Category: Life is Short

Posted on in Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Travel

Forty and Fabulous

Last week, Lydia and I spent a fun-packed few days in Missoula, Montana visiting some dear friends and celebrating my fortieth birthday! Birthdays just aren’t the same without Dave, so this year, I really wanted to do something special. I am very glad I did!

We went to visit one of my best friends, who happens to be one of my college roommates. Katie’s husband is like the big brother I never had, and her kids are both around Lydia’s age. It was great to reconnect since it’s been several years since we met in person! (This is the same Katie in my book, and we have had lots of adventures over time!)

We flew in on Wednesday and hung out that evening. The next day, we hiked the “M” and made it to the top of Sentinel Mountain and looked down in the valley at Hellgate where the pioneers came through. It took about four hours in the heat, but we had water and snacks to get us through. We saw some grouse, a redtail hawk, a hummingbird, and a few chipmunks! We also met an 89-year-old woman hiking with her son and some fellow North Dakotans! Later that afternoon, we went to Splash Montana, a water park with slides, pools, and a lazy river. It was the perfect way to wrap up our day.

Earlier on Thursday, we tried to get a reservation to Glacier National Park, but 500+ tickets were sold out in three minutes! It has been on my bucket list for a while, but in the past, it seems something has always come up. So, while I didn’t visit Montana just for Glacier, I really hoped to go. I decided just to leave it in God’s hands, knowing He could work out the details on my behalf.

Eventually, Katie found a boat tour at St. Mary’s Lake that would let us gain entry for Sunday instead. So, that gave us time to regroup and spend my birthday in another awesome way. Yes, on Friday, we went white water rafting!

After a special birthday breakfast, we rafted the Clark Fork River (Alberton Gorge) with Katie and her kids. Our twenty-year-old guide was very experienced, and no one fell out! We saw three beavers swimming and sunning themselves, as well as a few bald eagles and a huge golden eagle! It was absolutely breathtaking floating through the mountains. The only other time I had been white water rafting was on the famous New River Gorge in West Virginia right before I turned twelve. So, it seemed like a fitting way to celebrate my fortieth!

On Saturday, we attended a ladies’ self-defense class in the morning, and then we went ziplining through the mountains! The course was part of the off-season attraction at a ski resort. It was beautiful flying through the woods, and we had fun racing each other! That evening, some of the neighbors came over for a party! I made a charcuterie board and cheese board to share. It was so cool that one of the neighbors made a carrot cake and a chocolate espresso cake (as well as a cute mini version for me!). She enjoyed reading my book last fall, and so it was an honor for both of us to meet!

On Sunday, we drove three hours to Glacier National Park! It was even prettier than I imagined! We saw glaciers and fire damage, but also waterfalls, fields of flowers, bighorn sheep, and even a moose swimming! We swam in the icy river, too. Actually, the others went swimming, and I fell in while wading. But I think that counts, right?!

All in all, we laughed morning, noon, and night. We stayed up late playing games. We caught some beautiful sunrises and sunsets. We saw magpies, wild turkeys, burros, and a fox, among other animals. My legs are still sore from all the hiking we did, and I wore my swimming suit three of the days we were there! It was just what I needed!

We flew back on Monday, after a brief in Minneapolis-St. Paul. My car was dead, and I flagged down a kind lady who let me borrow her car to jump mine in the airport parking lot after I left the light on last week! We had to connect our two sets of jumper cables, but I was grateful for her willingness to help with no hesitation.

Well, this new decade is off to a great start! I wanted to make this one count, so I don’t look back with regret. It’s easy for me to get stuck in a routine and obligations. But, it occurred to me that occasionally I have to create my own adventure! I only have one life to live, and no one is going to live it for me!
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God, thank You for forty, fabulous years! Thanks for being so kind and gracious. Thanks for the beauty of Nature and dear friends. Help me to live with an expectation of Your goodness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Questions: What adventures have you been on this summer? What is your favorite National Park?
Tasks: Live every day like it is an adventure. Look for ways to step out of your usual routine and have some fun. Walk freely in God’s grace and love!
Posted on in Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward book, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom, Worship

Forty-Year Tune-Up!!

Woohoo! In a couple of days, I am celebrating my fortieth birthday! That sounds a little crazy because I still feel like I am twenty-five!

My thirties started off with Dave being sick and then dying, so the majority of that decade was dedicated to processing my grief and making sense of my new life as a widowed, single mom.

I learned how resilient I am and what it means to cling to Jesus. I quickly realized there are no shortcuts when it comes to emotional healing. You have to put in the effort, be willing to accept help, and let God carry you sometimes. The only way through is through.

One big part of processing my grief was writing about my journey here. So thanks for reading, praying, and cheering me on! I appreciate you all.

I also spent a significant amount of my thirties writing and editing my book, Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward. It was a labor of love, and I am proud that I finally pulled it off! I am beyond pleased with how my book turned out, and I really appreciate the continued support and feedback. Thank you!!

In short, my thirties were rough at times, but I learned to roll with the punches. God was reliable and gracious. He lead me to higher ground and has let me help others through their grief. I can’t thank Him enough!

Free illustrations of Watercolour flowers

Over the last year, I have been learning how to take better care of myself. This is an ongoing thing, which includes continuing to chase seven or eight hours of sleep, exercise consistently, and eating well. That’s all great currently, but in a couple of weeks things will shift again as we acclimate to the new school schedule. That’s life, right?!

This year, I went to the doctor for my toe (of all things, lol!). Later, I went for my routine physical and a couple of new tests. I found a chiropractor I love and now have a lot less pain, too! It’s like I have had a forty-year tune-up! 🙂

Really, I look at it as setting myself up for success. Not everything can be prevented, but I want to do what I can. That said, you can do ‘everything right,’ and something wild comes from out of left field. But, we can learn to trust God no matter what.

While I have been working hard, I have also been learning to rest more in God’s grace. Thankfully, He is patient with me! I am excited to see where He leads and how He continues to provide for me. He has never let me down!

Lately, I find myself smiling and laughing a lot. I have found joy in clarifying my priorities. It’s a balance of finding ways to care for myself and others, including Lydia. This also includes letting go of what doesn’t serve me anymore and not taking myself so seriously!

Over these last few weeks, I have enjoyed looking back and seeing God’s faithfulness. I am grateful for the Victories He has given me over these forty years, and especially the last ten years. He is so good!

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God, thanks for an amazing forty years! This is just a flash of time to You, but You are so kind to let me walk with You. Thanks for taking care of all that concerns me. Help me walk with more grace and joy in this new decade! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How has God been good to you so far this year? What Victories do you see?

Tasks: Take a few minutes to reflect on how far God has brought you in the last few months or years. Write it down so you can remember it! (It’s easy to forget otherwise!)

Posted on in Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Pivot, Travel

Whirlwind Weekend

Whew! From Thursday to Saturday of last week,  Lydia and I had a whirlwind weekend full of family, fun, a road trip, and two planes. We flew to Chicago and drove with my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew to Michigan for a family reunion.
We were only there overnight, but it was well worth the quick turnaround to see our loved ones. Life is short, so it is important to make the most of our time together. We managed to see 31 different state license plates, too!
Then, we drove several hours back to O’Hare (via Lake Shore Drive and Wrigleyville) only to be delayed several hours on the plane. We arrived home at 3 a.m. on Sunday morning, and Lydia carpooled to Bible camp in Devils Lake a couple hours away.
All in all, it was a memorable few days, though we could have done without the four-hour delay at the airport. We weren’t overly hungry for dinner on Saturday night, so we ate a few light snacks from our backpacks. I did buy some water before the shops and restaurants closed, but with the delay, we were a little hungry later on.
We had several gate changes and had to wait for our airplane to arrive from another flight. Part of it was a giant storm from Iowa to Michigan, which included Minnesota and Wisconsin, though not Chicago at the time. We had to have three different flight plans before going out of our way to Kansas City and then Fargo.
This change required us to wait for extra fuel. Also, a light had to be replaced on the plane, a cargo net had to be installed, and the lavatory had to be emptied. It felt a little ridiculous at times, but I encouraged Lydia with some juice and a Biscoff cookie from the flight attendant! 😉
Lydia tried to sleep on my shoulder, but she kept waking up with every ten minutes or so. Gotta love noisy conversations late at night and all the captain’s announcements!
The captain and flight attendant went out of their way to provide nourishment and answers as best they could. That was certainly appreciated, though it still required some effort to maintain a good attitude after a whirlwind trip.
Finally, we lifted off after 12:30 a.m. Lydia was awake during that time, and we enjoyed looking out the window like we usually do. We noticed lightning off in the distance probably right where we would have been traveling. We were relieved not to be heading in that direction!
It was a good opportunity to talk with Lydia about how God protects us. Sometimes, we don’t see or understand why we face delays or obstacles, but this experience was a good reminder that God knows best! As we flew above the storms, I also thought about how God lifts us out of our problems. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. He can take us to new heights if we rely on Him.
Another silver lining was that my sister and mom checked in with me during our delay. And, Mom kept praying and encouraging me while we were in the air. She was still up when I let her know we landed around 2:30 a.m. I was blessed to have their support! It was just what I needed.
In some ways, the weekend went even better than I could have imagined. And even when we dealt with the airport delays, God kept us safe and helped us understand Him more. With all the waiting and sitting, it was another reminder to rest in Him and let Him move on our behalf. 
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God, thanks for providing for us and keeping us safe, even when we don’t quite grasp what You are doing. Thanks for friends and family who encourage us! Help us remember to come to You with our problems when we get frustrated. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Questions: Have you ever been in a mandatory rest period? When God has you waiting, do you feel stuck or do you see it as a chance to rest?
Tasks: Instead of rushing through rest, pause and pray through it. Consider if God is trying to teach you something about Him or yourself!
Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #333

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 Marguerite

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

This was a good week!! We jammed a lot in, including work, art, and family.

Sunday was a noteworthy example of God’s perfect timing. He helped me provide comfort to a friend amid her grief. It was good to be in the right place at the right time… at church!

I had a similar experience at work, comforting a widowed Veteran. He said he was lacking motivation healthwise and later mentioned losing his wife fairly recently. I helped him understand changes he can make for his nutrition and health status but also identified that he may need some grief support. It is difficult to move forward if you don’t deal with those strong emotions. I will connect him with someone in the VA but also suggested he reach out to some other local resources. He left feeling much better than when he came in!

I got a new badge at work, ahead of my three-year anniversary in August. Every so often your tech credentials and federal authorization certificates need to be updated. The funny thing is you can’t smile for the picture. I suppose it’s a little like a glorified mugshot! Thankfully, I have enjoyed my three years and hope to have many more!

We had beautiful weather this week, warm and sunny but not humid. I’m trying to soak it in knowing in a few short months it will be cooler!

Today, we are racing back to Fargo after seeing family. We had a great time, though it was a really quick trip! Even so, Lydia is leaving for church camp tomorrow! We appreciate your prayers that everything goes smoothly!

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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, Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Prayer, Wisdom

Comfort Amid Grief

Sometimes you are in the right place at the right time, and sometimes, that place is church! This past Sunday, I had a God moment at church that I want to share with you.

About a year ago, I met a woman and her husband. They had been watching online through much of COVID, but I met them the first Sunday they decided to “try out” our church in person.

They were really sweet, and I was glad to meet them. Flash forward to the present, and the husband’s dementia has progressed. He is now in a nursing home, about an hour and a half away. His dear wife visits him every other day, though he does not fully recognize her.

I have encouraged this wife whenever I see her; she has become a friend. Though my experience was with cancer, I know how it feels to be a caregiver and decision maker in an end-of-life situation. Watching your beloved spouse decline is difficult, and I have been cheering her on.

So, when I saw this lady on Sunday, I stopped to greet her after the service. She was so happy to see me and shared how she had been struggling. I affirmed her statement that she is already grieving, though her husband is still alive. I agreed with her sentiment that she hopes he “goes soon” rather than have this continue over months or years. (Either way, we know he is in God’s hands and that his suffering is not in vain.)

I listened while my friend conveyed her lack of motivation. In these challenging times, I confirmed it is normal to need to get groceries but feel overwhelmed leaving the house; or, to finally prepare a meal but have no desire to eat it.

She mentioned she keeps forgetting about a support group at the VA (where I work), and I coached her with some tips. Marking her calendar in advance, while she is thinking about it, might help her not feel surprised whenever she gets a same-day reminder.

I also offered to help connect her with someone at the VA who could help guide her through the funeral and cemetery details (when the time comes). As she talked it through, she started to smile, and I could see her burden was lifted a little.

I gave this dear woman a big hug, and she just fell into my arms. I prayed for her on the spot, and she just melted in surrender. Not that my words were so deep, in fact, they were rather simple, but she felt seen and understood. She said it was just what she needed.

We only talked for a few minutes after the service, but it felt like a God-ordained moment for both of us. I am grateful He has used my story and experiences to help and guide others along the way.

I was reminded that we don’t JUST go to church to worship God but to be His hands and feet. My friend said, “And to think, I wasn’t even feeling up to coming today. I was going to stay home and watch online. But now, I am so glad I came.”

2 Corinthians 1:4, NLT, says that God “comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

During the well-timed sermon, our pastor mentioned this all is like a game of tag. God comforts us…and then it’s our turn to comfort others with the peace, strength, and grace He has given us. Tag! You’re it!

So, don’t discount your story or experiences. God can use all your pain, grief, and life’s ups and downs to make something beautiful… if you let Him!

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God, thanks for my friend. Would You please encourage, strengthen, and comfort her? Please meet her needs (spoken and unspoken) and remind her of Your grace and love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you seen God at work in your life story? Have you seen Him use your pain and grief in someone else’s life?

Task: Listen to this song! God will never fail you, no matter what.

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

Finding Grace #332

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 was a really fun week!! You can read some of what happened in Wednesday’s blog post, but the rest of the week was great, too!

On Sunday, we went to a dear friend’s baby shower. This is her first baby, and it is a cool miracle story. It’s not really my place to tell it, but it is wonderful to see God’s faithfulness in giving her what she has desired for so long. We had a lot of fun celebrating her and can’t wait to meet her little baby girl.

On Wednesday evening, we took care of our neighbors’ cats while they were out of town. We fed them and played with them. One is a Maine Coon, and the other is a Persian. They are as gorgeous as they are sweet! I sent a couple pictures to family, and my two-year-old nephew was so excited that he video called me! That was a first, and I was honored (even though it was a mistake). 🙂

We had beautiful weather this week, warm and sunny but not humid. On Thursday, we had a gentle rain, and everything greened up again! It was perfect!

Work went well, and I worked extra on Friday again. It gave me a little extra time to get things done, but I also saw a few patients. We also had a going away party for my coworker. We had some treats and enjoyed our time together. We will miss having her on our team, but we know she will do well in Colorado!

Today, we prepared for the coming week, and now a friend is over to visit. We might order some Chinese food and watch a movie, but it is always fun to see them either way!

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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, Personality

Radiant

This week, I have found myself laughing and smiling a lot. I don’t know that it is related to anything in particular, just lots of little things!

For starters, I had some great conversations with friends and family. The weather has been beautiful, and I noticed some lovely flowers in bloom. I took advantage of some good sales and had some fun memories pop up on social media. I am feeling strong after a couple of good weight lifting workouts… and, hey, I have had a good hair week thus far (#priorities). 😉

I have had some noteworthy patient interactions and received compliments on my skills! Also, one of my coworkers parked next to me, so we walked in together one morning. We have the same first name, and we sometimes joke that two Natalies are better than one! It’s just one of many fun things that have happened at work so far this week!

And, a couple of patient cancellations and no-shows gave me extra time to finish my work. Whew! Then, that gave me mental space to focus on some other things.

As I have had a little more time to reflect, the word RADIANT popped into my mind. Now, maybe your first thought is related to Charlottes’ Web, but I think of God’s glory, goodness, and grace!

Speaking of smiles and the word RADIANT, in a quick follow-up from last week, have you seen the pictures from the James Webb telescope?! Wow! I am in awe!

For me, the pictures are glorious examples of our Creator’s majesty. 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “…’No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.'”

Colossians 1:16-17 (NLT) says, “for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.”

Imagine what Heaven will be like!

I am sure God is tickled to let us in on this ‘secret’ of the universe… showing off His handiwork! You know, He has a wonderful plan, yet most of it is far beyond anything we can fathom. It’s mindblowing to think we only know a small part of all God is doing in this vast universe. Yet at the same time, He is right here with us. 

Psalm 34:5 says, “Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” Some days are tough, sure. But with Jesus, we always have a reason to smile! We can trust Him, and because He is in control, we don’t have to worry. Let Him show you His power and might. The one who plays with the stars like baubles holds you even closer!

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Wow, God, I am in awe of Your radiant majesty! Thanks for showing us a little more of who You are this week. Help us walk with smiling joy and excitement knowing You have good things in store! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: What is your favorite picture from the James Webb space telescope? (I love the depth and color of the Carina Nebula, but pretty much all the rest, too!)

Task: Check out this worship song from Hillsong United, “So Will I (100 Billion X).”

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

Finding Grace #331

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 Marguerite

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

This was week was really good!! We finished up puppy sitting, and Lydia finally understood why an adorable puppy is not in our future. They simply require more time and effort than we have to give right now. We did have fun, though!

Work was very busy, and I was able to work longer on Friday. I usually only work four hours going into the weekend, but sometimes I have the opportunity to stay longer. That means I can see patients, help my coworkers, or get caught up. This week, it was well-timed because there was much to do! Thankfully, I finished a few important things on my to-do list!

This past weekend, a beloved pastor in our community died suddenly. Pastor Cal was well known not only in North Dakota but also had an impact on ministers all over the world. He spent ~30 years at my local church but also led mission trips to Chicago and served elsewhere in our community. His visitation and funeral were on Wednesday and Thursday, with over 1550 people attending in person and over 2000 people watching online. It was amazing to see how much one person can have for Jesus when they live and love intentionally. He will be greatly missed!

On a personal note, I appreciate that Pastor Cal visited us, encouraged us, and prayed for us all those years ago when Dave was sick. He was always full of exuberant joy, but he did not have a lightweight faith! Pastor Cal’s funeral was the first I have attended at our church since Dave’s, which gave me mixed emotions. I was sad but also happy both of them are with Jesus, worshiping Him. I also know they are cheering me on. 

Today, Lydia mowed a bit while I did some weeding. Then, I finished the yard while she showered. It was only her second time, so I want to ease her into it! She’ll probably do all the yard once she gets better at it! 😉 Later, we ordered some pizza and are mostly relaxing after a long, busy week. Thank You, Jesus!

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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 Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot, Wisdom

Stay the Course

If you are ready to give up, give in, throw in the towel, or put a fork in it (you’re done), this post is for you! There are so many things coming at us every day. Life sure is chaotic at times! If you are feeling drained, keep reading!

Some internal factors include the daily stress of getting out the door or getting everything done. Then, add in pain, grief, loneliness, anxiety,  PTSD, financial issues, or chronic health conditions, etc.

Externally, everything from the news to the weather counts. Every week, it seems we keep getting hit by one horrible tragedy after another. Wars, famine, violence, death, and more. These are very real problems with no clear solution.

On a smaller level, work is time-consuming (at the least) and relationships can be messy. It’s tough to gain momentum. Life is tough, no doubt, and it may not get easier any time soon.

Free illustrations of Big bang

Perhaps you are simply tired of waiting for things to change. It’s easy to get antsy or even bored, tired of the same old problems. You’re all ready to pivot toward the new and shiny, but wait! You may not fully understand the problems that come with those gains (because you know there will be problems and challenges, there too!).

Yes, sometimes we crave busyness and excitement, but when we have that we crave the calm of peace and quiet. Generally, it is good to be content wherever we are right now. Though, sometimes God does use discontent to get us on board with the next steps.

Either way, I want to challenge you today: Stay the course. If you are waiting for life to fall into place, you are in good company. I understand your frustration when it seems your prayers have gone nowhere, but God has not forgotten you! You can still choose to enjoy life today.

Maybe He has you in a holding pattern, just a little longer to finishing preparing you or the next set of circumstances. You can keep serving with joy where you are now. All around us people need His love and help!

The problem is we feel like it’s all on us. Some of us work day in and day out to get ahead. But, as Christ-followers, we walk by faith, which means trusting even when we can’t see the path before us. By faith, stay the course and stay close to God.

If you don’t know what to do, stay put. Don’t move until God says to move. If you don’t know what’s next, seek His input. That alone can save you a lot of heartache… and time, if you have to undo mistakes.

If you’re struggling with patience, remember that’s a fruit of the Holy Spirit. He put it in you and wants to cultivate it in your life! You are not alone in your struggle. Let Him help!

If you recall, STRESS can be an acronym for “Still Trying to Run the Entire Solar System.” But, remember, the One who created the stars and calls them by name also made you on purpose and knows you personally.

Just like God hung the stars and guides them, if you let Him, He will guide you, too. He has a wonderful plan for your life, and He is able to redirect you as needed. Stay the course.

God never grows tired or weary, so He’s always got your back. He cares about what concerns you, more than you could ever know. What God has for you, is for you.

As long as you are walking close in step with Him, God Almighty will make sure you get all that He has for you. You don’t have to be afraid of missing out. He is trustworthy and your life is not a small thing to Him… You are covered in His mercy and grace!

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God, You hold all things together in Christ, from outer space to a teeny-tiny ant hill! Thanks for holding my life together, too. You are so good, Lord. Help me trust You more with all the challenges in my life. Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Are you dealing with S.T.R.E.S.S.?? How can you trust God with it all today?

Tasks: Make a list of all that is bothering you, or the pros and cons of a specific situation. Then, look at it in light of God’s grace and goodness. Wait on Him, and see Him work it out on your behalf. Trust Him!

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

Finding Grace #330

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 was a full week, but most of it was fairly normal!!

One highlight was meeting with a recently widowed single mom on Monday. We had a great time together, and I think it was just what we both needed!

On Tuesday, we met with some dear friends who are moving in the next couple of weeks. The couple was featured in my book and really were there for us when Dave was sick and after he died. We will miss them, but I am excited for them to be closer to the grandkids and a new work opportunity.

Yesterday, after work, I met with another friend for coffee. She’s been through a lot in the last few years, and it was good to catch up. I’m grateful for how God has carried her through life’s challenges. He always meets us right where we are!

This weekend, we are puppy-sitting for another friend who is moving away. Hazel is half-Dalmatian/half GSP. She is six months, forty-three pounds, long and lean! She loves to explore, and we have been enjoying lots of neighborhood walks! Thankfully, she is fairly well-behaved for a puppy and Lydia is having fun! 

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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)!