Category: Travel

Posted on in Miscellaneous, Travel, Wisdom

Tires, Target, and Thankfulness

Last week was an expensive week in the car repair department. Before you think I am complaining, let me explain why I am so grateful!

On our most recent road trip back to Fargo, a warning light came on during a thunderstorm. It said my tire pressure was low, but I did not have a flat tire. We were still over two hours from home. I checked all my tires each time we stopped; they looked fine.

I’ve had plenty of flats on other cars over the years, and am pretty good at changing tires! Thanks, Dad! But changing tires far from home and with a child is different.

pile of tires

After we returned home from our trip, I noticed a nail in the rear driver-side tire. Great. This was the third time in less than one year that I have run over a nail. But by God’s grace, I’ve never had a flat tire on this car! Soon, I had made an appointment to fix my tire.

Back in May, I was getting an oil change and was told that I would need new tires by this fall. I was surprised because I didn’t think they would wear down that quickly. We’ve taken several road trips over the last few years, but I didn’t expect to need new tires so soon. But yes, apparently putting over 35,000 miles on your car will do that!

That day I received a quote for new tires, but thought I would wait. It was a lot of money!

Before this most recent appointment, however, I reviewed the quote for new tires. As I researched tire options, I realized the cost was average for tires and the labor seemed very fair. Still not convinced that I really needed new tires, I did the penny trick. This is where you see how much of Lincoln’s head is seen, which translates to how much tread is left. Guess what. ALL of Lincoln’s head was showing!

Yep, I had not noticed it before, but my tire tread was almost bare!

Psalm 25_4

While I certainly needed to get the one tire fixed, I knew I’d probably be back in a couple months anyway. I asked several questions and asked about all the options. In the end, I decided to buy four new tires and avoid the time crunch later.

I wasn’t planning this expenditure for July, but value my time and the safety of my family. And, even though it was a good chunk of money, I was grateful Dave had always set aside money for car repairs. So, it was already in the budget!

I discovered Target was only about a block away, so Lydia and I walked there. I needed to buy a small gift for a friend that day. I was glad to take care of that while we waited because it saved me ‘daycare time’ later on.

Then, we walked back to the shop, thankful for the exercise. My car was almost done. It was getting an alignment, which I learned was very needed. Two tires were pulling off-kilter, but I had grown used to it. I didn’t realize how far off it had been!

After the technician explained to me all they had done, I was grateful to get it fixed! As I drove off, I felt like I had a new car. It drove so smoothly and quietly!

wheel on car

You likely have had different challenges lately! But we can all appreciate God’s protection and wisdom to make good decisions. We can have peace when making decisions knowing He covers us with His grace.

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Heavenly Father, thanks for taking such good care of me! Thanks for showing me the right path to take. Give me wisdom for life’s decisions. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Question: Have you had an unexpected expense that turned out to be a blessing?

Posted on in Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Procrastination, Travel

5 Benefits of Taking a Break

I don’t know about you, but I cannot believe how fast the summer is going! It’s probably been the best summer yet, since Dave went to heaven three years ago. Lydia and I are doing well, praise God!

sunflower

With August just around the corner, our month is already filling up. Lydia has a little camp to attend with a friend; we have a visitor coming for a few days; and we have a host of other fun activities.

However, I’ve been somewhat relaxed most of July, having spent 2+ weeks traveling. So, I purposely postponed a few tasks and projects in favor of keeping things simple. I’m not really procrastinating, just focusing on different things for a change. It feels good!

Clearly, God has done a good work in me! In years past, I would have stressed about it. Now, instead of worrying, I’ve just decided to go with it! That’s grace! (And a lot more fun!)

I’ll get back to my normal routine in the coming days.

Meanwhile, here are five benefits of taking a break (or road trip, whatever). 😉

Psalm 29_11

More Rest: This may seem obvious, but we all need rest physically. On my last trip, I slept for 8 hours five days in a row. That’s the longest 8-hour streak I have had in…years! Also, my exercise routine is usually different when I travel. But even if I stay home on a rest day, my activity patterns are still laid-back.

More Relaxation: For me, this is mental. My best thinking and problem-solving comes when I am relaxed. Enjoying a different mental pace frees me up to think about other important things. My body may be hiking, canoeing or swimming, but my mind is on its own adventure! I love when my imagination kicks in and I can explore creative solutions. In fact, it’s a necessity to have a little time (traveling or not) each week to just chill and think clearly.

Less Stress: Cue the release of emotional burdens! We don’t need to carry the weight of our emotional stress. Yet, sometimes we fail to recognize the load on our shoulders. By taking time away, we can leave behind overwhelm, fear, worry, anger, etc. Sometimes, a little distance is all we need to realize we need to make different choices or move on. Stepping away for a little break may bring temporary relief or permanent changes.

Clear Perspective: When we take a break, we can also gain spiritual clarity. We can see the bigger picture, instead of focusing on our present circumstances. During a vacation from our problems, we can see what is really important. Perhaps God wants to provide direction or show us something new. He longs to answer our prayers, but we risk missing Him altogether when we don’t take time to listen. When we slow down, we can hear His Voice in the peace and quiet.

Increased Growth: In addition to new ideas and perspectives, taking time to explore can lead to growth in skills, knowledge, and even relationships. Find what inspires you to live a full life. Make memories with those you love, and meet new friends. Seek new challenges and put away your should-do list.

fishing and rest

I made a confession last week. Here’s another: Often, I don’t realize how much I need a break until I am actually taking one! It is becoming clear to me that I cannot afford to neglect breaks. When I regularly schedule rest, my overall outlook improves.

Psalm 23:2 says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.” Yes, it may be challenging to take time away. But it is so important! Life is short…let God have your worries and take a break! 

Or, as I wrote earlier this year, take the trip you have been putting off.

If you are feeling tired and worn out…relax! Consider options for a daily break, a weekly escape, a monthly getaway, and/or a yearly retreat. Even if you stay home, explore your local surroundings. Try new foods, new parks, new entertainment. Be creative!

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Father God, thank You for blessing us with rest. Thank You for restoring us in the peace and quiet. Help us seek Your grace and Your pace each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Questions: Have you taken any trips lately? How can you build more rest and relaxation into your life?

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous, Travel

Finding Grace #20

I love the concept of giving God a shout out for what He has done.

We don’t do that nearly enough!

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 in God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

lightning

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

  • This week was spent in Illinois. Yes, Lydia and I took another road trip! A friend of mine got married last Saturday, and then we spent a little time with friends and family. We had a great week and a relaxing visit. Though, we don’t always get to see everyone, we are thankful to know so many wonderful people.

  • I had wanted to take Lydia to the Como Zoo in St. Paul this summer, but so far it hadn’t worked out. Yesterday, on our way back to Fargo, I decided to get a hotel overnight and visit the zoo. It was so hot and humid, but we had a great time anyway! My favorite part was the Butterfly Garden exhibit—between 800 and 1000 colorful butterflies flying all around us in an enclosed exhibit. Wow! Lydia loved the animals and experienced her first amusement park rides at Como Town (connected to the zoo). Later, we ate dinner, swam at the hotel, and watched HGTV. 🙂

  • I am thankful we went to the zoo yesterday, because we had an adventurous trip back to Fargo today! We got around the twin cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul) and stopped for a bathroom break and snack. No problem. It started sprinkling as we left the gas station, and after about ten minutes back on the highway, we drove into a downpour of rain! Lightning surrounded us as I prayed for God’s protection and help. Scary! By God’s grace, Lydia slept through the entire storm!

  • Many cars pulled off the road due to decreased visibility. I missed a few exit opportunities because I couldn’t see the signs until too late. I was thankful for a truck to follow, several car lengths back. As long as I could see the truck, I knew I was on the road.I was also thankful for my navigation system because we took a few construction detours in the midst of the storm.

  • After an hour or so, we finally drove through the storm, but it rained on and off until about eighty miles outside Fargo. That’s about 2.5 hours of our ~4-hour drive. Along the way, I pulled under an overpass to check my tires. I was concerned I might have a flat tire, as my tire pressure censor came on. Perhaps I ran over a nail—or perhaps it was just the twenty-degree sudden drop in temperature! I will check out the tire, put in some air, and repair it if needed. But, praise God we arrived home a couple hours ago safe and sound!

  • Now, we are jumping back into our routine. I’m almost finished with two loads of laundry, unloading the car, unpacking, going through the mail, etc. I watered my trees and will probably mow tonight. This week will likely be full—I already have about five people to connect with—in addition to work and my own projects. Lydia is happily playing with friends in the neighborhood. Thank You God for Your grace!

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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)!

Where did YOU see or experience God’s grace this week?

Posted on in Miscellaneous, Travel

Baggage Claims and Packing Light

If you are a regular reader here, I hope I have earned your trust. That’s because I have a small confession to make. Yes, here is my baggage claim: When it comes to traveling, I always pack too much stuff! (Whew!)

I have gotten better over the years, but still, I tend to over-pack! When I was younger, my older sister would sit on my suitcase in order for me to zip it shut! 😀 Even now, I like road trips slightly more than flying because I can pack just about anything I want! I have a whole car to work with!

luggage

It’s not that I absolutely need everything I pack. I am relatively low-maintenance in terms of clothing and cosmetics. Nope. I simply like to have options! You know…JUST. IN. CASE.

Extra shirts, socks, shoes… Extra shampoo, floss, and nail clippers… You need it…I have it!

  It is wise to be prepared. However, I may need to scale back on my planning and preparedness. It’s rare that I actually run out of an item, but yes, I could most likely borrow or purchase something if it was important.

I also tend to pack other items for family or friends to save me postage. On my last trip, I packed a sweater for my mom, a jar of apple butter for my mother-in-law, and a couple shirts for a friend.

As you can imagine, all of that extra weight starts to add up. After a couple recent road trips (still over-packing), I started to wonder…how much extra stuff do we carry around in our daily lives?

luggage in meadow

Our schedules. We often jam too much in our days. We can feel overwhelmed with all we have to do. This is a big one for me. I am learning to prayerfully consider what I can really handle before saying yes to something.

Our social calendars. We say yes to too many events, often because we are afraid to upset someone by saying no. Let’s ditch the need to please!

Emotional baggage. This may include fear, guilt, anger, resentment, unforgiveness, or even self-pity. Releasing these burdens can certainly lighten your load.

Other burdens. This might include buying too much at the local ‘stuff mart.’ Whether overspending or simply wanting more stuff… Indeed, sometimes less truly is more. A little contentment goes a long way.

All of these things can weigh us down. If we’re not careful, we can hinder ourselves from moving forward and living a full life. We were never meant to carry the entire load on our own. Jesus beckons to us to let Him help.

Matthew 11_28

Life can be difficult. Even if you don’t travel much, perhaps daily burdens are adding up. If so, consider adding these to your daily pack:

Start with God’s love and grace. His love is the best foundation and carries us securely throughout the day. Don’t leave home without it! God’s grace is always abundant and reminds us of His goodness. It also makes a great gift to give away.

Then add joy. Joy keeps us light-hearted on our journey.

Next, add thankfulness mixed with praise. When we praise God with thankful hearts—even in the difficult moments—we avoid a pileup of worries.

After that, add faith and hope. “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). When we trust that God has great things in store for us, we can expect good things…even if our travel plans (or life plans) go awry.

Finally, don’t forget your peace. Peace comes hand-in-hand with God’s rest. If we remain at peace, it is easier to have rest in our hearts and in our lives. The lack of internal peace is a good indicator that something is not quite right. Therefore, we can use that to make adjustments so we can retain a good attitude and right perspective throughout the day.

Praise God, we don’t have to carry our troubles alone. May we bring our burdens to Jesus today! In exchange for our problems, He gives us His peace and rest. He will also make sure we have everything else we need for a successful journey. Thank You, Jesus!

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Heavenly Father, thank You for walking with us side-by-side. Remind us to bring our heavy loads to You. May we have light hearts and live freely in the beauty of each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Questions: Do you have any tips for an over-packer, like me? What other qualities would you add to your daily pack?

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous, Travel

Finding Grace #18

I love the concept of giving God a shout out for what He has done.

We don’t do that nearly enough!

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 in God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

sail boat

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

  • At the beginning of the week, we were still on our vacation to Lake Superior in Bayfield, WI. We had an amazing time and made wonderful memories. It is always good to settle back in at home, and we had plenty of tasks and errands to keep us busy the rest of the week. 🙂
  • One exciting event was that I upgraded Lydia to a twin bed. It was long overdue, but I just got around to it this week. A friend helped me put it all together, and I surprised Lydia after picking her up that day. She was so excited she even volunteered to take a nap! We had to rearrange her room, but all in all, it was a great experience.
  • I dislike sitting for long periods of time for several reasons. Whether it is due to inactivity or unintentional slouching, prolonged sitting brings me discomfort. And of course, I sit more when traveling or writing regularly! I found a handy sitting contraption this week, that has already brought immense relief. This BackJoy seat forces you to sit differently, by simply tilting your pelvis forward into its natural, preferred position. I have found it super comfortable and would highly recommend it to anyone who has back or posture problems. I am thanking God for this easy solution!

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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)!

Where did YOU see or experience God’s grace this week?

Posted on in Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Travel

A Road Trip to Lake Superior

Over 4th of July weekend, Lydia and I went on another road trip! We drove through several small Minnesota towns along Highway 210. We went through Duluth and on to Bayfield, Wisconsin, via Route 13.

Bayfield was once a booming town on a prominent shipping route. Today, it’s a small town along the Lake Superior South Shore, gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Lake Superior

We drove the six or seven hours from Fargo to meet my parents and two other couples from their sailing club (in Illinois). The eight of us had a fun adventure together!

I was looking forward to seeing my parents and crossing some items off my “travel bucket list.” I have wanted to see the Minnesota countryside, including some of the “10,000 lakes” and Duluth. I have also wanted to explore Lake Superior for quite some time.

But guess what? We almost didn’t go!  It was a lot of work to prepare for the trip. I had to pack for two, reschedule a commitment, plan for our return, etc. I have a couple other big plans (and projects) for the summer, so I wondered if taking time away was a good idea. Still, I was excited for the opportunity, and I am so glad we went!

Lake Superior at night

Lydia is an awesome little traveler, and we had a special time away with my mom and dad. Usually when we travel to Illinois, there are other people or plans vying for our attention. We stayed together in a cute bed-and-breakfast and had perfect weather for the entire trip.

What a blessing!

Our new friends were very eager to show us around. Excellent hosts, they generously took us all on their sailboat, speed boat, and dinghy to explore several of the Apostle Islands.

The first night (Friday) we went out to see the stars. We used the ‘Sky View’ app to learn about the constellations! Lydia loved going fast on the boat ride!

Devil's IslandCove at Devil's Island

Saturday included a dinghy ride to see an old shipwreck. The water was so clear! We also motored out to Raspberry Island to see a light house. We toured the buildings, and it was compelling to think about the history and importance of lighthouses. Such brave men (and their families) gave up everything to ensure the safety of sailors and other travelers.

Sunday was spent on an all day trip to one of the farthest islands. On Devil’s Island, we saw another lighthouse and natural sandstone caves eroded by years of wind and water. The colors were beautiful and I took pictures of the caves, water, and ships passing by.

On Sunday evening, we experienced the Big Top Chautauqua (think old tent revivals). The Chautauqua has been around for 30+ years. Its concerts bring many famous acts, but also showcase local talent. We attended a show called ‘Riding the Wind,’ a musical history of the Bayfield/Apostle Islands area. Lydia clapped along with everyone else. But when asked what her favorite part was, she enthusiastically said, “The hot dog!”

Sandstone Caves at Devil's IslandOn the Dinghy Lydia asleep on the boat

Monday was the 4th of July, and truthfully, the best Independence Day celebration I’ve had in years! With just me and Lydia, the holiday has not been all that exciting. This year, we all boated over to Madeline Island for a parade. Lydia received a beach ball, small root beer float, ice cream sandwich, and some candy. Pretty good for her first parade! She was a little timid at rushing into the street for candy (two things I generally don’t encourage!). But she got the hang of it and had fun!

Monday afternoon, my dad and I joined a blindfolded dinghy race! Dad wore the blindfold while rowing and I was his skipper. We raced around a buoy and back to shore, where I talked Dad through a mini obstacle course. We came in third, but had so much fun!

In Northern latitudes, it seems fireworks start around 10:30 pm, just as it starts getting dark (at the peak of summer). In the past, keeping Lydia up hasn’t seemed worth it. This year, however, Lydia enjoyed her first ‘real’ fireworks show. We sat on the dock and watched a couple different shows with several other sailors!

4th of July 2016

I wonder if the fireworks could be seen in Canada?!

Originally, I planned to drive home Tuesday. But, everyone kept asking, “Do you really have to leave?” Now, if I have learned anything these last few years, it’s that life is short. Sometimes, it may upend our plans. Sometimes, it may be costly or inconvenient. But there are limited chances to spend time with loved ones. We will never regret those moments in the future. Also, an open invitation from new friends doesn’t come often.

I realized that as much fun and adventure as we received, we also brought the same to our hosts. When I thought about all we would’ve missed if we hadn’t made the trip, the choice was clear: We really didn’t have to leave Tuesday. So, we stayed for another great day…and enjoyed a few more adventures!

Deep colors

 We all walked knee-deep in the Sisikiwit River, and Lydia loved the hands-on learning! We found two types of wild ferns, wild roses, and a hummingbird nest. We played in waterfalls and saw many types of beautiful trees. After enjoying a steak dinner on the way back, we saw the most gorgeous sunset heading down across the lake. A front was coming in and the wind picked up. But, we all got some great pictures!

Front coming in

It was a memorable trip, one I hope to repeat. If we had stayed home…the easy choice…we would have missed so much. And, I earned a new perspective on what’s really important!

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God, thanks for a great adventure! Thanks for the grace and freedom You bring into our lives. Help me to have the flexibility to make changes when needed and live the life You have for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Questions: Have you been on a road trip lately? Where did you go? Did you learn anything new on your adventure?

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous, Travel

Finding Grace #4

I love the concept of giving God a shout out for what He has done.

We don’t do that nearly enough!

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 in God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

heart cloud

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

  1. On Monday, I had a ‘12-Hour Turnaround‘ on our road trip back to ND. I am so thankful Lydia is a good traveler; she didn’t notice my funky mood. She happily gazed out the window and pointed out shapes and creatures in the clouds. The rest of the week was spent getting back into our routine after traveling. And, I have been thanking God for His work in my life.

2. On Monday, we were in the car so long the radio repeated songs two or three times each. My heart has been full this week as I overhear Lydia singing worship choruses, while playing or trying to fall asleep. It’s a joy listening to what is on her little heart.

3. I firmly believe in sending handwritten thank you notes. This was instilled in me as a child, and Lydia will learn this too. Daniel Tiger (a PBS kids show) has an episode dedicated to “Thank You Day.” Lydia was excited to have her own Thank You Day, where she made cards covered in stickers for relatives who gave her little gifts and trinkets at Easter. I helped write in the cards, of course, but Lydia signed her name. I sent my own notes too, and Lydia volunteered to sign her name on them to show her appreciation as well!

4. Yesterday, we celebrated a sweet little girl’s birthday with an indoor pool party. She was born three years ago today, when Dave’s health was rapidly declining. Her proud daddy visited us in the same hospital after she was born. I’ve enjoyed watching her and her siblings grow over the years, and I am so thankful for her and her family. They have been good to include us in many activities.

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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)!

Where did YOU see or experience God’s grace this week?

Posted on in Miscellaneous, Procrastination, Travel, Worship

The 12-Hour Turnaround

It is amazing what rejuvenation can come from a get-away. Lydia and I spent almost a week in Illinois, while we visited family and a few friends. It was just the ‘reset’ I needed.

Usually, we drive there and back in two days, stopping overnight each time. This adds a couple extra days to our trip—which is fun, but not always feasible. So, this time, we drove for twelve hours all in one day to Illinois and then the same road trip back to Fargo.

Now we have taken this route numerous times in nearly six years. And we have done the long all-day trek several times too. But this time was different.

sunrise from car

On this road trip, I needed a major turnaround. Yes, an attitude readjustment!

It could’ve been related to not sleeping well the night before. Perhaps it was the sense of leaving family and comfort behind. Maybe there were other factors too—like postponing breakfast—but I was in a funky mood at the beginning of the trip!

It was still dark as we started out. After a little while, Lydia fell back asleep. As I listened to her soft snoring, I started to reflect upon all we were driving back toward (in Fargo). There’s nothing like a little distance to give you some perspective!

Before, on the way to Illinois, we were driving toward family. But, as we drove back to Fargo, there was a void. I also realized as the third-year mark of Dave’s death approaches, we have been making these trips without him longer than with him.

I continued thinking about lessons learned, how many things have changed. Lydia has grown so much! Also, at least eight families—much of our support system—have moved away for various reasons. Though, God has been faithful to provide new friends and a wonderful drop-in daycare!

Other aspects of our lives are fairly steady. I’ve taken huge leaps forward, yet I feel there is still so much to do. Sometimes it is overwhelming. Though we love calling Fargo home—and have no plans to move—it has not been without challenges.

As we made our way North, I turned on the radio. I have a SiriusXM subscription which is awesome for traveling. I don’t use it often in Fargo, but on Monday, I was thankful for the encouraging words on The Message (Channel 63).

With God-focused songs, like Trust in You by Lauren Daigle, I knew I needed to give all my fears and frustrations to God. When I fear, I forget God’s faithfulness. But, the truth is, the Lord has been so, so good to me. He is kind, generous, and trustworthy. I don’t have to worry, because the He is in charge of all the details.

two arrows

As the hours rolled by, Lydia and I sang and talked. As I feasted on God’s grace and truth, a weight lifted. The closer we got to Fargo, the more light-hearted I became. Soon I was confident, hopeful, and trusting God again. What a relief knowing I don’t walk this path alone!

God continually gives me opportunities to trust Him at a deeper level. Oddly enough, I found new motivation to make some changes I previously resisted. My resistance is not on purpose, but I can be stubborn!

Being stuck in my car, I was open-minded to make changes regarding my daily routine. It’s funny how sitting in the car all day makes me want to switch up my exercise plan! 😉 Now, I have a renewed vision for Fargo and am excited to see all the Lord has in store!

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Following God is not always comfortable or easy. But, it is so worth it. God is for me not against me. He gently redirects me when I get off track. I can trust Him because He loves me so much!

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Father God, thanks for Your unrelenting grace and love. Thanks for never giving up on me. Lord, I need You—I cannot make it on my own. Help me trust You more and more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Questions: What are your favorite music tunes for the car? Has God ever changed your heart during a road trip?

Posted on in Books and Movies I Like, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Travel

Welcome to Progress!

Happy New Year! I love new beginnings and a fresh start. Does it feel any different to you?

For Christmas, we drove twelve hours to my hometown in Illinois. We enjoyed seeing a few good friends and some family. It was refreshing to celebrate Christmas with family for the first time in years. Lydia had a blast during her first Christmas with my immediate family!

On our road trip, there are a few key areas when two highways merge or separate. I’ve driven that route several times, but I use my car’s navigation system to track progress and ensure I don’t miss important interchanges along the way. If I take a detour, the lady’s voice gets a little exasperated… 🙂

I always carry a small road atlas, too. It has been helpful on our trip through Lake City, MN and our trip to Wyoming. I like to see what is coming up next!

Back in Fargo, my GPS has also proved helpful. With population growth comes building and development. Yet sometimes, I hardly recognize certain streets even in my own neighborhood! There are new roads, new houses, apartments, stores, and traffic signals.

As I drive around, sometimes I get confused. I wonder where that road leads…Was this stop sign there before? I am amazed by how fast things change. When did that house go up? Without GPS, I am left guessing. How on Earth am I supposed to get over there? Where is the turn? Welcome to Progress, right?!

excavators-391143_1280 (2)

Using my car’s navigation system is similar to seeking God’s wisdom and input for my life:
Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).

For me, each day is a fresh start—a chance to try again by God’s grace. Thankfully, I don’t have to wait another 365 days to begin again. His mercies are new every day!

It is vital to seek God first in all we do. I find my day (and life) goes better when I do. In fact, it has saved me much heartache and time over the years by first running ideas, feelings, and plans by the Lord. Spending time with the Lord in the morning prepares me for bumps along the way. That time is well spent…praying and reading the Bible is like mapping out the journey. I can’t afford to guess at life!

Others might prefer a different time of day. The important thing is to check in regularly with God. When detours come—and they always do—know where to turn for guidance or redirection. God hears every prayer!

Often “progress” doesn’t come easily. It is frustrating when things feel out of control and the way seems unclear. When facing roadblocks or setbacks, turn to Jesus for help. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He knows the plans…and they are good (Jeremiah 29:11).

detour-44160_1280 (2)

I like to start the year with a new devotional, like Jesus Calling, which helped me focus on the Lord during our cancer journey. This year, I am reading an updated version that has an evening portion too.

 Some people like to read the entire Bible in a year. You can find a plan that fits your needs online or on your phone. Try out Bible Gateway and YouVersion.

It honors God when we seek Him before anything else. And, He blesses us in return. “You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever” (Psalm 16:11).

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God, thank You for sharing Your wisdom with us. Your word is a lamp to guide our feet
and a light for our path (Psalm 119:105). As we seek You, show us the path to take. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What insight do you need from the Lord? Will you commit to spending quality time with God and seeking Him first this year? What resources have you found helpful?

 

Posted on in Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Travel

God’s Grace and Glory in Wyoming

Over the last week, Lydia and I visited friends in northwestern Wyoming! We trekked through North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. We all stayed in a little town near the Shoshone National Forest, about 80 miles from Yellowstone.

In college, I traveled to Wyoming several times with these friends. Then, Life happened, and it became more sporadic. I was last out there four years ago, a few months before Lydia was born. That’s when Dave and I enjoyed his first and only trip.

Last week, Lydia experienced her first time fishing, and loved “helping” bait the rods. We ate trout, rabbit, buffalo, elk, antelope and even some farm-raised emu. We reminisced about fun times, and watched the kids play together. It was almost as if no time had passed.

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Along the way, we drove through ancient canyons. God’s glory was displayed in bright yellow leaves and rocky cliffs. Autumn came early with the cool weather. I had forgotten about how beautiful this season can be!

Perhaps God took His paintbrush and made the yellow-tinged scenery just for us? Outstanding! The mountain air was crisp, but still warm enough for snow on the mountains to melt after a few hours. Cold, bubbly water flowed over rocks in the river beds of the national forest.

During our stay, we saw many animals on the open range. Horses, cattle, sheep, deer, and a small buffalo—ahem, bison—herd roamed and grazed. A bald eagle flew along a creek, and a black bear climbed up the mountainside.

By God’s grace and perfect timing, I was able to experience His goodness and glory in Wyoming. Eagerly, I listened for anything the Lord might want to teach me.

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The day before two friends hunted antelope, we wore ear protection as they sighted in their rifles. I watched the yellow leaves fall to the ground in silence. And, that’s when I sensed the Lord speak. He reminded me of these things:

1. Perspective can change over time. I traveled the same roads four years ago, but hardly recognized them now. There were few new buildings or signs along the way. I simply noticed different details in the breathtaking view. Time doesn’t heal all wounds, but with God’s help, Life can be good again.

2. Only God does not change. Even as the rocky cliffs slowly erode over centuries, and as falling leaves signal a new season, God remains constant. He is always good! His love reaches to the heavens and His faithfulness reaches to the sky (see Psalm 36:5)!

3. In the light of God’s glory, everything else in all of creation is subject to change. Seasons change and bring new color, changes in landscape, and growth. It is the same with the seasons of our lives. Change can be difficult at times, but is necessary for growth.

4. In the glory of God’s presence, our hearts and lives change. With prayer and time spent with the Lord, He changes our perspective and circumstances. Sometimes those changes take a long time to come—years even. Don’t give up seeking God’s heart in prayer for personal needs and the needs of others! (2 Corinthians 1:20)

5. Don’t underestimate the impact of godly friends. These dear friends have helped shape my life for the better. Over the years, we’ve challenged each other to grow and make tough decisions. We have encouraged each other and provided mutual accountability.

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“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

Thank You, God, for great friends, a safe trip, and an awesome adventure in Wyoming! 🙂