Category: Perseverance

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

Cozy and Thankful

Here in the Great North, wintry weather has come! It makes me just want to stay home and watch movies while drinking something warm. 🙂 Cozy!

Actually, this is the best winter weather in that we haven’t had much blowing or accumulation yet. We can still see around the street corners, and it’s all really beautiful!

Since I fell on the ice at home over the weekend, I called my chiropractor on Monday to see if I could get in for an adjustment. Her husband, also a chiropractor, answered the phone and explained she also fell and hurt herself even worse. I hit my head and elbow, but it seems she broke her elbow in two places! I decided could just wait until later in December to see if she is starting to see patients again. If you think of her, pray for Dr. Jenny.

Interestingly, one of my coworkers and a few of my patients also have fallen on the ice, too. We’ve all had similar ‘war wounds.’ Altogether, this has made me feel even more careful than usual… I’m ‘walking like a penguin’ just in case.

Free photos of Mirror

The evening drive after work has also been a little nerve-wracking. I am a good driver, but don’t necessarily enjoy driving… and I was feeling a little time-crunched at work. Yesterday, I started off slow, and it took about eleven extra minutes to get across town since a lot of other drivers were also being cautious. Probably wise!

I was praying and turned off the radio so I could focus. Then, I just started thanking God for keeping me safe and for helping us all to drive well. I also told Him how pretty the snow was and how I was thankful there was no wind. I was very grateful for my reliable Subaru with all-wheel-drive. While I missed seeing the sun, I was glad it wasn’t ‘blinding’ me while driving. There’s always something to be thankful for!

Talking with God calmed me down! Now sometimes, I do complain, but yesterday, I was getting rid of other distractions in order to pay attention. It made a huge difference in my attitude and my driving!

Instead of being stressed when I picked up Lydia, I was calm. I’m sure she appreciated that too! I stopped to get some gas, and then we were home-free. Thanks, Lord!

With a new perspective, I was able to enjoy dinner with Lydia, write my blog post, exercise, and catch up on Season 2 of The Chosen before watching the first two episodes of Season 3 this coming weekend in the theater! It’s good to be cozy and thankful! 😉

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God, thanks for your grace and protection. Help me be wise and listen; help me know when to be bold and when to be cautious. My confidence is in You alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What is your favorite part about winter weather? What are you thankful for?

Task: Please pray for my chiropractor, and also tell God what you are thankful for!

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

Finding Grace #347

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 Deer

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

This week was low-key at first but then picked up at the end.

Lydia was still sick on Sunday and stayed home on Monday. We used the day to rest, and I made sure she ate. Thankfully, she felt better (enough) Tuesday, and we went back to work and school! I am grateful for some awesome coworkers who could cover all my duties!

Work was busy as usual, but I did my best as usual. I had some fun patients and some good conversations with professionals in other fields. My dietitian coworkers and I had fun dressing up for an early Halloween party on Friday. We did a group costume where one person made a pool table costume to wear, and almost everyone else was the colored balls! I happened to be the cue stick. We all had a good laugh! 

My friend with the new baby came over for Chinese food and a movie. It is so fun to see how much the baby has grown over the last eight weeks. It reminds me of how Lydia was once so little… she really enjoys holding the baby, too. 

Today, Lydia had a playdate with a friend. They went to a dance class and had fun! I cleaned the bathtub and paid some bills in peace. 😉 Later, we bought some Halloween candy for trick-or-treat and ran a couple of errands. It was a beautiful day to get outside!

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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, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Worship

Perfectly Loved

Do you have a favorite song right now? Currently, I love “Perfectly Loved“ by Rachael Lampa (featuring TobyMac).

I recognized her name but couldn’t recall where I might have heard of her. After a quick online search, I realized I have her first CD from years ago! This is a new song, however.

The tune hits those emotional notes, and the message is spot-on. Every time I hear it on the radio, it speaks to my heart. Here are some of the song lyrics:

“Ooh, even when you were runnin’
Even when you were hidin’
Never been a moment that you were not perfectly loved
Whеn you barely believеd it
When your eyes couldn’t see it
Every single moment, you’ve always been perfectly loved”

Free photos of Heart

Later, the lyrics mention being “perfectly human, made from the dust” which just makes me so grateful for all that God has done in me and through me.

The song is a good reminder that God knows our flaws, faults, and failings, yet He loves us anyway. God knows our shortcomings and meets us right where we are. He invites us to join Him in His work, but He knows our limitations and covers them with his grace.

God knows our weaknesses, yet He empowers us with His strength. He never gives up on us, even we give up on ourselves. He is always cheering us on!

“God loves us the way we are, but too much to leave us that way.” –Leighton Ford

I don’t know about you, but I find all of this very encouraging. Whatever we are going through, God already knows. He’s right here with us, extending me grace and also mercy when needed. He stretches us and prompts us to grow, but He doesn’t leave all the work up to us. Thank You, Lord!!

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God, thanks for loving us no matter what. Thanks for walking with us and carrying us when needed. Also, thanks for the gift of music; may our lives be a sweet symphony to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What is your favorite song currently on the radio? Do you prefer to sing in the car or in the shower?!

Task: Listen to “Perfectly Loved” and let it marinate in your heart and mind!

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

A Few Loose Screws

Lately, I have done a lot of hands-on work around the house. I have moved benches and deck furniture, and I put up the Christmas lights as I prepare for winter. I have taken a few trips to the recycling station, too.

In addition, I have taken apart several things to sell. These include a table and four chairs, two ottomans, and a weight bench. I was making room for other priorities. Most of the items were fairly easy, but it was challenging to tear the table apart. It hadn’t been moved in twelve years, so the screws were in tight.

And, I have put together some things, too. These include a dolly and two pieces of exercise equipment (upgrades for my personal gym!). The dolly was actually the toughest thing of all because the metal just would not cooperate and the directions were a little confusing! I did manage to get a couple of bruises, but nothing to worry about.

All in all, I followed all the directions, and thankfully, I haven’t had many parts left over!

Free photos of Stainless steel screw

As I was piecing together one item, the directions mentioned how if certain screws weren’t in just right, it could cause an accident, or even death. They were tiny screws!

I made sure to double-check all the nuts, bolts, and screws. Just to be sure. I wouldn’t want to put my weight on something and have it fall apart.

In fact, I was incredulous that my safety could depend on the smallest component. A few loose screws could be quite a problem!

Then, I got to thinking… God holds all things together through Jesus and the power of His Word; no screws needed! Not just my life or yours, but the entire world. He is more than capable!

Whether it is a lot of steps or just a few, God always knows just what needs to be done. He wrote the directions, or guide, to Life! We can trust Him to hold the full weight of whatever we are going through. He will protect us but also catch us if we happen to fall. He’s got us covered!

Ultimately, God loves us even when we have ‘a few screws loose.’ 😉 We fall short, but He accepts us as we are. He can take all of our mess and make something strong, beautiful, and purposeful!

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God, thanks for covering us with Your wisdom, strength, grace, and love. You never let us down! Help us trust You every step of the way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you enjoy hands-on tasks, like putting together items around the house or refinishing furniture? What are your favorite tools?

Task: Next time you buy something with a lot of pieces to assemble, reflect on how God organizes the pieces of your life, too. You are a perfectly designed masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10)!

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

Finding Grace #343

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 Oak

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

This was a really good week! I enjoyed talking with family, including my parents who live in Florida. Hurricane Ian brought wind and rain, but they were protected. The hurricane was not a direct hit for them. There is much to be grateful for, and my prayers are with those who were affected.

All week long, I was behind on charting at work. I tried not to be too stressed, however. Several of my coworkers helped out, as I kept getting patients which took time away from getting caught up. One day, they took four of my easier patients, and then I got three more since I am in the walk-in clinic. It was a little funny, and I am glad to be part of such a great team of ladies!

I happily noticed our new little neighbor girl was wearing Lydia’s old winter coat! The mornings certainly felt chilly in the 50s and 60s, but of course, it will only get colder! I was honored when the mom called me simply to check on me. She hadn’t made it to the bus stop because of the chilly weather, but she wanted to make sure I was doing well and having a good week. That little surprise made my day!

My medical test went well, and I received excellent news that everything is normal. I had a follow-up on Friday, and my provider said I didn’t need to come back! She made a couple of recommendations to ease my gut symptoms, and I will be implementing those. All in all, it is a huge relief knowing that I don’t have to make big changes. Praise God!

This week, I did some hands-on projects. I bought and put together a dolly/cart and used it to move and assemble some gym equipment. I had asked someone for help, but they weren’t available when I was. It will be a couple of weeks until they are free, and I decided not to wait any longer. The equipment was fairly heavy going down the stairs, which ironically made me feel strong and accomplished just moving it! I prayed for God to help me, and He did! I am proud of myself for doing the hard work and getting it done!

As I drove around town this week, I noticed some of the beautiful fall colors starting to pop! It’s such a pretty time of year! I mowed yesterday, but only did the long parts. Some of the grass didn’t really need it! Lydia was also glad she didn’t have to help after all! 😉

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

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

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

Sweet Relief

This week, I had a simple medical test/procedure. It was fairly straightforward and, as such, almost not worth mentioning. But, I wanted to share a little of my experience in case it benefits someone else… 

In short, I have had mild gut issues over many years. I had similar issues as a kid, in college, and before/after Dave died from colon cancer. I don’t know if my symptoms are related to internalizing stress or my Hashimoto’s thyroid disease, an autoimmune disease I have had for twenty-five years.

Indeed, I mentioned my concerns to my doctor after Dave’s funeral, but then talked myself out of further testing when she offered it. I was really emotional at the time and didn’t want deal with it. I don’t recommend that avoidant approach, however!

Earlier this year, I got my back in better shape and realized my gut could also use some help. I had gotten so used to the discomfort that I just assumed it was normal.

To clarify, my symptoms are somewhat normal… no overt signs of disease. But, some people are just more sensitive than others, and I tend to have gut discomfort when others don’t (even when we eat the same foods). The gut is known as the ‘second brain,’ so when it is not functioning correctly, it can impact quite a lot of other things!

Free photos of Manzana

Well, this year, I again spoke up at my annual physical in May. This time, I requested a referral to gastroenterology. I appreciated that both of the providers listened to my concerns, though I was still a little nervous.

In June, we decided to do some more testing, which occurred this week. The prep was less than glamorous, but the results were “pretty darn good” to quote the doctor running the test! 🙂

Leading up to the test, I kept my focus on Jesus and took on His peace, which is freely given. He is the Source of my life and strength, so it is always wise to trust Him.

On the day of the test, everyone was extremely friendly and helpful. They were so kind and knowledgeable that it put my mind at ease. I was able to relax and go with the flow. It was a much different feeling than when I waited for Dave’s test results all those years ago.

When the doctor introduced herself, she agreed it was good to get tested since autoimmune diseases can often run together. I briefly mentioned my concerns, especially since Dave had zero symptoms at his colon cancer diagnosis. (Mine was a test to rule out a wide variety of potential illnesses!) She was so compassionate, and I was glad I chose her to do the test!

Free photos of Fruit

I still have those mild symptoms – and a follow-up for potential next steps – but ALL my results came back clear! I don’t have celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, an ulcer, micro-colitis, diverticulosis, H Pylori, cancer, or anything else. Whew, I am so relieved!! It is still possible to get a generic diagnosis (like IBS or a food intolerance), but I can’t self-diagnose those things. Thankfully, we ruled out all the major red flags!

My hunch has been that it just will come down to paying more attention to my food choices and how they affect me. I already do this to some degree; as a Registered Dietitian, it’s right up my alley. Fiber and water are key! But, even though I eat well and enjoy most foods, my gut may think differently.  😉

Other good strategies will include ongoing stress management to lower chronic inflammation; continuing my exercise routine, so my gut runs well; and getting adequate sleep to restore my system each night. This is easier said than done, but I am committed to doing the work it takes to feel good consistently.

Professionally, I always tell my patients: “You are your best advocate, and you know your body best.” Today, I am thankful I was brave, despite my earlier fear. I am glad I advocated for myself, and I am grateful for the good results. We only get one body, and we have the privilege of caring for it, as a Temple.

All in all, I wanted to praise God and to share a little— but not too much– with you about my health journey (a.k.a. my Forty-Year Tune-Up)! Also, I want to give a shout-out to the three women doctors and their staff who have helped me.

Thank you for reading and celebrating with me!

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God, You are so gracious and merciful!! Thanks for protecting me and giving me peace of mind. May I continue to make healthy choices that honor You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What part of this post resonated with you? Do you need to advocate for yourself or someone else?

Tasks: Listen to “The Healing“ by Blanca and Dante Bowe. Sing out your praises to God! He is Jehovah-Rapha, the God Who Heals.

Posted on in Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Pivot, Wisdom

Like A Mother Hen

On our recent Montana trip, we saw a grouse family on our long hike up Sentinel Mountain. These birds, also called partridges, were along the trail and then fanned out when we came along. There were about seven birds, and most of them must’ve been babies.

The mother called them to her as we passed by. It was cool to watch as they flocked back to her. She stood in one place and let them come to her, but I imagine she would’ve gone berserk if we had come closer!

These birds reminded me of the partridges we have at my house. For some reason, lately, they have been all over my yard! It makes me smile and laugh when I see them all waddle across the street into my yard. Occasionally, I have seen them by my free little library… maybe they like to read?!

Anyway, it is fun to watch the birds, even though they all run or fly away when I come around the corner. So funny! Soon the weather will change, and I wonder where they will end up.

Now, I could make this post about mothers or mothering… such as how ‘mothers know best’ or ‘mom is always there for you.’ But, for today, I want to keep the focus on Jesus.

In Luke 13:34, NLT, Jesus said, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”

Jesus was filled with sorrow because His people would rather kill Him instead of turn to Him. He knew the disaster that was coming their way years later when the temple and much of the city were destroyed. He wanted to protect them, and He was saddened at their resistance.

Jesus said all that about Jerusalem and the Jewish people, but His words are a good reminder for us, too. When chaos comes, who do we run to? What is our gut reaction?

 It’s easy to turn to friends or turn on the television, but only Jesus saves.

We can find temporary comfort in the things of this world, but only Jesus brings peace that lasts. When you don’t know what to do, ask Jesus.

Better yet, seek Him first! Find where He is and join Him. Then, you for sure will be on the right path! His grace covers you, and He will make a way for you.

God sees you and knows you…even better than your mother. 😉 He understands exactly what you need even before you figure it out! 

Run to Him. Lean on Him. Let Him protect you and lead you. He is faithful.

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God, thanks for drawing us near and holding us close. May we not turn away from you, but run to You instead. May all we do glorify You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you like to birdwatch? Do you have a favorite bird? Do you find yourself running to God in hard times, or do you try to solve your own problems?

Tasks: Grab a bird identification book and put a pair of binoculars in your car, so you are ready when you see some cool birds! Remember, draw near to God and He will draw near to you!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot, Wisdom

Comfort Zones

I read a quote this week by Pastor Levi Lusko, and it said, “Comfort zones don’t keep your life safe, they keep your life small.” Wow. As someone, who often prays for God’s protection and safety, this spoke to me!

As Lydia starts her last year of elementary school this week, I am thankful for the (relative) status quo of this year. It is bound to be a transitional time, but still, more of the same. Some of her friends were redistricted to a different school, but Lydia got to stay where she’s been. I am glad for her, but also helping her understand how others may feel.

I can foresee some changes on the not-so-distant horizon (also known as middle school next year). But, we will address those needs when they come. For now, I am going to enjoy each moment that Lydia (still) hugs me in front of her friends. Each moment she laughs at my jokes or tells me all the things I am doing well and that she’s proud of me.

Those are all good things, and far be it from me to rush into the next season. At the same time, I don’t want to run away from challenges. Not all problems are bad, if they push us to be our best!

Recently, Lydia and I have been discussing growth. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Growth means many things, but I think about beating stagnancy with learning, serving, and giving. If nothing changes, nothing changes!

Growth is possible when we lean on God and trust Him to bring us through. If we fight the growing process or drag our feet, we just prolong the test. As Joyce Meyer once mentioned the Holy Spirit lets us repeat the test as many times as it takes to get it right! Of course, the sooner we “get it,” the faster we can get on to new things!

If we are wise, we will use both comfort zones and challenges to draw close to Jesus.

Even with things staying mostly the same this school year, we still have plenty of opportunities for growth. Each day has its own challenges and troubles, and some days we are just glad to stay afloat. I am really grateful Jesus is with us!

You know, praying for safety is good, but perhaps it is better to pray for God’s will be done in each season and situation. There is always something to learn. We can’t expect life to be easy, but we can ask and expect God to show up and fight on our behalf.

Again, if you are in a comfort zone, that may be just fine. But if you’ve been there for a while, God might just be calling you to grow. Don’t be afraid; He is with you. Lean into His grace and let Him lead you to greater things!

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God, You are so good! Thanks for leading us with love and kindness. Don’t let us stay stagnant, but help us lean into Your grace during each challenge. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Are you in your comfort zone? Are you needing to trust God through a challenge?

Tasks: Start each day with Jesus! Be grateful for when the days are calm and even-keeled, and be grateful when life rocks your boat and challenges arise! Be willing to grow and be stretched!!

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!)