Category: Parenting

Posted on in Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Pivot

The End of An Era

This week, Lydia and I are contemplating and celebrating her last days at the YMCA. 

For the last four years, the Y has been a staple in our lives. And now, Lydia has aged out. The transition was necessary, as she is going to middle school in a couple of weeks!

The Y has been a big blessing to us, though Lydia had to make many adjustments. We have seen it at God’s provision and as a proving ground.

Free Crayons Coloring Book photo and picture

We could have skipped the Y this summer, but I wanted to ensure we had a transition point. I didn’t want her staying home alone ALL summer, so I pushed Lydia to make the best of it during the school year so we had the option for summer. Of course, that meant she was the oldest kid there all year!

I encouraged Lydia to mentor the little kids, perhaps like a big sister. I coached her through social issues and asked her to put up with a lot of yelling and heckling. She loves little kids, but it was a stretch for an only child who appreciates peace and quiet! Her POTS and tinnitus was an extra challenge, but she was able to manage.

Sometimes, I spoke to the Y leaders about ways to cope, but they didn’t have much space to discipline the kids. Thus, Lydia and I had lots of character-building talks!

Over the years, Lydia enjoyed many things at the Y that would have been difficult to do otherwise. She learned about different cultures and music, developed her artistic talent, played games and sports, went on field trips, went swimming, and so much more. She ate lots of good meals and snacks, too!

Free Kid Child photo and picture

Lydia’s last day was supposed to be Tuesday, but due to me missing an email, it ended up being Monday. Mainly, she came unprepared for a field trip, and instead of making her go and sit out from the activities, I took her home for the day. 

Understandably, Lydia was a little sad and teary-eyed. While it has been a struggle at times, it has also been a source of stability and familiarity for her. She had some great leaders and made some good friends. It was a growing experience, and she has excelled.

We live nearby to the Y location at her elementary school, but I didn’t have time to run her gear back and forth, or I would have been late to work. So, we made a quick decision to call it good! (I knew I’d pay either way.)

Thankfully, Lydia has learned the ins and outs of staying home alone. While I don’t always like this option and keep it to a minimum, it is necessary at times. My mom has been good to text her during the day sometimes (and Lydia texts her friends). In fact, Lydia feels a special connection and responsibility to check in with those she loves. That’s a bonus!

Free Chalk Sidewalk Chalk photo and picture

As we reflect on all this, I cannot help but be so grateful for God leading us to the Y. Lydia has been there every day after school and on most school-out days or holidays. Having her at the Y has ensured that I can work more hours. I love my job at the VA but would not have been able to meet the demands as it has evolved.

And during the two peak COVID years, the Y was vital. I never missed one day of work because the Y stayed open! Without this consistent childcare option, I would have had to quit working (as many people did). Most other daycare options closed, but the Y prioritized children of ‘essential workers.’ Not having the Y could have been disastrous for me financially, but God protected us from getting sick and made a way for us. All glory to Him!

So, while this feels like the end of an era, it’s really a new beginning. We had challenges along the way, but God was faithful. I know He also will be with us as we keep moving forward. He always is!

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God, thanks so much for all your grace, provision, and protection! Thanks for carrying us all this time. As we take our next steps, help us keep leaning on and listening to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Can you see God’s hand at work as you reflect on the last 3-5 years? How has He carried you? How can you keep moving forward?

Tasks: Reflect on your journey with the Lord thus far. Make a list of all you have to be thankful for. Reconnect with Him when your path looks dim. He will come through for you!

 

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

Finding Grace #386

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 Zinnia Flowers photo and picture

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

This week felt crazy at first but ended well. Mostly work kept me on my toes early on.  But, the Lord was with me and helped me through it. Thank You, Jesus!

Then, on Wednesday, we saw an outdoor play in Moorhead with some old friends. It was HOT at first, but we enjoyed watching “Singin’ In the Rain.” We had fun, and it’s always hard to believe the actors are only in high school!

On Friday morning, I took Lydia into the walk-in clinic to check on her toenail. Apparently, she stubbed her toe a while back! Thankfully, the doctor could clip it off, and the new one is already coming in. She had no pain at all, thankfully.

After visiting the clinic, Lydia and I went back-to-school shopping! The required list is so much shorter this year, a sure sign of my baby growing up! We got almost everything in one short afternoon.

Today, we stayed home and just cleaned and organized around the house. It felt so good! Mostly, we just put things away and went through some old things to donate. We washed some bedding and made some pizza, too! It was a good 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 Books and Movies I Like, Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Pivot, Prayer, Wisdom

Movie Review: Sound of Freedom

Last night, I watched the ‘Sound of Freedom’ movie with a good friend. We were unsure of what we were getting into since the topic is child trafficking. I wasn’t sure if it was all hype, but it is based on a true story, and I felt it necessary to bear witness. It is important to learn more and call out the darkness. It is listed as PG-13, but I’d say it’s more appropriate for 16+ given the heavy, gripping material.
Honestly, this is probably one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. While some may argue, it is not a political movie nor a religious movie. It’s not about coercion or emotions. It is about saving children and raising awareness. ‘Sound of Freedom’ is about heroism in the face of evil. It’s an incredible story of courage and hope! My heart was pounding from the get-go, but it showcased many brave people stepping up and risking their lives to do what was right.
I learned that more people are enslaved today than at any other time in history (even in the ~300 years when it was ‘legal’); over two million are children. Snatched from their families, often under false pretenses. In terms of money, it has surpassed illegal drugs. Horrifying.
Free Boy Alone photo and picture
This movie is just one small part, but it was outstanding. In terms of acting and storytelling, it was all done very well! As I reflect on it, I understand that the reality is far worse. It shows just enough to make the point. Given the topic, some parts are a little emotional, but it was very much worth seeing. Apparently, it was #1 during it’s opening weekend, even beating Indiana Jones! Wow!
My reaction? This movie makes me want to do two things at once. I could easily hide away in my safety zone, protecting all my loved ones! But I am also compelled to go out and use my voice to make a difference. While God is not calling me to go directly into dangerous territory, I can pray for those in the daily struggle. I can press for better laws and better processes. I encourage you to see the movie and vote with your entertainment dollars.
Similar to how The Chosen tv show was originally funded, you can pay it forward by buying a ticket for someone. (Or, if needed, you can benefit by getting free tickets.)
There is work to be done. Read the statistics. Learn the signs. Donate to an organization. Volunteer. Speak up. Let’s send the message that “God’s children are not for sale!”
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God, thank You for being our Rescuer. Thanks for opening our eyes to the evils around us. Help us move forward in faith, wisdom, and boldness. May we be sensitive to the needs right in front of us. Fill us with compassion and courage. In Jesus’ Name Amen
Questions: How can you be a difference-maker today? Where can you stand in the gap for someone?
Task: Check out the Sound of Freedom movie in theaters now! Also, don’t be overwhelmed with what to do… just do the very next right thing and trust God to lead you.
Posted on in Being Gracious, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Fruit, Gratitude, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting

Finding Grace #383

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 fun week with lots of awesome highlights!

On Monday, I went to work and had a busy day, in that only three of our team were there! Most of my coworkers had approved time off, and one person was sick. We usually don’t try to cut it short like that, but thankfully, we were able to get all the work done.

We celebrated Independence Day on Tuesday. Lydia and I went to see the new Indiana Jones matinee (really good!) and then hung out with several families in our neighborhood that evening. I also invited our African friends over for fireworks and explained our American customs. We had fun catching up over watermelon and s’mores. Moreover, it was hilarious when the youngest kept shoving marshmallows into her mouth, even when her mom was ‘yelling’ at her to stop. 🙂 They clearly don’t eat many sweets, and I love that good parenting translates across cultures!

This week, at work, I spent a couple of days tracking down specialty devices for a patient with tube feeding. I went downstairs to the pharmacy to look through their supplies and spent time with my boss looking online. We found two good solutions, and the patient was very happy. I hope it eases their challenging situation a little.

Yesterday, I had an older patient who was malnourished with several long-term conditions. But, he was fun to talk with and eager to learn! His 90+-year-old parents are in good health, recently driving an hour to pick him up from the hospital! And, his mom still occasionally sends food home with him because she knows he’s not eating enough. (He did a subtle eye roll but clearly adores her.) 🙂 It was heartwarming and funny at the same time. A mother’s love never ends!

Today, we did little things around the house. We started by eating fruit pizza with my morning coffee on the deck. It was perfect, and I enjoyed listening to the melody of my windchimes blend in with the birdsong. Later, Lydia packed for church camp, and I got in a good workout. Thanks, Lord, for these summer days!

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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, Parenting, Perseverance, Pivot, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

On Summer Bucket Lists

Summer is always an exciting time of year. Typically, there are a lot of fun activities, people to see, and places to go. Summer weather sure makes it easier to get around. Small errands are quick and don’t take extra effort! Indeed, it is great not to have to bundle up in layers just to go outside! 

Sometimes, it’s difficult to figure out what to do and what to skip. We are more likely to try new things in summer because it feel more free. The daytime hours last longer, but if I am not careful, I could sign up for too much and miss all the wonderful surprises of the season.

It is wise to pray and ask for wisdom before we make our plans.

Free Sunflower Flower photo and picture

For my summer bucket list, I would like to take at least one little hike with Lydia and at least one early morning bike ride with her (before traffic gets crazy). I want to keep working on my yard and sit around a campfire with friends. I want to read some books and listen to my windchimes while sitting on the deck. Add a cup of coffee for the perfect Saturday morning… It’s good to find time to be still!

Lydia’s list is fairly short. She would like to go swimming and hang out with her friends.  She’s also excited to play volleyball and go to camp. Pretty simple.

Last night, I was reminded of a memory from ten years ago when I questioned God’s faithfulness. I angrily accused God of not doing His part to bring the spring. Yes, it had been a really long winter watching Dave decline… But then, in His own way and time, the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart, “I always bring the spring, and I bring the summer, too.”

Immediately, I understood that He had a good plan for me regardless of what happened. (And things certainly got worse!) But, over the years, I have found myself thinking about the summer metaphor, and just as I was writing this post, it hit me.

Maybe this is it.

Free Sunset Sun photo and picture

Lydia and I are not just having a great summer, we are in a place where we are thriving. We have found a good rhythm and are growing every day. We aren’t letting little setbacks become major. We are seeking God’s grace and finding it along the way. We are grateful.

That doesn’t mean everything is perfect. But, it is good. Summer is about a third over, but we don’t know how long the metaphorical summer will last. So, I better make the best of every season and trust God.

You might be going through something rough right now, and it’s hard to see the way forward, let alone think of a bucket list. I understand.

Draw near to God; lay your burdens at the feet of His throne. Rest in Him.

If you let Him, He will carry you to a good spot where you will thrive. He is faithful.

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God, thanks for the gift of summer. You have good plans for us, always. Help us make the most of our time in this beautiful season. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Do you have a summer bucket list? What are your top three items on the list?

Task: Make a list of all the things you would like to do. Road trips, concerts, camping, fishing, etc. Map out your summer because it will go fast!

 

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

Finding Grace #381

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 very relaxing week filled with family on vacation! On Sunday, Fathers Day, we hung out with my dad and mom plus Dave’s family at the beach in Florida. It was a perfect day.

Then, on Monday, I tried surfing for the first time. I’m really proud of myself and felt strong and confident. Sometimes, we need to push out of our comfort zone and try something new. I am so glad I did, and I can’t wait to go again!

We flew back later Tuesday and spent the next day resting. Both of us weren’t feeling well, so I am glad I took Wednesday off from work ahead of time. Lydia did manage to go to volleyball practice, but then she skipped youth group and was in bed by 7:30 p.m.

On Thursday, I went to work a little late to make sure Lydia was okay. I wasn’t quite 100% either, but I pulled through. I knew I had a busy day covering for someone else who had been on vacation, too. Lydia just rested all day, which is the best thing she could have done.

By Friday, we were both healthy again. Lydia said the best part of her day was that she felt well. I stayed later at work to finish up some patient care and came home to do a few little tasks.

This week, I tore down a barnswallow nest earlier in the week (after confirming there were no eggs). They had already made a big mess, and I didn’t want them sitting right on my front door. I set out a little plastic owl figure on the step and haven’t seen them since. I hope they find another place to roost, though. They sure are pretty!

Today, we mostly relaxed! Usually, we jump right back into our routine, so it’s been nice to have a slower pace. It rained on and off all day, thus we enjoyed reading and having some quiet time together. I need to mow, but the grass is wet. I’ll take it as a confirmation just to rest!

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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, Parenting, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

A Moment to Reconnect

As you may recall, recently, our pastor gave a couple of sermons on baptism. There are two kinds, one with water and one with the Holy Spirit. I won’t explain all the details now, but you can listen here.

After the first sermon, Lydia was inspired to be water baptized. The second sermon was preached on her baptism day, so we caught up later by listening online during our lunch this past Sunday at home (yes, a week later!). It was about having God’s power in us through the Holy Spirit.

While these are not new concepts for me, I am excited to see them through Lydia’s young eyes. She has a good level of understanding but also has interesting questions! It also helps me to think through and reconnect with the message of Christ when I am explaining it all to her. Thank You, Jesus!

Then, last night, I was going to ask Lydia about my blog post, knowing she sometimes has good insights to share. Sure enough! I didn’t realize it then, but I interrupted her time with God!

She kindly gave me the phrase, “Stay in the moment,” and went back to her quiet time. I searched my blog and found a couple of other posts in a similar vein, so decided to take her idea but add a twist based on what she was actually doing at that moment.

A few minutes later, Lydia reminded me that Pastor Dave said if we “only have ten minutes to pray, we should spend eight minutes worshiping God, and two minutes asking for what you need. And if you don’t get around to asking Him, don’t worry about it. He already knows!” Worship is vital.

It thrilled me that Lydia set herself a little timer as she reconnected with God! 🙂 I know He is even more pleased than me, but seeing her doing this on her own with Him is so cool!!

In addition, we have begun sharing personal insights from our daily time with God with each other. Each of us reads a passage (same or different), and then we discuss what we learned about God, Jesus, and/or the Holy Spirit; what we learned about ourselves; and what we will do to apply the information. Pretty basic, but it works for kids and adults alike!

I’m sure our routine will evolve over time, but it is fun to help Lydia discern God’s Truth and see her grow! As her mom, I am her first example of what it means to follow Jesus, and I take that seriously.

Free Praise Worship illustration and picture

To be clear, there is no particular amount of time we should worship God or pray. Some may only have ten minutes here and there, while others can set aside a bigger chunk of time. Either way, we can spend every moment of every day walking and talking with our Father God and Savior Jesus through the Holy Spirit in us! What a privilege!

The point is to simply come… as you are. Lay aside all pretense or need to be perfect. Be still and know that He is God. Open your heart and mind to Jesus.

Allow the Holy Spirit to direct you. Transformation only comes from spending time in the presence of God!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for Your grace and love! Thanks for the privilege of spending time with You. Please change us from the inside out as we reconnect with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How do you like to connect or reconnect with God? Do you like reading the Bible, praying, singing, walking, drawing pictures, etc.?

Tasks: Come and sit in God’s presence today. How that looks for you will be unique. But remember, you don’t have to feel anything to be loved! You already are!

 

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

Finding Grace #378

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 another great week with so many things to be grateful for! First off, Lydia was baptized at church on Sunday! She has been following Jesus personally for years, and we have been discussing baptism for a while. But, the timing just worked out best on Sunday. It was even more special that it was also Pentecost!

Monday was Memorial Day, so I was off from work. We took one of Lydia’s friends to ‘The Little Mermaid’ in theaters. The music, the actors, the graphics… It was all so good, and I highly recommend it!

On Wednesday, Lydia attended youth group again, and she had so much fun. She was a little nervous but wanted to go in by herself (leaving me in the car, which is always a good sign!). It is great to have others building into her life and reinforcing lessons we discuss at home. I’m grateful for other godly examples for her to follow!

On Thursday, we had dentist appointments. Everything went well! I always have to laugh at all the conversations the staff likes to have with you when you can’t say much. 🙂 One good thing is that I learned our dentist goes to the same church as us. I will have to look for his family tomorrow morning. Small world!

The healing garden at work is starting to bloom. Day by day, flowers are opening up and blooming full force. Notice the bright pink peonies are at it again!

Yesterday, I ran some errands after work. I went to Costco for some routine items and just happened to find a large wind chime. I love my smaller one from my family, in memory of Dave. I placed the new chime next to the little one, and the deeper noise brought a beautiful balance. This morning, I enjoyed my coffee on the sunny deck before the heat set in. It was so relaxing hearing the chimes in the breeze! Every “song” is always new and unique. I could’ve listened to that music all day!

It’s been hot this week, so I mowed the lawn last night when it cooled off a bit. Then today, I bought some new tools to help me weed more efficiently. It helps my back to have extended tools that do the job! I also did the trimming and deadheaded some plants. It feels good to get my yard in order! 

Otherwise, today was pretty normal. I was on-call but didn’t have to go in to work. Lydia had a birthday party in the afternoon, which gave me a little free time. I caught up around the house, but tonight, we are just relaxing!

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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, Parenting, Personality, Worship

Baptism Blessings

This past Sunday, Lydia took a big step in obedience to Christ. She got water baptized!

She first accepted Jesus into her heart on July 29th, 2017 (by asking for forgiveness for her sins and inviting Him in). Thankfully, we remember because I wrote a note in her Jesus Storybook Bible! I love how this little kid’s Bible explains God’s heart and the Gospel.

Back then, she felt close to Jesus because we talked about Him often, as we do now. But, she had not yet made a decision to live for Him. That day, we were reading in her Bible about Pharoah and the Egyptian plagues. Her sense of justice made her feel the Egyptians deserved all of God’s wrath! This led to a conversation about Heaven and Hell.

Lydia was confident she was going to Heaven, but when I explained that we all deserve the full punishment for our sins (death, Hell), she was surprised. I asked her if she had ever asked Jesus for forgiveness and gave her the opportunity. We prayed right then and there!

Because Lydia was only five years old, I waited to have her baptized. I wanted her to be able to make the decision on her own. Older believers may get baptized right away, but it was important to wait until she understood the commitment more.

At any rate, it’s been a topic we’ve discussed more over the last two years. We hoped to have family come to celebrate with us, but that’s difficult to coordinate all the variables and line it up with a baptism date. So, in the end, we just did what worked best for us.

Over the course of a couple of weeks, our pastor spoke about baptisms, one with water and one with the Holy Spirit. He talked about obedience to Christ and following His precedent, among other points. It was just the boost Lydia needed. We both agreed the timing was right! So, I filled out the paperwork, and she picked out her clothes and towel. 🙂

Leading up to Sunday, however, Lydia said she was nervous. She had made a poor decision (for her), which made her feel unworthy. I explained how none of us are worthy; that’s why we need Jesus!

Then, the night before, Lydia said she thought she would be more excited. I reminded her that we don’t need to ‘feel’ anything to be obedient. Each of us may exhibit excitement in different ways. Some people bounce off the walls with giddiness, and some calmly move forward with less energy and a smile. At least, this is more in line with Lydia’s (and my) personality. We can get excited, but we are pretty stable overall.

Sunday itself was awesome. Lydia and about forty other people decided to take the plunge! And it just so happened to be Pentecost! This is when Jesus’ disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit; they began speaking in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. In the Old Testament, God’s Spirit rested on certain people, but now He lives within us! So, it was an extra special blessing to be baptized on this day!

Afterward, Lydia and I went to Panera for lunch and then to Scheels for a new pair of shoes. That evening, we talked with family on Zoom, and my parents told her how proud of her they were. At bedtime, Lydia said she was really glad that she was brave and had a good experience! What a turning point for her!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for washing us clean and making us whole. Thank You for sharing Jesus and the Holy Spirit with us! Help us live for You every day. In Jesus’ Name Amen

Question: What is one step you can take to follow Jesus more closely today?

Task: Check out this sermon on baptism from my church. It starts at 39:33 and is called “A Fresh Look at Water Baptism.”

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

Finding Grace #377

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 an exciting week! We watched our friend’s baby on Sunday and had fun “showing her off” on Zoom to our family (they know her mom). She was crying a bit but every time I stepped out on the deck, she grew calm. It was funny! And, my friend brought us ice cream and some patriotic flowers (above) as a thank you!

On Tuesday, I took part of the morning off to go to Lydia’s school. She earned an academic award and a certificate of achievement for her elementary years. I am proud of all her hard work. Also, it was fun to cheer on all the kids, some of whom are our neighbors!

On Wednesday, Lydia attended youth group at church for the first time. Now that she’s going into middle school, she is eligible to go. This is something Lydia’s been looking forward to for some time, but she was still a little nervous. Thankfully, she saw a few people she knew, and one person she met last week remembered her and called her over when she arrived. It was a blessing, and Lydia was really glad she went!

Thursday was Lydia’s last day of elementary school. She will miss seeing all her friends, but she will still go to the Y for a couple of days each week (at the school). So, it will be a smooth transition into middle school next fall. We ‘celebrated’ by mowing the lawn that night, lol!

Work was busy but manageable. I taught three classes on Wednesday, saw several back-to-back patients the rest of the week, covered a coworker while she was on vacation, and got ahead for next week. But, it went well and I enjoyed it!

The weather was hot and sunny this week! The wind made it really nice, and I took the scenic route due to some road construction.

Today, we helped out with a high school graduation party. We stayed for about six hours! Lydia played with her friends, and I met new friends and caught up with dear friends and served in the kitchen. We chopped up cooked chicken, refilled various entrees and sides, washed a ton of dishes, etc. Lydia said she heard us laughing as they walked through. It was good for my soul!

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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)!