5:56 pm

Ughh…. I kept on forgetting about this blog until one day I received an email from a sorrowful pastor 🤣 This is such a fun post to read during this quarantine time.

One other thing that Ivan and I have been doing at the common life is to use this time to learn more about prayer. We are now struggling to pray like Daniel (3 times a day). It’s been really enjoyable and fun, but it makes me miss all the “howling” when we did the 40 days of prayer. Praying more really helps me to remain God centered, especially now that we have internet access and more time.

Perhaps, God is also using this quarantine to train us to be self-disciplined, and when it’s over, we may come out as servants of God who are purer than before. I cannot wait to see everyone again and the great work of God that will occur through us after this. 😁

Nez
Nez
Member
Reply to  iDantuma
April 14, 2020 12:12 am

Wooaaahh! Three times a day! I think you’re gonna come out of this quarantine glowing like stars 🌟

iDantuma
Reply to  Nez
April 14, 2020 6:12 am

We need to first lead many to righteousness though 😖 May God be gracious to us

shepalexandra
Reply to  iDantuma
April 14, 2020 12:07 am

Yes, I can’t wait to see the great work of God either!! Wow 325 bible studies, we will hit 400 very soon I just know it!!! And 200 disciples should be under way very soon to with all our struggles and God’s hand 🤚. God bless you and I pray you would grow closer to God during this time.

iDantuma
Reply to  shepalexandra
April 14, 2020 6:16 am

Amen. Imagine we reach 400 one on ones and 200 disciples during this quarantine? That will be very glorious. And thanks for the prayer

WenWen
Member
Reply to  iDantuma
April 13, 2020 9:04 am

I am encouraged by both your prayer struggles! It’s true, God is definitely training us to be more self-disciplined, like in the areas of prayer, using our time efficiently and eating (I eat too many snacks during the day).

iDantuma
Reply to  WenWen
April 14, 2020 6:15 am

Haha. Eat efficiently. That’s something that I need to learn too. I eat a lot more too now that I have more and more body fat. I’m trying to still be active, but the intake is still greater than what I can burn. I miss the free exercise that comes from fishing 😣

eliz2000s
April 12, 2020 6:37 pm

Wow!! God really made us to be super creative! I love the mask for the sheep, I’m sure that you will receive great reward in heaven for taking care of even the little ones!! And the Bible study station should definitely be something I need to consider😂😂😂

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  eliz2000s
April 13, 2020 10:25 pm

OH my goodness your comment made me realize that I still have Inez’s sheep here in the house still from the last Club Fair!! Inez, I promise to take care of this little one!!! I might not have much luck making a mask for him though hahaha

https://photos.app.goo.gl/q8Y5r3tyZdztq93c8

@SpringofLivingH2O

Nez
Nez
Member
Reply to  Sabaaa
April 14, 2020 12:15 am

He looks plump and happy 🙂

eliz2000s
Reply to  Sabaaa
April 13, 2020 10:36 pm

Oooh! I have one of those too!!! Ahh I really need to repent because I think my sheep’s face fell off☹️ And now it’s just a white ball with no face.

iDantuma
Reply to  eliz2000s
April 13, 2020 10:49 pm

For a second, I thought that you were talking about your human sheep. Phew……

ikovalen
Reply to  eliz2000s
April 13, 2020 10:49 pm

haha this is so funny! Maybe his face melted off because of your powerful Bible Studies?

eliz2000s
Reply to  ikovalen
April 13, 2020 11:05 pm

Wow I hope that it really was because of the Bible study!! I still don’t want that to happen to a real sheep tho lol.

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  eliz2000s
April 13, 2020 10:42 pm

LOLOLOL OH NOOOO!! That imagery is so tragic yet at your last sentence I can’t stop laughing. Hopefully God can miraculously heal this poor sheep with a little glue and paper xD

eliz2000s
Reply to  Sabaaa
April 13, 2020 11:02 pm

It’s quite terrifying.. Before the face fell off, one of the eyeballs actually fell off first, and now I have no idea where they all went. Poor sheep, but one day with the resurrection body it wouldn’t have to worry about eyeballs or face falling off anymore!!

Jean
Member
April 12, 2020 7:03 pm

Such a blessing to live among sisters during quarantine ! I miss my sisters very much 😭😭

Sarah L
Member
Reply to  Jean
April 18, 2020 1:07 pm

And the abundance of frozen strawberries…

Nez
Nez
Member
Reply to  Jean
April 14, 2020 12:16 am

We miss you too Jean! You always said wise and encouraging things!

D4gvn1
Member
April 13, 2020 4:16 pm

The title made me laugh 😹

Sombowebster
Member
April 14, 2020 10:30 am

I feel the same about not being able to go to campus. I like your quarantine masks and I hope in this time we can all draw closer to God all the more. I have been cooking a lot in this time and enjoying it with Jesus. I find that at times when I am laying down I have the motivation to do some situps.

Sabaaa
Member
Reply to  Sombowebster
May 13, 2020 11:16 pm

Haha Sombo when I’m lying down, I usually just have the motivation to fall asleep. Your comment is inspiring xD