Month: December 2022

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #356

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Free photos of Winter

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This was a unique, celebratory week! We enjoyed having my sister’s family here, Zooming with the rest of the family on Christmas on Sunday. That was really special. 

I worked on Christmas and was off Monday (the federal holiday observed). Then, I worked half days Tuesday through Friday, partly because our family was here and partly because school was out. It was a slower week, with a few cancellations and no-shows. It was nice because I kept up with my paperwork and cleaned my desk!

Lydia had a bad cough and fever on and off, but she is mostly better now.  Even so, it was good to take it easy in this weird week between holidays. It’s actually my favorite week of the year because it’s relatively low-key with minimal obligations and expectations. I can do what I want, for the most part! 🙂

Today, we have just been relaxing and getting ready for the new year ahead. Tonight, we will celebrate with friends who live around the corner from us. We had fun last year with them, and I am sure it will be a fun evening again! I pray this next year is full of God’s wonder and grace… may we know Him more fully each day!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom, Worship

Always

On this last Wednesday of 2022, I am reflecting on all that has happened over the previous year. This was a reasonably calm year regarding emotions and drama (grief is always behind the scenes, but not as big day-to-day). We traveled to see family and friends in Arizona, Michigan, and Montana. We also had a few visitors, which is always fun!

Otherwise, we had more of our usual… work, school, serving, and hanging out! Sometimes keeping the status quo is a good thing! Flash forward to the holidays, which are good but sometimes challenging.

I worked on Christmas Morning – it was my turn, after all – but I was thinking of what to do about it all year! I didn’t want to leave Lydia alone, especially since I wasn’t sure how long I would be gone. Any other day would have been fine, but Christmas packs a more powerful punch.

It was a conundrum for me as a single parent. I didn’t want to invite Lydia to someone’s house on Christmas. And if the weather was bad, or if she was sick… well, there were many factors to consider! I prayed a lot over the last year!

Free photos of Snowman

A few local people offered solutions, but none were quite right. Then, a few months ago, my sister and brother-in-law decided they could come for Christmas. Earlier this month, one of our friends invited Lydia as a backup, which was appreciated.

As it got closer, my sister and I discussed all the fun activities we wanted to do. But, I still wasn’t sure they would make it because the weather tends to be a wild card! Ironically, despite all my planning for work, it still came down to a last-minute decision to come a day early. My family rolled in at 2:30 a.m. on Thursday and just beat the bad weather!

We made some great memories and celebrated some old ones. It was so fun to have them here for Christmas! We enjoyed shopping, baking, toddler-chasing, playing in the snow, Christmas movie-watching, and much more!

Well, working on Christmas went better than I imagined. I prayed for God’s grace and mercy, and He gave me an ‘easy’ day. Lydia was sick, and it did snow a bit. But, God took care of the biggest hurdles, and Aunt Livi and Uncle Paul were here to stay with Lydia. So, she didn’t have to be alone.

Recently, I heard the song “Always” by Chris Tomlin. It has been running through my mind ever since! I’m grateful God comes through for us… always and in all ways.

I like the chorus below:

“Your mercy is mighty age after age, and all generations will bow down and praise
The Lord is faithful, yesterday, now and always”

What a timely reminder that we can plan, but God directs our steps (Proverbs 16:9). I had been worried about all the what-ifs, but even so, God was with us. He smoothed out the issues and covered them with His grace and provision.

I know God will continue to carry us in the coming year. I see a few hurdles ahead, but know He has a good plan. God has never let me down – He is always faithful, and I put my trust in Him.

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Thanks, Lord, for always guiding my path and walking with me! Thanks for providing help and fun during this holiday season. May we continue to trust You in the new year ahead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What was your most significant highlight of the year? What was something difficult you faced? How did God come through for you?

Tasks: Listen to the song, “Always,” by Chris Tomlin. Write down how God has been faithful to you this year.

Posted on in Being Gracious, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Worship

Finding Grace #355

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Free photos of Christmas

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This week flew by! We enjoyed seeing our family on Zoom, and it was fun to compare the weather across three time zones and four states.

I worked Monday through Wednesday and took the rest of the week off. We celebrated with a potluck and white elephant gift party. We shared a lot of laughs!

On Tuesday, I went to work late as Lydia and her classmates took part in a ‘wax museum’ presentation. Lydia was Louis Braille, and I also saw several friends and neighbors dressed up as famous people and stayed in character during their speeches. Abraham Lincoln, Alexander Hamilton, Marie Curie, Galileo, Leonardo da Vinci, Louis Armstrong, George Washington Carver, Booker T. Washington, Aretha Franklin, Babe Ruth, Maria Tall Chief, Sitting Bull, and Sally Ride were some of my favorites!

One main ‘event’ of the week was the weather. Or, rather, talking about the weather! In Fargo, it is fairly normal, but online, friends and family across the midwest were posting various viewpoints and grievances. I saw some friends back home discussing North Dakota weather and how tough we are. It was funny, though I didn’t chime in with my two cents!

One exciting surprise is that my sister, brother-in-law, and toddler nephew all arrived a day early! They were planning to come Thursday, but I reached out about the impending weather and they decided to start off Wednesday instead! It has been so fun to have them here for Christmas! We have several activities lined up; we’ve already done some shopping, baking, toddler-chasing, and movie-watching!

Today it is Christmas Eve. We went shopping, celebrated Jesus’ birth at church, had a gourmet Italian meal with authentic Bolognese sauce, and are opening up presents tonight. We are celebrating a little early because I have to work tomorrow morning. I don’t know for sure when I will get off (at least Noon), so I am grateful my family can stay with Lydia! Merry Christmas to you all!!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom, Worship

Light of the World

Today is the winter solstice, or the shortest, darkest day of the year (so to speak). I don’t see a lot of daylight at work, but I like to take short walks to the nearest windows when I can!

We are getting more snow today, but this week has otherwise been below zero, beautiful and sunny! I love watching the snow fall, but I always pray before driving!

With all the snow and darkness lately, it’s easy to come home and stay cozy, not to go out and do anything or see anyone! (Or, maybe that’s just me as an introvert!)

Lydia and I have had several deep and heavy conversations in the last month or so. Perhaps that’s because of all the memories we celebrate in this season. From her birthday in November to my wedding anniversary in early January, we have a lot on our hearts and minds.

Free photos of Candle

One thing I love is our ongoing discussion about being empty or full. It has given Lydia words to describe her feelings, and then we have been applying God’s word to her situation. This book is a helpful tool to get to the heart of the matter.

Well, I hope you are eager with anticipation for Christmas! We have hope in Jesus, and He is truly the best gift. However, if you are feeling a little sad with grief, or a bit nervous about Christmas celebrations (for any number of reasons!), or… If you aren’t sure how you are feeling, that’s okay!

This week, it has taken me longer to get home after work. Monday night, I was on the road for an hour, at least 15 minutes at one stop light! There was a minor accident and snowy weather. The streetlights were helpful, but so was the Christmas music! I made the best of it, knowing the Lord was keeping me safe. It seemed like a God-given opportunity to stage a worship session in my car! God was glorified in my wait.

Sometimes, the dark nights seem to last forever. But you know what?! Sorrow may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5)!

When we face darkness (real or metaphorical), we can always call out to Jesus, the Light of the World. He steps down in our darkness and brightens up our world. He shows us the path to take and also walks with us on it. He is my go-to when making decisions!

Sometimes, Jesus sits with us until things feel better. Sometimes, He shares the Truth with us or shows us an area where we need to grow. Both are illuminated with His love and grace. I’m grateful He understands.

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Lord Jesus, we praise You for being the Light of the World! Thanks for clarifying what is on our hearts and minds, bringing peace. Thanks for brightening our world and walking with us every day. Help us spread Your light and love to others. In Your name, Amen

Questions: Are you ready for Christmas? What are you looking forward to? What are you a little nervous about?

Tasks: Turn your car into a worship booth! Crank up the Christmas music… you can start with this song by Lauren Daigle!

 

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Worship

Finding Grace #354

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This week was a little unpredictable but good! Mostly it was all related to the weather. We had snow from Tuesday night through today!

The schools were closed and had virtual learning Wednesday and Thursday, and then started two hours late on Friday, so people had time to clear the snow. Of course, this altered my work schedule. I decided to go in for a few hours but also needed to balance everything with Lydia. Thankfully, my boss is understanding – and everyone else was in the same situation! It all turned out well enough!

The snow itself was quite pretty and really was ideal considering how it could have been. I was grateful for a timely reminder from the Lord that I am not alone. My snow service took care of most of the driveway and sidewalks. I just cleared the parts closest to the house.

With the weather, my chiropractor moved up my appointment to Thursday morning instead of the evening. The timing was good since I hadn’t left for work. She mentioned her four-year-old daughter is into Belle from “Beauty & the Beast”. Well, Lydia voluntarily offered her a gently used blanket she hasn’t used in a few years. It has both Belle and the Beast on it, so the little girl will surely enjoy it! We washed it, so it was ready to go. It feels good knowing it is going to a good home!!

On Friday, Lydia and I each had eye doctor appointments. It has been four years since my Lasik surgery and everything looks well! Lydia’s vision has gotten a little worse, so she will need to get new lenses for a new prescription. But, overall things look good!

Today, we celebrated Dave’s 44th birthday, his tenth in Heaven. We love and miss him still. But, we are grateful for how good and faithful God has been to us! We made brownies, played a rousing game of Monopoly, and are now watching Home Alone. It’s been a sweet day remembering Dave.

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Worship

You Are Not Alone

This morning, it looks like a winter wonderland in North Dakota! It is quite pretty and peaceful. The wind has not picked up yet, so it looks like we are in a snow globe. A truly glorious gift!

I wonder just how much snow will accumulate, though it appears several inches have already fallen. Schools are closed, but there is online/virtual school. Many parents will be navigating that with their work schedules. I am grateful for an understanding boss!

I will clear some of my snow, but my snow service is doing the bulk of it!

Yesterday morning, I was on my way to work, and it had already started to snow. The roads were already a little slick, but I was thankful it wasn’t worse.

I am a good driver but don’t always like driving in the snow. Nonetheless, I know God has me covered with his grace. As soon as I got in the car, I heard the song “I Am Not Alone” by Kari Jobe. It is a beautiful song and just what I needed.

The song also reminded me of all God has done for me and eased my anxiety in the moment. He has done such an excellent job of taking care of us, especially in the years I have been a widow and single mom. Thank You, Lord.

God reminded me that He was with me on my morning commute, and I remembered He was with me on the evening drive home (by that time, the roads were worse). I took it slow and focused on the roads and God’s presence. Praise God, Jesus is our Emmanuel.

Free illustrations of Snow globe

Last night, I noticed some kids were playing in the snow and building the biggest snowman I have ever seen! So fun! The snow was perfectly wet for packing together. Maybe Lydia and I can make our own snowman today!

You know, we don’t have to fabricate or conjure up a savior, and we don’t have to solve our problems on our own. We are not alone because Jesus is our Emmanuel…He’s no snowflake! He didn’t just float to Earth and look pretty; He dared to be born in a filthy stable and then die on our behalf.

Whatever problems you are facing today, remember: YOU ARE NOT ALONE. God is right there with you, so don’t isolate yourself. Acknowledge His presence and accept His help! Be open-minded so you don’t miss what God is doing. Sometimes that looks like Christmas cookies and a smile, but at other times, it looks like a stranger’s snow shovel!

Snow or not, I hope you stay warm and safe today. Maybe drink some hot cocoa!

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God, thanks for Jesus, our Emmanuel! Thanks for being everything we need and reminding us of Your love and grace. Help us make wise decisions as we rely on You. Help us look out for others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: When was the last time you built a snowman… or sand castle, for those of you down South? What is your favorite winter activity?

Tasks: Listen to this song and accept all the peace, joy, comfort, and help coming your way!

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Prayer

Finding Grace #353

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Free photos of Winter

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This week was fairly calm! I found myself ‘unplugging’ from various things, just to take in the peace and joy of the season. I spent less time on social media, the internet, movies, etc. and more time praying, singing, reading, and working around the house.

Work went well, and I had a good amount of breathing room. There were a couple of cancellations and some no-shows, so I was able to get caught up with other patients and tasks. It felt good not to be constantly behind, and I was able to have some flexibility to help my coworkers with last-minute changes!

We had a couple birthdays to celebrate – my sister’s on Tuesday and my dad’s on Friday. We sent some gifts and were sure to call my sister and dad/mom on their special days One of my brothers also called me, so it was fun to catch up with him. I am so thankful for my family and don’t want to take them for granted. I realize not everyone is close with their families, so I appreciate that we are.

After my internet was fixed last week, the technician recommended I get a wifi-extender. After some lengthy research online, I still couldn’t quite tell what might work with my current setup. So, I bought what I thought was best! Well, it arrived today, and I followed all the directions before something glitched. It would not work no matter what I tried. So, I called my other brother and he helped me get it started. So far, so good!

This morning, we attended a baby shower and also saw some mutual friends! It was fun to celebrate the mother-to-be and see how we are all connected.

The weather was a little warmer this week, which made everything more enjoyable. I was able to run some errands and clean off my driveway. This is good because we are supposed to get more snow next week! LOL

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Empty and Filled

This life is full of contradictions and competing scenarios. We don’t think about them all too often, but lately, I have noticed more of them.

Here are a few to get us started: You can be invited somewhere yet feel both excited and nervous to go. It’s okay if you want to attend and stay home simultaneously. You can have low energy and feel wiped out due to a big event, yet feel fulfilled. We may feel one way when we are rested and another when we need to rest!

In the Bible, the Beatitudes also show some contradictions. Jesus turned things upside down! And, as Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21, “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” A win-win!

Sometimes, contradictions are a matter of perspective. What causes one person to feel “empty” may cause another to feel “full” and vice versa. We can be empty or full or anywhere in between.

Free photos of Cup

On Sunday night, Lydia told me she was “dreading” going to school. That was a strong statement, so I asked why and she said, “Because tomorrow is Monday.” After a little more digging, she was actually looking forward to seeing her friends. Whew!

A lot of it was just Lydia’s attitude, and she was sleepy… which tends to morph into other emotions. Before it went too far, I used it as a learning opportunity! I reminded her that there are about fifty-two Mondays in a year, so if she doesn’t get ahold of herself, she could face the same dilemma every week. And weeks become months, which become years.

I shared with her some ‘opposites’ I have been pondering lately about feeling empty or full. Some examples could include feeling hungry or satisfied; yearning for something or finally getting it; feeling tired or well-rested; disliking the weather, or being content with it. In each case, the point is that we can be grateful and invite Jesus to fill us and sustain us!

Lydia quickly understood what I meant and started to apply it. Her attitude improved almost immediately, and she soon drifted off to sleep. The next morning, she came into the bathroom to brush her teeth. “Mom, I woke up feeling a little empty, you know?”

I nodded and asked if Lydia was feeling better after eating breakfast. She agreed and said she had asked God to help her. I was so proud of her! She ended up having a good Monday after all, though I am sure we will continue to refine this point!

In this Advent season, I, too, have been feeling a little empty at times. I may be a little sad and missing Dave, but I am also thinking of friends who are suffering or missing loved ones. I am so grateful for the full hope we have in Jesus!

We need to be careful not to fill the void with anything else but Jesus. Though it is quite easy to… eat, watch a show, play on your phone, call a friend, etc. Only Jesus will do.

When I feel empty, I can ask Jesus to fill me. When I am full, I can praise God for His blessing. When I want or need something, I can ask the Lord to help; when I have no lack, I can praise Him for his provision.

When I am sick or in pain, He is my healer. When I am well, I can praise Him for making me whole. When I am weak, then I am strong. Jesus is my all in all.

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God, thanks for Your love, grace, and provision! Thanks for filling me when I am empty and letting me perceive Your grace when I am full. Keep reminding me You are near. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you ever noticed feeling empty or full? In those cases, what is your go-to response? Do you try to fill the space yourself, or do you turn to Jesus?

Tasks: Regardless of your circumstances or feelings, invite Jesus in. He is our hope and healer, so watch Him move on your behalf. Also, read Ephesians 1, and notice the very last line!

Posted on in Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward book, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Kindness, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #352

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This week was a little bit of a wild card! I didn’t feel great for most of it – just various things, including a cold, gut issues, stubbing my toe (it’s fuschia currently), and of course, my elbow is still bruised (but doing better) from a few weeks ago. I’ll be okay. 🙂

I went to work late on Tuesday due to not feeling well, but also on Thursday due to yet another glitch! On Monday, it was my internet, and on Thursday, it was my furnace! I went downstairs before work and noticed a burnt rubber smell. Thankfully, my neighbor had a reliable contact, and I was able to get a motor replaced right away! They came within the hour, but even then, the inside temperature had dropped five degrees. I’m extra grateful it wasn’t thirty below with a long winter waiting list!

The weather is turning colder, and we got another inch of snow this week. It’s not too bad, and staying inside gave us plenty of time to reorganize the office and a closet downstairs. We also put up our Christmas tree last night! Lydia chose a red theme, and I added a couple strands of lights since there were a few ‘dark’ spots on the prelit tree. We might add a few more ornaments later. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Today, we met a friend at a local coffee shop for a book sale. We each brought our self-published books to lay out. It was fun to meet new people and catch up over coffee! Can you believe my book has been out for over a year?!

Tonight, we were invited by some friends for a Christmas dinner at their house. Lydia enjoys playing with their kids, and it will be fun to get to know them better, along with the other guests. It’s always nice to be included!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!