March 4, 2026
Somewhere Between Normal and War
One of the strangest things about being here right now is living between two very different worlds.
One world feels normal — the kind of world where I can decide what to do with my time.
I cook. I exercise (which, by the way, is easy when you have a licensed Pilates instructor living in the apartment — my daughter Jennifer). I play with the boys and their neighborhood friends. I even sit down with my computer and get work done for Disciple Daily.
One world feels normal — the kind of world where I can decide what to do with my time.
I cook. I exercise (which, by the way, is easy when you have a licensed Pilates instructor living in the apartment — my daughter Jennifer). I play with the boys and their neighborhood friends. I even sit down with my computer and get work done for Disciple Daily.
In that world, I feel productive. Useful. In control of my day.
But there is another world running alongside it.
A world where I have absolutely NO control.
Missiles launch. Alerts sound. Decisions are made far above anything I can see or influence. In that world, I’m simply a spectator watching history unfold.
But there is another world running alongside it.
A world where I have absolutely NO control.
Missiles launch. Alerts sound. Decisions are made far above anything I can see or influence. In that world, I’m simply a spectator watching history unfold.
It reminds me of when my kids played competitive sports years ago. As a parent sitting in the stands, there were so many things I couldn’t control. I couldn’t control if they got hurt in practice or during competition. I couldn’t control the schedule or who we played. I couldn’t control how strong the other team might be — or what decisions the coaches would make about who played or what strategy they used.
All I could do was sit and watch and cheer.
Living here right now feels a little like that.
I much prefer the world where I feel like I’m in control. But the truth is… that control is mostly an illusion.
The other world — the one I can’t control — just makes that reality more obvious.
All I could do was sit and watch and cheer.
Living here right now feels a little like that.
I much prefer the world where I feel like I’m in control. But the truth is… that control is mostly an illusion.
The other world — the one I can’t control — just makes that reality more obvious.
Back home I’ve been studying the book of Proverbs with women from our church. Proverbs is full of wisdom about the kind of decisions we can make that generally lead to a better life. But Proverbs doesn’t offer promises or guarantees. They are principles — wise ways to live.
And Proverbs reminds us where wisdom really begins:
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
In other words, wisdom doesn’t start with controlling circumstances.
It starts with the right orientation toward God.
So while I can’t control the bigger world around me, I can choose how I spend my time. I can encourage my family. I can open God’s Word and ask for wisdom.
And maybe that’s the real lesson of these two worlds.
The one I think I control…
and the one that reminds me I don’t.
And Proverbs reminds us where wisdom really begins:
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
In other words, wisdom doesn’t start with controlling circumstances.
It starts with the right orientation toward God.
So while I can’t control the bigger world around me, I can choose how I spend my time. I can encourage my family. I can open God’s Word and ask for wisdom.
And maybe that’s the real lesson of these two worlds.
The one I think I control…
and the one that reminds me I don’t.
— Mimsie in Israel
P.S. As I was finishing this blog… the siren went off and we headed to the mamad. See what I mean? Apparently my writing schedule is not in my control either. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that “the mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” Seems like He’s directing mine in very real time these days.
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8 Comments
Alice. Thanks for posting updates. Praying for y’all.
Love your updates, Alice. We feel we are there with you. Please write a book! You and yours are in our prayers as we pray for the peace of Jerusalem.. of Israel.????♥️
Great blog and insight Alice. I love the pictures you weave in: makes it so personal. Praying for you, your family and the war to end. Your trust is inspiring.
Sometimes the pen speaks louder than the words... An Artist can truly paint a picture worth a thousand words. But when a compassionate Author writes, he/she can decode those invisible words between the lines, allowing a broader audience to better understand the writer's heart.
nThank you, Alice, for being our interpreter! ?
This is becoming my new favorite thing to check at the end of the day. Always full of wisdom and perspective, in control or out. Grateful for you sharing it!
Alice, Thank you so much for these. What gifts they are!
nPraying for y'all.
Alice, we so appreciate your insightful comments sent from Israel. You speak so eloquently and your strong faith is so evident. Though you were delayed in your return to the States I know your family is so blessed to have you there with them during this stressful time. Please know we are praying for you all - for your safety and for you to feel God’s presence with you each and every day. We love you and keep you in our hearts and prayers.
n❤️???????Doris & Joe
Prayers for peace & miracles and for the tangible ways Jesus is showing up for all who seek Him and even, perhaps, those who don’t! You are weaving us right into this story and everyone has said just what we are feeling! Praying that this sprint -turned -marathon will end well soon! With love& prayers from Us!