Category: Kindness

Posted on in Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward book, Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #421

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 Robin Red-Breasted photo and picture

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

This Holy Week was good. I did a daily Bible devotion on YouVersion about Jesus’ las week, and it was good to keep that at the forefront of my mind.

On Sunday, I met with a dear church friend for coffee. She has been growing in her faith but is working through some tough issues. I am so proud that she mentioned her questions to me, and we were able to discuss them. She was dealing with fear, and I encouraged her and challenged her to not give up. As long as we keep moving forward toward Him, we will have Victory!

Work was surprisingly slow! I had a lot of patients, but a few canceled or no-showed, and some rescheduled or just didn’t want to talk long. I was able to stay on top of my charting and am fully caught up! I was able to do a few projects and even cleaned my desk!

Otherwise, it was a quiet week. I have enjoyed the calm, and often, during these peaceful moments, I can hear from God best. Of course, He has given me a few new things to think about and pray through. 🙂

Today, I saw my first robin of spring! I had just woken up, and the bird was singing on my deck. I was delighted and am sure there will be many more in the coming days!

Finally, three people mentioned my book to me. One asked how to get a copy for a friend, and two gave positive feedback. I love that my works are encouraging others! It’s been awhile since I shared the link, but here is how you can get one (or three!).

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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 Being Gracious, Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Worship

Happy Registered Dietitian Day!

Woohoo! March is National Nutrition Month, and today is Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist Day! When I think of my career, I always enjoy looking back on God’s faithfulness. In college, I saw how practical nutrition and dietetics can be at home and as a service to others. Everybody needs food – it can be both fuel and fun!

This year, RDN Day seems to have come a little faster. Perhaps that’s because my team at work has been extra busy with coverage needs. Time has flown by, but we made it! In fact, our two coworkers are coming back next week!

Returning to our former routine will be good, but I also look forward to seeing my friends again! They have been missed! Can you tell I am really grateful for my team? We are always eager to help one another, but we also laugh a lot and care about each other.

I am also so thankful for God’s grace and provision. When I was asked to cover the home-based role last fall, I was a little nervous about driving in the winter weather. But God worked it all out. Only one day out of the last four months had snow. That day, I saw two Veterans and got permission to go home early. Win-win!

Naturally, there are days when I am tired or not feeling excited about going to work. When I get stressed, I feel like I am short on time. I don’t like missing deadlines or feeling like I let someone down! Reflecting on this, I have noticed a couple of patterns.

If I don’t take time to take care of myself (exercise, solid meals, sleep), I feel run down, which can affect my stress and mood. On the other hand, I have noticed that if I do make time for self-care, I can have the same chaotic schedule and feel good – energetic even! Regardless, I often walk into work and see someone I know, and instantly, I am glad I came!

Free ai generated salad vegetables illustration

As with anything, I can commit my day to the Lord and honor Him with quality work. I can show compassion to the many Veterans with pain. I can be cheerful when patients are running late. After we finish our appointment, I can take time to direct them to their next appointment. I can be patient when someone gets frustrated with the changes they feel they should make. I can call to check if someone is feeling better or applying what we discussed. When appropriate, I can joke with my patients as a way to build rapport.

I like to dispel nutrition myths, though it would be nice not to have to! I also enjoy using analogies to show how the body works. Basic principles don’t change, but my job is to tailor the information to what the person needs individually. I love teaching people how food helps them operate and feel good! In doing so, I hope they have peace with food and grow to trust their choices. I love seeing them give themselves grace and make progress with their health goals.

Although it is tough work sometimes, I am grateful to work as a nutrition professional. I can see and feel God moving in my life, and that overflows into everything else! Occasionally, I meet someone open about their faith in God. In those moments, we can talk about spiritual food – a whole new level of health!

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God, thanks for shaping my career over the years. Thanks for letting me serve people in practical ways. Help me nourish them and point them to you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Have you ever met with a Registered Dietitian? (That’s different than someone who took a ten-hour class over the Internet!) How can you see God at work in your life?

Task: Whatever you do today, consider how you can glorify God with your heart, soul, mind, and strength. In terms of nutrition, keep it simple. Remember these principles: balance of each food group, variety within each food group, consistency in daily habits, and moderation.

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

Finding Grace #415

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 Hearts Stones photo and picture

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

This was a great week! I had a good chat with one of my dear college friends. It was just what I needed. We might even get together this summer!

Work was full as usual, but I had some really sweet patients. On Wednesday, one of them popped in to see me; I usually talk with him on the phone because he lives a couple of hours away and doesn’t like to take time off work. The first time I saw him a couple years ago, he had just had a feeding tube placed, so he was rather uncomfortable and grumpy. But this week, he took some time off work for the appointments and to spend time with his wife on Valentine’s Day. I loved seeing he has greatly improved. He looked much better and was so sweet talking about his wife. It made my day to see him, and we were able to joke about a few things, too.

Lydia had a special appointment with a pediatric cardiologist this week. We got confirmation that we are doing everything we can for Lydia’s POTS. She does not need medication and it’s really not a heart problem. In essence, she’s very healthy, just her body needs to communicate with itself better. 🙂 It was a great outcome!

Today, Lydia and I went to see The Chosen, Season 4, Episodes 4-6 in the theater. It was amazing. The storyline and cinematography were so well done and really helped put the Bible into first-century context. The actors have done a wonderful job, and the three episode flew by. If you have a chance, see it in the theater (or in the free app when it is available… soon!). Even if you know nothing about Jesus or The Chosen, it’s worth it.

The weather was a little colder but still good. It felt like Fall today because the leaves were blowing in the wind, but it was bright and sunny!

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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 Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Worship

Let Me Count the Ways

Happy Valentine’s Day! Do you have any special plans today?

Typically, I keep this day fairly simple, though I usually give Lydia a little chocolate or a token gift, such as jewelry or flowers. She loves little surprises!

Valentine’s Day can be difficult for some people. You may or may not have a “date” today, but either way, perhaps you can still appreciate all the different facets of love.

God is love, so we can look to Him to fill us with His love and let it overflow to others. Love is meant to be given and received, shared. As such, it takes work (even in the best circumstances). It’s not always a piece of cake or a heart-shaped box of candy!

Lately, I’ve been counting all the ways I see God’s love and grace in my life. (Remember the cottage cheese?!) I hope that by sharing them with you, you will be inspired to look for Him in your daily routine, too!

Free Leaves Frost photo and picture

So here goes! We got a little snow last week, and it is already melting! Perhaps Spring is not too far off, as I have heard more birds singing! I also saw a few geese in the river, which has been thawing intermittently.

I attended an online meeting this week. The host greeted me (and others) by name, which made me feel seen. It would have been very easy to say, “Hello, everyone!” and just move on. I actually felt like I was more a part of the team, even though I didn’t know half the people present!

I went to a home visit about an hour away for work. I enjoyed listening to the radio and heard several songs about God’s love. It was a peaceful drive, and I was glad to spend the time with the Lord… while getting paid! 😉

The two-hour round trip flew by, and I enjoyed the beautiful flat view. I am a Midwesterner, after all! It was such a sweet surprise to see two hawks and a bald eagle when it flew across the road right before me!

Later, I stopped for gas and used some store rewards for eighty cents off a gallon! I previously had trouble getting my account to work correctly, which is why they all built up over months. However, one of the store employees took the time to help me and explain why it all was disconnected. He also provided a phone number for more extensive customer service, promptly fixing everything!

Recently, I noticed a cute little heart in the bottom of a cup after I finished my drink. It brightened my day. Another time, I picked up some fancy bread from Great Harvest Bread Company. Oh my, it was divine! I’m calling that an extra bit of God’s grace… taste and see that the Lord is good! 

Free Thailand Leaves photo and picture

To clarify, all of the above examples are just a small sampling — truly, there are plenty of times when it doesn’t go my way. Even so, I can “count them all joy” because they help me lean on God all the more. It’s not all about me!

God’s love, mercy, and grace are endless toward His children. In fact, we are blessed to be a blessing. That means we can serve others with a cheerful heart and gratitude for all God has done for us. We can even choose to be inconvenienced so others can have it a little easier. Then, they may draw close to Jesus, too!

During another home visit this week, I met a Veteran who was still adjusting to his new home. He was having a difficult time but started beaming when I fixed the problem with his bedside radio. He loves classical music, and I hope it brings him a little peace.

At work, I took some difficult calls to help out a friend. On another day, I offered a coworker my (cleaned) earplugs to help her focus when construction noises interrupted her concentration. I took someone else a couple of Papa Murphy’s pizzas to help her during a rough time. I love my coworkers and count them as dear friends!

God’s love permeates all we do. His grace is all around us; it overflows in abundance. As you notice Jesus in your life, be sure to thank Him! You are perfectly loved, known, and accepted. There’s never been a moment where He left you alone.

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God, thanks for all the ways You love me! Open my eyes to Your blessings and help me share them with others. Help me point people to You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Where have you seen God’s love and grace in your life this week?

Tasks: Trace God’s blessings in your life this week, and then see how you can bless others!

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Kindness, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom

Finding Grace #413

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 Tree Leaves photo and picture

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

This was a good week!

Work was a little unpredictable but fairly normal! I ended up staying a full day on Friday to help cover. I had several patients where it seemed like God had assigned them to me specifically. I was able to encourage them and discuss topics beyond just nutrition. It felt gratifying!

The weather was in the 40s, and we might have broken a “heat” record for January. I think most of the snow is now gone, though we didn’t have much to begin with. I’m not holding my breath that it will stay like this. It is only February, so anything is still possible!

Lydia had an impromptu friend sleep over last night. They had a fun time and stayed up until after Midnight. They watched a movie, played games, and made some treats. I’m grateful Lydia has good friends. I heard a lot of laughter, which was music to my ears!

This afternoon, Lydia and I went to the theater to see The Chosen. Currently, Season 4, Episodes One through Three are showing! Each episode was very different, but so well done. There was a tragic shocker at the end… I recommend going to see it for yourself!

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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 Being Gracious, Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Kindness, Miscellaneous, Personality, Procrastination

A Tale of Two Patients

In my nearly eighteen years as a nutrition professional, I have seen a wide variety of patients. As you can imagine, some are eager to change, but many are hesitant or even ambivalent. Change is difficult for most of us. And that’s okay!

Lately, I have been thinking about how some of my patients react and how it relates to life in general. For convenience, let’s take two patients I have had this week. Let’s call them Jim and John. Both men were friendly and older.

Jim is now blind and lives with his daughter’s family. He is recovering from an injury and has people stopping in to see him throughout the day. When I met with him, Jim was eager to talk but also eager to listen. We covered a lot of topics, which included all I needed to ask and explain nutritionally. But I also got to ask him about his blindness and how he handles it. It was awesome to learn about the different resources he uses. Jim was so thoughtful, and I hope I get to see him again someday.

Free Vegetables Colorful photo and picture

John, well… I think he lives alone. But I couldn’t get all the information I needed because he wouldn’t let me talk! In those cases, I try to write down as many details as I can while they go on and on. Then, I try to graciously interject from time to time so I can do my job. While they don’t have to follow my advice, I feel it is important to cover at least a few basics.

John probably could use more input. I didn’t really feel I accomplished anything of value because I kept having to dispel nutrition myths. For example, he wants to take a couple of vitamin pills, but I usually recommend eating foods with those nutrients first. I also recommended getting some labs for a baseline to see if he is actually deficient or not. Otherwise, he could just purchase a lot of expensive pills without much benefit. At best, he will just pay for expensive urine. At worst, he could have a toxic reaction!

I gave both patients my phone number in case they need to reach out. Honestly, I don’t know if John will figure out how much he doesn’t know… We never got to talk about the necessities because he was off track. While it is alright to just talk about what’s important to him for a while, it wasn’t very productive! However, I hope he feels he got what he needs to make good choices for his health. I did my best!

Of course, I can perceive some spiritual parallels here. How am I like Jim, and how am I like John? Being like Jim means I am open to hearing from the Lord. I ask questions and listen. It is good to flow back and forth with Jesus!

When I am more like John… well, I don’t really want to think about that! 😀 In these instances, I think I know best. I ask questions but don’t really want to wait for answers. I have my own agenda. I may try to talk myself (or God) into seeing things how I want them to be. Not as they really are.

When we are like Jim, change is not far away as long as we don’t give up. Yet, when we are more like John, growth is not really an option. If we act like know-it-alls, we’ll just keep spinning our wheels and miss out on the details that can make a difference. Oh, Lord!

Whew. I don’t know about you, but this is humbling to think about. I have had so many other patients who are various combinations of Jim and John. And just like I try to extend grace to all of my patients, regardless of how they act, I am grateful God does that for us, too.

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Dear God, thanks for your infinite grace and love. Help us listen more than we blab. May we humbly grow in our knowledge of You and use that to help others know You, too. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Which patient are you more like, Jim or John? Or, are you a combination?!

Tasks: Reflect on your answer to the question above. Don’t worry either way, just try to tune in to the Lord. He is not surprised and can make you who you are meant to be! If you let Him and are willing to learn!

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

Finding Grace #412

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 Road Trees photo and picture

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

This week was great and full of social interactions with friends, family, and blog readers. 🙂 Thanks for reading and sharing my post on Wednesday! I appreciate that something so funny and random as cottage cheese resonated with people! God is soo good!

Work was full but good! I had some really nice patients, and I had some encouraging conversations with my coworkers as we discussed ways to cope with stress. We reminded ourselves to take little breaks and take deep breaths. We shared jokes, memes, and links to comedians. We swapped appointments and covered for each other when we could. It really helps to know we are all on the same page.

The weather was in the 30s and 40s, gray with a little mist and ice. I don’t mind because it is such a change from our usual! This morning, I noticed some beautiful hoarfrost on my trees. Later, my neighbor was sitting outside on her porch, enjoying the sunny weather with her dog. We waved as we ran errands, surprised that at 37 degrees, it felt like we didn’t even “need” our coats!

This week was awesome in terms of checking in with people. On Sunday, we met with two sets of friends and then family over Zoom. During the week, my coworkers all connected, as I already explained. Then, I set up a couple get-togethers with friends, and one of my best friends called. We shared some of our ups and downs, and she really helped ease my mind. Then, today, I talked with family before Lydia and I went to enjoy coffee with the friends.

Tonight, Lydia and I are enjoying a movie and Chinese food for dinner! I might try a little painting, too. A perfect way to end the week. Thanks, Lord!

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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 Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #410

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 Storm Winter photo and picture

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

This was a busy but solid week. It felt a little long at times, probably because it was a five-day work and school week! 😉 It was good overall. 

At work, I enjoyed visiting three Veterans at their homes. One person didn’t have an extra chair but offered me her wheelchair. I stumbled a little over the footrest, and we joked that if I fell, I might have to move into the nursing home for rehab and be her roommate. We laughed, though she didn’t want to talk over thirty minutes because she was headed downstairs to lunch. 🙂 It was a fun experience!

The weather finally reached negative temperatures this week! We got a tiny bit of snow and have had blizzard conditions (due to snow in the air). But it’s all been manageable, and we are safe!

Lydia’s school entered a new quarter, so that means she is starting a foreign language sampler. She will be trying out Spanish, French, German, and Latin. It will be fun to see which she likes best!

This afternoon, I made a beef and vegetable stew, made some calls, and did some paperwork. Lydia went to the Fargodome with a friend’s family to assemble meals for Feed My Starving Children. We did that a few years ago, and Lydia had fun again today!

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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, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Pivot, Wisdom, Worship

Big Star or Bust

It amazes me how the Nativity story is something we have heard and read about year after year, but it always has something new for us!

Whether you think about it from the perspective of the Shepherds, Mary, Joseph, the Angels, Wisemen, or even the animals (surely they were surprised, too!), there are so many angles! In other parts of the Gospel of Luke, I’m sure Anna, Simeon, and Elizabeth had some important insights, too.

All of the people in the Nativity story had their lives interrupted by a little baby. And, not just any baby; Jesus was/is God!

It’s likely they were each struggling in one way or another. The Roman occupation would not have been easy. Mary, Joseph, and the Shepherds were not made of money. Even the Wisemen would have been worn out from a lengthy journey. Nonetheless, they all regrouped and went with it, apparently!

Lydia made a funny comment about the Wisemen recently, who would have traveled several months or possibly years. She said, “What if they had a sign on their caravan that said ‘Big Star or Bust?!'” We both laughed, but it made me think a bit more.

Free sirius star big dog illustration

Do I go all in as I seek Jesus? Well, I usually try to, but my cracked car windshield is getting replaced today. With the colder weather, I didn’t want to take any chances.

It was rather inconvenient, and I was at a loss for what to do. Then, two friends were willing to help me swap my car with a rental after work (yesterday and today). God knows what I need and how to solve it!

Oddly enough, the car I ended up with last night was not the one I rented; it was one that was available! I could choose between a big truck, a little truck, a minivan, and a Chevy Spark. I was thinking of just getting back and forth to work and didn’t want to have to figure out the size and spacing on the fly. So, I chose the compact Chevy and laughed all the way home.

See the picture – it looks like the back half of the car is missing! At least I saved a little money with the smaller car! 😉

Sometimes, “Big Star or Bust” has to be a group effort. We are not meant to live in isolation. Even Jesus had a family and friends, as he ran a public ministry. He had to rely on others to some degree. Although He was often on the go, He always had time for what mattered.

This season can be tough in many ways. Hustling and bustling often lead to stress, while high expectations can lead to disappointment when things don’t go as planned. If you are dealing with grief or loss, well, that can take sorrow to a whole new level.

I know full well the grief cycle mixed with holidays. Feel free to look back on just about any post from each December I have blogged (starting in 2015). Each year has gotten a little better, thankfully! And, I am grateful for all the continued prayers and support.

Perhaps your “Big Star or Bust” journey is different than mine. Your strengths and challenges are unique, but so are your resources. God’s grace is sufficient whether you have a lot or a little. Just keep bringing Him your best, and be willing to accept a little help along the way!

Keep moving forward, and you will find the Prize you seek (Jesus!) if you don’t give up. #bigstarorbust

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God, thanks for the gift of laughter amid a potentially difficult season. Thanks for taking good care of us. Help us chase after you with all our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you have a “Big Star or Bust” experience?! How are you pursuing Jesus this week? What does that look like for you?

Task: Whatever challenges you face today, turn your face to Jesus. Seek Him with all you’ve got. He completely understands and will never let you down!

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

Finding Grace #405

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 Trees Woods photo and picture

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

This was another great week! My sister and dad both had birthdays this week, so it was fun calling and encouraging them. I’m grateful for such a wonderful family!

Once again, work was very busy but good. Somehow, I was able to stay caught up and even work ahead a little bit for the coming week. I did go out to see one Veteran at a nursing home. The change of pace was fun. I also had a few random problems pop up but was able to solve them for my Veterans. All’s well that ends well!

Today, it snowed a little, but this is the first snow we’ve had in quite a while. The entire week was gorgeous and made the twenty minute drive to work so nice. A couple inches of snow on a Saturday at home is no big deal!

We didn’t have big plans this weekend, so we made the most of our time around the house. We went through some old clothing, socks, and shoes. We also cleared out a shelf, bookcase, and some old papers. It felt amazing to set aside some things for donations and toss the rest. We still have a few things to go through, but getting rid of physical clutter helps with mental clutter, too!

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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)!